Canyon Lake, California
Encyclopedia
Canyon Lake is a gated community
in Riverside County
, California
, United States
. One of only five gated cities in California, Canyon Lake began as a master-planned community developed by Corona Land Company in 1968. The “City of Canyon Lake” was incorporated on December 1, 1990. It geographically spans 4.7 square miles (12.2 km²). The Lake was originally formed in 1927 after Railroad Canyon Dam was built. The lake covers 383 acres (1.5 km²) and has 14.9 miles (24 km) of shoreline. The population was 10,561 at the 2010 census.
, the city has a total area of 4.7 square miles (12.2 km²), of which, 3.9 square miles (10.1 km²) of it is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km²) of it (15.92%) is water. The lake has 14.9 miles (24 km) of shoreline.
was 2,260.8 people per square mile (872.9/km²). The racial makeup of Canyon Lake was 9,495 (89.9%) White, 128 (1.2%) African American, 61 (0.6%) Native American, 190 (1.8%) Asian, 36 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 316 (3.0%) from other races
, and 335 (3.2%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,303 persons (12.3%).
The Census reported that 10,552 people (99.9% of the population) lived in households, 9 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 3,935 households, out of which 1,298 (33.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,510 (63.8%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 341 (8.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 202 (5.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 214 (5.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 27 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 658 households (16.7%) were made up of individuals and 311 (7.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68. There were 3,053 families
(77.6% of all households); the average family size was 2.99.
The population was spread out with 2,287 people (21.7%) under the age of 18, 835 people (7.9%) aged 18 to 24, 2,304 people (21.8%) aged 25 to 44, 3,332 people (31.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,803 people (17.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.0 years. For every 100 females there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.0 males.
There were 4,532 housing units at an average density of 970.2 per square mile (374.6/km²), of which 3,245 (82.5%) were owner-occupied, and 690 (17.5%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.9%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.1%. 8,443 people (79.9% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 2,109 people (20.0%) lived in rental housing units.
of 2000, there were 9,952 people, 3,643 households, and 2,939 families residing in this city. The population density
was 2,485.9 people per square mile (960.6/km²). There were 4,047 housing units at an average density of 1,010.9 per square mile (390.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 92.9% White
, 0.8% Black
or African American
, 0.4% Native American
, 1.5% Asian
, 0.1% Pacific Islander
, 1.8% from other races
, and 2.4% from two or more races. 8.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino
of any race.
There were 3,643 households out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.5% were married couples
living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.3% were non-families. 14.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.9% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.1 males.
The median income
for a household in the city was $70,106, and the median income for a family was $72,317. Males had a median income of $57,413 versus $36,016 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $29,646. About 3.0% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 1.9% of those age 65 or over.
Canyon Lake is located in the 37th Senate
District, represented by Republican
John J. Benoit
, and in the 64th Assembly
District, represented by Republican Brian Nestande
. Federally, Canyon Lake is located in California's 49th congressional district
, which has a Cook PVI
of R +10 and is represented by Republican Darrell Issa
.
. Fire station 60 is located within Canyon Lake's gated portion, near the North Causeway across the lake.
The private areas behind the gates (however) are patrolled by AlliedBarton Security
(Community Patrol and Lake and Marine Patrol) with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's Perris Valley Station, which contracts with the city for its law enforcement services.
The Community Patrol enforces community rules and regulations (CC&Rs) which includes noise ordinances, speed limits, and community access, while the Riverside County Sheriff provides for law enforcement and public safety.
. Students typically attend Tuscany Hills Elementary, or Cottonwood Canyon Elementary, Canyon Lake Middle and Temescal Canyon High School
(7 miles).
Mt. San Jacinto College maintains a campus in nearby Menifee
(6.4 miles). The nearest University of California
campus is University of California, Riverside
(25 miles). Canyon Lake is nearly equidistant from four California State University
campuses located at San Bernardino (45 miles), Fullerton (48 miles), and San Marcos (50 miles), as well as Cal Poly
in Pomona (48 miles).
, created in 1928 with the construction of the Railroad Canyon Dam, covers approximately 525 acres (212.5 ha), has 14.9 miles (24 km) of shoreline, and has a storage capacity of 11586 acre.ft. It is owned and operated by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.
