As 2022 draws to a close, the Canyon Lake Insider takes a look back at some of Canyon Lake’s news and events of 2022.
The City of Canyon Lake launched its own fire department on January 1, 2022. Photo by Canyon Lake Insider.January
On January 1 at 8 a.m., the City of Canyon Lake launched its own fire department with 11 sworn personnel, 15 reserve firefighters, an administrative assistant/analyst, one Type 1 fire engine, one Type 6 wildland fire engine, two command vehicles, one reserve engine, and three shifts comprised of a captain, engineer, and firefighter/paramedic.
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) and the Division of Safety of Dams – Department of Water Resources performed an annual safety inspection of the Canyon Lake Dam.
Deputies responded to 306 calls for service in January. Community Patrol received 224 calls for service.
A ribbon-cutting was held for a Free Little Library installed at Happy Camp. Boy Scout Luke Thomas of Troop 2011 built and donated the library as part of his Eagle Scout project.
The POA Board of Directors revised the rule pertaining to aggressive dogs and increased the fine associated with the rule from $200 to $300.
A rise in the lake level temporarily halted the installation of a new dock at Indian Beach.
City council recognized Art Femister as its January Citizen of the Month for his volunteer work with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Citizen Volunteer Patrol Program.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce launched its 2022 Business of the Month recognition program and selected Patriotic Arms as its January Business of the Month.
More than 60 spectators gathered at Sunset Beach to cheer on 24 riders who braved the frigid water to participate in the Annual Polar Bear Day.
The Canyon Lake Association of Men (CLAMS) kicked off its 2022 season with a $500 donation to the Tuesday Work Group (TWG).
The POA started the first phase of its multi-million dollar road project.
The city honored Elinor Martin as its February Citizen of the Month. Martin is pictured with Canyon Lake Mayor Jeremy Smith and City of Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman. Photo provided by the City of Canyon Lake.February 2022
The city held a grand opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting for its new fire department.
The POA Board approved $392,383.20 in funding for the Happy Camp Restroom Remodel Project.
Seventeen-year-old Canyon Lake student Haley Kielty signed a letter of intent to play tennis for the Dominican University of California.
The friends and family of Petty Officer Adam McNaughton welcomed him home from an eight-month deployment to the South China Sea.
City council recognized Elinor Martin as its February Citizen of the Month. Martin was honored for her long-standing devotion to Canyon lake and her rich history with the city.
The city’s new fire engine was placed into service. The firefighters of Station 1 nicknamed the new engine the “Black Pearl.”
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce selected Pack, Wrap, & Post as its February Business of the Month.
The POA Board approved $44,000 in funding for the 2022 fireworks show.
Canyon Lake Little League kicked off its spring season with Opening Day Ceremonies featuring vendors, games, and food. Nearly 300 players registered for the spring season.
Eight candidates (Rita Bendlin, Greg Doherty, Carl Gardner, Kalon Morris, Lance Phillips, Alexis Prince, Tony Schwarzman, and Bill Van Vleet) submitted Intent to Run forms and announced their candidacy to run for a seat on the POA Board. Van Vleet and Doherty were elected in May.
The Canyon Lake Association of Men (CLAMS) donated $1,000 to the Canyon Lake Little League.
Grammy-nominated country music artist David Nail kicked off the POA’s 2022 “Concerts at the Lodge” series with a performance at the lodge.
Former Canyon Lake Mayor Vicki Warren and her husband, Bryan, announced their plans to relocate to Ash Fork, Arizona.
KK Beecher won the Women’s Golf Club Championship Tournament in March, earning a coveted invitation to the PGA’s 2022 National Club Championship. Beecher is pictured with Golf Pro Pat Kemball. Photo provided by Jesse Beecher.March 2022
The POA Board unanimously approved to increase the 2022/2023 dues by $10 per month.
Deputies responded to 395 calls for service and made 17 arrests in the month of March. Community patrol received 196 calls for service.
