Looking back at November of past years in CL Canyon Lake

Here’s what was happening in Canyon Lake in the month of November over the past 40 years.

40 years Ago

In 1975, the Canyon Lake Realty Company offered a “level corner lot with a view of the lake” for $6,750 with “good terms.” The Villa Association held its annual get-together with a feast for those taking part.

In 1975, this ad in The Lighthouse Magazine advertised a home in Canyon Lake for $29,500.

In 1975, this ad in The Lighthouse Magazine advertised a home in Canyon Lake for $29,500.

Bill Calacino was named as the new POA Lodge Manager, and POA members were considering enlarging the Board of Directors from five to seven members and including representation by non-property owners.

Steve Sellers was introduced as the sales manager for California Property Exchange, and there was planning by members of the Tennis Club to put up lights on the existing courts.

The “Over the Hill Gang” was digging water wells around trees they had planted in the community and asked residents to assist by watering whenever possible to keep the trees healthy.

The POA Board of Directors reported that construction was underway for the addition and expansion of the Golf Pro Shop. They also noted that post office boxes had been completely installed at East Port and the Equestrian Center area.

The proposal for installation of additional perimeter fencing was approved from the Campground north, including the lake, and tie into existing fencing.

Fruit trees, nut trees and shade trees were advertised from 99-cents to $14.99 so that residents could provide additional landscaping to the growing community.

35 Years Ago

An ongoing discussion was aired in the November 1980 pages of the Canyon Lake Lighthouse Magazine regarding the “Codes of Conduct For Board Members.” Issues involving conflicts of interest among POA Board members and various financial and real estate transactions were raised and debated.

The Home Owners Club continued its project of purchasing and planting 100 trees spotted throughout Canyon Lake, under the chairmanship of Bud Reidt.

“The Uptown Country Band” entertained at a “Saturday Night Live” dinner-dance held at the Lodge to the enjoyment of a large crowd.

The Woman’s Club’s annual Swap Meet and a “Wheeling and Dealin” event were other great and well-attended affairs, with special thanks going to Fred Barillaro for making the Canyon Lake Mall (now the Towne Center) available to the sponsoring group.

The Art Association held its meeting in the Fireside Room at the Lodge, and the CLAMS were planning to host their annual Harvest Ball.

A field of 141 players turned out to take part in the annual “Plumbout” mixed couples scrambler at the Golf Course. The Jr. Women’s Club was active in promoting its weekly Children’s Playday at the Lodge on Tuesdays, and the Lions Club was getting ready for its annual Pancake Breakfast with the Canyon Lake Community Church.

Members of the Tennis Club were pleased with the improvements to their courts as well as the large participation in a doubles tournament.

The Volunteer Fire Department thanked dairy owner Jules Wesselink for his donation of a truckload of fertilizer for landscaping of the new Fire Station 60.

A rental house near Indian Beach was offered at $400 a month, and water view lot 37, tract 3869 was listed for sale at $25,000. Waterfront lot 204, tract 3846 was advertised at $52,500, and a 3,000 sq. ft. home at 2271 Calcutta on the 4th tee could be had for $154,500.

30 Years Ago

In November 1985, Community Patrol officers were commended for their help in arresting a thief who had broken into the Community Church.

The Temescal Water Company dropped its cross complaint against the Canyon Lake POA concerning the Lake Lease dating back to 1968, and POA Board members thanked Judge J. David Hennigan for his ruling in their favor.

The issue of maintaining Canyon Lake’s private streets was once again under discussion as Supervisor Norton Younglove spoke as Canyon Lake’s advocate to deny County Planning Commission’s approval for access from neighboring communities to Canyon Lake’s private roads.

Paul Scott of Canyon Lake’s Post Office reminded residents to mail early to out-of-town recipients of holiday gifts.

The POA Board met with ACC representatives to review landscaping requirements for both front and back yards and was asked to take into consideration new residents and those who have lived here longer periods of time.

Members were asked to consider adopting a tree on the median along Canyon Lake Dr. South for the holidays.

Jim Medford was elected president of the CLAMS, while Home Owners Club President Bob Neal announced that an installation dance for the Home Owners Club would feature music and “an excellent cuisine.”

The Women’s Club Benefit Golf Tournament was well attended, thanks to the efforts of a team of volunteers.

Rob Caveney and Glen Foster agreed to co-chair a series of Open Forums where POA members could air their concerns on the future of the private community.

