News Briefs

Family-oriented 11th Paddle & Pedal Regatta Aug. 12

Canyon Lake families are being encouraged to gather their water toys and head to Indian Beach on Aug. 12 for the highly-anticipated 11th annual Paddle & Pedal Regatta put on by the Canyon Lake Triathlon & Fitness Club.

This exciting community event promises a day filled with water-based activities and family-friendly fun. Participants are encouraged to bring their paddleboards, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, row boats, or any other non-motorized watercraft for a fun-filled group paddle from Indian Beach to the East Port launch ramp. No pre-registration is necessary. Simply bring the floatable devices to Indian Beach and check-in at 10:00 a.m. Shortly thereafter, a group photo will be taken and then it is off across the lake to East Port.

Pool Movie Night at Canyon Lake Lodge Pool

Canyon Lake families are invited to the Canyon Lake POA’s Movie Night at the Pool event Aug. 12 at the Canyon Lake Lodge Pool at 6:00 p.m. The evening at the pool will include screening a PG-rated, family-friendly movie that is free and exclusively for Canyon Lake POA members and their guests. Space is limited and all pool rules apply. The movie will start at dusk and the pool opens approximately an hour before for movie-goers. Participants need only to bring their favorite inflatable to enjoy a movie in the water. The pool office will be selling tasty treats. Food to-go can also be ordered from the Lighthouse Restaurant.

9ers golf tournament to raise scholarship funds

The Canyon Lake 9ers Golf Club is inviting all golfers to participate in its Super Star Students Scholarship Golf Tournament Sept. 16 to help fund the club’s annual scholarships.

The tournament includes 18 holes of par ¾ golf and a luncheon at the tournament’s conclusion. The fee for annual members is $60 and for non-members is $90. Golf cart rentals are available for $15. Lunch only can be purchased for $22. Payments must be received by Sept. 11 at 5:00 p.m.

The funds raised from the tournament will be used to give scholarships next year to Canyon Lake scholar athletes. The club awards thousands of dollars to deserving young students in Canyon Lake to use toward their college education. More than $50,000 has been awarded in these scholarships since 2017.

When signing up, participants can choose a bundle to get additional perks like two free mulligans, two Magic Putts, and one Pro Shot. There are multiple contests that are part of the tournament. The various prizes are amazing, including a brand new golf cart from Prestige Golf Carts for a hole-in-one.

All golfers are invited, including non-residents and both men and women.

Little League clinics start tomorrow

Only 60 spots are available for this month’s Youth Baseball Program Baseball Clinic organized by Canyon Lake Little League in partnership with BRG Instructional League at Gault Field. The program is aimed at players ages 8-12 and will take place on Saturdays in August from 8:00 a.m. to noon, beginning tomorrow.

The clinics, led by top-notch professional instructors, including current and former MLB coaches and scouts, promise to be a valuable experience for young baseball enthusiasts.

The training sessions will cover various aspects of the game, such as batting, speed and agility, infield drills, outfield drills, baserunning, base stealing, arm care, catcher drills and strength and conditioning.

Canyon Lake Little League officials encourage the Canyon Lake baseball community to register for the program. The clinics, they said, will not only challenge the players, but will also foster teamwork and help the kids excel on the baseball field.

To register, interested players can visit www.clllca.com. The clinics will be held on Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26, with each session costing $150 per player.

Family Matters Club providing fun Superhero Training event

The Canyon Lake Family Matters Club is calling all superheroes, superheroes in training, and sidekicks to join them as they kick off the first Superhero Training Academy Sept. 9 at Holiday Harbor.

The club promises its heroes in training with a WOW, as they meet superheroes, SMASH down walls like the hulk, POW through the heroes training course, GASP over the super costume contest, and SHOCK them with your arts and crafts skills.

“Of course, there will be some fun and games for the rest of the hero family, too,” club founder Shawna Bowen said. “Plus, all of the day’s super activities and events are included with your special Superhero wristband.”

The wristbands are $10 per person and the event is for individuals of all ages. The training event includes the Training Academy, ID Badge Station, masking making, rafts, games, photo ops, costume contest, food and vendors.

The club is also soliciting vendors with Superhero merchandise as event sponsors. For more information on being a vendor or sponsor, email the club at info@familymattersclub.org.

Chronic Illness Support Group to meet Monday

The Canyon Lake Chronic Illness Support Group has scheduled its monthly meeting for Monday at 6:00 p.m. at the CPR Training Center in the Canyon Lake Town Center.

