DVD Releases Tuesday July 27, 2010

This Week's Top Pick:
Clash of the Titans Remake of the 1981 adventure film about the myth of Perseus. To win the right to marry his love (Andromeda) and fulfill his destiny, Perseus must complete various quests and battle both Medusa and the Kraken monster in order to save the Princess Andromeda. The ultimate struggle for power pits men against kings and kings against gods. But the war between the gods themselves could destroy the world. Born of a god but raised as a man, Perseus (Sam Worthington) is helpless to save his family from Hades (Ralph Fiennes), vengeful god of the underworld. With nothing left to lose, Perseus volunteers to lead a dangerous mission to defeat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus (Liam Neeson) and unleash hell on earth. Leading a daring band of warriors, Perseus sets off on a perilous journey deep into forbidden worlds. Battling unholy demons and fearsome beasts, he will only survive if he can accept his power as a god, defy his fate and create his own destiny. Vitals: Director: Louis Leterrier. Stars: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Flemyng, Gemma Arterton. 2010, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 118 min., Fantasy Action Adventure, Box office gross: $160.965 million, Warner.
THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Acceptance (2009) Mae Whitman, Joan Cusack , Brigid Brannagh, Deepti Daryanani. A bright, blue-haired young girl currently runs the gauntlet of college applications, admissions essays, advanced placement exams, and an insanely overly ambitious mother, as she awaits word on her acceptance at her dream college. A Lifetime Original Movie. (RHI Entertainment/Vivendi Entertainment).

Accidents Happen (2009) Geena Davis, Harrison Gilbertson, Harry Cook, Joel Tobeck. A dysfunctional New England family relies on the son prone to witnessing horrible accidents to get them though the hard times in this wry period comedy drama set in the 1980s. Extras: Deleted scenes, featurettes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).

The Art of the Steal (2009) It may be unknown to most people, but in the art world, the Barnes Foundation (in Merion, Penn.) is a legendary repository of some of the finest paintings ever produced. This documentary tells how the private museum's $25 billion of art holdings has become the focus of a bitter, decades-long battle involving artists, politicians and powerful philanthropists. The film reveals how this private collection of paintings became the envy of the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other major institutions -- and the prize in a battle between one man's vision and the forces of commerce and politics. (IFC Films).

Artois the Goat (2009) Mark Scheibmeir, Sydney Andrews, Stephen Taylor Fry, Dan Braverman. Lab technician Virgil Gurdies struggles to choose between his true love, Angie, and his newfound quest to create the greatest goat cheese the world has ever known. (IndiePix Films).

Barney: Furry Friends (2010) Kids join Barney, Baby Bop, BJ and their playground friends for some tail-wagging adventures as they learn about dogs and cats. $14.98. Extras: "Animal Tracks" matching game. (HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate).

Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010) Voices of Bruce Greenwood, Jensen Ackles, Neil Patrick Harris, John DiMaggio, Jason Issacs. Batman confronts new enemies, old foes and painful memories when a powerful vigilante with a penchant for violence comes to Gotham City in the intense graphic-novel-come-to-life. Latest entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe animated original PG-13 movies. Available as a single DVD, two-disc DVD and Blu-ray disc. Two-disc DVD extras: "Robin's Story" featurette; two title-themed episodes from Warner Bros. Animation's 20-year history of Batman television series, hand-picked by animation legend Bruce Timm. Blu-ray adds: "Death in the House of Batman" featurette, two additional bonus Batman-themed episodes personally selected by Bruce Timm, digital copy. (Warner).

Clash of the Titans (2010) Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Flemyng, Gemma Arterton. Extras: Alternate Ending. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Crime Inc.: History's Famed Offenders (2010) The real stories behind notorious criminal masterminds, including those the Watergate villains, Al Capone, The Black Dahlia crime, Ted Bundy, O.J. Simpson, more. Two-disc set, $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

The Dawn of War (2010) Eleven-part series chronicles the first half of World War II in a masterfully scripted presentation filled with rare and authentic archive footage. Two-disc set, $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

Deadly Shift (aka Polar Opposites) (2008) Charles Shaughnessy, Tracy Nelson, Beth Grant, Ken Barnett. After rogue nuclear tests by Iran set off devastating earthquakes and a sudden spike in life-threatening solar radiation levels, a desperate U.S. government turns to the only scientist who may hold the key to survival. (E1 Entertainment).

Dog The Bounty Hunter: Crime Is on the Run (2009-10) Eight episodes, $19.95. (A&E Home Entertainment).

Don't Look Up (2009) Henry Thomas, Kevin Corrigan, Reshad Strik, Lothaire Bluteau. In this supernatural thriller, paranormal visionary Marcus Reed sets out to remake a cursed horror film in Transylvania. But while on set, a fierce supernatural force is released from the celluloid and rips open a window of terror, summoning the wrath of evil spirits. Remake of horror master Hideo Nakata's 1996 "Joyu-rei" (the creator of "The Ring" and "Dark Water"). Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (E1 Entertainment).

Eclipse Series 22: Presenting Sacha Guitry Sacha Guitry was once a household name. Something of a Gallic counterpart to Noel Coward, this disarming, multitalented artist served up some of 1930s French cinema's tastiest dishes. The son of a beloved theater actor, Guitry was devoted to the footlights, first turning to the silver screen as a way of bringing his plays to a wider audience. His films were anything but stage-bound, however: often the director, writer, and star of his popular movies, Guitry brought a witty inventiveness to the cinema and deployed radical tactics with such aplomb and control that he's considered one of the medium's first "complete auteurs." With these four films, American audiences can finally sample Guitry's creative, comic confections. Includes no-frills editions of "The Story of a Cheat" (Le roman d'un tricheur) (1936), "The Pearls of the Crown" (Les perles de la couronne) (1937), "Desire" (1937) and "Quadrille." (The Criterion Collection).

Everything You Wanted to Know About Gay Porn Stars But Were Afraid to Ask (2010) Behind-the-scenes look at the lives of some of gay adult cinema's hottest talents. Two-disc set with seven episodes,$24.98. (E1 Entertainment).

G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero -- The Movie Special Collectors Edition (1983) Animated feature with the voice talent of Don Johnson, Burgess Meredith, Bill Ratner, Michael Bell and Chris Latta. Available as a single-disc DVD and two-disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack. Extras: Commentary by story consultant Buzz Dixon; the final 8 "Knowing Is Half the Battle" PSAs that were not on the "G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero -- The Complete Series" DVD box set; original printable screenplay; art gallery. (Shout! Factory).

Hunter: The Complete Series (1984-91) Twenty-eight disc set with 152 episodes (including those from Seasons 4-7, which have never been on DVD), $99.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

Huxley on Huxley (2009) Compelling glimpse of Laura Huxley's life with Aldous Huxley (literary giant, author of "Brave New World"), as well as Huxley's revolutionary and provocative work that had a major influence on American and contemporary cultural history and such key figures as The Beatles, The Doors and Timothy Leary. Narrated by Peter Coyote and featuring interviews with such luminaries as John Densmore, Michael Murphy, Nick Nolte and Ram Dass. $29.95. (Docurama Films).

Ip Man (2008 -- Hong Kong) Donnie Yen, Simon Yam. The trio behind the cult hit "Kill Zone" -- director Wilson Yip, star Donnie Yen, and action choreographer Sammo Hung -- reteam for this Hong Kong action smash hit. Wing Chun grandmaster Ip (Donnie Yen) cements his reputation after defeating a roving band of kung fu masters who have come to his village to challenge him and the other marshal arts masters, but when the Japanese occupy his hometown during the Sino-Japan war (1937), he is forced to work as a coolie in a factory and participate in brutal sparring matches for the enemy's amusement. He demonstrates his superior fighting skills by defeating his opponents despite being heavily outnumbered and wins the admiration of the Japanese Colonel, Mr. Miura (Hiroyuki Ikeuchi), who challenges Ip to a championship fight. The outcome of the match inspires the Chinese villagers to rise up and defeat their oppressors. Also Available on Blu-ray Disc. Collector's Editions in both formats will also be available, with such extras as interviews with director and actors, including 20 minutes with Donnie Yen; "The Making of Ip Man" featurette; deleted scenes; teaser and regular trailer; two 30 second TV spots; photo gallery; sneak preview of "Ip Man 2." (Well Go USA).

Jesse Stone: No Remorse (2010) Latest telefilm starring Tom Selleck as Police Chief Jesse Stone. Suspended by the Paradise, Mass., town council, Stone begins moonlighting for his friend, State Homicide Commander Healy, by investigating a series of murders in Boston. (Sony).

The Job (2009) Patrick Flueger, Ron Perlman, Joe Pantoliano, Taryn Manning. A guy looking to find employment and marry the love of his life gets in over his head when a fast-talking temp agent lands him a job that may require some killer instincts. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Joy (1983 -- French) Claudia Udy. Erotic classic became an international sensation in the early 1980s thanks to its daring depiction of sexuality, seductive tone and stylish, sensuous settings. Explores one woman's voyage of sexual discovery. Based on the scandalous 1981 memoir of an international supermodel whose passion for men, women and strangers -- in any combination -- shatters every sexual taboo. Restored from the original negatives and contain footage previously unreleased in the U.S. Fittingly, "Joy" was restored using a print discovered in the screening room of a Paris brothel. Includes additional 12 minutes of footage, including the complete "secret orgy dungeon" sequence. (Severin Films).