An anonymous group calling itself “The Factfinders” continued to attack local POA leadership with undocumented charges in distributed materials and at meetings of the Board.

Stray dogs continued to roam as their owners ignored leash laws.

25 Years Ago

In November 1990, exercise equipment was installed at Evans Park West. It included a self-paced VitaCourse.

In November 1990, the Lodge restaurant was named “Elinor’s” in honor of area pioneer and Canyon Lake resident Elinor Martin, pictured here with her husband Don.

In November 1990, the Lodge restaurant was named “Elinor’s” in honor of area pioneer and Canyon Lake resident Elinor Martin, pictured here with her husband Don.

The major news in Canyon Lake was the highly successful election for cityhood in November, with an overwhelming favorable vote of 90 percent. Those elected to the charter City Council were Bill Trembly, Anabelle Bates, Gene Bourbonnais, John Giardinelli and Jack Wamsley.

The other big news was that the Canyon Lake Community News, a bi-weekly newspaper published by Southwest Riverside Newspapers of Lake Elsinore, would now merge to become a weekly publication known as the The Friday Flyer (so named for the 8 ½ x 11 flyer handed out at the gates each Friday.)

Carolyn Knight, who had edited the Community News for nine years and The Friday Flyer for three, continued as editor with Marti Norris as staff photographer. Publishing the newspaper was Chuck Golding of Golding Publications.

The community honored longtime resident Elinor Martin by naming the refurbished restaurant at the Lodge “Elinor’s” in a surprise ceremony before a gala opening night crowd. Elinor had lived in Canyon Lake since 1937 when her parents began operating a fishing resort here on land the family had owned for decades.

The Garden Club planned a visit to the Santa Rosa Plateau, and the CARS Club was going to host a tailgate party to the home of Al and Lalia Smith in Fallbrook.

That same month, Home Owners Club President Tom Wysocki demonstrated the self-paced VitaCourse exercise equipment installed at Evans Park West.

That same month, Home Owners Club President Tom Wysocki demonstrated the self-paced VitaCourse exercise equipment installed at Evans Park West.

Lee Norris was named Commodore of the newly-formed Canyon Yacht Club. Vick Knight was elected to chair the Western Riverside County Coalition of Chambers of Commerce.

December 1 was to be the official date that Canyon Lake would become Riverside County’s newest incorporated community, and a special ceremony outside the Country Club was planned to feature Congressman Al McCandless and Judge Vic Saraydarian.

Jess Haxton reported that, due to popular demand, the annual Parade of Lights would be held on two nights that year.

With the problem of people leaving the community but still keeping their valid POA access cards, the CLPOA Board was considering taking action to fine those who didn’t follow the rules.

Retired landscaper Bob Stong and his “Green Thumb Crew” continued to beautify Canyon Lake’s common areas.

20 Years Ago

Canyon Lakers were asked to vote in the November 7, 1995 election to approve “Measure H,” a proposal to provide bond funds to repair and construct needed school facilities serving local youngsters. In the election, Dr. Vick Knight was re-elected to the LEUSD Board of Trustees but the school construction bond measure failed.

Canyon Lake at that time was 82 percent built with 3,801 total residences and 21 under construction. Of these, 2,732 were owner-occupied, 532 leased and 31 rented on a month-to-month basis. In addition, there were 401 weekend homes and 105 spec homes. A total of 955 lots remained vacant.

Residents were generous in helping stock the new Teen Center with such items as ping pong tables, couches, a microwave oven and other equipment and games.

“The “Santa Clause” and “Pulp Fiction” were featured videos at the local movie rental store.

Residents were informed about the new toll roads that would connect Highway 91 with South Orange County. The left slope below Railroad Canyon Dam was under construction to prevent erosion during heavy storm years.

A dinner-dance on the theme of “American Bandstand – Canyon Lake Style” was a popular destination at the Country Club. All-you-can-eat spaghetti and meatballs for $4.95 brought crowds to Elinor’s at the Lodge.

John and Cathy Zaitz were featured in a Canadian TV documentary on gated community living.

Two hundred joggers and runners took part in the Home Owners Club’s “No Frills Turkey Trot” Canyon Lake Classic, under the leadership of Mike Coleman.

The Jr. Women’s Club provided new play equipment at Diamond Point Park. The POA Board of Directors approved new rules for Gault Field.

15 Years Ago

In November 2000 POA business news, the Country Club’s liquor license was restored and a celebration was held featuring $1 draft beer. Members were questioning the POA policy regarding the right of sanctioned clubs to bring their own food and beverages to club functions.