The reservoir is supplied by storm water runoff from the San Jacinto River
and Salt Creek. Water from the reservoir feeds the Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant, which provides approximately 10% of the domestic water supply in the Lake Elsinore/Canyon Lake area.
built a line from Perris to Elsinore along the east side of the San Jacinto River
. The Santa Fe Railroad bought the line and joined it with their line in San Bernardino. Floods in 1884, 1916, and 1927 washed out the tracks and the Santa Fe Railroad decided to abandon the line. Soon after the last flood the Temescal Water Company bought the railroad right-of-way, as well as 1000 acres (4 km²) from Henry Evans, a rancher, and other land from B.T. Kuert. Those were the two parcels that make up most of Canyon Lake today. Construction started in 1927 to build a dam across the river to store water. It was finished in 1929. Railroad Canyon Reservoir, when built, was one of the largest fresh water lakes for fishing, hunting and camping in Southern California. The reservoir and the surrounding area was leased as a concession from Temescal Water Company as a recreational area under the operation of the George D. Evans family from 1937 until after World War II
. After the war Ray and Alpha Schekel, along with John and Darleen Kirkland, operated the resort until 1949 when the lake was drained for repairs to the floodgates. Elinor and Donald Martin operated the resort from its reopening in 1953 until 1968. In 1968 the Corona Land Development Company developed the new community.
, a BBC
television documentary
directed by Alex Cooke, featuring journalist Charlie LeDuff
. He lived for a month within the gated community
, to explore why people wanted to lock themselves behind gates and fences, and what effect it had on the residents. LeDuff also explored the issues of immigration from Mexico and Central America, and highlighted the issues of segregation and racism that exist in the United States. The film was the subject of some controversy within the community, but received positive reviews in the UK and US.
, Hidden Hills
, Laguna Woods
, and Rolling Hills
), Canyon Lake began as a master-planned community developed by Corona Land Company in 1968. All of the homes within the City are located within the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association (POA), which is a gated community, and all but a few roads within the city are privately held and maintained, with the exception of two main roads (Railroad Canyon and Goetz Roads). The entrances to the Canyon Lake POA are gated and guarded, accessible by residents and selected guests approved by the owners within the POA. There are three entrances to the gated portion of the community. The Main (south) Gate is located on Railroad Canyon Road. The East Gate is located just off Goetz Road. The North Gate is located at the north end of the community at the south end of Greenwald Avenue. All gates are manned twenty-four hours a day by the Community Patrol. Access is granted to outsiders by sponsorship from a property owner or renter who calls in their guests to a 24-hour answer line.
Five persons are elected by the membership to serve as the Board of Directors of the Association. They meet twice each month. A general manager is employed by the Association as set forth by policy established by the Board of Directors. The dates and times of meetings are published in the The Friday Flyer, the local newspaper. These meetings are open to the membership, and members are encouraged to attend. The meetings are also televised on the Government-access television (GATV) Channel 3 for those who cannot attend in person.
. The Lake and Marine Patrol are responsible for the enforcement of all the rules and regulations of boats and other uses of the lake. The Community Patrol is responsible for 24-hour gate security as well as 24-hour street patrol. Since becoming an incorporated city in 1990, Canyon Lake has its own "Police Department" (through the contract with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, out of the Perris Valley Station), as well as the private security services. In recent years specialised "code enforcement" officers have also maintained patrols of the approximately 20-acre parcel of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management which encompasses the eastern shore of the lake in it's upper reaches. The trail running north along the eastern shore of the lake has become an inviting activity for hikers and birdwatchers, particularly in the winter months when the hills are green and temperatures lower.
. The East Bay is limited to a "No Wake" speed. Each year the Association stocks the lake with a generous supply of catfish and bass, which join the crappie and bluegill there, for the enjoyment of fisherman. There are swimming areas, fishing “holes”, beaches, a slalom course and a jump lagoon, gas docks, and rental slips which make the lake a busy place thanks to the Canyon Lakers and the more than 2,000 boats they have registered with the POA. All boats must be registered and have insurance in a homeowner's name. Canyon Lake is home to world class wake-boarders and water-skiers. Canyon Lake clubs train the new water-skier and wake-boarder and also plays host to many tournaments.
