Here's what was happening in Canyon Lake in the month of January over the past 45 years.
45 Years Ago
In January 1971, the Lodge dining room was open seven days a week, with both lunch and dinner served daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 p.m. on Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday. The cocktail lounge opened at 10 a.m. and closed when the Lodge closed.
Canyon Lake lot 77, tract 3831 could be had for $3,900; lot 82, tract 3779 was on the market if the buyer would only assume the property’s equity and take over payments; and lot 354, tract 3863 was on sale by the owner for $2,054 if the buyer assumed the remaining 70 payments of $93.16 a month plus $500 cash.
The New Year’s Eve party at the Lodge was deemed a success with all bar drinks available at 60 cents. A buffet dinner, an orchestra and dancing were all provided for the pleasure of POA members and their guests.
Numerous trees were donated to the Golf Course by residents and planted at strategic points on the acreage.
Auto and boat gasoline was now available at the East Gate Center, with Standard Chevron Regular priced at 33.9 cents a gallon and Supreme at 37.9 cents a gallon.
40 Years Ago
By January 1976, America’s Bi-Centennial Year, things were heating up in Canyon Lake and lot 74, tract 3804 on Happy Hunter Dr. was on sale for $7,500. A waterfront condo, completely furnished and ready for immediate move-in, could be had for $67,900, and an unfurnished 3-bedroom, 2-bath home could be rented for $325 a month. A Villa condo near the Lodge was offered at $41,500.
The Canyon Lake Twirlers held a reunion dance in the Lodge’s Fireside Room with more than 50 square dancers in attendance. Dances were held at the Lodge on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
Plans were being submitted to Riverside County for approval of a new Canyon Lake Community Church building.
The Lions Club held its annual Student Speakers Competition with youngsters from Elsinore Union High School taking part. At that time, Elsinore High served the entire Southwest Riverside County, including students from Temecula and Murrieta as well as Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake.
The Woman’s Club’s January dinner show, featuring a special speaker, was scheduled for the Lodge with event tickets on sale at $5.50 per person. Only 150 tickets were to be sold.
35 Years Ago
In 1981, one could purchase a 3-bedroom home on Clearwater “across from the lake and dock area” for $69,000. An Eastport condo rental with three bedrooms and furnished was listed in the Lighthouse Magazine for $425 a month. A waterfront furnished rental house with dock was also available for $495 a month.
The Canyon Lake Art Association was planning to have a demonstration of snow scenes at its monthly meeting. After three years of “terrible rains,” the Golf Course was being improved by a “Tuesday volunteer work force” led by Harvey Malcolmson and friends.
Jim Bagwell was installed as a new member of the Lions Club by President Bob Roberts, as Lion Bill Cozad won the raffle. Meanwhile, the Canyon Lake Lioness were pleased to have presented a check for $3,000 to the Guide Dogs of the Desert and were planning for the release of their new cookbook.
The Ski Club announced that a new launch ramp had been installed through the personal contributions of Ridge and Lola Conlin, Jim Smith and Imre and Betsy Weil.
The Travel Club announced that its 1981 board of directors would include Ed Strembro, Leo Drahos, Betty Aday, Lee Tingler, Frank Clabaugh, Evelyn Grimm and Rosie Davis.
The Volunteer Fire Department entertained at an open house to show off its new fire station and landscaping. Those serving on the Volunteer Fire Board were Clarence Bristol, Jaime Contreras, Dick Landa, Keith McCarthy, Dan Pierce and John Wilmes.
30 years Ago
The 1986 annual POA assessment per lot was set at $595, an increase of $10 over the previous year. After reviewing local area golfing rates, green fees and cart rental rates, the POA increased rates about $1 each for daily and weekend play. The annual budget included $480,000 in the Community Facilities Development Fund, $150,000 in the Public Works Reserve Budget and $75,000 for Capital Improvements.
The Lake was stocked with some 1,600 pounds of adult channel catfish and another thousand bass, according to the Committee of Concerned Fisherman. This active group included Floyd and Dorothy Smarr, Vic Collins, Goren King, Jess Haxton and Chet Felshaw.
