This is the time of year to look back at all that has taken place in the community over the past 12 months. This week's review will look at July through December 2015.
JULY
The Family Matters Club held a Cosmic Carnival at the end of June. Holiday Harbor glowed with neon-lit games, a black-light maze and other bright delights for families. All proceeds from the glow-in-the-dark face/body painting were donated to the Amy Martinez family. This event was followed by two more Family Matters events in July: A Family Flick and Float movie night at the Lodge pool and the Quarter Mania fundraising event at the Lodge.
After complaints of algae blooms in the East Bay, Lake Elsinore San Jacinto Watersheds Authority (LESJWA) spokesperson Mark Norton said testing results from the Main Lake, where water is constantly moving, proved to be safe for body contact. Sampling from the cove areas, where water is stagnant, came back as a potential danger due to algae blooms.
The City's contract with Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire expired June 30, and personnel at the station could be seen removing the County signage that day. The City of Canyon Lake declared a State of Local Emergency and asked that the County or State Offices of Emergency Services step in and provide interim fire services until the City’s fire department is up and fully functional.
Later, Mayor Ehrenkranz issued a message about Fire Services to reassure residents that the City was still covered for emergency medical and fire services. He noted that medical services would remain with American Medical Response (AMR), who has a contract to service emergency medical calls countywide. In addition to working on fully staffing Fire Station 60, Mayor Ehrenkranz said the City was evaluating other options available to provide services to residents.
As usual, the 4th of July began and ended with a show of community pride and family fun. With daytime temperatures in the 90s, the holiday was sunny but not oppressively hot. The day ended with another very successful fireworks show put on by Pyro Spectaculars. Mayor Jordan Ehrenkranz called it "the safest and sanest" 4th of July he can recall in all the years he's lived here.
For 11 years, the Waller family has opened their driveway on Longhorn Dr. to a large crowd for an annual 4th of July breakfast and bike ride through Canyon Lake, generating thousands of dollars for families in need. This year's proceeds benefitted Danny Baine and his family.
At a meeting of the Canyon Lake Property Owners Board of Directors on July 21, former POA Treasurer Sean McDonald (2011-2013) presented a packet containing 286 signed petitions calling for the recall of President David Eilers, Treasurer Bruce Yarbrough and Secretary Doug Gordon.
With outside cost increases, new requirements by the State Water Resources Control Board, and the Governor’s executive order, the EVMWD Board of Directors unanimously approved a new rate and water budget structure, saying that costs would go up 27 percent beginning in August.
The Canyon Lake Wakeboard Club held its third "Learn To Ride Day" of 2015, with more than 80 riders of all ages and skill levels benefitting from the instruction provided by skilled boat drivers and experienced club members.
AUGUST
Audiences loved Canyon Lake Community Theatre's all-kids production of "Flower Power," presented over the weekend of July 31 to August 2.
Discussion about the Main Gate Project at the POA Board meeting on August 4 became hostile and disorderly as members shouted at the Board from the audience. The meeting abruptly was adjourned after President Eilers acknowledged and apologized for a derogatory comment about one of the speakers overhead by the television audience.
The following Saturday, about 50 residents rallied at the Main Gate to protest the words and actions of President Eilers at the Board meeting and to demand his resignation from the Board. Dave publicly apologized in The Friday Flyer for his comment and announced he had stepped down from the presidency but would continue to serve on the Board for the remainder of his term.
Parks that received new playground equipment in August were Rob Caveney Park on Early Round Dr. and Sierra Park on Vacation Dr.
Despite the heat, which reached 107 by afternoon, approximately 170 young anglers picked up their rods and headed to the lake on August 15 to participate in the annual Canyon Lake Kids Fishing Derby, organized by the Bassmasters Club.
