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November 24, 2006

 

 

 

 

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Ten years ago, the six million dollar renovation of Railroad Canyon Dam was competed and, EVMWD officials claimed that this was the first major retrofit for any dam in the entire state of California. The project involved enlarging ths size of the spillway and other upgrades that would help minimize the impact of flooding in very wet years.
 
What was happening in past Novembers?


35 years ago
     The East Gate was closed when the POA Board agreed to install a multiple lock system for residents who resided east of Vacation Dr. Prior to that, the East Gate had been open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week and, before that, had been open only on weekends during daylight hours during the summer.
     The Corona Land Company placed a welcome sign at the Main Gate and also installed a flagpole with the Association’s logo there. The unlimited green fee for weekdays was $1.50 for property owners and $3 for non-property owners. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, the fees were $3 for property owners and $5 for others. Electric golf carts could be rented for $5 for nine holes and $8 for 18 holes.
     The new Canyon Lake Motel added a swimming pool to the amenities there, much to the pleasure of weekenders who came to spend some time at the lake and golf course. Twenty-five members of the Equestrian Club saddled up for an evening snack ride to Quail Valley.
     Several “modular homes” were placed on Canyon Lake lots in November 1971; they differed from “mobile homes” in that they were assembled on concrete block foundations and did not have axles and wheels.

30 years ago
     By1976, Canyon Lake had 730 homes in the gated community. Gene Rayborn was the Lodge Manager, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Canyon Lake Community Church. Members of the CLAMS got together to erect a sign at the East Gate to direct guests and others. A condominium with dock and pool near the Lodge with two bedrooms, two baths and a den was offered at $60,500, and lots off the water were listed at $5,500. Chuck Bryant served as president of the POA and reported that the project involving developing a Master Plan for Canyon Lake’s future was progressing. A recommendation was approved to open the North Gate on Sunday afternoons between 4 and 8 p.m. The POA Board was also considering a measure that would require members to post a $300 cash bond prior to the construction of their home or installing a mobile home.

25 years ago
     Bill Cozad was the POA President in 1981, and explained to the membership some of the details of a recent verdict handed down by the Riverside Superior Court awarding damages to Vito Castellano in the amount of $317,925 against the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association. He stated that the POA had started an appeals procedure against this judgment. According to the November issue of The Lighthouse Magazine, Castellano had a real estate and construction office located in a trailer near the East Gate and also operated a marina with gas pumps and a boat storage and repair yard there. He had a fence and gate installed that allowed public access to his businesses and sued the POA when the Association erectred a barricade in front of the unapproved gate.
     The Home Owners Club’s project of cleaning up the community’s perimeter was a success, according to HOC president Glen Foster. The group also provided $600 for the purchase of trees to be placed along the main streets.
     Canyon Lake’s first bicycle track was completed and declared ready for use at Evans Park. The door at the Main Post Office building located on Canyon Lake Drive South (now Blue Bird Hall) was to be locked from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. daily until further notice, but Postmaster Bob O’Donnell announced a new drive-up mail box was to be installed by the Lodge on the circle by the entrance.
     A “Community Forum” was held to discuss various topics of local interest including the proposed expansion and future use of the Lodge, East Port property future usage, a building moratorium, financing a new Golf Clubhouse and Lot 78 (now Holiday Harbor) development. The POA-sponsored Luau was a resounding success with its roast pig, Hawaiian dancers, music and colorful tropical costumes everywhere.
     Continental Cove’s townhouses were taking form and were priced from $153,500 with financing available at three percent below the current interest rate.
     The Lions Club held its annual pancake breakfast with the new venue at Indian Beach to accommodate the anticipated attendance of hungry participants. The hearty repast was entertained by the down home music of “Country Plus,” and an exhibit of local artist’s works was on display as sponsored by the Art Association. The Canyon Lake Twirlers topped off the day with their square dancing demonstrations and completed an event showcasing several local clubs working together in a unified community effort. The third annual Miss Canyon Lake Beauty Pageant sponsored by members of the Canyon Lake Woman’s Club took place in the Fireside Room of the Lodge to an appreciative audience of residents and guests.
     A poolside condo was advertised in The Lighthouse Magazine for $78,500, while a Main Lake waterfront lot with 99 feet on the water could be purchased for $99,500. An “Ultra Deluxe Waterfront Home” with four bedrooms and three baths was on sale for $279,000.

