News Briefs

Canyon Lake Community Garden to celebrate Earth Day tomorrow

The Canyon Lake Community Garden is inviting residents to celebrate Earth Day with an array of eco-friendly activities tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. This special event, held at the Community Garden and the adjacent lawn, is designed to provide environmental education and fun for families and individuals of all ages.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of engaging and free activities perfect for children, including crafting Mini Fairy Gardens, making Pinecone Birdfeeders, engaging in a Worm Search, and creating Seed Bombs. These activities aim to educate young participants about the importance of environmental stewardship in a fun and interactive way.

In addition to the hands-on activities, the Community Garden will be open for tours, offering visitors a chance to explore the garden’s diverse plant life and learn more about local gardening efforts. The event will also feature a seed giveaway, encouraging attendees to start or expand their own gardens at home.

As part of the Earth Day celebration, there will be a recycling drive. Community members are encouraged to bring their used recyclables to the event, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability in the community.

This Earth Day event at the Community Garden is a great opportunity for residents of Canyon Lake to come together to appreciate our planet, learn more about how to protect it, and engage in activities that highlight the importance of sustainable living.

Chamber of Commerce hosting Speed Networking Mixer at Pepe’s Monday

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce is inviting local business owners and representatives to its Speed Networking event on Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. This engaging mixer provides a dynamic opportunity for professionals to forge new business connections in a lively and efficient setting.

Speed Networking is tailored specifically for entrepreneurs and business representatives looking to expand their networks and engage with the local business community. The event’s fast-paced format is designed to maximize interactions, allowing participants to meet numerous contacts in a short period.

Attendance is complimentary for chamber members, while non-members can join for a fee of $15, which includes light bites. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a raffle gift, which offers an additional opportunity to highlight their business during the event.

Those interested in attending are urged to register in advance to secure a spot. Registration can be completed online at Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce Events.

This networking event promises not only to enhance business connections but also to provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to share insights and collaborate on potential opportunities.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with other business professionals in Canyon Lake and grow your network.

Canyon Lake Community Cleanup Event next weekend

The City of Canyon Lake, in collaboration with CR&R, is hosting its annual community cleanup and document shredding event on April 27, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Canyon Lake Community Church parking lot. This event is designed to assist residents in disposing of bulky items and securely shredding confidential documents, underscoring the city’s commitment to privacy protection and environmental stewardship.

Shredding services will be available from 8:00 a.m. to noon, offering residents a secure method to dispose of sensitive documents and help prevent identity theft. This initiative reflects the city’s dedication to safeguarding personal information and maintaining a clean, secure environment for the community.

Residents looking to utilize the shredding services or dispose of bulky items must provide proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. The cleanup is particularly aimed at helping residents discard items that are not accepted through regular trash services, such as furniture, yard waste, large appliances, and electronic waste.

Please note that certain items, including tires, car parts, household hazardous waste, and construction materials, will not be accepted at the event. Additionally, commercial and business dumping is strictly prohibited to ensure the event remains focused on serving the residential community.

For more information or to address any questions regarding the event, residents are encouraged to contact Canyon Lake City Hall at 951-244-2955. This annual event is a key part of the City of Canyon Lake’s commitment to promoting environmental responsibility and providing valuable services to its residents.

Canyon Lake Community Garage Sale scheduled for next weekend

Residents of Canyon Lake are invited to participate in the community’s first Garage Sale of the year, taking place over the weekend of April 27 and 28. This event provides a perfect opportunity for community members to engage in spring cleaning by selling items they no longer need, all without the necessity of obtaining a garage sale permit.

Those interested in joining the event can have their sale locations featured on an interactive map by registering before April 19 at www.clpoa.com/communitysale. This map is designed to help bargain hunters easily locate and visit the various sales across the community, enhancing traffic and sales opportunities for participants.

Participants are reminded that all items must be removed from the front lot by 5:00 p.m. on April 28, following community Rules & Regulations. Failure to comply may lead to violations. Additionally, those wishing to host garage sales on dates other than the designated community sale weekend are required to obtain a garage sale permit and must adhere to all applicable Rules & Regulations.