The support group is open to those of all ages and aims to provide a safe haven for individuals who are currently dealing with a chronic illness or have a family member who is affected by one.

“I’m grateful for having a platform where he can assist and support others,” Steven Prince, the organization‘s founder, said. “The group fosters a positive environment where individuals can openly share their experiences and discuss the challenges they face.”

For further information, contact Steven at 949-293-2919. For those wishing to participate, they need only show up at the designated time. There is no reservation needed. The group is open to both those who live inside and outside of Canyon Lake.

Community Garage Sale Aug. 27-28

The annual Canyon Lake POA Community Garage Sale is on the books for Aug. 27 and Aug. 28.

Enjoy a weekend of decluttering without the need of a Canyon Lake POA garage sale permit. Sign up to be on the interactive map of garage sales at www.canyonlakepoa.com/communitysale.

All items must be removed from the front lots by 5:00 p.m. Sunday to avoid violations of the Rules & Regulations.

Women in Business Happy Hour Aug. 21 at Pepe’s

An evening of networking, mingling, and delicious treats are in store for women in business at the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Happy Hour Aug. 21 at 6:00 p.m. at Pepe‘s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina.

The gettogether is a chance for women to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and make lasting connections in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

The ticket prices for the event are $20 per person for chamber members and $25 for non members.

Networking opportunities include rubbing shoulders with inspiring women from various industries while participants share their experiences and gain valuable insights.

The evening also includes a drink of choice and a taco bar. There will also be surprises, giveaways, and inspiring speakers at the Happy Hour.

Fire Department provides safe medicine disposal

Properly disposing of expired medications is available at the Canyon Lake Fire Department. The department’s Drug Disposal Program allows residents to properly dispose of expired medications, patches, ointments, and other pharmaceutical items by utilizing the city‘s medication drop-off box at the fire station on Vacation Drive.

The implementation of this secure collection site aims to reduce the risk of pollution, drug misuse, and accidental ingestion of expired medicines, which the city is confident will cater to the safety and convenience of the community.

Studies have demonstrated that medications flushed down the sink or toilet can contaminate local lakes and rivers. Unfortunately, most water treatment systems are ill-equipped to remove pharmaceuticals, and homes with septic tanks can lead to chemical leaching into the groundwater, the city said. Consequently, aquatic life, including fish, suffers negative consequences, and these chemicals pose a potential threat to drinking water.

According to a national poll conducted by the C.S. Mott Children‘s Hospital, 46 percent of parents have leftover prescription medications at home. Such expired medications are susceptible to bacterial growth and can contribute to millions of accidental poisonings and overdoses each year.

Younger children are particularly at risk of accidental poisoning when they gain access to these medications, while older children may engage in misuse of prescription drugs and experimental behavior.

To safeguard the environment and prevent accidental harm, the city said it is essential to adhere to the recommended steps for proper medication disposal:

• Once an item has been placed inside the secure medication box, retrieval is not possible. Residents should refrain from attempting to retrieve any disposed medication.
• Medications should be kept in their original packaging, and individuals should remove their names from the prescription bottles.
• To ensure the medication‘s security, tape the lids of the prescription packaging.
• The disposal site strictly prohibits the disposal of illicit drugs.
• Residents are encouraged to regularly check their prescription expiration dates and dispose of expired pharmaceuticals by utilizing the new medication drop-off box situated in front of the Canyon Lake Fire Department at 28730 Vacation Drive.

The management of this program falls under the responsibility of the Canyon Lake Fire Department in collaboration with the Riverside County Sheriff‘s Department Lake Elsinore Station. The Sheriff‘s Station will regularly handle the proper disposal of medications collected in the secured drop-off box.

Bulky item pick ups can be scheduled online

CR&R, Canyon Lake’s contracted trash pick up company, provides the pick up of bulky items. The pickup of these items is available by scheduling on CR&R’s website, www.crrwasteservices.com, or by calling 800-755-8112.

Items that cannot fit in the curbside automated containers, such as a chair, couch, or other household appliances, are considered “bulky items.” Each residential customer is entitled to call and schedule a bulky item pick-up for no additional charge two times per calendar year, and each call can include up to two items.

Center calling all seniors to join in on game days

The Canyon Lake Senior Center is inviting the community’s seniors to a couple of days of interesting and fun games on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Hand and Foot, a quick moving card game with the objective to be the first to rid a player‘s cards and for the team to take the most points is played on Monday’s at the Senior Center from noon to 4:00 p.m.

For more information on Hand and Foot, contact Ann Nickle at 951-387-1083.

