This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Kiwanians bring Christmas joy to burned-out families  
     Members of the local Kiwanis Club of Alpine helped provide a Merry Christmas for many families who lost their homes in the Harris Fire, putting smiles on the faces of nearly 50 children, and spreading holiday joy.  

Will mortgage act relieve local homeowner woes?     
     While the ink has hardly dried on the Mortgage Relief Act of 2007, proposed by Pres. George W. Bush and ratified by a skittish congress, the controversy has not subsided, and millions of anxious homeowners are on pins and needles about their future, as well. The U.S. Senate voted 93-1 on Friday, Dec. 14, to approve the measure, which would make it easier for homeowners facing potentially higher mortgage payments to receive help from the government. 

Supes tell staff to draft boutique winery ordinance  
     Winery owners in unincorporated San Diego County are one step closer to a zoning ordinance amendment that would allow boutique wineries to operate without use permits. A 5-0 San Diego County Board of Supervisors vote Dec. 5 directed county staff to return to the supervisors within 120 days with an ordinance.

East County foster parents give the gift of love all year long  
     David Meyers of Alpine has been a foster parent for nine years, cared for 10 children and adopted two of them. Twila Perucci of El Cajon has been one for 28 years, and cared for 104 children during that time. She has four children, two of whom are adopted. These are but two remarkable examples of the incredible service being rendered to children in East County, by numerous caring foster parents and the dedicated social workers who recruit these parents and place the children.

Border Patrol thwarts drug smugglers driving through border
On Dec. 19 at 9 a.m., Border Patrol agents seized two vehicles and arrested two drivers transporting almost 1,550 pounds of marijuana worth more than $1 million. Agents working east of Campo, Calif. spotted a GMC Yukon and Ford Bronco speeding away from the border and suspected they had illegally entered the U.S. from Mexico.
 
An erector city Christmas story  
With planes circling, carousels revolving and trains racing down the tracks, my Dad’s toys are a big part of Christmas at our house. He says they bring together family and friends. My friend’s parents even say his toys are what Christmas used to be.

Happy — and Healthy — New Year!
Every new year brings New Year's resolutions — most of which are abandoned just a few weeks, and sometimes even days, into January. In 2008, skip resolutions that call for drastic measures. Instead, make a simple pledge that will be a cinch to keep — empower your family to get healthier and happier with easy nutrition tips that work effortlessly with your lifestyle.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Alex Epstein: The meaning of New Year’s resolutions

My Turn with Joe Carmody: Campo’s unelected government

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: Wishing won’t make is so

School Rules with Superintendent Patrick Judd: MEUSD schools continue to improve

Brain Food with Cara Day Miller: Resolve to give your family the food and fuel it needs


Sports

Grossmont Hillers, Granite Eagles look for mat success