Looking Back

Here’s a look at what was happening in the month of September over the last 45 years in Canyon Lake.

45 years ago

In September 1973, the Home Owners Club took legal action opposing the development of Eastport Apartments and were successful in having them changed to condominiums. The club spent $1,539.42 in attorney fees with an outstanding balance remaining. In order to fulfill its remaining obligation, the Home Owners Club was seeking donations and planning fundraising projects.

The Ski Club performed a show at Sunset Beach on Sept. 2. Hundreds of residents and guests gathered to see members perform a pyramid and ski barefoot.

In 1973, more than 450 residents and guests attended the annual Luau around the pool at the lodge. Attendees donned Hawaiian attire and were given Leis. File photo

The annual Luau was held at the lodge swimming pool. Tables were decorated with a Hawaiian theme and set-up around the pool with 500 place settings. More than 450 residents and guests were served dinner. Approximately 600 were in attendance for the Tahitian Torch Lighting Ceremony and authentic Polynesian dancers following dinner.

The Home Owners Club was calling on residents to run for the Elsinore Water District Board of Directors in the November election in hopes of getting one or two Canyon Lakers on the board representing the community’s interests. The club announced it would be sending a petition to the POA Board of Directors to endorse Canyon Lake candidates.

40 years ago

In 1978, the Woman’s Club donated two clocks to the POA to be used at the pool and in the Fireside Room at the lodge.

A Beer/Bust Barbeque fundraiser was held at Lord’s Landing to raise funds for equipment and the building for Canyon Lake’s Volunteer Fire Department.

The Italian American Club of Lake Elsinore held their third annual Italian-American Picnic at Indian Beach. The club was founded in 1969 with members from the surrounding communities including Canyon Lakers and the editor of Canyon Lake’s Lighthouse Magazine.

The annual Canyon Lake Home Owners Directories were available for the purchase price of $1.

An unofficial census report taken of Canyon Lake by Riverside County revealed that Canyon Lake had a full-time population of 1,400, 475 part-time residents, 450 children under the age of 18 and 950 homes. The majority of Canyon Lakers were 55 years of age and older.

A 2,037 sq. ft. waterfront home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, driftwood paneled walls, wet bar and an extra large family room was listed for sale at $179,500.

The Woman’s Club donated two clocks to the POA, a large one to be used in the pool area and a small one to be used in the Fireside Room at the lodge.

35 years ago

At the September 1983 board meeting, POA Board of Directors honored Clyde Carter and his wife Faith with lifetime golf memberships at the Canyon Lake Golf Course for the thousands of hours Clyde volunteered to the golf course and POA. The lifetime membership would mean the couple could play unlimited golf with no green or golf cart fees. Board President John Giardinelli said, “Clyde represented the spirit of Canyon Lake.”

At a recent Interclub Swim Meet, Canyon Lake Swim Team boys and girls ages five to 14 competed for trophies in butterfly, breaststroke, freestyle, relay and individual medley. Every child on the Canyon Lake team managed to place and come home with a trophy.

The Board of Directors approved $ 3,661.83 for the installation of street signs throughout the community. The signs included 58 stop signs, six curve warning signs, one road ends sign and four caution kids at play signs.

The POA and Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District appointed representatives to study the possibility of acquiring the Canyon Lake Dam from Temescal Water Company. The dam was built between 1923 and 1926 at a cost of $500,000. Replacement costs to build the dam in 1983 were estimated at $6,000,000.

“Operation Lodge Remodel” was complete after six long months. New meeting rooms and banquet facilities were larger to accommodate larger groups, organizations and individual booking requirements. The new lower patio and poolside patio were enhanced to create opportunities for outdoor group activity. The lobby was refurbished and expanded and a new POA reception office was added. The reception office would be staffed seven days a week to provide members with information and assist in handling POA administrative matters.

A 2,300 sq. ft. ranch style home with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, spa and RV parking was listed for sale at $175,000.

The viewing platform at the north causeway was completed. The 20 ft. by 50 ft. structure was a joint effort undertaken by the POA and Ski Club.

30 years ago

In September 1988, the POA Board of Directors interviewed five candidates for two open board seats that were left vacant following the resignations of board members Jerry Taube and Ed Walker. The Board selected residents Hal Shaw and Don Wicen for the positions.

The golf course was under siege from a fungus on the greens. According to golf course superintendent Mel Summer, “The fungus could turn Canyon Lake’s greens into patches of dirt and is threatening the community’s golf course.” Mr. Summer was compiling a report on solutions, cures and cost.

