This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Hordes from city trash rural communities  
A tour Monday along I-8, Old Highway 80, and any number of small residential roads in Descanso and Pine Valley reveals a landscape of destruction. Fences are mangled — some hastily repaired where livestock needed to be contained — piles of trash, including dirty diapers and tampons, and hundreds of people defying property owners and private property laws for a chance to play in the snow.  

Snowfall offers fun and challenge 
As predicted, the snow came again this year, a little later, and a little noisier, but it came down nonetheless. The fluttery white stuff was preceded by rain and hail Friday, making for a very slushy Back Country. The many dirt roads and unfinished driveways quickly succumbed to the squishy conditions that make them impassable when our winter weather comes down. 

Dark sky could take Boulevard off airport list 
A presentation by officials from the Mount Laguna Observatory to the strategic planning committee of the San Diego Regional Airport Authority, may have been the last nail in the coffin for the Campo/Boulevard airport site. 

Historic road bill moves through state committee
The inspiration to designate Old Highway 80 as Historic U.S. Route 80 to attract visitors and increase tourism in this corner of Southern California was born in the San Diego East Visitors Bureau nearly two years ago. Literally dozens of interested people from all over San Diego County formed a committee to make it happen. 

Three found dead in snowy Back Country
Three suspected illegal immigrants were found dead during the weekend’s snowstorms. The first man was found by rescuers in Pine Valley’s Corte Madera area on March 11 and the second was discovered near Barrett Honor Camp later the same day. The third was discovered March 12 in an enclosed porch on the 40000 block of Old Highway 80 in Boulevard, said Investigater James Ramirez of the medical examiner’s office.
 
Alpine falls far short on parkland 
Alpine falls woefully short on park space, according to standards set by the county’s general plan. According to the existing county general plan, which is in the process of being updated through the GP 2020 process, the recreation element recommends the standard of 15 acres of local park land and 15 acres of regional park land for every 1,000 residents.

FISH provides rides for homebound
Fishing is a favorite pastime for lots of people, but FISH means something entirely different. FISH provides rides to doctor appointments for folks who no longer are able to drive.  
 

Columns/Opinion

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: It’s a sin to take God’s name in vain 

My Turn with Terri Hansen: Albertsons: good neighbor or bad?

Good Health Naturally with Dr. Daryl Crain: Mercury: bad in tuna, good in shots?

While You Were Sleeping with Nancy Slaff: Religion is no excuse for hurting others

Making The Grade with Steve Hunyar: ExCel groups students by academic skills