Looking back

Here’s looking back on events, stories and news in September over the last 45 years in Canyon Lake.

45 years ago

In October 1972, new playground equipment was installed at Sunset Beach. Funds for the equipment were raised by the Canyon Lake Social Committee.

The POA Board of Directors approved a request by the Corona Land Company to increase the density of homes being built on Treasure Island from 26 to 48.

The East Bay and coves on the main lake were closed to boating pending the completion of dredging conducted by the Corona Land Company.

Thirty-six new homes and 12 condominiums were under construction. A waterfront lot on San Joaquin Dr. West was being advertised for $25,000 and custom homes were being offered at $36,000.

Quail Valley Rescue Unit was thanked for its prompt assistance following a fatal boating accident on the lake.

Women of Canyon Lake were invited to a “Come as you are breakfast” on the morning of Oct. 18. The event resulted in the formation of the Woman’s Club.

40 years ago

In October 1977, new shower heads and shower curtains were installed at the campground. Within the first week of installation, the shower heads were stolen and curtains torn.

The Woman’s Club held a “Wheeln’ & Dealn’ Swap Meet ” at the Commercial Village parking lot (now Towne Center). Spaces for the swap meet were rented for $3 to $5.

A custom waterfront home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms was being advertised for $120,000.

Sherry and Harry Ferrell opened Round-Up Junior Market and Round-Up Realty just outside of the East Gate.

East gate entrance received a facelift and improved landscaping due to the efforts of  Canyon Lake residents Laurel and Mike Haveles.

Homeowners could purchase a community bumper sticker for .50 cents at the POA. The bumper sticker allowed homeowners quicker access into the community.

A Western Barbeque held at the lodge was well attended by residents and guests. It was decided the successful event would be made an annual community festivity.

35 years ago

In October 1982, construction for a maintenance facility was underway near the north gate. The new facility would include a 2000 sq. ft. building to provide storage and a working space for POA equipment and maintenance employees. Stables would be relocated as part of the project and was expected to be completed in mid-December.

The Canyon Lake Incorporation Committee was reviewing and discussing the boundaries for the proposed city. If incorporated, the community would grow from 2000 acres to 5000 acres and the population would grow from 3000 permanent residences to approximately 7500.

The POA and Homeowners Club agreed to combine their two publications, the POA News and the Community News, to better serve the community. The new publication, Canyon Lake Community News, had a circulation of 5000 and was free to box holders in Canyon Lake as well as property owners living outside the community.

The POA Board of Directors approved a major renovation to the lodge which would include a 1600 sq. ft. addition, redecorating and kitchen, office and restroom remodeling.

The POA purchased lumber to build 75 picnic tables for the campground. POA General Manager Bill Stewart offered an incentive of “free beer and soda pop” for volunteers to help build the picnic tables.

Del Webb Corporation installed additional culverts under Newport Rd. to help alleviate flooding during the winter months.

Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District held a public hearing on its plans to construct a water treatment plant along Railroad Canyon Rd. The new facility would process 780,000 gallons of water a day and was expected to serve 4850 parcels in Canyon Lake.

30 years ago

In October 1987, Canyon Lake residents were encouraged to join cities throughout California and the United States to wear red ribbons the week of October 25 to 31 in honor of National Red Ribbon Week. The movement was an effort to promote alcohol and drug awareness through educational programs and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. The POA attached red ribbons to The Friday Flyer for residents to wear and show their support.

In an effort to reduce vandalism, the POA Board of Directors offered rewards to witnesses who reported vandals to the Security Department. Rewards were determined by the amount of the damage and would amount to approximately 10 percent of the cost of the total repairs. In no event would the reward be less than $50 or greater than $500.

The POA Board of Directors sanctioned a new club called Teens Against Boredom (TAB). TAB members were planning on sponsoring a car wash, a dance at the poolside patio, dog walking services and a teen center in the community.

