Here are a few of the people and events reported in the month of September over the past 40 years.
40 Years Ago
In 1974, local residents were concerned over security in the Campground, and officials were planning to curtail issuance of keys to the North and East Gates. A dune buggy was purchased in order to better patrol the perimeter of the fledgling gated community.
The POA Bard passed resolutions barring the use of vehicles within Canyon Lake’s private streets unless the operator was properly licensed and qualified under the California Vehicle Code.
The moving of the Main Gate at Golden Gate Dr. was competed and the structure was now to include a restroom and be air conditioned and repainted. Too much watering was blamed for the dying of pines, a landscape team from UCR claimed, and spraying of elm trees was recommended.
A permanent restroom and showers were among plans discussed for the stables, as well as the need for additional riding trails within the adjacent BLM property.
Canyon Lakers assembled for the “Water Ski Tournament ’74” on the Lake. Treasure Island condominium homes were limited to 36 owners, and already seven were sold during construction. Prices started at $66,000 with 30-year financing.
Meanwhile, at the Canyon Lake Motel on Railroad Canyon Rd., “The most lavish condominiums in Canyon Lake” were offered starting at $44,900.
35 Years Ago
Jack McLean was Property Owners Association General Manager, Ben Price was POA President and Bill Haas headed the Home Owners Club. Lorraine and Jim Bagwell were the new managers of the Canyon Lake Campground, after having retired from the flower business in Long Beach. They succeeded Fred Dalby at the Campground. A Campground Committee was in the process of being formed.
Resident Chuck Bishop spent his vacation cruising around the Mediterranean Sea. One of his unusual experiences was to ride a camel in Egypt.
The Home Owners Club hosted a speaker telling of the benefits of solar energy. A new local club was being organized as the Canyon Lake Toastmasters. Twenty-six members of the active Twirlers caravanned to San Diego to take part in a luau. Dance classes were carried out on a regular basis at the Lodge.
Howard Best, a retired employee of the California Department of Justice, was introduced to the community as the new Canyon Lake Chief of Security.
A three-bedroom, two-and-one-half bath home at 29740 Chaparral Way, with “custom workmanship throughout,” was offered at $124,500. A waterfront vacant lot on Calm Cove near the Lodge was available at $69,950, with cash terms only.
30 Years Ago
In 1984, a committee was forming for those who leased homes in the gated community to provide guidelines for lessors and their tenants.
A wine and cheese benefit was held at the Lodge to assist the Canyon Lake Library with its anticipated move to larger quarters in the Towne Center. Local cheese maker, Jules Wesselink, was one of the organizers of the festive event.
A fire that started in the garage of a home on Vacation Dr. caused damage estimated at $75,000 before volunteers of several nearby fire companies contained the blaze.
A new and improved telephone system was installed in the POA’s administrative offices, linking that facility with the Campground, guard gates, stables and Golf Course.
The 35 men who made up the hard-working Tuesday Work Group were honored by the POA for their efforts in improving the Golf Course.
The Lions Club was planning to host its popular Breakfast at Indian Beach and, for a donation of only $2.50, residents and guests could enjoy ham, eggs, toast and coffee. The Canyon Lake Association of Men (CLAMS) traveled to Las Vegas for a three-day bus trip.
Tom Thomas, the general manager of King Cable, was scheduled to be he featured speaker at the monthly meeting of the active Home Owners Club. Best-selling author, Leland Cooley, provided the program for the newly formed Friends of the Canyon Lake Public Library.
The POA advised members that the recent legal decision regarding what was known as the “Castellano Lawsuit” still had not been resolved, contrary to current rumors, and that resolution and the details of what would be fiscal demands on members had not been determined.
25 Years Ago
In 1989, as in the past Septembers, buses of the Lake Elsinore Unified School District were again picking up local youngsters for delivery to LEUSD campuses. The possibility of Canyon Lake becoming a new Riverside County City was still on the drawing board.
The Sunday Buffet at the Lodge featured roast beef, fried chicken, seafood Creole, vegetables and salad bar for $7.95.
Residents were told they would have to deal with having only three centralized post office box locations, since there were no plans at present to increase mail delivery options.
The Long Range Committee reported that more than 200 homeowners responded to its request for suggestions to be added to a “wish list” for future needs for community growth. The No. 1 request was to eliminate storage of the community’s “toys” in driveways, with 92 percent against this practice.
