Well it’s time to start thinking about what the 3rd annual “Vitalize Alpine” event will be all about – February ‘07 is right around the corner! As you review the Revitalization results below, think about what the 2007 event should focus upon, and how we will engage even more of the community to participate this year.
I recently got a call from an Alpiner who said “I heard that Revitalization is dead. Is that true?” I said “Revitalization is alive and kicking!” Look at the results, and you can be the judge.
Take a look at the June ‘06 Matrix of Revitalization Projects that are getting worked. Additionally, below is a sampling of Revitalization results over the last 24 months! Some were quick wins others are ongoing campaigns, and a couple are dead ends (for now). This is a really respectable showing for a two year old community driven improvement effort.
Some projects were started long before the Revitalization process began in summer 2004, but all were articulated as priorities in the two community vision events conducted to date (2005 “Vision of Alpine” event ; 2006 “Vitalize Alpine” event) and have benefited from the discipline created by the County matrix and the bi-annual check-ins with County Supervisor Dianne Jacob.
I have surely left out someone’s great accomplishment (or gotten some detail wrong), so please update me, and be sure to copy the Alpine Sun, East County Herald, and Supervisor Jacob’s office with new information or corrections.
Forward this note along to anyone who is interested in making great things happen in Alpine, and especially to those looking for a place to make a meaningful contribution to the improvement of our town.
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REVITALIZATION RESULTS: Summer 2004 through Fall 2006
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– ALPINE HIGH SCHOOL –
The decision to create a new high school in the Alpine area has been made by the Grossmont Union High School District. The site selection process is underway now. This is one of the most significant projects articulated by the revitalization Vision of Alpine event in 2005 and is making very solid headway. For more information or to participate in the high school project contact George Barnett.
– FARMERS MARKET –
A great deal of work has gone into forming a Farmers Market and finding a home for it. Some marketing days have happened, and more are planned. For more information or to be a vendor or supporter contact Nina Gould.
– ALPINE ARTISTS ASSOCIATION —
The Alpine Artists Association formed and has been active for over 18 months. They have had regular meetings, “art walks”, and a gallery show and wine reception at the Alpine Library Friends Bookstore. The second annual Alpine Art Festival on September 30th, 2006, at the Alpine Community Center, was very successful. There were more booths than in 2005. You can view the photos at the 2006 event this online photo gallery. Other Alpine Artists Association initiatives include a “Signature Urban Trail” with periodic art stops; a studio to studio driving tour to introduce visitors and locals to the web of working studios in the area; sidewalk art weekends; and “I Love a Clean Alpine” or Earth Day recycled art sculpture event. For more information about Alpine Artists Association activities contact Stephanie Wells.
– HEALING ARTS & GLOBAL MUSIC FESTIVAL –
Through rain and wind the first Healing Arts & Global Music Festival was held on 10/9/2006 in Alpine by stalwart vendors, musicians, and event goers from all over the western states. Read about the event, the vendors and sponsors, and view event photos at www.HAGFest.org. For more information contact Nina Gould.
– GREATER ALPINE FIRE SAFE COUNCIL (GAFSC) –
The GAFSC addresses wildfire safety and readiness for all the neighborhoods around Alpine that do not otherwise have a Fire Safe Council of their own. The GAFSC (501c3 non-profit corporation) formed this year has received seed funding and been approved for over $100,000 in grants. The monthly meetings are very well attended and good work is being done by the many active volunteers. Projects include: fire safety education in local schools; collaboration with the US Forest Service, Alpine Fire District, and the Sheriff’s Department; outreach and public education about fire prevention and readiness; creation of fire breaks; a chipping program; and other fire hazard mitigation projects. For more information contact Neville Connell, GAFSC president, or Wende Cornelius, executive director.
– ACTIVE & PASSIVE PARKS –
Real progress is being made on establishing parklands for the greater Alpine area. The county has conducted two studies on suitable park acreage on numerous sites around the area. Influencing the County to fund the studies, and then supporting them to follow through has been a major accomplishment. These are real milestones on the journey toward parks in Alpine. Additionally, under the direction of the US Forest Service improvements have been made to the Viejas Mountain trail on the west side of Viejas Mountain. For more information or to participate in parks projects contact George Barnett.
– ALPINE BLVD. CENTERLINE –
According to the County representative at the June 2006 Revitalization Steering Committee meeting hosted by Dianne Jacob, the surveying project to establish the centerline for Alpine Boulevard has been scheduled for 2007. This project will put to rest some ambiguities that have held property owners hostage for over 15 years. Additionally, the question about how many lanes wide Alpine Boulevard should be has been settled – two traffic lanes and a middle turning lane. This determination will allow Alpine to grow into a pedestrian friendly environment which leads to a more conducive environment for local business in the town center. For more information on this project contact Joe Sterling.
