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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Sustainable Immigration

Is There a Right Mix?

Tamil Refugee GirlBy Alex Sangha - An effective immigration policy can lead to a renaissance of ideas, initiative, and investment throughout Canada.

The five pillars of an effective immigration policy can include strategies to fill labour shortages; attract investor immigrants; reunite children and families; provide humanitarian relief for people escaping persecution; and help populate and develop socially and economically depressed areas.

My principle of “sustainable immigration” basically means that Canada should aim for the right mix of the above five pillars to maximize the net benefit to the country while taking into consideration the needs of the global immigrant community.

The recent boatload of Tamil refugees leaves Canada in a delicate situation. The Canadian government needs to apply its immigration policy equally and fairly for all refugees without damaging its international reputation as a caring and compassionate nation.

The tone coming from the Harper government is playing on racist elements in society and is not helping the situation.

Canada after all is a country largely built by immigrants. The early European settlers all arrived here by boat just like the Tamil refugees.

In order to reduce public opposition to the arrival of the Tamil refugees, the South Asian and Tamil community in Canada can sponsor the refugees.

The upwards of $50,000 that was paid by the Tamils on the ship and their families, most likely from abroad, should have been paid to the Canadian government to process legitimate immigration applications and help with the transition of the refugees into Canadian society.

The root source of the problem is that there is an inequity of resources and opportunity in the developing world. People want to leave to find a better life.

The solution is to help the developing countries improve the quality of life of their citizens. Canada can play a role in improving systems of democracy, justice, human rights, multiculturalism, and social infrastructure such as universal health care and public education.

The basic needs and fundamental rights of people all over the world have to be protected, enshrined, and guaranteed in international treaties and enforced by local laws.

The idea of the sovereign nation state with the power to make or break any laws it wants opens the door to absolute corruption. Countries need to abide by a set of internationally agreed upon rules and regulations if we want to see some peace on this planet and stability on the immigration front.

Canada and Australia are a couple of the relatively wealthy and developed countries that have a huge territory and small population. They can absorb many more immigrants.

We need visionary leaders to come up with new ideas.

Canada can develop new well-planned, eco-friendly, hi-tech cities.

These cities can have no cars except hybrid taxis, electric buses, and emergency vehicles; support a vibrant local organic food market; implement extensive reduce, reuse, and recycling programs; and be located in beautiful, natural scenic settings with ample parkland, forest, mountains, beachfront, lakes, and harbour areas.

Vancouver is close to this ideal and it is not surprisingly one of the most livable and beautiful cities in the world. It is better to plan beautiful sustainable cities and let the people come settle instead of responding with piecemeal measures to control an expanding city with no overall or coherent design.

In other words, lets prepare for an influx of immigrants and population growth in Canada before social, economic, and political conditions in the world deteriorate and more and more people want to immigrate to Canada.

Where there is a will, there is a way. The immigrants will find one way or another to escape to better off lands whether legally or illegally!

The right mix of immigrants in Canada can lead to a larger domestic market and increased independence from the United States.

The added diversity to the population also helps Canada build social, cultural, economic, and political ties with the immigrants’ mother countries.

Immigration, helps, Canada be more globally competitive and be representative of the people of the Earth.

Alex Sangha is a Delta Resident and Registered Social Worker in BC. He is the Founder and President of Greenersteps.com For column ideas contact alex.sangha@deltafreepress.com

Council Accepts Agricultural Designation of Southlands

Tsawwassen Area Plan Southlands SurveyAt Monday’s Council Meeting, there was unanimous endorsement of the final report of the Tsawwassen Area Plan Committee (TAPC) and staff recommendation to draft a bylaw for the new TAP. This will be brought forward to the September 13th Council Meeting, with a date of October 26 & 27 set for a public hearing. The recommendation from Staff & the TAPC is to maintain the agricultural designation of the Southlands.

This follows an 8-1 vote in favour of agricultural designation from the final TAPC meeting, an Ipsos Reid survey showing clear majority support (62%) for maintaining the designation of the land as agricultural, and an earlier staff recommendation from Delta’s Chief Administrative Officer in June to maintain the agricultural designation.

“I’m glad that Council is respecting the will of the public,” stated Dana Maslovat, one of the organizers of Southlands the Facts, “We will stay vigilant to ensure the agricultural designation of the Southlands is maintained when they ratify Tsawwassen’s new Official Community Plan this fall.”

The potential re-designation of the Southlands agricultural land to accommodate a housing development is by far the most contentious component of the process undertaken to revise the existing Tsawwassen Area Plan. Any re-designation will change the Official Community Plan and open up the Southlands for a 1900 unit housing development by Century Holdings. 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.