In November 2000, POA President Marty Gibson welcomed Canyon Lakers to the new Lodge.

In November 2000, POA President Marty Gibson welcomed Canyon Lakers to the new Lodge.

Frank Kessler, Jack Wamsley and John Zaitz were elected to positions on the City Council.

The POA was honored as National Association of the Year by the Community Association’s Institute and inducted into the CAI’s Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee.

POA president Marty Gibson presented the Tuesday Work Group with special recognition as the Association honored 250 of the community’s volunteers.

Members of the Garden Club planted more than 100 hybrid tea roses at the Lodge.

The pines at the Main Gate median were decorated for the holidays, and numerous clubs planned activities including boutiques, parties and special observations.

POA Board member Lyman Lee submitted his resignation citing a physical condition following a series of personal attacks and accusations. Suzie Kessler was appointed to complete Lee’s term.

Lake Elsinore’s annual “Unity in the Community Parade” featured many Canyon Lake floats and dignitaries. A hot air balloon caused local concern when it unexpectedly landed on the 14th fairway of the community’s Golf Course.

Fire Captain Jim McBride left his lengthy assignment as manager of Fire Company 60 to become Deputy Fire Marshal in Temecula and was replaced by Captain John Rodman.

The highly successful and undefeated Temescal Canyon High School football team entered the CIF championship finals. The U.S. Air Force’s “Top Cover” eight-member ensemble performed at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

10 Years Ago

By November 2005, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released its 2004 analysis of crime stats and Chief of Police Guy Kestell reported the City of Canyon Lake was listed as one of the safest communities in the Inland Empire.

In November 2005, Vick Knight was pictured at the formal dedication of the Vick Knight Community Library and Media Center located at Lakeside High School.

In November 2005, Vick Knight was pictured at the formal dedication of the Vick Knight Community Library and Media Center located at Lakeside High School.

There was a formal dedication of the new Vick Knight Community Library and Media Center, located on the Lakeside High School campus. More than 100 of Vick Knight Jr.’s family members, longtime friends, schoolteachers and administrators from throughout Southern California attended the event.

The Friday Flyer weatherman Lou Elliano turned over the job of reporting Canyon Lake weather to his nephew, John Elliano, 16, a sophomore at Linfield School in Temecula. Helping John would be his father Pat Elliano, Lou’s brother.

Residents of Treasure Island had a bit of excitement when a six-foot boa constrictor appeared in the public space there.

Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Ryan Clark was setting forth a plan for Canyon Lake that stirred up the interest of dozens of firefighters and every day citizens who answered his call for volunteers to serve with the Emergency Preparedness Committee. His goal was to have 200 volunteers from all walks of life.

The County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to open negotiations with the California Department of Forestry for a new contract to continue to provide fire services in Riverside County’s unincorporated areas and 16 cities, including Canyon Lake, rather than create a separate county agency.

The weather remained warm and sunny and boaters and skiers continued to enjoy the lake throughout the Thanksgiving weekend.

Canyon Lake resident Lloyd Martinsen was feeling much better after spending three months recuperating from a serious bout with West Nile Virus.

In November 2005, The Friday Flyer’s Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed “Legend of Zorro,” “Chicken Little,” “Good Night and Good Luck,” “Zathura,” and “Walk the Line.”

5 Years Ago

On November 2, 2010, when most citizens were headed to the polls to perform their civic duty, Canyon Laker Brent Miller was lying in a hospital bed performing what he believed was an even more important duty – an eight-hour procedure to have his stem cells harvested in hopes of saving the life of a woman with leukemia. Brent had added his name to “Be A Match” with the National Bone Marrow Registry and received a call that he was almost a perfect match for a 66-year-old woman.

Mary Craton and Randy Bonner were elected to fill two open seats on the Canyon Lake City Council.

The Fine Arts Guild opened its 2010-2011 season with the Doo-Wah Riders, known for their high energy country sound with a Cajun twist.

Canyon Lake icon Marty Gibson left one “little bit of paradise” for another on November 12, 2010 after losing his three-year battle with cancer. He was 54 years old. Marty, the owner of Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, had held many titles during his more than 20 years in Canyon Lake: Mayor, POA President, Chamber of Commerce President, Citizen of the Year, Businessman of the Year, entrepreneur and philanthropist, among others.

