City, POA dealing with COVID-19

Statistics as on 8/5/20

The City of Canyon Lake and the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association have both ridden the COVID-19 roller coaster, balancing state and county mandates with advocating for its residents and members. The result has been the lowest rate of COVID-19 cases in the county. While the county averages over 1.6 infections per 100 people, the City of Canyon Lake is one third that at .50 infections per 100.

“Despite setbacks across the nation and soaring numbers of cases throughout California, Canyon Lake has maintained one of the lowest infection rates in Riverside County,” City Manager Chris Mann said. “However, if the past few months have taught us anything, we know that the situation with this virus is very fluid and can change at any moment. Canyon Lake has been averaging about one new COVID-19 case each day, so there is still a risk of an outbreak here in the city. Residents should not get complacent and should continue to practice social distancing, good hygiene and mask wearing when in public spaces.”

Almost all Canyon Lake businesses have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Many have closed public offices and have their employees working remotely from their homes. Others that depend on walk-in customers, have either adjusted or have closed their doors. Almost all local businesses, like their counterparts across the country, have seen a reduction in revenue.

“The city has been focused on doing everything within the limits of the law to assist impacted businesses,” Chris said. “Business license fees have been waived for businesses that have been affected by COVID-19, and the Residential Rental Program application fee discount was extended for those who have been affected.”

The city adhered to Governor Gavin Newsom’s shutting down indoor dining recently, but quickly had the city restaurants back up and running by allowing for outdoor dining with a free permit and brief safety inspection.

“Nearly every restaurant has taken advantage of the program,” Chris said. “We are happy that the community has continued to rally behind our local businesses.”

Many salons and other personal services in the city have also been affected by the governor’s recent orders. Chris said the city has expanded its outdoor dining permit to be an “Outdoor Business Permit,” so that these establishments can operate safely outdoors, if they so choose.

The Canyon Lake POA restaurants have also adjusted to the state orders. Both the Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar and the Country Club Bar & Grill have closed their indoor dining, per state mandate, but remain open with modified hours for outside dining and take out. The POA asks that all residents refrain from entering the lobby, dining room or bar areas at the restaurants.

All of the POA parks, Happy Camp, Gault Field, equestrian center, golf course, tennis, basketball and pickleball courts and the lake remain open, with safe distancing requirements in place as well as no gatherings allowed. The swimming pool is open, but reservations on the POA website are required. All amenities follow state guidelines.

Due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases across the county, the Canyon Lake City Hall has remained closed to the public as it has been since mid-March. However, all city staff are reporting to work to ensure that essential public services continue to be provided. Staff members are available to assist the public by phone or email.

“We have also been working on an upgrade to the city’s website,” Chris said. “When complete, it should make services much easier to access online.”

The Canyon Lake POA’s office hours have resumed. Member Services is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Planning and Compliance department office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The POA online and telephone support services are still available, and members are encouraged to utilize these resources since many services can be provided remotely.

To provide as safe an atmosphere as possible, the POA offices now have permanent tempered glass transaction windows at the Member Services counter, directional arrows along with 6’ markers have been installed on the floor to assist with social distancing, team members have face coverings and practice social distancing as much as possible and frequent hand washing and sanitizing is taking place.

The POA requires those entering the offices to practice social distancing by maintaining a minimum of six feet distance from any other individual who is not part of the same household. All members and customers are also asked to comply with the state’s orders to wear face coverings.

Earlier in the pandemic, the city and dozens of volunteers sewed and distributed facemasks to city residents.

“We are thankful that our #KeepCanyonLakeCovered campaign was so successful, and we could not have accomplished it without the initiative and hard work of all those who volunteered,” Chris said. “Over 3,000 masks were quickly made and distributed. Approximately 1,000 masks remain, which we anticipate offering to individuals attending public meetings once such meetings can be open to the public.”

There are no reliable estimates as to when the pandemic will ease enough to bring any sense of normalcy back to Canyon Lake residents’ lives.

“This has been a challenging time for all of us,” Chris said. “It has evoked strong opinions and emotions on a range of issues such as the appropriate role of government during a declared emergency and on how best to balance regulations aimed at protecting public health and safety with individual liberties. To some extent, the crisis has divided our city, largely along political and generational lines. On the other hand, it has also been heart-warming to see the outpouring of support and generosity from so many within the community. One thing is for sure…we are all anxious for life to return to normal.”