Joy and Joan (1985 -- French) Brigitte Lahaie, Isabelle Solar. Sequel to "Joy." Restored from a print seized in a Marseilles vice raid. Includes five minutes of film never before released in America, including the complete "Philippine sex grotto" sequence. (Severin Films).

Life After People: The Complete Season Two (2009) Three-disc set with 10 episodes, $29.95. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (A&E Home Entertainment).

Loose Screws (1985) Bryan Genesse, Lance Van Der Kolk, Alan Deveau, Jason Warren, Annie McAuley, Karen Wood. Canuxploitation-teen-sex-comedy sequel to "Screwballs." This mid-80s pubescent romp follows the horny high jinks of four boys forced to attend summer school at Cockswell Academy under the watchful eye of Principal Arsenault. Extras: Featurettes with production manager Ken Gord and producer Maurice Smith; commentary by director Rafael Zielinski; the international version in its entirety, which contains an extra 10 minutes of footage trimmed from the U.S. version. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Severin Films).

Operation: Endgame (2010) Zach Galifianakis, Emilie de Ravin, Maggie Q, Odette Yustman, Rob Corddry, Adam Scott, Ellen Barkin, Ving Rhames, Brandon T. Jackson, Jeffrey Tambor, Joe Anderson, Beth Grant, Bob Odenkirk. A dry action-comedy about two teams of government assassins working out of a top-secret underground facility using code names from the Tarot deck. When a new hire -- The Fool -- arrives for his first day at work to find that the boss has been killed under mysterious circumstances, he must find the killer before the whole place blows up. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, alternate opening and ending. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).

Parting Ways: An Unauthorized Story on Life After The Beatles (2010) Documentary explores John Lennon's work with Yoko Ono; Paul McCartney's solo career and decade as front man of Wings; George Harrison's music with The Traveling Wilburys and his work as a film producer; and Ringo Starr's solo albums as wells as his acting. $14.98. Extras: Four featurettes: "Stella," a look at McCartney's fashionista daughter; "Yogi," exploring the group's brief collaboration with the Indian transcendentalist Maharishi Mahesh Yogi; "Yoko," examining Ono's relationship with Lennon; and "Beatle-Mania," a look at fan hysteria. (Infinity Entertainment Group).

Railroads: Tracks Across America (2010) Documentary collection of 36 fascinating features chronicling the development of the railroad industry from the first transcontinental line, freight and Pullman cars, to modern diesel engines. Two-disc set, $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

Rain (2008) Renel Brown, Nicki Micheaux, CCH Pounder. A spirited 14-year-old girl who, after the death of her grandmother, travels to the big city to find the mother who abandoned her, only to discover that she's now a drug-addicted prostitute living in the worst part of the city. (Image Entertainment).

Ray Bradbury's Chrysalis (2008) John Klemantaski, Darren Kendrick, Glen Vaughan. Post-apocalyptic tale based on Ray Bradbury's 1946 story, "Chrysalis," first published in Amazing Stories Magazine. In a futuristic, post-Word War III devastated Earth, a scientist falls ill and mysteriously begins to mutate into something plant-like. Is it a new human evolution or something far more sinister? (E1 Entertainment).

Repo Men (2010) Jude Law, Forrest Whitaker, Liev Schreiber, Alice Brava. Theatrical and unrated director's cut. Extras: Deleted scenes; complete "Union Commercials" used in the film; "Inside the Visual Effects"; commentary by director Miguel Sapochnik and writers Eric Garcia and Garrett Lerner. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds BD-LIVE, My Scenes bookmarking function, pocket BLU mobile apps, social BLU. (Universal).

The Secret of the Grain (2007) Winner of four Cesar awards, including best picture and director, Abdellatif Kechiche's "The Secret of the Grain" is a stirring drama about the daily joys and struggles of a bustling French-Arab family. It has the texture of a documentary but a classic, almost Shakespearean structure: when patriarch Slimane acts on his wish to open a port-side restaurant specializing in his ex-wife's fish couscous, the extended clan's passions and problems explode in riveting drama, leading to an engrossing, suspenseful climax. With sensitivity and grit, "The Secret of the Grain" celebrates the role food plays in family life and gets to the core of contemporary immigrant experience. Extras: New video interview with Kechiche; "Sueur," Kechiche's captivating extended version of the film's climactic belly dancing sequence, featuring a new introduction by the director; new video interview with film scholar Ludovic Cortade; excerpt from a "20 heures" television interview with Kechiche and actress Hafsia Herzi; video interviews with Herzi, actress Bouraouia Marzouk, and the film's musicians; booklet featuring a new essay by film critic Wesley Morris. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).

Sergeant Bilko: The Phil Silvers Show -- The First Season (1955-56) Five-disc set with 34 episodes, $42.99. Extras: "The Lost Audition Show," a rarely seen, live audition show that was never broadcast; original network opening; original cast commercials; "Lucy and the Efficiency Expert," a classic episode from the fifth season of "The Lucy Show" where Phil Silvers guest stars as an efficiency expert who takes over Lucy's office. (CBS/Paramount).

Shine: An Unauthorized Story on Beyonce (2010) Documentary on the singer, actress, dancer, designer, diva. $14.98. (Infinity Entertainment Group).

Stargate Universe (SGU 1.5) (2009-10) Three-disc set with the final 10 episodes of season one, $29.98. Extras: Fifteen behind-the-scenes featurettes, video diaries, commentary on every episode. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (MGM).

21 Jump Street: The Complete Series (1987-91) Eighteen-disc set with 103 episodes, $69.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

21 Jump Street: The Complete Third Season (1988-89) Four-disc set with 20 episodes, $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

The Uninvited (2009) Emily Browning, Arielle Kebbel, David Strathairn, Elizabeth Banks. A young woman moves to a remote house to try to get over her bizarre phobia but quickly discovers that her fears have followed her. (IFC Films).

Victory by Air (2010) Compilation includes five documentary features providing a complete historical overview of combat aircrafts from 1900 to 1945. $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

Vincere (2009 -- Italian) Filippo Timi, Giovanna Mezzogiorno. Little-known story of the personal life and rise to power of Benito Mussolini, focusing on the woman he loved passionately, scorned, denounced and then wrote out of history. (IFC Films).

Mayor's Office Issues Warning Over Telephone Survey on Southlands

News Room - A recent telephone poll conducted by the Mustel Group regarding the residential/commercial development proposal for the Southlands has been causing quite a stir amongst residents of South Delta. Although the Mustel Group has no obligation to disclose their client it is widely speculated that this survey has been commissioned by the Century Group Land Corporation as an attempt to offer opposing numbers to counteract the Ipsos Reid poll that reported that the majority of residents are opposed to any development of the contentious piece of agriculturally zoned land.

The questions emulate word for word the same questions asked by the Ipsos Reid survey. That's where the similarities end. The poll then goes on to ask very ambiguous questions regarding general development sentiments and what type of person you are in regards to development. The pollster asks, "Do you see yourself as the type of person who opposes all types of development? Or, do you support some development provided proper public input is assured?"

One pollster even confirmed that the questions had the Corporation of Delta logos on it. This was brought to the attention of the city's chief bureaucrat George Harvie prompting the Mayor's Office to issue this statement:

THE CORPORATION OF DELTA
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

For Immediate Release – July 28, 2010

It has come to our attention that a research group is conducting a telephone survey in Tsawwassen on the Southlands.

Mayor Lois E. Jackson and Delta Council would like to advise that the Corporation of Delta has NO involvement or association with this survey.

Delta has contacted the research group responsible for conducting the survey to ensure that the Corporation of Delta is not being associated with the administration of this
survey.

In June 2010, the Corporation of Delta retained Ipsos Reid Public Affairs to conduct a Tsawwassen Area Plan mail-in survey. This survey closed June 18, 2010 and the results were reported to Delta Council on June 28, 2010.

Currently, the Tsawwassen Area Plan Review Committee is developing recommendations for the new Tsawwassen Area Plan. The Committee will report their recommendations for consideration by Mayor and Council, by August 30, 2010.

For more information, contact the Chief Administrative Officer, George V. Harvie at (604) 946-3212.

K-9 Recruit Joins the Ranks of the Delta Police Victim Service Section

Delta Police initiate “Animal Assisted Intervention K9 Program

Sgt. Sharlene Brooks - Delta Police initiate “Animal Assisted Intervention K9 Program, a first of its kind in Canada having partnered with Pacific Assistance Dog Society (PADS).

The Delta Police Victim Services Section welcome their new K-9 addition into the section to offer a new approach to lending support and re-assurance to those impacted by crime and trauma.

The 2 yr old yellow Lab will commence training with Delta Police Victim services coordinators on July 26, 2010. The days and weeks that follow will serve as an assessment and transition period to confirm that this K-9 and the handlers work well together and that the dog adapts to the environment and the role he is to fulfill. At the conclusion of this assessment period, our new four legged member will report for duty to Delta Police Headquarters daily with his primary handler, Victim Services Coordinator, Kim Gramlich and will be available to respond to calls for service.

This furry friend will be deployed to various situations to; help calm those who are excessively upset and act as a bridge to communication with people who have difficulty communicating such as children and those with disabilities.

P.A.D.S, established in 1987, is a registered non-profit and recognized charity that breeds, raises, trains and places service, hearing and therapy dogs with persons who have a disability other than blindness. P.A.D.S is also accredited by the Assistance Dogs International.