20 years ago
     Phase One of the proposed East Port improvement project was announced. It would include a new entrance off Goetz Road and Canyon Lake Drive North and a new security guardhouse. A median strip was to be installed at the entrance and a new sign welcoming members and guests. As proposed, Phase Two would include a six-lane swimming pool, locker room, snack bar and an equipment room. A combination gymnasium and multi-purpose room would be considered in the future.
     POA Board President Joe Hill was active in promoting Red Ribbon Week among local youngsters in support of drug and alcohol prevention. Some 2,500 red ribbons were distributed that week in copies of The Friday Flyer.
     The Canyon Lake Lodge offered a top sirloin steak dinner for $9.95 and fish and chips for $6.50 in the new menu. A 3,200 sq. ft. waterfront home with “telescoping dock, Jacuzzi and great patios” was offered at $495,000 as prices for local properties began to escalate. Under the leadership of John Shaw, the Choraleers were practicing for their upcoming holiday performances. Steve Libring, a resident and professional transportation engineer, reported to the Public Works Committee that it was his recommendation that the stop sign at the intersection at Canyon Lake Drive South and Gray Fox be removed, as it has been ineffective in slowing traffic on the thoroughfare. John Noska, John Simpson and Bill Ruffolo of the Canyon Lake Automobile Restoration Society (CARS) invited neighbors to attend a boat tour starting at the Lodge and followed by a dinner.
     The community was invited to attend an open house at the new Terra Cotta Middle School that was to house Canyon Lake’s 7th and 8th grade students. The POA was studying a proposed series of recommendations made by the newly formed Community Services Committee regarding usage of the Association’s amenities. In November 1986, the POA was also studying soil-sampling operations in the East Bay to determine the possibility of future dredging. Plans for the proposed Audie Murphy Ranch to be located adjacent to Canyon Lake were delayed due to a concern that it would destroy a habitat of Stephens’ Kangaroo Rats and the amount of farmland that would be lost by the conversion to urban uses. Meanwhile, approval of the Canyon Creek development off Interstate 15 was granted by the Riverside County Planning Commission along with the widening of Railroad Canyon Road from two to four lanes.
     In nearby Sun City, ground was broken for a new 84-bed hospital to be built on land to the east of Interstate 215 on McCall Road.
     Canyon Lake’s Fire Captain Pixie Vogt urged residents to learn the proper usage of the 9-1-1 system rather than call the fire station directly in case of an emergency.

15 years ago
     In 1991, Ed Fair had his fair share of headaches over the delayed installation of carpeting in the renovated Golf Clubhouse, but he was pleased with the results, as the popular community facility was about to re-open for use. The Home Owners Club was preparing for its annual and colorful Men’s Fashion Show, accompanying the group’s installation event, according to Tom Wysocki, the HOC president.
     The fledgling City of Canyon Lake was busily making preparations for its celebration of the first anniversary of cityhood. More than 200 property owners and their guests took part in the first Canyon Lake Classic run throughout the community. Events ranged from a One Mile Fun Run/Walk to an officially measured 10K course. Participants and those placing in the several races included Ruth Wysocki, Warren Stephenson, Mark Boyko, Steve Scott, Mike Coleman, Dennis McCoy, Tiffany Hess, Auburn Golding, Korie Norris, Tyler Nash, Krystal Norris and Emily Beck.
     The brand-new Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce added 18 members bringing its membership to a total of 87 businesses and individuals. Three trustees were elected to serve on the Board of the local Lake Elsinore Unified School District; they were Jeanie Corral, Jeanine Martineau and Dr. Vick Knight.
     Deputy City Clerk Kathy Bennett promised that a contract was being finalized that would result in public streets being regularly swept along with weed abatement and litter removal. The City Council held a public hearing regarding the proposed “sphere of influence” that could increase Canyon Lake’s boundaries to include Quail Valley, the proposed Audie Murphy Ranch and other nearby and adjacent parcels. The POA Board approved the construction of new restroom facilities at the North Ski Area. POA president Bill Schelb reported that there were no new plans to refurbish the Post Office building at Blue Bird and Canyon Lake Drive South.
     Following the October experiment in making Elinor’s Restaurant at the Lodge a non-smoking facility, it was reported that the dining room saw a 13 percent loss, while the bar business decreased 17 percent. The POA Board was interviewing three firms regarding plans to create a plan to develop the common property that would be known as Holiday Harbor.
     As of November 5, 1991, Canyon Lake was 78 percent built, with 27 new homes approved for construction so far that year and 58 already under way. Of the 3,670 total residences, there were 2,567 owner-occupied, 428 leased and another 65 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 459 weekend homes, 61 spec houses and still 1,039 vacant lots remaining.
     Santa’s resident elf, Ellen Kellett, continued with her efforts to collect and repair dolls and stuffed animals to be donated to worthy causes for adoption by children. The new Chamber of Commerce conducted a contest to design a logo for the business-oriented group. The Anglers Club planted channel catfish in the lake and the Bassmasters were providing habitats for fish along the community’s shores.

