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Sunday, August 10th, 2008: We've been away for a week so the picture tells the story of steady progress. We were at Campsite 19 hanging out with Lou talking about the contruction when Craig asked about the expected completion date. It was then that we noticed that the scorecard now says "Coming July 2006" again. Meanwhile the white board remains blank. Perhaps knowing that it'll be posted on the Internet inhibits its updating.

There are walls now.

It's a long way up the 10th.

Here are some photos taken today, August 10th, 2008 (8/10/08).

Here is some video from the same day, August 10th, 2008 (8/10/08).

Sunday, July 27th, 2008: As you can see, it's starting to look like the architectural drawing.

It's starting to look like a clubhouse now.	We saw a couple of deer munching on the foliage near the 13th tee.
This is John K holding up the photo on the scorecard, noticing a slight resemblance. .	A few from the 18th fairway and a premonition of things to come.

Ray pointed out the small change on the drawing of the new clubhouse on the scorecard. See if you can spot the change.

Previously

Currently

Meanwhile, we all played pretty badly today, but it didn't seem to matter much. Sam said he wanted to hunt the deer we saw. He also pointed out how hard they are to catch, so even though the deer on the course are tame, they're not in much danger from golfers.

The white board has been erased and left blank, except for faint remnants of June's information. Perhaps we'll be seeing a new "Estimated Project Completion" date.

By the way, while I was posting my lousy score in the club house, I came across a copy of the DeBell Golf Course Local Rules Sheet. I've taken the liberty of posting it here as a PDF. There was also something called "Gunn's List" which has some other rules listed.

Saturday, July 12th, 2008: We hadn't been up to the golf course in two weeks, but it would seem progress continues. As you can see the framing has begun. I enjoy seeing the progress after being away for 3 weeks.

The course condition has improved, particularly the fairways. That makes for a more enjoyable round, on those off times when I end up the fairway.

Saturday, June 28th, 2008: I won't be visiting De Bell this weekend. We're playing at Alhambra tomorrow as a change of pace.
In other news, I got an email from Jason Brahinsky, the BMGC-Tournament Director, who also had kind words about this web page. He alluded to the varying opinions within the Men's Club about when the new clubhouse would be finished. Estimates range from November to February. I think everyone is just trying to maintain patience.
Also I heard from Rolando who finally saw his swing video. He was pleased with it perhaps even learned something from it. We'll be playing again with him sometime soon.

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008: The concrete has been poured on the middle level. A steady pace of construction continues.
Sam and I played badly in the intense heat. I blame it on playing in a cart, but there was not much choice because I don't think I could have walked those hills in 100 degree heat. Thankfully, Campsite 19 now has misters in the tents installed by Ray Jr. It makes a big difference in extreme heat.

Saturday, June 14th, 2008: This blog has been noticed by the powers that be. Scott Scozzola, Director of Golf at De Bell, told me he enjoyed seeing this site and that he was the author of the infamous whiteboard. He offered to provide any information I need and I offered him the platform to post anything he wants.
Meanwhile, the construction continues at the same steady pace. It appears they're doing more prep work of the floor; electrical, plumbing, etc.

The most notable change this week is the wooden safety railing.

Tim Hochschild came from Bakersfield just to play at De Bell (even though he now lives in Las Vegas, NV).

On a personal note, I would like to thank my best buddy John Kristopic for inviting me to join him at the US Open at Torrey Pines on Sunday, June 15th, 2008. We were there as Tiger sank that putt on 18 to force a Monday playoff. I feel like we were there for a moment of golf history, especially since Tiger's future health is in question since announcing he would be taking the rest of the year off due to injury.

Sunday, June 8th, 2008: Not much to report buy more steady progress. It looks like they're working on the floor, getting it wired and plumbed.

The standard photo angle.

Sam and I are playing better these days. Sam broke 100 again and I shot in the low 80s again. We played with a guy named Rolando. As Sam and I were videotaping a few of our tee shots, I offered Rolando the same swing aid. So, I recorded a couple of his swings so I could email them to him. I ended up making a little film out of it. Click here to see "Rolando's Swing Video." I've yet to hear Rolando's reaction; perhaps he'll write in.

