This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Village approved despite planning group rejection  
At a hearing held last Friday, Nov. 16, the San Diego County Planning Commission approved plans for the long debated “A Children’s Village” project in Campo. The approval comes despite a vote on Monday, Nov. 12 from the local Campo/Lake Morena Planning Group rejecting the proposal (6-2, one abstention).  

CWA adopts IRWMP, authorizes grant application  
The San Diego County Water Authority board adopted the 2007 San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management Plan and authorized the County Water Authority's general manager to submit a grant application for $25 million to the State of California. Other than two CWA board members who abstained due to potential conflicts of interest, all CWA board members voted to support the IRWMP and the grant application. 

PC approves MUP for Alpine road station tower
The county's Planning Commission unanimously approved a major use permit for a Sprint Nextel wireless communications facility on the County of San Diego's Alpine road station property. The November 16 approval allows for a 35-foot false pine tree with 12 antennas and an equipment shelter. The site is in the 2900 block of Tavern Road.   

Agents seize 1,850 pounds of marijuana and two vehicles
At about noon on Wednesday, Nov. 7, Border Patrol agents spotted two vehicles jump over the border fence using a ramp system, five miles east of Tecate. The agents followed the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford F-150 west on State Route 94 before the drivers abruptly turned south on State Route 188 and headed toward the Tecate Port of Entry. The drivers then separated and drove in two different directions near the port in an effort to elude agents.  

Jamul couple builds ‘green’ home
Keith and Danya Jolley haven’t needed to use their air conditioner in their new Jamul home, where interiors stay at a cool 70 degrees even when exterior temperatures top 100 degrees. Their home, featured on a recent GreenBuilt Tour, is among a growing number of residences constructed with alternative framing materials. 
 
Rehab program reduces recidivism  
Gary Brown wants to travel the world and become famous. But first, he has to serve three more years in prison for selling drugs to an undercover cop. Brown had been arrested before for selling drugs. This time, he sold cocaine to an undercover investigator in March of 2007. It was the latest criminal misstep in a long line of drug-related charges.

Civic Report: Planners, residents and officials discuss the next big fire
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Kerstin Lanham: Considering oaks in Children’s Village project

My Turn with Peter McHugh: Blackwater: Modern day cowboy heroes

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: Give thanks to God for a plain path

Rural Advocate with Donna Tisdale: Selective opposition leaves little choice for powerlink route

School Rules with Superintendent Bob Collins: New GUHSD Supe lays out his plans for the future

Hyp Talk with Judy Callihan Warfield: Hypnotherapy — Are you afraid?


Sports

Tragic event inspires Steele Canyon Cougars’ greatest day