Year in Review – Part 4

The beginning of the year is not only a time to look to the future but it’s an apt time to reflect on the changes and revisit some of the things that happened in the community over the past 12 months.

Last week, The Friday Flyer featured part three of Year in Review with a look back at some of the things that happened in the community from July to September 2017. This week, The Friday Flyer features the fourth and final part of Year in Review with a look back at things that happened in the community from October to December 2017.

October

The POA unveiled its new logo and presented it to the community at the Regular Session Board Meeting on Oct. 3. The new logo design, which features the iconic lighthouse as its focal point, was created as part of the POA’s Branding Initiative to create a defined identity and brand for the POA.

Canyon Laker Billy Spencer asked his girlfriend Lacy Lancisero to marry him in a surprise proposal at Diamond Point Park on October 6. She said yes.

Work began on the two new main gate entry monuments on Railroad Canyon Rd. When completed each monument would feature the iconic lighthouse and two waterfall features with lettering on the front identifying and welcoming visitors to Canyon Lake.

Family Golf announced the winners of the Gargalis Cup tournament. Steve Ward won first place Men’s Gross and Denise Russell won first place Women’s Net. Forty-six members participated in the two-day tournament which is held in honor of Mickey Gargalis, an original member of the club who was instrumental in working with the POA to get the club sanctioned.

Canyon Lake resident Chuck Casey was awarded an Individual Achievement award from the Combined Cycle, Generator and Steam Turbine Users Groups. Individual Achievement recognition is earned by industry professionals who have demonstrated excellence throughout their careers in design, construction, management, operation and/or maintenance of generating facilities powered by gas and/or steam turbines.

More than 250 pre-1977 classic and custom cars and trucks were on display at the lodge on Oct. 7 for the 12th annual Canyon Lake Car Show. Cars came as far away as Nevada and Arizona to participate. The show, hosted by the Canyon Lake Car Club and POA, also featured more than 20 vendor booths, music by High Energy Sounds, opportunity drawings, awards, a performance by the ShowCal Skiers on the main lake, post-show Car Cruise and a post-show Sock Hop Dinner-Dance. A total of 27 trophies were awarded.

Canyon Laker Tara Abell directed Temescal Canyon High School’s (TCHS) fall production of “You Can’t Spell Slaughter Without Laughter.” The production, a comedy about an amateur production of a murder mystery that goes hopelessly awry and creates theatrical mayhem, ran from Oct. 12 to Oct. 14. Members of TCHS staff were cast in the production.

The Jr. Women’s Club hosted its 3rd annual Rocktoberfest at Holiday Harbor. The event featured beer tastings from local microbreweries, vendors, live music, food from the Urban Craft Eatery and opportunity drawings. A portion of the funds raised were donated to the Las Vegas Victims Fund for the victims of the Las Vegas shooting. The shooting occurred during the Route 91 Harvest Festival where 58 people were killed and 851 were injured. Several Canyon Lake residents were at the festival.

The Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild hosted the “Smooth Sounds of Santana”  tribute band concert at the lodge on Oct. 14. Audience members danced and sang along to Santana favorites such as “Evil Ways,” “Black Magic Woman” and “Smooth.”

The Canyon Lake Bassmasters Club held its monthly tournament. Nolan Cromwell came out on top with a fish weight of 15.69 lbs. Nolan also won “Big Fish of the Day” with a fish weighing 5.08 lbs.

Fire professionals from Canyon Lake Fire Station 60 were guests of Miss Ginny’s Story Time at the Canyon Lake Library. The kids learned about fire prevention and safety as well as hearing stories about fire trucks and fire professionals.

The Canyon Lake Ladies of the Lake gathered at the senior center for a potluck and to prepare 350 American flags that would be placed in the yards of veterans leading up to Veterans Day. The flags were donated by residents Warren Kelsey and Jack Wamsley.

The Pickleball Club hosted its first annual Costume Potluck-N-Play Mixer at East Port Park. Forty-eight members enjoyed food, pickleball play and a costume contest.

