Here’s a look at past Augusts in Canyon Lake

Here’s what was in the news in Canyon Lake in the month of August over the past 45 years.

45 Years Ago

This picture of an early “kite skier” was seen in a summer 1971 issue of Lighthouse Magazine.

This picture of an early “kite skier” was seen in a summer 1971 issue of Lighthouse Magazine.

On August 21, 1971, Canyon Lake’s “most lavish summertime party” was held around the pool at the Lodge, with a capacity crowd of revelers taking full advantage of the $7.50 ticket price that included hors d’oeuvres and Mai Tais, a South Seas Island feast, a “wonderful Hawaiian and Tahitian floorshow, dining and dancing to the swaying music of Hawaii.” The annual luau was limited to adult POA members and their guests with Terry Woodward serving as chair.

A special hayride party was scheduled to coincide with the luau for teenagers in the community who wanted to have fun that evening while their parents were at the luau. Forty teens traveled to Alberhill in several truckloads, where a hayride and dinner were prepared for them.

Ellen Dyer needed help holding the 18-lb. catfish she caught near the North Causeway on August 8, 1971.

Ellen Dyer needed help holding the 18-lb. catfish she caught near the North Causeway on August 8, 1971.

A reception was held at the opening of the Canyon Lake Motel with dancing to a four-piece combo and a cocktail party.

The Riverside Planning Commission turned down (Continued Case No. 1281) an application to permit the use of approximately 812 acres near the community for motorcycle and dune buggy riding, and was thanked by the Property Owners Association for its action.

A change in guest rules allowed members to bring in a limit of six guests per day including on weekends. No guests were admitted into the gate unless a member accompanied them, and each guest had to have a guest pass. In addition to the Main Gate, an entrance was established at East Port to accommodate those members who entered from Highway 395.

At this time, the Architectural Control Committee reported there were 33 residential homes approved, 57 completed and 24 under construction in Canyon Lake. In addition, there were 47 mobile homes completed and five more approved. Twenty-four condominiums, 16 duplex units and the motel with 34 units were also complete. In the Canyon Lake Lighthouse Magazine, lots were advertised as low as $4,950.

40 Years Ago

Forty years ago, the Home Owners Club held its annual picnic at Indian Beach with an overflow crowd and barbecue pit. Each family brought a dish for the potluck that ranged from appetizers to desserts. The youngest picnicker was Joseph Harriman, aged 2 1/2 weeks, son of Cathy and Steve Harriman.

In August 1976, Cathy and Steve Harriman’s son, Joseph Harriman, 2 1/2 weeks old, was the youngest picnicker at the annual Home Owners Club picnic held at Indian Beach.

In August 1976, Cathy and Steve Harriman’s son, Joseph Harriman, 2 1/2 weeks old, was the youngest picnicker at the annual Home Owners Club picnic held at Indian Beach.

The spectacular 4th of July celebration honoring the nation’s Bicentennial was still a topic of happy memories in August 1976. The “not quite finished” Canyon Lake Community Church was the site of the marriage of Susan McGroarty and Richard Simonson, both Redlands University alumni. It was the first such ceremony at the new church.

Big doings at the Lodge included a Shipwreck Party planned with dinner and a show for $20 a couple, and an appearance of the popular “Sons of the Pioneers” at $9.50 per person featuring dinner and dancing on the pool deck.

The Lions Club heard from member Bob O’Donnell on “Consumer Awareness in the U.S. Postal Service.” Bob at that time was Assistant Postmaster in the Sun City Post Office.

The CLAMS had a barbecue at Sierra Park, and 32 members also traveled to Las Vegas for fun and games.

Clara Brown and Jerry Lee reported that Golf Club members were claiming the course was in the “best condition ever.”

Charles E. Bryant, James Cross, Glenford Foster, Mabel Gay and Richard Bailey were POA Directors, and Bill Votaw was the General Manager. A major issue being discussed was the crowded conditions at the Campground, with more than half the spaces being taken up over weekends and holidays with guests. Burglary and vandalism reports were reviewed with the suggestion that an 11 p.m. curfew be established for the entire community for minors.

Real estate prices were climbing and a waterfront home was marketed at $57,500, a Golf Course home at $53,900 and a “lake view home” at $37,500. One could still purchase a waterfront lot “in a private cove” for $14,900 and a Golf Course lot for $8,692. View and flat building sites were being offered “with great terms” from $5,200.

