Canyon Lake celebrates 27 years of cityhood

Canyon Lake was incorporated 27 years ago when it became the 22nd city in Riverside County on December 1, 1990. Here is a look back at a reprint of an article The Friday Flyer published in December 1990.

With the cheers and applause of more than 200 of its citizens, Canyon Lake became the 22nd city in Riverside County last Saturday, December 1. Gathered around the flagpole at the golf clubhouse, residents watched their charter City Council – Alfred Trembly, Annabelle Bates, Gene Bourbonnais, John Giardinelli and Jack Wamsley – sworn into office by Congressman Al McCandless.

Supervisor Norton Younglove presented the new city with a plaque commemorating the day, as well as with a POW/MIA flag and a small piece of the Berlin Wall, which he picked up on his recent visit to Germany.

Fred Christensen, who guided Canyon Lake through its incorporation process and who will serve as interim city manager, read a resolution from the Council acknowledging Jack Wamsley and the Incorporation Committee and Vick Knight and the Home Owners Club for their efforts.

“The Canyon Lake Incorporation Committee set a record when it won approval from LAFCO in just three minutes and 22 seconds,” said Christensen.

He went on to praise the Home Owners Club, which through its registration drive added 460 voters to Canyon Lake’s rolls, thus increasing the city’s annual tax base by more than $74,520 for the next eight years.

Each of the new Council members was given an opportunity to thank those gathered and to comment on the year ahead.

“Challenge us,” John Giardinelli urged the crowd. “We think we’re going to do the best job we can, but we need your input. We work for you. Tell us if and when we go astray.”

Jack Wamsley, who will not only serve on the Council but on the POA Board of Directors as well, told those gathered how proud he was of the support Canyon Lake’s incorporation drive had received.

“It’s a great day for me,” he said. “There are few times in life when we’re able to develop something we know will last for hundreds of years. I’m proud that I’ve had the opportunity to do that.”

At its first meeting, which was held at 2 p.m. last Saturday, Alfred “Bill” Trembly was elected mayor and Annabelle Bates mayor pro-tem. The Council authorized county ordinances to remain in effect as city ordinances, that a bank account be established for the new city and that the Highway Patrol provide the traffic enforcement. In addition, members unanimously agreed to apply for the city’s share of public funds from the state. The group also banned smoking during its meetings.

Fred Christensen was formally appointed interim city manager and Pat Wallace interim city clerk.

The next meeting will be held on December 12 at 7 p.m. in the Golf Card Room, the downstairs meeting room at the clubhouse. Meetings will take place here at 7 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month until city offices are acquired.