The Men’s Golf Club honored past presidents and current president, Tom Wetzel, made donations to the Cotillion Club and the Engine Co. 60 Volunteer Fire Department.
As of September 6, Canyon Lake was 77 percent built with 3,355 total residences. Of these, 2,361 were owner-occupied, 358 leased and another 105 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 473 weekend homes and 58 spec houses. Vacant lots totaled 1,120, and there were 208 homes under construction.
The Home Owners Club expected at least 1,500 participants at its annual Oktoberfest at Indian Beach and was selling badges for limited entry. Members of the active group were pictured on The Friday Flyer’s front page, publicizing the yearly festive event.
The POA Board approved the purchase and installation of a new rental dock with slips that would accommodate up to 52 boats, replacing the one that was currently adjacent to the Lodge. The aluminum docks would permit double the number of craft now stored there. The ACC adopted new rules regulating garage sales within Canyon Lake’s gates.
20 Years Ago
In September 1994, Labor Day at the Lodge featured a DJ, games, a pie-eating contest, music, low-cost lunches and dinners.
Cora Sue Barrett was among those organizing a "Bingo Blast" at the Lodge, with proceeds going to Fire Company 60 and Friends of the Library.
Canyon Lake Community Theatre put on a big fall production, “Peter Pan,” with a cast of resident thespians. Captain Hook was alternately played by Ron Myre and Don Vecchione. and a flying Peter Pan was alternately played by Tara Miller and Ilene Moore. Pat Train, who co-directed the play with Debbie Miller, was pleased with the capacity crowds attending the event at Indian Beach’s Moonlight Theatre.
At that time, Bill Hallman was POA General Manager, John Zaitz was POA President, Jeff Butzlaff was the City Manager, Kathy Bennett was the City Clerk, John Giardinelli was the City Mayor, Chuck Bryant was LEUSD director and Dr. Vick Knight was Home Owners Club president. The City Council began a program to license businesses in the community.
Both Gault Field and the busy Equestrian Center were going under renovation and improvement projects. Canyon Lake’s Lindsay Trapp was awarded a trophy and named as the Nationals Championship Tournament’s 1994 United States Overall Champion for water-skiing skills in Florida.
The Architectural Control Committee reported that, as of September 6, 1993, Canyon Lake was 81.5 percent built with 15 homes approved so far that year and 22 homes under construction. Of the 3,770 total residences, 2,701 were owner-occupied, 508 leased and another 42 rented on a month-to-month basis. In addition, there were 465 weekend homes and 54 spec houses. Vacant lots then numbered 994.
The Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band, stationed at El Toro, was scheduled to present a concert at Indian Beach, sponsored by the Home Owners Club.
Improvement activity on Railroad Canyon Rd. was slowed due to problems regarding completion of Eastern Municipal Water District’s pipelines.
Organizers Randy Harris, Dana Buckley and Ron Stack touted the success of the community's first wakeboard tournament, which had 19 contestants.
The Canyon Lake Line Dancers competed in the 10th annual "Oldlympics" held in San Jacinto.
The POA Board recognized the accomplishments and dedicated community service of the late Shirley and Rudy Engler and named the Lodge marine rental facility “Engler’s Landing.”
The POA Board was busily trying to renegotiate the lease with the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and was looking into developing a master plan to expand into the BLM’s Section 34. The POA Board also passed a resolution asking that members vote against the proposed casino within Canyon Lake’s boundaries on the upcoming November ballot.
The City Council honored Ken Wolfe for his winning design for a monument to be placed on Railroad Canyon Rd. at the new City’s western city limits. A high temperature of 107 degrees and a low of 53 degrees were Canyon Lake’s range of September 28 temperatures.
15 Years Ago
In September 1999, a new complex was completed in the Towne Center that would house Property Owners Association’s offices, along with the City’s corporate offices and other amenities.
The fall production of Canyon Lake Community Theatre was the popular musical, “Annie;” a number of local youngsters had major parts in the play performed at Indian Beach.
An infestation of red gum lerp psyllid beetles attacked eucalyptus trees at Indian Beach and caused much leaf damage. According to Director of Operations Paul Johnson, measures were being taken to lessen the damage.
As of September 11, there were 3,978 residences in Canyon Lake and 3,123 were owner-occupied. There were 423 leased and another 23 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were also 135 spec house and another 276 weekend homes. Vacant lots numbered 713 and a total of 61 homes were under construction.