Sunday, June 1st, 2008: Steady progress continues. In my opinion, the folks doing the work seem to be proceeding at a steady pace. What do you think? golf (at) davidrickett (dot) com. A new water fountain is being installed on the 4th tee. New drinking fountains have a pleasing effect on me.
The whiteboard was updated. I wish I knew enough to expound on it. Perhaps someone with construction experience will write in and let us know.

The updated whiteboard.	Mike keeps a close eye on some of the shady clientele of Campsite 19.
The standard construction shot.	This is Yoda. He's forgotten more than you'll ever know. He's just lookin' for a ride home.

Sam shot an all time best today of 97. His steady dedication to playing every week is paying off. I did better as well with an 82, my best in a long while.

Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th, 2008: It would seem that others are viewing this blog. I was paying at the starter today when Joaquin asked me if I was the one with the web site. I confessed to being the author. I guess Joaquin was looking for photos of the construction for some reason. I imagine they were sorely disappointed since I'm taking the photos with such a low resolution camera. I forgot to ask how they found the site. Anyway, Joaquin sounded like he had fun seeing this web page. Yesterday, I neglected to mention the new drinking fountain at the 5th tee. It's lovely, since it has a kid's basin as well. An identical fountain is being installed at the 13th tee. (See photo.) Meanwhile, it's rare that I play twice in a weekend, but because of the holiday, I decided to play two days in a row. Sam called me from work saying he wanted to play, but I'd already played the first hole by then. I started with a par and then a birdie, but it slowly went downhill after that. Nevertheless, I shot an 87; perhaps my slump is ending.

The new fountain (wrapped in plastic) at the 13th tee is standing by for installation.

Sunday, May 25th, 2008: The steady construction progress continues. The second level is underway. I guess that's the 2nd level pre-cast floor that the 2nd level slab is poured over. I'm gleaning this from whiteboard, unchanged from last week.

Sam breaks 100!	The second level floor is prepared.
Campsite 19	The new designated smoking area.

Meanwhile, Sam broke 100 at De Bell for the first time ever with a 99. He's been working toward it for quite a while. We played with a nice lady named Sandy. We played under the cold threat of thunder storms but it was a quick steady place of play without any rainfall.
It turns out that "Campsite 19" was Mike Lucero's idea. He was happy to take credit for the idea and the banner.
Also I noticed there was a designated smoking area set up next to the dumpster in the parking lot. Everyone joked about it, but I don't really understand how it came to be there. It has the look of some City ordinance requirement.

Sunday, May 18th, 2008: We've been away for couple of weeks, but there has been steady progress on the construction of the new clubhouse. Click here to see photos from today. Walls on the foundation are coming up. The white board has been changed; I leave its interpretation to to you. We'll be see if they really can have it ready by December 2008. In fact, I wish someone would chime in and let me know how you feel about the progress of the construction - golf (at) davidrickett (dot) com.
The snack trailer now has a banner attached saying "Campsite 19." I neglected to ask what it meant and where originated, nor did I photograph it. I will try to make up for it next week as we plan to play there again.
On 5/23/08 Lee Scott wrote: "Campsite 19 refers to it being the 19th hole."
It was a very hot day, so much so that I actually rode in a cart. Those who know me are aware of my penchant for walking, no matter what the conditions. However, today was near 100 F so I decided to ride in a cart, which forces an adjustment on me when I have to play from the golf cart. I don't know if that can explain my high score of 94, but I love to come up with excuses.

Sam gives his philosophy of golf and life.

The whiteboard was updated. Progress continues. Click the whiteboard to see photos from today.

I made a video of today and took photos with a regular camera instead of my antique Computer Folk Art low-res camera. Click here to see that stuff. It includes video of Lou Flores and Sam. Remind me to write more about the high quality food that comes out of that "roach coach" run by Ray and Shelly.
Lou hangs out after working the grill.

