This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

GUHSD approves new charter, demolish of Viking Center  
     The Grossmont Union High School District board meeting held on Feb. 21 conditionally approved the addition of another charter school in the district, as well as reviewing Superintendent Robert Collins’ new Strategic Plan, and approved the demolition and rebuilding of the Viking Center. Gafcon/Harris also introduced a new Program Director for the ongoing Proposition H Bond projects.  

CAO to evaluate LAFCO fire reorganization plans     
     In December San Diego County’s Local Agency Formation Commission directed LAFCO’s executive officer to transmit the terms and conditions of the proposed Phase I fire department reorganization to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. On Jan. 29 the supervisors voted 5-0 to receive the proposal along with other information from the LAFCO meeting and to direct the county’s Chief Administrative Officer to evaluate the reorganization plan and input and report back to the board within 120 days with recommendations.

County promises Alpine library despite tough times  
     During the State of the County address, Feb. 13 at San Diego’s Balboa Theater, San Diego County Board of Supervisors chairman Greg Cox acknowledged that the county would be facing fiscal uncertainties in 2008, but Cox also promised work on the Alpine library during the year.   

Deported man gets 7 years
A deported alien who was arrested in Alpine has been sentenced to 7 1/2 years in federal prison after a judge lengthened the term because he was a registered sex offender after molesting two girls in 1990.  

Border Patrol agents launch life-saving efforts during winter storm
On Thursday, Feb. 14, a harsh winter storm hit east San Diego County, delivering freezing rain and up to six inches of snow in some areas. Border Patrol agents responded to the storm by rendering assistance to citizens and suspected illegal border crossers. 
 
Local raptor facility is for the birds  
Have you ever seen an owl up close, or faced a hawk eye to eye? Have you ever experienced the majesty of an eagle, with its wings extended? Nancy and John Conney, of Sky Hunters, experience these adventures daily while they go about their routines of saving and caring for birds of prey every day.

BCLT awarded grant
The Back Country Land Trust has been awarded a grant from The San Diego Foundation for purposes of improving donor tracking, engaging new neighbors, volunteers and donors, and for improving fundraising in order to acquire and protect sensitive lands within Las Californias — the general border area from Potrero east through Campo, with emphasis on protecting the Campo Creek watershed.

News in photos: 15th Annual Victorian Tea

AES raising money for cancer
Alpine Elementary is reaching out once again to help cure blood cancers with their “Pasta for Pennies” annual fund raising event. Since 2004, they have raised over $22,000 benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Alpine Elementary remains in the top honors for schools that raise the most for this event. Last year alone, Alpine Elementary raised $9,003.

Local couple travels to christening of historic ship
Leap Year weekend promises to be a pretty exciting time for Lou and Joyce Liebster. They’ll be in New Orleans for the christening of the new U.S.S. New York, fifth of her class of warships designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists.

Input sought for new supe search
The Governing Board of the Mountain Empire Unified School District has selected California School Boards Association Executive Search Services to assist the Board in its search for a new superintendent. Dr. William E. Diedrich will be the consultant.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Supervisor Dianne Jacob: State budget mess, Sunrise Powerlink proposal spell
challenging times ahead

My Turn with Assemblyman Joel Anderson: We should be fighting fires not taxpayers

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: Changing in the right direction

School Rules with Craig Rocha: Steele Canyon students are focused on learning

Investment Insights with Tom Miller: No time to panic in the market

Habitat Chit Chat with Maureen Austin: Native plants are the way to grow

Brain Food with Cara Day McKellar: Happy kids delay gratification


Sports

Four East County mat men advance to state finals