The Delta Police are welcoming this opportunity to partner with P.A.D.S incorporating this unique approach to better serve our community.


Please Note: In keeping with the PADS criteria, the Delta Police are not able to release the name of the new k9 until the training and transition period has
successfully concluded.

Century Group Commissions Mustel to Dispute Southlands Results?

The Mustel Group has been conducting a telephone survey of Tsawwassen residents. Reports of phone calls started coming in Saturday evening saying that Mustel was asking almost identical questions to the recent mail in survey conducted by the Corporation of Delta through Ipsos Reid. The survey covered a wide range of questions dealing with housing height limits and town core density, but the question that was the hot topic in South Delta was regarding whether or not to allow development on the Southlands. The people of Tsawwassen responded with a resounding 62% against any development of the Southlands.

More controversy ensued after the results of the Ipsos Reid survey were presented to Delta City Council when city CAO George Harvey's recommendation to have the Tsawwassen Area Plan Committee adopt the results into their plan and council voted unanimously to have the committee "consider" the results.

Even with the politicking at city hall it was unlikely that the results of the city commissioned survey could be ignored. After many failed attempts to get untainted results the city spent $28,000 to have Ipsos Reid gather unbiased data.

The results were met with anger by Century Group's president Sean Hodgins, who told Brian Lewis of the Vancouver Province after the results were announced, that he was "never going to quit". It would seem this is true. Although the Mustel Group won't divulge who their client is, it's not too hard to connect the dots. The Century Group already commissioned Mustel in August 2009 to do a phone survey and Sean Hodgins told the Province that, "because Delta council elected to do a mail-in survey, rather than a traditional, scientific, random survey, opponents to his development would have been more likely to respond to the questionnaire."

Having been recently outed in the media for paying Kwantlen Polytechnic University an initial $50,000 to support the devlopment and to lobby government for the land development Century Group is running out of options. The community doesn't want the Southlands developed, Kwantlen is fighting to repair their reputation, and the politicians at Delta City Hall wish this would just go away.

In the end, there is a good chance we will never know the results of this survey but it sure makes for great news.

Kwantlen University Sells Reputation

By Debbie McBride: More unsavoury details are coming to light regarding the Kwantlen Polythechnical University and Century Holdings “partnership” on the Southlands and those details, obtained under a Freedom of Information request in March 2009, while relevant and important to Delta, are having grave repercussions on an international level. The Province’s Brian Lewis called it our ongoing soap opera.

The Memorandum of Understanding that Kwantlen worked out with Century is not business as usual for Universities. Academia takes great pains to prevent this type of “partnership” occuring because it can taint their research. Yes, companies sponsor research but those partnerships are made public so those considering the studies can decide for themselves the validity of the information. Only after Kwantlen and Century knew the information had inadvertently been released did it appear in an obscure part of the Southlands website. Nor did Kwantlen or its’ researchers ever reveal their financial arrangement as it made presentations to the public. This is much more than a common partnership, it is a paid for lobbying effort.

This has caused outrage among academic institutions worldwide and so it should. Backroom “arrangements” agreed to behind closed doors don’t usually hold up well in the light of scrutiny. Academic research projects and reports need to be free from even the perception of collusion and collaboration because they are supposed to be done without undue influence from those who could profit from what their findings say. The Kwantlen/Century arrangement does not meet these standards and is being widely condemned for this breach.

In November 2006, amid a cloud of controversy, Kwantlen president David Atkinson resigned as Carleton University president after serving only 15 months of a 6 year contract. In January 2007, new Carleton president Samy Mahmoud stated that Mr. Atkinson “did not have much in the way of research background” and that “there’s a learning curve (for) how to administer a university with a comprehensive research program”. This lack of knowledge seems to have been a boon for Century but a disaster for Kwantlen in its’ quest to be taken seriously as an independent academic source of information.

In an interview with Kwantlen’s Jason Dyer, executive director for research on Friday, he admitted that the research and report on the Urban Agriculture study was not yet completed and it was “unusual” for a study to be presented and discussed before its’ completion. He also revealed since Century paid for the report, it is under no obligation to reveal its’ findings. He also stated the land and building being “donated in trust” to Kwantlen will belong to Century Holdings, so the developer will still control 2/3’s of the land to do with what he will.
After three generations of residents have continuously fought to preserve this land it must be worth preserving. It’s developers who use tainted surveys and questionable tactics and reports from “experts and academics” to push their belief it is their God given right to buy land, no matter it’s location and designation and build on it, that has turned this into a soap opera.

Elderly women duped out of $20,000 in Ladner

Sgt. Sharlene Brooks - The Delta Police are currently investigating an elaborate fraud scam that occurred on Friday July 16, 2010 in a Ladner shopping plaza area.

Scenario: An unknown female suspect approached an elderly woman in the parking lot of a local shopping plaza claiming to have a winning lottery ticket. The female suspect went onto say that she was an illegal immigrant and could not claim the winnings unless she had a Canadian citizen present who must also have assets to prove citizenship. As a result of this elaborate scam the elderly female subsequently provided cash to the suspects with the hope of receiving some of the winnings in exchange for her assistance. The two suspects upon receipt of the money from the victim conveniently made their exit. The suspects preyed on the good nature and vulnerability of the victim.

Suspects Description:

Female: 5’2 heavier set 50-60yrs,wrinkles on her face, shoulder length dark curly hair female spoke with a Spanish accent. Wearing a sun hat a woven thatch-type material light in color, numerous pieces of jewelry (watch and bracelets on her left arm and bracelets with charms on her right arm), dark blouse and pants. She was also in possession of a large purse shiny black in color with silver decorations on it.

Male: 35 yrs very short ( possibly shorter than 5 ft) with a round face, short dark brown hair wearing a collared shirt and blue jeans (faded at the knees) . Male spoke with a heavy accent and stated he was Greek.

It appears this is a well planned scenario as the female suspect was in possession of a lottery ticket with a phone number displayed. The male casually joins in and appears to be willing to assist and produces a large sum of money. The two suspects then call the number displayed and the call taker confirms information required giving a sense of legitimacy to this scenario.

Anyone who may have seen persons matching the above noted description in the Ladner area specifically the 5200 blk 48th Ave (Trenant Park Square) and 4800 blk Elliott St (Harbour Center Mall) between 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. are asked to call the Delta Police (604) 946-4411 quoting the file number 10-14333.

Delta Police Investigate Sexual Assault

Sgt. Sharlene Brooks - On July 21 2010 at approximately 5:20 p.m. Delta Police responded to a report of a sexual assault. Complainant reported that she was walking in the 7800 blk 112th at approximately 4:30 p.m. with a friend when a male came up behind her grabbing her buttocks then fleeing the area.

The suspect is described as, Caucasian, 5’8-5’10, 17-18 yrs old slender build, clean cut wearing a light colored short sleeve shirt and black shorts. The complainant did the right thing by screaming and drawing attention to herself and running to an open area. Fortunately she was not physically injured.

Police remind the public to;

• Be familiar with surroundings
• Walk in high pedestrian/vehicle areas
• Draw attention to yourself if approached by a stranger and
• Report incidents to police as soon as possible.

Delta Police continue to investigate this incident.

DVD Releases Tuesday July 20, 2010

This Week's Top Pick:
Mother Mother is a devoted single parent to her simple-minded 27-year-old son, Do-joon. His foolish and sometimes dangerous behavior is often a source of anxiety to her. While walking home drunk one night, Do-joon follows a school girl for a while before she disappears into a dark alley. When she is found dead the next morning in an abandoned building, Do-joon is accused and quickly convicted of her murder thanks to an inefficient lawyer and an apathetic police force. His mother refuses to believe her beloved son is guilty and immediately undertakes her own investigation to find the girl's killer. In her obsessive quest to clear her son's name, she steps into a world of unimaginable chaos and shocking revelations. A unique murder mystery about a mother's primal love for her son, directed by Bong Joon-Ho, who helmed the incredible "The Host," the highest-grossing South Korean film of all time. In Korean with English subtitles. Vitals: Director: Bong Joon-Ho. Stars: Hye-ja Kim, Bin Won, Ku Jin. 2010, CC, MPAA rating: R, 128 min., Drama, Box office gross: $.547 million, Magnolia Home Entertainment.



THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

The Bannen Way (2010) Mark Gantt, Michael ironside, Robert Forster. Feature-length movie from Crackle's online series. Neal Bannen is a charming con-man and thief, with a father who's a police chief and an uncle who's a mob boss. His girlfriend wants him to reform but all he wants to do is complete one more job to pay off his debt to a notorious gangster ... but that just doesn't work out as easily as he hopes. Extras: Six featurettes. (Sony).

Being Human: Season One (2009) Two-disc set with six episodes of the BBC series about a vampire, werewolf and ghost who share a flat in Totterdown, Bristol. Extras: Video diaries, deleted scenes, character profiles, behind-the-scene featurettes, Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (BBC/Warner).