Canyon Lake's community newly constructed (2000) 19,000 square feet clubhouse, the Canyon Lake Lodge, always has a variety of activities taking place and is considered the "jewel" of the community. The Lodge offers dining at the Lighthouse Restaurant and banquet facilities, as well as "The Lounge" bar. The community's Olympic-sized, heated pool and tennis courts share the Lodge's grounds. Included in the pool are 3 lap swimming lanes, as well and a separate toddler wading pool. Shower and changing facilities are available. They both have a picturesque view of the main lake, unobscured by visible fencing.
The Canyon Lake Golf Course is an SCGA-rated 18-hole, par-71 5868 yards (5,365.7 m) 75 acres (303,514.5 m²) regulation course with a driving range, putting green, and pro shop, as well as rental carts available. The Clubhouse has dining service at the Country Club Restaurant and bar.
There is a 10 acres (40,468.6 m²) Equestrian Center with stables. The facility includes a show riding arena, a jump arena, turn out arena, a hot walker and double wash rack. There is a barn with 17 stalls, outside pipe corrals with covered breezeways, and community room where horse owners can gather. There are miles of bridle path
s winding throughout the surrounding hills.
There are 6 lighted tennis courts adjacent to the Canyon Lake Lodge. Tournaments are scheduled by the Canyon Lake Tennis Club for each month during the year which includes doubles, mixed doubles, and team tennis. Scheduled weekly are men's and women's tennis. Tennis pro Baba Soysa provides a Jr. Tennis Program and training lessons for all ages.
There is a 7.5 acres (30,351.5 m²) private 90 campsite campground for property owners and their guests adjacent to the lake. On 37 of the sites you will find complete hook-ups for water, sewer, electric and television. The remaining 53 sites are equipped with electric and water. There are showers, restrooms, washers, dryers and an ice machine. There is a dump site for all campers. A full time manager lives on the premises. The 5 docks can accommodate up to 45 boats at any given time. The swimming beach is 350 feet (106.7 m) long. The campground is a great place for fishing, playing horseshoes, volleyball and windsurfing in the protected, 5 miles (8 km) an hour zone.
Gault Field is located on the North side of Canyon Lake. The multi-purpose sports complex has lighted regulation softball fields and serves the needs of teams and individuals of all ages. Summer and winter baseball leagues use the field, as do soccer players.
The only private business facility within the gated portion of Canyon Lake is Summerwood Landing, which is a RV, boat, and general storage facility.
The community is served directly by the Canyon Lake Community Church, which is the only church with its own facilities within the City of Canyon Lake, but located outside the gated portion of the community. Tides Church's facilities are in the Canyon Lake Towne Center.
Gated community
In its modern form, a gated community is a form of residential community or housing estate containing strictly-controlled entrances for pedestrians, bicycles, and automobiles, and often characterized by a closed perimeter of walls and fences. Gated communities usually consist of small residential...
in Riverside County
Riverside County, California
Riverside County is a county in the U.S. state of California. One of 58 California counties, it covers in the southern part of the state, and stretches from Orange County to the Colorado River, which forms the state border with Arizona. The county derives its name from the city of Riverside,...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. One of only five gated cities in California, Canyon Lake began as a master-planned community developed by Corona Land Company in 1968. The “City of Canyon Lake” was incorporated on December 1, 1990. It geographically spans 4.7 square miles (12.2 km²). The Lake was originally formed in 1927 after Railroad Canyon Dam was built. The lake covers 383 acres (1.5 km²) and has 14.9 miles (24 km) of shoreline. The population was 10,561 at the 2010 census.
Geography
The community of Canyon Lake consists of 2017 acres (816.3 ha). According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 4.7 square miles (12.2 km²), of which, 3.9 square miles (10.1 km²) of it is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km²) of it (15.92%) is water. The lake has 14.9 miles (24 km) of shoreline.
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Canyon Lake had a population of 10,561. The population densityPopulation density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 2,260.8 people per square mile (872.9/km²). The racial makeup of Canyon Lake was 9,495 (89.9%) White, 128 (1.2%) African American, 61 (0.6%) Native American, 190 (1.8%) Asian, 36 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 316 (3.0%) from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 335 (3.2%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,303 persons (12.3%).
