This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Charter at stake amid sexual misconduct charges  
     At a four hour Grossmont Union High School Meeting on Feb. 12, there was little room for discussion on the Proposition H and U bonds. Most of the discussion revolved around the Helix Charter School abuse issues, with many supporters of Helix Charter School livid with the district’s handling of the case.  

County’s vegetation management plan still incomplete  
     The county Planning Commission’s most recent review of the county’s draft vegetation management report deemed the report a work in progress but incomplete. 

CWA adopts discount ag water rates  
     The San Diego County Water Authority adopted an ordinance setting transitional Special Agricultural Water Rates for customers who opt out of the Metropolitan Water District’s Interim Agricultural Water Program.   

Nine tips for fire victims
More than 15 months after the 2007 Southern California Fires ravaged our community many homeowners are finding they still have work to do in order to settle their insurance claims.  

Border Log: Rookie Border Patrol K9 sniffs out marijuana 
 
Alpine Kiwanians honor local law enforcement personnel  
At its regular weekly meeting on Feb. 14, the Kiwanis Club of Alpine honored local law enforcement officers chosen by their departments for their service to the local community. The honorees were Officer Michael Edwards of the California Highway Patrol, Thomas R. Watson of the U.S. Border Patrol and Detective Richard Bolter of the Alpine Sheriff’s office.

Straw-bale buildings are economical and energy-efficient
A small building that’s cool in summer and warm in winter without requiring air conditioning or heating isn’t a pipe dream — it’s made of straw bales. Straw bail buildings are also environmentally friendly and you can build them yourself, according to Jennifer Roberts, owner of Extraordinary Landscaping, who’s a big fan of the natural construction.

Freshman Congressman Hunter visits troops in the Middle East
While touring the Middle East last week, Rep. Duncan D. Hunter said he was amazed by the transformation of Iraq, where he served as a Marine officer in 2004 during some of the fiercest fighting in the war.

94 bridge repairs continue this Saturday
tate Route 94 (SR-94) between Forrest Gate and Sheridan Roads will be closed this Saturday and Saturday, Feb. 28 to allow crews to make repairs to the Campo Creek Bridge. These closures will take place from 3-11 a.m., according to the California Department of Transportation.

Descanso man brought music to silent movie era
There was a select privileged few who were able to watch a first showing, in the Descanso Library, Eric Beheim’s work on a classic old silent film; Reaching for the Moon. Beheim lives in Descanso, Calif., and is a professional musician in informational video producer.

Improv night at the Community Center
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, the students from Alpine Academy brought a unique genre of entertainment to the community of Alpine. The quick-witted talents of 10 academy students kept a full audience in smiles, chuckles, and open-ended laughter for two hours.

News in photos: The circus is in town

GUHSD seeking CBOC member
The Grossmont Union High School District is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on its Proposition H/U Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC).
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Mark Vincent: Teacher layoffs in Alpine must not be tolerated

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: Satan tempts Jesus for the last time

Investment Insights with Tom Miller: Keep an eye to the future