Looking Back

Here’s a look back on events, stories and news in July over the last 45 years in Canyon Lake.

45 Years Ago

Tennis players from Canyon Lake and attending Elsinore High School won the De Anza League Championship under the guidance of coach Ray Corral.

What was soon to become Treasure Island was slowly taking shape off Longhorn Drive.

A boat caught fire on the main lake and the Quail Valley Fire Department arrived a few minutes later, manning a water hose to put out the flames.

POA General Manager Smith Falconer announced that he was looking into the problem caused by unoccupied trailers being left at the campground. Motorcycles, stocking the lake with bass, the need for additional rental houses in the community and breakfast served at the lodge were additional topics of discussion.

Canyon Lake condominiums were offered from $44,950 to $46,500, and Lot 16, Tract 4001 could be had for assuming the $3,500 balance.

40 Years Ago

Forty years ago, weekender Lori Moore was named Miss Canyon Lake in a competition that included some 50 entrants. File Photo

Real estate was booming and a large waterfront home at the west end of Catfish Cove was offered for sale at $159,900.

A series of robberies and vandalism caused POA General Manager Floyd Fidler to suggest that a Neighborhood Watch might be established to help the local security be forced to deal with the problem,

Residents were still talking about the highly successful Fiesta Day activities, including the colorful parade organized by Ray Poche.

Weekender Lori Moore was named Miss Canyon Lake in a competition that included some 50 entrants.

Fred Dalby reported that fishing was picking up at the campground. One young boy caught a large carp and Fred said these are considered junk fish, non-edible. But, if one wants to cook them, he suggested the carp be placed on a pine board, placed in an oven at 350 degrees and cooked for 20 minutes. Then, take the carp out of the oven, he said, throw it away and eat the pine board.

The Home Owners Club held its annual picnic with 150 attending the event held at Indian Beach.

The Roadrunners traveled to Oak Springs Ranch near Hemet for a caravan that featured swimming, gold and a barbecue that included a 225-pound pig.

35 Years Ago

Plans were underway for the annual March Air Force Base concert at Indian Beach, featuring the massive American flag from Carl’s Jr.

The Canyon Lake Volunteer Fire Department announced steps to purchase a rescue vehicle for Fire Station 60 at the price of $54,935. Funds for the purchase were to come from the volunteers, the POA and various local clubs and organizations.

The need for a traffic signal at Railroad Canyon Road and the main gate was obvious to anyone who traveled to the community. The Riverside Road Department told local leaders it would take a $40,000 contribution from the community to underwrite the installation of the signal. A fundraising effort, headed by Canyon Lake activist Glen Foster, accepted the challenge and undertook the challenge to bring about the necessary funding. They adopted the slogan of “Support Our Signal,” (SOS) and asked for help in making the four-way signal a reality.

Resident Chuck Bryant was Canyon Lake’s representative on the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and he reported that the new sewer plan would be completed by August, unless an anticipated problem arose.

Harry Glover, chairman of the Presidents’ Committee, sponsor of Fiesta Day, congratulated all who participated. Robin Boswell was crowned Miss Canyon Lake and Dee Dee Davis posed as Miss Brazil.

Complaints arose from neighbors near Gault Field that lighting was becoming a nuisance and the field was nicknamed “The Canyon Lake Air Field.” This resulted in contractors modifying the lighting with baffles and shielding installed.

30 Years Ago

As of July 1, Canyon Lake was 75 percent built with 3,303 total residences. Of these, 2,325 were owner-occupied, 347 leased and another 115 rented on a month-to-month basis. Four hundred, sixty homes belonged to weekenders and 51 were spec homes. There were 1,148 vacant lots remaining and there were 216 homes under construction.

In July 1989, the Home Owners Club Board of Directors reacted to a growing list of burglaries and thefts in the gated community and offered a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for such crimes.

The Riverside County Sheriff reported that automobile theft was the fastest growing crime in the state and 36 cars were stolen in Canyon Lake the previous year.

Myron Davis, chairman of the Presidents Council, reminded residents that recycling paper, cans and other items had contributed to the 4th of July Fireworks Show. He said the plan had been discontinued, but there would be a new way of raising funds for the annual pyrotechnic display.

Members of the Air Force Band of the Golden West were scheduled to appear in a free concert at Indian Beach. This marked the eighth consecutive year this outstanding musical event came to Canyon Lake. The Anglers Club sold fish and chip dinners as a fundraiser and some estimates indicated 1,100 were in attendance at the Home Owner’s Club’s free gift to the community.

A rash of phony plastic car decals concerned officials in Canyon Lake and they were traced to a young man in Lake Elsinore who sold them for $3.

25 Years Ago

As of July 1, Canyon Lake was 81.5 percent built, with 18 homes under construction and 998 vacant lots. Of the 3,768 residences, 2,698 were owner-occupied, 509 leased and 37 rented on a month-to-month basis. Weekenders numbered 463 and there were 61 spec houses.