10 years ago
     The 1996 City Council elections found candidates Eugene Bourbonnais, Frank Kessler and Tom Nagle successful. The annual Canyon Lake Classic Races were another success with a record number of participants taking part, according to event chair Jeff Butzlaff. A farewell reception was held for former General Manager Bill Hallman who had taken a similar position in his home state of South Carolina following an eventful and productive three years of service in Canyon Lake. As of November 1, Canyon Lake was 82 percent built with 23 new homes approved and another 17 under construction. Of the 3,830 total residences, 2,801 were owner-occupied, 514 leased and 28 rented on a month-to-month basis. There were 355 weekend homes and 133 spec houses. Vacant lots numbered 925.
     What was anticipated to be 18 months of construction began on the campus of Temescal Canyon High School serving the secondary students of Canyon Lake. Paul Johnson was named interim POA Director of Operations as Clint Warrell took over as interim POA General Manager.
     Bark beetles continued to attack local pine trees, much to the consternation of both residents and the POA. Thomas E. Mails, celebrated Canyon Lake author and friend of the Native American Indian, published his newest volume, “The Hopi Survival Kit,” following a lengthy of period spent with Hopi elders learning of their spiritual prophecies. The book was another in his series that began with “Mystic Warriors of the Plains,” the primary resource for the epic film, “Dances With Wolves.”
     The Grand Prix held in nearby Lake Elsinore attracted numerous Canyon Lake participants with an estimated 50,000 spectators from around the world. Brazilian students were expected in Canyon Lake to be a part of the EF program of English language and cultural study.

5 years ago
     Canyon Lake was observing the first anniversary of the new Lodge with an afternoon celebration and Lighthouse entertainment at dinner. The 11th Canyon Lake Classic 10K run and associated activities served to be another crowd-pleaser. Once the annual re-seeding of the Golf Course was completed, golfers resumed taking advantage of this valued community amenity. Dr. Richard Jenkins, Sonja Wilson and Jeannine Martineau were re-elected to new four-year terms as trustees of the Lake Elsinore Unified School District. Drew Haney, a senior at Temescal Canyon High School, was nominated for a prestigious National Merit Scholarship. Family members joined long-time resident Fay Hall as she celebrated her 100th birthday anniversary. As the first of November, there were a total of 4,132 homes in Canyon Lake. Of these, 3,309 were owner-occupied, 426 leased and another 18 rented on a month-to-month basis. In addition, there were 241 weekend homes and 38 spec homes. Vacant lots numbered 601 and there were 42 homes under construction.
     The Fine Arts Fall Concert featured the Inland Valley Symphony under the direction of Jeanine Trent Atwood and four outstanding vocalists including Robb Dennis, Janelle Rollinson, Stephanie Sabin and Richard Schaffner. The event was preceded by a cocktail hour under the stars and a pre-concert dinner at the Lighthouse Restaurant.
     The annual Adopt-a-Tree program attracted a number of residents to decorate Christmas trees in the median near the Main Gate. The new and remodeled ladies lounge at the Country Cub was the scene of a unique ribbon cutting ceremony as Women’s Golf Club members cut toilet paper to observe the occasion.
     The old barn at the Equestrian Center was demolished so that a new state-of-the-art facility could be built to replace it. The 5th annual Unity in the Community parade in Lake Elsinore attracted many Canyon Lake participants and spectators.
     New monument identification signs were approved by the POA for several local facilities. Gate video cameras were installed at all entrances of the gated POA community. Carol Jenson became the new librarian at the popular Canyon Lake Library near City Hall.

1 year ago
     Anthony Riniti, known in the magic world as Chef Anton, was probably the first magician to perform a magic trick while hydrofoiling. Last November he balanced on a hydrofoil with one hand while shuffling a real deck of cards with the other. Anthony’s skills in classic cons, sleight-of-hand magic and pool tricks make him a regular entertainer at The Magic Castle.
     Canyon Lake resident Lloyd Martinsen was finally feeling much better last November after spending three months recuperating from a serious bout with West Nile Virus. Lloyd credited his optimistic attitude for helping him fight off the infection.
     
     


  






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