Developers of a proposed 61-lot housing tract to be built adjacent to Canyon Lake’s North Gate offered to relocate and rebuild the guard house and to widen the entry on Greenwald to create two entrance lanes. Their original plan called for ingress and egress via Canyon Lake’s private streets. This was opposed by members of the Home Owners Club as well as other residents.
The Tuesday Work Group continued to beautify and improve the Canyon Lake Golf Course under the leadership of dedicated volunteers.
The Friends of the Canyon Lake Public Library seated Virginia Housholder as president, assisted by a group of officers including Ellie Valdes, Ardis Underwood, Bert Bysshe, Marian Headman and Vick Knight.
Meanwhile, the Canyon Lake Women’s Golf Club installed Margie Zingg as president, aided by a board that included Jetsey Caveney, Freda Mauvais, Sandy Wagonner and Alys Disterdick.
The Canyon Lake Lions Club was soliciting funds to construct a new monument sign for the Main Gate, with an estimated cost of $15,000.
The POA and the Temescal Water Company were involved in legal proceedings involving yearly lease payments for the lake.
25 Years Ago
In January 1991, parents of high school students were invited to a meeting to discuss boundaries for the new Temescal Canyon High School. The Ski Club sponsored another successful Polar Bear Day at the lake with 82 chilled participants.
The new Residential Directory featured a color photo of the Lighthouse and was distributed by the non-profit For Kids Sake organization.
Home Owners Club President Tom Wysocki provided a report in The Friday Flyer on a number of activities carried out by the Home Owners Club in 1990, including its sponsorship of the City incorporation drive, completion of Evans Park West, the landscaping project at Lighthouse and Vacation Drives, Meet the Candidates Night, donation for playground equipment at Sierra Park, sponsorship of the “Mark Twain Tonight” dinner-theater, spearheading the annual Air Force Band concert and coordinating Oktoberfest.
The POA Board was considering a controversial policy that would prohibit the storage of vehicles and other objects in the POA setbacks on property owners’ lots.
In 1991, a “large 3-bedroom waterfront condo” with a view and boat dock could be rented for $995 a month, while another 3-bedroom home rental with fireplace and large deck was available for $700 a month.
The brand new City Council passed an interim urgency zoning ordinance prohibiting all outdoor advertising displays; no applications for any such billboards or signs would be accepted or acted upon or approved. In addition, the City Council began a search for a City Manager by placing advertising in a magazine circulated among potential candidates.
Another dinner-theater, this time an evening of barbershop quartets, was sponsored by the Home Owners Club with a full house at the Lodge enjoying the program for $17.50 per person.
According to the Architectural Control Committee, as of January 1, 1991, Canyon Lake was 79.5 percent built, with 89 new homes under construction. Of the 3,605 total residences, 2,532 were owner-occupied, 399 leased and 87 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 522 weekenders, 65 spec homes and 999 empty lots left in the community.
Canyon Lakers rallied to show their support for the men and women fighting in Desert Storm in the Gulf War. Pat Train was one of the organizers of the grassroots effort, aided by Patsy Bryant, Donna Goodenough, Dana Staat, Nancy Anderson and John Olds. A yellow ribbon tree was placed in the Main Gate median in support of the country’s efforts.
20 Years Ago
In January 1996, a waterfront home on Cross Hill with 50 feet of water frontage, dock and view of the main channel was being offered at $204,000, and a “new Canyon Lake repo with lots of trees” was advertised in The Friday Flyer for $77,900.
Local author Bill Kelly released his newest book, “Gamblers of the Old West” to critical acclaim.
The entire community cheered the Temescal Canyon High School varsity football team on their championship CIF trophy in ceremonies held at City Hall.
With the Lodge area undergoing a facelift, the POA Board voted to install a seawall, remove trees and build a walkway with railings around the pool area.
As of January 2, there were 3,804 total residences in Canyon Lake, and the community was now 82 percent built. There were 22 homes under construction, with 2,754 owner-occupied, 525 leased and 29 rented on a month-to-month basis. Weekenders numbered 391, and there were 105 spec homes.
The Continental Cable Company continued to install new fiber optic state-of-the-art cables in local streets.
Art Zasio, a retired airline captain for TWA, climbed to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa’s Tanzania. He shared his experience on the 19,340-foot mountain in an article in The Friday Flyer.