A “zero deficit” plan proposed by the POA Board of Directors created a stir within the golfing community when it was suggested annual golf membership dues increase by 200 percent in order to reduce the subsidies of the golf course from $130,000 to $ 87,000 annually. The restaurants, tennis courts, stables and campground were also being scrutinized.

A “Letter to the Editor” in The Friday Flyer supported “No smoking sections” in the lodge and country club restaurants.

A home on Boating Way sold for $269,000 and another home on Canyon Lake Dr. North sold for $99,950.

More than 2,000 Canyon Lake residents and their guests attended the 6th annual Chili Cook-Off. The Woman’s Club won the first place Best Booth award.

25 years ago

In October of 1992, 225 runners and walkers participated in the Canyon Lake Classic. Tom Wysocki set the men’s record for the 10k with a time of 36 minutes and 22 seconds. Laura Harrington set the course record for women.

Canyon Lake was 80 percent built with 18 homes approved for construction and 1,020 vacant lots.

Improvements to Railroad Canyon Rd. were postponed by a few months due to a pending measure on the November ballot by the Riverside County Transportation Commission to increase bonding capacity which would allow the City of Canyon Lake a more favorable financing package.

In an effort to ease congestion at the east gate, the Canyon Lake City Council approved a traffic sensitive signal at the intersection of Goetz Rd. and Canyon Lake Dr. North.

The POA Board of Directors authorized General Manager Don Drake to hire a consultant to design final topos for a seawall and grading plans for Holiday Harbor. The seawall would create 80-ft. Beach and swimming area and grading would provide more space for a park and a turnaround for boats and trailers at the boat launch.

The city council agreed to become a party of the Riverside Transit Agency’s (RTA) Joint Powers Agreement, a move that could potentially extend the RTA’s bus system to include Canyon Lake, which had no access to public transportation.

The new contract between The Friday Flyer and the POA took effect and the Homeowners Club was no longer connected to the weekly publication.

20 years ago

In October 1997, some residents raised concerns with the city council regarding several group homes operating in Canyon Lake. Of particular concern was the operation of a home licensed to care for juveniles. Residents were concerned with inadequate supervision and behaviors of juveniles witnessed on-site and off as well as the possibility of more group homes coming into the community due to the profitability of such facilities.

Local realtors expressed optimism regarding the “comeback” of real estate with the zip code 92587 being number one in Riverside County’s “Top Ten” in home price increases. Inventory of homes for sale was low and prices were increasing. Homes available to rent was also low with homeowners opting to sell rather than rent out properties. Waterfront homes were selling for $379,000, golf course homes for $219,000 and street homes could be purchased for as little as $127,000.

The POA was debating whether to close, repair or tear down the lodge. In May, property owners rejected a proposition that would have given the board the authority to spend $3,750,000 to rebuild the facility. A petition had begun circulating in October urging the board not to spend money on repairs.

Canyon Lake was 82 percent built with 40 homes approved for construction. Of the 3,860 homes, 2,862 were owner-occupied, 499 leased and 19 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 880 vacant lots.

The Homeowners Club sponsored the Canyon Lake Classic. This year’s event included a 10k run, 5k run, 1-mile kids run and a 5k rollerblade race.

Bosom Buddies, Canyon Lake’s breast cancer support group, announces an ongoing program that offers discounted mammograms to local women for $55.

City hall warned residents to prepare for a predicted record-breaking rainy season. Property owners were encouraged to dig trenches directing water flow toward drains and away from their homes as well as stocking up on sandbags, batteries, flashlights and extra food.

15 years ago

In October 2002, a new traffic signal was installed at Sorrel Ln. and Railroad Canyon Rd. Drivers attempting to exit at Canyon Lake Community Church and Sorrel Ln. would no longer have to take their lives into their own hands when merging or crossing the heavily traveled Railroad Canyon Rd.

