This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

APG addresses traffic, safety at new school  
Only a week into the new school year at Los Coches Creek Middle School predictions by Alpine Planning Group members and local residents about traffic problems have come true. Traffic around the Dunbar Lane school, which has only one entrance and exit, has clogged up roads all over the area.  

Enrollment remains strong at local schools  
The new school year for most Alpine students began on Monday, Aug. 28. With some groans and lots of giggles, students slung on their backpacks filled with fresh school supplies and headed off to class. 

Commission recommends no Bullard Lane on CE
The county's planning commission unanimously recommended the removal of Bullard Lane, in Alpine, from the Circulation Element map of the county's General Plan 2020 update.   

Old 80 historic designation revs ahead
Unveiled at the annual meeting of the San Diego East Visitors Bureau, hosted recently by Barona Casino, members heard some good news with the announcement that a new corporation is being formed with the official name of Historic Highway 80 Corporation, a non-profit 501C3 organization.

Art in Alpine is a century-old tradition
The Alpine Artists Association has been offering new and varied activities in Alpine, including monthly art walks at the Alpine Woman’s Club, the recent and successful Plein Air Event at Wright’s field, and art show held at the Alpine Library Friends bookstore. 
 
Alpine Academy opens its doors  
The new Alpine Academy held their first open house on Wednesday, Aug. 23. Connie Masters, the coordinator for both Pine Valley and Alpine directed this event that included a grand opening of the facilities, located at 2549 Alpine Blvd, and an official ribbon cutting that was officiated by Jennifer Cauzza, the director of Julian Charter School.

Teachers welcomed back for new year
Welcome back Alpine Union School District teachers! Wednesday, Aug. 23, was the official welcome back to the teachers of our Alpine schools.

Wrong-way smuggler faces 21 years
A Tijuana man was found guilty Aug. 17 of smuggling 692 pounds of marijuana and four illegal aliens in the same sports utility vehicle, which drove the wrong way on Interstate 8 near Pine Valley and collided with a California Highway Patrol vehicle.

Residents must plan now for fire season and Santa Ana winds
The Alpine Fire Protection District is urging residents to start preparing now for fire season. While fire is a yearlong risk in southern California, the months from October through March bring the added danger of the seasonal Santa Ana winds. Now is the time to make your residence fire safe.

Back to school shopping tips to take it easy on your wallet
It's hard to believe “back to school” season is here, but that's what store displays have been telling us for weeks. Before blindly opening your wallet, take a few moments to form a plan of attack for both you and your kids. It could save you a lot of time, money and aggravation.

News in Photos: Back to school, Alpine Boulevard under construction and trailer crash on Interstate 8.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Jane Fitz: Responding to APG verbal attacks

My Turn with Lee Hamilton: How you can participate in your democracy

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: Looking at God when you pray

Just The Fact's Ma'am with Carol Lovejoy: Driving solution is right in Alpine

Good Health Naturally with Dr. Darrel Crain: Are vaccinated children healthier than unvaccinated children?


Sports

Alpine Youth Soccer kicks off official 2006-07 season

Sports photo: Alpine Cheer Squad