The Friends of the Canyon Lake Library provided funding to permit the local public library to be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Chamber of Commerce and City Council added to the amount needed to accomplish this.
POA General Manager Bill Hallman observed his second anniversary at the helm of the local POA.
Canyon Lake’s Fire Company 60 was busily conducting visits to local businesses to check on fire safety inspection items. It was their responsibility to enforce the uniform fire code and various county and state codes.
POA Vice-president John Zaitz reported that red tape and other delays had slowed down the approved plan for the Eastport Project’s initial phase.
15 Years Ago
In January 2001, the Canyon Lake Woman’s Club and the POA joined together to sponsor an evening of grand opera, light opera and classical theater to raise funds towards the purchase of a baby grand piano for the Lodge’s banquet room.
POA President Marty Gibson saluted the Canyon Lake Property Association on its being named the “National Community Association of the Year for 2000” in the prestigious “very big city” category.
Temescal Canyon senior and Canyon Lake resident Bob Cleary was named winner of the Garland Rose Award as Riverside County’s “Football Player of the Year.”
The Indian Beach Lift Station Committee was informed that construction had to be no lower than 1,392 feet, and this caused there to be a revision of the original plan.
Polar Bear skiers from 6 to 65 braved the cool water on a warm day to observe the annual Canyon Lake event.
Library visitors were pleased to see a colorful new mural on two walls of the City Hall facility as painted by artist Michele Jamison. Librarian Connie Rynning invited the Coachella Valley painter to portray the scene of Canyon Lake and the signature Lighthouse.
A color photograph by amateur local photographer Irene Eckhoff graced the cover of the 2001 issue of the local Residential Directory.
A “Time of My Life” concert featuring the popular Bill Medley of Righteous Brothers fame was planned by the Wakeboard Club.
The cost of U.S postage stamps was raised from 33 to 34 cents, and this caused the local Pack Wrap & Post staff to search for additional one-cent stamps for local residents to use.
As the New Year began, Canyon Lake had a total of 4,065 residences. Of these, 3,277 were owner-occupied, 401 leased and 12 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were also 253 weekenders, and 122 spec homes. A total of 54 homes were under construction and there were 648 lots remaining vacant
Local students at Railroad Canyon Elementary School enjoyed a night of fun and games as families were encouraged to “pull the plug” on their television sets and come to school for bingo, dancing and various family activities.
Danielle Maxon, Tara Miller and Terri Ann Nohilly were among the winners in the Miss Riverside County Scholarship Program.
Titan head coach Bob Burt, a Canyon Lake resident, was honored with his CIF team at a banquet attended by some 400 players, parents and friends.
10 Years Ago
On January 1, 2006, Temescal Canyon High School’s band and color guard, including five students from Canyon Lake, performed in the Rose Parade.
The year got off to a treacherous start, with a number of accidents on Canyon Lake’s streets and waterways: A contractor’s Toyota truck hit a white truck parked on Canyon Lake Dr. North near Blue Teal, causing his truck to flip onto its side; a collision occurred at Canyon Lake Dr. North and Santa Maria when one vehicle blocked westbound traffic, and the second car was left in the street while its driver ran away. It was discovered that the deserted vehicle had just been stolen when the owner of the car arrived at the scene. A third accident involved three vehicles on Canyon Lake Dr. North and Red Setter.
On Railroad Canyon Rd., a Southern California Edison pole was struck by a truck, causing the second of two major power outages in the community. Some were without power for as long as 22 hours.
On the lake, one incident involved the near sinking of a boat and vehicle at Holiday Harbor; and a second event entailed a vessel that caught fire at the Sierra Park dock.
Bob Burt, a Canyon Lake resident and athletic director at TCHS, was named The Press-Enterprise “Sports Person of the Year.” In addition, Canyon Lake athletes whose names had been spotted in the sports pages of local newspapers included TCHS senior and two-sport standout Alisha Heglund, who made front-page news with her dynamic play in both basketball and volleyball; TCHS senior Chris Lewis, who was featured in an “Athlete Spotlight” for his role in the offensive line during Titan Football’s race to the CIF finals; Jana Basubas, a lead scorer listed as a player to watch in Girls Soccer; Danielle Libring, high scorer in a mid-December San Clemente water polo tournament; and Kevin Hardesty, whose inclusion on the Boys Water Polo All Valley First Team was announced.
