This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Mail ballot election approved for Campo fire tax  
     The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a mail ballot election for County Service Area No. 112 so that residents of the county service area can vote on a benefit tax. CSA No. 112 serves the community of Campo. The supervisors’ 5-0 vote on Jan. 30 set a May 6 deadline for receipt of the ballots by the Registrar of Voters.  

GOP congressional hopefuls face off in first debate/forum     
     When is a debate not a debate? Basically, when there’s nothing to argue about. This was the situation when the four Republican candidates for the 52nd congressional seat meet for the first time in a gathering held on Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Ranch House restaurant in Santee. Except for a slight disagreement here and there the quartet flashed its conservative credentials as a badge of honor in a district with overwhelming GOP voter registration. 

Supervisors approve changes to TIF ordinance  
     Under a plan approved 3-2, by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, some Transportation Impact Fee charges will increase while others will decrease. Since an ordinance amendment is involved, a second reading and adoption is required. The Jan. 30 action approved the first reading, and the introduction of the ordinance and second reading is scheduled for Feb. 27.   

Former MEHS counselor awaits trial
A former counselor at Mountain Empire High School will stand trial March 10 on charges he molested a 14-year-old student several years ago.  

Thrifty Threads offers bargains for a great cause
“Hey, Alpine! Don’t miss this one! Biggest sale of the year! Discounts from 50 to 70 percent while stocks last! You can’t afford not to…” Wait a minute — this is an ad from a big store in a downtown mall, not a cute little shop, called Thrifty Threads, tucked away in the corner of the Alpine Community Center. It features gently used clothing and house wares sold by this non-profit organization.  
 
Students can apply for Cal Grants through March 2  
Post-secondary-bound students have the opportunity to apply for school grants through the California Student Aid Commission’s Cal Grant program, through March 2. The goal is to boost California’s diminishing college-going rate by getting more students to apply for financial aid to attend college or pursue a technical or career education.

MEUSD superintendent on leave
Patrick Judd, superintendent of the Mountain Empire Unified School District, has taken medical leave for an undisclosed condition. Judd declined to comment on his condition or his status with the Back Country district, which he has led since 2003.

ER agencies practice in Back Country
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are in constant training to bring San Diego County the best service during times of need. On Wednesday, Feb. 6, various emergency agencies conducted a mass casualty drill in the Back Country.

Couples celebrate nuptials just in time for Valentine’s Day
Celebrations are the ultimate social nod for special occasions. World Marriage Day is one of those special nods that Alpine has joined in the ranks of celebrating. At Queen of Angels, couples from all over Alpine came to celebrate their own wedded bliss in a convivial gathering that included feasting on Alpine’s finest cuisine, visiting with friends and family, and dancing the night away.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Sheryl Bush-Carmody: Current Campo-Lake Morena PG is there for a reason

My Turn with Assemblyman Joel Anderson: Governor’s early release plan threatens San Diego families

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: Let everything praise the Lord

Just The Fact's Ma'am with Carol Lovejoy: Can’t we all just learn to share the road and drive safely

Good Health Naturally with Dr. Darrel Crain: Help your body to stay healthy and beat the flu this season

School Rules with Superintendent Bob Collins: Building a strategic plan for Grossmont schools


Sports

East County teams ride wave to CIF girls water polo playoffs