The budget for $3.5 million golf course renovation in Riverside County just got a lot higher. Not because of design issues, instead it's because of vandals who keep destroying the property, and in one case, burying a dead animal under one of the greens.
A meeting is being held where residents and builders will get together and try to figure out how to stop the vandalism so the course can open by the end of the year.
"Stuff like that just gets you under your skin," said Saul Rodriguez, the golf course superintendent.
Rodriguez is talking about the repeated vandalism at what used to be Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Course. It was shut down four years ago but it's getting a new look and new name if the builders can somehow stop the vandalism.
"It causes you great anger because we are working so hard to bring something back and a couple of people are not right in their minds," said Rodriguez.
Since February, Rodriguez said nine greens have been vandalized. Eight of them by dirt bike riders.
Rodriguez said each green is about a $100,000 and when it gets destroyed they have to pay another $100,000 to replace it.
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But, it's not just dirt bike riders Rodriguez said recently someone buried a dead dog under a green.
"And the reason why we found that dog is that the wildlife around this golf course came out, dug up the green, found the dog and ate half of it."
Rodriguez isn't the only one who is furious about the vandalism.
Some residents want the golf course restored because they say it will benefit the entire community.
"It brings up the value of the houses and it's not an eyesore it looks nice," said Fred, a Moreno Valley resident.
Rodriguez said they have a full-time security guard but the vandals have been too quick to catch. He's hoping the vandal or vandals will hear his heartfelt words.
He has a message for the vandals and that is to "bring a rake and shovel and help me out please."
If you have any information about these crimes please call the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
