Canyon Lake Top 10 Stories of 2023

1. Wecome Rain

After years of drought, Canyon Lake received enough rain in 2023 to be officially declared out of drought conditions. More than 18.5 inchdes of rain fell during the year, much of which fell during a few concentrated periods of time, causing the lake to periodically flood beaches and causeways at times through the winter and spring. Although unpleasant at times, the deluge of precipitation was a welcome sight and filled Canyon Lake to overflowing.

2. City Manager

The City of Canyon Lake lost Chris Mann, a city manager that had navigated the city through the pandemic and helped establish the city’s first fire department, to the City of Yucaipa in March.

Nicole Dailey

Shortly thereafter, the city hired Nicole Dailey, the former Deputy City Manager for the City of Lake Elsinore, as Chris’ replacement. Nicole brought more than 17 years of municipal management experience to the Canyon Lake job and most recently served as Deputy City Manager for the City of Lake Elsinore, a neighboring city with a population of 71,563.

Chris’ departure came after serving the city since 2019.

3. Fire Station

The City of Canyon Lake and the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association negotiated the sale of the fire station on Vacation Drive to the city. The agreement was reached in February and finalized in December.

The fire station, leased to the county for decades when the county and CalFire provided fire protection services to the city, was turned over to the city after the city established its own fire department effective the first of 2022. City Fire Station 1, now owned by the city, is scheduled for updates and improvements now that the city owns it.

4. Vacation Park

The $2 million Vacation Park was officially opened in March at its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

The Canyon Lake Property Owners Association welcomed the community to the new park, which has had the Pump Track, its signature piece, open since the previous August. The balance of the park was delayed in opening as a result of equipment being delayed because of pandemic-related supply chain issues.

The park was created out of vacant hillside acreage opposite Sierra Park. Retaining walls were installed and usable space was created for the pump track, picnic areas, playground, walking and exercise paths and restrooms.

POA members were required to approve the expense via a voted-on measure.

5. POA Projects

An extensive series of Canyon Lake POA infrastructure projects continued throughout the year.

The Canyon Lake Lodge exterior and interior are being remodeled and updated. The exterior was completed late in the year, while the interior continues in its upgrades.

The popular pickleball courts at Eastport were upgraded and two additional courts were added. Streets continue to be repaired as well as concrete drainage and curbing.

The media just past the Main Gate entrance was completely overhauled with new curbing, trees and landscaping.

Mailbox slabs and lighting continue to be upgraded. Solar shade panels were installed at the Country Club, Equestrian Center and Lodge, resulting in not only shaded areas, but a savings of over $3 million over the next 25 years in POA electricity costs.

6. Maui Help

After the catastrophic fires in Lahaina, Maui, Canyon Lakers came to the aid of their fellow paradise friends through fundraisers and personal visits.

Bob and Michelle Burns were especially attached to the people of Maui, having visited there several times and gotten to know so many there. Bob, a retired airline pilot, used his flight benefits to transport the gathered donations from Canyon Lakers to the islands.

The Canyon Lake Yacht Club also helped raise funds to contribute to the Maui Relief Effort. The Canyon Lake POA had booths set up at its annual Maui Sunday event to receive donations.

It seemed the entire community was engaged in helping ease the strife of the fire victims there. Even Canyon Lake children made drawings and cards for Bob and Michelle to take to the children in Maui.

7. Club Growth

It seemed not only were new clubs in Canyon Lake popping up throughout the year, but a couple of established clubs experienced substantial growth.

The Canyon Lake Yacht Club grew from 62 members at the beginning of the year to over 400 members.

The Canyon Lake Pickleball Club also exploded to well over 500 members.

8. Chamber Prez

Jeanne O’Dell stepped down as the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce president after several years at the helm. Jeanne rebuilt the chamber during her tenure.

Jeanne O’Dell

Jeanne’s goal when she was first installed to lead the organization was to construct a solid foundation on the base laid by her predecessors. During her tenure, the Chamber was rebuilt, reorganized and rebranded.

In February, new president John Grande was installed to take her place. The Chamber continues its upward projectory.

9. Students of Year

Canyon Lake graduating seniors Harrison Rowe and Faith McCloskey received a bucketful of scholarship cash and prizes at the Students of the Year banquet in May.

Harrison Rowe & Faith McCloskey

The Canyon Lake students were two of the seven Elsinore Union High School District Students of the Year at their respective high schools. Harrison was male Student of the Year for Temescal Canyon HIgh School and Faith was the Student of the Year for the Keith McCarthy Academy.

Both Harrison and Faith received a $1,650 scholarship, a $100 gift from the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce, an Apple iPad from the Lake Elsinore Water District as well as a laundry basket full of gift certificates, award plaques, and other gifts.

10. 4,800 Flags

The City of Canyon Lake staff and a team of 78 volunteers covered more than 17 miles of city streets to place a flag on each of the 4,800 front yards throughout the community for the Memorial Day weekend.

Efforts started on the Wednesday prior to the holiday and all flags were in place at every home by Friday night, just ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

In total, 78 volunteers signed up to place flags in 52 pre-designated zones within the city. Each zone contained nearly 100 homes.