The inaugural Mermaid Festival was held at Indian Beach on August 22, hosted by the Woman's Club. Vendors were asked to decorate their booths in a mermaid theme, which made for a very colorful "Mermaid Marketplace," while the Yacht Club staged a "pirate battle" just offshore. The stage featured a Mermaid Grotto and giant shell-covered throne. The Mermaid Queen was Karina Bowen and the Mermaid Princess was Kelley Peviani.
Country legend and Hall of Fame musician Johnny Lee played to a welcoming crowd in the Holiday Bay Room at the Lodge on August 23. This was the first in a concert series promoted by the POA.
On August 29, the 2015-16 Canyon Lake Royal Court was crowned. Young ladies winning positions were Miss Canyon Lake Kymberli Conn, Miss Teen Katelynn Macias, Jr. Miss Crystal Hauser, Young Miss Jenna Daniel, Little Miss Amy Bassett and Wee Miss Kali Tiefenthaler. On the Talent Court were Teen Talent Jenna Daniel, Jr. Miss Talent Mackenna Keith and Young Miss Talent Portia Dodd.
The Paddle and Pedal Regatta on August 29 drew some 75 to 100 participants, who challenged the heat wave with the morning cruise through the East Bay. Afterward, many stayed for a barbecue at Indian Beach. The event was hosted by the Fitness and Triathlon Club.
It was announced that Canyon Lake water skier Carol Brooks skied to gold at the Western Regional Water Ski Championships and to bronze at the USA Water Ski National Championships.
SEPTEMBER
Sunset Beach and the Lodge patio were the place to be on "Maui Monday" of Labor Day weekend as hundreds gathered to enjoy the festivities and each other. Ice-cold drinks and Hawaiian shaved Ice helped cool everyone down from the 100-plus degree weather, while the Lodge offered a Taco Tuesday-style buffet with Hawaiian flair. The evening was filled with music, dance, contests and a show put on by the Polynesian Entertainment Group.
Rock singer, songwriter and Platinum recording artist David Cook performed two private acoustic concerts at the Lodge for Canyon Lake residents on September 5. The American Idol season 7 winner rocked the crowd in the Holiday Bay Room for 75 minutes at 5 p.m. and again at 8 p.m.
At the September POA Board meeting, Corporate Counsel Scott Levine provided information on three topics. The first presentation was an update on the Lake Lease. The second presentation was on Board Meeting Protocol (or a lesson in good manners at Board meetings). And in his third presentation, Levine explained the ADR process the Board planned to undergo with regard to the Main Gate Project.
Three candidates completed the paperwork necessary to run for the Board of Directors in the Special Meeting of Members Recall and Election scheduled for October 15. They were George Irvine, Michael J. Harris and Jonathan Jackson. Notice of Intent to Run was due by August 31. The three candidates were invited to participate in a Candidate Forum scheduled September 12.
At the September City Council meeting, Mayor Ehrenkranz announced that the City had received draft agreements from the County the previous evening in connection with the City’s ongoing discussions with the County to settle their litigation and to provide ongoing fire services to Canyon Lake residents while the City works on forming its own department.
A fast moving storm swept through Canyon Lake on the afternoon of September 9, uprooting several large trees and damaging patio covers, docks and other personal and Association property. Trash cans, lawn furniture and other items could be seen blowing or floating down streets.
The Lions Club held its ever-popular Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, September 20.
The Wakeboard Club held its final Learn-to-Ride Day on September 12, and the Ski Club held a three-event waterski tournament on September 19 and 20. The Al Van Water Ski Invitational was held September 27.
During the week of September 21 to 24, Canyon Lake received its fifth and final alum treatment in the initial program of treatments planned over the past two-and-a-half years.
On September 15, the City Council approved two agreements that would provide its residents with fire services from surrounding stations as part of the County’s regional response system. At the end of September, the County of Riverside Board of Supervisors and the Lake Elsinore and Menifee City Councils approved the contracts that will allow the City of Canyon Lake to receive automatic fire and emergency medical response from Stations 94 and 97 in Lake Elsinore and Station 5 in Quail Valley for a period of one year.
