Looking back

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

45 Years Ago

In August 1974, Canyon Lake was six years old. A “Hollywood Style” western barbecue was enjoyed by a large group of residents and their guests.

With a community church still in the planning stages, Sunday worship services were held at the lodge in the Fireside Room. The Corona Land Company donated a vacant lot off Railroad Canyon Road the anticipated sanctuary. Pledges and donations to a building fund had reached $15,000. Among those serving on the church board were Don Martin, Rae Simonson, Jerry Lee, Marlene Lord and Elaine Sanderson.

A grand opening of Eastport “luxury waterfront villas” was advertised with “lakefront living from $33,900.” At the same time, Treasure Island Condominium Homes in Canyon Lake were under construction with prices starting at $66,000 with 30-year financing. View Lot 679, Tract 3861 on Longhorn Drive, was offered for sale at $6,500 including house plans, and Lot 314, Tract 3178 could be purchased for $15,900.

40 Years Ago

The POA welcomed Jack McLean as acting general manager following Floyd Fidler’s resignation for medical reasons. Floyd had served in that capacity for four years.

A fundraising drive was underway to underwrite the cost of a basketball court at East Port Park.

POA President Ben Price announced the assessment for members would remain at $350 for the 1980-1981 Fiscal Year and that the board was actively pursuing a solution to the “new but ailing” card entry system.

Home Owners Club President Bill Haas reminded residents his group would be working with the Roadrunners Club to install blue buttons on local streets to help identify the location of fire hydrants.

Gary Harb was introduced to members as the new golf professional.

Values and costs were both growing in Canyon Lake, as well evidenced by a “three-bedroom, two-bath, waterfront home with a beautiful view down Silver Cove” listed at $139,000, and another home that would permit one to “walk to the lodge from this beautiful home, including furniture and a powerboat” for $105,000.

The POA was planning to host a Fall Variety Festival at the lodge to help raise funds for the local Volunteer Fire Department. The event was to feature a musical entitled “Nostalgia Time,” presented by members of the Canyon Lake Woman’s Club. Admission was $1 for adults and 50 cents for children.

35 Years Ago

In August of 1984, the POA sponsored a Summer Day Camp with all kinds of activities around the lodge, the equestrian center and the golf course.

The annual POA Luau was a popular end-of-summer activity. Some of the features included a beautiful pool setting, a feast on tasty Hawaiian roast pork and entertainment with the music and movement of Polynesian dancers.

POA General Manager Bill Stewart announced a new data processing program was to be installed so Community Patrol could screen requests for guest entry with a single telephone call instead of multiple calls to all gates.

Plans were underway to deal with the traffic problems at the main gate where those wishing to leave Railroad Canyon Road and turn left on Canyon Lake Drive South without a traffic light could proceed safely.

A property owners group calling itself the South Shore Marina filed plans to develop the parcel known as Lot 78 on Village Way Drive (now Holiday Harbor Park) into four single-family lots and seven commercial lots.

In 1984, member annual assessments were $450. The POA was increasingly concerned over escalating costs of the Lake Lease with Temescal Water Company.

A project to secure the Fairway Estates was completed and involved installing wrought iron fencing between the mobile home portion of Canyon Lake and the golf course, Towne Center and Railroad Canyon Road.

Property owners and guests were pleased to learn that the Canyon Lake Campground’s restroom facilities were completely refurbished and new showers, plumbing and toilets had been installed.

Many Canyon Lakers traveled to Lake Elsinore and were seen cheering the Olympic Torch as it continued down Mission Trail towards San Diego; this-once-in-a-lifetime event preceded the highly successful Los Angeles Olympic games held later at the Coliseum.

30 Years Ago

In August 1989, the recently formed Cotillion Club, under the direction of Margene Ziff and Dee Dee Davis, attracted local youngsters to classes featuring dancing, etiquette and manners. File Photo

In 1989, a newly reactivated Neighborhood Watch program was credited with a major drop in the gated community’s crimes and car theft incidents.

Members were asked to submit items for a “wish list” being assembled for future improvements for the use of the Long Range Planning Committee.

The recently formed Cotillion Club, under the direction of Margene Ziff and Dee Dee Davis, attracted many local youngsters to the classes featuring dancing, etiquette and manners.

The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District struck a deal with the owners of the Temescal Water Company to purchase the 102-year-old firm and its assets, including the Canyon Lake reservoir. EVMWD Director Chuck Bryant, a Canyon Lake resident, hailed this purchase.

The POA was reviewing a report dealing with the feasibility of a possible incorporation of the private community, the City of Canyon Lake.

The realignment of Railroad Canyon Road was included in plans for development of the proposed Audie Murphy Ranch east of Canyon Lake. This brought about the possible need of a traffic signal at the east gate.

Pre-planning for Canyon Lake’s fourth annual Oktoberfest sponsored by the active Home Owners Club was underway.

As of Aug. 1, 1989, Canyon Lake was 76 percent built. Of the 3,340 total residences, 2,348 were owner-occupied, 359 leased and 103 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 340 weekend homes and 60 spec houses. Vacant lots numbered 1,123. At that time, there were 208 new homes under construction.