For the second consecutive year, KK Beecher won the Women’s Golf Club Championship Tournament. The win earned Beecher a coveted invitation to the PGA’s 2022 National Club Championship, a one-of-a-kind event that brings together amateur club champions from golf courses coast to coast.
City council recognized firefighter Tim O’Marra as its Citizen of the Month. O’Marra was recognized for his renovation work at the fire station and for helping with the preparations for the fire department’s grand opening.
More than 70 community volunteers came together to repair several thousand divots on the golf course.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce selected PZA Oven Fired Goodness as its March Business of the Month.
Hosted by the Triathlon and Fitness Club, more than 20 riders completed the 17-mile Tour de Canyon Lake bike ride.
The Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild’s first concert of 2022 featured the ABBA tribute band ABBAFab.
The city held its Annual Community Clean-Up in April, collecting 37.46 tons of trash and 5.82 tons of metal. Photo by Canyon Lake Insider.April 2022
The city partnered with CR&R to host a Community Clean-Up event. CR&R collected 11 loads of trash totaling 37.46 tons and four loads of metal totaling 5.82 tons.
Deputies responded to 411 calls for service and made 10 arrests in April. Community Patrol received 170 calls.
The California State Parks in collaboration with the Canyon Lake Enrichment Activities and Recreation (C.L.E.A.R.) Foundation held Jr. Lifeguards tryouts at Sunset Beach for kids ages eight to 15.
The city, POA, and EVMWD held a joint meeting at the lodge to openly discuss issues of mutual interest among the three agencies.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted a Meet the Candidates Forum for POA Board candidates.
Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers Realty hosted a free Shred Day for the community.
The fire department responded to 83 calls.
The Wakeboard Club held its first competition of the season.
With more than 300 concertgoers in attendance, Jim Messina and Spanish guitarist David Maldonado played to a sold-out crowd at the lodge.
About 250 residents attended the Bible Club’s annual Easter morning service at Indian Beach.
The lake was treated with alum.
More than 60 women attended the Mermaids of Canyon Lake Club’s Derby Day fundraiser at Diamond Point Park. The event raised more than $2,000 for local charities.
Children enjoy activities at the library in celebration Día.
The Canyon Lake Association Men (CLAMS) hosted a picnic-style barbecue at Holiday Harbor Park.
The fire department celebrated its first 100 days in operation.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce selected Champion Trophy as its April Business of the Month.
The Lions Club held its 30th Annual Charity Golf Tournament.
A Celebration of Life was held at the country club for resident Suzanne “Suzi” Olson Delia.
The Triathlon and Fitness Club hosted its first triathlon event of the season.
With the help of more than 40 volunteers, the city honored Memorial Day by placing a flag in every year in the city. Pictured is volunteer Karen Bevans. Photo by Canyon Lake Insider.May 2022
Canyon Lake’s 9th Annual National Day of Prayer was held at Canyon Lake Community Church.
In honor of National Police Week, city council presented a proclamation to Lieutenant James Rayls of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies responded to 429 calls for service and made 14 arrests in May.
Canyon Lake’s inaugural Cancer in Our Community Cancer Fair was held at Holiday Harbor Park and featured vendors, live entertainment, a keynote speaker, and cancer-related resources.
With the help of about 40 volunteers, the city honored Memorial Day by placing a flag in every yard in the city.
Senator Melissa Melendez held a Town Hall Meeting at the Canyon Cowboy.
The fire department responded to 81 calls.
The Wakeboard Club hosted a community Learn to Ride Day.
The POA Board approved the Community Gardeners Club as a sanctioned club.
Resident Ilyssa DeCasperis was named the Southern California National Association of Railway Business Women’s “Woman of the Year.”
City council approved a salary increase for the city manager.
The Canyon Lake Choraleers performed “The Spirit of Africa” at the lodge.
“Lake Life” was the theme of Canyon Lake’s iconic Fiesta Day.
Teen Jesse Rupe was announced as the winner of the city’s essay contest. He was presented with a $1,500 scholarship.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting for Pure Studios.