The Census reported that 10,552 people (99.9% of the population) lived in households, 9 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 3,935 households, out of which 1,298 (33.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,510 (63.8%) were opposite-sex married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 341 (8.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 202 (5.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 214 (5.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
POSSLQ
POSSLQ is an abbreviation for "Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters," a term coined in the late 1970s by the United States Census Bureau as part of an effort to more accurately gauge the prevalence of cohabitation in American households....
, and 27 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 658 households (16.7%) were made up of individuals and 311 (7.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68. There were 3,053 families
Family (U.S. Census)
A family or family household is defined by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes as "a householder and one or more other people related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. They do not include same-sex married couples even if the marriage was performed in a state...
(77.6% of all households); the average family size was 2.99.
The population was spread out with 2,287 people (21.7%) under the age of 18, 835 people (7.9%) aged 18 to 24, 2,304 people (21.8%) aged 25 to 44, 3,332 people (31.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,803 people (17.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.0 years. For every 100 females there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.0 males.
There were 4,532 housing units at an average density of 970.2 per square mile (374.6/km²), of which 3,245 (82.5%) were owner-occupied, and 690 (17.5%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.9%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.1%. 8,443 people (79.9% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 2,109 people (20.0%) lived in rental housing units.
2000
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 9,952 people, 3,643 households, and 2,939 families residing in this city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 2,485.9 people per square mile (960.6/km²). There were 4,047 housing units at an average density of 1,010.9 per square mile (390.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 92.9% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.8% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.4% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.5% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.1% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.8% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.4% from two or more races. 8.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 3,643 households out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.5% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.3% were non-families. 14.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.9% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.1 males.
The median income
Income
Income is the consumption and savings opportunity gained by an entity within a specified time frame, which is generally expressed in monetary terms. However, for households and individuals, "income is the sum of all the wages, salaries, profits, interests payments, rents and other forms of earnings...
for a household in the city was $70,106, and the median income for a family was $72,317. Males had a median income of $57,413 versus $36,016 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $29,646. About 3.0% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 1.9% of those age 65 or over.
Politics
The “City of Canyon Lake” was incorporated on December 1, 1990. In the state legislatureCalifornia State Legislature
The California State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of California. It is a bicameral body consisting of the lower house, the California State Assembly, with 80 members, and the upper house, the California State Senate, with 40 members...
Canyon Lake is located in the 37th Senate
California State Senate
The California State Senate is the upper house of the California State Legislature. There are 40 state senators. The state legislature meets in the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The Lieutenant Governor is the ex officio President of the Senate and may break a tied vote...
District, represented by Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
John J. Benoit
John J. Benoit
John Joseph Benoit is a Republican member of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, who took office on December 1, 2009...
, and in the 64th Assembly
California State Assembly
The California State Assembly is the lower house of the California State Legislature. There are 80 members in the Assembly, representing an approximately equal number of constituents, with each district having a population of at least 420,000...
District, represented by Republican Brian Nestande
Brian Nestande
Brian Nestande is the Republican California State Assemblyman for the 64th District and was elected to the post in 2008. He is the son of former Assemblyman Bruce Nestande, who was the Republican nominee for Secretary of State in 1986....
. Federally, Canyon Lake is located in California's 49th congressional district
California's 49th congressional district
California's 49th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California that currently covers much of northern San Diego County and southwestern Riverside County.The district is currently represented by Republican Darrell E...
, which has a Cook PVI
Cook Partisan Voting Index
The Cook Partisan Voting Index , sometimes referred to as simply the Partisan Voting Index , is a measurement of how strongly an American congressional district or state leans toward one political party compared to the nation as a whole...
of R +10 and is represented by Republican Darrell Issa
Darrell Issa
Darrell Edward Issa is the U.S. Representative for , and previously the 48th, serving since 2001. He is a member of the Republican Party. He was formerly a CEO of Directed Electronics, the Vista, California-based manufacturer of automobile security and convenience products...
.
Public safety
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department serves Canyon Lake through the Perris Valley Station (the former headquarters of the now-disbanded Perris Police Department), despite most residents' (and visitors') assumptions that the City of Lake Elsinore which has its own regional sheriff's station) is much closer to Canyon Lake than Perris. The City of Canyon Lake contracts for fire services with the Riverside County Fire Department through a cooperative agreement with Cal Fire(California Department of Forestry and Fire ProtectionCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is the State of California's agency responsible for fire protection in State Responsibility Areas of California as well as the administration of the state's private and public forests. It is often referred to as The California Department of...