DVD Releases Tuesday August 31, 2010

This Week's Top Pick:
Harry BrownHarry Brown Revenge flick. Set in modern day Britain, "Harry Brown" follows one man's journey through a chaotic world where teenage violence runs rampant. In this desolate urban wasteland, the residents live in fear of the drug dealers who rule the streets ... and the police offer little protection. As a modest, law abiding citizen, Brown lives alone; his only companion is his best friend Leonard. When Leonard is killed -- and Inspector Alice Frampton ("Shutter Island") can't convict the thugs who killed Harry's best friend, he decides to take the law into his own hands. Using skills honed as a Royal Marine, Harry begins to serve his own brand of justice, and no one will stop him. Vitals: Director: Daniel Barber. Stars: Michael Caine, Emily Mortiner, David Bradley, Iain Glen, Charlie Creed-Miles, Sean Harris, Ben Drew. 2010, CC, MPAA rating: R, 103 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $1.604 million, Sony.

THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Beatdown (2010) Rudy Youngblood, Michael Bisping, Susie Abromeit, Eric Balfour, Danny Trejo. Respected street fighter Brandon finds himself the target of dangerous gangsters who murdered his brother. He's forced to flee the city and hides out at his father's house in a small Southern town, where he soon gets involved in the local underground cage-fighting circuit and devises a way to get revenge. Extras: Behind the scenes featurette, "On the Set of Beatdown With Michael Bisping" featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Lionsgate).

Brother & Sisters: The Complete Fourth Season (2009-10) Six-disc set with 24 episodes, $45.99. Extras: Bloopers, Deleted Scenes, "Off the Clock" quality time with the cast and crew at three events off-set, "The Red Carpet" behind-the-scenes red carpet event at their Season 4 premiere party. (Disney).

FlashForward: The Complete Series (2009-10) Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.99. Extras: "Creating a Catastrophe: The Effects of a Global Blackout," "FlashForward: A Look Ahead," commentary, "Architects of Destiny," "Meet Yuko," "FlashForward" on set, interviews from the Mosaic Collective, blooper reel, deleted scenes. (Disney).

For My Wife ... (2008) Feature documentary chronicling the making of an activist. After the tragic death of her wife, Charlene Strong was thrust into the spotlight becoming a powerful voice for the equal rights of same-sex couples and their families, resulting in the passage of Washington State's historic Domestic Partnership legislation. $19.95. Extras: Gloria Steinem on marriage equality, "Meet the Filmmakers," more. (Cinema Libre).
French Film (2008) Hugh Bonneville, Victoria Hamilton, Douglas Henshall, Anne-Marie Duff. A comedy about how French and English cultures differ in their attitudes on relationships. (IFC Films).

Go, Diego, Go!: Diego's Ultimate Rescue League (2010) Three new-to-DVD episodes with the Animal Rescue League as they help Diego and his friends undergo a test to earn a World Rescuers' patch; help Bottlenose become an ocean animal rescuer by saving the ocean animals from a tsunami-like wave and a devastating oil spill; and climb a treacherous mountain to reunite Prince Vicuna with his parents, $16.99. (Paramount).

Harry Brown (2010) Michael Caine, Emily Mortiner, David Bradley, Iain Glen, Charlie Creed-Miles, Sean Harris, Ben Drew. Extras: Deleted scenes; commentary by Michael Caine, director Daniel Barber and producer Kris Thykier. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds movieIQ+sync. (Sony).

House: Season Six (2009-10) Five-disc set with 21 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Commentaries, featurettes: "Before Broken: An Eclusive Original Short," "A Different POV: Hugh Laurie Directs," "New Faces in a New House" and "A New House for House." Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds "A Beginner's Guide to Diagnostic Medicine" multi-disc picture-in-picture feaure, "Crazy Cool Episode: Epic Fail" featurette. (Universal).

iCarly: iSpace Out (2010) Six episodes of the very popular Nickelodeon series, $16.99. (Paramount).

The Judy Garland Show: Volume Five (1963-64) Featured guests in this star-studded, medley-filled two-episode set are Steve Allen, Mel Torme, Jayne Meadows, Diahann Carroll. Restored and digitally remastered from the original videotapes and digitally remixed sound in 5.1 surround sound. $19.98. (Infinity Entertainment).

Made for Each Other (2009) Bijou Phillips, Christopher Masterson, Lauren German. Comedy about an upstanding, hard-working young man who cheats on his beautiful new wife -- and then desperately searches for someone for her to cheat on him with! The question is: who will he choose to bed her? (IFC Films).

