Here's a look at what was happening in the month of July over the last 40 years in Canyon Lake.
40 Years Ago
In 1974, James Cross was Canyon Lake’s Property Owners Association President; Bob Perrenoud, Vice-president; Lynn Eastman, Secretary; and Gloria Becker, Bill Denning and Richard Zisch Directors.
Tennis players from Canyon Lake and attending Elsinore High School won the De Anza League championship under the guidance of coach Ray Corral.
Members of the community’s active Woman’s Club traveled to Las Vegas for shows and fun. They were looking forward to the next trip scheduled for Lake Tahoe.
What was soon to become Treasure Island was slowly taking shape off Longhorn Dr.
A boat caught fire on the Main Lake and the Quail Valley Fire Department arrived a few minutes later, manning a water hose to put out the flames.
Smith Falconer, POA General Manager, announced that he was looking into the problem caused by unoccupied trailers being left at the Campground. Motorcycles, stocking the lake with bass, the need for additional rental houses in the community and breakfast served at the Lodge were additional topics of discussion.
Canyon Lake condominiums were offered from $44,950 to $46,500, and Lot 16, Tract 4001 could be had for assuming the $3,500 balance.
35 Years Ago
Real estate was booming and a large waterfront home at the west end of Catfish Cove was offered for sale at $159,900.
A series of robberies and vandalism caused POA General Manager Floyd Fidler to suggest that a Neighborhood Watch might be established to help the local security force deal with the problem.
Ben Price was the POA President, and he promised that the Association would be taking action against those with outstanding citations for breaking the gated community’s rules and
regulations.
Local residents were still talking about the highly successful Fiesta Day activities, including the colorful parade organized by Ray Poche.
Weekender Lorie Moore was named “Miss Canyon Lake” in a competition including some 50 entrants.
Fred Dalby reported that fishing was picking up at the Campground. One young boy caught a large carp, and Fred said that these are considered junk fish, non-edible. But, if one wants to cook them, he suggested that the carp be placed on a pine board, placed in an oven at 350-degrees and cooked 20 minutes. Then, take the carp out of the oven, he said, throw it away and eat the pine board.
The Home Owners Club held its annual picnic, with 150 attending the event held at Indian Beach.
The Roadrunners traveled to Oak Springs Ranch near Hemet for a caravan that featured swimming, golf and a barbecue that included a 225-pound pig!
Canyon Lake Lions Club members Dave Burns, Ray Poche, Al Webb, Bob Roberts, Lyle Ness, Bob O'Donnell, Dick Goodfield and their wives attended the Lions convention.
30 Years Ago
July of 1984 was warm, and the Lake attracted all sorts of residents and visitors to the community. One of them was young Molly Knight of Whittier, pictured on the cover of the July 1984 Community News with a couple of feathered friends.
Plans were under way for the annual March Air Force Base Concert at Indian Beach, featuring the massive American flag from Carl’s Jr.
The Canyon Lake Volunteer Fire Department announced steps to purchase a rescue vehicle for Fire Station 60 at the price of $54,935. Funds for the purchase were to come from the Volunteers, the POA and various local clubs and organizations. The need for a traffic signal at Railroad Canyon Rd. and the Main Gate was obvious to anyone who traveled to the private gated community. The Riverside Road Department told local leaders that it would take a $40,000 contribution from the community to underwrite the installation of the signal. A fundraising effort, headed by Canyon Lake activist Glen Foster, accepted the challenge and undertook to bring about the necessary funding.
They adopted the slogan of “Support Our Signal,” (SOS) and asked for help in making the four-way signal a reality.
Resident Chuck Bryant was Canyon Lake’s representative on the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and he reported that the new sewer plan would be completed by August, unless an unanticipated problem arose.
Harry Glover, chairman of the Presidents’ Committee, sponsor of Fiesta Day, congratulated all who participated. Robin Boswell was crowned Miss Canyon Lake and Dee Dee Davis posed as Miss Brazil.
Complaints from neighbors near Gault Field that lighting was becoming a nuisance and the field was nicknamed “The Canyon Lake Air Field” resulted in contractors modifying the lighting with baffles and shielding installed.
25 Years Ago
In July 1989, the Home Owners Club board of directors reacted to a growing list of burglaries and thefts in the gated community and offered a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for such crimes.
The Riverside County Sheriff reported that automobile theft was the fastest growing crime in the state, and 36 cars were stolen in Canyon Lake the previous year.
As of July 1, Canyon Lake was 75 percent built with 3,303 total residences. Of these, 2,325 were owner-occupied, 347 leased and another 115 rented on a month-to-month basis. Four hundred, sixty homes belonged to weekenders and 51 were spec homes. There were 1,148 vacant lots remaining and there were 216 homes under construction.
