Good-bye 2019, hello 2020!

BY

Canyon Lakers welcomed a new year on Wednesday and with it hopeful anticipation of the things ahead for the POA, city and residents. As we look forward to 2020, The Friday Flyer will look back at the highlights of 2019 in a four-part series, beginning this week with a look back at January through March 2019.

January

The Triathlon and Fitness Club kicked off 2019 with its second annual Polar Swim on Jan. 1 at Sunset Beach. Six swimmers, Jerry Hollister, Craig Graham, Lainie Cooney, Paul Gallagher, George Hicks and Kalon Morris, braved the cold air and even colder water temperatures to participate in the event.

Canyon Lake resident Jim Dieringer warned the community about coyote attacks on pets after his 15-pound poodle was snatched by a coyote from Jim’s patio on the evening of Jan. 2.

The POA announced that the new amphitheater at Holiday Harbor Park passed the final inspection on Jan. 4.

Canyon Lakers Sue and Gary Sell celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on Jan. 6.

Forty-four Canyon Lakers participated in the annual Polar Bear event wearing only bathing suits and life jackets. The event was held on Jan. 5 at Sunset Beach and hosted by the Ski Club, Wakeboard Club and ShowCal Skiers.

With a total fish weight of 15.79 pounds, the team of Danny Batinich and Travis Smith won first place in the Bassmasters Club’s monthly tournament on Jan. 5. Jim Wright and Kevin Hugo came in second place with a total fish weight of 11.49 pounds. The team of Rich Tucker and Mark White reeled in third place with five fish weighing a total of 10.06 pounds.

According to The Friday Flyer’s Weatherman Pat Elliano, the high temperature for the week of Jan. 1 to Jan. 8 was 68 degrees. The low temperature was 32 degrees.

The City Council appointed Mike Borja to interim city manager on Jan. 10 after deciding not to renew City Manager Aaron Palmer’s contract, which was due to expire on Mar. 1. Palmer was put on administrative leave but remained a city employee until the end of his contract.

The library’s new Technology for Seniors program started on Jan. 12. The four-week program featured such topics as understanding Windows 10 software and digital and email scams.

Friends and family members of Canyon Lake resident Sally Wedehase came together to celebrate her life on Jan. 12 at the country club. Sally passed away on Dec. 10, 2018.

The POA Board of Directors approved funding in the amount of $21,759.42 plus a 2.5 percent contingency from the Capital Improvement Fund for new RFID lanes at the main and east gates and $3,869.70 from the Repair and Replacement Fund for an upgraded RFID antenna at the east gate.

At the first 2019 meeting of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, First District Supervisor Kevin Jeffries was elected as chair with the unanimous support of his colleagues. Jeffries is a business property owner in the Canyon Lake Towne Center. He has been a strong advocate of Canyon Lake fire services and helped the city re-open its fire station. Jeffries represents approximately 450,000 residents from the cities of Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake and most of the City of Riverside.

Lake Elsinore launched its Railroad Canyon Road Widening Project and urged commuters who travel on Railroad Canyon Road to use alternative routes for the next several months.

The Friday Flyer’s Cook’s Corner Columnist Betty Williams welcomed readers to 2019 with a Simple Turkey Meatloaf recipe.

The Tennis Club hosted a Winter Tennis Camp for kids Jan. 7 through Jan. 10.

The POA hosted two STEM camps for kids Jan. 7 through Jan. 11 at the East Port Activities Room.

The Temescal Canyon High School competition cheer team made history when they won first place in their division at the first-ever CIF Southern Section Competitive Cheer Championships on Jan. 12 at Colony High School in Ontario.

One week later on Jan. 19, the team won first place in their division at the CHEERpros State Championships in Costa Mesa. It was the team’s fourth consecutive win at CHEERpros.

Thirty-eight individuals donated blood at the Jr. Women’s Club Health and Wellness Fair and Blood Drive on Jan. 13 at the lodge.

The POA hosted its annual Employee Appreciation on Jan. 18 at the lodge.

