This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

East County foreclosures up over 106 percent  
     The newest numbers released by DataQuick Information Services show that foreclosures (or filed notices of default) in the East County rose from 1,553 in 2006, to 3,197 last year. That’s an increase of 105.9 percent, while trustee deeds filed were up over 309 percent (308 to 1,260).  

Fire merger may solve agency reorganization issue     
     One of the funding-related obstacles to the first phase of reorganizing fire protection and emergency medical services in unincorporated San Diego County is the financial situation of the East County Fire Protection District, which has operated at a deficit for several years. The progress of a potential merger between the East County Fire Protection District and the San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District could remove that impediment. 

Hundreds of visitors get healthy at East County Fair  
     Alpine truly enjoys its Art of Living Healthy, as seen in last week’s Expo, held on Saturday, Jan. 26 at Alpine Elementary School. Our health conscious community members enjoyed a Fun Run, a Health Expo, an Art Display, and knowing Speakers, all presented by the Alpine Chamber of Commerce Health Care Committee, in conjunction with the Grossmont Healthcare District.   

Prelim set for Dulzura man arrested for child molestation
A March 5 preliminary hearing has been set for a Dulzura man who is accused of molesting two girls who only recently came forward to authorities.  

Local students take home trophy after dancing with the stars
Who could have imagined that ballroom dancing taken as a seventh grade credit course for Physical Education would result in a chance to dance before 20,000 people and win a trophy in a junior version of the TV show, Dancing With the Stars? 
 
John Harbison named to East County Gallery of Honor  
The Grossmont Healthcare District, recently added 10 new inductees to its East County Gallery of Honor. The gallery is a permanent historical public display of photographs and biographies of inspirational East County residents and former residents who have played a leading role in shaping the world of today.

Steele Canyon High School open house
Steele Canyon High School is hosting two Open House events for incoming 9th-grade and upper grade students that are interested in learning more about the Charter School. The scheduled dates and times of each Open House are Thursday, Feb. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Joel Anderson: The people deserve good government

Weighing in on Gaming Propositions: Indian gaming propositions can only help state budget

Weighing in on Gaming Propositions: Don’t bet future on gaming propositions

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: Patience is one of life’s lessons

Habitat Chit Chat with Maureen Austin: All about heirloom tomatoes

Brain Food with Cara Day-McKellar: Happy children need love and boundaries at home

The Rural Advocate with Donna Tisdale: Turning tables on tribal elections is fair play


Sports

Granite Hills honors Padres’ Giles