Black Narcissus (1947) This explosive work about the conflict between the spirit and the flesh is the epitome of the sensuous style of filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. A group of nuns -- played by some of Britain's best actresses, including Deborah Kerr, Flora Robson and Jean Simmons -- struggles to establish a convent in the snowcapped Himalayas; isolation, extreme weather, altitude, and culture clashes all conspire to drive the well-intentioned missionaries mad. A darkly grand film that won Oscars for its set design and for its cinematography by Jack Cardiff, "Black Narcissus" is one of the greatest achievements by two of cinema's true visionaries. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: Video introduction by French filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier; commentary featuring the late director Michael Powell and filmmaker Martin Scorsese; "The Audacious Adventurer," a 2006 video piece in which Tavernier discusses "Black Narcissus" and Powell; "Profile of Black Narcissus" (2000), a 25-minute documentary; "Painting with Light," a 27-minute documentary about Jack Cardiff's Oscar-winning cinematography on "Black Narcissus"; original theatrical trailer; booklet featuring an essay by film critic Kent Jones. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).

The Bong Joon-Ho Collection Three-film set of director Bong Joon-Ho's films: "The Host" (two-disc Collector's Edition), "Mother" and "Barking Dogs Never Bite." (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Cartoon Network Hall of Fame: Courage the Cowardly Dog: Season One (1999-2000) Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $24.98. (Warner).

Cats & Dogs (2001) Jeff Goldblum, Elizabeth Perkins. Reissue of the family film about the secret war between dogs and cats; timed for the July 30 theatrical release of "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

The Collective (2008) Kelly Overton, Laura Allen, Shane McRae. A young woman's hunt for her missing sister takes her to a strange cult -- known as The Collective -- living in a deconsecrated cathedral in New York City. (Vanguard Cinema).

Cop Out (2010) Bruce Willis, Tracy Morgan, Jason Lee, Michelle Trachtenberg, Seann William Scott, Fred Armisen, Kevin Pollak, Adam Brody, Rashida Jones, and Susie Essman, Juan Carlos Hernandez, Cory Fernandez, Ana de la Reguera. Also available as Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack with Maximum Comedy Mode and a digital copy. (New Line).

Degrassi: The Next Generation, Season 9 (2009-10)Four-disc set with 19 episodes, $26.98. Extras: Bonus movie: "Degrassi Takes Manhattan," bloopers, deleted scenes, featurettes, music videos.

Elvis & Annabelle (2007) Blake Lively, Max Minghella, Joe Mantegna, Keith Carradine, Mary Steenburgen. Romance about a beauty pageant candidate who dies on the runway and comes back to life -- mysteriously -- at the mortuary owned by the family of an embittered young man; the pair fall in love but the question remains: after death has brought them together, will life tear them apart? (The Weinstein Co./Vivendi Entertainment).

Entre nos (2009 -- Spanish) Paola Mendoza, Sebastian Villada, Laura Montana, Anthony Chisholm. Mariana leaves her impoverished hometown in Bogota, Colombia, with her two young children, Gabriel and Andrea, and heads to the U.S. to be reunited with her husband. Soon after her arrival her husband abandons the family and, with all her options closing in on her, Mariana turns to the city's trash in order to put food on the table. With Gabriel and Andrea working beside her collecting cans, the family finds the most stability they have known since their arrival. And it is during these heartbreaking moments that the family triumphs. (IndiePix Films).

Forbidden World (Mutant) (1982) Jesse Vint, June Chadwick, Dawn Dunlap, Linden Chiles,, Fox Harris, Michael Bowen, Scott Paulin. On the remote planet of Xarbia, a scientific experiment has gone horrifically wrong, mutating into a man-eating organism. With plenty of gratuitous gore, unexpected nudity, surprising bits of black comedy, and an assortment of inspired and inventive special effects. Two-disc set with the remastered theatrical version and the never-before-seen, unrated director's cut. Extras: Commentary by director Allan Holzman, interview with producer Roger Corman, interviews with cast and crew, special effects featurette, poster and still Gallery, original theatrical trailer, additional New World trailers. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Shout! Factory Roger Corman's Cult Classics).

The Fragility of Seconds (2008) Matthew Tomkin, Michael Crabtree, Julio Cedillo. Three men, strangers to each other, arrive on the eve of the annual parade in honor of Mexico's Pancho Villa, in the dusty bordertown of Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico; one to collect his sister Elena and her child to give them a chance for a better life in Texas; an FBI agent turned reclusive burnout, looking to disappear from his professional life of violence and despair; and a grifter just released from the Ojinaga prison days before the parade. A horrific even shatter everything in this suspense drama set against a backdrop of random drug war outbursts along the U.S. border with Mexico. (Vanguard Cinema).

Galaxy of Terror (1981) Edward Albert, Zalman King, Ray Walston, Robert Englund, Sid Haig, Taaffe O'Connell, Grace Zabriskie. A rescue space ship crew meets up with horrors projected by their own imaginations. Extras: Commentary with cast and crew; "New Worlds" featurette in which producer Roger Corman, screenwriter Marc Siegler and director Bruce D. Clark discuss the origins of the film; "The Crew of The Quest"; "Planet of Horrors" featurette on sets and alien landscapes; "Future King": memories of co-production designer (and future visionary filmmaker) James Cameron from members of the cast and crew; "Old School" mechanical and makeup effects with artists Allan A. Apone, Douglas J. White, Alec Gillis and others; "Launch Sequence" postproduction featurette; theatrical trailers; extensive photo galleries including posters, production sketches and designs; original screenplay. (Shout! Factory Roger Corman's Cult Classics)

Ground War (2009) PBS takes viewers on a thousand year journey through the history of warfare -- from trebuchets that once broke down walls to missiles that wipe out buildings. From the gladius to the AK-47, from the chariot to the tank, from the trebuchet to the howitzer, and from the battle ramp to the star fort, "Ground War" follows the fascinating punch and counterpunch of battle tactics and new technologies. With meticulous research and intriguing facts, "Ground War" explores the key technological advances that have defined ground warfare through the ages. $24.98. (PBS Distribution).
Jersey Shore: Season One (2009-10) Three-disc set with 11 episodes, $19.98. Extras: Deleted scenes, reunion special, tips from The Situation and Snooki, commentary by The Situation, Snooki & Pauly D, "Before The Shore," Jersey Shore makeover with Michael Cera. (MTV/Paramount).

Just Another Day (2010) Wood Harris, Jamie Hector, Ja Rule, Clifton Powell, Big Daddy Kane, Lil Scrappy, Trick Daddy. A rapper who dreams of getting his first record deal is willing to do almost anything to get his signature on a contract, and is thrown into a harsh business that accepts and destroys on a whim ... and that is dazzling, dishonest, irresistible. Extras: "A Hip Hop Hustle: The Making of Just Another Day," "Just Another Day Making Music," deleted scenes. (Image Entertainment).

Look Around You: Season One (2009-10) BAFTA-nominated hit UK comedy series that first premiered on BBC America and aired on Adult Swim in the U.S. this past winter; follows presenters Jack Morgan (Robert Popper) and Peter Packard (Peter Serafinowicz) as they guide viewers through a series of gloriously deadpan experiments. $24.98. Extras: Advanced double length module: "Calcium," "Little Mouse" full length pop video, commentary, "Pages From Ceefax," play-at-home quiz, additional music by Gelg, test card. (BBC).

The Losers (2010) Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Zoe Saldana, Chris Evans, Idris Elba, Columbus Short. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Martha Speaks: Martha Goes to School (2010) Eight new-to-DVD episodes has beloved family dog Martha and her family discover hundreds of new words to teach children; $14.99. Extras: Printable coloring pages, resources for parents, descriptive video service for the visually impaired. (Paramount/PBS Kids).

The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers (2009) In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg, a high-level Pentagon official and Vietnam War strategist, concluded that the war was based on decades of lies, and leaked 7,000 pages of top secret documents to The New York Times, making headlines around the world. Hailed as a hero, vilified as a traitor, and ostracized by even his closest colleagues, Ellsberg risked life in prison to stop a war he helped plan. This is the riveting story of one man's profound crisis of conscience that shook a nation, its courts, its free press and its presidency to the core. It is also an acutely timely and piercing look at the world of government secrecy in wartime as revealed by the ultimate insider. Marked by a landmark Supreme Court battle between America's greatest newspapers and its president, this political thriller of a documentary unravels a saga that leads directly to Watergate, Nixon's resignation and the end of the Vietnam War. Extras: Interviews with actor Woody Harrelson and best-selling author Naomi Wolf, The Nixon Tapes (audio highlights from the Oval Office), Ellsberg today, filmmaker biographies. (First Run Features).

Mother (2010) Director: Bong Joon-Ho. Stars: Hye-ja Kim, Bin Won, Ku Jin. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Mt. St. Helens: Back From the Dead (2010) It was just 30 years ago that Mount St. Helens revealed her earthly glory, causing colossal devastation to everything in her path. Today, the seemingly dormant mountain and the uninhabited landscape that surrounds it are coming back to life, and scientists are trying to determine the reason. NOVA takes audiences on an intriguing exploration deep into Mount St. Helens for a better understanding of what’s causing the new volcanic activity and how to track future eruptions. $24.99. (PBS Distribution).

Music, Music Everywhere (2010) Five musical episodes for the pre-school set: "Barney: Play Piano With Me," "Bob the Builder: Roley's Important Job," "Thomas & Friends: Tuneful Toots," "Kipper: Arnold's rum," and "Angelina Ballerina: Angelina's Musical Day." $14.98, includes a bonus music CD. (HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate).

My Boys: Seasons 2 & 3 (2008-09) Three-disc set with 18 episodes, $34.95. (Sony).