Myron Davis, chairman of the Presidents Council, reminded local residents that recycling of paper, cans and other items had contributed to the Fireworks Show on the 4th of July. He said that the plan had been discontinued, but that there would be a new way of raising funds for the annual pyrotechnic display.
Canyon Lake’s clubs met to allocate funds derived from that year’s Chili Cook Off. The net intake from the popular event was more than $16,000, said Jr. Women’s Club representatives, and divided among clubs that took part.
Members of the Air Force Band of the Golden West were scheduled to appear in a free concert at Indian Beach. This marked the eighth consecutive year this outstanding musical event came to Canyon Lake. The Anglers Cub sold fish and chips dinners as a fundraiser, and some estimates indicated 1,000 were in attendance at the Home Owners Club’s free gift to the community.
A rash of phoney plastic car decals concerned officials in Canyon Lake, and they were traced to a young man in Lake Elsinore who sold them for $3.
20 Years Ago
The annual 4th of July celebration in July 1994 got under way with a musical presentation by “Spider and the Mustangs,” a country and western group, and tasty meals were served at Elinor’s at the Lodge prior to another spectacular fireworks display from Skipper's Island.
The weekend also saw two patriotic programs available to local residents, and at the Canyon Lake Community Church and the other at the United Church of Sun City.
The annual Jr. Golf Clinic drew 163 youngsters. The popular program was led by Golf Pro Dave Lindeman and his assistants, John Eddins and Sean McClosky. It concluded with a tournament, followed by a barbecue and prize drawing at Indian Beach.
The newly established Canyon Lake Little League finished its first year with great success and even sent teams to the All-Star finals. Managers of the first four teams in the league were Steve Dale, Steve Waldroff, Chris Ginter and Steve Petty.
The Canyon Lake Community Theatre and Performing Arts Association (CLCT) held a well-attended “Night at the Storm Stadium” as a fundraiser. Local “rising star” vocalist Tara Miler sang “The Star Spangled Banner” for the crowd.
More than 75 cast members were nominated for their noteworthy contributions to the fledgling CLCT at the club's "Rising Stars Awards" ceremony at Indian Beach. The CLCT sponsored a '50s Sock Hop at the Lodge attended by more than 160 young people in 4th through 9th grades.
As of July 1, Canyon Lake was 81.5 percent built, with 18 homes under construction and 998 vacant lots. Of the 3,768 residences, 2,698 were owner-occupied, 509 leased and 37 rented on a month-to-month basis. Weekenders numbered 463 and there were 61 spec houses.
More “Letters to the Editor” appeared regarding the POA ban on the operation of motorcycles within Canyon Lake’s gates.
The Jr. Women’s Club sponsored an Aloha Casino Night at the Lodge Pool that attracted a large and happy group of revelers. Miss Canyon Lake, Nichole Ferrera, was among those in attendance.
POA president John Zaitz presented Dominic Incorvia, Diann McKie and Bud Aronsen with certificates of appreciation for their efforts on behalf of Canyon Lake’s citizens in a ceremony attended by the Board of Directors. The three were recognized for their development of Lucky Cove, teaching children the joy of dancing and spearheading the Tuesday Work Group’s contributions to the Golf Course.
POA general manager Bill Hallman reported that vandalism so far that year had cost the Association $8,341 in graffiti removal expenses.
Eight residents considered filing to run for the two seats available on the City Council. They were Cora Sue Barrett, Steven Graff, Helen Scott, Mark Weaver, Al “Bill” Trembly, Tom Nagle, Glen Vining and John Carroll, according to City Clerk Kathy Bennett.
15 Years Ago
In July 1999, POA officials anticipated that the population of the community would swell to 30,000 for the 4th of July celebration.
The POA Facilities Planning Committee was unveiling plans for the new Lodge and renderings of the new building continued to be shown in The Friday Flyer. It was announced that the rumor that the complex would contain the “Canyon Lake Lodge Casino” was unfounded and untrue.
After the Facilities Planning Committee presented its final design plans special election was scheduled for September to determine whether or not the current 6,900 sq. ft. Lodge – described as antiquated and inadequate – would be replaced by a "crown jewel" facility capable of meeting the needs of the community in the decades ahead.
The POA offered a Horse Camp, facilitated by Trainer Alex Radomirovich, for a cost of $80. The Ski Club held a Learn-to-Ski Day, with Arnold Winchester being the oldest skier at 80, and Amy Kennedy one of the youngest at 6. Ski Club president was Al Van Beenen.