Canyon Lake homeowners elected Bill Van Vleet and Greg Doherty to the POA Board.
A few hundred concertgoers filled the Holiday Bay Room at the lodge for the Fine Arts Guild’s Alabama tribute concert featuring Tennessee River.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce selected Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District as its May Business of the Month.
Janelle Blanchard won the Women’s Golf Club’s President’s Cup Tournament.
The Pickleball Club gave more than 150 free pickleball lessons over Memorial Day weekend.
In June, deputies responded to 378 calls for service and made seven arrests. Photo by Canyon Lake Insider.June 2022
The city selected Culture Cannabis Club of Canyon Lake as the applicant of its first Commercial Cannabis Business Permit.
Deputies responded to 378 calls for service and made seven arrests in June.
The POA Board approved reinstating a standing Security Advisory Committee.
The fire department responded to 96 calls.
City council honored Eagle Scouts Luke and Matt Thomas as its Citizens of the Month.
The POA Board approved $44,537.50 in funding for a new shade structure for the country club patio.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce announced Daisy Dukez as its June Business of the Month.
The POA Board approved fine increases for residents who ride horses outside of the designated areas.
The 9ers Golf Club paraded in golf carts to the homes of its 2022 scholarship recipients to present $12,500 in scholarships.
One hundred golfers participated in the Canyon Lake Association of Men (CLAMS) fundraiser golf tournament, helping to raise more than $10,000 for local charities.
The Canyon Lake Community Gardeners Club was granted 501(c)3 status from the State of California.
The Jr. Women’s Club awarded $10,000 in scholarships to seven Canyon Lake students.
Sixty golfers participated in the Women’s Golf Club’s “Don’t Worry, Tee Happy” Member Guest Tournament.
Twenty-two juniors registered to participate in the Pickleball Club’s summer Jr. Pickleball Clinic.
After a two-year hiatus due to the Covide-19 pandemic, the Jr. Golf Camp returned to the golf course in July. Photo by Canyon Lake Insider.July 2022
The fire department responded to 13 incidents on the 4th of July, including four females who were injured in a single golf cart accident on Longhorn Drive.
A dozen people attending a Fine Arts Guild concert at the lodge were trapped in a sweltering elevator for about 75 minutes. Two POA board members were among those trapped.
Deputies responded to 405 calls for service and made nine arrests in July. Community Patrol received 298 calls for service.
Canyon Lake Community Church and Celebrate Recovery honored Pastor Pete Van Dyke for his 50 years of active ministry service. Van Dyke spent more than 45 years of those years ministering to Canyon Lake Community Church and the citizens of Canyon Lake.
City Council recognized Karen Bevans as its July Citizen of the Month.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted a two-year anniversary ribbon-cutting for PZA Oven Fried Goodness.
The Fine Arts Guild’s Foreigner tribute concert at the lodge featured the band 4NR.
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jr. Golf Camp returned to the golf course.
The Women’s Golf Club held its two-day Couples Eclectic Tournament.
Canyon Lake’s new pump track opened in August. Photo by Canyon Lake Insider.August 2022
With nine more months left of his two-year term, POA Board Director Brian Bock announced his resignation.
Deputies responded to 365 calls for service and made five arrests in August. Community Patrol received 123 calls for service.
The POA held a soft opening for its new pump track.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce selected Hoffman’s Painting as its August Business of the Month.
A 36-year-old resident of San Diego was arrested and charged with two counts of murder after a Canyon Lake man and a Lake Elsinore man died after ingesting fentanyl. The investigation dated back four years.
The Triathlon and Fitness Club hosted its 10th Annual Paddle and Pedal Regatta.
The library celebrated the one-year anniversary of its new location in the Towne Center.
The fire department responded to 99 calls.
The legendary band The Blasters performed at the lodge.
The Mermaids of Canyon Lake Club hosted its second annual Mermaid Afternoon Tea.
Hosted by the Fine Arts Guild at Holiday Harbor Park in September, Harbor Fest featured a free community Aerosmith tribute concert. Photo by Canyon Lake Insider.September 2022
Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse presented the city council with a fire station dedication plaque in honor of the city’s new fire department.
