News Briefs

Canyon Lake Chamber to host Business Roundtable Thursday

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce is hosting its monthly Business Roundtable Thursday, aimed at fostering growth and networking within the local business community. Scheduled for 7:15 a.m., the event will take place in the Magnolia Room at the Canyon Lake Country Club.

The Business Roundtable is designed as a platform for business leaders and entrepreneurs in Canyon Lake to engage with one another, share insights, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The event will feature guest speakers from various sectors, offering valuable advice and perspectives on business development and growth strategies.

Attendees can expect to gain actionable insights into navigating the challenges of today’s business environment, enhancing their operations, and maximizing growth potential. The Roundtable is also an excellent opportunity for local businesses to network, fostering a stronger business community within Canyon Lake.

The Chamber of Commerce encourages all business owners and entrepreneurs in the area to attend, highlighting the importance of community and collaboration in achieving business success. This event is part of the Chamber‘s ongoing efforts to support and promote local businesses, contributing to the overall economic vitality of Canyon Lake.

Junior Lifeguard Try-Outs scheduled by C.L.E.A.R. Foundation at Lodge Pool April 20

The C.L.E.A.R. Foundation, in collaboration with California State Parks, is gearing up for its 2024 Junior Lifeguards Program by holding try-outs on April 20 at 8:00 a.m. at the Canyon Lake Lodge Pool. This initiative is focused on enhancing aquatic safety skills among young individuals and promoting a culture of safety and fitness.

The program is open to interested candidates aged between 8 and 15 1/2 years. While current lifeguards are exempt from the try-outs, new applicants must undergo the try-out process, with registration required prior to participation. In a bid to ensure fairness and commitment, the foundation has stated that the try-out fee will be refunded for those who do not pass.

The try-outs will challenge participants with a 100-yard swim, which must be completed in under three minutes, followed by a two-minute tread in water without assistance. Success in these trials will qualify the participants for enrollment in the Junior Lifeguard Camp, slated to run from June 17 to June 28.

An important aspect of the try-out day is the orientation scheduled for 10:00 a.m., designed to inform successful participants and their guardians about the camp’s comprehensive activities, objectives, and what is expected of junior lifeguards. This session aims to prepare the young aspirants and their families for the commitment and learning journey ahead.

Interested parties seeking more information about the try-outs, the ensuing camp, or other queries related to the program can reach out to the C.L.E.A.R. Foundation via email at CLEARfoundationCL@gmail.com.

Support Group offers refuge for individuals with chronic illness

The Chronic Illness Support Group is inviting residents of Canyon Lake and neighboring areas who are dealing with chronic health conditions to attend its upcoming meeting Monday at 6:00 p.m. The group aims to provide a nurturing space for individuals facing the daily challenges of chronic illnesses.

Steven Prince, who initiated the support group, highlighted the importance of such a community for those affected by long-term health issues.

“Many people face chronic health issues and just need an outlet for encouragement, hope, and support,” he said. “The group is a safe place to share, encourage, learn together and it‘s confidential. No one understands a chronic illness except others who have a chronic condition.”

The meeting will take place at the CPR building located in the Canyon Lake Town Center. With no need for prior registration, the group encourages anyone in need of support or seeking to share their experiences to simply show up.

This gathering is not only an avenue for individuals with chronic conditions to find solace and understanding, but also serves as a resource for caregivers looking to better support their loved ones.

For those interested in more details or with specific questions, contact options include Steven at 949-293-2919, Kellie Welty at 951-201-0131, or Illysa DeCasperis at 209-403-3812.

City invites residents to Annual Community Cleanup and Document Shredding event

The City of Canyon Lake, in partnership with CR&R, invites its residents to its annual community cleanup and document shredding event on April 27, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The clean up is aimed at providing residents with a convenient way to dispose of bulky items and securely shred confidential documents and will take place in the parking lot of the Canyon Lake Community Church.

Shredding services will be available from 8:00 a.m. to noon, allowing residents to safely dispose of sensitive documents and help prevent identity theft. This service underscores the city’s dedication to privacy protection and environmental responsibility.

Residents wishing to participate must provide proof of residency, such as a driver‘s license or utility bill. The event is specifically designed to help with the disposal of bulky items that cannot be easily discarded through regular trash services. Acceptable items for disposal include furniture, yard waste, large appliances, and electronic waste, ensuring a wide range of materials can be responsibly managed.

