This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Parks studies paused while APG makes up its mind
The search for active parkland in Alpine has been put on hold, for now, until local planners can make up their minds about what to do next. This was the outcome of a meeting between Alpine Planning Group members, county supervisor Dianne Jacob and county staff members, on Nov. 29.

 Japatul VFD is great resource for local community
In the small Alpine neighborhood of Japatul Valley some locals are taking fire protection into their own hands to help keep more of the Back Country safe. Resident Jeff Bloom, along with some of his neighbors, has formed the Japatul Volunteer Fire Department in the remote area where there is currently no facilities in close range.

 Alpine Angels make holidays happier for local families
Yes, Virginia, there really are angels, pretty little paper ones hanging from a beautiful Christmas tree in the lobby of the Mountain Health building on Alpine Boulevard. Each angel bears the name of an East County family for whom a Christmas celebration may not happen without help from some real live Alpine angels.

 National Guard assists CBP border patrol in drug seizure
Sunday morning, National Guardsmen assisting the Border Patrol near Jacumba, Calif., spotted 11 people crossing into the United States from Mexico. Border Patrol agents responded to the area and observed people fleeing back into Mexico.

 Alpine man awarded Medal of Valor
Alpine is home to its very own hero, and a very special one; Battalion Chief Ray Chaney who was awarded the Medal of Valor last week for his acts of bravery by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

 Local shops turn shopping ho-hum into done, done, done
‘Tis the season to be jolly — and harried from the frenzy of trying to finish all the tasks associated with our long holiday to-do lists. Who needs the headache of driving down the hill, fruitlessly searching for a non-existent parking space at the mall? Your local merchants in Alpine stand ready to help you with all of your last minute holiday gift purchases.

 Don’t believe these financial aid myths
College application season is in full swing. As students live in fear of a rejection letter, parents worry more about how they’ll afford the tuition when their child is accepted.

Conquering holiday overeating and weight gain
As the holiday season approaches, we think of celebrations with family and friends, and of food! Whether it is turkey and stuffing, ham, pumpkin pies, potato latkes or Christmas cookies, food is an integral part of the holiday season. Yet for millions of Americans who worry about their weight, anticipating this myriad of delights creates great anxiety.

 News in photos: Lions, Tigers and Bears and MOM’s Club

 County children need you to be an advocate this holiday season
The holidays can be a sad, lonely time for anyone without a family or with a dysfunctional family.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Adam B. Summers: Happy Bill of Rights day — Dec. 15

My Turn with Joe Cobb: Santa Claws is coming to town

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: The greatest gift came in a tiny package

Hyp Talk with Judy Callihan Warfield: Happiness, health and hypnotherapy


Sports

2006-07 Grapplers to watch: El Cap mat men face ‘rebuilding season’