A vehicle rolled into the water at the East Port boat launch ramp on Oct. 20. James Ravenna and his caretaker were taking photos with the car parked on the ramp. According to a report by City of Canyon Lake Special Enforcement Officer Curtis Browning, the caretaker accidentally released the emergency brake when reaching into the vehicle for unknown reasons. The vehicle could not be removed until the following morning. The POA handled the cleanup with absorbent pads and booms around the contaminated area. The registered owner of the vehicle was issued an Administrative Citation for violation of Municipal Code(s) CLMC 15.01.020 “Non-Storm Water Discharge” and CLMC 15.01.040 “Prohibited Discharge.” The citation carries a penalty of $500.00.

More than 100 residents attended the POA’s Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the new pickleball courts. Light refreshments were served and gift cards were raffled off. Following the ceremony, free pickleball lessons were offered for those interested in learning more about the sport.

The Tennis Club held its Halloween Costume Mixer on Oct. 21. Thirty-two players dressed up in costumes to play tennis and enjoy food and fellowship with club members.

Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted the 25th annual Parade of Frights in the Towne Center. Kids dressed in fright-free costumes participated in a parade and used a treasure map that led them to businesses where they received a stamp and treats. Best Costume awards were given to various age groups. ABC Bounce provided fun with jumpers and carnival games. Mike Shroyer of Good Time Entertainment emceed the event and provided the music.

More than 140 costumed children attended the Family Matters Club’s 4th annual Halloween Carnival and Costume Contest at Holiday Harbor Park. The event included game booths, crafts, face painting, vendors and bounce house fun.

The Canyon Lake Car Club recognized members Chuck Casey and Lee Norris for their enthusiasm and commitment to the Car Club and the 2017 Car Show.

November

The POA held its final concert of the year in the Concerts at the Lodge series. Legendary rock artist Rick Derringer performed hit songs such as “Hang on Sloopy,” “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride” before an enthusiastic crowd of more than 200. Ticket holders were treated to a Meet and Greet after the show.

A five-vehicle collision on Railroad Canyon Rd. at the main gate on the evening of Nov. 2 left one man dead and several others injured. The driver causing the accident was suspected by police to have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.

The Elsinore Municipal Water District (EMWD) and community partners celebrated the groundbreaking of the Quail Valley Sewer Project. When completed, the project will help reduce bacteria into Canyon Lake that flows from Quail Valley into the lake via the culvert at the end of Fair Weather Dr. during heavy rainfall.

The Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild announced its 2018 concert series line up. The 2018 season will include tributes to Billy Joel, Bee Gees, Jimmy Buffet, Chicago and Rod Stewart.

The Canyon Lake Bassmasters Club announced its monthly tournament winners. The team of Joe Merrill and Brian Hahn won top total weight with 18.22 lbs. of fish. Joe also won “Big Fish of the Day” with a bass weighing 7.45 lbs.

On Nov. 11, more than 500 residents gathered in Canyon Lake Towne Center to honor veterans for their service, sacrifice and love of country. Canyon Lake’s 9th annual Veterans Day Celebration kicked off with a War Birds West flyover followed by the posting of the flag and colors, anthems, presentations, laying of the wreath and the procession of patriots.

For the first time in Temescal Canyon High School’s history, the girls varsity tennis team secured the CIF championship title. Coaches Laurel Hebein and Tony Arendt, both Canyon Lake residents, led fellow Canyon Lake players Keely Arendt, Kristen Ha, Amanda Martilla, Adelina Whaley, along with the rest of the team, Kaitlyn Driggers, Angelina Ha, Valerie Hallin, Yasmin Johnson, Madison Ngo, Bethany Strong and Semaj Walter, to victory.

Eight-year-old Canyon Lake resident Jace Tolbert earned second place and third overall in the 49th annual Elsinore Grand Prix.

After 15 years of service, Joanna Spiller retired from the Fiesta Day Committee and her position as chairperson. Joanna joined the committee in 2002 and served as booth organizer and treasurer. In 2006, the committee elected her as chairperson. From 2006 to 2017, she served as both the chairperson and treasurer.

The Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild installed its new Board of Directors for the 2018 concert season. The 2018 Board of Directors are Ron Martel, president; Dee Zasio, treasurer; Sue Bonner, membership director; Bert Barbary, operations manager; Orlando Lopez, activities director; Bonnie Dubbs, social director; Corrie Tutt, secretary and Larry Garland, publicity.