OCTOBER
A "Flaunt It" Swivel Competition for the Western Region was held October 2 at the North Ski Area. It was a beautiful morning for the unusual event, with 13 young ladies competing from all over the U.S. and Canada on the water ballet-type swivel skis.
The Canyon Lake Towne Center was host to Oktoberfest on October 2, featuring the American Bavarian Brass Band. There were vendor booths with merchandise and food as well as a kid zone with bounce house, slide and games. The event offered traditional Bavarian food, plus contests for beer drinking, stein holding, yodeling, Alpine horn blowing, hot dog eating and Miss Oktoberfest.
At the October POA Board meeting, Corporate Counsel Scott Levine once again provided three informative presentations. In the first presentation, he directed residents to a new website that provides information on the Lake Lease history and litigation. His second presentation informed members about the Main Gate Project ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) initiated by the Board of Directors. The two sides in the arbitration procedure would be the CLPOA Board and a party of five individuals represented by Lawrence Neigel. Finally, because of recent incidents involving member interactions with employees and/or vendors, Levine provided another lesson in member behavior within the Association.
Concerned about Association subsidies at the Golf Course, resident Hal Stiffler demonstrated that increasing annual memberships, specifically non-resident memberships, is the best opportunity to create financial stability and control liability of those using the course. Hal volunteered his professional expertise to help lead and train a team of volunteers in promoting non-resident golf memberships to market memberships within a 15-mile radius of Canyon Lake.
In spite of the heat wave that descended upon Southern California October 10, organizers, participants and spectators helped make the 10th anniversary Canyon Lake Car Show another successful event. According to Car Club President Joe Landin, it was a "Fiesta Day crowd even with the heat." The Lodge lounge was busy all day, with overflow crowds served from portable bars outside. There were approximately 265 cars and trucks in the show.
Holiday Harbor was the location of the inaugural Renaissance Faire, hosted by the Family Matters Club and Jr. Woman's Club, on October 17. Amy Martinez, Canyon Lake resident and recent quadruple amputee, was chosen to serve as the Renaissance Queen. Her royal court included her husband Ryan, son Liam and daughter Harper. Guests mixed and mingled, shopped, danced around the maypole, played games, took photos with Queen Amy and her royal court, and enjoyed the sounds of the The Luv Buckit.
At the October 11 Farmers Market, Canyon Lake dogs were dressed up in their Halloween finest for the costume contest categories of cutest, spookiest, funniest, most original and pet/owner look-alike costumes. Event organizer Cyndi Hermanns passed out prizes donated by area businesses.
Hundreds of excited trick-or-treaters invaded the Towne Center the Saturday before Halloween for the annual Parade of Frights, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Youngsters visited businesses to pick up treats and, in front of City Hall, the Chamber had game booths, refreshments, a bounce house and giant slide. The event included costume contests and music provided by Mike Shroyer of Good Time Entertainment.
In the Association's Special Meeting of Members adjourned to October 17, the Recall Measure failed.
Canyon Lake Community Theatre presented "Musical Memories," on October 24, at Indian Beach to honor the group's benefactors and to take the community down memory lane. For two hours, the audience re-lived 20-plus years of the theater group's past musicals and shows. Actors and singers from the old shows sang songs from some of the productions while video highlights from the shows played behind them on the big screen.
Jeff Main, the Food and Beverage Director and chef at the Lodge, announced he was leaving Canyon Lake and going to work for the Bear Creek Country Club.
NOVEMBER
The Senior Committee hosted the annual Holiday Boutique at the Senior Center the first weekend of November. The Jr. Women's Club held its Holiday Boutique at the Lodge on November 21.
In the Lake Lease litigation between the Association and EVMWD, EVMWD announced it was replacing Best, Best & Krieger with attorneys James Sandler and Jeffrey Byer of the San Diego-based law firm, Sandler, Lasry, Laube, Byer and Valdez.