The Bosom Buddies, Canyon Lake’s breast cancer support group, continued to underwrite free and low-cost mammograms for newly diagnosed local women.
Plans were unveiled for a temporary site to house local junior high students while Elsinore Jr. High underwent reconstruction. One location that was being considered was at the intersection of Railroad Canyon Rd. and Cottonwood Canyon Rd.
A major issue facing Canyon Lakers on September 22, 1999, was the proposed new Lodge, and the ballot measure to approve the expenditure of $3,214,157 to accomplish this project. Proponents pointed to the available funds in the POA’s reserve in excess of the projected cost.
After months of study by the Facilities Panning Committee, thousands of hours of consulting with architects and designers, scores of meetings with local clubs and organizations, several community-wide forums and open houses, property owners voted “Yes,” and a new Lodge was in the future.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce began planning for a gigantic Millennium Party to be held on the Towne Center parking lot, catered by Pepe’s on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1999.
10 Years Ago
Ten years ago this month The Friday Flyer got a whole new look, and the September 3, 2004 issue was the first to appear on the newspaper's new website, thefridayflyer.com. All newspapers since then have been stored in the online archives.
At exactly 7:28 a.m. on September 11, Fire Captain Brent Carter and several of the volunteer and full-time firefighters at Station 60 were joined by Canyon Lake resident John Williams and guest Dennis Hannafin for a moving tribute to Dennis’ brother, Thomas Hannafin, who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
The curtain rose on “The Sound of Music" at the Indian Beach "Moonlight Theatre," with a cast of 80 actors taking to the stage under a canopy of eucalyptus trees. Marianne Stevens, Paul Kehler and Marlena Randall played Frau Schraeder, Captain Von Trapp and Maria respectively.
Spotlights shone at the Lodge as the big white lights signaled the “grand re-opening” of the Lighthouse Restaurant on September 10. There was a new and brighter look, new uniforms for the staff, new artwork, a new menu and a new attitude, according to Food and Beverage Manager Tim Tait, who invited residents to stop by for the festive affair, with balloons welcoming everyone and appetizers served. The facility was to be open seven nights a week.
The City of Canyon Lake invited citizens to celebrate the completion of the Railroad Canyon Rd. Rehabilitation Project. The major renovation came in ahead of schedule.
Barton Account Manager Vince Schiavi reported a new patrol car had been purchased and three new officers were hired to combat speeding within the gates. A new laser radar gun, like those used by the Sheriff's Department, would aid officers in this endeavor.
The Real Estate market was booming in Canyon Lake and moving vans were a common sight on the community’s streets as an average of 120 escrows were opened and closed each month.
A fundraiser was held in the Towne Center in memory of Brett Downey, the 11-year-old killed in a motocross accident a month earlier. Proceeds benefitted the newly created Brett Downey Safety Foundation. Also in September, the Downeys were back at Glen Helen Raceway for the annual 125/250 MX Nationals Finals, where the owners of the track paid tribute to Brett’s memory by hosting a special jet flyover.
Canyon Laker Mary Tortomasi, marketing director for the Sky Venture Perris wind tunnel, was preparing to compete in the 2004 U.S. National Skydiving Championships to be held at the Perris Valley Skydiving Center.
The Youth Action Council was looking for new members. The group put on such events as the Santa Run and Senior Prom, as well as assisting at Fiesta Day.
5 Years Ago
In September 2009, recreational campers alerted the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department to a dead body in the waterway north of Canyon Lake over the Labor Day weekend. The discovery was made September 5, with the department press release indicating that the deceased, identified as 49-year-old John Joseph Garcia of Wildomar, had gunshot wounds and was the apparent victim of a homicide.
The City of Canyon Lake’s Veterans Day Committee, chaired by Council member Nancy Horton, was busy planning for what Nancy said would be a “wonderful tribute to our veterans and service people” on November 11 in front of City Hall.
It was announced a group of three friends, Josh Ferguson, Ross Harrison and Dan Simon, had taken the reins at Lake House Tavern. The bar and restaurant opened in the former site of the Coyote Grill in 2004.
Golf Pro Dave Lindeman reported he had read the bylaws for the new Family Golf Club and the 9ers Golf Club and all looked to be in order. The Green Committee formed a subcommittee to meet with architectural companies to obtain proposals for a Master Plan for the Golf Course.