The Canyon Lake community garage sale is not only an excellent way for residents to declutter and find new homes for their unused items but also serves as a community-building event, bringing neighbors together in a festive and productive environment.

Mermaids of Canyon Lake to host 3rd Annual Derby Day celebration

The Mermaids of Canyon Lake are set to host their 3rd Annual Derby Day celebration on May 4 at noon, promising an exclusive and enjoyable afternoon for club members and their guests aged 21 and over. The event will be held by reservation only and will feature an array of festivities, including a scenic East Lake cruise.

Attendees will enjoy a catered lunch accompanied by a selection of spirits and receive $20 in Mermaid Money to use during the event. One of the day’s highlights is the unique kayak race, where volunteer “horses” (men on kayaks) will compete in races, energetically cheered on by women spectators from the boats.

A contest for the most fabulous hat will encourage guests to showcase their creativity, with attendees invited to wear their most inventive and flamboyant headgear. Prizes will be awarded not only for the best hat but also to the guest who ends the day with the most Mermaid Money.

Due to the limited space available on the boats, prompt reservations are essential for those wishing to participate. Full boat reservations, accommodating eight people plus a driver, are available for $500, while individual tickets are priced at $65.00 per person. For booking and additional information, potential attendees are encouraged to visit the Mermaids of Canyon Lake’s official website at www.mermaidsofcanyonlake.org.

Helping Hands calls for volunteers to support Pack Day

Helping Hands, a dedicated local organization committed to supporting seniors in the community, is appealing to friends, family, and community members to join them for Pack Day tomorrow. With a competing event expected to reduce volunteer numbers, additional help is urgently needed to ensure that a significant quantity of food is packed and ready for distribution to seniors.

Pack Day is a crucial activity for Helping Hands, as it prepares the essential food packages that are distributed to seniors in need within the community. The organization emphasizes the importance of community involvement in fulfilling this vital service, especially considering the expected lower turnout of regular volunteers.

In addition to the call for volunteers, Helping Hands is also embarking on an expansion plan aimed at increasing its capacity to feed more seniors throughout the year. A key component of this plan involves the installation of a pallet rack system in its warehouse, which will significantly enhance storage capabilities and operational efficiency.

Helping Hands is seeking the assistance of a local, family-owned business that can supply and install the pallet rack system, whether new or used. The organization is committed to expanding its services and reaching more seniors in need, and this warehouse upgrade is a vital step towards achieving that goal.

“We have a lot of food that needs to be packed, so please help us out and join us,” a Helping Hands representative said. “Our goal is to feed more seniors this year, and with your support, we can make that happen.”

Community members interested in volunteering for Pack Day or businesses able to assist with the pallet rack system are encouraged to get involved. For more information on how to volunteer or assist with the expansion plans, please contact Helping Hands directly.

CLAPPS to host Annual Beautification Golf Tournament

The Canyon Lake Association of Past Presidents (CLAPPS) will host its Annual Beautification Tournament April 27 at the Canyon Lake Golf & Country Club. The tournament continues its long-standing tradition of enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of the golf course.

Over the past 15 years, the event has raised over $100,000, funding numerous upgrades that include the installation of an 11-foot-tall Street Clock near the putting green, concrete benches, sand containers, the iconic Lighthouse logo behind the #17 green, and elegant bronze tee signs at each tee. These improvements have significantly contributed to the course’s beauty and the overall player experience.The tournament is open to the public and will accommodate players of all skill levels with a “Partners Best Ball” format for those with established handicaps and a “Scramble” format for novice players. Participants have the option to select their own partners and foursomes, though organizers are also available to help form teams.

Entry fees are set at $65 per player, which includes a post-tournament lunch and a chance to win various awards recognizing the flight winners. Please note that green fees and cart rentals are additional. The day will also feature a raffle and a live auction during the lunch program, with all proceeds going directly towards ongoing and new beautification projects at the golf course.

