This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

APG opposes Padre Dam water rate increase  
Alpine Planning Group members, at the July 26 meeting, voted to oppose the proposed Padre Dam Municipal Water District rate increase, which would affect the majority of Alpine residents. By now, all Padre Dam customers should have received a mailer detailing the proposed rate increase.  

BOS calls for drought-tolerant landscaping  
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to its Design Standards for County Facilities board policy which will require the use of drought-tolerant and fire-resistant landscaping for all new county projects with the exception of natural turf in active parks. 

Voting machines decertified by secretary of state
In an announcement moments before midnight last Friday night — just before the deadline to make a decision in time to ban voting machines for next year’s February primary — Secretary of State Debra Bowen announced that she has decertified voting machines in 39 California counties.   

BP agent gets two years for conspiring
A former Border Patrol agent has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for conspiring with another agent, who is now in prison, to smuggle more than 100 illegal aliens into the country.  

Alpine man, friend ordered to stand trial for double murder
A judge on Tuesday ordered an Alpine man and an El Cajon resident to stand trial for the execution-style slayings of the co-owner of the Granada Liquor store and an employee that happened in 2006. 
 
Mac Kenzie was athletic star, aviation ace and travel guru  
Alpine is short one great smile this week, after the passing of a loving friend, Red Mac Kenzie. No matter where he was or who he was with, you were sure to be greeted by Red with a big smile and, if he had his way, a great big hug and a kiss.

Another military training facility proposed for Ocotillo
Brian Bonfiglio made it very clear. In a brief conversation recently, Blackwater USA’s western division vice president refuted rumors that a law enforcement and military training facility proposal in Ocotillo is linked to Blackwater.

Supervisors approve emergency mass notification system contract
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a contract with Twenty First Century Communications for an emergency mass notification system.

County approves extension of education, outreach grants
The County of San Diego has approved a six-month extension of a grant period for Federal fire education and outreach program grants.

Public can weigh-in on Golden Acorn expansion
The Campo Band of Mission Indians (Campo Band), San Diego County, California, hereby provides this Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Evaluation (Draft EE) for the proposed expansion of the Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Jim Mowry: Alpine says bye to an old friend

My Turn with Bill Weaver: Prop H must be extended through 2008

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: Turn your eyes upon Jesus

The Chamber Community with the Alpine Chamber of Commerce: Meet me at the Chamber

School Rules with Craig Rocha: Steele opens doors as a charter school

Class Action with Chuck Taylor: How many architects does it take to make a sports field?

Hyp Talk with Judy Callihan Warfield: Fears, phobias and hypnotherapy

Earth Talk: What’s happening to the bees?


Sports

East County prep football stars get one last chance to shine

Cheering for Pop Warner football

2007 Little League Parade of Champions

Granite varsity goalie and incoming Junior claims silver medal with club team

GH grad named captain of Notre Dame soccer team