This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Low land prices bring deluge of housing projects 
While housing costs in San Diego County continue to rise, more and more residents are moving east to search out larger plots and lower costs.

Alpine man announces bid for District 77 race 
As Alpine’s registered Republicans cast their votes in the 77th State Assembly district primary for the November 2006 federal election, they will likely see a name they recognize — that of their Alpine neighbor Joel Anderson. As term limits close the door on state Assemblyman Jay La Suer's tenure in Sacramento this year, four Republicans already are jockeying to succeed him.

Simcox: border control is the issue 
Border control is the big issue in this year’s elections and Minuteman Civil Defense Corps co-founder Chris Simcox is among the scores of border activists who plan to make the most of it.

Two killed in load van crash 
A van loaded with at least 18 suspected illegal immigrants crashed in the predawn darkness Wednesday just north of state Route 94, killing two passengers and seriously injuring at least three other people, the California Highway Patrol reported.  

Best sellers abound at poor man’s B&N
Do you love to read so-called “best sellers” but buying new ones every week or two does get expensive? Here’s the answer to your problem. Discover the “poor relation” of Barnes and Noble in the Alpine Creek Shopping Center. It’s called the Alpine Friends of the Library Book Store and it has almost everything that the big downtown store has — except the high prices.

New fire station to open with local memorabilia as interior decor
With its grand opening scheduled for Friday, March 17, the Alpine Fire Protection District is still seeking local historical memorabilia and art to decorate its public areas.  

Accused Julian fire-starter to stand trial
A transient was ordered Feb. 28 to stand trial for recklessly setting a brush fire that burned 35 acres in Julian. A judge dismissed an intentional arson charge and said the crime more fits a lesser charge of recklessly starting a fire that originated with a campfire.
 

Columns/Opinion

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: Jesus can meet everyone’s need 

Just The Fact's Ma'am with Carol Lovejoy: What makes good people do bad things?

Good Health Naturally with Dr. Daryl Crain: Follow the money to the flouride fountain

Making The Grade with Steve Hunyar: Political rhetoric in the classroom: how much is too much?

Forlenza's Forum with Joe Forlenza: Small town needs robust, diverse economy


Sports

Christian, Granite Hills, El Capitan kickers finish second in CIF finals