The Canyon Lake Country Club hosted the 3rd annual Veterans Day Tournament to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
A sea of red, white and blue – sprinkled with military caps in shades of brown, gray and blue – filled the area next to Towne Center Memorial Park as Canyon Lakers gathered to honor veterans at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11. One of the highlights early in the event was the ceremonial flyover by WarBirds West. Michelle Wynn (retired Navy) served as master of ceremonies, and there were special presentations by Jill Batinich, Joanna Spiller and LaRue McNamara.
Linda Gentille, “The Piano Princess,” returned to Canyon Lake with yet another impressive and rousing performance of her "American Piano Show." This event was hosted by the Fine Arts Guild, which also co-hosted a performance by the Gary Bonner Singers at the end of November.
The Friday Flyer newspaper celebrated its 25th anniversary with articles by Publisher/co-owner Chuck Golding and Executive Editor/co-owner Carolyn Knight. The very first newspaper edition of The Friday Flyer arrived in mailboxes in November 1990.
In the Main Gate Project ADR, a judge upheld the Board's position that the project in its entirety is a reserve project, not a capital improvement project. The arbitrator stated, "In approving this project, the Board has acted well within its authority pursuant to California law and the Association Bylaws."
The Board has discussed various proposals to modernize or modify the Main Gate for 19 years. Over the past three years, it has been a regular topic at Board meetings. It also was the topic of community project workshops on September 24, 2013; December 3, 2013; January 15, 2014; March 18, 2014; and September 17, 2014. On August 4, 2015, the Board approved the Main Gate Project.
DECEMBER
At the City Council meeting on December 1, listeners got good news about the “State of the City” from Mayor Jordan Ehrenkranz. Also at that meeting, the City Council elected Tim Brown to serve as Mayor and Dawn Haggerty to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem for the coming year.
At the POA Board meeting, General Manager Chris Mitchell provided an update on projects currently underway in the community: Dog Park, Solar Project, Campground Improvements, Roadrunner Park Restrooms and Security Cameras.
December was filled with holiday events that included Breakfast with Santa on December 5, hosted by the Ski Club; the Towne Center Winter Carnival Tree-Lighting on December 5, hosted by the Family Matters Club; the Holiday Home Tour on December 6, hosted by the Woman's Club; the Lodge Tree-Lighting Festival, hosted by the Jr. Women's Club and POA on December 6; the Menorah-Lighting Ceremony on December 7, hosted by the Torah Club and City; the Choraleers Holiday Concert on December 12, hosted by the Choraleers; the Parade of Lights on December 12, hosted by the Yacht Club; and the Golf Cart Parade and Toy Drive on December 13, hosted by Street Carts of Canyon Lake.
In Fore magazine's “Best of SoCal Golf” issue, the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) announced that Canyon Lake Golf Pro Pat Kemball was voted "Favorite PGA Professional." Dozens of Canyon Lakers expressed their appreciation for Pat in the December 11 issue of The Friday Flyer.
Canyon Lake Women's Golf member Judy Thompson received the WSCGA “Judy Borden Volunteer of the Year Award” for her many volunteer efforts on behalf of the Western American Golf Association (WAGA) and the Women's Southern California Golf Association (WSCGA). Judy has served 20 years and worked many major golf tournaments.
It was announced that Tori Kelly was one of five finalists for the Grammy's Best New Artist award. The awards show is scheduled for Monday, February 15, from 8 to 11:30 p.m. on CBS.
In preparation for the possibility of higher-than-average rainfall due to El Niño conditions, the City of Canyon Lake launched an "El Niño Preparedness initiative on the City's website.
As the City of Canyon Lake continues to research the possibility of having its own fire department by next year at this time, officials issued a Request for Proposal for Fire Department Consulting Services that can be read at cityofcanyonlake.org. Proposals were due at City Hall by January 4.