Edition:
July 3, 2009
Public Notices - DBA Info • CONTACT
US: News Department • Display
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As the POA recommends on Page A-2, residents should remind their guests to use the North and East Gates when possible to reduce congestion at the Main Gate. Families also are reminded all picnic tables at Holiday Harbor have been reserved through a lottery system; however, the remainder of the park is available to whoever arrives first – portable tables, chairs and canopies are fine. Beginning at 2 p.m. Longhorn Dr. will be closed from Strawberry Ln. to the Campground to all but emergency vehicles.
Culminating this day of celebration is the fireworks show, scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. and launched from Skipper’s Island by Pyro Spectacular, the same company that did the show last year. Prior to the show, Mike Shroyer will provide a musical tribute to Michael Jackson, as well as rock and roll favorites from the 60s era in recognition of the 40-year anniversary of Woodstock. With the right weather conditions, the music, projected from the Lodge, will be heard at waterfront locations from Holiday Harbor to the Campground and beyond. Prior to turning the sound over to Pyro Spectacular’s musical arrangement, Tara Miller will sing the National Anthem.
Visitors to the Pool will be allowed to swim until 8 p.m., after which the Pool area will be closed. Spectators are welcome to watch the fireworks from the beach and walkway around the Pool. Residents and their guests are reminded cars and golf carts will not be allowed to park on the Main Causeway at any time.
In a day filled with celebration, some people do go overboard and, instead of enjoying dazzling red, white and blue fireworks lighting up the night sky, they may wind up seeing red and blue flashing lights in their rearview mirror.
According to Cpl. Ole Williams of the Canyon Lake Police Department, the goal of the department on these holiday weekends is not to dampen celebration, but to ensure the public safety and therefore, the enjoyment of all, which is why a number of extra duty officers will be assigned to the Lake in various capacities throughout the weekend, beginning today.
From additional roving police cars to extra deputies assigned to boat patrol, the main focus will be impaired drivers and boaters, including those operating golf carts under the influence, says Ole. As he pointed out in his “COPS Corner” article that ran in last week’s issue of The Friday Flyer, accidents involving golf carts often result in major injuries due to the fact they have no seat belts and can easily roll over in an accident.
Plans do not include targeted locations, such as in the form of a checkpoint, but he does caution that deputies will be spread throughout the community from morning until night, all the way through to Sunday evening.
While the CLPD does not have the ability to enforce many aspects of the California Vehicle Code within the gates, since the streets are considered private property, Ole says any violation that endangers the public, such as running a stop sign, may be grounds for a deputy to stop the driver. Once stopped, if the deputy suspects the driver is under the influence, he or she can conduct a traffic stop to determine that person’s ability to drive.
Bicycle deputies will be specifically assigned to Happy Camp, a popular gathering place for the 4th of July. With the sheer number of people and vehicles there often making it difficult, if not impossible, for police cars to make their way through the throngs, bicycles afford deputies responding to calls in the Campground faster and easier access.
Traffic control is another aspect of the weekend’s celebration requiring additional deputies, with a total of six assisting with the direction of vehicles as they leave the various parks and beaches following the fireworks display. In addition, members of Canyon Lake Explorer Post 315 will be on hand, helping to maintain the flow of traffic along streets within the gates. Unlike in the past, there are no plans to reroute traffic exiting from certain locations or to extend traffic control to Railroad Canyon Rd.
The 4th of July is synonymous with fireworks, but the CLPD and the Riverside County Fire Department caution that such use is best left to certified and permitted professionals since Riverside County has deemed all fireworks illegal, enforcing a strict zero-tolerance policy on their use and possession and making it a misdemeanor punishable by fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. In addition, anyone who causes a fire by the use of fireworks will be financially responsible for all suppression costs.
According to firefighters, a high fire danger exists; therefore, it is even more important the prohibition be upheld. Not even sparklers will be tolerated, according to County Fire Chief John Hawkins, who says that statistics show sparklers are the second highest cause of fireworks injuries requiring trips to the emergency room.
Finally, residents are reminded the prime member is responsible for the actions of his or her family, guests, renters and lessees, as well as for any citations incurring fines.
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