On Nov. 16, a Dodge Ram 2500 truck veered off the side of the road on Vacation Dr. and crashed into a pad mounted equipment box. The crash tripped the circuit and caused an electrical flash that sent the vehicle and the 800-pound box plunging off the side of the hill. The vehicle rolled several times before landing upside down on the hillside below. A small brush fire started on the hill but was quickly extinguished. The 30-year-old driver was able to free himself and walk away from the crash with minor injuries. He was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for evaluation and released later that evening.

Canyon Lake resident Mikaela Wells, a senior and water polo goalie at Temescal Canyon High School, signed a Letter of Intent to play water polo for the Seahawks, a Division 1 team at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY.

Ninety-four golfers participated in the Canyon Lake Men’s Golf Club Member/Member golf tournament.

For the first time in Temescal Canyon High School’s history, the boys varsity water polo team won the 2017 CIF Southern Section Division 5 championships. Nine of the 15 players are Canyon Lake residents.

Canyon Lakers Michael Claeys, Jerrod Paulson, Shawn Viola, Tim Boman, Monica Viola, Brayden Viola, Patti Easterly, Todd Barsby and Gavin Viola participated in a bike ride fundraiser to help raise money for the victims of the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas. The event was organized by Sarah Sleeter, a resident of Menifee, who was at the concert with friends on the night of the shooting.

The City of Canyon Lake held its annual Turkey Drive on Nov. 16. Eighty turkeys and 80 bags of fixings were collected during the two-hour drive. The food collected was donated to Helping Our People in Elsinore (H.O.P.E.). The services provided by H.O.P.E. also help to benefit Canyon Lake families in need

A new flagpole was installed at Happy Camp. The new addition was made possible by 14-year-old Canyon Lake Eagle Scout Jake Hosking from Troop 444. Jake raised money through recycling and donations to pay for the flagpole. The flagpole is dedicated to all past, present and future Eagle Scouts in Canyon Lake and Den Leader Mark Heider to thank them for their service to the community.

Peggy Basubas, Joe Cruz, Devlin Fillmore, Fred Willis, George Middle, Mike Porter and Michelle Porter were announced as the winners of the Tennis Club’s annual Turkey Trot Mixer.

The Friday Flyer celebrated its 27th anniversary. The very first edition of The Friday Flyer hit the streets in November 1990 and not a week has gone by without the newspaper arriving in Canyon Lake mailboxes.

Approximately 100 residents attended the city’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony held in Towne Center. Canyon Lake Fire Station 60 chauffeured Santa to Towne Center where he took photos with attendees. The Canyon Lake Choraleers sang familiar holiday carols and city staff served complimentary hot chocolate and treats.

December

The Canyon Cowboy Saloon, the latest bar and restaurant to open in Towne Center, held its official grand opening on Dec. 1. The event featured live music by the band Young Guns, drink specials and giveaways.

The POA Board of Directors approved the purchase of four mounted radar units for Community Patrol vehicles as well as an RU2 mobile speed trailer at its Dec. 5 Regular Session Board Meeting. The RU2 mobile speed trailer will be used to help bring attention to speed control throughout the community and assist Community Patrol with issuing tickets to speeders in multiple locations. Eventually, the speed trailer will be able to track speeds and take photos of speeding vehicles. Speeders will then be issued citations by mail.

The Yacht Club held its annual Parade of Lights on Dec. 9. Winners were as follows: Sweepstakes ($125), the Cassidy family; Club Boat ($100), Ski Club; Ski Boat 1 ($100), Chris Freckleton and Amanda Johnson; Ski Boat 2 ($50), Angie and Mike Bazaldua; Pontoon Boat 1 ($100), the Cassara and Hosko families; Pontoon Boat 2 ($50), the Cameron family; Pontoon Boat 3 ($25), Robert Mora and Lainie Cooney. Robert and Lainie donated their prize money back to the Yacht Club.

Santa arrived at the home of Linda and Hans Weg on Dec. 10 and spent several hours visiting with parents and children who stopped by to say hello and make special requests.

