Here’s a look at past Februarys in CL

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

45 Years Ago

The March 1971 issue of the Lighthouse Magazine featured these families sunbathing at Sunset Beach the previous February 21.

On February 10, 1971, Sylvan Shulman and Dr. Owen Lindsay and their families, friends and interested persons gathered on site with gold shovels to break ground for a motel in the Canyon Lake shopping center. According to the Lighthouse Magazine, the first 34 units plus manager’s apartment and coffee shop were planned for completion by July 1971. Construction was to be done by the firm of O’Brien and Cathro at an estimated cost of $800,000.

A group called American Thunder performed at the Valentine Teen Dance at the Lodge.

Ninety-six gentlemen and their ladies and guests participated in the Valentine Tournament at the Canyon Lake Golf Course. Everyone got off to a shotgun start at 10:45 a.m.

Families took advantage of February’s warm weather by sunbathing at Sunset Beach.

40 Years Ago

The February 1976 issue of the Lighthouse Magazine featured this picture of the groundbreaking for Canyon Lake Community Church.

In February 1976, the Bicentennial Year, one could still purchase a “view lot that overlooks the Golf Course” for $4,500, “cash or terms.”

The February issue of the Lighthouse Magazine featured a story and photograph of the groundbreaking ceremony for Canyon Lake Community Church. Held January 31, 1976, the ceremony was officiated by Reverend Chester Droog. Members of the Church Council in attendance were Rae Simonson, Gordon Buchan, Fred Hyde, Jerry Lee, Karl Sprawling and Jim Keeler. Special music was provided by the Choraleers under the direction of Elaine Sanderson.

Henry and Doris Albert were hosts for a “Mission Brunch” at their unusual residence, and it was announced that the home of Mr. And Mrs. William Gault on Bronc Ct. was judged 1st place in the “Most Beautiful Home Decorating Contest” for the previous year’s Christmas event.

Jimmie Hedrick of Canyon Lake Insurance shared her home for an open house, and a Sweetheart Dance was held at the Lodge on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Bob Perrenoud and Bill Denning announced their resignations from the POA Board of Directors. The POA voted to “provide a security guard to be present at regularly scheduled meetings where the public was invited” to eliminate interruptions and any behavior not conducive to a business meeting.

Clyde Carter was elected by the Roadrunners to be Wagonmaster and planned a trip to the Date Festival in Indio.

Seventy-five were in the audience as the Lions Club hosted its annual speaker’s competition, and Miss Adrienne Robinson of Elsinore High School won the local contest and would represent the club for a potential $3,600 scholarship.

Among the businesses advertising in the Lighthouse Magazine that month were Richard T. Blowers, O.D., Scott Business Service, Canyon Lake Insurance and Martin’s Landing.

35 Years Ago

In 1981, for $69,500, a buyer could own a “ 2-bedroom, den, 2-bath Golf Course Condo,” for $125,000; “the cleanest, sharpest 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo on Treasure Island” could also be yours at that price.

A two million dollar budget for the POA was under discussion, as well as a resolution by the Men’s and Women’s Golf Clubs that questioned increases on fees for the golfing community.

Bill Haas was president of the Home Owners Club and asked for assistance in planning activities for the group as well as the need for volunteers to serve the club.

The Volunteer Fire Company requested help from the folks at General Telephone to assist with the installation of a new flagpole to stand in the yard in front of the station. General Telephone supplied a cherry-picker, and the 30-foot pole was placed in position. The eagle on top was donated by a group of local residents, and a new American flag also flew over the complex.

The Canyon Lake Motel offered a “double occupancy required” midweek package for $85 that featured two night’s lodging with either a day of golf (cart included) and one day of fishing (boat and motor.)

Ads in the Lighthouse Magazine included Billy L. Maxwell, Planner, the Round-up Jr. Mart and Emilio’s Italian Deli and Restaurant.

30 Years Ago

In February 1986, the Canyon Lake Community News featured a new look, while golfers were excited to see the Golf Clubhouse finally undergoing a massive facelift.

