Long-time city servant passes away

Jordan Ehrenkranz

It was just a few weeks ago that Canyon Lake City Councilmember Jordan Ehrenkranz sat at the council table and cracked attorney jokes as part of his April City Council Meeting comments. The long-time city and POA leader died suddenly this week at the age of 87.

“Our entire community mourns the loss of Jordan Ehrenkranz,” Mayor Kasey Castillo said. “He was an incredibly dedicated and beloved public servant. Canyon Lake is a better place because of his tireless work, and he will be deeply missed.”

Jordan served as the mayor of the City of Canyon Lake for three terms during his more than 12 years on the City Council. Prior to serving the city, he was on the board of the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association and was named president by his fellow board members three times.

Jordan and his wife Jennie were both extremely active in the community and have owned property in Canyon Lake for 50 years. They moved to the city as full-time residents 25 years ago. Jordan was a member or sponsor of many association clubs and events. To say he loved Canyon Lake is an understatement.

Jordan Ehrenkranz

“Canyon Lake is a special place to call home,” Jordan said as he was running once again for a spot on the City Council last year. “My wife, Jennie, and I are blessed to live in this wonderful city. I’m passionate about the direction of our community.”

And the city loved him back. In 2019, Jordan was named Citizen of the Year. The Friday Flyer reported on the presentation to the deserving civil servant.

“It is rare indeed when an emcee can begin, ‘For the man who needs no introduction…’,” the article stated. “Yet, it can apply each time Jordan Ehrenkranz is introduced at a Canyon Lake event. He has possibly attended more Canyon Lake events than anyone…ever.

“Jordan has stepped up and committed himself to serve at the highest levels of public office in the community not once or twice, but repeatedly over a period of many years. He served five years on the POA Board of Directors, three of which he served as president. He was elected to the Canyon Lake City Council in 2008 and served as mayor in 2012 and 2015. He is currently serving his third four-year term on the City Council and was appointed mayor pro tem in December 2018.

“Serving the community is not a one-time thing for Jordan, it’s his way of life.”

And he seemed to enjoy the service…extending a grueling city council schedule as he approached 90 years of age. This was his “retirement.”

“It’s been an honor to serve as your Mayor and City Councilman,” Jordan said in his candidate’s statement last year. “As your Mayor, I’ve worked tirelessly to balance our budget, strengthen public safety, advocate for our businesses and make Canyon Lake an even better place to live. I’ve used my experience as a business owner and former Board President to get things done.”

At the time of his death, he was working with fellow councilmembers to help the city population recover from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Almost 1,000 residents contracted the virus and 16 died from it.

“My top priority is helping Canyon Lake recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19,” he said. “We need to ensure that government provides resources for those who were impacted by the pandemic.”

While on the City Council, Jordan represented the city on numerous regional boards, including Western Riverside Council of Governments, Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority, Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District and the Economic and Energy Committee of the Southern California Association of Governments.

A memorial service has not yet been announced, but the city is planning on honoring Jordan at its June City Council meeting.

“Our dear friend will be honored at the June meeting (instead of the May meeting held earlier this week) so his dear wife can be in attendance,” Kasey said. “Those wishing to address his exceptional service are encouraged to attend that council meeting.”