Drone Show Event by Firefly Drone Shows LLC on behalf of ASU + GSV at Embarcadero Marina Park North
Summary
SCH Number
2026030349
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Drone Show Event by Firefly Drone Shows LLC on behalf of ASU + GSV at Embarcadero Marina Park North
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/9/2026
Document Description
The proposed project is for an approximately 15-minute drone show on April 15, 2026, by Firefly Drone Shows, LLC on behalf of the Arizona State University + Global Silicon Valley (ASU + GSV) Summit at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego, California. The drones would be deployed from and landed at the southern edge of Embarcadero Marina Park South (EMPS) and displayed southeast of the launch site directly over the water. The proposed event would have a duration of one (1) day, including set-up in the afternoon and clean-up in the evening.
A temporary safety perimeter would be established and enforced by staff on the southern edge of EMPS using caution tape, stanchions and signage. Pedestrian access within the safety perimeter would be temporarily restricted for approximately 30 minutes prior to and during the drone show. Adjacent park space would remain open at all times. Following the approximately 30-minute restriction period, the walkway and park space would be reopened. No other closures of the walkways are anticipated to occur. The safety perimeter would also include the flight area and the water area over which the show would be performed, both prior to and during the drone show. The proposed event would be publicly viewable at no cost from various areas throughout the Embarcadero. Once the drone show concludes and the drones are secured, the temporary safety perimeter would be removed. Additionally, a dedicated safety boat would be on site to maintain a safety perimeter on the water during the show. In the unlikely event a drone descends into the water, the safety boat would collect the drone immediately. The proposed drone shows would not impact commercial fishing activities or public access due to their limited nature.
Staging for the proposed event would be within the safety perimeter and consist of approximately 500 drones. The drone show operation would have staff assigned as visual observers. Visual observers are responsible for scanning and monitoring for any and all airborne activity, such as aircraft, failed drones, and activity involving wildlife, and reporting any relevant observations to the District. Additionally, the Applicant is required to comply with FAA regulations and obtain any applicable approvals.
Contact Information
Name
Matthew Sanker
Agency Name
Firefly Drone Shows LLC
Job Title
Director of Sales
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Name
Betsy Viramontes
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
200 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15304 (Class 4)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and Section 3.d. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it is for a temporary event that would have a negligible, or no permanent, effect on the environment, nor would it involve the removal of mature, scenic trees. Section 3.d.(6) of the District’s CEQA Guidelines is as follows: 3.d. Minor Alterations to Land (SG § 15304) (Class 4): Includes minor alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation not involving the removal of mature, scenic trees, including, but not limited to: (6) Minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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