Borrego Sun - Since 1949

De Anza Rises from the Ashes

 

Last updated 11/13/2024 at 9:36am

After a devastating fire that destroyed the historic De Anza Country Club, the Club found a way to rise from the ashes, and members celebrated the opening of the new season on Nov. 8 and 9.

On the first night of the celebration, De Anza opened with a cocktail party, which was attended by over 120 members, the largest they have seen in a long time. The atmosphere was great, as people enjoyed the setting and reuniting with friends after the closed season.

The cocktail party was a great opener that was then followed by their annual Gala dinner the following night.

These events were cancelled last year due to the fire.

A permanent marquee was erected on the lawn by the entrance, capable of withstanding 40 mph winds, which also included a custom made full bar. The structure will be used for all the future club events. The marquee has been aptly named, "The Phoenix."

Upon asking Ramien Shalizi, General Manager of De Anza to comment on the new structure, he told the Borrego Sun, "This is not about a clubhouse, it's about people, it's about jobs. De Anza is entering its 68th season and is an economic pillar of our community, we plan to continue this long standing tradition," Shalizi said. "Although 67 years of history went up in flames in a matter of hours, it will always live in our hearts. We chose to fly our flags high amongst the rubble of what was once our beloved clubhouse. Now is a time to move forward, it's time to improvise and overcome, it's a time to rise from the ashes."

The fire, which occurred shortly before 1 a.m. nearly a year ago, caused up to $2 million worth of damages. Cal Fire received a call from a nearby resident reporting that they heard an explosion at the club. When crews arrived at the De Anza Country Club at 509 Catarina Drive, the club was up in flames. More than 60 Cal Fire San Diego firefighters were on the scene, coming from all over the county.

There were no reports of any injuries and Cal Fire kept the blaze controlled so that it did not spread to nearby homes and vegetation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The fire destroyed multiple areas including the Bighorn Room, Coyote Den, ballroom, offices, locker rooms, and outdoor seating. The golf shop was spared.

Plans are also moving ahead for the construction of a new clubhouse. There is no estimated start date at the time of print. The revitalized golf course is nearly finished and is in pristine condition for the start of the season. We are told that new memberships are available. De Anza Golf Club is back for everyone to enjoy.

Borrego Desert Club was the first social club opened to part time residents and full-time residents. It offered dining, drinks, a pool, and gorgeous views of the valley. The clubhouse, on Tilting T Drive, is currently the University of California, Irvine-Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center. De Anza moved to its current location in the 1950's.

Now, De Anza is nestled in the foothills of the Santa Rosa and San Ysidro mountain range, along a trail forged long ago by Spanish Colonist Juan Bautista de Anza and is the original 1950's "Desert Hideaway." Over the years this area has been a true hideaway for the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Bing Crosby, John Wayne, Lon Chaney Jr., James Dean, the Rat Pack and Burgess Meridith who built his home at de Anza golf estates.

Their par-72 championship desert course was designed by renowned golf course architect Lawrence Hughes and was a favorite course for golf legends such as Sam Snead and Billy Casper.