This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead stories

Watchdog group disappointed in Cedar Fire plea
Sergio Martinez pleaded guilty to setting brush on fire, which led to the 2003 Cedar Fire. His plea results in no trial, which could have led to answers about the lack of emergency response during the blaze.

Local TIF to top voters' $2,000 fee
On April 13, the San Diego Board of Supervisors will consider Transportation Impact Fees (TIF) for unincorporated areas. The proposed TIF would involve an additional $596 per dwelling in the Back Country and $2,433 in Alpine.

Returning soldier visits students who corresponded with him
A group of 5th graders from Alpine Elementary had a visit from Specialist Le Valley, a soldier who has recently returned from Iraq. While deployed the students wrote letters and sent care packages to Le Valley.

Homeschoolers soak up unique experience of Midway
Mountain View Learning Academy students took a field trip tour of the historic USS Midway.

International ceremony opens new POE
A new international point of entry was officially opened in Tecate on March 11.

Business

Business leaders to seek historic highway designation for Old 80
An ad hoc committee has formed to give input about growth along Old 80 and about the highway's history.

Local brewery offers St. Patrick's Day fare with a local flavor
Writer Eric Pisor takes a tour of The Alpine Beer Company; its history, owner and the various spirits its offers.

Columns

Just The Facts Ma'am with Carol Lovejoy: Our version of 'Alpine' has compensations
Lovejoy answers a readers question: "My kids and I are curious as to the meaning behind the name Alpine?"

Class Action with Chuck Taylor: ANSA to teach combined curriculums
Taylor discusses a new plan for AUSD to start up the Alpine Natural Sciences Academy and the introduction of a new classroom assignment policy.

School Rules with Deann Jeffreys: JMQ students tutor at Boulder Oaks
Jeffreys talks about a new program wherein Joan Mac Queen students will travel to Boulder Oaks Elementary for peer tutoring in reading skills.

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: God's ways draw us closer to Him

Wisdom Corner with Gordon Hammers: Jesus' death a free gift to all

Low Flow Pro with Mike Uhrhammer: Virtual home shows model lo-flow methods

Opinion

My Turn with Lori Bledsoe: Rattlesnake season never really ends

My Turn with Victoria Klein: Alpine Special Treatment helps clients rejoin community

Sports

Alpine Little League pitches into season with 33 teams
The Alpine Little League season officially got underway March 12.

6-year-old wrestling champ grapples with success
Alpine's Justin Ledgerwood, 6, continues to succeed as a member of the Valhalla Junior wrestling team.

Cougars take early lead for yet another win
Steele Canyon boy's basketball team beats out Ontario Colony High School by a score of 69-59.

Steele Canyon hold on to lead and number one seat
Steele Canyon beats out University City  by a score of 66-56.