The Canyon Lake Middle School competition cheer team competed at the CHEERpros California State Championships on Jan. 19 at the Orange County Fairgrounds Event Center where they took first place in the Jr. High Show Cheer division. After earning the highest score, CLMS was named Grand Champions. It was the second consecutive year the team defended their division title and won Grand Champions.

Members of the Canyon Lake Kids Club enjoyed a field trip to DeJong’s Dairy on Jan. 22. The children fed the cows, learned how milk was made and enjoyed cookies and chocolate milk.

Canyon Laker Anton Riniti made two holes-in-one on Jan. 24 at the Riviera Maya Golf Course at the Vidanta Resort in Mexico. According to the National Hole-In-One Registry, the odds of an average amateur golfer making two holes-in-one in the same round is 67 million to 1.

The Yacht Club held its annual Installation Dinner on Jan. 25 at the lodge.

Elsinore High School defeated 18 high school teams to claim the championship at the 36th Riverside County Academic Decathlon on Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 at Vista del Lago High School in Moreno Valley. It was the third consecutive win for Elsinore.

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce honored its Community Award recipients, The Friday Flyer, Business of the Year; Fine Arts Guild, Organization of the Year; Lyne Hall, Volunteer of the Year; Jordan Ehrenkranz, Citizen of the Year; and Ryan Hosking, Youth of the Year, during its annual Awards and Installation Gala on Jan. 26 at the lodge.

Longtime Canyon Lake resident Elaine Sanderson turned 99 years old on Jan. 28. Her great-granddaughter Kinsley Hoffman turned four years old on the same day. The two celebrated their special day with family during a dinner at the Sports Stop Pub & Grill.

The Woman’s Club hosted its Fashion Show preparty Paint and Sip fundraiser for its members and their guests on Jan. 31 at the East Port Activities Room.

A resident was able to escape his vehicle and swim to safety after his Toyota RAV4 slid into the lake while he was attempting to load a boat on a trailer at the Eastport launch ramp on the afternoon of Jan. 31.

February

Eight Canyon Lake women participated in the annual Valley Quilters Quilt Show held on Feb. 8 and Feb. 9 at the Valley-Wide Recreation Center in San Jacinto. Pictured is Vannarin Warren, who placed third in Computer Assisted Machine Quilting. Photo provided by Kathy Barbay

Offroad champion and Canyon Lake resident Sara Price kicked off her 2019 race season in her Polaris RZR XP 1000 Turbo-S at the notoriously difficult King of The Hammers event on Feb. 3.

On Feb. 4, Animal Friends of the Valleys staged and carried out multiple pet store sweeps enforcing AB 485 that went into effect on Jan. 1. The AFV officers issued more than 60 citations for various violations, including selling puppies not in compliance with California’s Health and Safety Code.

On Feb. 6, the Canyon Lake City Council honored 17-year-old Ethan Clark for his accomplishments and commitment to community service.

The Woman’s Club welcomed its new members during its annual New Member Luncheon on Feb. 6 at the Treasure Island clubhouse. Hosted by the board members, the luncheon provided the opportunity for new members to get to know each other and learn more about the club, its events and the volunteer opportunities it offers. Thirty-three new members attended.

Eight Canyon Lake women participated in the annual Valley Quilters Quilt Show held on Feb. 8 and Feb. 9 at the Valley-Wide Recreation Center in San Jacinto. Kathy Barbay placed third in Piecing for a large quilt, Lynda Morrissette placed third in Piecing for a small quilt and Vannarin Warren placed third in Computer Assisted Machine Quilting.

The Triathlon and Fitness Club hosted a community “Heart and Sole” 5K run/walk and 10K run on Feb. 9.

The POA kicked off its 2019 “Concerts at the Lodge” series with a Missing Persons concert on Feb. 9 at the lodge. Canyon Laker Makayla Phillips opened the show. General Admission tickets sold for $29.

Priscilla Circle, an outreach to “People Living Alone Now” hosted its PLAN luncheon on Feb. 9, at Canyon Lake Community Chuch. Three times a year, the ladies of Priscilla Circle plan and provide a free luncheon for approximately 100 people who live alone or with a relative or roommate.