35 Years Ago 

In August 1981, Property Owners Association President Bill Cozad reported his findings following an inspection of numerous individual parcels with staff. He reported that there were still some problems with new homes standing on property without any landscaping or improvements as required by ACC rules. He recommended that each new home be landscaped prior to a renter being issued cards and that the compliance bond be raised from $500 to $1,000 to force contractors to comply.

General Manager Jack McLean reported that the heat wave that year was causing a serious shortage of water to irrigate the Golf Course.

Home Owners Club President Glen Foster suggested that a Master Calendar be developed so that conflicts among the numerous local clubs would be resolved easily in advance of problems regarding overlapping dates of events.

There was a meeting of local parents with school officials of the Lake Elsinore Elementary District over the issue of which district would provide education for those children living in the East Gate region, since many lived closer to the boundaries of the Menifee Union School District in nearby Sun City. Some thought that the community should petition to be annexed to Menifee.

The Canyon Crest Development Company broke ground for 27 town homes on 3.4 acres just east of Indian Beach on Continental. According to the developers, there were 108 condominiums built in Canyon Lake with approximately 1,250 square feet or less of living space. The new units were planned to encompass from 1,640 to 2,260 square feet with access to the water and boat docks.

Warm weather brought out a number of snakes, and numerous calls to security were made for help in removing them from home parcels.

Dr. Chester Wilson, long-time resident and Lions Club leader, passed away and was honored by the community for his many hours to providing service to the Home Owners Club, Roadrunners, Twirlers and Lions. He was further recognized by having the Lion Chester Wilson Park named for him on Yellow Feather Dr., between Silver Strike and Sea Horse Circle.

The Canyon Lake Volunteer Fire Department answered a total of 27 calls, and there was a need for more members to volunteer.

A Golf Course view lot could be purchased for $24,500 with 25 percent down, a fully furnished waterfront home on Lucky Cove was offered at $174,000, and a three-bedroom home near Indian Beach and the Golf Course was advertised for $143,000.

30 Years Ago 

In August 1986, the 15th Air Force Band of the Golden West once again presented a concert at Indian Beach to the delight of a capacity crowd of Canyon Lakers. The Home Owners Club sponsored the event, and Rob Caveney served as Master of Ceremonies.

The new 12,000 sq. ft. Golf Clubhouse was nearing completion, and the Men’s Golf Club donated $20,000 to purchase furnishings for the soon-to-be completed facility.

Negotiations were underway between the Temescal Water District and the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District to allow the EVMWD to purchase the Railroad Canyon Dam as well as water rights, storage capacity and underlying fee title to the reservoir. This would replace the existing lease between the Canyon Lake POA and the Temescal Water District.

POA President Joe Hill was quick to comment on a list of fines to be levied for specific rules infractions. The proposed fines were under discussion, and General Manager Bill Stewart reported that 90 percent of members already comply. “It’s only 10 percent who do not,” he said, “and they account for 50 to 60 percent of infractions that take place and are the major source of fines.”

Terra Cotta Junior High School was to open later that fall and join the two existing campuses in the Elsinore Union High School District.

The Village Center shopping commercial area (now Towne Center) across from the Main Gate was being beautified and landscaped by the Merchants’ Association.

The long-awaited traffic signal at the Main Gate and Railroad Canyon Rd. was to be in service by September. Those attending the Home Owners Club meeting were told that some 17,000 new homes were on the drawing boards along Newport Rd. and would be completed by the year 2000. (These included the Audie Murphy Ranch.)

25 Years Ago

In August 1991, the new City Council was looking into undertaking a “sphere of influence study” to determine the ultimate potential boundaries and service area of Canyon Lake. According to City Manager Jeff Butzlaff, development in surrounding areas, including Quail Valley, the Audie Murphy Ranch and Canyon Heights would have an impact on Canyon Lake whether or not the private community had any jurisdiction over them. He cited similar experiences in Carpenteria, in Santa Barbara County, where he served before, in which residual runoff from houses across the street from city boundaries contaminated the water supply and compromised the environment.

In August 1991, TV weatherman Dr. George Fischbeck arrived in town by helicopter to receive a check for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. He is pictured with City Clerk Kathy Bennett.

In August 1991, TV weatherman Dr. George Fischbeck arrived in town by helicopter to receive a check for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. He is pictured with City Clerk Kathy Bennett.

