This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Commissioners deny SDG&E emergency shut off plan  
     Last Thursday, Oct. 10, the California Public Utilities Commission denied a plan by San Diego Gas & Electric to turn off power to rural parts of the county during extreme weather conditions, ending a nearly yearlong battle about the proposal.  

RCD program will combat oak borer in the Back Country     
     More than a dozen East County residents gathered Wednesday night, Sept. 9, at the Descanso Town Hall to learn more about the Resource Conservation District’s (RCD) upcoming D3 (Dead, Dying, Diseased) Oak Tree Mortality and Fuels Reduction Program, intended to combat the spread of oak trees’ major predators, the Golden Spotted Oak Borer.

Fire code amendments include appeals board  
     Amendments to the county building and fire codes, which were initially approved by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors include a change in the composition of the Regional Fire Appeals Board and clarifications that the county's Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors have the final decision-making authority on a proposed development's fire mitigation plan.

San Diego Sockers visit Alpine athletes
The San Diego Sockers are back in San Diego after a five-year hiatus, and they were up at the Peak Athletic Center to help celebrate the Grand Opening of Alpine’s only Indoor Soccer Field. More than 75 people came to enjoy the Sockers scrambling with the soccer ball and showing off their signature moves.  

Alpine’s best selected for ALPS awards
Who has helped make Alpine a better place during the past year? Find out on Wednesday, Sept. 23, when the “Jewels of Our Community” will be honored at the exciting 15th Annual Alpine Leadership and Public Service Awards at the Viejas DreamCatcher Lounge. 
 
Descanso man ordered to stand trial  
Joseph Clay Rupe, 38, of Descanso, has been ordered to stand trial for felony assault and burglary in the beating of an acquaintance in his La Mesa home.

Hundreds attend memorial for fallen border agent
Hundreds of people attended the fundraiser and memorial service for Border Patrol agent Robert Rosas on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the La Posta Café near Campo.

County's crop value up 1 percent
Although a significant part of the increase is attributable to higher prices for avocados and citrus, the reported total agricultural crop value in San Diego County during 2008 rose slightly over the 2007 total.

Drums fill the air at 20th annual Pow Wow
Sycuan’s annual Pow Wow took place last weekend, Sept. 11-13. The sound of drums echoed through the hills and the outdoor arena throughout the weekend, setting the tone for this traditional event.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Douglas Schoen: Consensus still possible with healthcare reform

My Turn with Victor Kamber: Concealed carry

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: The Christian’s motivation

Just The Fact's Ma'am with Carol Lovejoy: Castles in the sand

Chamber Chatter with The Alpine Chamber of Commerce: Western mom meets eastern hurricane


Sports

Redhawks fly to 2-0 start to season