This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Ten Alpine and Back Country groups receive TOT funds 
     The passage of the County of San Diego's 2009-10 budget included the allocation of Community Enhancement funds from the County of San Diego's Transient Occupancy Tax revenue, and ten Alpine and Back Country groups will receive money from the Community Enhancement program.  

SANDAG to consider draft ordinance for "quality of life" funding
     An amendment to the TransNet sales tax ordinance to allow funding for "quality of life" measures will require support from two-thirds of the county's voters, but the first step was taken July 24 when the San Diego Association of Governments board of directors voted 19-0 to direct SANDAG staff to return with a draft ordinance amendment. 

Local businessman and his chainsaw carves out new career
A little boredom turned into a roaring artistic success for ex-logger James Lukinich of Alpine.   

Descanso man pleads not guilty to felony assault
Joseph Clay Rupe, 38, of Descanso, pleaded not guilty Aug. 13 to felony assault and burglary at an acquaintance's home in which the victim was beaten. Rupe and co-defendant, Carlos Francisco Salazar, 33, of Lemon Grove, are both charged in the May 19 assault of Anthony Brunson in his La Mesa home.  

Potrero man's son charged in loan refinance scheme
The son of a Potrero man is awaiting a Sept. 17 preliminary hearing on charges he secretly refinanced his father's home and committed elder theft when he pretended to be his father and got a $75,000 loan to refinance the Potrero property. 
 
Assemblyman Joel Anderson fights to save Anza-Borrego  
More than 1,000 letters poured into the office of Assemblyman Joel Anderson in just three days. The letters came from concerned citizens, mostly in the Borrego Springs community, in response to a state budget proposal that would close almost all state parks, including Anza-Borrego, as a cost-saving measure. 

Steele Canyon High School looking to fill board seats
Steele Canyon High School will be holding Elections for three Governing Board Member seats in September 2009. Each seat will run for a three-year term.

News in photos: Golden Acorn Casino celebrates 8 years
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Duncan D. Hunter: Cost of health care proposal is too high

My Turn with Associated Press: Rife with distortions — fact checking the health care debate

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: The amazement of the savior

Wags to Wiggles Scribbles with Mary Hills: Keeping pets safe in summer

Purple Mountain Sage with Sharon Courmousis: Take a hike — gain perspective


Sports

Football vies for elbow room in fall sports line-up