A questionnaire printed in The Friday Flyer resulted in an 81.5 percent “No” vote to whether motorcycles should be permitted to operate within the gated community. According to POA president Bill Shelb, with more than 900 responses from the questionnaire, this clearly indicated that property owners did not want to change or rescind the rules that prohibited motorcycles within the gates.

The City Council voted to ban signs on city streets.

General Manager Don Drake brought to the attention of security officers the practice of property owners and contractors stopping at the East Gate shopping center to pick up undocumented workers before coming in and proceeding to a job site.

Residents were advised to clean up their “Rolodex” lists (formerly used as permanent guest lists) and eliminate names of those in service-oriented trades and, therefore, not legitimate guests.

The POA Board of Directors was considering bids on picnic tables and benches for the much-used Sierra Park.

The EVMWD conducted a “how to” workshop on drip irrigation to counteract five-year drought conditions facing the Southland.

Forty business owners agreed to form a Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce following a presentation by publisher Chuck Golden on the goals and potential benefits of such a volunteer organization.

The 10th Annual March Air Force Band of the Golden West concert at Indian Beach once again featured a giant American flag loaned by Carl’s Jr. restaurants.

The former post office, POA offices and sales office at Blue Bird Dr. and Canyon Lake Dr. South was designated by the POA as “Blue Bird Hall” and became a community meeting center.

One could own a three-bedroom, two-bath home with 60 feet of water frontage on Smugglers Cove for $369,000. The first of the community’s docks to be refurbished by the Maintenance Department was located at Moonstone Beach.

20 Years Ago

It was learned in August 1996 that, in spite of efforts by Jack Wamsley, who spearheaded the campaign, the U.S. Postal Service refused the request to have a separate ZIP code assigned to Canyon Lake.

In August 1996, tickets were on sale for the fall musical “Oliver,” presented at Indian Beach by Canyon Lake Community Theatre. Here Monty Jordan and Russell Hickman rehearse.

In August 1996, tickets were on sale for the fall musical “Oliver,” presented at Indian Beach by Canyon Lake Community Theatre. Here Monty Jordan and Russell Hickman rehearse.

Canyon Lake received a recycling award from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors “for showing notable reductions in its waste stream through volunteer recycling programs.”

A group of Italian students was meeting at the Community Church each morning in a home-stay program sponsored by the EF Foundation.

Wakeboarding Magazine featured Canyon Lake in its August issue and claimed the community a “mecca” for enthusiasts who practice the sport.

Nine residents entered the race for the three positions up for election in November for City Council; they were incumbents Tom Nagle and Frank Kessler and challengers Eugene Bourbonnais, Emily Chase-Smith, Shifton White, Lori Ziegler, John Zaitz, Steve Turner and Eva Mann.

The annual Jr. Golf Clinic was scheduled, as was the yearly Kids’ Fishing Derby.

In 110-degree weather, Canyon Lakers took to the Lodge Pool and private pools and spas to beat the heat.

Because of the designation as the “best community association in the United States,” General Manager Bill Hallman reported that positive articles about Canyon Lake had appeared in both The Californian and The Riverside Press-Enterprise as well as reporters and camera crews from England, Canada, France, Holland and Germany visiting the community.

The proposed traffic signal at Greenwald and Highway 74 was stalled due to the lack of funding from the county. On the other hand, the State of California approved 100 percent funding for Phase II of construction on Temescal Canyon High School, according to Superintendent Dave Long.

Canyon Lake skier Willy Bertotto retained his national championship rating at the Walton, Florida competition.

15 Years Ago

In August 2001, Canyon Lakers had the opportunity to travel back to the 1940s at the 5th annual USO Dinner-Dance held at the Holiday Bay Room of the Lodge.

Computer classes were being planned at the Senior Center.

Thanks to the contribution by the Woman’s Club, a beautiful stone fountain graced the entrance to the Lodge in August 2001.

Thanks to the contribution by the Woman’s Club, a beautiful stone fountain graced the entrance to the Lodge in August 2001.

Financial consultant Russell A. Smith was elected to serve as president of the 5,200-member California Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Thanks to the contribution by the Woman’s Club, a beautiful stone fountain graced the entrance to the Lodge.

Canyon Lakers were urged to write to their California legislators in response to the California Public Utilities Commission baseline allocation that did not take into account the unique climate conditions of this all-electric community.

The cast of the upcoming production “Fiddler on the Roof” was preparing for their roles in this musical theater favorite to be performed in September at Indian Beach.

The annual “Concert Under the Stars” featured the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band from Miramar Air Station.

