Forum on unification of Alpine, Grossmont districts set for Oct. 20 in Alpine

 

East County News Service

October 17, 2014 (Alpine) – Two lawsuits have been filed against the Grossmont Union High School District this week over its failure to fund construction of an Alpine High School. The litigation was filed by Alpine Taxpayers for Bond Accountability (ATBA) along with individual Alpine taxpayer plaintiffs who allege waste and misuse of Propositions H and U bond funds under the California Code of Civil Procedure. The ATBA law suit was filed simultaneously with an action by the Alpine Union School District (AUSD). Both suits seekan injunction to prevent the further expenditure of Prop H and Prop U bond funds until a decision is rendered by the State Board of Education in the coming months on how GUHSD assets will be allocated with regard to Alpine’s proposed unification of its school district. 

Amid the controversy, a forum on the proposed unification of the GUHSD and Alpine Union School District organized by supporters of unification is scheduled for Monday, October 20^th at 6:30 p.m. at Alpine Elementary School’s auditorium, 1950 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine.

October 3, 2014 (Alpine) – The Alpine Woman’s Club is having a party and everyone is welcome! Come join in on the fun at the Alpine Historic Town Hall, 2156 Alpine Blvd. on Saturday, October 4th, 2014. The celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m.  There will have activities for children of all ages; exhibits; demonstrations; display of "Time Capsule" items, historical information about the club; a melodrama; and square dancing. Food may be purchased at the event and there will be a few surprises! We will also be raffling off a beautiful handmade quilt.

East County News Service

September 18, 2014 (Alpine)--An elderly woman was seriously injured after the vehicle she was driving flew off a freeway in Alpine on September 15^th.

See full frame video from the event here:  http://youtu.be/Byf5fO_UxEQ  

September 18,2014 (Alpine)-- Viejas Casino & Resort set two new Guinness World Records today – for World’s Longest Sparkler Relay and World’s Longest Chain of Fireworks.

By Miriam Raftery

September 13, 2014 (Alpine)—Tina Smyth, owner of the Atria Salon in Alpine, suffered serious injuries from a brutal attack during an attempted robbery at her shop on April 8, 2014.  In a blog posted at the Alpine Community News site, Smyth says she has now been forced to put her shop up for sale because her injuries prevent her from working more than a couple of days a week.

Part II in a series

By the East County Eaters

Week 2:  Alpine Beer Company Pub (Alpine) and Vine Cottage (La Mesa)

September 11, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--Last week, we opened our Best Happy Hours in East County series by focusing on some premier locations for cocktails. This week, our eager team of eaters and drinkers hit the road once again, this time bringing you reviews of a local brewery’s pub that’s one of the most popular watering holes in the backcountry, along with a European-style bistro with a wonderful wine bar and some of the best happy hour food deals in town.

August 30, 2014 (Alpine) – Viejas Casino & Resort will attempt to launch the world’s longest chain of fireworks—more than 10,000 – to celebrates its 23^rd anniversary on Friday, September 12th at 8 p.m. You’re invited to the festivities near the Viejas Hotel pool to witness the sky come alive with fireworks during this Guinness Book of World Records setting attempt.

July 25, 2014 (Santee)--Santee’s City Council has voted to approve $2,000 as its fair share to assist the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless.

The vote was 3-1, over the objection of Santee Mayor Randy Voepel. Councilman John Ryan was not present.

By Nadin Abbott and Miriam Raftery

June 27, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Supervisors heard heated testimony on Wednesday regarding plans to change densities for lands on private property within the Cleveland National Forest boundaries. The Forest Conservation Initiative (FCI) passed by voters in 1993, which limited development on these lands to one home for each 40 acres, expired in 2010.  The County has rejected calls to enact the FCI protections into law. Instead, Supervisors directed staff to create an Environmental Impact Report based on staff recommendations that would increase densities in some areas and reduce them in others.

The hot potato is Alpine, where the Alpine Planning Group’s majority called on Supervisors to allow increased densities and development that could double the size of their rural town.  That has drawn opposition from environmentalists, board member Lou Russo, the Cleveland National Forest Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service itself, which raised concerns over fire dangers and preservation of federally protected wild lands adjacent to proposed development.

June 7, 2014 (Alpine) – Firefighters from the Alpine, Viejas and Sycuan Fire Departments will be cooking up their hottest dishes for a chili-tasting challenge during the fourth annual Firehouse Cook-Off. 

Who’s got the tastiest chili in town? You be the judge on Thursday, June 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Alpine Library, 2130 Arnold Way in Alpine.

May 29,2014 (Alpine)- Movies in the park return at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine, where you can enjoy watching the latest action thrillers and other blockbuster films while lounging under the stars in a serene park setting. 

Admission is  $5, which includes a regular-size popcorn, plus a 12oz. soda and preferred seating. Children 12 and under are free but must be accompanied by an adult. Movies start at 8 p.m. Movies run from late May through August 22.

To download and print the 2014 schedule, please click HERE or click "read more" and scroll down. 

May 10, 2014 (Alpine) – The brass quintet from the Navy Band Southwest will perform a concert of patriotic music  to honor military heroes on Memorial Day week. The concert will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m.  in the Alpine Library, 2130 Arnold Way in Alpine.

Originally, a woodwind ensemble was planned, but that was changed to the Navy’s brass quintet. “So, it will be very exciting—and NOISY—for a library program!” librarian Elisabeth Newbold exclaimed.

By Miriam Raftery

April 22, 2014 (Alpine)—Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of Lakeside resident Kimberly Renee Hayes. According to Lt. Glenn Giannantonio with the Sheriff’s homicide unit, Hayes was murdered in an apartment in El Cajon on March 8; the next morning her body was dumped and set on fire on a dirty road off Sequan Truck Trail in Alpine.

Believed to be the first bingo hall located in a shopping center in California

April 5, 2014 (Alpine)--What is believed to be California’s first-ever bingo hall to be located in a shopping center opened to the public today at Viejas Outlets, following a sneak preview and ribbon cutting yesterday. To celebrate the opening of the new Viejas Bingo at Viejas Outlets, there will be more than $45,000 awarded in April and a chance to win one of two new FIAT 500s.

By Jack Pott

April 1, 2014 (Alpine) –Alpine parents have finally found a way to build the long-promised high school. 

“The odds of counting on the Grossmont Union High School District were just unwinnable,” said Sal Casamassimo, Chair, Alpine High School Citizens Committee.  “We twice voted for bond measures to build the school, and both times they spent all the money on other projects not even listed in the bond.”

Parents got signatures to divorce from the district and unify with the Alpine Union School District.  But after learning that this process would take several more years, Alpine parents decided to pool their resources and take a gamble—literally. (click "read more" below for full story)