This week in The Alpine Sun

Lead Stories

Grandson ordered to stand trial for strangling Alpine grandmother  
     Grim testimony was heard Aug. 25 about the strangulation death of Eunice Cothron, a 73-year-old grandmother whose grandson allegedly killed her in her mobile home in Alpine, so he and a friend could get her car, cell phone, money, jewelry, and cameras.  

East County charity benefits from bullriding and wild west show  
Despite 100-plus degree weather, dozens of Back Country residents and visitors gathered at El Rancho Grande Bar and Grill in Lake Morena last Saturday, Aug. 29 to enjoy good food, entertainment and raise money for a good cause. 

Jobs and hours at stake as AUSD board takes on budget woes
The Alpine Union School District board of trustees voted to table an agenda item, which could have resulted in job losses and cuts in work hours for district employees, to a future meeting. The decision was made after the board entered a rare second closed session near the end of the meeting held Aug. 25.   

CPUC temporarily blocks SDG&E power shut-off plan
Last week, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) temporarily blocked San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) plan to shut off power to parts of East County and the Back Country during periods of high winds to prevent wildfire. The CPUC voted 3-2 to issue a temporary restraining order preventing SDG&E from implementing the shutoff plan until the regulatory body has a chance to fully review the proposal. The CPUC has scheduled a hearing on SDG&E’s plan for Sept. 10.  

Local businessman celebrates 25 years
Gordon Mize celebrates 25 years in Alpine this week.  
 
Duncan Hunter reads to children at Alpine Family Medicine 
Reach Out and Read is an national children’s literacy program that focuses on the children at greatest risk — children aged 6 months to 5 years living at or near poverty.
 

Columns/Opinion

My Turn with Joel Anderson: Justice before politics: No early release of dangerous criminals

Spiritual Sunrise with Merry Murray: Seeing others through Jesus’ eyes

Class Action with Chuck Taylor: Alpine youth sports cry foul

While You Were Sleeping with Nancy Slaff: Smokescreens, health care plans and bioethics

The Grossmont Solution Report with Bill Weaver: Alpine High School must lead the way in high-tech education

School Rules with Superintendent Greg Ryan: Back to school for another successful year in Alpine

School Rules with Superintendent Bob Collins: Exciting changes at GUHSD this year

Tattered Tidbits with The Alpine Historical Society: Alpine’s first schoolteacher

Community Cruising with Linda Holt: Vacations can improve your health and extend your life



Sports

Cougars and Eagles 2009 football