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Elected reps sit down with local residents
By Lori Bledsoe
The Alpine Sun
ALPINE — Everyone was there at the
Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge. Many local politicians came to meet
and greet constituents and answer questions at a luxurious
evening, hosted by the Alpine Chamber of Commerce.
Supervisor Dianne Jacob was among many of our
prestigious leaders such as Sheriff Kolender, the San Diego
County Sheriff, Dan McAllister, our esteemed Tax Collector,
Larry Urdahl, Grossmont Union High School District board member,
Joel Anderson, our assemblyman, Scott Barr, the Alpine school
board president, among several others.
After a delicious meal, the elected officials took
their seats on the panel set up on the stage. Beginning with
Dianne Jacob, each official took a few minutes to introduce
themselves, and talk about their positions, programs and
positive outlooks for the future.
Dianne Jacob began with her approval of the new Sheriff
Station that will be occupying the building located at 2751
Alpine Blvd., more commonly known as the Michael James Building
that also used to house the Alpine Chamber of Commerce. The new
location is three times the size of the current facility, and
will be a complete station, instead of the truncated “sub”
station.
Sheriff Kolender spoke about the traffic issues in
Alpine, and clarified that the traffic force has been in full
swing, reporting that as of last Monday they issued over 31
citations. He pointed out that the traffic situation was,
however, the California Highway Patrol’s department, but the
sheriff department was there to lend their support as well. In
addition, Kolender touched on the illegal immigration activity
and the sheriff department is working on clearing the canyons to
the best of their ability.
Covert Canyon was mentioned as well. Kolender assured
all that the sheriff department has been working with them to
insure that all illegal activity in the canyon ceases.
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Assemblyman Joel Anderson |
Assemblyman Joel Anderson spoke about local borders, and how
intricate a problem it was. He mentioned that people are
constantly trying new solutions in the form of new legislation.
In fact, he said that just recently there were several new
pieces of legislation that never saw the light of day because
they didn’t pass muster. California needs something that is
thoroughly thought out and will work in solving this complex
issue.
Larry Urdahl wanted to introduce the new GUHSD
superintendent, but unfortunately Robert Collins was unable to
make it. Urdahl was excited about Collins’ experience in people
management as well as gang taskforce and intervention. Urdahl
feels the future of GUHSD is looking up as they are moving
forward with the 12th high school project, insofar as, they are
to receive the EIR report at the end of October.
Scott Barr, the Alpine Union School District board of
trustees’ president had very positive reports as well.
The AUSD board was proud to announce that their has
been a 15 percent decrease in expulsions, which in Barr’s words,
“gives another kid a second chance”, and an overall seven
percent rise in API scores with every school solidly over the
“800 score” goal.
“The district is healthy and it is what it is, because
of the teachers and hardworking staff, as well as all the
volunteers that work in the schools,” Barr said.
Jim Easterling, from the Firefighter’s district
reported that the new Fire Station houses 14 firefighting
personnel, and currently has a budget of $3.5 million. He said
that a portion of this budget has come from the Viejas band of
Kumeyaay Indian tribe, and because of Gaming Grants, the new
fire station will be paid for in seven years.
Mark Price represented the Alpine Planning Group and
was pleased to advise all on the continuing progress that Alpine
is making. He reminded everyone that the Planning Group’s job is
to let the county know what Alpine wants, they don’t vote on
things they just recommend them.
According to Price, the county has slated Alpine with a
growth target that will reach 30,000 by the year 2020. To
accommodate this constant growth, Price said that some are
looking into incorporating Alpine.
Price was happy to announce that Albertson’s has a new
target opening date set for Feb. 20, 2008. The stoplights that
are being installed at the center of town are due to a
mitigation being fulfilled by the Albertson’s construction
project. He also said that there is a two-acre plot of land
behind Albertson’s that is being proposed as another park for
Alpine.
Other growth projects that are in process in Alpine
include the Alpine Creek Shopping Center is making room for the
Longs Drugstore, an ongoing project to beautify Alpine
Boulevard, a Safe Route to School program that has been made
possible because of a $400,000 grant that is paying for walkways
along Tavern Road, as well as the Queen of Angels new church
project that is moving forward.
Dan McMillan from Padre Dam, reported that in the last
five years, there has been no increase in rates. Now, over the
next five years though, there will be a six percent increase
with a three percent average increase per year. He said that
Padre Dam’s most important goal is to insure an adequate water
supply.
Dan McAllister, the county tax collector, was happy to
report that they have made big strides in creating more
user-friendly tax bills. He said that the bills are now more
attractive, making payments easier. He also said that the bills
are now “green,” meaning more environment friendly, because they
are printed on recycled paper. He said that this will have a
huge impact on the environment, as his office has sent out five
million bills this month alone, and each bill contains five
pieces of mail.
He was anxious to let everyone know that his office is
always there to help, and gave all his number if they needed any
questions answered. He also gave out his cell phone number to
insure that he was always available to those who needed him.
 E-mail
Christy Scott
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