News Briefs

Canyon Lake Community Theatre brings Disney’s ‘Tarzan’ to the stage

The Canyon Lake Community Theatre is set to bring the jungle to life with its production of Disney’s “Tarzan,” playing this May at the Indian Beach Amphitheater. This vibrant, all-ages show combines Disney’s animated musical adventure with Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic tale, “Tarzan of the Apes.”

Audiences can expect an enthralling experience with music by rock legend Phil Collins, featuring the Academy Award-winning song “You’ll Be in My Heart,” along with other favorites like “Son of Man” and “Two Worlds.” The compelling score is paired with a book by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang, ensuring a production filled with high-flying excitement and dramatic depth.

Performances are scheduled for May 9, 10, and 11 at 7:00 p.m., with the first evening designated as a special family night. The event will take place at the scenic Indian Beach, adding a natural backdrop that enhances the show’s jungle theme.

Tickets are available for $20 each for general admission, with reserved seating options for the Friday and Saturday shows to accommodate audience preferences. Tickets can be purchased online at clctheatre.com. For additional details and updates, follow the Canyon Lake Community Theatre on Instagram at @canyon_lake_theatre. Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of Disney and the adventure of Tarzan through this memorable theatrical production.

Mermaids of Canyon Lake to celebrate 3rd Annual Derby Day

The Mermaids of Canyon Lake are gearing up for their 3rd Annual Derby Day celebration, an exclusive event scheduled for May 4 at noon. This festive gathering, designed for club members and their guests aged 21 and over, will take place by reservation only and promises an afternoon of fun and camaraderie.

The event will feature a scenic East Lake cruise, where attendees can enjoy a catered lunch along with a selection of spirits, and each guest will receive $20 in Mermaid Money to enhance their experience throughout the day.

A highlight of the celebration will be a unique kayak race, with volunteer “horses” (men on kayaks) competing in several races throughout the afternoon, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd of women spectators from the boats.

In keeping with the playful spirit of Derby Day, a hat contest will encourage attendees to don their most creative and outlandish headgear. Prizes will be awarded for the most fabulous hat and to the guest who accumulates the most Mermaid Money by the end of the event.

Due to limited space on the boats, those interested in participating are urged to make their reservations promptly. Options include booking a full boat, which accommodates eight people plus a driver, for $500, or purchasing individual tickets at $65.00 per person. For reservations or more information, potential attendees are encouraged to visit the Mermaids of Canyon Lake’s official website at www.mermaidsofcanyonlake.org.

Canyon Lake Fire Department to host Open House in celebration of Fire Service Day

The Canyon Lake Fire Department invites the community to its Annual Open House on May 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Station 1 on Vacation Drive. This event is held in conjunction with the nationwide observance of Fire Service Day and pays homage to the bravery and dedication of firefighters who risk their lives for the safety of our communities. This year’s Open House coincides with National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, a time to honor the 82 firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2023, as well as those who have fallen in previous years.

The event will feature a range of family-friendly activities, including live demonstrations, fire engine tours, and interactive experiences with local safety and emergency response teams. Children and families can enjoy face painting, balloon art, and complimentary food provided by CLAMS. Participants include the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, American Medical Response (AMR), the Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee, EVMWD, and the Canyon Lake Firefighters Association.

Children will have the unique opportunity to try on firefighter gear, explore inside fire engines, and meet Sparky the Fire Dog. The event also offers educational materials to foster an interest in fire safety among young attendees and provides fire safety tip brochures to all participants.

Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse highlighted the importance of the event.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the crucial roles firefighters play in our community,” he said. “You can interact with the professionals who protect us every day, and gain valuable safety insights.”

The Canyon Lake Fire Department is excited to welcome residents to this informative and engaging Open House. This event not only honors those who have served and sacrificed but also strengthens the bond between the fire service and the community.

CLAPPS Annual Beautification Golf Tournament tomorrow

The Canyon Lake Association of Past Presidents (CLAPPS) hosts its Annual Beautification Tournament tomorrow at the Canyon Lake Golf & Country Club. This event, which has been a staple in the community for the past 15 years, plays a crucial role in enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of the local golf course.

Thanks to the funds raised through this annual event, over $100,000 has been invested into numerous upgrades around the golf course. These improvements include 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, all of which have greatly enhanced the beauty and overall experience for players.

The tournament welcomes players of all skill levels and will feature a “Partners Best Ball” format for those with established handicaps and a “Scramble” format for those without. Participants are invited to choose their own partners and foursomes, though assistance is available for those who need help forming teams.

The entry fee for the tournament is $65 per player, which includes a post-tournament lunch and eligibility for various awards for flight winners. It should be noted that green fees and cart rentals are not included in the entry fee. The event will also include a raffle and a live auction, with all proceeds dedicated to ongoing and future beautification projects at the golf course.

Individuals interested in participating in this beneficial event are encouraged to sign up at the Pro Shop. For additional information, contact Tom Scudieri at thomasscudieri@yahoo.com or call 602-799-2100.

Community invited to join Annual Spring Lake Cleanup Day

The Canyon Lake Yacht Club is calling upon community members to participate in the Spring Lake Cleanup Day, scheduled for May 4. This long-standing community event is dedicated to maintaining and preserving the natural beauty of Canyon Lake and its surroundings.

Volunteers are requested to assemble at Diamond Point Park at 9:00 a.m. for a brief orientation where they will receive maps and cleaning supplies. During the cleanup, volunteers equipped with boats will navigate the lake’s coves and shorelines to collect both submerged and floating debris. Simultaneously, those on golf carts will focus on cleaning the park beaches and adjacent shorelines, ensuring that every foot of the lake’s perimeter is thoroughly checked and cleaned.

Vice Commodore Dave Carter highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “The Yacht Club has organized the Lake Cleanup annually for decades. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to focus our attention on preserving the beauty of this beautiful lake.” He further noted that the event is not only crucial for the lake’s upkeep but also serves as an enjoyable and rewarding way for residents to engage with fellow community members.

Participants do not need to register in advance and can simply arrive at the designated starting location on the day of the event. Those arriving in golf carts are encouraged to bring large trash bags and nets. A few boats will also be equipped with large nets specifically designed for retrieving floating debris.

The cleanup activities are scheduled to run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., after which all collected debris will be transported back to Diamond Point Park for sorting, counting, and proper disposal by city officials.

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. 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.

“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.

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.

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.