In February 1986, the Canyon Lake Community News featured a new look and reported that the POA Board was considering changes in the Lodge restaurant management and menu to better reflect the “pocketbooks of Canyon Lake families and induce more property owners to frequent the facility.”

That month’s cover story indicated that “piles of dirt, remnants of out-dated buildings and an obstacle course of holes in the ground and recently excavated trenches” did not dampen the enthusiasm of Canyon Lake golfers, who were pleased the Golf Clubhouse was finally undergoing a massive facelift. According to Men’s Golf Club President Rob Caveney, the contractor was taking the old clubhouse apart piece by piece, salvaging every board.

Plans were under way for the community’s 5th annual Chili Cook-off at Indian Beach, sponsored by the Junior Women’s Club.

Riverside County was set that month to break ground for the long-awaited traffic signal to be installed at the Main Gate, thanks to the fundraising efforts of local residents and monies from the County’s Road Department.

The Ski Club revealed plans to install a second slalom course in the Jump Lagoon in the spring.

The first in a planned series of Community Forums was held to determine the proposed revision of landscaping regulations. Hosted by the Home Owners Club, a panel of residents reviewed the ACC regulations dealing with front yard irrigation systems, trees, shrubs and ground cover. Gray gravel would no longer meet the requirements. A member of the panel reported that 671 property owners were sent letters advising them of violations in the previous year, and 455 cleared their violations from this single notice, and “this was an overwhelming response from one letter.” It was further reported that only four of the 671 violators had to be dealt with by attorneys.

The POA Board, made up of President John Giardinelli, VP Ike Runner, Secretary Bob Nipper, Treasurer Joe Hill and Asst. Secretary Matt Lewis, reinforced its policy regarding withholding registration of boats belonging to members who were not in good standing as a result of unpaid assessments and fines and unresolved adjudicated CD&R, ACC or dock violations.

The Board also considered rule changes that would require all golf carts to be registered for identification purposes and reviewed the policy that allowed 12- to 15-year-old residents to drive golf carts on the roads within the gated community.

The issue of loose dogs was under study, with the growing problem of Riverside County leash law violations.

Bill Ruffulo called the first official meeting of the Canyon Lake Automobile Restoration Society (CARS) in the Lodge Fireside Room with a get-acquainted potluck.

25 Years Ago

In February 1991, the United States Postal Service announced that Neighborhood Box Units would be installed near Canyon Lake homes and box numbers would be replaced with street addresses. This would take place in June when a zip code, 92587, would be assigned to the new City of Canyon Lake.

The community showed its support for Operation Desert Storm with a patriotic rally coordinated by Pat Train and involving hundreds of local residents. Yellow ribbons and American flags were in evidence throughout the community. A barbershop quartet, testimonials from students and others, and a stirring reading of “I am the Nation” by Chuck Bryant were featured in the celebration at the Indian Beach gathering. Approximately 550 brought and lit candles and joined in a patriotic sing-along.

Corinne Dale, Vernon Gingrich, Rhoni Barton, Jacadi Johnson and Al Wagner were among those honored by the Ski Club at their annual awards dinner-dance.

Elinor’s Restaurant at the Lodge celebrated the Chinese New Year with a special menu featuring oriental cuisine at $8.95.

The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District took steps to complete acquisition of the Temescal Water Company, and Canyon Lakers were told they no longer could wash their own cars or fill their swimming pools or spas thanks to an emergency drought ordinance passed by EVMWD in February 1991.

Interim Canyon Lake City Manager Fred Christensen and Mayor Al “Bill” Trembly provided information regarding a suggested waste management plan. Meanwhile, the City was conducting a contest to choose a new logo for the fledgling City.

Canyon Lake was 79.5 percent built, with 85 homes under construction. Of the 3,613 total residences, 2,534 were owner-occupied, 389 leased and 84 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 535 weekend homes and 71 spec home. Vacant lots numbered 996.

20 Years Ago

February 1996 brought a gourmet dinner and a musical production of “Zing Goes the Strings of Your Heart” to the Fireside Room of the Lodge.