Sunday, April 27th, 2008: Even though JK said it seem to be going slowly, I see steady progress in the construction. I think it looks promising.

Matt was a no show today, so Sam, JK and I rounded out the foursome with Tim Rowel.
I don't want to speak for the others, but all of our games are in a slump right now. I've been working on my swing so I may have just messed things up for myself.

Sunday, April 20th, 2008: Progress continues. More preparation for the foundation and retaining walls.

The preparation for the foundation continues.	I think the whtieboard was unchanged.	Sam cheers up the folks under the tent by the concession stand.
Mike gives play by play commentary on the Championship tournament today.	Your's truly recoiling from the hole placements.	JK also suffers from a slump.

It was Sam, JK and me today. We played a course set up for the annual championship. Many of the hole placements were treacherous and we were all vexed. It didn't help the fact that all of us are in the midst of scoring slumps.

Sunday, April 13th, 2008: It would seem that I have an analog counterpart for my construction blog. Check out the white board now outside the starter office. I didn't inquire, but I would surmise people always ask about the progress of the the construction, so this helps dispel the questioning to the pros and starters.

The whiteboard today.

Clubhouse Construction Progress April: 1. BOTTOM FLOOR RETAINING WALLS 2. Pour Slab on Grade May: 1. Install 2nd Level Pre Cast Conore Floor 2. Framing

Bricks standing by for the retaining walls.

I assume this white board is displaying official information and I look forward to posting it here as I've done above. I apologize to its author for not crediting the source but will endeavor to do so in the future.
More work was done for preparing the foundation. As we now know from the whiteboard, they're building the retaining walls and preparing to pour the slab. You can see the cinder blocks standing by.
Meanwhile it was a very hot April afternoon today. I played with JK and Sam. I think the heat kept some people away since we played without interruption as a threesome.

Special feature: Lou photo page - click here.

Sunday, March 30th, 2008: Things were pretty much the same as before. It looked like there was more trenches dug in preparation for the foundation pouring. There was some sort of construction and digging going on behind the 17th green and 18th tee. (See photo below).
We also saw Crazy Kenny there, but he left before Lou could start slapping him on the back of his head.

More preparation for the foundation.	The diggin behind the 17th green and 18th tee.
Lou and Ray relax at the end of the day.	Crazy Kenny

Sunday, March 23^rd, 2008: The work seems to continue. More preparing for the pouring of the foundation. There were some trenches dug with some pipes being laid. Plus the bottom of the hole has been leveled off. Perhaps they'll pour the foundation soon.

Saturday, March 15th, 2008: It's been a month since we last play at De Bell, so I was hopeful there would be something to report. All that can be said is that they're ready to pour the new foundation; at least they're getting ready to get ready.

Parking was a big problem today because the streets coned and lined off. I'm told that because of all the trucks they expect to bring in because of the foundation pouring.

We faced tough weather conditions, but we played on. The inclement weather chased almost everyone away, but Mike opened the roach coach for us and told us fun stories of the women he's known and "loved."

Saturday, February 16th, 2008: There is little to report. I asked Mike what sort of work they have been doing over the past two weeks, he said something about them digging around a bit. I had a look for myself. I supposed some important construction work has been done, but I couldn't tell. There didn't seem to be that deep hole anymore, however.

The tents where the carts live.

The construction office.

A little more diggin' in the dirt.

Sunday, February 10th, 2008: No news about De Bell because Sam, JK and I played at Woodley Lakes this week. We played with a guy close to the writer's strike who told us that the strike was definitely over. That's how I learned the news so I thought it blog worthy.

Saturday, February 2nd, 2008: Things are pretty much the same except that the water was no longer in the bottom of the hole. Ray said they had been there working, moving earth around, but I couldn't really see any difference. The earthmoving machines seemed to be in the same place as before.
The course is in rough shape in a few places, understandably due to the recent storms. We played "lift, clean, and place today." At the last minute, Matt joined JK, Sam and me today. I shot an 84 if anyone cares. I really enjoy that foursome.
Afterward we met a couple named Scott and Lisa who had a camera and took few pictures. Hopefully they'll send in the photos taken at the temporary "club house" facility. (Click here to see the old photos from last month.)I was cold sitting out there, despite staking out the best spot next to the heater.
JK wanted me to mention that the problem with the portable lavatory was resolved. It was a sickening mess last week; it was only cleaned up yesterday! I can't imagine what it must have become.

