This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Powerlink approval threatens Alpine and Back Country areas  
With the California Public Utilities Commission’s approval on Dec. 18 of San Diego Gas & Electric’s Sunrise Powerlink, major areas of Alpine and the Back Country were threatened with major construction.  

Serving up a little Christmas cheer  
“It was like a family gathered for Christmas Dinner,” remarked one of the several dozen who were happy to be at the Alpine Community Christmas Day Dinner. Everyone pitched in just like at home, only with a much larger group. 

Alpiners open hearts and wallets to help local family
Alpine’s generosity overflowed when faced with helping an Alpine family in need. On Saturday, Dec. 21, Fred’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers experienced the largest sales in their history, as they held a benefit for the Costa Family, donating all the proceeds for that day’s business to Edward Costa’s family.   

Border fence surpasses 500-mile mark
The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today that fence construction along the southern border has surpassed the 500-mile mark.  

Fresh voices and sounds on local Alpine radio station
LITE 107.9 changed their board of directors today, after several years of successful operation as a Public Benefit Corporation. 
 
Alpine’s new bike and board shop  
After a seven year absence, Alpine again has a full service bike and skate shop. The owners, Sean Speed, 40, and James Humphreys, 51, met while working in the shipyard. They decided to go into business, and a little over a month into opening, Holy Rollers is rolling right along.

Find the money you need for college
January is fast approaching and that means it’s time for high school seniors to apply for college financial aid for the upcoming school year. Use the downtime during your holiday break to prepare and you’ll be on your way to financing your education.

BCLT donates 481 acres in Potrero
The Back Country Land Trust has signed a letter of Intent to donate 481 private acres of McAlmond Canyon in Las Californias near Potrero to the People of the United States. The value of the donation is $1,000,000.

Stoney and East County Firefighters say thank you
The East County Toy & Food Drive Firefighter Parade was held on Dec. 13 at the Target parking lot, located at 250 Broadway in El Cajon. A live radio broadcast by KOGO news-talk radio was held as well from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Steven Siegel: Sunrise Powerlink undermines state global warming goals

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: What if He had not come?

Just The Fact's Ma'am with Carol Lovejoy: Help save lives with Donate Life California

Brain Food with Cara Day-McKellar: Resolutions for an agent of love in the family