Here's a look at what was happening in the month of May over the last 40 years in Canyon Lake.
40 Years Ago
In 1974, Canyon Lake was six years old, and plans were in the works for a ball diamond to be constructed next to the Equestrian Center, with Don Martin and Al Rogers co-chairing the project.
Jim Cross was president of the Property Owners Association, and the POA Board approved a $165 assessment fee for the 1974-75 year.
The Canyon Lake Home Owners Club sponsored a highly successful Las Vegas Night and filled the Lodge with members and their guests.
Without any apparent warning, the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District purchased and stored approximately 2,000 acre-feet of water in Canyon Lake and, by doing so, increased the water level of the lake by two feet. This caused those with docks to note some becoming waterlogged as they were not built for capacity water level in the lake. Canyon Lake’s signature Lighthouse was somewhat submerged at the time.
35 Years Ago
By 1979, Canyon Lake’s POA President was Conrad Lange. Floyd Fidler was General Manager and Bill Reitzell was Home Owners Club President. The latest ACC Report indicated that there were 1,084 completed homes in Canyon Lake, with another 120 under construction. There were 111 mobile homes with an additional three under construction. There were 4,729 residents in the gated private community.
Fire Engine Company 60 was about to get a new home with a new building in the works. Donations were accepted to help raise money to complete the station, buy equipment and landscape the area adjacent to the North Causeway.
A level lot on Emperor Dr. with ACC approved plans for a two-bedroom house was offered at $16,900, and waterfront view Lot 336, Tract 3719 could be had for $34,900. Another new home with 50 ft. of waterfront on the Main Lake was on sale for $114,500.
Dottie Herendich was Fiesta Day chair, assisted by Ray Poche, who was the parade chair. The Parade route started at the Post Office (now Blue Bird Hall) and ran to the Lodge.
Candidates for the POA Board at that time were Mildred Browning, Bill Cozad, David Diels, Emmett E. O’Donnell, Benton Price, Roger Scharf and Gerald Zahrte.
The Travel Club went to Angels Stadium in Anaheim to see the Angels play the New York Yankees. The price of a ticket was $11. Hot dogs at the game were additional. Canyon Lake’s Volunteer Fireman’s Auxiliary conducted a bake sale at the Lodge and raised $148.65 from the sale of cakes, cookies and cupcakes.
30 Years Ago
In 1984, Bill Stewart was POA General Manager and John Feiger was Home Owners Cub president. Four incumbent POA Directors as well as a new resident threw their hats into the local political ring in the spring election. They were Mary Johnson, John Giardinelli, James Cashman, Ike Runner and newcomer Robert Rackstraw.
Canyon Lake’s 3rd annual Chili Cook-Off transformed the community into “Chili City, USA.” Sponsored by the Jr. Women’s Club, the annual event was, as always, a crowd-pleaser and offered the occasion to raise funds to underwrite many local activities.
The active Home Owners Club planned to transform the 1.8-acre site on Canyon Lake Dr. North into a new community park, according to Glen Foster. Plans included Club members landscaping the space between Schooner Dr. and Canyon Lake Dr. and the installation of picnic and fitness equipment along the new pathways.
The Presidents Committee hosted a performance of “The Barber of Seville” at Indian Beach. A touring company composed of 25 instrumentalists, actors and singers provided the program, the first opera to be performed in the community.
A Milk Carton Boat Race was scheduled for Fiesta Day, sponsored by the California Milk Advisory Board. The Presidents Committee solicited funds to pay for the 4th of July Fireworks Show. It was anticipated that $3,000 would have to be raised.
25 Years Ago
In May 1989, two announced candidates for the POA Board, Lori Ziegler and Jennifer Stickles, announced they would no longer be in the race since each had discovered she could face personal liability in the event of future lawsuits against the private gated community. Those still in the running were Warren Kelsey, Bill Schelb, Harold Shaw, Jack Wamsley and Don Wicen.
Canyon Lake was preparing for the 8th annual Chili Cook-off with Jr. Women’s Club members completing the details. To be held again at Indian Beach, the community was once again ready to assume its nickname of “Chili City USA.” The event earned some $22,000 for the Jr. Women’s Club to distribute to various local non-profit groups and a community project.
New regulations for operating golf carts within the community were approved by the Property Owners Association Board. The new Canyon Lake Antique and Classic Boat Club would sponsor an aquatic show, according to president Steve Hipsack.
At the time, Canyon Lake was 72 percent built and had 13 homes under construction. Of the 3,237 total residences in the community, 2,264 were owner-occupied, 358 leased and another 109 rented on a month-to-month basis. In addition, 475 homes belonged to weekenders and 42 were spec homes. There were 1,247 vacant lots left in Canyon Lake.