The Outside (2009) Michael Graziadei, Nicky Whelan, Nia Peeples, Rob Moran, plus cameos by some of today's best surfers. A young surfer finds himself at the center of the pro surf circuit where he encounters an unscrupulous sports agent, major endorsements and wild parties -- but he finds the life of celebrity comes with a price. (Monarch Home Video).

The Red Shoes (1948) "The Red Shoes," the singular fantasia from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, is cinema's quintessential backstage drama, as well as one of the most glorious Technicolor visual feasts ever concocted for the screen. Moira Shearer is a rising star ballerina romantically torn between an idealistic composer and a ruthless impresario intent on perfection. Featuring outstanding performances, blazingly beautiful cinematography by Jack Cardiff, Oscar-winning sets and music, and an unforgettable, hallucinatory central dance sequence, this beloved classic, now dazzlingly restored, stands as an enthralling tribute to the life of the artist. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: Commentary by film historian Ian Christie, featuring interviews with stars Marius Goring and Moira Shearer, cinematographer Jack Cardiff, composer Brian Easdale, and filmmaker Martin Scorsese; introductory restoration demonstration with Scorsese; "Profile of The Red Shoes" (2000), a 25-minute documentary; video interview with Thelma Schoonmaker Powell, Michael Powell's widow; gallery from Scorsese's collection of "The Red Shoes" memorabilia; "The 'Red Shoes' Sketches," an animated film made from Hein Heckroth's painted storyboards; readings by actor Jeremy Irons of excerpts from Powell and Pressburger's novelization of "The Red Shoes" and the original Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale; theatrical trailer; booklet featuring an essay by film historian Ian Christie. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).

The Runaways (2010) Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon, Stella Maeve, Scout Taylor-Compton. Extras: Commentary by Joan Jett, Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning; two featurettes: "Plugged In: Making the Film" and "The Runaways." Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds movieIQ+sync featuring "The Runaways" playlist, BD-Live. (Sony).

Super Why! Attack of the Eraser (2010) Four new educational adventures have Super Why and his super friends practice spelling, use the power to read and investigate rhyming words in order to change the outcome of the story and save the day. Extras: Music videos, resources for parents, printable activities, coloring pages. (Paramount/PBS Kids).

Sutures (2009) Andrew Prine, Jason London, Carlos Lauchu, Allison Lange, Kate French. A mercenary surgeon, a sociopathic business man and his demonic staff will stop at nothing to prevail in the sale of black market body parts. (MTI Home Video).

Tenderloin (2009) Kurt Yaeger, Charles Branklyn, Jack Indiana, Tina Huang. An angry and wounded Iraq War vet moves into San Francisco's seedy Tenderloin neighborhood to lose himself in drinking, but finds instead a closer relationship with his young son, a tenement hotel full of exquisitely odd characters, and a red-hot lady. (Vanguard Cinema).

Tin Man (2007) Zooey Deschanel, Richard Dreyfuss, Neal McDonough, Alan Cumming, Raoul Trujillo, Kathleen Robertson. In this cyber-twisted update of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," a leather-clad, soul-sucking sorceress named Azkadellia has scorched the once-beautiful O.Z. into a desolate wasteland, and its only hope is with an "outsider" named DG, a young Midwestern woman whose troubling dreams have summoned her to the doomed paradise. Syfy Channel series. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Vivendi Entertainment).

Vampire Knight: Volume 1 (2008) Four original and uncut episodes of the anime series, $24.98. (Warner).

White House Revealed (2009) The Smithsonian Networks takes you on an insider's tour -- where most visitors can't go -- to meet the people who make the world's most famous house a home, with fascinating, behind-the-scenes stories. Narrated by Martin Sheen. $14.98. (Infinity Entertainment Group).

The Wronged Man (2009) Julia Ormond, Mahershalalhashbaz Ali, Lisa Arrindell Anderson. Lifetime telefilm tells the true story of Janet Gregory, a single mother and paralegal struggling to overcome doubts about Calvin Willis, an African-American husband and father wrongfully accused of raping a neighborhood girl; she takes Calvin's pro bono case and wages a dramatic and stormy 22-year battle with the justice system that ultimately redeems an unjustly accused man and cements a life-long friendship. Extras: "Discovering the Truth: The Making of The Wronged Man." (Sony).

X's and O's (2007) Clayne Crawford, Judy Marte, Warren Christie, Sarah Wright. A tight-knit group of San Francisco friends navigate the real world, post-college dating scene. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Kedar Korde, trailers, deleted scenes, gag reel. (Rivercoast Films).

Fourth Candidate in Upcoming Delta By-Election?

Maria Devries with BC Liberal Health Minister Kevin Falcon, Alpha Aviation President Sandra Stoddart-Hansen and former Delta South MLA Val Roddick

It would seem that there is a fourth candidate preparing to join the race for the City of Delta Council seat left vacant by the untimely passing of Councilor George Hawksworth.

A search of the Internet has uncovered that long-time provincial Liberal Maria Devries is in the process of declaring her candidacy in the upcoming by-election. Her website mariadevries.org has recently undergone a face-lift and includes the headline, "Maria DeVries for Delta Council 2010".

The former president of the local Liberal Riding Association is also a past president of the Delta Chamber of Commerce, a founding member of the Tilbury Eco-Industrial Partnership, and has been a strong advocate for Port Expansion and the building of the South Fraser Perimeter Road. As well, Devries was one of the few people who turned up at the Metro Vancouver board hearing in support of omitting agricultural land from Metro's 'Green Zone' to facilitate Ron Toigo's Tsawwassen Golf Course Development.

Maria Devries is probably best known for giving up her Liberal MLA candidacy to allow Wally Oppal, the Attorney General at the time, to be acclaimed as the candidate for the Delta South riding. Her reasons for stepping down were that, "the riding needs strong leadership and an effective voice." Wally Oppal was rejected by the citizens in Delta South in favour of independent candidate Vicki Huntington.

It is still unknown when Ms. DevRies will announce her candidacy but the announcement will likely give land developers and big business a champion to back in South Delta.

To date there are three declared candidates in the upcoming by-election. Sylvia Bishop, Sandeep Pandher, and Kathleen Higgins. Of course, the nomination period doesn't start until August 3rd so anything could happen between now and then.

Student Police Academy 2010 Graduation

Delta Police Celebrating the 6th Student Academy Class

Several months ago grade 11and 12 students were asked to submit applications to their School Liaison Officers to participate in a DPD Student Police Academy. The applicants then went through a selection process to identify the best candidates to participate in the week long camp that commenced July 05 and concluded on July 13, 2010.

On July 13 2010 sixteen young men and four young women also known as “Class 6” stood a little taller with a little more pride and appreciation having successfully completed this rigorous camp. The week long camp included Drill, Firearms/Driver training/Physical Fitness/Legal Studies/Control Tactics and Operational Scenarios.

The class valedictorian, Jelisa Massoud concluded her speech stating what the class had learned, “…..most importantly, your team is your team, you train together, you sweat together, you suffer together and you win together. Thank you guys for being an awesome team and thank you so much constables for giving us an experience we will never forget.” Although this particular youth initiative is driven by the School Liaison and Recruiting Sections of the Delta Police Department there were several police officers involved in delivering the Student Academy training.

After having inspected the Academy Students, Chief Cessford stated in his speech that, “This is an excellent program and allows young people a glimpse of what our officers experience in training and in their day to day duties. . I am proud of the hard work that our officers put into not only this program but other youth initiatives. I also appreciate the effort of each student during this challenging week. I look forward to seeing some of them graduating from the Justice Institute as Delta Police Recruits.”

The students learned that police-work is a team-effort focused on turning individual skills into collective ability. Overall, the graduates of the Student’s Police Academy were thrilled by the new experiences they were exposed to, thankful for the opportunity to sample policing as a career, happy to have made new friends, and anxious to explore further the possibilities of becoming a member of the Delta Police Department.

DVD Releases Tuesday July 13, 2010

This Week's Top Pick:
Greenberg Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) is single, fortyish and deliberately doing nothing. In search of a place to restart his life, he agrees to house-sit for his successful/married-with-children brother in L.A. and tries to reconnect with his former bandmate (Rhys Ifans) and ex-girlfriend (Jennifer Jason Leigh). But old friends aren't necessarily still best friends, and Greenberg soon finds himself forging a connection with his brother's much younger personal assistant, Florence (Greta Gerwig), an aspiring singer and also something of a lost soul. Over the course of several weeks, and despite his best attempts not to be drawn in, Greenberg and Florence manage to form a tentative and wonderfully vulnerable connection, and he comes to realize that he may at last have found a reason to be happy. It's an examination of how funny, and terribly unpredictable, love in the modern world can be. Vitals: Director: Noah Baumbach. Stars: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rhys Ifans, Greta Gerwig, Chris Messina. 2010, CC, MPAA rating: R, 108 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $3.923 million, Universal.



THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

The Backyardigans: Operation Elephant Drop (2010) Four new-to-DVD episode of The Backyardigans, in which five high-spirited neighbors meet in their adjoining backyards and use their imaginations to transform themselves into different locations for epic adventures; $16.98. (Nick/Paramount).

Bounty Hunter, The (2010) Jennifer Aniston, Gerard Butler, Christine Baranski, Jeff Garlin, Gio Perez, Joel Garland, Jason Kolotouros. Extras: Three featurettes: "Making of The Bounty Hunter." "Stops Along the Road: Hunting Locations" and "Rules for Outwitting a Bounty Hunter." Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds movieIQ+sync, BD-Live and a digital copy. (Sony).