. Fire station 60 is located within Canyon Lake's gated portion, near the North Causeway across the lake.
The private areas behind the gates (however) are patrolled by AlliedBarton Security
AlliedBarton
AlliedBarton Security Services is a security officer company in the United States, made up of the former companies Barton Protective Services, Spectaguard, Initial and Allied Security. It is the largest American owned security company in the United States, employing approximately 50,000 people...
(Community Patrol and Lake and Marine Patrol) with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's Perris Valley Station, which contracts with the city for its law enforcement services.
The Community Patrol enforces community rules and regulations (CC&Rs) which includes noise ordinances, speed limits, and community access, while the Riverside County Sheriff provides for law enforcement and public safety.
Crime rate
In 2005, there were 12 violent crimes and 136 property crimes reported; in 2006, 18 and 165, in 2007, 23 and 170, in 2008, 6 and 167, in 2009, 12 and 132, in 2010, 10 and 223. Per capita, these are below the national average.Education
Students attend school in the Lake Elsinore Unified School DistrictLake Elsinore Unified School District
Lake Elsinore Unified School District was formed on July 1, 1989, when the Elsinore Union High School District merged with the Lake Elsinore School District . The Lake Elsinore Unified School District is a public school district located in Lake Elsinore, California, USA...
. Students typically attend Tuscany Hills Elementary, or Cottonwood Canyon Elementary, Canyon Lake Middle and Temescal Canyon High School
Temescal Canyon High School
Temescal Canyon High School is a public high school part of the Lake Elsinore Unified School District. Though it is located in Lake Elsinore, California, it also serves the areas of Canyon Lake and Horsethief Canyon...
(7 miles).
Mt. San Jacinto College maintains a campus in nearby Menifee
Menifee, California
Menifee is a relatively new city located in Southwestern Riverside County, California, United States. The city is roughly in size. As of the 2010 census, Menifee has a population of about 77,519...
(6.4 miles). The nearest University of California
University of California
The University of California is a public university system in the U.S. state of California. Under the California Master Plan for Higher Education, the University of California is a part of the state's three-tier public higher education system, which also includes the California State University...
campus is University of California, Riverside
University of California, Riverside
The University of California, Riverside, commonly known as UCR or UC Riverside, is a public research university and one of the ten general campuses of the University of California system. UCR is consistently ranked as one of the most ethnically and economically diverse universities in the United...
(25 miles). Canyon Lake is nearly equidistant from four California State University
California State University
The California State University is a public university system in the state of California. It is one of three public higher education systems in the state, the other two being the University of California system and the California Community College system. It is incorporated as The Trustees of the...
campuses located at San Bernardino (45 miles), Fullerton (48 miles), and San Marcos (50 miles), as well as Cal Poly
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, or Cal Poly Pomona, is a public university located in Pomona, California, United States...
in Pomona (48 miles).
Reservoir
The community is named for Canyon Lake, also known as the Railroad Canyon Reservoir, which it surrounds. The reservoirReservoir
A reservoir , artificial lake or dam is used to store water.Reservoirs may be created in river valleys by the construction of a dam or may be built by excavation in the ground or by conventional construction techniques such as brickwork or cast concrete.The term reservoir may also be used to...
, created in 1928 with the construction of the Railroad Canyon Dam, covers approximately 525 acres (212.5 ha), has 14.9 miles (24 km) of shoreline, and has a storage capacity of 11586 acre.ft. It is owned and operated by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.
The reservoir is supplied by storm water runoff from the San Jacinto River
San Jacinto River (California)
The San Jacinto River is a river in Riverside County, California. The river's headwaters are in San Bernardino National Forest, but the lower portion of the watershed is urban and agricultural land....
and Salt Creek. Water from the reservoir feeds the Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant, which provides approximately 10% of the domestic water supply in the Lake Elsinore/Canyon Lake area.
History
In 1882 the California Southern RailroadCalifornia Southern Railroad
The California Southern Railroad was a subsidiary railroad of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in Southern California. It was organized July 10, 1880, and chartered on October 23, 1880, to build a rail connection between what has become the city of Barstow and San Diego,...
built a line from Perris to Elsinore along the east side of the San Jacinto River
San Jacinto River (California)
The San Jacinto River is a river in Riverside County, California. The river's headwaters are in San Bernardino National Forest, but the lower portion of the watershed is urban and agricultural land....
