Local reps grilled at chamber dinner

By Kenneth Nilsen
The Alpine Sun

     ALPINE — The Alpine Chamber of Commerce brought political leaders to Viejas Casino’s Dreamcatcher Lounge to discuss East County matters for the eighth annual Evening with your Representatives. Of major focus were the Horse Fire, fire protection improvements, plans for a local high school, challenges of property taxes and development and spending in districts by officials representing police, high schools, colleges, fire and water resources.
     Emcee Dave Stall gave praise at the Wednesday, July 26 meeting for the positive influence of Indian money in the fight against fires. Three-time Viejas Council member Alan Barrett noted that some of the helicopters battling the fire were in part paid for by funds from the reservation.
     People like those in Harbison Canyon can rest more easily since they now have fire hydrants funded from tribal money from Viejas, said Joel Anderson, President of the Padre Dam Municipal Water District.
     Indian gaming grants make up half of the $1.1 million the Alpine Fire Protection District has used to pay for a new fire engine, fuel reduction and a fire education program, said Martin Marugg, president of the Alpine Fire Protection District.
     “We know a high school is needed for Alpine students,” said Jim Kelly, president of Grossmont Union High School District board. He thinks it possible that Alpine may have a high school within three years.
     Through his four years, he boasts three consecutive balanced budgets, improving test scores and an increase in teacher pay through an agreement reached earlier this year. He faced the challenge of entering office in the year that the state demanded that the district budget be cut “$23 to $25 million dollars,” which he did.
     Jacob pointed out that the matter of placing a school at Wright’s Field could be accomplished if the property was again placed on the market at an affordable price. Plans for development of the field are now on file, she said.
     Deanna Weeks, member of the Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District said the base budget improved to $3.3 million for the district after successful passage of an equalization bill, which increases allowances per student from the state, balancing GCCCD funds with those in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas.
     Though the Cuyamaca and Grossmont College campuses were designed to service 8,600 students, they now serve about 25,000, Weeks said. Three new buildings will “build capacity and serve students” on each campus, she said.
     Jim Easterling, vice-president of the AFPD board thanked District 2 Supervisor Dianne Jacob for giving $30,000, following a fund-raiser, for furnishings to add to the new 13,000 square-foot Alpine station. The former building, located on Alpine Boulevard, now belongs to the Alpine Community Center.
     Elected officials gave brief presentations and answered questions written on index cards from those attending this $60 a plate event.
     County tax collector Gregory Smith answered a complaint about property taxes increasing at the maximum rate allowed each year by Proposition 13. He said it is tied to the consumer process index of California.
     He described two programs that help property owners to handle tax payments. They could keep owners from defaulting on their loans or leaving the area for lack of funds to pay their semi-annual tax bill. If an applicant qualifies, one can delay or eliminate the payment.
     For those with income below $24,000, a deferment of property tax can be granted, even until the sale of the property after the death of the owner. For those with household income below $34,000, payment assistance may be available.
A handwritten plea to Jacob described an incomplete14-month, $125,000 process to develop a certain lot. Jacob spoke of frustration with, and efforts to overhaul, the San Diego Department of Planning and Land Use, a process that she intends to begin in the coming months.
     With environmental documentation as an example, Jacob said that county attorneys study each step before approval, causing a slow down in receiving approvals.
     Jacob said that she dislikes the way that impedes progress and suggests several steps should occur before attorneys review planning documentation.
     Jacob said incompetent property development consultants place blame upon county government, not taking responsibility for their own lack of progress on behalf of property owners.
     Senator Dennis Hollingsworth spoke of the key achievements of his work in the legislature. His work with Jay La Suer for kid-safe legislation could, “make California the strongest, not weakest,” for enforcement against criminals, he said. His desire for improving enforcement is represented by Proposition 83, “Jessica's Law,” on the ballot this November, which he supports.
     Tagger graffiti still marks up Alpine. Ten cases against taggers are in progress after a half-year effort to stop the crime.
     Tony Salazar, lieutenant of the Alpine Sheriff’s Substation, said that these tags are not gang related, but are more likely a group of kids running around town with spray paint.
     A representative from San Diego Sheriff Bill Kolender’s office said that a hiring freeze due to budget cuts no longer stands in the way of filling a need for 150 new deputies for the department. The department is currently looking for new officers.

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