Little League tryouts brought a large crowd of young base-ballers to Gault Field, and Canyon Lake’s Ruth Wysocki won the national final of the Race for the Cure series in Florida,

Tuscany Hills Elementary School Principal Colleen Anderson was pictured with some of the eleven sets of twins that were in attendance at THES in 1996.

sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The Youth Advisory Council was making plans for upcoming events and tutoring sessions at the Teen Center. On the calendar were movie nights, Karaoke, bunco and band performances by Silly Putty and Trinity.

It was announced that Canyon Lake was the first community in Riverside County to receive and put into service a defibrillator; in fact two defibrillators were installed on Fire Company 60 engines.

Todd Nash, a senior at Temescal Canyon High School, was involved in collecting books for the local public library as a part of his Eagle Scout project.

An evening of four-part harmony was planned for the Lodge featuring a popular barbershop quartet at a dinner show.

In compliance with a new state law, the POA Board voted to conduct its meetings with a televised audience and vote only in such open sessions.

Work continued on the new seawall and docks by the Lodge, and a free Jr. Tennis Clinic was planned for the community’s youngsters.

City Manager Jeff Butzlaff explained that a Professional Advisory Service event would be sponsored by the City to assist with economic development of the local business community. Work on soundwalls and landscaping on Canyon Lake’s borders was set to begin in March, according to officials.

Colleen Andersen, principal of Tuscany Hills Elementary School, was proudly pictured with what she claimed was a record number of twins on her campus: eleven!

As of February 5, 1996, Canyon Lake was 82 percent built. There were 3,804 total residences, of which 2,752 were owner-occupied, 527 leased, and 28 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 390 weekend homes, 19 homes under construction and 849 lots remaining vacant. A 2,700 sq. ft. “Waterside Hacienda” was listed at $242,000. A home located on the 14th Fairway was available at $149,000, and another 3-bedroom, 2-bath waterfront home was “reduced to” $229,000.

15 Years Ago

In February 2001, State Assemblyman Dennis Hollingsworth conducted an energy forum to assist local residents to become more aware of the need to conserve energy in the all-electric community of Canyon Lake.

The death of young James Hauser in a traffic accident on Vacation Dr. brought to drivers’ attention the perils of speeding on local streets.

A Chi Gong class sponsored by the POA proved popular with residents. Members of the active Tennis Club petitioned the POA to provide the community with new courts, and the Anglers Club joined others in declaring war on the cormorant population that had caused numerous problems for boaters, fisherman and swimmers in the community.

A ”Mardi Gras” celebration was scheduled for the Lodge and would be hosted by the Jr. Women’s Club.

Members approached the POA asking for some sort of regulations to deal with the alleged profanity, unruly behavior and harassment by the residents of local juvenile group homes.

Linda Musselwhite and Carol Roberts were among POA employees honored at the Association’s annual awards dinner dance.

Dr. Warren Stephenson announced that he would be retiring as principal of Temescal Canyon High School after six years of service.

A party was held to celebrate the completion of a traffic signal at the intersection of Meadowbrook and Greenwald, expected to shorten the time Canyon Lakers needed to leave the community via the North Gate.

Educator Norma Horrocks was honored by the California Community Foundation for her philanthropic efforts.

Mavis Schaffner and John Zaitz were named by the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce as the community’s “Citizens of the Year” in ceremonies attended by a crowd of civic leaders. The Jr. Women’s Club was recognized as the community’s “Organization of the Year,” while two businesses, CR&R and RAS Financial, were singled out for outstanding services to the City. Temescal Canyon High School student, John Edward Zaitz, was cited as “Youth of the Year.”

Both the girls and the boys varsity basketball teams at Temescal Canyon High School advanced to the first round CIF play-offs. Tara Miller was first runner-up in the Miss West Riverside County Scholarship Pageant. Trenton Paddock advanced to the PTA’s State Reflections Competition.

The formal groundbreaking for the new Canyon Lake Middle School took place in Cottonwood Hills.

Coyotes continued to be observed at night in the community as pet owners did what they could to protect their dogs and cats from the opportunistic wild animals.