The annual 4th of July celebration in July 1994 got underway with a musical presentation by Spider and the Mustangs, a country and western group. Tasty meals were served at Elinor’s at the lodge prior to another spectacular fireworks display from Skipper’s Island.

The annual Jr. Golf Clinic drew 163 youngsters. The popular program was led by Golf Pro Dave Lindeman and his assistants, John Eddins and Sean McClosky. It concluded with a tournament, followed by a barbecue and prize drawing at Indian Beach.

The newly established Canyon Lake Little League finished its first year with great success and even sent teams to the All-Star finals. Managers of the first four teams in the league were Steve Dale, Steve Waldroff, Chris Ginter and Steve Petty.

The Canyon Lake Community Theatre and Performing Arts Association (CLCT) held a well-attended “Night at Storm Stadium” as a fundraiser. Local “rising star” vocalist Tara Miller sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” for the crowd.

The Jr. Women’s Club sponsored an Aloha Casino Night at the lodge pool that attracted a large and happy group of revelers. Miss Canyon Lake, Nichole Ferrera, was among those in attendance.

POA President John Zaitz presented Dominic Incorvia, Diann McKie and Bud Aronsen with certificates of appreciation for their efforts on behalf of Canyon Lake’s citizens in a ceremony attended by the board of directors. The three were recognized for their development of Lucky Cove, teaching children the joy of dancing and spearheading the Tuesday Work Group’s contributions to the golf course.

POA General Manager Bill Hallman reported that vandalism so far that year had cost the Association $8,341 in graffiti removal expenses.

20 Years Ago

As of July 1, 33 homes had been approved by the ACC for Canyon Lake. Of the 3,974 total residences, 3,091 were owner-occupied, 418 leased on a month-to-month basis. There were 218 weekend homes and 181 spec houses. Vacant lots numbered 728 and 22 homes were under construction.

In July 1999, POA officials anticipated the population of the community would swell to 30,000 for the 4th of July celebration.

Concerns emerged from local residents over the possible readiness of Americans when “Y2K” arrived on New Year’s Day in 2000. All sorts of potential problems were addressed in columns of The Friday Flyer. The Lioness Club, however, planned to recognize the millennium with etched wine glasses.

Two young Canyon Lake motocross racers, Brett Downey, 6, and Tyler Duncan, 15, qualified to ride in the prestigious Loretta Lynn American Motorcycle Association (AMA) National Youth Championship to be held in Tennessee.

Implementation of a new Reserve Auxiliary Marine Patrol (RAMP) on Canyon Lake waterways was under construction by the POA.

The POA Facilities Planning Committee was unveiling plans for the new lodge and renderings of the new building continued to be shown in The Friday Flyer. The rumor that the complex would contain the “Canyon Lake Lodge Casino” was announced as unfounded and untrue.

After the Facilities Planning Committee presented its final design plans, a special election was scheduled for September to determine whether or not the current 6,900 sq. ft. lodge – described as antiquated and inadequate – would be replaced by a “crown jewel” facility capable of meeting the needs of the community in the decades ahead.

The Ski Club held a Learn to Ski Day, with Arnold Winchester being the oldest skier at 80, and Amy Kennedy one of the youngest at six. Ski Club president was Al Van Beenen.

Jules Wesselink, longtime local resident, was featured in Sunset Magazine for his award-winning Gouda Cheese.

Rehearsals were underway for the local Community Theatre’s production of “Annie.”

Canyon Lakers were told the community would receive a new area code in February 2000. There would be a seven-month “get-acquainted” period to fully transition from 909 to 951.

15 Years Ago

In July 2004, six-year-old Michael Sharkey earned a spot in the U.S. Kids Golf Championship in Williamsburg, Virginia, after taking second place in the Southern California championship. File Photo

In July 2004, plans were underway to construct a new fire station on Railroad Canyon Road near the new Cottonwood Canyon development.

Dissent among POA Board members brought “Letters to the Editor” and talk of a possible recall. Embattled POA Director Rick Mann resigned from his elected post and was replaced by Jordan Ehrenkranz.

Seventeen girls successfully completed the “babysitting class” suggested by Miss Pre-Teen Carlee Blakemore and sponsored by the POA.

An increase in mail theft and vandalism in Canyon Lake brought action from U.S. Postal authorities.

Canyon Lake’s Paul Price was among those honoring Luiseno American Indian culture in a new Oceanside park.

Three City Council incumbents were up for re-election as Frank Kessler, John Zaitz and Jack Wamsley and the other council and staff continued to work with Broadside Homes as they prepared to build the Audie Murphy Ranch property adjacent to Canyon Lake.

Temperatures reached 105.7 on July 14 and brush fires in nearby surrounding areas were visible from Canyon Lake.

