This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Alien border agent sentenced to five years in federal prison  
A former Border Patrol agent who turned out to be an illegal alien himself was sentenced Friday, July 28 to five years in federal prison for helping to smuggle approximately 100 other undocumented workers into the country.  

Scott rejoins The Alpine Sun team as editor and webmaster 
Former reporter and editorial assistant Christy Scott has rejoined The Alpine Sun team as editor and webmaster, replacing outgoing editor Billie Jo Jannen, who has taken a new job with The Wallowa County Chieftain in Enterprise, Oreg. 

No condos planned for senior complex, according to manager 
“We have no plans to turn this place into condos,” said Kaitlyn Schultz, resident manager of the Creekside Meadows Senior Apartment complex, located at 1750 Arnold Way. 

Parks department proposes five-fold increase in new home development fee
The San Diego Parks and Recreation Department is proposing a major increase in fees for the Park Land Dedication Ordinance, which charges developers who apply for building permits in unincorporated parts of the county. At an Alpine Planning Group meeting held last Thursday, July 27, members got a presentation about the proposal from county staff. 

Horse Fire extinguished with lots of teamwork by local and statewide officials
The Horse Fire reached 100 percent containment on Saturday, July 29, after six days of burning. A total of 16,681 acres burned during the fire, which started Sunday, July 23 at 6 a.m., from a suspected illegal campfire believed to have been set by migrants.
 
Smuggler of migrant that died in snowstorm sentenced to 46 months 
An illegal alien smuggler got 46 months in federal prison, Monday, for his role as a guide in transporting a man who died of hypothermia in March following a surprise snow storm in Pine Valley.

East County students help Florida prepare for hurricane season
Students at the Grossmont Union High School District’s Work Training Center this month are basking in the glow of their most recent accomplishment. Students packaged and shipped more than one million light sticks to be used by public safety officers and citizens in the event of natural disasters in the southeast this hurricane season.

Grossmont health district is looking for citizen volunteers to man oversight committee 
The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), sponsor of a recent voter-approved $247 million bond that will finance several new construction projects at Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, is looking for nine East County residents to serve as volunteers on an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (ICOC). The committee will oversee the expenditures of bond funds, announced Dr. John Hardebeck, GHD 2006 Board President.  
 

Columns/Opinion

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: The great worth of a single Christian person in today’s world  

My Turn with Billie Jo Jannen: Sifting through piles of papers and mounds of memories

Editorial: The Sun gives credit where credit is due

Good Health Naturally with Dr. Daryl Crain: Rising trend could mean we are losing the war on cancer

While You Were Sleeping with Nancy Slaff: Are you lost in Margaritaville?

Making The Grade with Steve Hunyar: Wright’s Field fall through could still be win-win for community

Family Matters with Helen Horvath: Isn’t it better to have someone?: Dating among single parents and small towns