Here’s a look at past Aprils in Canyon Lake

Looking Back: Here’s what was in the news in Canyon Lake in the month of April over the past 45 years.

45 Years Ago

Gladys and Andrew Miller were among those enjoying Easter dinner at the Lodge in April 1971

In April 1971, Easter festivities were held at the Lodge. An Easter egg hunt was organized by Terry Woodward; and an Easter Bonnet Contest and Parade was held in front of the Lodge for adults, couples, teens and children. An Easter dinner was offered at the Lodge, with the cost of Virginia Baked Ham at $3.95 and Baked Chicken at $2.95.

To encourage property owners to plant one or two trees on their lots, the POA was running a water truck 300 days per year in the community, offering to water the trees on members’ property.

It was announced the 2nd annual Canyon Lake Fishing Derby would be held on May 16. The event was for all ages. Don and Elinor Martin of Martin’s Landing would supervise and record the participating fishermen’s catch.

40 Years Ago

Picture of a March snowfall in Canyon Lake appeared in the April 1976 issue of the Lighthouse Magazine.

In the April 1976 issue of the Lighthouse Magazine, it was noted that an unseasonal blanket of snow had covered the community in early March to the amazement of residents.

Framing of the new Canyon Lake Community Church building was going up on Sorrel Ln. and the cross there was lit from 7 to 11 p.m. each night. A sunrise service was scheduled on Easter Sunday, April 18.

POA elections were heating up with incumbents Dick Bailey, Jim Cross, Bob Irvine and Gene Scott being challenged by Chuck Bryant, Glen Foster, Mabel Gay, Dick McDowell, Louise Pierce and Floyd Summa. The POA election was to be held in the Elsinore High School gym on May 15.

Greg Hedrick joined Canyon Lake Insurance. The POA Board was considering the placement of gates at the mobile home park. The Ski Cub hosted a banquet at the Lodge, and the Lions Club was once again sponsoring a speaking contest for local youth.

A local homebuilder advertised that he could complete a red cedar home on any lot for $16 a square foot. Another real estate firm was offering to build a three-bedroom, two-bath custom home on a level lot for $29,900. A water view home was offered for rent at $350 a month, and one could purchase a two-bedroom condominium by the Lodge with a “panoramic view of the Lake” for $67,900.

35 Years Ago

By April 1981, the daily fee to golf for members was $6 for 18 holes during the week and $7 on weekends. For non-members, it was $7.25 weekdays and $9.50 weekends. Plans were for the annual budget to reach $2 million for the upcoming year.

A class action lawsuit filed against the POA by the “Committee to Retain Canyon Lake as a Planned Private Community” was dismissed in a Riverside courtroom.

A new security building was placed in operation at the Main Gate. Blue Chip stamp contributions helped the Canyon Lake Library become a reality, with an additional $6,000 donated by various individuals and local businesses, according to Virginia Householder, then chair of the steering committee.

The Woman’s Club held a Mrs. Canyon Lake contest for married Canyon Lake property owners over the age of 30; CLAMS provided escorts for the contestants. The Art Association announced that it would be hosting a demonstrator from Hemet at its monthly meeting. The Lions and Lioness Clubs were planning to attend the Ramona Pageant in Hemet. The Travel Club planned a trip to Las Vegas, as well as outings to Catalina Island, Ensenada and a Mediterranean Cruise.

Volunteer Fire Company 60 completed the installation of a flagpole at the station and was planning its annual bake sale. The Woman’s Club scheduled its annual and traditional Easter Bonnet parade.

Anglers were reminded that there was no fishing permitted on the lake after dark.

One could rent a fully furnished three-bedroom home in Canyon Lake for $150 a weekend. One could purchase a Golf Course view lot for $22,500, and a lot on Gray Fox was offered for sale at $95,000.

30 Years Ago

In April 1986, Daisy Troop 793 took a field trip to the Canyon Lake Fire Station.

In April 1986, with the 5th annual Chili Cook-Off on the calendar at Indian Beach, clubs and individual chefs were busily preparing to take part.

The Home Owners Club scheduled an old-fashioned political rally with Jack Hahn’s band to be televised and feature candidates for the POA Board. Those running for office included Rob Caveney, Joe Hill, Irv Howard, Bob Kerr, Pat Kubis, Matt Lewis, Bob Nipper, Jerry Schnock, Wendell Smith and Mary Wallner.

The POA Board announced a $57 hike in assessments for the upcoming year, raising the annual assessment to $642.

Barbara Guzy, head librarian at the well-stocked facility, prepared a “wish list” for increasing the collection, and was accepting donations from Canyon Lake clubs and members.

The Presidents Committee was busily planning for the community’s festive 4th of July celebration, with a fundraising drive underway to earn the estimated $3,400 needed to underwrite a half-hour show.