A Flag Raising Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony was held at Happy Camp for a new flagpole that was installed in November. The flagpole was courtesy of Eagle Scout Jake Hosking. Canyon Lake Mayor Vicki Warren and former Mayor Randy Bonner attended the ceremony.

The Canyon Lake Kids Club decorated a tree for the first time to be placed on display along the median near the main gate. Each of the kids decorated the tree with ornaments they made.

More than 500 guests attended the Woman’s Club Holiday Home Tour, making it one of the club’s most successful Home Tour to date.

The POA teamed up with the Jr. Women’s Club to kick off the holiday season at the 36th annual Tree Lighting Festival at the lodge. The community-wide event featured Santa and Mrs. Claus, bounce houses, carnival rides, face painting, crafts, a balloon artist, holiday photo station, food vendors and entertainment. Mike Shroyer of Good Time Entertainment emceed the event and provided the holiday music.

By a vote of 3-2, Canyon Lake City Council appointed Vicki Warren to the seat of Mayor of Canyon Lake and Larry Greene to the seat of Mayor Pro Tem.

The Family Matters Cub also held its 4th annual Winter Carnival at Holiday Harbor where Santa arrived in style with the help of Alex Alvarez and his Polar Express golf cart train.

Twenty-five residents who live on Grey Fox Dr. gathered at the home of Neighborhood Watch Block Captains Sheryl and John Lewis for the 3rd annual Neighborhood Watch Program Potluck.

The Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild held its final tribute band concert of 2017 at the lodge. Beach Boy tribute band “Catch a Wave” performed to an enthusiastic sold-out crowd.

Travis Smith and Dale Britt were named the winners of the Bassmasters Cub monthly tournament. The duo caught 18.77 lbs. of bass.

The Travel Club held its annual Christmas Dinner Dance in the Holiday Bay Room at the lodge.

The Canyon Lake Choraleers wrapped up their 2017 season with their annual Christmas Concert, Joy, at the lodge.

The Homeowners Club announced the winners of the annual Home Decorating Contest: Best Overall, Jean and Mike Shroyer; Traditional, Cheryl and Jeremy Kite and Shirley and Sal D’Agostino; Religious, Ted Lehman; Most Illuminated, Tina and John Hosko; Most Whimsical, Tim Cascario; Musical, Kelly and Brandon Orth; Humorous, Kathy and Jim Downy and Yvonne and Mike Walsh.

The Women’s Golf Club held its annual Christmas Tournament and Installation of 2018 Officers. Tournament winners were as follows: A Flight First Place, Cheryl Evans, Dianne Schneider, Linda Johnson, Inga Loy and Marilyn Bridges; B Flight First Place, Valerie Montgomery, Cathy Barr, Jeanette Williams, Lou DeYoung, Dorothy Washle and Barbara Albrecht; C Flight First Place, Gail McCall, Barbara Spraul, Linda Kielty, Rose Girard, Teresa Roberson and Kathy Sanchez.

Nearly 100 members of the Roadrunners RV Club attended the club’s annual Christmas Dinner-Dance. Members enjoyed a catered dinner by the lodge and live entertainment by local band One Guy and a Chick. Gifts for children were collected and donated to Spark of Love.

The Erosion Repair Project began on the main causeway tunnel to repair years of erosion caused by wave action.

The Canyon Lake Car Club held its annual Holiday Dinner-Dance at the lodge. The event featured dinner, dancing, live entertainment and opportunity drawings.

Canyon Lakers competed for the most outrageous ugly sweater at the country club’s annual Ugly Sweater Party. Hugh Wagner, Scott Ellis, Harry Larson, Jim Fields and Leslie Netting were declared the winners of the Ugly Sweater Contest.

On Dec. 21, a head-on car collision on Vacation Dr. claimed the life of a 29-year-old Canyon Lake resident Gina Fiorentino and injured two others. The preliminary investigation revealed that a Cadillac driven by Gina swerved into the eastbound lane colliding head-on with a Ford truck.

The Canyon Lake Women’s Golf Club held its annual Christmas Tournament and Installation of 2018 Officers. Members donated approximately 70 new toys for the Mattress Firm Foster Program.




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