POA hears member concerns

BY Aprile McKinnon

Members of the community expressed safety concerns while notable public officials listened at a Canyon Lake Property Owners Association workshop Monday.

The primary objective of the meeting was to establish a partnership to enhance safety within the community through an open dialogue and to facilitate a productive exchange of ideas.

Those present in addition to the Canyon Lake POA Board of Directors were City of Canyon Lake Mayor Jeremy Smith, Canyon Lake Fire Department firefighters, Riverside County Sheriff‘s Department representatives, and other city officials. Community members were also in attendance.

Lieutenant Edwards with the Riverside sheriff‘s department spoke and shared presentations on the department’s current contract with the city and what the statistics were on 4th of July the past three years. The three categories of the statistics he shared were for calls for service, DUIs and traffic collisions.

This year, he said, there were 46 calls for service, 2022 there were 49 and 2021 there were 61. There was one DUI this year, one for 2022 and zero for 2021. There were four traffic collisions this year, two in 2022 and two in 2021.

Both the city and the Canyon Lake POA gave prepared presentations outlining the existing safety measures in place for the community. Additionally, suggestions gathered from the previous workshop held on July 10 were presented.

During the workshop Monday, residents of the community had the opportunity to express concerns regarding various safety issues.

One of the prominent concerns raised by the residents was the influx of guests into the community and the associated problems caused by some of these visitors. In response, attendees engaged in discussions to address the challenges posed by member guests.

From these discussions, the Canyon Lake POA decided that updating the guest lists will be a way to ensure that guests who might have been left on a guest list unintentionally are taken off. Hence, all members will need to update their permanent guest lists by Sept. 1.

Another crucial matter that garnered attention was the safety regulations surrounding electric bicycles (e-bikes). Participants emphasized the need for guidelines to ensure the safe usage of e-bikes within the community.

Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are the only type of e-bikes permitted in Canyon Lake. State law requires that helmets be worn by all bike and e-bike riders 18 years of age and under. The city and Canyon Lake POA are working on proposed rules and regulations for the e-bikes. Some possible guidelines might be additional helmet requirements, flags, lights, decals, registration, and fines that will be implemented for not following the safety guidelines.

Theft and vandalism were other very hot topics. Residents spoke about motorcycles being stolen. One resident said she personally has had two motorcycles stolen from the front gate parking lot. The resident recommended putting a gate in to secure the motorcycles. With motorcycles being taken so close to where there are security guards, an idea was proposed to install security cameras at the lot. Furthermore, concerns were voiced regarding DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accidents, leading to discussions about implementing potential DUI checkpoints. Residents expressed their desire for enhanced safety measures to mitigate the risks associated with intoxicated driving. There was much talk of beefing up this type of security during some of the major holidays and events in Canyon Lake.

The mayor also addressed concerns about the Railroad Canyon Road lights that need to be replaced. Jeremy said he and the city officials are working hard on Railroad Canyon Road improvements. He said that all the renovations will be done without using Canyon Lake dollars. The mayor is working with the mayors of Lake Elsinore and Menifee to put some sting operations into place to help with the unsafe driving conditions on Railroad Canyon Road.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for residents, city officials, and other stakeholders to collaborate on community safety issues. Through the constructive dialogue Monday, the aim was to find viable solutions and establish a more secure environment for all residents.

A safety survey is coming out which will be an opportunity for residents to express further safety concerns in the community. Speakers said residents are encouraged to contact the various Canyon Lake POA and city departments of concerns they have throughout the community. Local crime statistics will not be accurate if Canyon Lake residents do not report vandalism, theft, suspicious persons, stolen vehicles or other crimes, authorities at the workshop said.