However, there are restrictions on what can be brought to the cleanup event. Items such as tires, car parts, household hazardous waste, and construction materials will not be accepted. The city also emphasizes that commercial and business dumping is strictly prohibited, focusing the event on residential cleanup needs.

For more information or to address any questions about the event, residents can contact Canyon Lake City Hall at 951-244-2955.

City hosts volunteer program to foster community engagement

In an effort to increase community involvement and leverage the collective energy of its citizens, the City of Canyon Lake has announced the introduction of a new volunteer program. This initiative is designed to connect individuals with a variety of opportunities for civic engagement, aiming to enhance the vibrancy of the local and surrounding communities.

The city has taken a step to simplify the volunteer process by establishing an interest list, which can be found on its volunteer webpage. This online resource serves as a hub for residents eager to contribute their time and skills for the betterment of the community.

Offering a broad spectrum of volunteer options, the program is tailored to accommodate various interests and time commitments. It provides avenues for students looking to fulfill community service hours, as well as for residents who are keen on playing a more active role in community development.

Residents interested in participating in the volunteer program are invited to visit the city’s website at canyonlakeca.gov to sign up and receive information on forthcoming volunteer opportunities. This new program underscores the city‘s commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and encouraging active participation from its residents.

Canyon Lake Woman’s Club announces Scholarships

The Canyon Lake Woman’s Club is calling on local students to apply for its annual scholarship program, with an application deadline of April 14. This opportunity is aimed at supporting the educational aspirations of full-time Canyon Lake residents who have demonstrated academic excellence with a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Open to both graduating high school seniors and continuing college students, the scholarship seeks to ease the financial burden of education on students and their families. Applicants must have lived in Canyon Lake for at least six months prior to the application.

Debra Sacks, the scholarship chairperson for the Woman’s Club, urges interested students to reach out for more information or to apply. The application process includes submitting two letters of reference, recent transcripts, proof of enrollment for college students, or SAT scores for high school applicants, alongside a personal letter detailing any hardships that might impact the applicant’s education.

Following the application submission, candidates may be invited for a personal or telephone interview with the Woman’s Club Scholarship Committee during the week of April 22-26, with interviews scheduled after 3:00 p.m. For application details and more information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official Woman’s Club website or contact Debra Sacks directly at debrajsacks@gmail.com.

9ers Golf Club seeking scholarship applicants

The Canyon Lake 9er‘s Golf Club is providing the opportunity for student athletes in the Canyon Lake community to apply for its Student Athlete Scholarship, set to be awarded in May. This scholarship is dedicated to supporting high-achieving student athletes who have demonstrated excellence in academics, sports, and community engagement.

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be residents of Canyon Lake, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and show substantial involvement in school sports teams and community service activities. The 9er‘s Golf Club, through generous donations from the local golf community and businesses within Canyon Lake, has raised over $60,000 for scholarships since 2017, significantly benefiting the community‘s scholar athletes.

Students interested in applying for this scholarship should obtain an application form from the Canyon Lake Golf Pro Shop. The application process includes filling out a “Brag Sheet,” writing an essay, and providing recommendations from both a teacher and a coach. There may also be an interview with the Scholarship Committee for selected candidates.

The deadline for submitting applications is April 28, and they can be turned in at the Golf Pro Shop or directly to Kathy Sanchez. For more details or any questions, applicants can contact Kathy at 951-764-3987 or tochattykathi@yahoo.com.

Scholarship recipients and their families will be notified about the award presentation details after the selection process. This is a wonderful opportunity for Canyon Lake‘s student athletes to receive support for their academic and athletic endeavors.

Canyon Lake Young Old People’s Club invites volunteers at Helping Hands

Members of the Canyon Lake Young Old People’s Club (YOP-C) are making a difference by volunteering monthly at Helping Hands, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting needy seniors. This initiative is a testament to the club‘s commitment to community service and the impact of collective efforts on improving lives.

Gathering on the second Saturday of each month, YOP-C volunteers come together at Helping Hands‘ facility in Lake Elsinore to pack groceries for seniors facing food insecurity. The volunteering sessions, running from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., offer a rewarding experience that combines the joy of giving back with the warmth of camaraderie among friends.