Concerns emerged from local residents over the possible readiness of Americans when “Y2K” arrived on New Year’s Day in 2000. All sorts of potential problems were addressed in columns of The Friday Flyer. The Lioness Club, however, planned to recognize the Millennium with etched wine glasses, and members Marge Wicen and Ann Wilks were pictured toasting with the decorative keepsake glasses.
Two young Canyon Lake motocross racers qualified to ride in the prestigious Loretta Lynn American Motorcycle Association (AMA) National Youth Championship to be held in Tennessee. They were Brett Downey, 6, and Tyler Duncan, 15.
Implementation of a new Reserve Auxiliary Marine Patrol (RAMP) on Canyon Lake waterways was under consideration by the POA.
As of July 1, 33 homes had been approved by the ACC for Canyon Lake. Of the 3,974 total residences, 3,091 were owner-occupied, 418 leased and 22 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 218 weekend homes and 181 spec houses. Vacant lots numbered 728 and 22 homes were under construction.
Dr. Marlowe Schaffer and his wife, Mavis, were amazed to see a cactus-like plant in their backyard grow a 30-foot-tall flower-like crown. They learned that they had a Century Plant or Blue Agave blooming on their property.
The Friday Flyer featured a story about "local inventor" Sean McDonald, and his company, Lenticular Development Inc. Among other things, Sean was the inventor of the lenticular technology that captured 3-D action on the flat baseball cards distributed by Upper Deck.
A Tennis Academy attracted many young players during the summer months.
Jules Wesselink, long-time local resident, was featured in Sunset Magazine for his award-winning Gouda Cheese.
Rehearsals were under way for the local Community Theatre’s production of “Annie.”
Canyon Lakers were told the community would receive a new Area Code in February 2000. There would be a seven-month "get-acquainted" period to fully transition from 909 to 951.
The July 30, 1999 issue of The Friday Flyer announced an upcoming meeting in the Lodge Fireside Room for residents to learn about the proposed new Lodge. The meeting was to be presented by the Facilities Planning Committee and design contractors.
10 years ago
In July 2004, plans were under way to construct a new fire station on Railroad Canyon Rd. near the new Cottonwood Canyon development.
Dissent among POA Board members brought Letters to the Editor and talk of a possible recall. Embattled POA director Rick Mann resigned from his elected post and was replaced by Jordan Ehrenkranz.
“Taco Tuesdays” continued to attract appreciative crowds to the Lodge. Rolly Bittermann invited other Canyon Lakers to join his group of friends who operated radio-controlled sailboats at Diamond Point every Wednesday evening.
Seventeen girls successfully completed the “babysitting class” suggested by Miss Pre-Teen Carlee Blakemore and sponsored by the POA.
An increase in mail theft and vandalism in Canyon Lake brought action from U.S. Postal authorities.
Canyon Lake’s Paul Price was among those honoring Luiseño American Indian culture in a new Oceanside park.
Three City Council incumbents were up for re-election as Frank Kessler, John Zaitz and Jack Wamsley and the Council and staff continued to work with Brookside Homes as they prepared to build the Audie Murphy Ranch property adjacent to Canyon Lake.
Temperatures reached 105.7 on July 14 and brush fires in nearby surrounding areas were visible from Canyon Lake. The anticipated production of the Community Theatre group was “The Sound of Music,” and auditions were under way at Indian Beach.
Thirty-six Canyon Lake Ski Club members competed in the Western Regional Tournament held July 21 to 24 near Bakersfield, California. They brought home a total of 33 medals from the competition, including 15 first place and 10 second place honors. Among them, Dee Johnson and Willy Bertottotook 1st and 2nd Overall in Men’s 4.
Michael Sharkey, 6, earned a spot in the U.S. Kids Golf Championship in Williamsburg, Virginia, after learning to play golf in Canyon Lake's Jr. Golf Clinic two years earlier. Earlier in the summer, Michael took 2nd place in the U.S. Kids Golf Southern California State Championships, shooting the third lowest score in the U.S. in the 6-and-under division.
Members of the active Jr. Women’s Club contributed more that $25,000 to various local projects.
Regular customers at Pepe’s Restaurant were saddened to learn that Staff Sgt. Trevor Spink, 36, who worked at the Canyon Lake restaurant off and on, was one of four Marines killed in a vehicle accident near their base camp in Fallujah, Iraq. He had already served two tours in Iraq before being sent back in June.
5 Years Ago
The Chamber of Commerce’s 12th annual Ray Chenette Golf Tournament was a success, according to tournament chairman Paul Chenette, who announced the event raised in excess of $6,000 for August’s Canyon Lake Jr. Golf Clinic.
The POA came up with a plan for food service that allowed residents and their guests to enjoy eating at the popular beach every Saturday and Sunday, with food provided by a mobile food service company in the Lodge parking lot.