Cathy and Clancy Cornell were awarded 1st-place sweepstakes honors in the 1989 Colorful Canyon Lake Celebration, sponsored by the active Canyon Lake Home Owners Club.
Fiesta Day Chair Cora Sue Vanderhey announced that the grand marshals for the 1989 event would be Carolyn Knight and Rob Caveney.
Local parents were vocal over the plans of the Lake Elsinore Unified School District to re-assign elementary students to different schools to balance enrollment in the growing district. Some claimed the youngsters had already been to three different schools in their brief time in the district.
20 Years Ago
Lake lease negotiations were completed between the Property Owners Association and the Lake Elsinore Municipal Water District. Thanks to the efforts of EVMWD Director Chuck Bryant and POA Directors Lori Zeigler and John Zaitz, successful surface rights of the lake for recreational purposes were completed in May 1994.
As of May 1, the gated community was 81 percent built, with six homes approved for construction that year. Of the total 3,765 residences in Canyon Lake, 2,669 were owner-occupied, 481 leased and another 40 rented on a month-to-month basis. Weekenders numbered 497, with 78 spec homes and 1,004 vacant lots.
The Equestrian Club hosted a successful dog show, with more than 100 pups taking part while 200 watched the activities. Lake Elsinore Animal Friends (now Animal Friends of the Valleys) also attended, finding homes for two pets and selling 30 licenses.
Canyon Lakers were recycling their aluminum cans and plastic bottles to offset the $5,000 cost of the 4th of July fireworks show.
Chef Mark Hartman of Elinor’s Restaurant (now the Lighthouse) started a six-week course called “Mark’s Cook Shop” and taught students how to prepare four-course meals in just 60 minutes.
The Fairway Estates turned into a muddy mess when a contractor using a bulldozer severed a 12-inch water main. A flood of mud, water and debris cascaded through the estates – as deep as three feet in some areas – before the water district could get the flow turned off. It took 16 firefighters and between 500 and 600 sandbags to stem the muddy water. The incident happened after dark, complicating matters even more.
Tom Wysocki and Jerry Blakemore were elected to the Board of Directors. A quorum was met that year, with 51.2 percent of Canyon Lakers voting.
Members of the very active Canyon Lake Theatre announced auditions for the fall production of “Peter Pan.”
The theme for the 1994 Fiesta Day Parade was “A Look at the Past.” A total of 73 booths were set up at the Lodge, and in keeping with the theme, Don and Elinor Martin set up a video of the history of the community, which was shown in the Fireside Room of the old Lodge.
Wells Fargo, the company that once provided security for gold shipments, railways and stagecoaches, took over the Community Patrol function for Canyon Lake.
The POA Controller won $3.2 million in the California Lottery. Not surprisingly, she retired from her position. She was not the first Canyon Lake employee to hit it big in the Lottery. Five years before, Community Patrol officer Richard Shade won more than $350,000, thanks to a ticket he purchased at the Roundup Jr. Market at the East Gate.
Canyon Lake resident Ruth Wysocki was inducted into the California Community College Coaches and Athlete’s Hall of Fame – the first woman ever to receive this distinction.
15 Years Ago
Skateboarding, as well as rollerblading and rollerskating, were no longer permitted on the grounds of the Towne Center, following a ban adopted by the City Council.
As of May 1, 1999, 25 new homes had been approved by the ACC. Of the 3,953 total residences in Canyon, 3,068 were owner-occupied, 427 were leased and another 21 rented on a month-to-month basis. In addition, there were 281 weekend homes and 156 spec homes. At that time, there were 45 homes under construction and vacant lots numbered 737.
The new and long-anticipated Property Owners Association’s headquarters in the Towne Center was under construction with plans to locate all offices and services in August.
Taco Tuesday returned to the community and throngs of local families took advantage of the party time at the Lake.
In the POA election for a two-year term, Chuck Datillo, Marty Gibson and Chuck Whitehead were elected, and John McNamara was chosen president with John Zaitz taking over as vice-president. The proposition that would have changed the quorum requirement from 50 to 33 1/3 percent failed. After serving on the POA Board for nine years, Lori Zeigler said goodbye and turned to new challenges.
The Canyon Lake Community Theatre and Performing Arts Association planned “Annie” as its fall production and sent out a casting call for those within the community who wanted to take part.
For her volunteer efforts at the Hospice of the Valleys, Ellen Kellett received a plaque, a crystal trophy and a letter from President Bill Clinton.
The Friends of the Canyon Lake Library presented another of their popular story times, this one featuring Ardis Underwood with a story about hats.
