Columnist Gina Lee Allen is pictured with her husband Marc, sons Jaron and Tyler, and daughter London. Photo provided by Gina Lee Allen.The Canyon Lake Insider welcomes Columnist Gina Lee Allen. In her new column, “Neighbors of Canyon Lake,” Allen will be featuring residents who make up the Canyon Lake community.
Allen is the great, great-granddaughter of Walter Knott, an American farmer who created the Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park, grew boysenberry, and made Knott’s Berry Farm boysenberry preserves. In 1934, Knott’s wife, Cordelia, began serving fried chicken dinners, and within a few years, lines outside the restaurant were often several hours long.
Allen wrote for the “Berry News,” a monthly Knott’s Berry Farm newsletter for employees. She also owned a business, The Skinny Institute, for 15 years in Claremont, California, and currently writes for Yelp as part of the Elite Squad, a diverse community of passionate writers, photographers, and adventurers.
“Writing and interviewing was always a passion of mine,” Allen said. “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to write for the Canyon Lake Insider.”
Gina and Marc Allen moved to Canyon Lake in May 2022. Prior to their move, the couple resided in Claremont, California, for nearly 16 years. The decision to move to Canyon Lake was made by Marc, who works as a Los Angeles County Lifeguard assigned to Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, a county park located in Irwindale.
Marc loves anything boating, fishing, and just being on the water. In his spare time, Marc enjoys lobster fishing in Newport, where he has caught hundreds of lobsters over the years. He has always been a water person and loved the idea of living close to a lake, where he can dock their boat in 10 minutes.
Gina was more skeptical about moving to Canyon Lake. She thought the long commute Marc would have to make four days a week could become cumbersome. Marc assured her it was going to be worth it.
Gina Allen resides in Canyon Lake with her husband Marc and daughter London. Photo provided by Gina Allen.After admiring the community and meeting neighbors at a few family gatherings, Gina decided that Canyon Lake would be the perfect place for them to live, and probably retire.
Just a short, five months later, the couple made an offer and purchased a home on May 23, 2022. Escrow closed on Gina’s 53rd birthday, which she took as a good sign that they had made the right decision.
Gina and Marc immediately became involved in the community. They are members of the Fine Arts Guild and the Yacht Club. Gina is also a member of the Jr. Women’s Club.
Gina and Marc are the proud parents of two adult sons, Jaron and Tyler, and an 11-year-old daughter, London, who is also enjoying the close-knit community. “She has many more friends than she ever had living in Claremont,” Gina said. “Most are within walking distance.”
London shared, “My mom now actually lets me walk to my friend’s house down the street. She was so paranoid before.” London is enjoying tumbling classes at Canyon Lake’s JDI Dance Company. She plans to try out for cheerleading next year at Canyon Lake Middle School.
The Allens expressed how their quality of life has improved due to the many community gatherings, activities, and friendships they have developed since moving to Canyon Lake.
