City backs off enforcing; POA begins to open up

Most amenities have been reopened, but playgrounds are still off limits per the state orders. File Photo by Donna Ritchie

Both the City of Canyon Lake and the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association have responded to relaxed county and state COVID-19 orders by starting the process to reopen local businesses and POA facilities.

“With these new modifications in place, many of the Canyon Lake POA facilities and services are able to reopen under limited hours and recommended guidelines,” Canyon Lake POA General Manager Eric Kazakoff said. ”In order to facilitate these openings, we are preparing our facilities to accommodate these guidelines so that we can do our part in helping to keep our community healthy. We will continue to practice social distancing guidelines at all facilities and we require that members do the same.”

Likewise, City Manager Chris Mann said that as a result of recent state and county developments, the city has lifted its emergency order and has opened the door for city businesses to begin opening back up.

Eastport Park, above, is among the parks reopened for restricted use. Safe distancing needs to continue to be implemented and no gatherings, but outdoor recreation is welcomed after stay-at-home orders are lifted. Photo provided by the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association

“The city’s official position is that all businesses should comply with state orders,” Chris said. “That being said, we understand that every business owner will have to decide for themselves when and how to re-open. When businesses do open, we ask that they do so in a way that protects the health and safety of employees and customers by implementing the recommended precautions.”

He also said, though, that while the state will determine when businesses can legally re-open, the city will no longer be involved with the enforcement of these orders. Riverside County also rescinded its emergency orders pertaining to social distancing and mask wearing. Sheriff Chad Bianco reiterated that the Sheriff’s Department will not be enforcing state or county orders pertaining to COVID-19. Like the City of Canyon Lake, Riverside County is now defaulting to the state’s orders, and leaving enforcement up to the state.

“If businesses decide to open in violation of state orders, they do so at their own risk of enforcement by the state,” he said. “Moving forward, should we encounter businesses open in violation of the state order, we will provide the business owner with a copy of the state order, inform them that they risk enforcement by the state (e.g. cosmetology or liquor licenses being revoked), and ask them to require social distancing, facemask wearing and frequent hand washing by employees and customers.”

He said the city is providing a flyer for compliant businesses to voluntarily hang on their doors so customers know that they have agreed to take the necessary precautions.

With relaxed state orders, the Canyon Lake POA is reopening its offices on a restricted basis beginning Monday. Limited in-person counter service hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. POA associates will be required to have face coverings with them and members visiting the office are recommended to use them as well, Eric said.

Permanent tempered glass transaction windows have been installed at the Member Services counter and directional arrows along with six-foot markers on the floor will assist with social distancing. Anyone visiting the offices will be required to practice social distancing.

The much-anticipated opening of the Pool at the Lodge will take place on May 22. The pool and its surrounding deck have been completely resurfaced after an extensive renovation.

The pool will be open for limited use and with guidelines. The regular capacity will also be significantly reduced and a reservation system may be put into place, if needed. The Canyon Lake POA will continue to practice social distancing guidelines and will require members to do the same. For more updates and specific policies, members can visit www.clpoa.com/pool.

Both The Country Club Bar & Grill and the Canyon Lake Lighthouse Restaurant are opening for take-out service only.

The Country Club Bar & Grill is opening on Wednesday. It will be offering a limited take-out menu and orders can be placed in person or by telephone (951-246-1773). Restaurant staff will be required to have face coverings with them and take-out guests are recommended to do the same.

The Country Club Bar &­ Grill will be open only Wednesday through Sunday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The menu may be viewed online at canyonlakecc.com.

The Canyon Lake Lighthouse Restaurant opens May 22 and will provide items from a limited take out menu. Orders may be placed by phone (951-246-2720) and the menu can be viewed at canyonlakelighthouse.com.

The following Canyon Lake POA facilities and/or services are open

• Canyon Lake Golf Course (same household members may now ride in one golf cart together)
• Eastport Dog Park
• Gault Field (for family/household practice only)
• Lake/Boating
• Parks & Beaches (picnic areas and playgrounds are still closed, per state guidelines)
• Pickleball Courts
• Tennis Courts

Facilities and/or services that remain closed include

• Concert Venues
• In-person Instructional Classes
• In-person Meetings (Canyon Lake POA Board and Committee Meetings are currently being held remotely via Zoom.)
• League Sports
• Meeting/Event Spaces
• Picnic Areas
• Playgrounds
• Senior Center

Public events and gatherings are still prohibited per the current state emergency orders. It is permitted to go outside for a walk, to exercise and participate in healthy activities as long as individuals maintain a safe physical distance of six feet and gather only with members of the same household.

“We are pleased to open these amenities again,” Eric said. “But residents should be advised that if the social distancing guidelines are not followed it may become necessary to close some of these amenities again.”