The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District began its Longhorn Dr. Waterline Replacement Project with the aim of preventing damage to existing waterlines during the upcoming POA road reconstruction and repaving project on Longhorn Dr., as well as help ensure that future interruptions of water service due to pipeline breakage would be minimized.
The Lake and Marina Committee, based on input from the State of California, water district and other officials, concluded that the Property Owners Association should act promptly to prevent the introduction of the mussels into Canyon Lake, saying, “An effective quagga/zebra mussel regime will help avoid negative consequences that would result from a mussel infestation.”
Ninety-two residents of Canyon Lake escaped the Canyon Lake heat and went on a golf outing to Pismo Beach organized by Joe Kamashian and Fran Pothier.
The Lighthouse Restaurant study group was working towards a goal of opening the restaurant, according to POA Director Michelle Gordon, who said, “Community input is important in achieving this goal. We want to know ‘what you want.’ We need your thoughts and support as we go forward.”
The Canyon Lake City Council approved setting a $25 fee for processing special event permits. The permit, which previously had been issued free of charge, was required anytime a party or event planned for a residence in Canyon Lake or one of the community’s many parks was expected to include 30 people or more.
The magic was back at the Moonlight Amphitheater at Indian Beach with the opening of Canyon Lake Community Theatre's “My Fair Lady.”
In September 2009 Reel People Ron and Leigh Martel reviewed "The Final Destination," "All About Steve," "Whiteout" and "The Informant."
1 year ago
By all accounts, weather was crazy the first weekend in September 2013. At one point, there was a downpour of rain on one side of the community and not a drop of rain on the other. Whirlwinds swept across neighborhoods, creating a waterspout and dust devil near the Lodge, and blew away several vendors at the Farmers Market in the Towne Center. Waterfront resident Ben Wicke said it was the strongest wind event he and his wife had experienced in all the years they had lived in Canyon Lake.
Sheriff Stan Sniff announced the appointment of Captain Mike Judge as the commander of the Perris Sheriff’s Station. Captain Judge officially took command of the station on September 5, 2013.
The Riverside County District Attorney's office reported on September 6 that Joseph David Dorsey, age 29, of Lake Elsinore, was sentenced to 56 years to life for the brutal murder of Christine Stewart Osborn, 47, of Canyon Lake, whose body was found in a suitcase at a Poway motel.
The Canyon Lake Police Department reported that on Sunday, September 8, deputies from the Canyon Lake Police Department responded to a call of a male being assaulted by three males in the 2200 block of Village Way Dr. Through witness interviews, deputies obtained the suspects’ whereabouts and arrested them for assault with a deadly weapon.
Water officials were preparing to administer the first treatment of hydrated potassium aluminum sulfate, better known as "alum," to Canyon Lake's namesake lake. But before that took place, they gave residents a chance to understand the process by holding an informational meeting for the public.
The Canyon Lake Lions Club held its annual Country Breakfast at Holiday Harbor. With a full moon shining on the last official weekend of summer, the Moonlight Theater at Indian Beach lived up to its name for the opening of Canyon Lake Community Theatre's production of "Little Shop of Horrors."
Canyon Lake's new Royal Court was crowned after two days of talent presentations, interviews and runway fun. Crowned Miss Canyon Lake and Overall Talent was Carlee Blakemore, daughter of John and Kathy Blakemore, granddaughter of Vick and Carolyn Knight.
Imre and Betsy Weil, Canyon Lake residents for 40 years, attended the 110th anniversary celebration of Harley Davidson motorcycles in Milwaukee, Wisconsin after the company sent Imre a special invitation to ride in the parade.
Ken Cable announced the release of his newest book, "Track of the Hunter," a youth adventure novel set in the High Sierras. The Canyon Lake community Theatre opened its fall show, “Little Shop of Horrors,” to rave reviews.
Canyon Lake's Oktoberfest in the Towne Center was a "huge success," with crowds participating in various contests such as stein-holding, hot dog-eating, jalapeño-eating, beer-drinking and yodeling. Mayor Pro Tem Randy Bonner was the leader of the parade of flags that displayed the American flag and flags representing the armed forces.
In September 2013, The Friday Flyer's Reel People reviewed "Closed Circuit," "The Chronicles of Riddick: Dead Man Stalking," "The Family" and "Prisoners."