As of February 2001, there were 4,068 total residences in Canyon Lake with 3,287 owner-occupied. In addition, there were 389 leased and 12 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 251 weekend homes and 129 spec homes. Vacant lots numbered 640 and there were 54 homes under construction

10 Years Ago

In February 2006, a former Canyon Lake resident was the focus of a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department manhunt after allegedly setting fire to a home in the community and forcibly abducting his ex-girlfriend. The incident was the subject of news reports on all major network television shows and was covered in newspapers throughout the area.

TCHS Girls Basketball was Southwestern League Champ in 2006. Pictured with coaches Cari and Russ Strange are Canyon Lake players Erika Lane, Brittani Libring, Alisha Heglund, Michelle Cleary and Tavea Hampton.

Temescal Canyon High School Girls Basketball, coached by Canyon Lakers Cari and Russ Strange, clinched the Southwestern League championship and headed into CIF playoffs. Boys Basketball did not win league, but did go to CIF.

Canyon Lake cook Betty Williams’ recipe for Gingersnap Chicken with Pineapple Sauce was the runner-up winner in Better Homes and Gardens Prize Tested Recipes. The dish was entered in the “Kid-Pleasing Chicken Entrees” category.

CLECP Director Nancy Carroll along with members from the Red Hat Society of Canyon Lake were the local winners in the 38th National Awards Presentation of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge held in Etiwanda.

Canyon Lakers were invited to be part of the Great Backyard Bird Count, hosted by the National Audubon Society and Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Canyon Lake serves as the winter quarters for some of the migrating birds in the Pacific Flyway.

Though the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board seemed to have put the issue of failing Quail Valley septic tanks on the back burner, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors was attempting to find a solution to the problem of the septic system and subsequent health concerns.

The Youth Action Council sponsored its annual Senior Citizens Dance. The dance had a Sadie Hawkins western theme.

The Continental Lift Station construction, a $4,900,000 project that Canyon Lakers were told would take 15 months to complete when ground was broken at Indian Beach in April 2005, had become a major battleground between the Elsinore Municipal Water District and the contractor, Mingus Construction. The revised schedule in 2006 estimated completion would not come until December of that year, meaning residents would miss another summer at one of the community’s most popular parks.

Chad Hansen Zielinski, a 45-year-old Canyon Lake man, was killed in a skydiving accident in Belize when his chutes did not deploy.

In February 2006, The Friday Flyer’s Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed “Munich,” “Capote,” “Firewall,” “Final Destination” and “Freedomland.”

5 Years Ago

In February 2011, an ad hoc committee to research the issue of funding for the City’s public safety services “hit the ground running.” The City’s contract with Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire expired the previous summer, and its contract with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was set to expire in the coming summer.

At the February Board meeting, the restaurant once again was under discussion, as Directors voted to continue operation of the Lighthouse Bar and Grill on Saturdays and Sundays until April 30. They also agreed to reinstate POA Food and Beverage Department catering services at the Lodge, after a two-year hiatus.

The Board authorized raising menu prices at the Country Club while at the same time giving members in good standing a 10 percent discount. The POA began recruiting for a Director of Finance who would manage a staff of three employees and one contract IT consultant.

In February 2011, construction on Goetz Rd. finally got underway as crews began removing concrete from the existing roadway and culverts that span Salt Creek.

Construction on Goetz Rd. finally got underway. Crews began widening the roadway, building an embankment for the new bridge and removing concrete from the existing roadway and culverts that span Salt Creek. The project to expand Goetz Rd. to four lanes and build a bridge over Salt Creek was scheduled to be completed in December 2011.

Temescal Canyon High School wrestlers won the Sunbelt League Championship after their 17-0 season. It was the wrestling program’s first league championship in 12 years.

Pete and Ria Riley, at left, reopened The Sports Stop with new head chef Wayne Quintos in February 2011.

More than a year and a half after their businesses were consumed by fire in July 2009, the Giardinelli Law Group and the Sports Stop Pub & Grill were the first owner-tenants to move back into the newly rebuilt commercial building in the Towne Center. The Sports Stop, owned by Pete and Houria “Ria” Riley, welcomed head chef Wayne Quintos, two cooks, four servers, seven bartenders and five security staff to provide coverage for the seven days a week the Sports Stop was to be open.

