Looking Back

Here is a look back on Canyon Lake events and news in April over the past 45 years.

45 years ago

In April 1973, public hearings for the development of Treasure Island were taking place. In negotiations, Corona Land Company agreed to change the contour of the island to increase the usable area of the island from 1.8 acres to 3.62 acres. Complaints from members regarding the density of the proposed number of units to be built forced the developer to reduce the number of units from 48 to 36 units. Each unit would be 1200 sq. ft. and sell for approximately $60,000.

The board approved the installation of a bench in front of the lodge for the use of the elderly and handicapped. The bench was donated by the Woman’s Club.

The first Easter Sunrise Service at Canyon Lake was held on Apr. 22 overlooking the lake. A 20 ft. by 12 ft. cross was erected at the site. The service was followed by a sunrise brunch in the Fireside Room at the lodge.

Twenty-one people submitted their resumes as candidates for the POA Board of Directors for the upcoming May election.

Winter rains were the topic of conversation at the country club as the greens were flooded most of the time prohibiting golf play.

The newly formed Men’s Club held its first election and chose Ray Simonson as president.

A lot in Bass Cove was listed for sale by owner for $23,450.

40 years ago

In April 1978, the Woman’s Club held its annual Home Tour. The cost of a ticket was $1.50. The Women’s Club monthly meeting was an International Potluck.

The Roadrunners Club held a planning meeting and potluck at the lodge with nearly 70 people in attendance. Plans were made for a trip to Solvang.

Members of the Canyon Lake Art Association attended a workshop given by professional artist Rusty Gooding who paints under the name Rusty Peg.

The newly formed Equestrian Club held its first meeting where Larry Lawler was chosen as president and Ben Davis as vice president.

POA General Manager Floyd Fiddler announced that residents from Quail Valley and Sun City would no longer be given access through the east and main gates. During the heavy rains, part of Goetz Rd. had been washed out and Sun City and Quail Valley residents had been allowed access through east and main gates as a detour.

Materials were purchased by the POA to build a new dock at the campground. The new dock would replace some of the rotten docks that were continually breaking loose.

A recent series of residential burglaries and signage theft resulted in rewards being posted for the arrest and conviction of those responsible. A $500 reward was being offered for two of the burglaries.

Volunteers and donations were being sought in order to complete the baseball diamond and Youth Center at what would eventually be become Gault Field, named after Canyon Laker Bill Gault who was the coordinator of the project. The former Canyon Lake Lighthouse Magazine offered $25 to start the ball rolling again and encouraged businesses and individuals to support the project.

A lake view lot on Gray Fox Drive across the street from a public dock was listed for sale by owner for $24,000. A furnished two bedroom, two bath mobile home on the golf course was renting for $300 per month.

35 years ago

In 1983, the Jr. Women’s club sponsored the second annual Chili Cook-off at Indian Beach. Approximately 20 teams entered the competition.

The renovation of the lodge was moving ahead as scheduled and the POA staff moved back into freshly remodeled offices downstairs. The remodel included an 1800 sq. ft. addition, storage facility, reglazing and insulation of all west-facing windows, entry remodel and a new lake patrol office.

Friends of Canyon Lake Public Library held their second General Meetng on Apr. 29 in the Fireside Room at the lodge. The guest speaker was Los Angeles Times columnist and award-winning author Jack Smith.

General manager William Stewart announced the promotion of Harris Smith to the position of chief of security for the Canyon Lake POA.

The Woman’s Club announced it had raised more than $1,100 at its rummage sale to help support the library.

Talk of possible incorporation of the city was moving forward and a committee was formed to consider the action.

The POA offered a new lot-clearing program to help property owners solve their lot-clearing problems with minimal cost and effort.

The Family Film Festival Committee announced its summer scheduled of G-rated family films that would be held in the Fireside Room at the lodge. The movies scheduled were “Bambi,” “Annie,” “Benji” “Fun and Fancy Free,” “Dumbo” and “The Muppet Movie.” Admission was $1.

The POA assessment for the upcoming fiscal year was set at $427 per lot.

Canyon Lake Community Church approved a master plan that would include more than 90 additional seats to the sanctuary, a soundproof nursery, covered patio at the entrance to the sanctuary and additional parking. It was also approved to hire an assistant pastor.