The Travel Club was arranging to take a group of members to the Ramona Pageant in Hemet, and the theme for the Woman’s Club Fashion Show was “A Showboat of Fashions.”

Wearing fire helmets and bright smiles, members of Daisy Troop 793 visited the Canyon Lake Fire Station. Hosts for the field trip were Ken Alford of Station 5 in Quail Valley and CL volunteers Steve Fox, and Henry and June Pahel.

It was announced that grand marshal of the upcoming Fiesta Day would be Jerry Dicus, director of the soon-to-be-opened Motorsport Hall of Fame and Awards in Corona. Fiesta Day Committee members were Norm Schipske, Neal Anderson, Sherm Futak, Betty Campbell, Cora Sue Vandehey and Mike Davis. The CLAMS would serve as parade marshals.

Area historian Tom Hutson was scheduled to be the featured speaker at the Friends of the Canyon Lake Library meeting at the Lodge Fireside Room.

25 Years Ago

After two-and-a-half months of intensive study and investigation, the City’s Public Safety Committee recommended that the Council contract with the Perris Police Department to begin local law enforcement, beginning July 1, 1991.

At that time, records were provided showing that the population of Canyon Lake was 9,575 and that there were 10,848 names on the Rolodex entry listing. The annual lot assessment was $960 each, plus an additional $360 in special assessments.

Members of the Long Range Planning Committee – Annabelle Bates, Ben Wicke, Gene Bourbonnais, Carolyn Knight, Patsy Bryant, Lainey Cooney and Lori Ziegler – revealed their recommendations for various amenities, roads and services.

Slabs were being poured for neighborhood mailbox units throughout the gated community.

The EVMWD named Vick Knight to head a newly formed task force to make recommendations regarding options for meeting future water needs in times of drought in the growing valley. However, at the time of his appointment, rains and flooding conditions were closing local roads and causeways following five years of drought conditions.

Chuck Bryant of the EVMWD Board announced plans for a $3.6 million water bond to renovate the local treatment facility.

The annual “Meet the Candidates Night” on TV featured POA Board hopefuls Ted Emard, Ritch Hefner, Don Miller, Bill Schelb, Lori Ziegler and Walt Zollinger. Three would be elected to join Ed Fair and Jack Wamsley on the Board.

The 10th annual Chili Cook-off was planned for Indian Beach.

On April 1, 1991, there were 3,629 total residences in Canyon Lake, of which 2,543 were owner-occupied, 390 leased and 87 rented on a month-to-month basis. Canyon Lake was 79.5 percent built with 41 new homes approved for construction that year. In addition, there were 356 weekend homes and 74 homes under construction, along with 73 spec houses. At that time, there were 989 vacant lots.

A view lot of the Golf Course was offered at $78,000 and a “brand-new fabulous Lake view home” was advertised at $198,000.

20 Years Ago

Among those honored at the April 1996 Business of the Year were Margaret McCoy, Jody Regus and colleagues from Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers.

In April 1996, Canyon Lake was named by the national Community Associations Institute (CAI) as ”1996 Community Association of the Year” from a very competitive field of finalists as ”the premier example of planned community living.” POA President Tom Wysocki and Directors John Zaitz and Lori Ziegler attended the professional group’s convention in New Orleans to accept the recognition.

Candidates for the two open terms on the POA Board were Doug Warr, Dawn Haggerty and Peter Mortensen.

The California Department of Transportation agreed to install a traffic light at the intersection of Greenwald and Highway 74.

Author and publisher Scott Alexander was the featured speaker for the Friends of the Canyon Lake Library monthly meeting. Director Pat Train announced that rehearsals were under way for the Community Theatre’s production of “Steel Magnolias.”

The Tuesday Work Group completed its eight-year project to construct cart paths on the Golf Course.

Local temperatures that month ranged from 37 to 94 degrees.

In the Chamber of Commerce annual community recognition awards, Jim Mead and Ruth Wysocki shared “Citizens of the Year” recognition. Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers was named “Business of the Year;” the Bosom Buddies cancer survivors group was honored as “Organization of the Year.” Dustin Griffin was selected as the community’s Youth of the Year.

A Jr. Tennis Team was being organized by Tennis Pro Steve Voorhees with Jared Haywood, Joseph Roberson and Brian Hoffman among the initial members.

Canyon Lake resident Joe Urso was among the stars of the Lake Elsinore Storm professional baseball team.

City Manager Jeff Butzlaff participated in the 100th Boston Marathon.

The ACC reported that Canyon Lake was then 82 percent built, with five new homes approved so far that year. Of the 3,810 total residences, 2,747 were owner-occupied, 523 leased and 34 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 381 weekend homes, 125 spec houses and 21 homes under construction. There were still 948 vacant lots.

