Planning Commission approves 2025 Turkey Trot at Moonridge route; event found exempt from CEQA

The City of Big Bear Lake Planning Commission on Nov. 5 voted unanimously to approve Major Special Event Application 2025-029, authorizing the 2025 Turkey Trot on Nov. 27 and finding the event categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Class 4 (minor temporary use of land).

Garrett (staff) described the event as a three-mile holiday-themed run headquartered at the vacant lot addressed as 42630 Moonridge Road with a course using the Moonridge Corridor, sections of sidewalks and portions of city streets including Rathbun Drive, Moonridge Road, 1st Street and Sonoma Drive. Staff said no street closures are requested, runners will follow rules of the road, and course marshals will act as crossing guards at several intersections. Staff estimated about 750 participants and roughly 250 spectators, with event setup the day before and a start time of 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 27.

Applicant Matt Smith, who identifies himself as the event organizer for Elevated Events (doing business as Open Air at Big Bear), said public-safety coordination includes notifying the sheriff and fire department through the Development Review Committee (DRC), ham-radio communications, and a first-aid tent staffed by Bear Valley Community Hospital. "In previous years, Sergeant Edelman has been at the event," Matt Smith said.

Commissioner Ernie asked whether the sheriff, highway patrol or fire department would be present and whether the city requires emergency services at a threshold for events of this size; staff said departments participated in the DRC vetting and that the nature of this event — using trails and sidewalks rather than road closures — resulted in minimal departmental concerns.

Commissioner Michael moved to adopt a resolution approving the application and finding the event exempt from CEQA; the motion passed on a 5-0 roll call. The clerk recorded the adopted resolution as PC 2025-12. The resolution will take effect in 10 days unless an appeal is filed with the Planning Division.

The commission and multiple speakers thanked organizers and staff; commissioners noted the event's history in the city and encouraged community participation. Staff said parking for participants and spectators will use the BBMR Rathbun parking area north of the event site.

Next steps: Staff and the applicant will finalize on-site logistics and coordinate with public-safety agencies as the event approaches.