Saturday, January 26th, 2008: Nothing much to report this time. The construction company dug a deep hole for the foundation of the new building which was full of water due to all the rain we've been having. It looked like they were trying to pump some of the water out but it was a deep pool of muddy water. No carts were allowed because of the wet turf. It was nice to be out there with so few people, and all walkers.
The foursome was rounded out by Matt Alefetich this week who joined JK, Sam and me. I shot an 89, not that good for me. We had fun afterward hanging out at the roach coach drinking Amberbach. We especially liked when Matt's wife, Cindy showed up looking for him. It was a "real ball and chain" moment, but Matt handled it well and Cindy sat and chatted with us for a while.
(Where was Lou? I forgot to ask.)
JK (John Kristopic), the one who suggested this blog, complained that I didn't have a camera with me to put new pictures and video on this blog. This from a guy who doesn't even have a computer. Nonetheless, he's right. I shall endeavor to get more photos on this blog somehow.

Sunday, December 30th, 2007: It would seem they did some digging around but things remain pretty unchanged. They did seem to get the light stations done in the parking lot. I didn't notice them last week. I shot an 85, due to the usual challenge of dealing with the guys I'm playing with, it could have been better.

Sunday, December 23rd, 2007: The old clubhouse is completely gone now. A fence surrounds the mounds of dirt that remains. I took a few photos, you can see them here. Today I was joined up in a foursome when a couple of the guys got into a drunken fist fight on the golf course (near the 16th tee).

Lou the Toughguy

Sunday, December 02, 2007: Today was the first time back after being away for the Thanksgiving vacation. It would seem that we are now fully into the temporary mode. The roach coach is operating and the old building is partially demolished, about 1/3 destroyed I would say; the basic structure is still standing. It was sad to the see old place being knocked down.
Unnamed sources close to the concession operation say that there are already problems with the roach coach since these things are not intended for the purpose they’re using it. I also detected some dissatisfaction about how often the on course golf concession cart comes around.
Meanwhile, Sam, John and I sat out in the cold and had beers at the plastic table and chairs set up behind barricades in the parking lot. (I shot an 87, terrible putting.)

November 17th, 2007 - I saw Ray and Lou and decided to ask if the condition they were in last week had changed. Lou replied, "Same shit, different day." He said it was okay for me to quote him.
On a personal note I shot an 87, trying to survive the guys I was playing with. I'll be out of town next weekend because of the holiday. We'll see if there are any changes a week after that.

November 11th, 2007 - I just realized I'm writing a blog. Today was the first day the pro shop was in the driving range and the bar was closed. They were running the snack bar out of the old snack bar on the west side of the building. I was yelled at by John Meir for going to the putting green because he had no PA system to call me from the waiting list.

Today I heard many time tables for demolition. Perhaps this week. Still waiting for the new roach coach to be hooked up to the utilities however, plus Monday is Veterans Day so it may not happen soon. Melinda the cart girl was on the job however.

Rushed by John Meir out of the pro shop, I hit my shoulder on a breaker box on the light stand as I ran out of the place. It hurt at first but subsided but I get the feeling I'm going to feel it tomorrow.

Anyway, it was sad seeing the old place emptied out.

November 10th, 1007 - This record was started after a few weeks of saying I should do so by John Kristopic because the date we've actually been told the thing would start has been pushed back continually.

November, 7th, 2007 - Pro shop moved to driving range

May 2007 - Nines switched

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* This blog is not endorsed or even sanctioned by the City of Burbank, the owners and operators of the golf course, or the De Bell Burbank Men's Club. Differing viewpoints are encourage to post messages to this blog: golf (at) davidrickett (dot) com

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