. The Santa Fe Railroad bought the line and joined it with their line in San Bernardino. Floods in 1884, 1916, and 1927 washed out the tracks and the Santa Fe Railroad decided to abandon the line. Soon after the last flood the Temescal Water Company bought the railroad right-of-way, as well as 1000 acres (4 km²) from Henry Evans, a rancher, and other land from B.T. Kuert. Those were the two parcels that make up most of Canyon Lake today. Construction started in 1927 to build a dam across the river to store water. It was finished in 1929. Railroad Canyon Reservoir, when built, was one of the largest fresh water lakes for fishing, hunting and camping in Southern California. The reservoir and the surrounding area was leased as a concession from Temescal Water Company as a recreational area under the operation of the George D. Evans family from 1937 until after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. After the war Ray and Alpha Schekel, along with John and Darleen Kirkland, operated the resort until 1949 when the lake was drained for repairs to the floodgates. Elinor and Donald Martin operated the resort from its reopening in 1953 until 1968. In 1968 the Corona Land Development Company developed the new community.
Film
In 2006, the community was the subject of United Gates of AmericaUnited Gates of America
United Gates of America is a 2006 BBC documentary directed by Alex Cooke, featuring journalist Charlie LeDuff. He lived for a month within the gated community of Canyon Lake in Riverside County, California, to try and discover why people wanted to lock themselves behind gates and fences, and what...
, a BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
television documentary
Documentary
A documentary is a creative work of non-fiction, including:* Documentary film, including television* Radio documentary* Documentary photographyRelated terms include:...
directed by Alex Cooke, featuring journalist Charlie LeDuff
Charlie LeDuff
Charlie LeDuff is a Pulitzer Prize winning American journalist, writer, and media personality who left The Detroit News in October 2010 after two years and joined Detroit Fox affiliate WJBK Ch. 2 to do on-air journalism.-Life:...
. He lived for a month within the gated community
Gated community
In its modern form, a gated community is a form of residential community or housing estate containing strictly-controlled entrances for pedestrians, bicycles, and automobiles, and often characterized by a closed perimeter of walls and fences. Gated communities usually consist of small residential...
, to explore why people wanted to lock themselves behind gates and fences, and what effect it had on the residents. LeDuff also explored the issues of immigration from Mexico and Central America, and highlighted the issues of segregation and racism that exist in the United States. The film was the subject of some controversy within the community, but received positive reviews in the UK and US.
Property Owner's Association
One of only five gated cities in California (the other incorporated gated cities in Southern California are BradburyBradbury, California
Bradbury is a small, affluent city in the San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County, California, United States. It is located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains below Angeles National Forest. Bradbury is bordered by the city of Monrovia to the west, and Duarte to the south and...
, Hidden Hills
Hidden Hills, California
Hidden Hills is an incorporated city, and also a gated development in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 1,856 at the 2010 census, down from 1,875 at the 2000 census.It is located in the westernmost San Fernando Valley...
, Laguna Woods
Laguna Woods, California
Laguna Woods is a city in Orange County, California, United States. The population was 16,192 at the 2010 census, down from 16,507 at the 2000 census with a median age of 78. About 90% of the city consists of Laguna Woods Village, a retirement community, formerly known as Leisure World...
, and Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills, California
Rolling Hills is a city in the Palos Verdes Hills, in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,860, down from 1,871 at the 2000 census...
), Canyon Lake began as a master-planned community developed by Corona Land Company in 1968. All of the homes within the City are located within the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association (POA), which is a gated community, and all but a few roads within the city are privately held and maintained, with the exception of two main roads (Railroad Canyon and Goetz Roads). The entrances to the Canyon Lake POA are gated and guarded, accessible by residents and selected guests approved by the owners within the POA. There are three entrances to the gated portion of the community. The Main (south) Gate is located on Railroad Canyon Road. The East Gate is located just off Goetz Road. The North Gate is located at the north end of the community at the south end of Greenwald Avenue. All gates are manned twenty-four hours a day by the Community Patrol. Access is granted to outsiders by sponsorship from a property owner or renter who calls in their guests to a 24-hour answer line.