Caillou: Caillou's Fun Outside (2010) Four new-to-DVD episodes featuring 14 fun-filled outdoor adventures; $14.99. Extras: Interactive games, music videos, parents' information, coloring pages. (Paramount/PBS Kids).

Caught in the Crossfire (2010) Chris Klein, Adam Rodriguez, 50 Cent, Christine Lakin, Michael Matthias. Two detectives investigating a gang-related crime find themselves targeted by both gang members and crooked cops. Extras: Outtakes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Lionsgate).

Chloe (2010) Director: Atom Egoyan; Stars: Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Max Thieriot. Extras: Commentary by Amanda Seyfried, director Atom Egoyan and writer Erin Cressida Wilson ; deleted scenes; "Introducing Chloe: The Making of Chloe directed by Atom Egoyan." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Diary of a Nymphomaniac (2008 -- Spanish) Belen Fabra, Geraldine Chaplin. A young woman's quest for sexual fulfillment brings her to unimagined heights, as she beds countless strangers, becomes mistress to a man in a committed relationship, then the kept woman of a rich businessman, and ultimately a high-priced prostitute who may have found true love at last. (IFC Films).

The Film Noir Classic Collection Volume 5 Legendary Hollywood tough guys and femme fatales collide in eight smoldering suspense classics, all new to DVD in the latest Film Noir four-disc set. Titles include "Cornered" (1945) with Dick Powell; "Desperate" (1947), directed by Anthony Mann and starring Steve Brodie; "The Phenix City Story" (1955); "Dial 1119" (1950); "Armored Car Robbery" (1950), directed by Richard Fleischer; "Crime in the Streets" (1956), directed by Don Siegel and starring John Cassavetes; "Deadline at Dawn" (1946) and "Backfire "(1950), directed by Vincent Sherman and starring Gordon MacRae, Edmond O'Brien and Virginia Mayo. $49.92. (Warner).

Girl by the Lake (2007 -- Italy) Toni Servillo, Denis Fasolo, Nello Mascia. The body of a young woman is found in a small and quiet town in North Italy and a detective from the nearby main city is called upon to solve the mystery. Based on Karin Fossum's series of award-winning mystery novels. (IFC Films).

The Greatest (2009) Carey Mulligan, Aaron Johnson, Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon, Johnny Simmons. A grief-stricken couple whose family has been pushed to the breaking point by the accidental death of their oldest son, Bennett, are forced to explore the depths of their empathy when a young woman shows up a few months later announcing that she's pregnant with Bennett's child. Extras: Interviews with director Shana Feste and actors Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon and Johnny Simmons. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (National Entertainment Media).

Greenberg (2010)Director: Noah Baumbach; Stars: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rhys Ifans, Greta Gerwig, Chris Messina. Extras: "A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Greenberg" featurette, "Greenberg Loves Los Angeles" featurette, "Noah Baumbach Takes a Novel Approach" featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds BD-LIVE, pocket BLU and Socal BLU. (Universal).

How to Make Love to a Woman (2010) Josh Meyers, Krysten Ritter, Ian Somerhalder. After sex one night, Andy, a music executive with no idea how to satisfy his girlfriend, turns to advice from his fellow musician pals as well as adult film legend Jenna Jameson (playing herself), but finds time running out when his girl's handsome childhood friend appears. But even with the help of his friends, a bombshell porn star and tantric experts, Andy continues to stumble in the bedroom ... until he discovers the L word. (E1 Entertainment).

Middle of Nowhere (2008) Susan Sarandon, Anton Yelchin, Eva Amurri, Justin Chatwin, Scott A. Martin, Willa Holland. Melodrama about two teenage girls, trapped in a small town and under the thumb of their dysfunctional mother (who squanders one of the daughters' chances to go to college by running up credit cards in the girl's name, wrecking her credit) who enter into dysfunctional relationships with two rich boys. Extras: Making of "Middle of Nowhere" featurette, cast and crew interviews, deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XVIII. Collectible four-disc box set with "Lost Continent," "Crash of the Moons," "The Beast of Yucca Flats" and "Jack Frost." $59.97. Extras: Four limited-edition mini-posters by artist Steve Vance, "Mystery Science Theater Hour" wraps, "No Dialogue Necessary: Making an 'Off-Camera Masterpiece'," "Coleman Francis: The Cinematic Poet of Parking," stills gallery, more. (Shout! Factory).

My Year Without Sex (2009 -- Australia) Sacha Horler, Matt Day, Jonathan Segat, Portia Bradley. Facing tight finances, uncertain jobs and wild kids, a married couple find themselves in a strange predicament when the wife's doctors advise her that a medical condition will prevent them from having sex for an entire year. (Strand Releasing).

Nickelodeon: First Day of School (2010) Five episodes from Nick series: "Dora the Explorer: First Day of School," "Go, Diego, Go!: Linda the Librarian," "Blue's Clues: Blue Takes You to School," "The Wonder Pets!: Off to School/Save the Pangaroo" and "Ni Hao, Kai-lan: Lulu Day"; $16.99. (Paramount).

Our Family Wedding (2010) Forest Whitaker, Carlos Mencia, Lance Gross, America Ferrera, Regina King, Diana-Maria Riva, Shannyn Sossamon, Charlie Murphy. Extras: Deleted scenes, the director's cut ending, extended scene, "Til Dads Do Us Part" featurette, gag reel. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

Ozu: The Only Son/There Was a Father: Two Films by Yasujiro Ozu These rare early films from Yasujiro Ozu ("Tokyo Story") are considered by many to be two of the Japanese director's finest works, paving the way for a career among the most sensitive and significant in film history. "The Only Son" (1936) and "There Was a Father" (1942) make a graceful pair, bookending a crucial period in Japanese history. In the former, Ozu's first sound film, made during a time of intense economic crisis, a mother sacrifices her own happiness for her son's education; the latter, released in the midst of World War II, stars Ozu stalwart Chishu Ryu as a widowed schoolteacher trying to raise a son despite financial hardship. Extras: New video interviews with Japanese film scholar Tadao Sato and film scholars David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson, authors of "Film Art"; booklets featuring essays by film scholar Tony Rayns and reprints of pieces by actor Chishu Ryu and scholar Donald Richie. (The Criterion Collection).

Parasomnia (2008) Cherilyn Wilson, Dylan Purcell, Jeffrey Combs. Laura Baxter suffers from a bizarre medical condition that keeps her in an almost constant dream state, literally sleeping her life away. While confined to her hospital bed, art student Danny Sloan falls in love with her, unaware that a terrifying mass murderer is attempting to take possession of her mind. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (E1 Entertainment).

Psych: The Complete Fourth Season (2009-10) Four-disc set with 16 episodes, $59.98. (Universal).

Saint John of Las Vegas (2009) Steve Buscemi, Sarah Silverman, Romany Malco, Peter Dinklage, John Cho, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Tim Blake Nelson. A compulsive gambler (Steve Buscemi) has finally beaten the habit, started a new life, and said farewell to Las Vegas for good ..or so he thought ... until his new boss sends him back to Sin City to investigate a shady insurance claim, putting all the chips back on the table in this indie comedy. (Vivendi Entertainment).

Saving Grace The Final Season (2009) Five-disc set with 19 episodes, $49.98. (Fox).

Saving Marriage (2006) Documentary about the struggle to legalize same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. $24.98. (E1 Entertainment).

SpongeBob SquarePants: Triton's Revenge (2010) Seven SpongeBob episodes, featuring "The Clash of Triton," in which SpongeBob's attempt to humor King Neptune at his 5,000th birthday celebration at the Krusty Krab goes awry. $16.99. (Nick/Paramount).

Street Hawk: The Complete Series (1985) Four-disc set with all 12 episodes, plus the pilot episode, $39.97. Extras: Never-before-aired pilot featuring different Street Hawk firepower; "Street Hawk, The Making of a Legend" new documentary featuring Rex Smith, Joe Regalbuto and Jeannie Wilson; stills galleries; episode synopsis; eight-page collectors booklet. (Shout! Factory).

The Super Hero Squad Show: Quest for the Infinity Sword! Volume 1 (2009) First six episodes from the first season of this action-packed animated series featuring super-stylized versions of Marvel Comic's popular characters (including Captain America, Silver Surfer, Thor, Hulk, Wolverine and Iron Man) with a comedic twist. $14.93. Extras: A new interview with Stan Lee , hero and villain character profiles. (Shout! Factory).

Thomas & Friends: Creaky Cranky (2010) Four new episodes featuring the railroad gang from Sodor: "Creaky Cranky," "Tickled Pink," "Steamy Sodor" and "Early Bird," $14.98. (HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate).

2:37 (2006 -- Australia) Teresa Palmer, Frank Sweet, Sam Harris. Moving back and forth in time to present repeated scenes from various characters' points of view, this drama covers one awful day at an Australian high school: An unidentified student has been found dead in a restroom, an apparent suicide, and the movie then unfolds to reveal what led up to the tragedy, focusing on six students who each harbor a secret, including a popular jock, an awkward outcast, a fragile beauty, an academic overachiever and a closet homosexual. (IFC Films).