Marmaduke (2010) Lee Pace, Judy Greer, voices of Owen Wilson, George Lopez, Keifer Sutherland, Fergie. Extras: "Cowabarka! Surfing Dogs," "Canine Casting," deleted scenes. Also available in a Blu-Ray Disc/DVD Combo Pack, which adds "Marmaduke Mayhem!" gag reel, "Puppy Marmaduke and Kitty Carlos: Home Movies." (Fox).

The Middle (2009-10) Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $44.98. Extras: Featurettes, unaired scenes, gag reel. (Warner).

NCIS: Los Angeles -- The First Season (2009) Six-disc set with 24 episodes, $64.99. Extras: Parts 1 and 2 of the crossover episode "Legend" from "NCIS," which first introduced viewers to the Los Angeles team; behind-the-scenes features. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (CBS/Paramount).

OSS 117: Lost in Rio (2009 -- French) Jean Dujardin, Louise Monot, Rudiger Vogler. Sequel to the 2006 satirical spy spoof "OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies," which was a smash in its native France and a cult hit in the U.S. "Lost in Rio" once again stars French comedy sensation Dujardin as the ever-absurd Agent OSS 117. In his latest outing, it's 1967 and OSS 117's mission finds him partnering with a sexy Israeli Mossad agent (Monot) and traveling to swinging Rio de Janeiro to track down a roll of elusive microfilm and capture a high-ranking Nazi officer (Vogler) who has gone into exile in Brazil. Extras: Making-of featurette, blooper reel, deleted scenes. (Music Box Films).

Parenthood: Season One (2010) Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.98. (Universal).

A Quiet Little Marriage (2008) Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Cy Carter, Jimmi Simpson, Michael O'Neill. The future looks bright for a young and attractive Los Angeles couple, but beneath the surface of their wonderful life is a tangle of secrets, lies and pain. (IFC Films).

The Red Riding Trilogy (2009) Three films come together to form one overwhelming cinematic experience about a mysterious -- and perhaps related -- series of gruesome crimes in Northern England. Based on events that occurred over a turbulent decade in the West Riding district of Yorkshire, England, the films present a dark and disturbing world of serial murders, child abductions and police corruption. The three films are connected by recurring events and characters, chiefly a deeply conflicted police detective, Maurice Jobson (David Morrissey), and ruthless high-ranking official Harold Angus (Jim Carter). Three directors use a different method for each film: Julian Jarrold ("Becoming Jane") shoots in 16mm film for 1974; James Marsh ("Man on Wire") in 35mm for 1980; and Anand Tucker ("Leap Year," "Shopgirl") in digital video for 1983. In the end, they've created a modern crime epic in which no one escapes undamaged. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (IFC Films and MPI Media Group).

Sons of Anarchy Season Two (2009) Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Deleted Scenes, "John the Revelator" music video, gag reel, commentary on select episodes, "The Moral Code of Sons of Anarchy," "A Night Out With the Crew at Happy Endings Bar," "Sons of Anarchy Happy Ending Roundtable." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

Strawberry Shortcake: The Glimmerberry Ball Movie and Strawberry Shortcake: Berrywood Here We Come (2010) Two new Strawberry Shortcake features, $14.98 each. (Fox).

Tormented (2009) Alex Pettyfer, April Pearson, Dimitri Leonidas, Calvin Dean. A bullied teenager comes back from the dead to take revenge on his classmates. (IFC Films).

Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too? (2010) Janet Jackson, Michael Jai White, Tyler Perry, Tasha Smmith, Richard T. Jones, Louis Gossett Jr., Sharon Leal, Jill Scott, Denise Boutte, Malik Yoba, Cicely Tyson, Keesha Sharp. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Lionsgate).

The Vampire Diaries: The Complete First Season (2009-10) Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Four featurettes, unaired scenes, commentary, gag reel, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

The Waiting Room (2007) Anne-Marie Duff, Rupert Graves. Two complete strangers, Anna and Stephen, are brought together by chance by an elderly man who waits for his wife on a train station platform. (IFC Films).

Water Wars: When Drought, Flood and Greed Collide (2009) This timely documentary (particularly in the face of the current, immense flooding in Pakistan)uncovers critical water issues facing humanity. It takes the viewer from the floods and droughts in Bangladesh, to dam building in India, water management in the Netherlands and the latest wake-up call in America: the Katrina disaster and the drought in the Southwest. $19.95. (Cinema Libre).