Dr. Dave Long and Ruthe Lee were honored as grand marshals or the 1999 Fiesta Day celebration. For the Miss Canyon Lake Scholarship Pageant, the following were voted to the prestigious titles: Amber-Lee Garcia (Wee-Miss), Kayla Rodriguez (Jr. Miss), Leah Lathrop (Young Miss), Caitlin Markley (Miss Pre-Teen), Nichole Whitegon (Miss Teen), Laurel Moras (Miss Canyon Lake) and Danna Alvarado (Mrs. Canyon Lake).
Canyon Lake’s Carolyn Knight journeyed to Washington, D.C., to represent the Inland Empire’s Susan G. Komen Foundation at the national “Ten Star Salute to Breast Cancer Survivors” celebration. She was feted by Vice-president Al Gore and his wife for her efforts in many hours of service to breast cancer causes as a founder of the Bosom Buddies group, grown to more than 70 members. In addition, Carolyn learned that she has been honored as Riverside County’s “Staples Community Star” with a personalized porcelain star inscribed with her name and permanently displayed in Los Angeles’ Staples Center courtyard.
Marti Norris won several blue ribbons at the Elsinore Woman’s Club’s annual Flower Show with her colorful displays of roses.
The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) revealed that a recent study predicted that Canyon Lake would grow by 359 “units” by July 1, 2005. That would indicate, the study said, that Canyon Lake’s residences would increase from the current 3,953 to 4,312.
10 Years Ago
In May of 2004, Canyon Lake already had 4,292 total residences, close to that number predicted five years earlier for 2005. Of these, 3,391 were owner-occupied, 14 of which had developed adjacent lots. There were 452 leased homes and 33 rented on a month-to-month basis. In addition, there were 331 weekend homes and 84 spec homes. A total of 28 homes had been approved and five were under construction. Only 408 lots remained vacant.
The Railroad Canyon Rd. Westbound Pavement Reconstruction Project got under way. The Chamber of Commerce hosted a representative from the proposed Audie Murphy Ranch development to give a progress report on the proposed development.
The Fiesta Day Theme was “Thanks for the Memories: A Tribute to the USO.”
Canyon Lakers were surrounded by reminders of nearby fires as smoke and ashes filled the air and water-toting helicopters made use of the Lake’s water supply to assist local fire lines. At times flames were clearly visible.
Tim Tait was hired as the new Lighthouse manager and said the facility was a great one, but one that had lost its way. With enthusiasm, he promised to bring the restaurant back to life as its “Lighthouse Keeper.”
The Lions and Lioness Clubs recognized John and LaRue McNamara for a decade of service to the community. John passed away later that month.
A baby rattlesnake bit Brian Hoover while golfing on the 17th green. He sought immediate medical help and was given 12 vials of anti-venom.
The YMCA program was initiated in Canyon Lake and was initially offered to kids from pre-school to middle school age.
Ground was broken for commercial centers on both sides of Railroad Canyon Rd., just outside Canyon Lake’s boundaries in Lake Elsinore.
Canyon Lake Community Theatre presented “Little Shop of Horrors” in the Holiday Bay Room.
5 Years Ago
As the state suffered through a third year of drought and edged closers to mandatory water rationing, the City of Canyon Lake was taking steps to make sure its residents were prepared for what was ahead by hosting the first-ever Water Summit at City Hall.
International Pavement Solutions (IPS) began the road construction portion of the Phase II Road Project, starting on Longhorn Dr. at the Campground and moving north in approximately 1,500-ft. increments.
The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) announced the completion of the Longhorn Dr. Sewer Replacement Project. The project involved construction of a new sewer pipeline and laterals on Longhorn Dr. from Bronc Ct. to the new Longhorn Lift Station, just north of Strawberry Ln.
The City Council approved an emergency ordinance requiring all owners of foreclosed properties to notify the City by June 1 and pay a $130 annual registration fee. Owners of new foreclosures would have 15 days to register with the City or face fines of up to $1,000 a day.
Concern about potential quagga mussel infestation was escalating to the point that the POA Board agreed to join with four other agencies to fund a “Risk Assessment and Response Plan” to specifically research the risks to Canyon Lake and Lake Elsinore. The research would be carried out by Dr. Michael Anderson of the University of California Riverside.
Three Directors were elected at the Alternate Annual Meeting held May 14. Joining Randy Bonner and Guy Kestell on the 2009-2011 Board were Directors Michelle Gordon, Steve Salazar and incumbent David Johnston.
"Fabulous Fifties" was the theme of the Woman's Club's Fashion Show, as seen in the recap and pictures from that event. The Senior Center hosted a free Open House Barbecue. Canyon Lakers were invited to enjoy billiards, bocce ball and horseshoes and try out the new Wii game system.