With a total fish weight of 24.62 pounds, the team of Kevin Hugo and Shane Meisel won first place in the Bassmasters Club’s monthly tournament on Feb. 9. Kevin also caught the “Big Fish of the Day” with a bass weighing 8.31 pounds.

The Canyon Lake Middle School competition cheer team competed at the NRG Golden State Championship at West Covina High School on Feb. 9 where they beat 24 teams to earn the title of Grand Champions. They also won Middle School Show Cheer, Most Outstanding Tumbling and Captain’s Cheer Trio.

Canyon Lake’s Tori Kelly won two Grammys at the 61st Grammy Awards on Feb. 10. Her song “Never Alone” won Best Gospel Performance/Song and her album “Hiding Place” won Best Gospel Album.

Lifelong Canyon Lake resident Dane Padrnos was among seven Student of the Month Program honorees feted at a recognition luncheon on Feb. 12.

The Men’s Golf Club hosted its annual Sweetheart Tournament on Feb. 10. The Women’s Golf Club hosted its “Love Rocks” Valentine’s Tournament on Feb. 12 and the 9ers Golf Club hosted its annual “Love is in the Air” Valentine’s Golf Tournament on Feb. 14.

Santa Rosa Academy students showcased and demonstrated their science, technology, engineering and mathematics explorations at the school’s annual STEM Expo on Feb. 14.

The Woman’s Club hosted its 3rd annual Cooking Class on Feb. 16 at the senior center.

The Pickleball Club held its 2nd annual Sweethearts vs. Singles Valentine’s Tournament on Feb. 16.

Bombshells, a clothing, accessories and gift boutique in the Towne Center, held its grand reopening on Mar. 9. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce, a live performance by the band Eclipse, food, raffles and special discounts.

The Temescal Canyon High School mountain bike team kicked off its 2019 season with the Beach to Boulders race on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 at Perris Lake.

The POA installed a new pedestrian gate at the east entrance. The board approved funding for the new gate on Oct. 2, 2018, in the amount of $18,985.58 plus a five percent contingency from the Capital Improvement Fund.

Animal Friends of the Valleys celebrated World Spay Day on Feb. 26 by providing vouchers for free spay and neuter.

Four members of the Canyon Lake Men’s Golf Club, Phil Lerch, Bob Scott, Steve McCain and Fred Finger, served as marshals at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Golf Championship.

March

The library celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a free Makerspace Craft Activity that included a whimsical Dr. Seuss inspired craft. Miss Ginny’s Story Time program celebrated with a visit from the Cat in the Hat (Canyon Lake resident John Guzman) on Mar. 1.

The library’s “Cover to Cover” reading program for children four to 12 years old kicked off on Mar. 2. Participants earned an achievement award for every five books read at reading level.

The Canyon Lake Kids Club kicked off March with a field trip to Sea World on Mar. 5. The kids celebrated Mardi Gras on Mar. 7 with a reading of “The Beignet That Almost Got Away” and celebrated St. Patrick’s Day the week of Mar. 12 with a leprechaun trap craft and a reading of “The Gingerbread Man and the Leprechaun.” The week of Mar. 19, the kids learned about spring and butterflies with readings of “Muse Loves Spring” and “Hooray for Spring” and crafts that included paper butterflies and paintings of poppies.

The Canyon Lake Women’s Golf Club held its 46th annual Club Championship Tournament on Mar. 9, 21 and 26. The field consisted of 28 players divided into three flights. Mary Burns was the Overall Gross winner and was toasted with champagne by her competitors. Mary won with a score of 274, winning by 11 strokes.

The POA announced that Jeanne O’dell, Tom Nathan, Chris Poland, Phil Hawgood and Mike Harris submitted Intent to Run forms and announced their candidacy for the 2019/2021 Board of Directors. Jeanne O’dell, Tom Nathan and Chris Poland were elected to the three open seats.