Young water skier Rhoni Barton put Canyon Lake on the map when she took the gold medal at the National Waterskiing Championships in Louisiana.

25 Years Ago

In August 1994, the Canyon Lake Police Department and Fire Company 60 got a new water rescue boat. At the time of purchase, Fire Company 60 had 15 volunteers and was recruiting for more. File Photo

The focus of many of the community events taking place in August 1994 was raising funds for the Steve Kundrath family. Steve, 35, had recently been diagnosed with rapidly spreading tongue cancer. The community rallied around his family in a big way with plans for a dinner-dance and auction. Prizes flooded in for the auction. Other fundraisers were a golf tournament, basketball tournament, rummage sale and bake sale.

The Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band, stationed at El Toro, accepted the Home Owners Club invitation to play in the annual fall concert at Indian Beach.

Tara Miller sang the “Star Spangled Banner” at a Storm baseball game in Lake Elsinore.

The annual Kids Fishing Derby, hosted once again by the Anglers Club, attracted a record number of young fishing fans.

The City Council was approached by a firm interested in the possibility of building what was described as “the Canyon Lake Resort and Entertainment Center” with legalized gambling on land owned by Don and Elinor Martin, west of the golf course. Council members decided to get the opinion of voters with an advisory ballot measure. They indicated that, “given the limited economic options available to Canyon Lake, its elected officials have the public obligation and responsibility to consider any possibility for improving the long-term financial viability of the city.”

The Canyon Lake Police Department and Fire Company 60 got a new water rescue boat. At the time of purchase, Fire Company 60 had 15 volunteers and was recruiting for more.

POA General Manager Bill Halman reported that an overwhelming number of members did not want to have the Rolodex entry system reinstated.

Elinor’s Restaurant at the lodge planned a Sunday night steak cookout for families on the patio featuring a New York steak dinner for $8.95, with kids paying $4.50. Meanwhile, the country club planned to serve a hamburger, potato salad and baked beans for $5 per person, plus tax.

City Clerk Kathy Bennett reported that five Canyon Lakers had filed to run for the city council and four others had picked up papers at City Hall. Thomas Nagle, Cora Sue Barrett, Steven Graff, Sandra Robertson and incumbent Albert “Bill” Trembly officially filed for the two seats available and Helen Scott, Mark Weaver, Glen Vining and John Carroll had also drawn papers.

Local thespians were rehearsing for a production of “Peter Pan” at Indian Beach.

The high temperatures in Canyon Lake for the week of Aug. 10 was a sizzling 116 degrees.

The POA Board established a Youth Action Council to help coordinate activities for young residents.

20 Years Ago

The big news in 1999 was the plans for the replacement of the current 30-year-old lodge with a “crown-jewel” of a new facility that was proposed by the Facilities Planning Committee. Rich Croson, chair of the committee, said his group “was given the job of designing a lodge within a certain budget to meet the current and future needs of the community.”

The POA Board reported that a special election had been set for September for a vote by members whether or not to continue to follow the committee’s plans for a new facility.

As of August 1999, there were 3,978 residences in Canyon Lake. Of these, 3,105 were owner-occupied, 418 leased and another 24 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 277 weekend homes, 150 spec homes and 57 homes under construction. Vacant lots numbered 717 at the time.

A new pool at the lodge was another community improvement project under consideration by the POA Board. A 75 ft. by 25 ft. facility was being investigated.

A bomb scare in March and a serious accident on Railroad Canyon Road in July caused traffic to be re-routed through Canyon Lake’s private streets. The POA announced they would be looking into a policy to deal with such emergencies in the future.

The annual Jr. Golf Tournament was another success in bringing the gated community’s young golfers an opportunity to learn their links skills.

For the 18th year, the Canyon Lake Home Owners Club sponsored a military concert under the stars at Indian Beach. In 1989, the concert featured the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band stationed at the Miramar base. The annual event was coordinated by Cathy Zaitz and once again featured the massive United States flag provided by Carl’s Jr. restaurants.

15 Years Ago

In August 2004, Kristen Zaitz was crowned Miss Canyon Lake by Jessica Simpson. File Photo

In August 2004, newly elected Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone was to address the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce at its monthly luncheon.

As of Aug. 3, there were 3,422 owner-occupied residences in Canyon Lake. In addition, there were 426 leased homes and 47 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 333 weekend homes and 82 spec houses. There were also 53 homes under construction and only 399 lots remained vacant.

Residents were told they should prepare for a waiting period of at least two years that Railroad Canyon Road might be under construction and delays would be inevitable. A new fire station and shopping center were in future plans.

In the annual Scholarship Pageant sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, Kristen Zaitz was crowned Miss Canyon Lake.

The Governor was expected to sign a law that would exempt Canyon Lake’s swimmers and boaters from a law prohibiting bodily contact in drinking reservoirs.

A spectacular lightning storm caused many Canyon Lakers to send their pictures of the event to The Friday Flyer.

Some 800 Canyon Lakers and their guests were present at the end-of-season Taco Tuesday event at the lodge.