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lions Club Annual Pancake Breakfast returned to Holiday Harbor Park.
Deputies responded to 303 calls for service and made five arrests in September. Community Patrol received 129 calls for service.
Ryan Parkhouse and Mary Burns were crowned the champions of Canyon Lake’s 8th Annual City Championship.
The Bassmasters Club hosted the 36th Annual Kids Fishing Derby.
A Canyon Lake man was fatally shot by deputies after he allegedly took a deputy’s gun during a traffic stop in the City of Needles.
The Ski Club announced teen Kendra Nathan as the first recipient of its $500 Imre and Betsy Weil Water Ski Scholarship.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce welcomed Heidi Currie as its new administrative services manager.
The city recognized resident Jenniver Lawrence for her donation of a 9/11 memorial bell stand, made to hold the city’s new 9/11 tribute bell. The bell and stand were revealed during the city’s tribute honoring the victims of 9/11.
The City of Perris team won the 3rd Annual Canyon Lake City Championship Scramble, breaking the City of Canyon Lake team’s two-year winning streak.
The fire department responded to 111 calls.
The Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild hosted Harbor Fest at Holiday Harbor Park. The family-friendly community event featured a free Aerosmith tribute concert featuring the RagDolls.
Twelve teams battled it out during the Canyon Lake Bassmasters Open Tournament. Shaun Cooley and Ben Chilibolost took first place with five fish weighing 16.64 lbs.
The Ski Club hosted its first tournament of the season.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce selected CPR Training Centers as its September Business of the Month.
A fire erupted inside a residence on Canyon Lake Drive North on Halloween, sending the homeowner and one good samaritan to the hospital. Photo by Canyon Lake Insider.October 2022
Deputies responded to 334 calls for service and made six arrests in October. Community Patrol received 215 calls for service.
Mayor Pro Tem Larry Greene bid farewell to Canyon Lake to relocate to his ranch in Montana.
Mayor Jeremy Smith delivered the State of the City Address.
The city presented its Jordan Ehrenkranz Spirit Award to Karen Bevans, who passed away on July 14. Her daughter, Brandi Nakakihara, accepted the award on her behalf.
Mark Terry was appointed to the city council following the resignation of Mayor Pro Tem Larry Greene.
The fire department responded to 99 calls in October.
The golf course closed for 21 days for annual overseeding.
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, Canyon Lake firefighters hosted storytime at the library.
The 16th Annual Canyon Lake Car Show was held at the lodge and featured more than 225 classic and specialty cars, trucks, and hot rods.
In a show of solidarity and in support of cancer awareness, Canyon Lake firefighters wore pink and lavender hats through the month of October.
The Department of Justice indicted two Canyon Lake residents with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering for their roles in an alleged scheme to obtain $15.9 million in PPP and EIDL funds through fraud, the
More than 500 children in costumes scattered throughout the Towne Center to collect candy at businesses participating in the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce’s 29th Annual Parade of Frights.
The Lions Club hosted a two-day garage sale fundraiser.
A fire erupted in a Canyon Lake home shortly before 1 p.m. on Halloween, sending one occupant and one good samaritan to the hospital.
Canyon Lake couple Kriss and Jeff DuBois celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary.
City council presented the Woman’s Club with a proclamation in honor of the club’s 50th anniversary.
The ministry group Priscilla Circle hosted a free luncheon at Canyon Lake Community Church for people living alone.
The Canyon Lake City Council recognized Hayden and Gavin Dalton of Troop 2011 for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
In support of breast cancer awareness, about 30 Canyon Lake witches ditched their broomsticks for paddleboards and kayaks on Halloween morning as they paddled around the lake in witch costumes.
The fire department held a farewell lunch for Executive Assistant Bailey Ward. Ward accepted a position working in the Community Service Department at the City of Corona.
Sixty-three women participated in the Mermaids of Canyon Lake Club’s first-ever golf cart Witches Scavenger Hunt fundraiser.