Vivere (2007 -- Germany) Esther Zimmering, Kim Schnitzer, Hannelore Elsner. A romantic drama about three women on the run, saving each other, and, ultimately, saving themselves. On Christmas Eve, Francesca sets out for Rotterdam in order to find her little sister, who has run off with her musician boyfriend. On the way, she picks up Gerlinde, a heartbroken older woman at the end of her rope. (E1 Entertainment).

White Collar Season One (2009-10) Four-disc set with 14 episodes, $69.99. Extras: Cast and writer commentary, gag reel, deleted scenes, three behind-the-scenes featurettes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

Zift (2008 -- Bulgaria) Zahary Baharov, Tanya Ilieva , Vladimir Penev. Bulgarian film noir. It's the 1960s and a Bulgarian man known as Moth has been paroled after serving time for a murder he didn't commit. Shortly after Moth was sent to prison, Bulgaria fell under Communist rule, and now, as this hard-luck brawler emerges from captivity, he no longer recognizes his hometown. Sofia is a city in decay, brought low by 20 years of totalitarianism. Moth, a sort of 20th-century Eastern European Rip Van Winkle, must make his way in a strange and disorienting land, a shadow world of killers, con men, agents, outcasts, old partners and a former lover turned femme fatale. (IFC Films).

Southlands the Facts Wins Award for Best Community Activists’ Group

Photograph by : Les Bazso, PNG

On Thursday, the South Delta Leader Newspaper revealed the Award Winners in their Annual “Best of South Delta” Competition. Local residents voted in a variety of categories and Southlands the Facts won for best community activists’ group while co-founder Dana Maslovat was runner-up for best community leader. In addition, the Southlands was voted best green space in South Delta.

“We are honoured to have received such strong support from the community,” stated Dana Maslovat, one of the organizers of Southlands the Facts, “it speaks to the passion that the residents of South Delta have to ensure the community’s valuable green space is maintained.”

Southlands The Facts is a community based grass-roots organization, which was formed earlier this year in order to provide all citizens with the facts regarding Southlands development. It is made up of a number of volunteers from Tsawwassen who strongly believe in ensuring a fair democratic process is used to guide the future of the community.

Tsawwassen has currently been undergoing a review of their Area Plan, which involves the future of the highly controversial piece of land known as the Southlands. A recent Ipsos Reid poll of the community showed clear majority support (62%) for no development on the Southlands and the maintenance of the agricultural designation.

This piece of farmland was the cause of the longest public hearing in Commonwealth history and a resident run plebiscite in 1989, which prevented a 2000 unit development that was proposed for the same property.

What Would Elvis Do? Businesses Treated Unfairly

I recently asked readers to send in their questions so I could answer them without any bias or double speak. Just clear answers to whatever is on your mind. That way when your having troubles forming an opinion you can always ask, "What Would Elvis Do?"


This question comes from a business owner upset about the fact that businesses aren't being treated fairly when it comes to the survey on the Southlands development

----- begin email

I run a retail store in Tsawwassen and I take great offense to the way the Delta Free Press has covered the development proposal for the Southlands. Your reporting is always very one sided and it is fairly obvious you have a hidden agenda. In an article about the recent survey you go so far as to make the statement, "In contrast, businesses were less concerned with the survey as only 106 of the 360 surveys sent out to businesses were returned."

Let me be very clear on this point. Businesses are concerned about the Southlands development and the results that came back from the businesses (62% in favour of 'some' development) tell this story. I know if you had your way our opinion wouldn't count for anything. As business owners we provide our neigbours with goods and services locally so they don't have to drive all the way to Richmond to shop. As business owners, we rely on our neighbours to shop at our stores to keep us in business. I have seen a decline in business as the population continues to drop. This development will revitalize our town. If we don't allow more people in Tsawwassen you will see even more schools shut down and more businesses will be forced to close down.

How can you be so unreasonable when it comes to developing the Southlands? It's you and your kind that are standing in the way of a compromise that could bring peace to this parcel of land and provide the much needed population growth to stop us from becoming a ghost town. Do you want everyone to have to drive to Richmond to do all their shopping? That would make Costco happy wouldn't it?

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Dear "business owner",

Let me begin by apologizing regarding the comment about businesses being less concerned. I know that as a business owner you must be very concerned. You have taken a lot of risk setting up business in a small town and you rely on the community to support your livelihood. You are a valuable part of Tsawwassen and your opinion does matter.

I can understand your frustrations but I disagree that this development will bring in enough economic benefits to offset the irreparable damage it will do to the environment, ecology, and culture. I believe it is for these reasons that the community has opposed this development time and time again. There is an economic benefit of having a larger customer base and it's hard to deny that more people equals more business which equals more money. The problem with this equation is that at some point the population growth reaches a point where it attracts the 'Big Box' stores and when they move in it puts such a strain on local businesses that they are unable to compete. I think preserving our rural culture and controlling growth is far more beneficial to the small shops that line 56th Street.

I don't think that putting in a couple thousand houses on the Southlands is the answer for business. Tsawwassen is a very unique community and has the potential to become a destination for specialty shopping. I believe the number I heard was 2 million people use the ferries each year. If we could attract more of them into our town center that would be a larger benefit than any mass housing development. Besides, who would want to shop on a street that is overwhelmed with dump truck after dump truck bringing in fill to the Southlands.

If I were running a business in Tsawwassen I would stand up vocally against the Southlands development. Retail is reliant upon on the loyalty of 'your neighbours' and 'your neighbours' have voted overwhelmingly against this development over and over again. Why would I want to defy my customers and give them a reason to boycott my shop. It's just bad business. As a matter of fact, I think that opposing something as unpopular as this development could only be good for business.

As for being concerned? I think the biggest concern I would have if I were running a retail store in Tsawwassen is the proposed shopping center to be located on the Tsawwassen First Nations land. Rumour has it that WalMart and the Home Depot have already signed agreements to open stores on the TFN land. That is less than a five minute drive away from the Tsawwassen town center. I would be doing whatever I could to stop it completely or mitigate the terrible effects it will have on business.

In a nutshell, I would stand behind my community in opposition to the Southlands and I would rally as much support as I could to encourage the TFN to not allow 'Big Box' stores.

And that is "What Elvis Would Do!"

* The identity of the letter writer has been withheld to prevent any unnecessary conflict that may result between the business owner and the community. I do support local shops and want to see them thrive. I have heard that some business owners who came forward to speak at the TAP meetings in support of development have been boycotted by people in the community. If the shop owner wishes to be identified I will do so upon their request.

Oil BP Parody

Local Troupe Spoofs BP in Music Video

You Down with Oil BP?

A talented group of performers from the Sunshine Coast recently collaborated on a music video in an effort to draw more attention to the environmentally devestating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico by oil giant BP. Lampooning the 1991 hit song 'O.P.P.' by Naughty by Nature, videographer Marc Buzzel wrote all new lyrics and changed the iconic tagline, "Who's Down with O.P.P." to "Who's down with Oil BP".

Shot in two days, Marc enlisted the help of John Jamin a local musician and recording artist and Johanna Renee a very talented hip hop artist to provide the vocals along with Caitlyn Turcotte. The video features the three of them performing the parody with former longtime Delta resident Duane Burnett, who plays BP CEO Tony Hayward's alter ego named 'Tony Haywire'.

Filmed entirely on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia this video has been getting a lot of attention on the Internet garnering over 5000 views in under 3 days. A number that is likely to increase exponentially over the next few weeks.

DVD Releases Tuesday July 6, 2010

This Weeks Pick:
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Forty years ago, Harriet Vanger disappeared from a family gathering on the island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger clan. Her body was never found, yet her uncle is convinced it was murder and that the killer is a member of his own tightly knit but dysfunctional family. He employs disgraced financial journalist Mikael Blomkvist and a tattooed, ruthless computer hacker, Lisbeth Salander, to investigate. When the pair link Harriet's disappearance to a number of grotesque murders from almost 40 years ago, they begin to unravel a dark and appalling family history. But the Vangers are a secretive clan, and Blomkvist and Salander are about to find out just how far they are prepared to go to protect themselves. Highest grossing Swedish film in history. In Swedish with English subtitles. Adapted from the first part of deceased mystery writer Stieg Larsson's "Millenium Series" trilogy. The second film in the series, "The Girl Who Played With Fire," will be released theatrically July 9. An American remake, written by Steve Zallian and directed by David Fincher, is due in 2012. Vitals: Director: Niels Arden Oplev. Stars: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre, Peter Haber, Sven-Bertil Taube. 2009, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 152 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $10.057 million, Music Box Films.
THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Bitten (2008) Jason Mewes, Erica Cox. A lovelorn paramedic rescues a woman left for dead after a deadly assault and takes her home to mend after she refuses to go to the hospital. As he begins to fall for her, one thing gets in the way: she appears to be a vampire. Syfy channel thriller. (Vivendi Entertainment/RHI Entertainment).

Brooklyn's Finest (2010) Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke, Wesley Snipes, Will Patton, Lili Taylor, Brian F. O'Byrne, Shannon Kane, Ellen Barkin. Extras: Commentary by director Antoine Fuqua; "Chaos & Conflict: The Life of a New York Cop"; "Boyz N the Real Hood"; "An Eye for Detail" director featurette; "From the MTA to the WGA" writer featurette; deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds "Three Cops and a Dealer" character profile, digital copy. (Anchor Bay).