15 Years Ago

In April 2001, local civic leaders donned hard hats to break ground for Canyon Lake Middle School and Cottonwood Canyon Elementary School.

In April 2001, the Home Owners Club launched its annual “Green Thumb in Paradise” contest to honor those who had taken special pride in landscaping their homes. The Jr. Women’s Club and Men’s Golf Club were planning for their sponsorship of the yearly Easter Egg Hunt at Indian Beach.

The POA Board was considering the construction of a new barn at the Equestrian Center.

Local civic leaders donned hard hats to break ground for the Lake Elsinore Unified School District’s two newest campuses: Canyon Lake Middle School and Cottonwood Canyon Elementary School.

The Operations Department completed preliminary work on a new children’s playground at Sunset Beach.

Home Owners President LaRue McNamara announced that a “Meet the Candidates Night” would be hosted by her group and feature POA Board hopefuls Brenda Adams, Marty Gibson, Suzie Kessler and Walt Zollinger.

The Temescal Canyon High School varsity basketball team was honored with a banquet held at the Lodge in recognition of being named “the best ever.”

The Mothers Against Drunk Drivers named Canyon Lake Police Officer John Magnan for a special award for his record of DUI arrests.

The active Lioness Club hosted a well-attended Champagne Brunch at Holiday Harbor, and the Community Theatre group sponsored a Spring Fling Jazz Dance at the Lodge’s Holiday Bay Room.

The Canyon Lake Lions Club sponsored its 11th annual Charity Golf Tournament.

City Councilman John Zaitz and his wife Cathy honored USMC Master Sgt. Daniel J. Connelly, drum major of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band upon his retirement in recognition of the band’s many appearances in Canyon Lake over the years.

A proposed EVMWD water pumping station caused concern among many residents.

“Westside Story” opened at TCHS with Tara Miller and numerous other Canyon Lakers featured in the student cast.

As of April 1, Canyon Lake had 4,084 total residences, of which 3, 283 were owner-occupied, 406 leased and another 12 rented on a month-to-month basis. In addition, there were 241 weekend homes, 55 homes under construction and 142 spec homes. There were still 630 vacant lots.

10 years ago

In April 2006, forums were held for members to meet the candidates running for the POA Board of Directors: Denise Jordan, Sue Moore, Marlowe Schaffner, Roger Windeler and Travis Montgomery.

General Manager Clint Warrell announced the promotion of Loretta Dudziak to Food and Beverage Director of both the Country Club and Lighthouse Restaurants.

Storage facility manager Don Parker welcomed former and new tenants back to Summerwood Landing, located off Loch Lomond Dr. Phase one of the facility included 80 fully enclosed steel storage units. There were also 40 open parking spaces. The property was surrounded by a block wall and patrolled by 24-hour surveillance cameras.

Canyon Lake residents were provided with alternate routes to take to the I-15/Railroad Canyon Rd. interchange to avoid congestion during an anticipated six months of construction on the interchange.

A team of journalists and filmmakers hired by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) were in town to film a documentary about private communities.

“Hands Across America” was to be the theme of the annual Fiesta Day and Beach Toys was to be the featured band.

The Jr. Women’s Club hosted its inaugural “Jr. Olympics Super Bowl.”

On April 6, 2006, the Canyon Lake Police Department and officers from the City of Lake Elsinore issued a total of 118 tickets to motorists on Railroad Canyon Rd. for violations of speed and unsafe driving as part of their on-going radar enforcement program.

The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) celebrated Earth Day in Canyon Lake April 22 at Holiday Harbor with the kick-off of the organization’s Boater Outreach Program. The purpose of the program was to help promote clean boating in western Riverside County’s lakes while educating area boaters of the agency’s bilge pad containers as well as their used oil collection center.

Directors voted unanimously to authorize General Manager Clint Warrell to enter into an agreement with SolarBee of Dickinson, North Dakota, for the lease and installation of seven reservoir circulators to be installed in the East Bay.

Canyon Lake’s 6.0 level mixed doubles USTA tennis team, captained by Dale Welty, won the Southern California Sectionals competition, qualifying the team to compete at the national level.

The Canyon Lake Wakeboard Club invited all females in the community to come out to the free “Ladies Learn to Ride Day” at the North Ski Area. All ages and abilities were welcome.

Street Carts of Canyon Lake held a Poker Run that began at the Lodge.

Katie Kennedy, daughter of John and Kristen Kennedy, earned a gold medal for her science project at the county level.

In April 2006, The Friday Flyer’s Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed “Basic Instinct 2,” “Benchwarmers,” “Thank You for Smoking” and “The Sentinel.”

5 years ago

In April 2011, Goetz Rd. was closed for construction of the new bridge over Salt Creek.