The Community Gardeners Club hosted a Pumpkin Succulent Workshop.
Canyon Lake couple Dana and Jake Woolsey announced the birth of their third son.
The Triathlon and Fitness Club hosted the Fall Kick-Off 5K/10K Run/Walk.
The Jr. Women’s Club hosted its 8th Annual Rocktoberfest at Holiday Harbor Park.
The Canyon Lake K9 Club hosted its 4th Annual Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at East Port Park.
The 2nd Annual Dock-or-Treat brought the spirit of Halloween to the water as participants traveled around the lake to trick-or-treat at docks listed on an interactive map.
Santa returned to Canyon Lake in November for the POA’s 40th Annual Tree Lighting Festival at the lodge. Photo by Canyon Lake Insider.November 2022
Residents donated 62 turkeys, two chickens, and 47 bags of fixings to the city’s 11th Annual Turkey and Food Drive.
Deputies responded to 356 calls for service and made six arrests in November.
The city’s 14th Annual Veterans Day Celebration was held at Holiday Harbor Park for the first time.
City council recognized Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce President Jeanne O’Dell as its November Citizen of the Month.
The fire department responded to 85 calls in November.
The Canyon Lake Quilters presented a Quilt of Valor to veteran Barry Ward, who won the handmade quilt in a free drawing held for Canyon Lake veterans.
Resident and former Major League Baseball player Greg Harris built and donated a flag retirement box to the fire station.
With a total fish weight of 11.31 lbs., seasoned Bassmasters Mark White and Travis Smith reeled in first place in the Bassmasters Club’s Open Tournament.
The Tennis Club hosted a Cancer Awareness Tournament in honor of club member Kristen Kennedy, who recently passed away from stomach cancer.
The Triathlon and Fitness Club hosted its Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.
Team Platinum took first place in the Coed Sunday Softball League’s fall season.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting for Patriotic Arms.
The Senior Center Work Group hosted its 21st Annual Canyon Lake Senior Center Boutique. The two-day event attracted hundreds of shoppers to the senior center.
The community welcomed Santa back for the 40th Annual Tree Lighting Festival on November 27 at the lodge.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Mermaids of Canyon Lake Club donated 25 gift cards to Riverside County Alternatives to Domestic Violence.
The Jr. Women’s Club’s annual Sip and Shop drew hundreds of shoppers to the lodge.
The Fine Arts Guild wrapped up its 2022 concert series with a Motown tribute concert at the lodge.
The Woman’s Club hosted its annual Witches Gathering fundraiser at the senior center.
More than 100 festively-decorated golf carts participated in the 12th Annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade and Toy Drive in December. Photo by Canyon Lake Insider.December 2022
The City of Canyon Lake celebrated its 32nd birthday on December 1.
Thousands of residents and their guests lined Canyon Lake Drive to experience the spectacular color, pageantry, and fun of festively-decorated golf carts parading in the 12th Annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade and Toy Drive. Hosted by the Street Carts of Canyon Lake, more than 110 whimsical golf carts participate in the parade.
The POA Board approved $630,000 in funding to replace and repair the medians on Canyon Lake Drive South.
Jeremy Smith, Kasey Castillo, and Jennifer Dain ran unopposed in the general election and were sworn in at the December council meeting.
City council reappointed Jeremy Smith as mayor and appointed Dale Welty as mayor pro tem for the 2023 term.
The POA Board approved a 28-day reading to increase the fine from $50 to $100 for failure to comply with Community Patrol and Marine Patrol officers.
Resident Rich Fransik was promoted to acting chief of police for the City of Norco.
The Ski Club hosted Cookies and Photos with Santa at the north ski area.
The city held its 3rd Annual Winter Wonderland and Tree Lighting in the Towne Center.
The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce selected Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers Realty as its December Business of the Month.
A free catered Christmas dinner was held for seniors at the senior center.
The Yacht Club hosted its iconic Parade of Lights Boat Parade.