Sunset Beach tiles were available again. The Jr. Women’s Club resumed selling the tiles at a Halloween Carnival where gift certificates for tiles were available for $25 per tile. The gift certificates could be redeemed at a later date when the Jr. Women’s Club would hold “Painting Days” where people could paint their tiles after which the tiles would then be added to the playground walls.

The Emergency Preparedness Committee sponsored a mock earthquake drill simulating what would happen if an earthquake of 8.2 magnitude hit the community.

Due to drought conditions, water levels in the lake dropped to 1373.53. The EVMWD said it would import water if the lake levels dropped 1372. Many residents with waterfront homes found their docks and boats out of the water and stuck in the mud and rocks.

The Youth Action Council had scheduled its annual “Haunted Woods” at Indian Beach for Oct. 19. It was announced the event had to be canceled due to circumstances beyond its control but assured young people the event would return the following year.

10 Years ago

Kathleen Gandara, Josephine Williamson and Jeanne Shroyer don pirate costumes to promote Street Carts of Canyon Lake “Ye Olde Treasure Hunt” fundraiser in 2007. FIle photo

In October 2007, a large group of property owners attended a Community Forum meeting to protest a proposed rule prohibiting the storage of RVs, boats, trailers and other motorized toys on the six-foot setback. The rule was proposed for aesthetic and safety reasons.

Street Carts of Canyon Lake held a golf cart scavenger hunt called “Ye Olde Treasure Hunt” to help raise money for families in need during the holidays. Participants paid $10 each and traveled to seven locations collecting raffle tickets at each stop. At the end of the event, a drawing was held and a picnic lunch was available for purchase.

Auctions at the annual Canyon Lake Car Show raised funds for medical research of a rare condition called Progeria on behalf Canyon Lake residents Terry and Sam Foose whose daughter Amy Foose succumbed to the condition at the age of 16.

The Campground Club hosted a Fall Festival at Happy Camp to raise funds for the beautification of the campground. The event featured arts and crafts for kids, dinner and an outdoor movie at dark.

A “Halloween Magic Show by Rafael and Katia” was held at the Canyon Lake Library. At the age of eight, Rafael picked up his first magic book at a local library, years later he has performed at hundreds of events, private parties and libraries.

The POA held its first cooking class at the Lighthouse. Chef Scott Sebring conducted the class where attendees learned how to prepare and later tasted calamari steak in Italian sauce.

5 years ago

In October 2012, the POA Board of Directors tabled a proposed vote until further research could be done on parking regulations which would have prevented parking on main roads of the community, including Canyon Lake Dr. South and Vacation Dr.

Low water levels were a concern to waterfront homeowners in the East Bay as many were unable to use their boats.

POA General Manager Jon Sabo resigned and the Board of Directors appointed Director of Finance Christopher Mitchell as interim General Manager.

The Board of Directors voted to create a non-profit foundation to which residents and organizations could donate funds to help refurbish the lighthouse and other worthwhile projects in the community.

The suspect of murdered Canyon Lake resident Christine Stewart was arrested in Rosarito, Mexico.

The Canyon Lake Twirlers Square Dance Club partnered with San Jacinto Masonic Lodge 338 to send gift boxes to troops and the Canyon Lake Tennis Club donated clothing it had collected to U.S. Veterans Initiative in Moreno Valley.

1 year ago

In October 2016, Concerts at the Lodge featured country music artist Darryl Worley with Lance Allen as the opening act.

The POA Board of Directors hired General Manager Edward Simpkins to replace Christopher Mitchell who resigned to pursue another opportunity.

The Canyon Lake City Council, along with the current mayor and 7 previous mayors, honored Nancy Carroll with a special recognition plaque for her 27 years of volunteer service on the Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee. Nancy served 25 years as the committee’s president.

The City launched its new user-friendly website. Its goal was to create a website that was fast and easy for users to navigate.




Weather

CANYON LAKE WEATHER

Facebook