Those interested in joining the fun and contributing to the continued beautification of the Canyon Lake Golf & Country Club are encouraged to sign up at the Pro Shop. For more information, please contact Tom Scudieri at thomasscudieri@yahoo.com or by phone at 602-799-2100.

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.

POA sponsoring Electric Bicycle Reward Program for youth

The Canyon Lake Property Owners Association has unveiled a new reward program designed to promote safe riding habits among the community’s youth, particularly focusing on electric bicycle riders aged 18 and younger.

This initiative aims to foster a culture of responsibility and safety, reflecting the growing popularity of electric bicycles and the increased need for safety measures within the community.

In collaboration with the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce, the City of Canyon Lake, and community supporters, the POA is committed to encouraging young riders to adopt safe practices, emphasizing helmet use and situational awareness.

Community Patrol officers will award Safe Riding Vouchers to youth who exhibit safe riding practices. These vouchers, redeemable at the Canyon Lake POA Member Services offices for various rewards, are available to those who have officially registered their electric bicycles with the POA. The redemption of vouchers is permitted once every three months, ensuring ongoing encouragement for maintaining safe riding habits.

The program extends beyond electric bicycle users, including all young residents utilizing two-wheeled transportation.

“Whether they’re on BMX bikes, traditional bicycles, or enjoying the pump track at Vacation Park, we want to instill the significance of helmet use and situational awareness in all our young riders,” stated a POA representative.

For more information about the reward program and electric bicycle riding guidelines in Canyon Lake, residents are encouraged to visit the POA’s website at www.clpoa.com/ebike. The Canyon Lake POA’s new program serves as an important step towards ensuring the safety of young riders and promoting a secure and enjoyable environment for two-wheeled transportation in the community.

Cash, Killer & The King Tribute Show set for May 18

The Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild will put “Cash, Killer & The King” tribute show on the Canyon Lake Lodge Holiday Bay Room stage May 18. The show kicks off at 7:00 p.m., promising an unforgettable evening that will bring the golden era of Rock N’ Roll back to life.

Audiences can expect a riveting performance that pays homage to the legendary Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley. The tribute will recreate the magic of the time when these musical giants came together in Memphis, Tennessee, to create hits that would define a generation. The show aims to capture the essence of their electrifying performances from the 1950s and 60s, making it a must-see for fans of classic rock and roll.

With ticket sales moving fast and VIP seats nearly sold out, music lovers are urged to act quickly to secure their place at this highly anticipated event. General Admission tickets are conveniently available at the Canyon Lake POA office, offering fans a chance to experience this spectacular show without the burden of extra fees.

The Fine Arts Guild is also excited to announce additional concerts in its 2024 lineup, including an “American Girl tribute to Carrie and Shania” on July 13, and the “K-Tell Allstars with the Top 70’s hits show” on October 19. These upcoming concerts further underscore the Guild’s commitment to bringing high-quality entertainment to the Canyon Lake community.

For more details about “Cash, Killer & The King” and other upcoming concerts, or to secure your tickets, please contact the Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild at CanyonLakeGuild@gmail.com.

City invites community to participate in volunteer program to boost civic engagement

The City of Canyon Lake encourages residents to join its volunteer program aimed at enhancing community involvement and harnessing the collective power of its citizens. This initiative seeks to connect individuals with various opportunities for civic engagement to enrich the local and surrounding communities.

To streamline the volunteer process, the city has created an interest list accessible through its volunteer webpage. This online platform acts as a central point for residents interested in dedicating their time and talents to improve the community.

The program offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, designed to suit different interests and availability. From students seeking to complete community service hours to residents eager to contribute more significantly to community development, the program provides numerous ways to get involved.

Residents interested in joining the volunteer effort are encouraged to visit the city’s website at canyonlakeca.gov to sign up and receive notifications about upcoming volunteer opportunities. This initiative highlights the city’s dedication to building a stronger community and motivating residents to take an active part in its development.

Through this volunteer program, the City of Canyon Lake reaffirms its commitment to fostering a vibrant community spirit and enhancing the quality of life for all its residents.

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.

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.