10 Years Ago

In August 2009, emergency locator signs with giant letters were placed at locations around the lake as a tool for first responders to pinpoint the location of emergencies. File Photo

Throughout the month of August 2009, stories of loss, cleanup and survival filled the pages of The Friday Flyer as owners and merchants in the Towne Center building destroyed by fire on July 17 told their stories.

In his report at the POA Board of Directors meeting, President Randy Bonner talked about the fire and expressed condolences for the store owners, merchants, employees and customers. He also expressed appreciation to the fire departments, police, EVMWD and the city and POA staff. In addition to Bonner, directors at the time were Vice President Michelle Gordon, Secretary David Johnston, Treasurer Steve Salazar and Director Guy Kestell.

A $5,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the fire that occurred at the Lake House on July 18. Riverside County Fire investigators determined arson as the cause of that fire, reported at 4:44 a.m. The fire broke out just one day after a major fire leveled the Towne Center building that housed a total of nine businesses, including another bar, the Sports Stop.

The Public Works Committee held a meeting to present the plan to widen Railroad Canyon Road from four lanes to six lanes. Attendees were told it wasn’t likely they would see a six-lane highway cutting through the community anytime in the near future, but the reality of a super thoroughfare between I-15 and I-215 was only a matter of time and funding. City officials wanted Canyon Lake’s portion of the project to be “shovel-ready” in the event of funding became available.

For the second time in as many months, Canyon Lake’s business people faced the Canyon Lake City Council regarding a controversial modification to an ordinance that would require individuals working as independent contractors, specifically realtors, to file for a business license.

The annual Canyon Lake Junior Golf Clinic was held Aug. 3 to Aug. 7, with 186 kids participating. Fifty volunteers helped with the clinic, which was led by Golf Pro Dave Lindeman and his staff, Ian Nelson, Sean McCaffery and Jerry Hefferon.

Canyon Lake wakeboarder Jacob Valdez took 1st place in the junior boys division of the Vans Triple Crown National Championship in Indianapolis.

Ninety-two Canyon Lakers escaped the Canyon Lake heat and went on a golf outing to Pismo Beach, California. The outing was organized by Joe Kamashian and Fran Pothier.

The City of Canyon Lake, along with the Canyon Lake Fire Department, approved the installation of lettered signs in locations around the lake to serve as identification markers during an emergency.

The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District approved the Longhorn Drive Waterline Replacement Project, designed to replace 7,200 ft. of existing waterlines under Longhorn Drive from Vacation Drive to just south of Appaloosa Court.

Guaranty Bank in the Towne Center (and elsewhere) got a new name when it was taken over by BBVA Compass. BBVA stands for Bilbao Vizcaya Argentina, the second-largest bank in Spain, which acquired Compass in February 2007.

On July 20, Americans celebrated the 40th anniversary of the day astronauts from Apollo 11 walked on the moon. Canyon Lake resident Velta Nichols watched the news coverage of the anniversary with great interest, recalling the part she played in that historic event in the Apollo manufacturing program at North American Rockwell.

Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed the following movies in August 2009: “Aliens in the Attic,” “Julie and Julia,” “District 9” and “Inglourious Basterds.”

5 Years Ago

Four Canyon Lake hopefuls would be added to the ballot vying to fill the two open seats on the Canyon Lake City Council in November of 2014. Members whose seats were up for reelection were Randy Bonner and Mary Craton. The candidates who qualified for the ballot in 2014 were Randy Bonner, Dawn Haggerty, Vicki Warren and John Zaitz.

The Car Club honored Stu and Donna Shandle and chose their 1956 Chevy Bel Air as August Car of the Month.

Several of Canyon Lake’s top water-skiers participated in two major water-skiing events in August. The 2014 shining stars from the Canyon Lake Ski Club were Kendra Nathan, 10, and Carol Brooks, 55, who both took home medals in every event they participated in at both the Regional and National tournaments.

Young anglers, ages 5 to 15, turned out to participate in the annual Canyon Lake Kids Fishing Derby put on by the Bassmasters. With 196 kids vying for the top awards, the competition was fierce but fun as they fished for catfish, bluegill, crappie and carp (no bass allowed).

Approximately 75 members of the Chair Volleyball group attended their annual Storm baseball game on Aug. 20, the same day as a freak summer thunderstorm. While anxiously watching and waiting through the afternoon storm, Chair Volleyball spokesperson Bert Barbay laughingly noted they were going to a “Storm” game to see “Thunder.”

Several 9ers Golf Club members played at the Lawrence Welk Executive Golf Course on Aug. 21. Another play day was scheduled for October of that year.

The Paddle and Pedal Regatta held on Aug. 22 at Indian Beach was “very successful,” according to Fitness and Triathlon Club spokesperson Ronale Rhodes. She says approximately 100 people participated, paddling and pedaling from Indian Beach to East Port and back. The event concluded with a barbecue and beach party celebration.

The Tennis Club and Lioness Club joined forces on Aug. 23, to host a bingo fundraiser party for Tennis Club member Jimmie Aguilar and his family. At the time, Jimmie was being treated for stage 4 cancer.

The last Taco Tuesday of the 2014 season drew to an end on Aug. 26 with a special show featuring the ShowCal Skiers.