This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Superintendent unveils new plan for GUHSD  
     Change could be on the horizon for the Grossmont Union High School District as new Superintendent, Robert Collins, reveals his strategic plan. Collins was hired this year to lead GUHSD through tough times as they encounter budget cuts, bond and revitalization issues, and continues to strive for invaluable educational achievement. His strategic plan prioritizes and confronts issues facing the aging district.  

Back Country and county lose great advocate     
     Back Country and county mogul Mike Thometz of Campo died Wednesday, Feb. 13, doing what he has become famous for in recent years: Keeping an eye on San Diego County politicians and staff. Michael “Mike” Thometz. Member of Campo’s VFW Post 2080, former U.S. Navy, Columbia and Harvard University graduate, non-radical environmentalist/ conservationist, lover of open space and country, a big guy in body and heart who moved around in large and small places. 

Hundreds welcome Albertsons at historical ribbon cutting  
     Hundreds of Alpine and area residents gathered in the drizzle on Wednesday morning, Feb. 20, to witness the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new Albertsons store on the corner of Alpine Boulevard and South Grade Road. At 7:30 a.m., as people gathered in front of the main entrance, Albertsons graciously offered complimentary coffee and fresh baked donuts and pastries.   

Teacher from Descanso pleads guilty to possession of child porn
A teacher at a county juvenile probation school in Campo pleaded guilty Feb. 12 to possession of child pornography that was found on his computer at his Descanso home.  

Local law enforcement honored
At its Feb. 9 morning meeting, the local Kiwanis Club of Alpine honored some of the outstanding law enforcement personnel who serve the community. Members from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol and the U.S. Border Patrol were on hand.
 
News in photos: Snow Day

Alpine’s Taylor runs for county education seat
Chuck Taylor has filed papers with the San Diego County Office Registrar of Voters to run in the June primary election for the office of Seat 4, San Diego County Office of Education.

Civic Report: DPLU takes new approach to county general plan update
The main discussion for this months meeting was the county’s new approach to the General Plan 2020, that has also acquired a new name. It is now know as The General Plan Update.

Potrero preschool fund raiser
During the Harris Fire, on Oct. 22, Potrero State Preschool of the Mountain Empire Unified School District, and everything left inside of the school, was completely destroyed by the fire.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Michael Connolly Miskwish: Welcome to Bizarro World

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: When we leave God out, we lose

Hyp Talk with Judy Callihan Warfield: Seven keys to a successful relationship

The Rural Advocate with Donna Tisdale: Filner disappointment, Campo says ‘no,’ and Feb. 25 hearing


Sports

Eagles win pair, advance to semifinals