Sarah Guzzino reported finding a 4-foot-long monitor outside her kitchen on Granite Dome.
It was announced that, for an unprecedented tenth time, Barbara Kryka was crowned the Women's Golf Club Champion. Flight winners were Inga Loy, Anita Fairfield, Marina Stinson, Cheryl Ritsema and Charlotte Peterson. The winner of the annual "Gas Mask Trophy" was Jim Paulis.
Motocross racer Sara Price set the fastest lap times and was running first until she experienced mechanical issues in the women’s division of the Maxxis MiniMotoSX in Las Vegas. Canyon Lake Middle School held a Fundraiser Festival Custom Car Show at Storm Stadium. Paul Chenette played the starring role of Jesus Christ in the Canyon Lake Community Theatre production of "Godspell."
With the Fiesta Day theme of "Small Town American Heroes,” the grand marshals of the parade were Col. Arlie Blood, Lt. Col. John McSpadden, Sr. Master Sgt. John Basham, Sgt. Vern Knip, Airman Brenda Adams, Petty Officer 1 Matt Williams, Lt. Col. Art Zasio, Sgt. Megan Conners, Lt. Commander Darell Basham, Chief Petty Officer Michael Todd Elliott, Petty Officer 1st Class Mike Meeks and Major Thomas Innocenti III.
The Choraleers Spring Concert was themed, "Try to Remember."
Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed the following movies in May 2009: "The Soloist," "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," "Star Trek," "Angels and Demons," "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" and "Terminator Salvation."
1 Year Ago
Residents were seeing some new faces at the gates and patrolling the streets as Securitas officially became the Association's security company on May 1. The officers were driving new vehicles and wearing new uniforms.
Following the Association's Annual Meeting and Election, the new Board of Directors included President David Eilers, Vice-President Dawn Haggerty, Treasurer Bruce Yarbrough, Secretary Eric Spitzer and Director George Middle.
Director of Operations Catherine Wilson announced the Road Project was finished.
The 2013 Woman's Club Fashion Show had the theme, "Bridging the Generations." The Jr. Women's Club held its 3rd annual “Spring Play Day for Special Needs Kids” in front of City Hall. The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce held its annual Tailgate Party at Storm Stadium.
Anita Fairfield was announced as the Women's Club Golf Champion. Kim Robinson was the 9ers Golf Club Champion.
The City of Canyon Lake was considering the possibility of closing Station 60. Residents were invited to participate in a discussion on this issue at a special City Council meeting.
Canyon Lake was facing difficult choices in the area of public safety, specifically fire services. Close Fire Station 60 and turn the City's fire tax over to the cities of Menifee and Lake Elsinore to pay for services provided by stations 5, 94 and 97? Disincorporate and become nothing more than a private gated community of the county, perhaps enabling station 60 to remain open? Spend money to put a new public safety tax on a future ballot with no guarantee voters would pass it? Continue to draw down the reserves to pay for fire services in the hope that new sources of funding could be found before the City goes bankrupt? These were the options mentioned in the special meeting.
Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire said youths playing with fireworks caused a 20 acre brush fire in the area between Goetz Hill and the dam. Resources assigned to the fire included 77 firefighters, nine engine companies and a helicopter.
At the Public Safety Committee meeting, Allied Barton Manager Vince Schiavi was thanked for his 11 years of service in Canyon Lake.
Sam and Joyce Theodora's 1955 Chevy convertible was the Car Club's Car of the Month.
For his 50th birthday, water sports enthusiast Ron Stack, of Air Boom Inc. wakeboard towers, invited everyone to the lake for a one-hour show featuring himself and several of his good friends.
The Canyon Lake Middle School Cougar Choir performed at the High Notes Music Festival in Cypress and received a superior ranking from the national adjudicators.
Canyon Lake Community Theatre reprised the comedy musical, "Nunsense," featuring Jackie Petersen, Shay Davis, Leslie Vecchione, Kristen Maxon-Wood and Stephanie Vecchione.
The Friday Flyer Editor Sharon Rice served as grand marshal of the Fiesta Day parade. The Cardboard Boat Challenge was a new event at Fiesta Day, drawing a fleet of determined paddlers and an even larger crowd of spectators.
Canyon Lake Bible Fellowship and Elevation Church hosted a concert for young people at Indian Beach featuring the hip-hop group, "Go Project."
After 12 years of providing service to the community and supporting the businesses of Canyon Lake, Lee Clark, executive director of the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce, announced her retirement.
Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed the movies, "Pain & Gain," "Iron Man 3," "The Great Gatsby," "Star Trek Into Darkness" and "Fast and Furious 6."