The Riverside County Hazardous Device Team responded to a home located on the 29000 block of Big Range when it was discovered that a large quantity of fireworks was being stored in the garage of the residence. The fireworks removed from the home by members of the Hazardous Device Team were placed in a pit that had been dug in a dirt field along Greenwald and detonated, with the explosion heard as far away as Sun City.
The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board posted a notice of a public workshop to discuss a prohibition on the use of septic systems in Quail Valley.
Canyon Lake was recognized for its water-saving efforts by the Western Municipal Water District and Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District during a special ceremony at January’s POA meeting. The recognition was for replacing non-conserving toilets with ultra low flush models.
The dredge, called Nessie by Operations crews, was removing silt in the East Bay. Border Collie Max was performing his duties on the Golf Course to scare away coots.
The January 20, 2006 issue of The Friday Flyer was the first issue to feature pictures of residents taking The Friday Flyer on their travels. Suggested by Sheila Henderson with a picture of her cruise through the Panama Canal, the feature eventually became known as “Near and Far with The Friday Flyer.”
Members of the Canyon Lake 7.5 and 6.5 Women’s Tennis teams earned spots to compete in the USTA Southern California Sectionals in Seal Beach after going undefeated in league play.
5 Years Ago
In January 2011, It was pointed out that 2011 would one of a kind with the following dates: 1-1-11, 1-11-11 and 11-11-11.
Fifty-degree water and foggy weather greeted those who showed up for the Ski Club's annual Polar Bear Day at Sunset Beach on January 8.
In an effort to assist Canyon Lake residents affected by the recent storms, the City was gathering storm damage information to pass on to the Office of Emergency Services. Residents who sustained storm-related damage to their homes, businesses and/or vehicles were urged to report that damage to the City.
Members of the POA Board of Directors in 2011 were President Chuck Newsom, Vice-President David Johnston, Treasurer Michelle Gordon, Secretary Paul Chenette and Director Steve Salazar. On staff were General Manager Dave Rudat, Assistant General Manager Jovan Grogan, Interim Chief Financial Officer Reid Griffin, Operations Manager Paul Johnson, Compliance Manager Kathryn Rich and Corporate Counsel Pete Racobs.
The City Council approved the formation of an ad-hoc committee of seven to nine members with strong backgrounds in finance, accounting, management, public administration and public safety. The purpose was to discuss current and future public safety needs of the City, focusing on related expenses and revenues.
The County of Riverside Transportation Department awarded the Goetz Rd./Newport Rd. Improvement Project to SEAM Construction Co. The project was to include the widening of Goetz Rd. from Newport Rd. to just north of Normandy Rd. into four lanes, a bridge over Salt Creek, traffic signal at the intersection of Newport and Goetz, street lighting and additional minor street improvements to Newport Rd. between Goetz and Murrieta Roads.
Nine new classrooms, a computer lab, upsized assembly and dining areas and a completely new outdoor play yard were major features of a $7 million expansion underway at Tuscany Hills Elementary School.
Several local golfers pitched in on a gift for a committed and talented young golfer, Hunter Newlin, 13. The gift included a full set of high quality clubs, a professional fitting, new golf bag, shirt and golf balls. Golf Pro Pat Kemball also contributed five free lessons.
An important striping change was made at the corner of Vacation Dr. and Canyon Lake Dr. North. What once was a "dotted access line" next to the multi-purpose lane is now a solid line separating the traffic lane from the multi-purpose lane.
The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors elected longtime member Ben Wicke to serve as president.
The Freedoms Foundation Inland Empire Chapter was preparing to participate with its national organization in honoring individuals and organizations through the National Awards Program. Among its list of 2011 nominees were Canyon Lake residents Mavis and Randy Schutz, Brandon Chavez and Lewis Francescon.
Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee Director Nancy Carroll was pleased so many Canyon Lake residents received 20 hours of CERT training that would help them provide urgent lifesaving and sustenance needs until emergency personnel arrive in a major disaster. On the last night of training, students put their training into motion with a simulated disaster: an explosion at City Hall that resulted in numerous injuries and a power outage. Cosmetically-enhanced Police Explorers volunteered to be victims of the explosion.
After public hearings and public comment periods, the City Council was preparing to vote on a proposed multi-tenant pylon sign that would replace the current Pepe’s sign.
Organizers were pleased with a great turnout for the inaugural "Fit Community" 5K/10K Run and awarded overall winners as well as 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female winners in each age division. The event attracted more than 300 participants and was organized by the POA Fitness and Recreation Committee.
The Woman's Club announced that its theme for the spring fashion show would be "Under the Tuscan Sun."
1 Year Ago
The Friday Flyer's first issue of January 2015 showed off numerous photos sent in by Canyon Lake residents of the historic snowfall that took place at the end of December. There was no measurable snowfall in Canyon Lake, but the surrounding hills and some nearby cities were blanketed with the white stuff.
Carolyn Knight reported that she and her daughter, Kathy Blakemore, observed a bobcat on Carolyn's front patio that overlooks Canyon Lake Dr. South, between Early Round and Green Briar Drives. Kathy, a wildlife lover and science teacher at Elsinore Middle School, positively identified the large, dark gray cat as a bobcat. When she tried to take a picture, it ran into Carolyn's large backyard. Carolyn believes the earth movement in the Pardee development off Railroad Canyon Rd. has probably affected wildlife habitat in the area, and it makes her nervous about letting her small dog go outside to take care of business.
A resident who lives near Canyon Lake Dr. North and Red Setter posted a message that a “huge red-tailed hawk” picked up her 13-pound dachsund from her backyard. After being challenged by her husband and 8-lb. Chihuahua, the hawk finally let go of the doxie.
A smaller crowd turned up for Polar Bear Day in the North Ski Area. The air temperature for those who rode early was a frigid 35 degrees, but warmed up to a comfortable 60 by early afternoon. The water temp, however, remained a hypothermic 49 degrees throughout the day.
On January 6 of last year, the City of Canyon Lake filed an action in Superior Court seeking declaratory relief in connection with its contract to provide fire protection for the City. Declaratory relief actions force the court to interpret contract items disputed between the parties. The heart of this is a determination by the court that the City is entitled to a reduction in the cost of its fire services pursuant to specific contract language between the City, Riverside County and CalFire.
Subsequent to the City filing an action for declaratory relief, the County served a claim required by the Government Code demanding immediate payment of $903,646.10 for fire services provided between January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2014 (three-quarters of the calendar year).
At the January POA Board meeting, many members of the audience were in attendance to hear how the Directors would vote on a proposed rule having to do with lessees. After providing a 30-day reading, Directors were scheduled to vote on "General Rules – Section 3.8 Lessee Requirements Proposed Revised Rule" that included a number of new provisions questioned by members of the audience during the comment period.
The Canyon Lake Bassmasters held their first tournament of 2015 on January 10, with nine boats and 16 anglers participating. Seven of the nine teams were able to bring in five-fish limits, with 37 fish weighed for a total of 104.02 pounds.
John Zaitz was selected to fill the seat vacated by Nancy Horton after she was elected to the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Board of Directors in November 2014. At a special meeting of the City Council on January 21, Council members had the opportunity to interview the five candidates who turned in applications.
A car was seen upside down on the westbound side of Railroad Canyon Rd., across from the east entrance to the Towne Center. It was reported in social media that the vehicle was a 2014 Mustang driven by a 79-year-old woman who suffered only a minor ankle injury.
On January 12, a Canyon Lake teen was seriously injured in a skateboard accident on Vacation Dr. near Sierra Park. His mother, Shayna Hicks, says, "He was on his skateboard, lost control and rolled a few times before hitting his head on the curb."
She adds, "He was not wearing his helmet while riding his skateboard. His father and I stressed that he put one on before he left . . . We can't change what happened but we certainly can bring awareness to other parents and teens."
Austin Hicks, 17, suffered three skull fractures, two areas of bleeding on his brain, a knee fracture and multiple lacerations on his back, hands and knees.