City announces contest for logo, city seal

Canyon Lake became the 22nd city in Riverside County when it was incorporated on December 1, 1990. A call went out announcing a contest would be held to design the new city’s logo and city seal. Seventy-three entries were received from residents and individuals in the surrounding communities. The winning design was unveiled during the community’s annual Fiesta Day activities on May 25, 1991.

The winning design was created by Canyon Laker Carl Blomquist. Carl’s design was described as simple, unique and beautiful. James Cook of Moreno Valley won second place. Justin Spitz, an eight-year-old Canyon Lake resident won third place. Kenneth Wolf received an award of excellence.

Carl had been a resident of Canyon Lake for two years at the time the contest was held. He said he was thrilled his design was chosen to represent the new city. This wasn’t Carl’s first time designing a logo, he and partners in a commercial illustrating company were responsible for designing the logo for Shell Oil Company during the 1930s.

Preliminary judging for the logo contest was based on originality, Canyon Lake identity, balance, focus, ease of reproduction and size reduction. Serving as judges for this phase of the contest were Peg Lefebvre, Dona Cook and Kim Norcia. Final design choices were made by the city council.

Prizes for the contest included cash and merchandise donated by Ideal Business Services, S&L Audio Video, Cora Sue and Associates, Auto B Clean, Canyon Lake Dentistry, Canyon Lake Fitness, Canyon Lake Escrow, Canyon Lake Realty, Canyon Lake Art Association, Pack, Wrap and Post, Sterling Jaguar, Great American Golf, Canyon Lake Hardware, Lucky 13 Liquor and Deli, Four Points Market, Studio I, Amato’s, Blue Ribbon Art, Panache, Headliners and Judi, Judi, Judi’s.

Among the individuals who submitted contest entries were Ricardo Munoz, Lesley Rice, Carol Lemire, Marti Norris, Ruth Groce, Peggy Lefebvre, Tony Iacono, The Graf Fix Inc./Alain Jamar Design, Rosalie Campbell, Amada Starr, James Sherman, Lisa Berry, Kelly Romo, Manuel Macedo, Jan Ven Pelt, Mary Youngquist, Glen Hansen, Adriana Parker, Dane Arden, Linda Hauser, Christine Campbell, Linda Germer, Vick Knight, Kim Norcia and Don Farrell.