This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Military shoots down joint use airport option
Military officials shot down an option that would put a joint use airport facility at North Island Naval Air Station or Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. A Nov. 14 presentation made to the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Strategic Planning Committee, argued that both base sites are incompatible for commercial and military aviation joint use, and that they would not meet the needs of future growth.

High school plans troubled by dropping census
A projected drop in Grossmont Union High School District enrollment may later impact plans for a new high school in Alpine, but GUHSD officials assured residents at a Nov. 7 meeting, that the district will go forward with current efforts. There was a packed room for this, the latest meeting of the Alpine High School Citizen Committee, which featured a report by GUHSD officials.

LaChappa to serve 6 months in assault 
Clifford Matthew LaChappa Jr., 34, of Lakeside, was sentenced Tuesday, Nov. 15, to 180 days in a short-term work furlough facility for his role in a drunken brawl that left a young man seriously injured. He will be free during the daytime for work, but must be locked up at night and on weekends. 

Border agent shoots man wielding machete 

Residents are still dealing with consequences of wildfires 
The horrific scenes of destruction wrought by the hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma as well as the recent Kashmir earthquake and the tornado in Indiana remind us once again that the whims of nature can generate widespread disaster. 
 
Rehearsals begin for Alpine Community Theater Christmas Pageant
The recently organized Alpine Community Theater (ACT) Group is currently very busy rehearsing for the December production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, according to director Tim Arends. The performances, to be held at the Alpine Woman’s Club, will be on Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7 p.m., and on Dec. 11 and 18 at 1 p.m., and are truly a holiday gift to our community.  

ACC New Year’s Eve party promises ‘Alpine funk’ 
Where are you going to celebrate New Year? Organizers of the New Year’s Celebration for welcoming in 2006 hope you will join them at The Alpine Community Center on New Year’s Eve. 


Columns/Opinion

Forlenza's Forum with Joe Forlenza: ‘Green’ means keeping dollars at home  

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: The day to give thanks to God 

My Turn with Andy Ramirez: Border watchers support Hunter bill

My Turn with Larry Urdahl: Charter school petition calls for careful review

Good Health Naturally with Dr. Daryl Crane: Do you NEED a flu shot? Chicken soup may be better choice


Sports

East County sends nine teams into post-season football play 

West Hills runs to top finishes at Grossmont cross country finals