In appreciation of their efforts, Helping Hands provides volunteers with hot coffee, donuts, and a cozy fire pit, enhancing the sense of community and shared purpose. The YOP-C members cherish these monthly gatherings, which are not only about contributing to a noble cause but also about enjoying the company of like-minded individuals committed to making a positive impact.

The club extends an open invitation to the broader community to join their volunteer efforts. The next opportunity to participate and be part of the YOP-C group photo is on March 9, promising another day of meaningful work and fellowship.

Volunteering with YOP-C at Helping Hands is an opportunity for individuals to contribute to the well-being of seniors in need while strengthening community bonds in Canyon Lake.

City relaunches Canyon Cash e-Gift Card with bonus incentives

The City of Canyon Lake, in partnership with the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce, has announced the return of the Canyon Cash Gift Card program. This initiative, designed to boost local businesses, was first launched during the post-pandemic recovery period and is being reintroduced to further support local commerce.

The Canyon Cash eGift Card program is a strategic effort to encourage residents to shop and dine locally, thereby supporting the wide array of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues in Canyon Lake. The program offers a unique incentive: for each eGift Card purchased, the buyer receives an additional Bonus eGift Card, increasing their spending capability within the community. The bonus structure is as follows:

Buy a $100 eGift Card, receive a $50 Bonus Card.

Buy a $50 eGift Card, receive a $25 Bonus Card.

Buy a $25 eGift Card, receive a $15 Bonus Card.

To ensure equitable distribution of this offer, there is a limit of five bonus gifts per purchaser for the duration of the campaign, irrespective of the number of gift recipients. This offer is subject to availability and will continue while supplies last. The bonus cards will be valid for one year from the date of purchase. Additionally, the purchase must be made using a credit card held by the purchaser.

The program is a part of the city‘s ongoing efforts to support and strengthen the local economy, especially focusing on small businesses that form the backbone of the community‘s economic landscape. The Canyon Cash eGift Card program not only benefits consumers through bonus incentives but also drives traffic and revenue to local businesses, contributing to the overall vitality of Canyon Lake.

Registration, Safety Exam for e-bikes now mandatory

In an effort to promote safety and responsible usage of electric bicycles within the community, the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association has introduced a new regulation requiring all electric bicycles to be registered.

Residents who use electric bicycles on Canyon Lake streets must first pass a mandatory online safety exam. This measure is designed to ensure that electric bicycle riders are well-informed about safe riding practices. The POA advises completing this exam before visiting the Member Services office for registration, which is located in the Canyon Lake Town Center and open during regular business hours.

After successfully completing the online safety exam, participants will receive a certificate. This certificate will then be verified by POA staff via email, streamlining the registration process. It‘s important to note that the actual electric bicycle is not required to be present for registration.

Once the safety exam is completed and membership is verified, residents will be issued a registration tag at no cost. This tag is to be prominently displayed on the rear of the electric bicycle, in accordance with the new regulation.

Canyon Lake POA providing live online pickleball court camera

The Canyon Lake Property Owners Association has introduced an innovative feature for pickleball enthusiasts: a live online camera providing real-time views of the pickleball courts. This new tool is designed to enhance the experience for players by simplifying the process of checking court availability.

Available on the POA website under the “Pickleball” page within the “Recreation” section, the pickleball cam is easily accessible and user-friendly. It offers live visuals of the courts, allowing players to conveniently determine if courts are available for use at any time, from any location.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Canyon Lake Chamber seeks contestants for Battle of Businesses

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce is on the lookout for participants for its 2nd Annual Battle of the Canyon Lake Businesses. The event is scheduled for April 20 at Sierra Park, promising a day packed with excitement, community engagement, and competitive spirit among local enterprises.

The competition aims to foster unity and spotlight chamber members‘ businesses through a variety of games such as tug of war, kayak races, three-legged races, piggyback races, hopper ball races, jump rope, corn hole, and limbo. The event’s victor will earn a spot on the perpetual trophy and gain year-long bragging rights, a title currently held by Monarch Dumpsters from the inaugural battle last autumn.

The event is exclusive to Chamber of Commerce members, with a registration fee of $300 that includes team entry and a booth space to interact with the community. The Chamber is also offering sponsorship opportunities for businesses looking to enhance their visibility and support the event.

Those looking to compete or sponsor are encouraged to reach out to the Canyon Lake Chamber at canyonlakechamber@outlook.com.