Chamber Chatter
Flock finds shelter in rain; owner puzzled
The recent storms through San Diego County had Dawna Ernster of JND Insurance Services questioning the IQ of some critters on her Alpine farm.
“My pastures are all flooded,” Ernster said midway through an unusually wet week. “I put out shelters for my cows, horses, pigs, chickens, turkeys. They’re all standing in the rain ---- except for the chickens.”
Of the two mysteries ---- why the other animals weren’t seeking cover and why the chickens, who once calmly stood outside under a frosty snowfall, took shelter, Ernster seemed most puzzled by the chickens.
“They’re the dumbest animals I have here, but they’re smart enough to come inside out of the rain,” said the businesswoman.
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Fred Higginbotham, a long-time Alpine resident, said during the stormy week that he was “just kind of hunkered down.”
Higginbotham, an individual member of the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce, lives on Chocolate Creek behind a gasoline station in the downtown area.
He remembers a steady three-day rain in the late 1970s that filled the creek.
“It rained so much a Volkswagen got in the tube (underground culvert) that starts behind the Alpine Inn parking lot,” Higginbotham said. “It goes down behind the Alpine Post Office. The VW went all the way down.”
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Out in the Camp area the Golden Acorn Casino is a golden melting pot when it comes to diversity among its 270 employees.
There’s a young woman from Viet Nam, a gentleman from Guam and several Chinese employees, according to Diana Shea, who also works for the popular casino.
Mexico is represented by staff from as far south as the Yucatan Peninsula and Mexico City as well as the Tecate and Mexicali border towns. Employees with a Mexican heritage from the Imperial Valley and East Los Angeles are also part of the unusual workplace ethnic diversity.
The Indian Nations include a tribal elder from the Campo Kumeyaay who has kept the native arts alive through her basketry, pottery, beading and other skills.
Other local Campo tribal members, members of the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations from Oklahoma and employees who have traces of other Native American blood also work at the casino.
People of other ethnic backgrounds from all over the continental United States are on the staff, too.
“The Golden Acorn Casino presents a wonderful free opportunity to learn another language,” Shea said. “No need for night school. The interchange between people is what makes it a pleasure to come to work.” |
Alpine & Mountain Empire News
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See County Supervisor Dianne Jacob’s letter to the California Public Utilities Commission in the latest Sunrise Powerlink development
Relocated Thrifty Threads shop flourishing
 Barbara McCluhan and other volunteers at the Thrifty Threads Resale Shop in Alpine are now selling a wider variety of gently used items at the thrift store’s new quarters in Alpine.
A lovely white wedding gown, an attractive dinette set, beautiful China dishes ----- there are wonderful items for sale at the bigger and better Thrifty Threads Resale Shop in Alpine.
Affectionately known to some as “The Boutique,” the thrift store is now in much larger quarters at the front of the Old Firehouse at 1834 Alpine Blvd. The new location and expanded hours are drawing more customers and bigger donations.
Sales also appear to be improving since the relocated shop opened in late December.
“We had a record day on Tuesday,” Jo Ann Josen, a Thrifty Threads volunteer coordinator and manager, said the week of Jan. 25. “I hope that’s a sign of what it’s going to be."
The Alpine Community Center, a member of the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce, owns the store.
Thrifty Threads has sold donated items in good condition for about 10 years in Alpine. The proceeds finance senior services offered through the Community Center.
Under center director Sue Roff, the senior programs include hot meals, “Sit and Fit” exercise classes, Wednesday bingo nights, AARP safe driving classes and monthly free blood pressure checks. Starting Feb. 10 free tax preparation will also be offered to seniors.
“We’re going to try to work in a few more programs,” said Cinda Jauregui, the center’s assistant director. “We are a nonprofit organization, so all donations (to Thrifty Threads) are tax-deductible. We do give income tax receipts with our number on them.”
Volunteers staff the thrift shop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. The Saturday hours were recently added to provide weekend access for shoppers and donors.
Sales goals set
Thrifty Threads used to be in one small room of about 300 square feet at the rear of the building. There was no work space and the store wasn’t very visible from busy Alpine Boulevard.
“No one knew we were there,” said Barbara McCluhan, one of the volunteers who staff the shop. “Now we’re getting more people in.”
At the old site, said Jauregui, the store brought in about $100 a day.
“People are just now starting to know where (the new location) is at, what’s going on,” she said. “We’re going to try to aim for $300 a day in sales.”
Now Thrifty Threads has a large display room, a smaller one and a work area in about 2,300 square feet.
Until recently the location was the Alpine store of Village Carpets’ Flooring America in El Cajon, so the thrift shop has nice carpeting and flooring. There is street parking out front.
“It’s beautiful,” Josen said. “It’s fun to come into.”
Antique items, glassware, toys, clothing, jewelry, collectibles, video tapes, record albums, pots, pans, bedding, luggage, toys, books and many other “gently used” items are well displayed in the clean facility.
The spacious thrift shop also has room now to offer bigger sales items, such as desks, furniture, lawn and garden equipment, and working appliances.