The City of Canyon Lake tightened its belt with the approval of a 2009-2010 budget that, while calling for cuts in nearly every department, still required the City to dip into reserves in order to cover the approximate $296,010 gap between projected revenue and expenditures.
The City's project to widen Railroad Canyon Rd. from four lanes to six continued to progress, with the City considering the adoption of a “mitigated negative declaration” for the improvement.
Canyon Lake was the center of a firestorm July 17 with one fire consuming a 10,000 sq. ft. building in the Towne Center Friday morning, and a smaller fire damaging a building at the opposite end of the center Saturday morning. Ironically, the two fires destroyed one bar and damaged another; however, the incidents are not related according to Lt. Dan Feltenberger of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
The Towne Center building destroyed in the fire that took place Friday morning, July 17, included nine separate units (lots) owned by seven different owners. The fire, first reported by CLPD Deputy Ken Guilford at 5:28 a.m., originated in the Sports Stop, consisting of two units owned by Dale Erwin.
The blaze destroyed nine businesses that leased space in the buildings. They included Lakefront Family Dentistry (Dr. Derek Hauser), Scott Richards Rehab Solutions, VIP Events, the Law Offices of Beck and Greer, Sports Stop, AAA All States Transport, Pro Digital Printing, The Drop Off (a new childcare center due to open this week) and the Law Offices of Giardinelli and Duke.
The “Connecticut Fire” was reported July 20 in the Quail Valley area. Resources assigned to the blaze included 35 firefighters, 11 engines, two management personnel, one helicopter and one water tender. The blaze was contained to three acres and was caused by equipment being used to disc the area.
The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District announced that the Canyon Lake water treatment plant was back in operation after several months of upgrades, removing 5 to 7 million gallons per day as a key source of supplemental drinking water for EVMWD customers.
The Canyon Lake Middle School Choir, directed by Robbin Bouslog, received a superior ranking at a national choir competition. The Canyon Lake Community Theatre all-kids summer production was the surf musical "Wipeout," directed by Ilene Moore. Cotillion held its annual "Western Night."
Canyon Lake Little League's Junior All-Stars, coached by Dave Lindeman and Phil Cohen, won the District 28 championship.
Wakeboarder Jacob Valdez had a 2nd-place finish at the WWA National Championships, giving him a spot to compete in the World Championships.
Several Canyon Lakers, including Mayor Mary Craton, attended the grand opening of the new Stater Bros in Canyon Hills.
Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed the following movies in July 2009: "My Sister's Keeper," "Public Enemies," "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" and "G-Force."
1 Year Ago
Christopher Gorrell was displaying his collection of large, three-dimensional dinosaurs and other wild things at Taco Tuesday last summer.
Coyote sightings and at least one attack on a pet had been observed in the community last year at this time. There was an early morning sighting on Compass Dr. Then Donna and Frank Kuhlman reported their dog got out of their garage on Village Way Dr. and was killed by a coyote in the early morning hours. They later saw two coyotes near Wood Duck Pl.
The City Council voted to appoint Director of Administrative Services Deborah Harrington as Acting City Manger while the City recruited for a permanent City Manager. Due to the constraints of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), Interim City Manager Richard Rowe could not accept the full time position.
With discussions last year about City finances and the possibility of closing Station 60 or raising taxes to keep it open, residents learned first-hand the critical need for prompt response in a medical emergency after Alana Reynolds sliced her leg on a shard of glass and was losing blood fast. A call to 9-1-1 brought the staff from Station 60, a trip to the ER and emergency surgery.
During her recovery, Alana said, "My family and I will forever be indebted to Station 60 for their services that day. Station 60, no doubt, saved my life."
The cast of "Seussical Jr." showed Canyon Lakers how to have fun during their performances of "Seussical Jr.," directed by Ilene Moore and co-produced by Sue Collins and Sharlene Landau.
Ron Martel helped Canyon Lakers Don and Phoebe Barber write their memories of "hobnobbing with the stars" in a special three-part series.
The Canyon Lake Triathlon Club held its Off-Road Triathlon on one of the hottest days of the year. Weatherman Pat Elliano reported a high of 115 degrees in Canyon Lake that day.
The inaugural "Canyon Lake's Got Talent" show was held in the banquet room at Pepe's Restaurant.
It was another banner year for Canyon Lake Little League as the Junior All-Stars brought home the District Championship banner, the 11th for Canyon Lake since the league was formed in 1994. The clinching game took place at the Los Alamos Hills Sports Park in Murrieta. The team was managed by John Stepanek and coached by Alex Cook, Trenis Braga and Cary Sapp.
Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed the following movies in July 2009: "White House Down," "The Lone Ranger," "Pacific Rim" and "Red 2."