Classic Doctor Who. Five classic Doctor Who adventures: "The Time Monster" (the Jon Pertwee years 1970-1974), "The Space Museum/The Chase" (the William Hartnell years 1963-66), "Underworld" and "The Horns of Nimon" (the Tom Baker years 1974-1981); $24.98 each. (BBC/Warner).

Columbia Pictures Film Noir Classics II. Sony and Martin Scorsese's non-profit film preservation organization, The Film Foundation, partner once again to bring five more noir films to DVD for the first time, fully-restored and re-mastered. In this second volume, renowned directors Fritz Lang, Phil Karlson and Irving Lerner are joined by Jacques Tourneur and Richard Quine to take viewers on a dark journey among low-lifes and mobsters, cops and gun molls, and the dim-witted, hapless pawns who forever changed the landscape of cinema, and whose doomed paths are as disturbing today as when they were first committed to film. Fritz Lang's "Human Desire" (1954), starring Glenn Ford, Gloria Grahame and Broderick Crawford; "Pushover" (1954), starring Fred MacMurray, Kim Novak, E.G. Marshall, Philip Carey and Dorothy Malone; Jacques Tourneur's "Nightfall" (1957), starring Brian Keith, Aldo Ray and Anne Bancroft; "The Brothers Rico" (1957), starring Richard Conti, Dianne Foster and James Darren; and "City of Fear" (1958), starring Vince Edwards. Extras: Featurettes: "Martin Scorsese on The Brothers Rico," "Pulp Paranoia" with Christopher Nolan, "Terror and Desire" with Emily Mortimer, original theatrical trailers. Five-disc set, $59.95.

Dark Blue: The Complete First Season (2009) All 10 episodes available via disc-on-demand only at WBshop.com (www.wbshop) and the TNT store (http://shop.tnt.tv/) for $29.95 SRP. (Warner).

Dragnet 1968: Season 2 (1968) Six-disc set with 28 episodes, $44.99. Extras: "Jack Webb -- The Man Behind Badge 714": A discussion with Peggy Webber, Tom Williams, Jackie Loughery, Herb Ellis and more; "Dragnet 1966" pilot movie; vintage "Dragnet" 1969 trailer; commemorative booklet. (Shout! Factory).

ER: The Complete Thirteenth Season (2006-07) Six-disc set with 23 episodes, $49.98. Extras: "Outpatient Outtakes": Unaired scenes. (Warner).

Everybody Loves Raymond: Seasons 8 & 9 (2003-05) Nine-disc set with 38 episodes, $27.98. (HBO)

Eyeborgs (2009) Adrian Paul, Megan Blake, Luke Eberl. In the near future, robotic cameras -- Eyeborgs -- created to protect citizens from terrorism instead seemingly are involved in a series of odd murders, leading an agent for the Department of Homeland Security to investigate links between the Eyeborg computer network and a presidential assassination plot. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).

Gamera vs. Barugon -- Special Edition (1966) Second film in the original series. Widescreen presentation of the original movie from an all-new HD master. Extras: Collectible reversible cover, booklet featuring an essay by actor Kojiro Hongo, commentary, publicity galleries, more. (Shout! Factory).

Get Smart: Seasons 3-4 (1967-69) Eight-disc set with 52 episodes, $27.98. (HBO).

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2010) Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre, Peter Haber, Sven-Bertil Taube Extras: Interview with Noomi Rapace, interview with director Niels Arden Oplev, "The Vanger Family Tree." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Music Box Films).

Have Gun Will Travel: The Fourth Season, Volume 2 (1961) Three-disc set with 19 episodes, $39.99. (Paramount).

Life on Mars: The Complete UK Collection (2006-07) Eight-disc set with all 18 episodes, $79.99. Extras: Commentaries, two documentaries, three featurettes, outtakes, more. (Acorn Media).

Return to Lonesome Dove (1993) Jon Voight, Barbara Hershey, Reese Witherspoon, Rick Schroder, Louis Gossett Jr. Two-disc set of Larry McMurtry's adventure that follows three ex-Texas Rangers through riotous battles, deadly gunfights, soaring triumphs and shattered dreams. (Vivendi Entertainment).

Rhoda: Season 3 (1976-77) Four-disc set with 24 episodes, $29.93. (Vivendi).

A Single Man (2009) Stars: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode,, Ginnifer Goodwin,, Nicholas Hoult, Lee Pace. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Tom Ford, making-of featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds movieIQ+sync and BD-Live that connects to real-time information on the cast, music, trivia and more while watching the movie. (Sony).

Touching Evil: The Complete Collection (1997-99) Five-disc set with all 16 episodes of the U.K. series that inspired the 2004 U.S. series starring Jeffrey Donovan, Vera Farmiga and Bradley Cooper. $79.99. (Acorn Media).

Discovery Workshops in Burns Bog

Learn about the environment while having a great time

Join the Burns Bog Conservation Society this Saturday (July 10) for a day of fun events and informative workshops. Registration is required for this day of family oriented activities. A minimum $10 donation is suggested to help cover costs.

The day starts at 9am for an exciting walk through the Bog while being shown all the best bird watching techniques from Tom Bears, the President of the Delta Naturalist Society.

11am-1pm treat your children to an educational session with seasoned educator Roberta Price on First Nations culture and the importance of their heritage, while completing a craft to take home.

1pm-3pm join Ursula Easterbrook, a member of the Delta Naturalist Society, for a lesson on ‘environmentally conscious’ photography and take your new skills for a test drive in the Delta Nature Reserve. This workshop is great for youth and adults of all skill levels.

3pm – 4pm join Dr. Holly Fourchalk for a ‘Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise’ seminar. With a simple and effective style of providing innovative leadership, 'Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise' provides a number of integrative learning options to maximize each of these important aspects of life.

The walk and sessions are being held at the Delta Nature Reserve/Burns Bog located at 10388 Nordel Court, Delta. For more information and to register, contact Katie (604) 572 – 0373.

City Hall Requires Muzzle on Delta Optimist Pit Bull

Editorial Preface by Elvis Glazier

It's never a good sign when politicians and bureaucrats flex their muscles against reporters and I for one think the recent pressure put on Ted Murphy, editor of the Delta Optimist, by Mayor Lois Jackson and Delta City Council is beyond reproach. I can only imagine the tactics they used to make the Optimist print a retraction and apology.

Recently, in a community column written by Debbie McBride and published by the Delta Optimist, Lois Jackson and Coun. Scott Hamilton were called out for their conduct and behavior when dealing with Metro Vancouver and some Fraser Valley communities on the issue of building garbage incinerators that would pollute the Fraser Valley's air. The column then went on to report the recent blocking of of Ramsar status for Burns Bog by Jackson and the City of Delta. It would seem these comments (facts?) struck a nerve with the long time Delta Mayor and council and they demanded a retraction and apology, citing their motivations for stopping the Ramsar designation in its tracks.

Regardless of motives, let's be very clear on the main point of Debbie McBride's article:

Mayor Lois Jackson, Councilor Scott Hamilton, the City of Delta, and the rest of City Council have prevented Metro Vancouver from getting Ramsar status for Burns Bog.

Now for the matter of their motives and the apology strong armed out of the Delta Optimist there is a saying, "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."

I have received many letters and emails regarding the stalling of Ramsar status, McBride's article, the retraction, and questionable (read: profitable) land use re-designations (ie. environmentally sensitive land being rezoned light industrial). The letter I have chosen to publish was not addressed to the Delta Free Press. It was in fact sent to Ted Murphy of the Delta Optimist. It is doubtful that it will ever be published in print so I have decided to include it here.

Now for the letter

Delta Optimist: Letter to the Editor

Dear Sir,

June 26 edition: I was surprised that the Delta Optimist apologized to Delta Mayor and Council because the Council objected to remarks in a Community Comment column. Apparently, Delta Council objected to the contention that the municipality is standing in the way of a Ramsar designation for Burns Bog. Delta Council wants to make clear that it supports a Ramsar application but first wants to add additional properties to the covenant on Burns Bog. Delta’s position is noble. However, for several years there has been intent, but no action, to add properties to the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area. In 2004, Councilor Guy Gentner put forward a motion to view all land areas in Burns Bog as candidates for protection. The Management Plan of 2007 included plans for the addition of 2 properties and documented the benefit of seeking a Ramsar designation.

It is very unfortunate that stalling on adding publicly-owned lands to the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy has resulted in plans to build the South Fraser Perimeter Road through unprotected Burns Bog properties. The new freeway is planned within the unprotected hydrological boundary of Burns Bog. Government scientists have warned that the freeway “poses risks to key ecological functions required for the long term viability of Burns Bog.”

The Ramsar Convention Secretariat has published a Handbook on Designating Ramsar Sites. Page 20 advises that particular attention is needed to protect sites from potentially damaging activities, especially those likely to cause hydrological disturbance. Applicants are advised to maintain hydrological functions needed to conserve the international importance and integrity of the site.

So have our various levels of government been stonewalling attempts to move forward with the job of protecting the ecological viability of Burns Bog? You bet they have and we all know why.

Sincerely,


Susan Jones

Sources of Information

Handbook on Designating Ramsar Sites
http://www.ramsar.org/pdf/lib/lib_handbooks2006_e14.pdf

Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area Management Plan
http://www.metrovancouver.org/about/publications/Publications/BurnsBogManagementPlan.pdf

Environment Canada quote from Technical Comments to the South Fraser Perimeter Road Environmental Assessment, November 19, 2007, Page 29 of 93