Community lots
There are 4,801 lots within the community. 1,035 of the homes within Canyon Lake have waterfront access with private boat docks and slips and about one-quarter are adjacent to the golf course. There are 175 condominiums and 125 manufactured homes in Canyon Lake.Governance
The Association operates within a scope of authority and responsibility outlined in the Articles of Incorporation, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and By-Laws, which are recorded against Canyon Lake properties, and form an agreement between each property owner and the association.Five persons are elected by the membership to serve as the Board of Directors of the Association. They meet twice each month. A general manager is employed by the Association as set forth by policy established by the Board of Directors. The dates and times of meetings are published in the The Friday Flyer, the local newspaper. These meetings are open to the membership, and members are encouraged to attend. The meetings are also televised on the Government-access television (GATV) Channel 3 for those who cannot attend in person.
Security
The Lake and Marine Patrol, as well as the Community Patrol services are contracted out to a private company, AlliedBarton SecurityAlliedBarton
AlliedBarton Security Services is a security officer company in the United States, made up of the former companies Barton Protective Services, Spectaguard, Initial and Allied Security. It is the largest American owned security company in the United States, employing approximately 50,000 people...
. The Lake and Marine Patrol are responsible for the enforcement of all the rules and regulations of boats and other uses of the lake. The Community Patrol is responsible for 24-hour gate security as well as 24-hour street patrol. Since becoming an incorporated city in 1990, Canyon Lake has its own "Police Department" (through the contract with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, out of the Perris Valley Station), as well as the private security services. In recent years specialised "code enforcement" officers have also maintained patrols of the approximately 20-acre parcel of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management which encompasses the eastern shore of the lake in it's upper reaches. The trail running north along the eastern shore of the lake has become an inviting activity for hikers and birdwatchers, particularly in the winter months when the hills are green and temperatures lower.
The lake
All of the homeowners within the Canyon Lake POA have rights and access to the Lake for recreational uses. Personal watercraft (Jet Skis, etc.) are banned for use on the reservoir. However, ski-boats (with a maximum length of 21 feet), fishing boats, row boats, paddle boats, sailboats and kayaks are allowed, as are wake-boarding and water-skiing. There is a 35 mi/h speed limit on the main lake, which is patrolled by Canyon Lake's Lake and Marine Patrol, as well the California Department of Fish and GameCalifornia Department of Fish and Game
The California Department of Fish and Game is a department within the government of California, falling under its parent California Natural Resources Agency. The Department of Fish and Game manages and protects the state's diverse fish, wildlife, plant resources, and native habitats...
. The East Bay is limited to a "No Wake" speed. Each year the Association stocks the lake with a generous supply of catfish and bass, which join the crappie and bluegill there, for the enjoyment of fisherman. There are swimming areas, fishing “holes”, beaches, a slalom course and a jump lagoon, gas docks, and rental slips which make the lake a busy place thanks to the Canyon Lakers and the more than 2,000 boats they have registered with the POA. All boats must be registered and have insurance in a homeowner's name. Canyon Lake is home to world class wake-boarders and water-skiers. Canyon Lake clubs train the new water-skier and wake-boarder and also plays host to many tournaments.
Amenities
There are 13 parks in the community making up 45.5 acres (184,132.1 m²), many with sandy beaches as well as docks at which boats can be tie up for short periods. Indian Beach Park has a theatrical stage which is used by the Canyon Lake Community Theatre group for theatrical and other performances which are staged during the year.Canyon Lake's community newly constructed (2000) 19,000 square feet clubhouse, the Canyon Lake Lodge, always has a variety of activities taking place and is considered the "jewel" of the community. The Lodge offers dining at the Lighthouse Restaurant and banquet facilities, as well as "The Lounge" bar. The community's Olympic-sized, heated pool and tennis courts share the Lodge's grounds. Included in the pool are 3 lap swimming lanes, as well and a separate toddler wading pool. Shower and changing facilities are available. They both have a picturesque view of the main lake, unobscured by visible fencing.
The Canyon Lake Golf Course is an SCGA-rated 18-hole, par-71 5868 yards (5,365.7 m) 75 acres (303,514.5 m²) regulation course with a driving range, putting green, and pro shop, as well as rental carts available. The Clubhouse has dining service at the Country Club Restaurant and bar.