“We sort through all the items to make sure they’re clean, in good shape and in working condition,” McCluhan said. “There’s a quick turnover ---- things go out the same day they come in.”
Bargain boutique
With some exceptions for special items, such as a $50 wedding dress, the majority of the merchandise is priced at less than $10. Jauregui said prices can range from 10 cents to $200.
“I would say most things are $5 and under,” said volunteer staffer Pam Nilson.
Hunting for bargains at Thrifty Threads is an equal opportunity for the low-income to moderately wealthy shoppers. Often they leave with unexpected treasures.
“We had a woman who bought a wedding gown,” McCluhan said. “She was engaged over Christmas and bought the wedding gown here. It was gorgeous.”
In addition to seeking more customers, the staff is hoping more people will volunteer to work at the store. More donations for resale are always needed.
About the only items Thrifty Threads doesn’t accept are mattresses and broken articles.
“Please don’t bring donations after hours, because they disappear,” Jauregui said. “We don’t see them.”
For more information, call the Alpine Community Center at (619) 445-7330.
Powerlink construction project questioned at meeting
A number of people questioned the need for the Powerlink project, the way SDG&E is pursuing it and the long-term impacts on the Alpine area and its residents.
Potential effects on health, water, animals, businesses and the environment were noted. “Tell me that we’re going to be able to sell our houses or that there will be any value left to our properties,” a woman said, drawing cheers and applause.
Explaining that the county has no authority over the project as a whole, Jacob and county officials said they can restrict water, noise and traffic construction issues through permits.
The public needs to hold the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) “accountable for what SDG&E is doing,” because the CPUC made the route decision and approved the documents, Jacob said.
She said she would send a letter to the CPUC seeking three things---- a project modification report from SDG&E that will allow for public review and comment; an economic impact analysis of the project on all the businesses on Alpine Boulevard, and close CPUC monitoring of SDG&E’s “communication within the community.”
Jacob said groups have legal action pending against the CPUC and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management approval of the Powerlink route.
If the U.S. Forest Service approves Powerlink lines through the Cleveland National Forest, a group also will legally oppose that, the supervisor said.
Encouraging people to be respectful, Jacob urged residents and business people to attend SDG&E Community Council meetings, including the one on Monday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. at the Alpine Woman’s Center, 2156 Alpine Blvd.
Information also was provided about how to reach the CPUC and groups opposing the Powerlink Project, including the Protect Our Communities, Peoples Powerlink, East County Community Action Coalition and the United Consumers Advocacy Network.
Alpine Soroptimists improve women’s lives
Helping women and girls do better for themselves and their communities is a key part of Soroptimist International of Alpine.
Soroptimist International works to promote social justice, equity and empowerment of women through economic independence and more participation in decision making at all levels.
As part of their work toward that mission, the Alpine Soroptimist chapter held its “Inspiration” luncheon buffet on Saturday, Jan. 23, to honor applicants for its trio of annual awards.
“We change the lives of women and girls,” said President Barbara Gould. “It’s very inspirational. That’s why inspiration is our theme this year. It’s just been a way of giving back to the community.”
Soroptimists try to be an active influence for positive change in society through awareness, advocacy and action.
Soroptimist International of Alpine, a member of the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce, has about 25 members devoted to helping women in various ways.
Tea raises money
Although the luncheon wasn’t open to the general public, the Alpine Soroptimist chapter welcomes everyone to its delightfully different Mad Hatter Tea Party every spring.
This year’s “A Very Merry Unbirthday” fund raiser follows the traditional “Alice in Wonderland” tea party theme. Expect great food and fun from 11 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, in the Oak Tree Ballroom of the Barona Valley Resort & Casino.
The Mother’s Day weekend event is a great treat for moms and grandmothers. A hat parade, fashion contest, silent auction and a buffet-style tea are included with each $50 ticket.
The fund raiser helps Soroptimists with such work as the recent “Inspiration” luncheon at Fuller Hall at the Alpine Community Church. That event celebrated and honored working women, women who need help and girls who are starting to help others.
“The (award) honorees are just amazing,” said Susan Manis of Manis & Associates, Alpine Soroptimist treasurer and “Inspiration” event chairperson.
Awards vary
This year’s Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women went to a woman who works in a field that helps improve the lives of girls, Manis said.
The Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Award, which includes money, is given to women who are the sole support of their household through hardship and haven’t been able to pursue their careers or education.
“Our financial award is to help them get back on track with their goals,” said Manis. “It’s a real heart-wrenching process to read through their applications and pick just one.”
She said most Opportunity Award applicants are at a turning point in their lives. The award money helps them “refocus on education, getting back into the work force, improving their work status,” Manis said.
Girls, ages 14 to 17, are honored for volunteer work in their schools or communities with the Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award.
Manis said the honorees do volunteer work through hospitals, youth programs, school clubs and community organizations.
“I think we have five girls this year that will be recognized,” she said. “We give them all a small gift. The main honoree gets money for herself and her organization.”