Chuck Golding, a Canyon Lake resident and publisher of three Southwest Riverside County newspapers, announced changes to Canyon Lake Community News. The newspaper would receive a “new look” and would go from a monthly publication to bi-monthly. The “new look” included going from a tabloid format to a standard size news publication.

The Canyon Lake Travel Club held its quarterly dinner-dance barbeque at the lodge. The Travel Club boasted 525 members strong.

The POA filed for Chapter 7, on Sept. 16, with the United States Bankruptcy Court. The reorganization plan was a result of a 1.75 million dollar judgment against the POA in favor of South Shore Marina Condominiums and Canyon Lake Associates. The move was said to put the POA on a sound financial footing and prevent the POA from having to file Chapter 11. No disruption in POA services was expected.

Thanks to the generosity of the Canyon Lake community, Fire Company 60 was able to pay off its loan for its Emergency Squad truck. Purchased in 1984 for $54,935, payments were made from property owner donations, club donations, proceeds from chili cook-off fundraisers and bingo games.

25 years ago

In September 1993, the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce sponsored “The Olde Tyme Country Faire” in the Towne Center. The event featured arts and crafts, game and food booths, dunk tank, celebrity auction and pie-baking competition.

The POA Board of Directors gave the approval to sell the old wooden street signs that were replaced with new reflective signs on poles. The idea to sell the signs to help recoup some of the costs of the new signs was that of POA Board Secretary John Zaitz. The 74 wooden signs started with a minimum bid of $20 and were auctioned off to the highest bidders.

In 1993, the POA board approved the sale of the old wooden street signs that were replaced with new reflective signs on poles. Tract Maintenance Supervisor Clint Warrell is picture with POA Director John Zaitz and one of the 74 wooden street signs that were sold to the highest bidders. Bids started at $20. File photo

The Canyon Lake Bassmasters Club annual Kids Fishing Derby drew 464 kids ages five through 16. More than 400 pounds of fish were caught. The fish were released back into the lake following weigh-in.

A two-story home overlooking the golf course with three bedrooms and two bathrooms was listed for sale at $159,000. A home with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and four-car garage was offered for rent at $1,200 per month.

Canyon Lake Community Theatre and Performing Arts Association presented the production “Wizard of Oz” on the stage at Indian Beach. The first run of 800 tickets sold out early and additional tickets had to be printed. A resolution was passed by the POA Board of Directors declaring Indian Beach “The Land of Oz” for the weekend.

Canyon Lake Fire Company 60 sent a letter soliciting funds as part of its annual fundraising campaign. Although Canyon Lake contracted with the Riverside County Fire Department for two full-time paid firefighters, Company 60 heavily relied on the 20 volunteer firefighters for the volume of calls requiring responses. In 1992, the fire department received 850 calls for service in Canyon Lake.

20 years ago

In September 1998, The Junior Women’s Club reported the contributions they made to the community and various organizations between 1997/1998. Thanks to the support of the community, the club was able to give to the following causes; $5,000 for playground equipment, $380 for families in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas, $200 to the Leukemia Society, $200 to the McVay family, $100 to the Jessica Zermeno fund, $100 to the Pipoly family, $100 to Canyon Lake Cotillion, $80 to Temescal Canyon High School for Grad Nite and $65 to the Canyon Lake League.

Canyon Lake Community Theatre and Performing Arts Association presented “South Pacific” on the stage at Indian Beach.

A resolution to allow members to access the jump lagoon gate was read at the POA Board of Directors meeting. The resolution to allow access would require members to fill out a request form and submit a $100 deposit for the gate lock key. The POA would hold the deposit pending the return of the key. Property owners had 30 days after the reading to comment before the board voted on the resolution.

Approximately 20 homeowners attended a meeting of the Facilities Planning Committee to discuss the design of the new lodge. Plans for the lodge included a restaurant, lounge, garden entry, club meeting rooms, concrete amphitheater, downstairs office space and a large multipurpose/banquet room with a stage,

Serial killer Dana Sue Gray dropped her insanity pleas and pleaded guilty of killing three women, including two Canyon Lakers in 1994. The victims were Jane Roberts, 66 and Norma Davis, 86. The plea came just as attorneys were preparing for what was expected to be a lengthy trial. Gray was expected to receive a sentence of 40 years to life without the possibility of parole at her Oct. 16, sentencing.

A home near Roadrunner Park with a view of the lake was listed for sale at $234,700.

15 years ago

In September 2003, EVMWD Water Resource Manager Julius Ma assured Canyon Lake residents that a problem of discolored water that had been coming out of faucets had been corrected. The color of tap water coming out of many faucets in Canyon Lake was creating concern in the community. Some residents called The Friday Flyer describing beige, yellow or green tap water. A problem at the water treatment plant was creating higher levels of manganese, a mineral that causes a discoloration. According to EVMWD, the problem was located and the system flushed.