30 years ago

In 1988, the Security Department initiated a “Ride-Along” program where community volunteers would ride with officers in security vehicles during swing and midnight shifts. Security Chief Mike Margison referred to the program as “neighborhood watch on wheels.” The purpose of the program was to acquaint volunteers with the many facets of an officer’s job and would assist in surveillance, since it is difficult to drive and spot suspicious activity at the same time.

The Jr. Women’s Club hosted its 7th Annual Chili Cook-off on Apr. 30 at Indian Beach. Cash awards included $250 for Best Chili, $150 for First Runner-up and $100 for third place.

New non-smoking sections were offered at the lodge and clubhouse for patrons. According to restaurant personnel, diners were split 50-50 as to which section they preferred.

Two Canyon Lake youngsters, Stefan Norton and Brandy Wright, qualified to compete in the Jr. Olympics in Barstow, California.

POA Board actions in April included approving funding not to exceed $5,000 to assist the Ski Club in purchasing a ski jump, awarding Tom Wetzel the contract to complete grading at Indian Beach, authorizing management to proceed with a pavement management study, directed management to publish the agenda for weekly ACC meetings in The Friday Flyer and authorized funding to upgrade the concrete foundation for the golf equipment building.

Canyon Lake was 68 percent built with a total of 2,984 homes.

The Public Works Committee was in the initial stages to have all Canyon Lake residences assigned street addresses and provide cluster mailboxes strategically placed near their homes throughout the community.

25 years ago

In April 1993, POA board actions included setting the date of May 23 for Canyon Lakes 25th Anniversary Celebration to be held in Towne Center, awarding the contract to build additional boat rental docks to Canyon Lake Docks in the amount of $83,760 with a 20 percent contingency and appointing members for the Ad Hoc 1993 Fiesta Day Committee.

Canyon Lake City Council approved a traffic signal at the east gate for the busy intersection of Canyon Lake Dr. South and Goetz Rd. Construction was set to begin in May and to be completed no later than July 24.

Development of Early Round and Outrigger parks were completed with picnic tables and playground equipment installed. A new restroom was constructed at Sierra Park and a paved walkway and bridge over the creek running through the property were completed.

The contract between the POA and The Friday Flyer expired in April of 1993. POA president Don Miller announced that the association was canceling the contract with Golding Publications and publish its own POA newsletter.

Five candidates were vying for the POA Board of Directors. The candidates were Doug Warr, John Zaitz, Lori Ziegler, Ray Poche and Stan Brodecki.

More than 15 young women competed in the Miss Canyon Lake Pageant. The winner would represent the community at Canyon Lake functions and receive scholarship funds of approximately $2,000.

A four bedroom, two bath, main lake waterfront home was being offered for sale at $375,000.

The POA published a survey in The Friday Flyer seeking members opinions on two street sign options. One option was two purchase aluminum reflective signage on a pole with a cost of approximately $195 each, for a total of $58,500. The second option was to refurbish and repaint the existing wood signage with an estimated cost of $3,000.

20 years ago

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon where members of the 1998 Royal Court were introduced. The Royal Court included Miss Canyon Lake Melanie Stemwedel, Miss Teen Tara Miller, Miss Preteen Sara Rhine, Young Miss Sandy Lathrop, Junior Miss Stephani McCloskey and Wee Miss Emily Clothier. Pageant organizer Donna Nadel noted that every “Miss” contestant received a scholarship award.

The Canyon Lake Community Theatre and Performing Arts Association presented the musical  “There’s No Business Like Show Business” at the lodge with a cast made up of Canyon Lake youth.

The Canyon Lake Woman’s Club held its annual Fashion Show Fundraiser at the lodge. The theme was Fashions in Paradise. Tickets could be purchased for $22.

Canyon Lake’s annual “coot shoot” was suspended when it was announced that there would be no more hunting of the pesky little black ducks for the remainder of the year. General Manager Clint Warrell met with members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and said that he would be willing to look at alternatives methods of dealing with the fowl.

Property owners overwhelmingly approved a proposition to limit the terms of POA Board Directors in a special election. Under the new by-laws, members of the Board of Directors would be limited to two two-year terms. Additionally, after serving four years, they would have to wait fours years before running again.

Fire Company 60 held a graduation ceremony for 10 new volunteer firefighters. The ceremony was interrupted by a call and resumed an hour later. The men and women volunteers successfully completed three months of training and study. Graduates included Jeff Stout, Nicole Holmes, Shelby Cole, Veronica Renteria, Jim Wagner, Bryan McEntire, Don Ferrar, Jeff Nielson, Justin Deal and Phil Reynoso.