In April 2011, POA President Chuck Newsom announced that General Manager Dave Rudat would be leaving the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association. In addition, with the departure of Corporate Counsel Peter Racobs, the Board unanimously voted to  to award a contract with Silldorf and Levine, LLP for general counsel, collection services and human relations counsel.

With the State of California raiding city budgets, coupled with the impact of a depressed economy and sharply lower property tax revenues, the City said it was forced to make cuts in its operations while preserving public safety. It was noted that reserves would be exhausted over the next three years. A proposed Measure E on the June 7, 2011 ballot, would ensure the highest level of public safety services, citizens were told. The $204 special tax would be an annual investment to maintain public safety services and help keep the City one of the safest in the state.

It was announced that “Country Fair” would be the theme of Fiesta Day. Kathie Barnes would be the grand marshal of the parade, and the Silverados would provide music for festivities at the Lodge.

Triathlon Club members Karin Cassidy and Stephen Bustos competed in the Boston Marathon.

The Ski Club presented Al Van Beenen with the Ray Novak trophy, a perpetual award for the member who does the most to benefit the club.

Leadership changes were taking place at Canyon Lake Community Church. After almost four years as teaching pastor of the Threshold service, Kasey Crawford was leaving the leadership team, along with worship pastor Jesse Craig, to begin a new church ministry in the area.

It was reported in April that more than 107,000 Lions members had mobilized to provide immediate relief after the Japan earthquake and tsunami with 10,000 cases of water and thousands of emergency food supply kits. They established two relief command centers in the affected areas, as well as one in Tokyo. Canyon Lakers were asked to participate.

The City Council, in a vote of 4-1, with Mayor Barry Talbot voting no, approved the sign permit and variance to construct a Towne Center multi-tenant pylon sign with electronic message board.

Residents with fruit-bearing trees had an opportunity to help needy families by donating their fruit to Help Our People Elsinore (HOPE). Linda and Joe Kamashian were pleased to let Al and Cathy Barr pick the 10 bags of oranges from their tree to donate to HOPE.

Readers were given a view of the Goetz Rd. bridge construction zone through photos provided by volunteer photographer Bert Barbay. The south abutment of the bridge was being prepared to receive more concrete.

Residents had one final chance to hear the seven candidates for the POA Board of Directors discuss issues at the “Meet the Candidates Night,” moderated by John Zaitz, a member of the club and president of the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Friends or family members introduced each of the candidates. Marv and Dorothy Griswold introduced Steve Salazar, Nancy Horton introduced Jan O’Rourke, Norma Yarbrough introduced her husband Bruce, David Johnston introduced George Middle, Brenda Adams introduced Dawn Haggerty and Dennis Korte introduced Sean McDonald and Larry Neigel.

At a Water Symposium, Andrew Komor of Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering (PACE) talked about efforts to improve the quality of water in the lake.

Canyon Lakers were invited to try the new menu watch the NBA Playoffs at the Lighthouse Bar and Grill.

In April 2011, Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed “Sucker Punch,” “Source Code,” “Hanna,” “Conspirator” and “Water for Elephants.”

1 year ago

In April 2015, after a brief delay to wait for more ideal lake conditions, alum applications resumed in Canyon Lake.

According to LESJWA Administrator Mark Norton, the first three alum applications proved extremely effective in the main body of Canyon Lake, improving both water quality and clarity. Building on that success, water officials now focused the next round of applications on the East Bay.

The CLPOA Board of Directors approved a decision at the April Board meeting to accommodate outside play on the Golf Course. More specifically, they unanimously voted to reverse an April 1987 Board Action to make the Golf Course private.

Eleven boats and 18 anglers brought 44 bass to the scales for a total of 133.26 pounds during the Bassmasters’ April tournament. The winning weight belonged to the team of Travis Smith and Chet Ayers with a five-fish limit weighing 21.68 pounds. They also had the Big Fish for the day of 6.88 pounds.

A good-sized audience was on hand to hear a consultant talk about two proposals he believes the City of Canyon Lake could implement to form its own City Police Department. The first proposal was to convert from the Riverside Sheriff’s Department and create a City Police Department, without POA involvement. The second proposal was for the City and POA to partner together for a police force that would operate inside and outside the gates.

A fisherman spotted a vehicle mostly under water in the North Ski Area, on the east side, past the boat staging area. According to Special Enforcement Officer Ivan Henery, the silver truck had been pushed into the lake and abandoned. It was later learned that it had been reported as stolen. Divers from Riverside County Sheriff’s Department were able to place airbags beneath the vehicle and “float” it to the launch.

In April 2015, Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed “The Wrecking Crew,” “Furious 7,” “The Longest Ride” and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2.”