This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Battle Lines Drawn: Who is Blackwater USA?  
It is a question on the mind of nearly every resident in rural Potrero. “Who is this new neighbor who is coming to Potrero?” asked Duncan McFetridge, speaking at a town hall meeting in nearby Descanso this month.   

GUHSD hears status report on BAC  
The Grossmont Union School District board of trustees called a special meeting on April 16, 2007 to hear the status report from the GUHSD Bond Advisory Commission. Listed on the agenda for this meeting were issues that concerned the recommendations from the BAC that were presented at the March 29, BAC meeting. 

LAFCO merger plan opposed by fire communities
A proposed merger of unincorporated fire districts into a regional fire agency has raised concerns in fire-prone areas amongst residents and local firefighters. The Local Agency Formation Commission is studying a merger of several fire districts and volunteer fire companies with the stated goal of improving fire protection in the unincorporated part of the county.   

Smuggler expected to get 30-year prison term
A 30-year prison term is expected for the driver of a mini-van who caused the deaths of five people in Jamul in 2005 in one of the county's worst accidents involving illegal alien smuggling.  

2007 Vintage Alpine is here
Seventeen years ago, Al Haven, through the Alpine Kiwanis, began an event that truly encompassed the good life and benefited the children of Alpine. Alpine has been enjoying Vintage Alpine, an afternoon of wine tasting, and an event that is resplendent in the best that San Diego County has to offer.
 
 Phoenix House helps teens get back on track, aids recovery  
It is a scene like one would find at many kids’ camps throughout the Back Country. But unlike most camps where kids learn new skills such as archery, canoeing, and the culinary delights of making s’mores, these teens are learning skills that serve not only to help turn their lives around, but possibly even save them.
 
No trash, just treasures: Annual Rummage Sale has history of success
It was 1995 when the Board of Trustees for the Alpine Community Church decided that they needed more money in order to offer some new needed programs. “We’ll have a rummage sale, a big one, and raise $5,000. Rummage sales don’t raise that kind of money,” they said.

County approves construction, demolition recycling ordinance
A new county ordinance will require recycling for construction and demolition materials. The ordinance seeks a gradual target of 90 percent for inert materials and 70 percent for other materials.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Alex Epstein: What to do about rising gasoline prices

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: Only the pure in heart can see God

On Alpine with Jeff Campbell: DC Kids: Trek takes on a historic tour of the East Coast

Good Health Naturally with Dr. Darrel Crain: Knowing the pros and cons of antibiotics


Sports

Valhalla, Granite Hills among teams with winning records