Sixteen-year-old Canyon Laker Krista Rogers broke ski jump records at the Western Regional Championship and the U.S. Nationals. Krista broke a record set in 1976 at the Western Regional Championship by jumping 133 feet. She also jumped 133 feet at the U.S. Nationals, breaking yet another record.

A 3,000 sq. ft. home with four bedrooms and a view of the lake was listed for sale at $419,000.

Canyon Lake Mayor Jack Wamsley announced that after three years of meetings and negotiations that the Joint Powers Authority and Lake Elsinore/San Jacinto Watershed Authority approved $900,000 to purchase dredging equipment for use in Canyon Lake. The dredging equipment would be owned by the Joint Powers Authority and leased for $1 per year. The project was estimated to take four to five years to complete.

Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina owner Marty Gibson announced plans to remodel and revealed architectural drawings of what he hoped would give the popular Canyon Lake restaurant and hangout a new look and feel. The remodel would add a second story and an additional 7,000 sq. ft. to the restaurant.

10 years ago

In September 2008, Canyon Lake Storage at Summerwood Landing off Loch Lomond Drive completed grading on its second phase and building of construction was underway. The first phase of the storage facility was completed in 2006 and included 80 fully enclosed steel storage units. Phase two of the project would add covered parking spaces and more open spaces available on a concrete pad for larger RVs and vessels.

Eight candidates were running for three open seats on the City Council. The candidates were Steven Salazar, Nancy Horton, Carl Armbrust, John Zaitz, Jim Kay, Frank Kessler, Jordan Ehrenkranz and Barry Talbot.

The Travel Club held its annual dinner-dance at the lodge surrounding the pool deck. The theme was “Down Home on the Canyon Lake Farm.” Approximately 200 members and guests enjoyed chicken, ribs and apple pie. Some guests dressed in farmer costumes.

Sky Blue Investments, Inc. submitted a request to the POA Board to have the 29-acre property known as Goetz Hill removed from the jurisdiction of the POA and to change the CC&Rs so that the investors could move forward with their plans to develop a commercial shopping center on the property. At a standing room only board meeting, the board refused the de-annexation.

A four-hole Frisbee golf course was installed at Sierra Park East at a cost of $400 per hole.

5 years ago

The weekend of Sept.7 brought crazy monsoonal weather that created dust storms and created a waterspout on the main lake. Residents reported that one side of the community was deluged with rain while the other side saw no rain. Wind created dirt devils and a waterspout near the lodge.

In an effort to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen, which fosters algae growth, Canyon Lake received its first alum treatment. Water officials said residents should start to see dramatic improvements in the water clarity and quality following the treatment.

Carlee Blakemore was crowned Miss Canyon Lake in September 2013. Other members of the Royal Court included Miss Talent Sierra Macias, Miss Teen Jocelyn Basham, Jr. Teen Hannah Graham, Jr. Miss and Jr. Talent Hanna Scott, Young Miss Rebecca Tierney, Young Miss Talent Karissa Bennett, Little Miss Kali Tiesenthal and Ms. Canyon Lake Tammy Macias. File photo

The project was paid for by the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Task Force and was a joint effort of the City of Canyon Lake, EVMWD, LESJWA, TMDL Task Force and the Canyon Lake POA. Additional treatments were scheduled for February 2014, September 2014, February 2015 and September 2015.

An informational meeting was held in the Multipurpose Room at City Hall regarding Measure E. Measure E was asking residents of Canyon Lake if they would be in favor of grading Goetz Hill for future commercial development. Sky Blue Investments, Inc., the group that owns one-quarter of the hill and was seeking voter approval for grading, excavation and a commercial center at the site, were on hand to provide residents with information about the proposed project and answer questions from residents.

The last official weekend of summer was the opening of Canyon Lake Community Theatre’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Performed on the stage at Indian Beach, it was fitting that a full moon was the backdrop for the show.

Canyon Lake’s Royal Court was chosen following talent presentations, interviews and runway fun. Carlee Blakemore was crowned Miss Canyon Lake and Overall Talent. Other members chosen for the 2013/2014 Royal Court were Miss Talent Sierra Macias, Miss Teen Jocelyn Basham, Jr. Teen Hannah Graham, Jr. Miss and Jr. Talent Hanna Scott, Young Miss Rebecca Tierney, Young Miss Talent Karissa Bennett, Little Miss Kali Tiesenthal and Ms. Canyon Lake Tammy Macias.




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