At the March POA Board of Directors Meeting, the board approved to increase the 2019/2020 annual assessments to $3,012, increasing the monthly dues by $15. The board also approved funding in the amount of $40,000 for the 2019 4th of July fireworks show and $4,116.82 for a new propane dispenser system at Happy Camp.

In a unanimous vote on Mar. 6, the Canyon Lake City Council approved a contract with Chris Mann and appointed him to serve as the administrative head of the city.

Canyon Lake residents Jean and John Fyffe celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Mar. 6.

Canyon Lake Little League kicked off its season on Mar. 9. Opening Day featured Storm’s mascot Thunder, vendors, face painting and a raffle.

The pool reopened on Mar. 9 featuring all new pool furniture.

Twenty-eight players participated in the Tennis Club’s St. Patrick’s Day Team Mixer on Mar. 9. Devlin Fillmore, Lucy Vogliardo, Melissa Bol, Mike Holden, John Knitter, Robert Gray and Claude Stemp of Team C took first place.

With a total fish weight of 22.22 pounds, the team of Stephan Lear and Travis Smith won first place in the Bassmasters Club’s monthly tournament on Mar. 9. A close second place went to the team of Mark White and Danny Batanich with five fish weighing 22.02 pounds. The team of Kevin Hugo and Jack Smith reeled in third place with five fish weighing 18.33 pounds. Jack Smith also earned the title of “Big Fish of the Day” with a bass weighing 6.89 pounds.

Canyon Lake residents Nancy and Ted Horton presented a program on monarch butterflies on Mar. 11 at the Canyon Lake Library. The program consisted of a slideshow and video on the life cycle of the monarch butterfly.

Former Canyon Lake resident Gregory Brandt was arrested on Mar. 11 on suspicion of homicide. According to the Riverside Sheriff’s Department, a five-week-old infant girl was brought to the hospital by her biological parents, Gregory Brandt, 33, and Jasmine Rugga, 27, from their residence in Menifee on Jan. 26. The infant was declared deceased after medical staff was unable to resuscitate her. Brandt was arrested on suspicion of homicide and Rugga on suspicion of child endangerment. Both were transported to the Cois Byrd Detention Center where Brandt’s bail was set at $1,000,000 and Rugga’s set at $35,000.

The Canyon Lake Middle School competition cheer team was honored at the Student of the Month Assembly on Mar. 15 for winning the title of 2019 California CHEERpros State Division Champions and Grand Champions. The students were presented with recognition certificates from Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez.

The Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild kicked off its 2019 season with a Garth Brooks tribute concert on Mar. 16 at the lodge.

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce held its annual Golf Tournament and Ball Drop on Mar. 16. More than 120 golfers participated in the tournament.

The Lions Club members set up a booth in front of Pack, Wrap and Post on Mar. 16 and collected new and used eyeglasses as part of a statewide effort to help those with vision problems.

Longtime Canyon Lake resident Sher Adamson celebrated her 80th birthday with family during a brunch at the lodge on St. Patrick’s Day.

Fellow Canyon Lakers and former Temescal Canyon High School water polo teammates Mikaela Wells of Wagner College and Emma Perez of Virginia Military Institute competed against each other in a game of water polo at the Spiro Athletic Center at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York, on Mar. 23. Wagner won the game 19-6.

Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District hosted its annual “Splash into Spring” Water Festival on Mar. 23 at EVMWD headquarters. The event featured tours of the water treatment plant, conservation demonstrations, landscape ideas, plant displays, children’s activities and water and wastewater related trucks and equipment.

The POA’s Mailbox Replacement Project resumed on Mar. 25 with the replacement of Group Seven mailboxes. In February 2018, The POA Board of Directors approved $390,182.03 to replace the aging mailbox clusters throughout the community with more secure and aesthetically pleasing cluster box units.

The Lions Club hosted its 29th annual Charity Golf Tournament on Mar. 28.

The first Flick-n-Float Movie Night of 2019 was held at the pool on Mar. 30 and featured the Disney movie “Aladdin.”

The Canyon Lake Association of Men hosted its annual Fundraiser Golf Tournament on Mar. 30.