This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Distance is ‘really going to be a problem’  
Two North County sites, which had been identified as possible spots for a supplemental airport for Lindbergh Field, will likely be scratched, according to airport planners.

What ever happened to Camp Lockett? 
A plan to transform the old Camp Lockett military site into a state historical park is moving along slowly but surely, according to county staff. The effort, 15 years in the making, takes a big step forward with the San Diego County Board of Supervisors vote to hire consultants to pursue a historical designation for the site.

Alpine princesses ruled at annual Sweetheart Ball
Cinderella dropped by the Alpine Community Center last Friday, resplendent in a sky blue and white satin ball gown, to be immediately surrounded by a huge mass of very excited little girls.

Alpine’s Schwenk has fourth meth arrest
An Alpine man who was on probation for his third methamphetamine case was arrested a fourth time for the same thing last month, and a judge ordered him to enter a drug treatment program instead of giving him more jail time.

Alpine deputies top Mt. Whitney
Ask Lt. Tony Salazar, the commanding officer of the Alpine Sheriff Station, why he wanted to climb Mt. Whitney in the Sierra Nevada Range and he’ll say, “Well, it’s just something I’d always wanted to do.”
 
Forest officials seek answers to mass oak tree deaths
Local U.S. Forest Service staff and county agriculture officials gathered in Alpine and Descanso earlier this month to explore the reasons for increasing oak tree deaths that have residents and officials just as worried.

Civic Report: Community invited to shape the future Alpine at conference 
Saturday, Feb. 4, has been officially declared by the County Board of Supervisors, as "Back Country Land Trust Day," in celebration of the organization's anniversary.  
 

Columns/Opinion

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: This Valentine’s Day could be the best 

My Turn with Amy Peikoff: When property rights go, so does privacy

Good Health Naturally with Dr. Daryl Crain: Get your drugs before you get sick?

Making The Grade with Steve Hunyar: Liberal or literal...what’s the difference?


Sports

Valhalla wrestlers gear up to defend CIF team title
The Valhalla High School wrestling team appears more than ready to do battle at this year’s San Diego Section Division III championship tournament if the results of this year’s Grossmont Conference finals are any indicator. The defending Division III champion Norsemen clearly dominated this year’s conference tournament with five individual champions and a 72.5-point margin of victory against runner-up Monte Vista.