Thirty-six Canyon Lake Ski Club members competed in the Western Regional Tournament held July 21 to 24 near Bakersfield, California. They brought home a total of 33 medals from the competition, including 15 first place and 10 second place honors.

Six-year-old Michael Sharkey earned a spot in the U.S. Kids Golf Championship in Williamsburg, Virginia, after learning to play golf in Canyon Lake’s Jr. Golf Clinic two years earlier. Earlier in the summer, Michael took second place in the U.S. Kids Golf Southern California State Championships, shooting the third lowest score in the U.S. in the six and under Under division.

The Jr. Women’s Club contributed more than $25,000 to various local projects.

Regular customers at Pepe’s Restaurant were saddened to learn that Staff Sgt. Trevor Spink, 36, who worked at the Canyon Lake restaurant off and on, was one of four Marines killed in a vehicle accident near their base camp in Fallujah, Iraq. He had already served two tours in Iraq before being sent back in June.

10 Years Ago

In July 2009, Canyon Lake Little League’s Junior All-Stars, coached by Dave Lindeman and Phil Cohen, won the District 28 Championship. File Photo

The Chamber of Commerce’s 12th annual Ray Chenette Golf Tournament was a success, raising more than $6,000 for August’s Canyon Lake Jr. Golf Clinic.

The City of Canyon Lake tightened its belt with the approval of a 2009-2010 budget that, while calling for cuts in nearly every department, still required the city to dip into reserves in order to cover the approximate $296,010 gap between projected revenue and expenditures.

In July 2009, two fires destroyed buildings in the Towne Center. One fire consumed a 10,000 sq. ft. building in the Towne Center on the morning of July 17 and a smaller fire damaged a building at the opposite end of the center Saturday morning. Ironically, the two fires destroyed one bar and damaged another; however, the incidents were not related according to Lt. Dan Feltenberger of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

The Towne Center building that was destroyed in the fire that took place on Friday morning included nine separate units (lots) owned by seven different owners. The fire, first reported by CLPD Deputy Ken Guilford at 5:28 a.m., originated in the Sports Stop, consisting of two units owned by Dale Erwin.

The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District announced that the Canyon Lake water treatment plant was back in operation after several months of upgrades, removing five to seven million gallons per day as a key source of supplemental drinking water for EVMWD customers.

The Canyon Lake Middle School Choir, directed by Robert Bouslog, received a superior ranking at a national choir competition.

Canyon Lake Little League’s Junior All-Stars, coached by Dave Lindeman and Phil Cohen, won the District 28 Championship.

Wakeboarder Jacob Valdez had a second place finish at the WWA National Championships, giving him a spot to compete in the World Championships.

Several Canyon Lakers, including Mayor Mary Craton, attended the grand opening of the new Stater Bros in Canyon Hills.

Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed the following movies in July 2009: “My Sister’s Keeper,” “Public Enemies,” “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,” and “G-Force.”

5 Years Ago

WEBB Associates, the engineering company contracted by the POA, presented design plans for a redesigned main gate at a board meeting on July 8, 2014. Photo provided by WEBB Associates

WEBB Associates, the engineering company contracted by the POA, presented design plans for a redesigned main gate at a board meeting on July 8. Plans were based on the input from the POA staff, Board of Directors, Facilities Review Committee and members of the community.

The future of Fire Station 60 remained a top priority for the Canyon Lake City Council as members struggled to find a solution to a budgeting dilemma. A telephone survey regarding a proposed Utility Users’ Tax (UUT) was conducted to help the council determine whether to put the proposed UUT on the November ballot.

The Tennis Club congratulated winners of the Canyon Lake Tennis Club Fiesta Doubles Mixer, held July 12. The winners were Mike Porter, Michelle Porter, Tammy Kennedy, Phil Braun, Sheri Lockerby, Kathy Reyes, Liz Clark and Anthony Hardin.

In order to beat the heat, the Bassmasters held a tournament on July 12, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Six teams competed, bringing a total of 30 fish to the scales for a combined weight of 99.56 pounds.

The Ski Club announced that Imre Weil set a western area record at the Canyon Lake Ski Club’s Mid-Summer Classic, held July 12 and 13, at the north ski area. A former three-event competitor in slalom and trick and jump, Imre, age 86, said he would like to get back into tricking as well, but has been concentrating on one slalom.

On July 27, in Waco, Texas, Canyon Lake’s Melissa Marquardt won the highly-coveted title of National Champion in women’s professional wakeboarding.

Four members of the Canyon Lake Triathlon Club, Stephen Bustos, Phil Dampier, Tim Janes and Jen Orr, competed in Ironman Austria on June 29. An Ironman event is an ultra distance triathlon consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. The event was held in Klagenfurt Austria, with the swim event taking place in the clear blue water of Lake Worthersee.