Officials of the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District discussed the need to build a lift station at Indian Beach, which would close the park for one year. EVWMD hoped to begin the project in February and complete it by spring of 2003.

Fire ants were unwelcome guests in Canyon Lake and were considered to be threats to wildlife as well as residents and pets.

The annual Jr. Golf Clinic attracted hundreds of local children. POA Directors approved a special meeting to review the future development of Mobey’s Landing and the existing storage area.

As of August 1, there were 4,103 total residences in Canyon Lake. Of these, 3,292 were owner-occupied, 421 leased and 14 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were also 238 weekend homes, and 138 spec homes. There were 57 homes under construction and 611 vacant lots.

10 Years Ago 

In August  2006, Sergeant Todd Kelly of the Canyon Lake Police Department credited deputies with the swift identification and arrest of two minors responsible for vandalism at the Canyon Lake Golf Course that resulted in an estimated $36,500 in damages to the ninth hole green.

Chamber members Marty Gibson and Vick Knight threw out the first pitch during the Canyon Lake Chamber Night at Storm Stadium.

In August 2006, newly crowned Miss Pre-teen Jillian Markley and Miss Canyon Lake Caitlin Markley were pictured with their sister and parents.

In August 2006, newly crowned Miss Pre-teen Jillian Markley and Miss Canyon Lake Caitlin Markley were pictured with their sister and parents.

“Dreams Really Do Come True” was the theme for the annual Miss Canyon Lake Scholarship Pageant. Crowned Miss Canyon Lake was Caitlin Markley, who won a $1,500 scholarship. Miss Teen Canyon Lake Carlee Blakemore was awarded a $750 scholarship and Miss Pre-Teen Jillian Markley won a $500 scholarship.

World traveler Norma Horrocks shared details of her recently completed trip to Mongolia.

A proposed $70 million sewer system was one step closer to reality for Quail Valley residents after the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved, in a preliminary vote, to authorize a moratorium on all new septic tanks in two specific areas of the unincorporated community.

Thirty-six members from the Canyon Lake Ski Club competed in the Western Regional Championships in Newberry Springs. They brought home 23 medals and had 46 top ten placements out of the 64 categories the skiers entered.

The newly formed Canyon Lake Motorcycle Club was successful in getting enough signatures on a petition to call for a special election, which the Board of Directors approved for October 30, 2006.

Masters swimmer Lee Arth, 81 at the time, competed in the Worlds Swimming Championships, held at Stanford University. He and his fellow participants from the San Diego Swim Masters received gold medals and broke a Masters World Record in the 200 meter Freestyle in their age group.

Canyon Laker Landon Sellers celebrated his 7th birthday while in Sao Paulo, Brazil to compete in the International Cycling Union (UCI) BMX World Championships.

In August 2006, The Friday Flyer’s Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed “Miami Vice,” “Talladega Nights,” “World Trade Center” and “Snakes on a Plane.”

5 Years Ago

In August 2011, Nick Fener and his friends visited the site of the sky-diving accident that cost him his feet.

In August 2011, Nick Fener and his friends visited the site of the sky-diving accident that cost him his feet.

The POA Board began holding regular session meetings in the Holiday Bay Room at the Lodge in August 2011. The first meeting there was long and occasionally heated, with the Board covering an ambitious agenda that included approval of more than a million dollars on engineering services for Canyon Lake side streets, $250,000 to replace the Accounting and Association Management System, $46,000 for a Fuel Management System and $17,000 for an architectural design for a new community building at the Tennis Center. The Directors were Paul Chenette, Larry Neigel, Sean McDonald, Dawn Haggerty and Chuck Newsom.

The Canyon Lake Jr. Women’s Club presented “Summer Splash” at Holiday Harbor, featuring a 20-foot high Shark Slide, five-in-one water slide, bounce houses and more.

The Fitness & Triathlon Club sponsored its inaugural “Paddle & Pedal Regatta.”

Street Carts of Canyon Lake hosted a Poker Run and a Street Carts Show & Shine at the final Taco Tuesdays of the summer.

It was announced that, when the new Riverside County Supervisory boundaries would take effect in early 2012, Canyon Lake would move from Jeff Stone’s 3rd District into Bob Buster’s 1st District. State Senator Bill Emmerson was scheduled to speak at the August Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

At a special presentation to the City Council, Gene Wunderlich, director of government affairs for Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors, explained real estate trends for Southwest Riverside County and for Canyon Lake. He pointed out the median price changes for single family homes in Canyon Lake, from $696,385 in 2007 to $158,489 in 2009. Revenue generated by sales for the City was at a peak in 2004 at $207,503,634. It plunged to $95,131,281 for 2010. So far in August 2011, revenues were at $37,199,734.