The Mahjongg Group meets on Tuesdays between noon and 4:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. Both Chinese and American styles are played.

For more information on Mahjongg games, contact Theresa Fidler at 858-784-1560 or Melody Clark at 949-370-4401.

Fire Department accepting expired fire extinguishers

The Canyon Lake Fire Department has implemented an out-of-service fire extinguisher program.

Old or expired fire extinguishers can be dropped off at the Canyon Lake Fire Department Station 1 located at 28730 Vacation Drive.

Not only do fire extinguishers have manufacture dates imprinted on them to help determine their expirations, but if they have rust or corrosion, they should be taken to the fire department for disposal.

ABC fire extinguishers are the most common home fire extinguishers. Their life expectancy can range between 10 and 12 years depending on how well the extinguisher has been maintained.

After each use, the extinguisher should be recharged, even if the extinguisher is not empty. This will help to ensure that the extinguisher contains enough pressure and suppressant chemicals to extinguish future fires. Fire extinguishers should be serviced by a trained professional.

This new fire department program is also being implemented to promote the acquisition of fire extinguishers by Canyon Lake residents.

The Canyon Lake Fire Department recommends and encourages residents to have at least two fire extinguishers. Households should have one on each floor of the house as well as one for the garage.

The fire department also said to Immediately replace any fire extinguishers that are deemed out-of-service. Fire extinguishers are great for putting out small fires that have just started, but if a fire is too big and out of control, residents should evacuate the house and call 911.

POA seeking help with security camera footage

The Canyon Lake Property Owners Association is asking its members to volunteer to share home security camera footage when a criminal incident occurs near their home.

In partnership with the Riverside County Sheriff‘s Department, this program allows community residents with surveillance systems to voluntarily add themselves to a list that the Riverside County Sheriff‘s Department and the Canyon Lake POA may refer to if a criminal incident occurred nearby.

With the increased popularity of personal surveillance systems, including simple doorbell cameras, for residents and property owners, the use of the footage from these cameras has become useful to law enforcement. As crimes occur near a home with security cameras, owners may not be aware that their system may have captured helpful information that could help solve the crime.

After signing up on the Canyon Lake POA website for this program, when these criminal incidents occur, the Canyon Lake POA and/or law enforcement may contact those on the sign up list near the incident to help solve the crime by requesting to review their video footage their system may have captured. This information or footage may assist in apprehending and prosecuting the criminals involved.

Members would only be contacted by the Canyon Lake POA or law enforcement to request permission to view your camera footage if there is a criminal incident near their home.

“You are not giving the Canyon Lake POA or law enforcement access to your system or footage, but instead agreeing to be contacted if you have a camera that may have been in the vicinity of a criminal incident,” the Canyon Lake POA said. “Your participation in providing any camera footage is strictly voluntary. Information provided to the Canyon Lake POA regarding your camera systems will be for official use only. Your personal information will remain confidential and will not be distributed.’

Video surveillance is one of the best methods for apprehending criminals and convicting suspects caught in the act of committing a crime, the Canyon Lake POA said. While many own and operate personal surveillance systems that could aid in solving crimes, law enforcement officials are not always aware of who may have this potentially vital information.

By signing up for this program, residents are added to a list that may be quickly referenced to identify nearby cameras that may have captured criminal activity.

City, POA, Lions unite to provide Vial of Life program

The Canyon Lake Lions Club, the City of Canyon Lake, and the Canyon Lake POA have joined together to provide a program where residents can leave resident medical information in a vinyl envelope on their refrigerators to help first responders save lives.

The Vial of Life Program is intended for residents to store all life-saving medical information in a convenient and accessible way for first responders who are coming to an emergency response at their home.

The Vial of Life kits are being provided by the Canyon Lake POA at no cost and come with a directions sheet, a medical information form, a magnetic vinyl envelope, and a Vial of Life decal. The Vial of Life name comes from the common practice of people stuffing their medical information into a prescription bottle in hopes of first responders finding it.

With the magnetic vinyl envelope holding this information, a patient‘s medical information can now be found on the outside of the resident’s refrigerator. Also part of the kit is a decal that is to be placed on the front window of the home to alert first responders to look for the vinyl envelope.

The POA will be providing the Vial of Life kits to all new residents at no cost. Current residents can obtain a Vial of Life kit at either the Canyon Lake POA office in the Canyon Lake Town Center or at the Canyon Lake Fire Department. If there is more than one person in a household who would like to prepare their medical information, extra forms can be provided upon request.