You can help by collecting Box Tops, Campbell Soup Labels, Coke Rewards and joining Target’s Take Charge of Education program

March 27, 2011 (Alpine)--Public schools are getting hit with major budget cuts. Now, Alpine Elementary School hopes to raise its own money--with your help. 

“Each fundraiser brings lots of money and educational items to our school and requires minimal effort and almost no cost to you,” says spokesperson Sharmin Self, who said teachers are currently having to pay for many school supplies out of their own pockets.

Scroll down for details that Self provided on how you can help.

By Jeremy Los

March 11, 2011 (Alpine)--The Alpine Unified School District will face tough decisions when it comes to passing its annual budget. Like many other school districts, AUSD is facing a budgetary gap that could force the district to enforce deep cuts and increase class sizes. The preliminary budget was passed in February, with the official budget on the docket for June.

ECM has learned that many teachers have already received their pink slips, with one e-mail from a teacher stating that 40% of Joan McQueen Middle School’s staff had received the lay-off notices as of March 4. The district must issue lay-off notices prior to March 15 to comply with state law for any positions that may be cut this year.

$1.8 billion, the cost of the Powerlink, could fund 90,000 individual 5kW systems which would generate nearly a half million kW (450,000 kW) per hour, opponents say.

Story and photos by Ron Logan

March 1, 2011 (Alpine) – Tuesday morning, Sempra Energy and SDG&E encountered more pushback to their Sunrise Powerlink construction in downtown Alpine.

The Powerlink construction, which will take about two years to construct and is scheduled for completion in 2012, has drawn criticism at every step of the process, including hundreds of Alpine residents who have turned out at past hearings to voice overwhelming opposition to the project.

February 24, 2011 (Alpine)—The Alpine Sheriff’s substation seeks information on a peeping tom reported in the 8900 block of Hunter Pass in Alpineo n February 21st at 5:30 a.m.

February 12, 2011 (Alpine) – Stephanie Moore seeks help to find thieves who stole all of her family’s horse show gear, including four show saddles and four show bridles, on Superbowl Sunday (February 6th) between 1 and 6 p.m. Items were taken from her garage at 3914 Viejas Creek Lane in Alpine.

“All of our horse tack was stolen,” said Moore in a message posted in the Alpine Community Forum. “I didn't have insurance. I live on Social Security and cannot afford to replace them...“Please, this was all I owned. If you see them, or know anything, please call. No questions asked! Return them to the property intact, and I would be most grateful.”

Description of stolen items:

February 4, 2011 (Alpine) – Chinese New Year kicked off at Viejas Casino yesterday with the opening of Emerald Asian Cuisine.

Owned and operated by San Diegan Mike Lee and his family, Emerald Asian Cuisine is known for its award-winning Chinese and Vietnamese dishes, including authentic pho, Vietnamese coffee, Banh Mi, and much more.

January 31, 2011 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Planning Group is accepting applications through February 7, 2011 for three vacancies (seats #10, 12 and 14). You can obtain an application from the County of San Diego web http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/CommunityGroups.html or at http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/docs/Planning-Sponsor_Group_Application.pdf.

Viejas Chairman Pico, Congressman Duncan Hunter and Supervisor Jacob to speak at groundbreaking event honoring Alpine veterans

January 25, 2011 (Alpine)--What started as a dream is becoming a reality. The Wall of Honor is ready to start construction at the Alpine Community Center at 9 a.m. on January 29--and you can have a chance to be one of the first to move ground in honor of our veterans. A Labor of Love will start construction and give community members an opportunity to pitch in the effort to build a lasting memorial for area veterans.

County Urges Residents to Use Caution When Cleaning Up Rodent Droppings;

Video Provides Tips for Homeowners

January 20, 2011 (Alpine) -- A wild deer mouse trapped in Alpine during routine monitoring has tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus, San Diego County vector control officials said today.

January 1, 2011 (Alpine) – Hit by a double whammy of storm damage followed by thousands of dollars in veterinary bills, the Alpine-based big cat rescue facility Lions Tigers & Bears is seeking help from the public in both cash donations and a wish list of items needed.

December 15, 2010 (Alpine) – Giving the reindeer a rest, Santa is bringing a helicopter to the Albertson’s store, 2955 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine.

Free Santa photos with your children and pets will be provided.  Free popcorn, candy, hot chocolate and hot cider will all be part of the festivities this Saturday, December 18 from 1-6 p.m.

TOY DRIVE PARTY TONIGHT AT VIEJAS;

FIRE STATIONS ALSO ACCEPTING TOYS

“To date, we’ve hardly received any toys.” – Monica Zech
 

December 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Donations for the East County Toy & Food Drive are lagging far behind prior years, says Monica Zech, public information officer for the City of El Cajon. “To date, we’ve hardly received any toys,” she said. “I know times are tough, but we usually have individuals and civic groups donating toys by now…I hope you can help.”
 

New unwrapped toys may be dropped off at all fire stations throughout East County. In addition, the public is invited to a Holiday Toy Drive Party tonight at the Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge, 5000 Willow Road at Viejas Casinio in Alpine from 6-9 p.m. Admission is $20, or $10 with a new, unwrapped toy. The event includes a silent auction to benefit the East County Holiday Toy & Food Drive.

December 2, 2010 (Alpine) – Alpine Boulevard transforms into a winter wonderland on December 3, when the town hosts its annual Alpine Village Christmas celebration.

Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m., riding in the 15th annual Parade of Lights.  Afterwards, Santa and his helpers will light a holiday tree at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd., and join in a holiday sing-along. Kids and the young in heart are also invited to stay and play in a free mountain of snow, complete with sledding.