For more information about Soroptimist International of Alpine, e-mail bgould@mail.sdsu.edu. To make Tea Party reservations, call (619) 445-2380.
Money possibilities pop at financial seminar
Options and ideas about the best ways to get the most out of money had people paying attention at the recent “Client Appreciation Luncheon and Outlook for 2010 Seminar” of James Whitener of LPL Financial.
Held Jan. 13 at the Viejas DreamCatcher Lounge in Alpine, Whitener gave his roomful of clients and guests an optimistic, cautious overview of what this year will bring. “I feel a little bit better than what I did,” but the economic hurricane that struck in 2008 may not be over yet, the financial advisor said before introducing experienced speakers who covered a wide range of financial possibilities.
Whitener, named by San Diego Magazine among its regional “Five Star Wealth Managers,” talked frankly and personably about the highlights of the recent stormy economy.
The accredited asset management specialist, a member of the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce, said his goal is to make sure clients get a better average return on their money annually through his independent financial planning services than they would get elsewhere.
“I feel very comfortable with him,” Robert Stamm of Japatul Valley, a retired Viejas employee, said later. “I feel secure with what he tells me. He doesn’t beat around the bush. It’s not like somebody’s talking over your head.”
Whitener’s guest speakers also were upbeat and encouraging.
Sarah Lyons, regional manager for Lord Abbett ---- one of the oldest money management firms in the U.S., explained that her firm has always managed money “in a very conservative way.”
“Today the bond market is much more healthy than it needs to be,” Lyons said, adding that she is very optimistic about the stock market. “Companies are leaner and they’re doing more with fewer people.”
Paul Manese, regional vice president of Realty Capital Securities, noted that health care is the “one industry during the past 10 years that has grown.” Investing in medical office and hospital real estate is an option now, he said.
“Our feeling is we want to be as conservative as we can,” Manese said. “I think the key thing to take away here is dip your toe in the (financial) pool.”
Options for securing and protecting assets and estate planning issues were covered by Ben Geraci of the Protective Life Insurance Co. His information included clever, legal ways to deal with estate taxes.
“Take a look at what you own and how you own it,” Geraci said. “Make sure it’s positioned properly. We’re here to help.”
Pat Kenison of San Diego, a former teacher, said the event gave her ideas about what she can do with her retirement portfolio.
“I was very impressed,” Kenison said. “He (Whitener) seems to be here for his clients, with the best interest of the clients in mind.”
For detailed financial information, call Whitener at (619) 741-8257.
DA chief outlines East County crime, prosecution
 ALPINE ---- There might not be as much crime in rural East San Diego County as in the urban areas, but the region often poses challenges for the San Diego County District Attorney’s office.
Deputy District Attorney Glenn McAllister, chief of the East County Division of the county District Attorney’s office, highlighted what his office encounters Jan. 12 in Alpine.
McAllister was guest speaker at the monthly Hot Topics Business Networking Breakfast of the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce.
“There are a lot of issues that East County has to deal with than downtown San Diego ever has to deal with,” McAllister said in Fuller Hall at the Alpine Community Church.
During the meeting, he told Chamber members and guests that the District Attorney’s office tries to resolve cases before they go to trial, because the courtroom process is very expensive.
“To do that, of course, saves a ton of money for the tax payers,” but it can be a dilemma at times to be sure the resolution of a case is appropriate for the crime as well as cost saving, McAllister said.
The East County Division has 38 attorneys, 10 paralegals, six investigators and 37 support staff as well as seven interns and others to handle criminal cases from a huge chunk of the county ---- 2,000 square miles with 535,000 residents.
Issues noted
This region also has most of the county’s sovereign Indian reservations, McAllister noted later during an interview. That requires sorting out cases at the District Attorney’s office, which can prosecute crimes but not regulatory laws on Indian lands.
“There’s an interplay between ‘Well, what can we do and what can’t we do’ on reservations,” said McAllister. “We can enforce speeding laws, for instance, but not animal control, Fish and Game or noise laws.”
As far as East County crime issues, he said, they include more gang violence, more vehicular deaths related to smuggling drugs and people, and the wave of abuse of Oxycontin, a prescription pain killer common in many households.
“It’s just as addictive as heroin,” McAllister said. “It’s a heroin derivative and more expensive, but it appears to be more acceptable to many people because it’s made by a pharmaceutical manufacturer.”
The prosecutor said his challenge to parents is to always know where their children are, no matter what ages the youngsters are, who they’re with or where they are because pre-teens are illegally using the drug.
Regional crimes
Out of 4,184 felony cases and 7,823 misdemeanor cases brought to the East County division in 2009, 390 were from the Alpine Sheriff’s Station, he said.
McAllister said 119 of the 390 local cases were issued as felony charges and another 167 as misdemeanors.
For the entire East County, McAllister’s division handled eight new homicides and 11 vehicular homicide cases, in addition to earlier cases still under way from earlier years.
“There’s probably another 20 or so that are in progress in East County,” McAllister said.
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