Canyon Lake had 3,800 total residences, 2,905 were owner-occupied, 500 leased and 19 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 306 weekend homes and 150 spec homes. Thirty-eight homes were under construction and vacant lots were 848.

A four bedroom, three bath home across from Smugglers Cove was being offered for $243,900.

15 years ago

In April of 2003, Canyon Lakers displayed their support for American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq by tying yellow ribbons around trees and displaying flags in their yards and on cars. Yellow ribbons could be purchased at Member Services for $2.

A tile-painting day was held in the multi-purpose room at city hall. Tiles were sold for $25 and were later be installed at Sunset Beach.

The Youth Action Council was planning a Senior Prom for Canyon Lake residents 55 and older. The theme was Young at Heart.

Canyon Lake had a total of 4,208 residences. A three bedroom, three bath 2,700 sq. ft. waterfront home was being offered for $539,900 and a Mediterranean style waterfront home on a cul-de-sac was being offered at $479,900.

The POA Board of Directors approved a set of rules for the Youth Center. Some of the rules included no smoking or drinking in or near the center, no horseplay or fighting, no weapons, music must be listened to and approved by staff and no skateboarding, rollerblading or bike riding in the parking lot. The youth center had no established rules prior to the boards ruling.

The deluge of rains in March and April damaged aging water pipelines throughout Canyon Lake. EVMWD was in the process of inspecting the 35-year-old water pipelines to determine how many of the lines needed to be repaired or replaced.

10 years ago

In April 2008, long-time resident Vick Knight celebrated his 80th birthday at Holiday Harbor with a  big surprise. His wife Carolyn Knight, former editor of The Friday Flyer, arranged for members of the USC Trojan Band to come to Canyon Lake and march down Village Way Dr.

Residents of the adjacent community of Meadowbrook attended a Canyon Lake City Council meeting to voice their opposition of a proposed annexation of 188 acres of their community.

The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) passed an ordinance asking Canyon Lake to consider implementing a boat inspection program for Quagga mussels.

A five bedroom, four bath golf course home with a pool was being offered for sale at $825,000 and a three bedroom, two bath waterfront home on Boat Haven Dr. was being offered for $649,000.

A banquet themed Celebrating Forty Years of Community Pride was held at the lodge. The POA Board and management staff recognized all the volunteers who had served on 20 different POA committees over the past year.

Sixteen-year-old Canyon Lake resident Dane Larson and his crew broke the world speed record by making a coast to coast round trip flight in an R44 Raven helicopter. The four-man crew made the trip in 70 hours breaking the previous record set by Canyon Laker Paul Chenette by 18 hours.

The City of Canyon Lake was awarded $400,000 through Proposition 1B bond money to proceed with studies and plans for the widening of Railroad Canyon Rd.

5 years ago

In April 2013, The Tuesday Work Group (TWG) installed a new plaque beside the new putting green they created at the golf course. The TWG used approximately $6,000 raised from previous Canyon Lake Association of Past Presidents (CLAPPS) tournaments to create the new putting green.

The Canyon Lake Motorcycle Club held its annual fundraiser for Animal Friends of the Valleys in the Towne Center parking lot.

A 2,000 sq. ft. waterfront home was being offered at $579,900 and a 3,141 sq. ft. waterfront home sold for $541,000.

The Canyon Lake Car Club donated three oxygen masks to Animal Friends of the Valleys. The club got the idea for donating oxygen masks after seeing news stories about firefighters helping pets after residential fires.

1 Year Ago

The Canyon Lake Bassmasters held its annual Jr. Bassmasters Tournament on Apr. 9. Six junior anglers ages 11 to 15 years old competed. Four went on to compete in the state finals.

A three-day Horse Camp was offered at the equestrian center for children ages five to 15.

More than 125 residents participated in the Street Carts of Canyon Lake Poker Run.

On Apr. 14, detectives from the Canyon Lake Police Department served a search warrant at the 28000 block of Yosemite Pl. in furtherance of an arson/attempted murder investigation. The original incident occurred on Apr. 8 at the 22000 block of Giant Fir Pl. David Harry, 44, was arrested at his home without incident. He was booked into the Southwest Detention Center for attempted murder and was held without bail. Detectives seized several firearms and a cache of ammunition from the residence. Firearms registered to the suspect were also seized at an address in Placentia.

Construction started to install four permanent pickleball courts at East Port Park.




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