Canyon Lake Middle School Special Education teacher Adina Ross appeared with her students and local dignitaries to accept a $1,200 grant from the California Fertilizer Foundation for her students’ garden project.

Canyon Lake residents donated 88 frozen turkeys, a table load of groceries and $490 in checks, cash and gift cards during a food drive held at City Hall.

Some of the highlights of the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, which drew an estimated crowd of 400, included patriotic music sung by the Canyon Lake Community Church Choir; a presentation of a POW flag by Master Sgt. Don George, USA (Ret.); presentation of the wreath by Mayor Nancy Horton and Mayor Pro Tem Barry Talbot; and “Taps” played by WWII and Korea War Veteran Bernard Cain.

On Thanksgiving Day the lenses of NBC’s cameras introduced Desiree Dennis-Dylan of Canyon Lake to over 50 million viewers. This local star was a company cast member of The Young Americans, a Southern California based non-profit performing arts company.

Steven Brooks represented the U.S. at the Pan American Water Ski Championships in San Bernardo, Chile over Thanksgiving weekend.

In November 2010, Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed “It’s Kind of a Funny Story,” “Due Date,” “Unstoppable” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I.”

1 Year Ago

In November 2014, Dawn Haggerty and Vicki Warren were elected to fill two seats on the Canyon Lake City Council. Nancy Horton won the Division 1 seat on the EVMWD Board of Directors.

In November 2014, there was a ceremony to name the East Port basketball courts in honor of Sam Siroky, the 15-year-old killed in a bicycling accident the previous July. His family poses with the new sign.

In November 2014, there was a ceremony to name the East Port basketball courts in honor of Sam Siroky, the 15-year-old killed in a bicycling accident the previous July. His family poses with the new sign.

Voters passed the closely contested Measure DD “Temporary Canyon Lake 911 Emergency Response, Local Control/Fiscal Accountability Measure” that would enact a 3.95 percent tax on every utility used by Canyon Lake residents and businesses. As of November 21, there were 1,538 Yes (50.89 percent) and 1,484 No (49.11 percent).

At the POA Board meeting, Directors voted to change the Association’s Official Communication Delivery Policy by switching its official news delivery from printed pages in The Friday Flyer to digital sources of information via television and internet. The Association had been publishing its official communication to its members since the inception of The Friday Flyer in the 1970s. In making the change, Director Erik Spitzer explained there would be significant cost savings, with Chris estimating the savings at $60,000 to $70,000 per year.

At the monthly City Council meeting, Mr. Len Tavernetti, a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, designated Canyon Lake a Purple Heart City. The Military Order of the Purple Heart was founded in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who received combat decoration. It is composed entirely of Purple Heart recipients. This honor was announced at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony.

The City of Canyon Lake began a Military Banner Program for residents to honor active duty military personnel and veterans who reside in Canyon Lake.

The League of California Cities honored retiring Councilwoman Mary Craton for “Outstanding Public Service.”

A 5th wheel toy hauler trailer was completely destroyed and another one damaged by a blaze of unknown origin on Longhorn Dr., across from the Equestrian Center. According to Engineer Casey Valek, firefighters responded to the scene in less than two minutes after receiving the dispatch call.

A Block Captain meeting was held for the newly formed Neighborhood Watch Program.

The Canyon Lake Art Association held its annual two-day Open Studios Tour. The Fine Arts Guild sponsored the sold-out Neil Diamond Tribute Show.

The Family Matters Club hosted a Beach Cleanup Day. A new facilitator was sought for Cotillion. The Canyon Lake Senior Chair Volleyball Club teams won two golds and a silver in the three divisions they entered at the Inland Empire Senior Games.

TCHS Girls Golf, led by Canyon Lake Head Coach Barbara Lewis, was the undefeated Sunbelt League Champion for the second year in a row. Captain Baylee Barckley was named MVP of the Sunbelt League for a third year.

The City of Canyon Lake held its 4th annual Turkey Drive for HOPE. Collected were 123 turkeys, more than 700 food items and $206 in cash donations.

Fire Station 60 was collecting toys as ABC7 and Southern California Firefighters were celebrating the 22nd year of the “Spark of Love Toy Drive.”

The basketball courts at East Port Park were dedicated to the memory of Sam Siroky, the young man who loved basketball and played there often. Sam was killed the previous July in a bicycling accident in Canyon Lake.

The new playground at Indian Beach opened in time for Thanksgiving.

In November 2014, Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed “Nightcrawler,” “Interstellar,” “Big Hero 6” and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.”




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