Fifty-five residents representing the Canyon Lake Senior Chair Volleyball Club and the Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee were pictured in attendance at the Lake Elsinore Storm baseball game at the end of July. The first pitch was thrown by Canyon Lake resident, Howard Best, a World War II veteran and Storm season ticket holder since the Diamond opened. Lindsey Larsen sang the National Anthem.

Canyon Lakers were invited to check out The Friday Flyer’s new Facebook page. They were told the setting is more social and personal than what is found in the printed version of community news.

The USA Water Ski Nationals were held near Wilmington, Illinois. Representing Canyon Lake were Steven Brooks, Carol Brooks, Dee Johnson, Laura Johnson, Diana Olson, Krista Rogers and Pat Rogers. The prestigious Overall medals went to Steven, Krista and Diana.

When the governor signed legislation that would give Riverside County and its cities the ability to allow neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV) on roadways with posted speed limits up to 45 mph, many residents were hopeful that would pave the way for the short commute down Railroad Canyon Rd. But with Railroad Canyon Road’s posted speed limit of 55 mph, City Manager Lori Moss said Canyon Lake’s golf carts would not be allowed on Railroad Canyon Rd. due to safety concerns.

Friends of Nick Fener, critically injured in a skydiving accident on May 20, were busy planning several fundraisers for Nick and his partner, Lindsay Showalter. A Labor Day party called “Feet for Fener” was being planned at Skydive Perris.

There was standing room only at the Lodge when Canyon Lake Youth of the Year Tori Smith was crowned Miss Canyon Lake at the Miss Canyon Lake Scholarship Pageant directed by CoCo Morrison and Pamela Stuckert.

With 23 contestants, the pageant was sponsored by the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce. The 2011 Royal Court title winners were Wee Miss Canyon Lake Jillian Coolbaugh, Little Miss Canyon Lake Cassidy Potter, Young Miss Canyon Lake Hannah Graham, Junior Miss Canyon Lake Summer Limbourne, Miss Teen Canyon Lake Carley Potter, Miss Canyon Lake Tori Smith and Mrs. Canyon Lake Lisa Loria.

1 Year Ago

In August 2015, the Board meeting discussion about the Main Gate Project became hostile and disorderly as more and more members began shouting at the Board from the audience. The televised meeting exploded out of control and concluded quickly after one of the speakers confronted President Dave Eilers about a derogatory comment television listeners heard him make about her privately to another Board member.

When pressed, the President acknowledged then apologized for the comment. A shouted demand that he step down could be heard from the audience before the meeting was adjourned and went off the air. Later that week, about 50 residents, many wearing pig ears, rallied at the Main Gate to protest the words and actions of President Eilers at the August 4 Board meeting and to demand his resignation from the Board. Eilers did step down from the presidency.

Debby Gagnon, owner of Pack Wrap and Post in the Towne Center, was recognized as the town “postmistress” for 20 years.

A bright, new playground at Sierra Park opened during a blistering heatwave on August 14 – and after local children had returned to school – but it quickly regained its popularity as a destination for families on the north side of the community.

At the August 12 City Council meeting, the City Council voted to continue the existence of the “State of Local Emergency” first approved on June 30 following the expiration of City’s contract with Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire. City officials were continuing to work on the most vital components of a municipal fire department: job descriptions, budget and cooperative agreements with neighboring cities.

Paddlers and pedalers were invited to gather for the 4th annual Paddle & Pedal Regatta, a non-motorized cruise of the East Bay hosted by the Fitness and Triathlon Club.

In the Miss Canyon Lake Scholarship Pageant, Kymberli Conn, 22, became the new Miss Canyon Lake. The Woman’s Club hosted the inaugural Mermaid Festival at Indian Beach; Karina Bowen was crowned Mermaid Queen of Canyon Lake.

At the Western Regional Water Ski Championships on Warman Lake in Vancouver, Washington, Carol Brooks skied all three events in Women 5 division, Slalom, Trick and Jump, and won all three events. By so doing, Carol won the gold in the Overall category.

In August 2015, Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed “Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation,” “Fantastic Four,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” and “American Ultra.”

 




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