REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
To:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From:Jason Simpson, City Manager
Prepared by:Johnathan Oliver Skinner, Director of Community Services Date:November 18, 2025
Subject:Update to Winterfest Road Closures for 2025 Event Recommendation
Approve amended temporary road closures for Winterfest Parade and Event in Historic Downtown and neighboring roads for the December 6, 2025, event, as identified in the attached traffic plans, and allow for changes as necessary and approved by the City Engineer.
Background
In September 2025, staff presented three event closure maps for the upcoming fall events in Downtown Lake Elsinore, including the 2025 Winterfest Parade and Event. Since the City Council’s initial approval, the Special Events team, in coordination with partner departments, has identified adjustments to enhance event logistics, traffic management, and safety for all involved.
The specific changes include:
Moving the parade staging to Lakeshore Drive along Elm Grove beach and Poe Street, to Limited.
Creating a shortened closure for the parade allows for traffic flow through the city before, during, and after the parade, aiding city navigation during event closures.
These updates are designed to improve traffic flow and safety for both event attendees and city residents.
Discussion
To ensure public safety, road closures for the Winterfest Event are being submitted for City Council approval, with a specific map and details provided in the supporting attachment.
Winterfest Event Updated Road Closures
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department Lake Elsinore Station, in collaboration with the Public Works Department, the Engineering Department, and the Recreation Department, will coordinate resources to execute the event in alignment with the attached road closure plan. For the highest level of safety, staff recommends enforcing the street closures identified in Attachment 1, supported by City staff and law enforcement.
Recognizing the need for flexibility in adapting to unforeseen circumstances, the road closure plan may be amended with approval from the City Engineer.
Fiscal Impact
Costs for staffing the road closures are budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Final Event Road Closure Map Including Parade Community Services