There is a 10 acres (40,468.6 m²) Equestrian Center with stables. The facility includes a show riding arena, a jump arena, turn out arena, a hot walker and double wash rack. There is a barn with 17 stalls, outside pipe corrals with covered breezeways, and community room where horse owners can gather. There are miles of bridle path
Bridle path
A bridle path is a thoroughfare originally made for horses, but which these days serves a wide range of interests, including hikers, walkers and cyclists as well as equestrians. The laws relating to permissions vary from country to country...
s winding throughout the surrounding hills.
There are 6 lighted tennis courts adjacent to the Canyon Lake Lodge. Tournaments are scheduled by the Canyon Lake Tennis Club for each month during the year which includes doubles, mixed doubles, and team tennis. Scheduled weekly are men's and women's tennis. Tennis pro Baba Soysa provides a Jr. Tennis Program and training lessons for all ages.
There is a 7.5 acres (30,351.5 m²) private 90 campsite campground for property owners and their guests adjacent to the lake. On 37 of the sites you will find complete hook-ups for water, sewer, electric and television. The remaining 53 sites are equipped with electric and water. There are showers, restrooms, washers, dryers and an ice machine. There is a dump site for all campers. A full time manager lives on the premises. The 5 docks can accommodate up to 45 boats at any given time. The swimming beach is 350 feet (106.7 m) long. The campground is a great place for fishing, playing horseshoes, volleyball and windsurfing in the protected, 5 miles (8 km) an hour zone.
Gault Field is located on the North side of Canyon Lake. The multi-purpose sports complex has lighted regulation softball fields and serves the needs of teams and individuals of all ages. Summer and winter baseball leagues use the field, as do soccer players.
Clubs
There are over 50 community, cultural, recreation, and youth clubs. The community clubs includes Lions Club, Lioness Club, Homeowners Club, Women's Club, Jr.Women's Club, and Women's Connection. The cultural clubs include The Fine Arts Guild, the Canyon Lake Community Theatre, Choraleers, Arts Association, and Friends of the Library. The recreation clubs include Bassmasters, Car Club, CLAWS-Bunco, Equestrian Club, Motorcycle Club, Men's Softball's, Ski Club, Tennis Club, Women's Golf Club, Men's Golf Club, Twirlers, Campground Club, CLAMS, CLACBL Bridge Club, Roadrunners, Street Carts, Travel Club, Wakeboard Club and Yacht Club. The youth clubs include Cotillion, Little League, Mommy & Me, and the Bible Fellowship Club.Motorcycles prohibited
Canyon Lake forbids all public use of any "two-wheeled motorized vehicle" (that is, all motorcycles, mopeds, and dirt bikes) on all private streets throughout the CLPOA, but excluding the two public roads (Railroad Canyon and Goetz Roads).Businesses and churches
There are three business or shopping areas within the City of Canyon Lake. One is located at the west end of the city on Railroad Canyon Road and includes the Canyon Fitness Center and Prestige Golf Cars. Another is located at the east end of Canyon Lake on Goetz Road. The main shopping and business center of the community, Canyon Lake Towne Center, is located directly across Railroad Canyon Road from the Main (south) entrance gates. It provides Canyon Lake with many services, and is the location of Canyon Lake City Hall, a sheriff's satellite station, Riverside County library branch and the Property Owner's Association offices, which are located side by side in the same building, while another nearby building in the same complex houses the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce.The only private business facility within the gated portion of Canyon Lake is Summerwood Landing, which is a RV, boat, and general storage facility.
The community is served directly by the Canyon Lake Community Church, which is the only church with its own facilities within the City of Canyon Lake, but located outside the gated portion of the community. Tides Church's facilities are in the Canyon Lake Towne Center.
External links
- City of Canyon Lake
- Canyon Lake Property Owners Association
- The Friday Flyer: Canyon Lake's Newspaper
- United Gates of AmericaUnited Gates of AmericaUnited Gates of America is a 2006 BBC documentary directed by Alex Cooke, featuring journalist Charlie LeDuff. He lived for a month within the gated community of Canyon Lake in Riverside County, California, to try and discover why people wanted to lock themselves behind gates and fences, and what...
- BBC Documentary on Canyon Lake