– INTERSTATE 8 OFF/ON-RAMP AT EAST VICTORIA –
For a long time the community has hoped for an off/on-ramp at I-8 and East Victoria to improve circulation along Alpine Boulevard. This project was presented to the County, CA Trans and the Federal Hwy. Department. The net result was that the topography around East Victoria on either side of I-8 is not suitable for an interchange. This settles a long standing question about the area. Getting a “no” is better than getting no answer at all. Now energy can be focused on improvements at Tavern Road and to the east. For more information on this project contact Joe Sterling.
– RELATIONS WITH VIEJAS TRIBAL GOVERNMENT & VIEJAS ENTERPRISES –
During the course of 2005 and 2006 representatives from the Viejas organizations have been engaged in Revitalization projects. Lisa Haws, Community Relations representative for the Viejas Tribal Government has participated in Revitalization events and has helped Revitalization Committee members engage with the Tribe. This relationship is particularly important to healthy economic development in Alpine, and specifically to initiatives benefiting from financial contributions made by the Viejas Tribal Government. Contact Lisa Haws for more information on Viejas relations in Alpine.
–PURCHASE OF WRIGHTS FIELD –
The Back Country Land Trust made a valiant effort to secure additional acres in Wrights Field. After a long and difficult process BCLT and the seller could not arrive at a mutually agreeable price, so no purchase was made. Not all efforts succeed, if they did it would be a signal that we we’re aiming high enough! The BCLT is working on other initiatives that are in line with the Vision of Alpine they helped articulate in 2005 and update in 2006. For more information on the BCLT contact Noelle Collins, executive director.
– HISTORIC SITES –
The Alpine Historical Society has made good progress on getting several buildings in Alpine designated as historic sites with bronze markers. Additionally, Hwy. 80 has been designated as an historic highway with markers along its entire length – which includes Alpine Boulevard. The signs will help market areas along the road. Known as “the Broadway of America,” Highway 80 spans 2,500 miles, from downtown San Diego to Tybee Island, Ga. It once was a major roadway through eight states. For more on the Alpine Historical Society projects contact Carol Morrison.
– BEAUTIFICATION OF ALPINE –
The Alpine Chamber of Commerce conducts “I Love a Clean Alpine” annually. Revitalization committee members have helped support this Chamber effort by rallying more volunteers and focusing efforts in areas outside the town center in Japatul Valley and Peutz Valley. Additionally, in Peutz Valley major logging of dead oak trees has produced a significant amount of wood to be used for building benches and other amenities. Plans for a bench-crafting event Nov. 19th are underway that will result in items not only for Peutz Valley but also for the Alpine town center. As part of the “string of pearls” mini-parks initiative, benches will be available for use along Alpine Boulevard’s north side, under the shade trees between Moose Creek Nursery and the bridge. This effort will improve pedestrian friendliness and highlight Alpine Creek, our historic watershed running through town on its way to El Capitan Reservoir. For more on this project contact Joe Sterling.
– ALPINE REVITALIZATION EVENTS –
So far, Alpine Revitalization has conducted two major community vision processes, one in 2005 and a second in 2006. They benefited by participation from 50 and 28 community groups respectively. Community groups in Alpine – there are over 150 – sent delegates to these events with the visions and priorities of their members. Participating groups in the last two years have combined membership of over 4500 Alpine residents – about 25% of the town population. The events are open to every individual and group in the area, are well advertised, and supported by professional facilitators. Tools are provided to help delegates develop their ideas, visions, and priorities with their members in advance of the events so they can be as productive and representative of community priorities as possible. For more information this project contact Joe Sterling. Additionally, County Supervisor Dianne Jacob hosts a “steering committee meeting” twice annually to give Revitalization committee members opportunity to be recognized by, make requests of ,and update the County. Major projects like the parks, high school, and roads need County action and funding so these meetings provide a way for Dianne Jacob to learn community priorities. For more information on the County’s support of Revitalization contact Sharon Ford.
– REVITALIZATION WEB SITE –
Visit www.4RCommunity.com for all the Revitalization documents, visions of Alpine, event proceedings to date. You can use the site to comment on any aspect of the Revitalization process, propose new projects, and report on progress. Content contributors are needed. For more information this project contact Joe Sterling.
There you have it. Is Revitalization alive? I’d say so.
So, what are the most important projects this year that will improve Alpine economically, socially, and environmentally? Look at the 2005 vision elements, the proposals from the 2006 “Vitalize Alpine” event including the updated vision, and the June 2006 matrix for clues.
As ever,
Joe Sterling.