The POA general manager presents Marlon Johnson with a 15 Years of Service Award. Photo provided by Marlon Johnson.Marlon Johnson may be a new employee of the city, but he is no stranger to Canyon Lake. Marlon’s history with Canyon Lake started in 1990 when he was employed as an animal control officer with LEAF, now known as Animal Friends of the Valleys. Canyon Lake was a part of Marlon’s service area.
“Back in those days, we had a lot of rattlesnake calls,” Marlon said. “I’ve rescued several Canyon Lake property owners from wildlife, which was more common then than it is now.”
After LEAF, Marlon worked as a patrol officer for the security company contracted by the POA. “I’ve worn three different badges as a patrolman for Canyon Lake,” he said. “I was repeatedly hired by the companies that were awarded the contracts.”
In 2006, the POA hired Marlon as an inspector for its Planning and Compliance Department, where he remained for the next 15 years.
Marlon’s POA coworkers bid him a fond farewell during a luncheon. Photo provided by Marlon Johnson.Earlier this month, Marlon transitioned to the city’s Code Enforcement Department. “After a long enjoyable employment with the Canyon Lake POA, I saw an opportunity for a change and broader horizons,” Marlon said. “The transition from the POA to the city was bittersweet. It was like leaving one family for another one.”
In his new position with the city, Marlon is responsible for enforcing municipal codes and city ordinances, as well as patrolling the adjacent BLM land for violation of regulations.
Marlon said he is looking forward to further serving the community of Canyon Lake for as long as he can.
When he’s not working, Marlon enjoys camping, kayaking, and helping people train their dogs, something he has been doing since 1980. Marlon resides in Hemet on a 13-acre property that overlooks Diamond Valley Lake.
