This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Pine Valley fights to keep fire department local  
Many new faces were on hand at last week’s Pine Valley Fire Protection District board meeting, to support the current, mostly volunteer, fire department. They were also there to show opposition of a contract with the California Department of Forestry to bring CDF fire fighters into the department.  

CDBG funds Rural FPD, Phoenix Academy 
The County of San Diego’s 2007-08 Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships, Emergency Shelter Grant, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, annual funding plan will include CDBG money for the Campo Senior Center, the San Diego Rural Fire Protection District, the Phoenix Academy substance abuse recovery facility in Descanso, and the Campo Community Center. 

10th Sage & Songbird Festival is a soaring success
The 10th annual Sage & Songbird welcomed thousands of visitors throughout the weekend-long festival. From tours through local gardens and habitats, to the vendor-filled Viejas Outlet park, there were activities for everyone.   

Unlicensed contractor ordered to repay $105,000 to local couple
An unlicensed contractor who attempted to rebuild a burned-out home in Harbison Canyon from the 2003 wildfire was ordered May 3 to pay $105,000 back to the couple who owned it.  

Crafty couple creates extraordinary gifts
“She’s the crafty one,” said Jim Hasele, as he talked about the new business venture that he and his wife, Tracy, have started. “We’re calling it Az U Wish, because that’s what we’re doing. We make customized gifts for weddings, birthdays, all kinds of special occasions.” 
 
Lawsuit filed against Potrero planning group and county staff  
A lawsuit has been filed by Potrero resident Zoe Rosell against County officials seeking to overturn a December 2006 vote taken by the Potrero Planning Group (PPG) in favor of allowing Blackwater USA to build an military and law enforcement training facility on an 824-acre site in Potrero. In a separate action, citizens of Potrero are gearing up to recall multiple members of the Potrero Planning Group.

Week of May 6 to 12 is a chance to honor local teachers
May 6 to 12 is designated National Teacher Appreciation Week. As the school year winds down and STAR testing wraps up, the second week of May is your chance to shine at show-and-tell — both parents and students alike.

Historic markers line Old 80
Something new has appeared on Alpine Boulevard. Handsome new Historical Highway 80 signs can be seen marking the route of Old Highway 80 many years ago. The signs are also mounted in El Cajon and La Mesa, and will shortly be evident further east as the route extends clear to El Centro.

Viejas nation’s first transfat-free Casino
Viejas Casino is helping its customers’ cash in on the national trend toward healthy eating. The San Diego area casino has switched to a healthier, trans-fat free frying oil in all six restaurants throughout the casino, becoming the first casino to completely transition to trans-fat free frying oil. It’s a deal that will leave everyone a winner.

Alpine painted purple for cancer
Alpine’s Second Annual Relay for Life is coming this Aug. 11 and 12 to Joan Mac Queen Middle School. Many Alpiners have no doubt noticed the many purple ribbons on posts all around town. Beginning May 1, communities across California, from big cities to small towns, started turning purple.

Local musician joins orchestra ranks
Many years ago when Ludwig Ginkel of Alpine, was a young boy, his dad, a music lover, persuaded him to study violin. Nobody would have guessed then that in 2007 Ginkel would be playing in a 45-piece symphony orchestra.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Supervisor Dianne Jacob: Consolidation reaches hot point

My Turn with Lee Hamilton: U.S. policies around the world need pragmatic reform

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: Jesus came to heal the hurting

Just The Fact's Ma'am with Carol Lovejoy: Dealing with unemployment and the changes come

On Alpine with Jeff Campbell: Movement continues for businesses along Alpine Boulevard 


Sports

Boys of Steele: Higher, stronger, faster

Granite Hills Eagles swim like fishes