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Tustin commissioners praise community events, approve input; city-run youth track meet to end
Summary
Commissioners praised recent community events and approved staff recommendations. Staff reported bingo night raised about $3,500, the city track meet drew roughly 300–400 children and will be discontinued as resources shift to expand the Sunset Market in 2027.
Tustin City’s Community Services Commission on Tuesday reviewed three spring events — bingo night, the youth track meet and the Easter egg hunt — praised staff and volunteers, and voted to approve the commission’s input to staff on event operations.
Staff reported that bingo night, moved this year to the community center, attracted more players and raised about $3,500 for the senior fund. "We actually raised, I think, $3,500 this year," the director said, noting the event had improved operations and additional capacity from the larger venue.
The director told commissioners that the youth track meet drew close to 300–400 participants and typically covers its hard costs via a $10 admission. "We usually make money on this, not make money. We usually, are able to cover our costs on the track meet because we do charge $10 per entrance," staff said, and announced that the commission had decided the city will stop running the meet and shift resources to add an additional Sunset Market in 2027.
Commissioners asked for clarification on the city’s role if the regional Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation (SMAF) holds a larger regional meet in Tustin. Staff said the SMAF would run any regional event and that the city’s role would be supportive, providing staff for one portion of the meet.
The Easter egg hunt debrief focused on logistics and accessibility. Commissioners and staff discussed using prepackaged bags for quicker distribution, tailoring bags for very young children, and improving signage and communication so parents can find the 0–2 year area. One commissioner recommended shifting some bag contents away from duplicate eggs and toward small toys or stickers for older children. "I loved and hope that we can implement the sensory tent at every event that we have," a commissioner said, praising the Calm Bunny Patch sensory zone added this year.
After discussion, the commission voted by voice to approve the commission’s input on the events and to move those suggestions to staff for implementation. The staff will review food options, egg/bag allocation, golden-egg identification, communications and staffing needs for future events.
The meeting did not record a detailed roll-call tally for the voice votes; motions to accept consent items and to approve event input passed by general assent. The commission also approved participation in upcoming community events including Viva Tustin and the Memorial Day remembrance.
What’s next: Staff will follow up on suggested operational changes and report back as plans for the 2027 Sunset Market are developed.