Eight residents announced their candidacy for the POA Board of Directors. They were Steven Salazar, Janice O’Rourke, Bruce Yarbrough, George Middle, Dawn Haggerty, Sean McDonald, Lawrence Neigel and George Irvine.

An inch and a half of rain fell in mid-February, bringing the total rainfall for the year to 10.44 inches, according to Canyon Lake weatherman Pat Elliano.

In February 2011, Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed “The Rite,” “Sanctum” and “Eagle,” along with announcing their Oscar Picks.

1 Year Ago

Presentations at the February 2015 CLPOA Board meeting covered four topics: 1. the upcoming alum treatment, by Mark Norton; 2. the art and science of a reserve study, by Robert Nordlund; site plan and conceptual drawing for the Tennis Center building, by Jorge Perez; history of the lake lease and issues facing the Association before the lease is set to expire on December 31, 2022, by Scott Levine.

The Canyon Lake Golf Course was getting a facelift, with tractors removing dead grass from the 17.8 acres of perimeter areas scheduled to be replanted with low water-use plants and drought-tolerant landscaping.

As part of the CLPOA’s Beautification Initiative, the brand new pavilion at the Equestrian Center was finished and ready for use by the equestrians and other groups. The Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee planned to put one of its emergency antennas on the new roof.

Almost two dozen children were on hand for a “Wheels Parade” at the Farmers Market in the Towne Center. They brought decorated bicycles, scooters, skateboards and a wagon. Coordinated by Cindy Hermanns, volunteers from New Hope Church coordinated the event and provided prizes for all the participants. Assisting with the event were Royal Court members Sierra and Katelyn Macias and Sawyer Lanouette.

The Canyon Lake Community Theatre presented “Steel Magnolias” at the Lodge. The cast included Ann Walker as Ouiser, Suzanne Bolton as M’Lynn, Nancy Walton as Clairee, MaryAnn Stevens as Truvy, Lindsay Sethman as Anelle and Ceeja Barr as Shelby.

Members of Cub Scout Pack 346 enjoyed a fun-filled night at the Harlem Globetrotters game in Ontario.

Equestrian Club members and horse boarders met to clean up trails on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property adjacent to the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center.

The Bassmasters held their annual awards ceremony in January, but awards were announced in The Friday Flyer in February. Travis Smith was the 2014 Angler of the Year; he also received Big Fish of the Year honors. Jon Evans was 2nd place Angler of the Year and Bob Mance took 3rd. Terry Voss took home the Sportsman of the Year trophy for his contributions to the club.

A meeting of the Canyon Lake Neighborhood Watch Block Captains was held on February 17.

Tuesday Work Group Project Manager Sam Theodora invited men to join the TWG by saying, “If you have Tuesday mornings free and want to give something back to this terrific little bit of paradise, please join us. We can promise you a hot cup of coffee, a donut and the greatest bunch of characters you will ever meet.”

Kathy Barbay’s quilt won the Judge’s Choice Award at the Hemet Quilt Guild, Valley Quilters’ annual quilt show on February 13 and 14.

Canyon Laker Alex Landau, a 12th grader at Lakeside High School, won 1st place in the Rotary Club of Lake Elsinore’s annual music contest.

The Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the annual Community Awards: Organization of the Year went to two groups: the Fiesta Day Committee and the Jr. Women’s Club. Citizen of the Year was LaRue McNamara. Volunteers of the Year were Mike Shroyer and Jill Batinich. Student of the Year went to Justin Silva. Business of the Year went to Canyon Lake Med Spa. co-owned by Alex Denes, MD, and April Turner, RN.

Nine candidates running for the POA Board of Directors were Eric A. Spitzer, Harold Larson, Paul Queen, Tamie Hallmark Mongold, Larry B. Greene, Bruce Yarbrough, Dale Welty, Lawrence Neigel and Edward “Ted” Horton.

In February 2015, Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed “Whiplash,” “Birdman (or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) and “Still Alice,” along with announcing their Oscar Picks.