Monday, August 30, 2010

Location Location Location

Metro to Build New Beach Concession

Metro Depictions of proposed cafe and washrooms on Tsawwassen's Centennial Beach
Artist Depictions of Proposed Facility
By Debbie McBride - There's been quite a lot in the news about "improvements" being done to Metro parks all over the Lower Mainland lately. From huge industrial looking sculptures in Deep Cove to our very own neck of the woods, Boundary Bay Regional Park.

Deep Cove's residents are fuming at the location and expense of placing a massive sculpture in front of what had been a natural view of trees, mountains and ocean. They question the need to place this piece, which has been described by some as a huge lighted muffler by the more polite, in a spot that mars the view of an exceptionally beautiful part of the world.

Of course, art's beauty is usually in the eye of the beholder, especially where modern art is concerned. However, where it is placed and who puts it there can create an altogether different story. And let's not forget the cost to the poor taxpayer who probably never was asked about it in the first place. That should be, especially today, a most important consideration.

Don't get me wrong, I love art in public places, especially if the artwork has been donated by a private benefactor and of course there has been a conversation with those who must see it every day.

We're facing much the same problem here at Boundary Bay Regional Park and most taxpaying members of the public don't even know about it. No, it's not a piece of artwork, it's a lot bigger and a whole lot more expensive.

Yes, the staff at Metro Parks have decided that Tsawwassen's Centennial Beach needs the benefit of it's largess and will be pouring a whack of your tax dollars into a project that isn't needed or even wanted.

I'm talking about the new washroom and so called concession stand that is slated to be built at the park to replace the old one. Don't get me wrong, the existing building is old and in need of upgrading or replacing but why we need to change it's location and turn it into a Taj Mahal of buildings is beyond me.

Here's what's proposed. Metro Vancouver wants to put in a change facility/washroom building at a different location north of the expanded playground. It will also build what Metro has admitted is more of a large cafe than a concession stand. And despite after 2 years of trying to get a private partner to operate a restaurant there, Metro still plans to build with the idea of putting one in there. Quite clearly, private industry has a far better handle on the economics of such a venture and declined, so why go ahead with the increased expense of doing so?

It's location is also in an area that is prone to flooding and will require fill to be brought in. There was a wonderful picture in the Delta Optimist the other day that showed the exact proposed area in the winter and it was covered in water. How does bringing in fill make any possible ecological sense when Boundary Bay Regional Park is supposed to be a natural and protected park and was part of the mitigation used for the displacement of wildlife by Vancouver Airport expansion? It doesn't.

I get that we need a new facility but why are we throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The current location is convenient for those who use Centennial Beach as a place to go for a day enjoying the picnic grounds, the beach and the water. The concession stand is close by and in a great location if you feel like a nosh, which is what it is very successful at providing. The current operator has great food and provides well for the market that's always been there and will continue to be.

The new location will require people to walk past a sensitive, protected area to get to the new facilities from the most used part of the park and it's highly unlikely a youngster who's gotta go is going to pay much attention to the pathways that have been established to protect the fragile areas of Boundary Bay.

There's an old saying that Metro really needs to take into consideration in all this. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

The current location for change and washrooms has served people extremely well and would continue to do so. It is clear that the need for a cafe/restaurant is just not there. Otherwise private industry would have been all over it. They weren't. What's next? A paved dyke so the ladies can enjoy their walks in heels?

Tsawwassen has a lot of privately owned, wonderful cafes already and they provide for takeout if it's needed. I see folks everyday, rain or shine, down at the beach, walking the dyke, drink in hand as they take in the beauty of the natural surroundings provided by the Big Guy(okay, person)upstairs for us.

If Metro really thinks it's important for people to have a place to sit down and enjoy that beauty, more benches would suffice and be much cheaper. From what I've seen, folks will even provide their own umbrellas,at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Signs Signs Everywhere There's Signs

Delta Election Signs on the Corner of Ladner Trunk and Highway 17
Delta Election Signs - Ladner Trunk and Highway 17
By Elvis Glazier - It has been said that the land in Delta is so fertile that if you stick a toothpick in the ground there will be leaves on it by morning. As the summer break draws to an end, the crop of election signs are starting to fruit. They have been springing up everywhere. A colouful collage of election signs with bold names and catchy slogans to feed Delta voters.

Sign crews work quickly and diligently, often in the dark of night, jockeying for the best locations to entice the electorate. The hot spots in Delta's public areas fill up quickly leaving very little space for late-comers. Then, before you have time to blink, they're gone. Another election over and the landscape is returned to it's natural state.

This year crews are working doubly hard to keep their candidates signs up. Not only do the candidates have to comply with bylaw and engineering crews taking down their signs, this year there has been a rash of vandalism trashing the placards that line the city streets. The vandals don't seem to be as gentle with the signs as the engineering crews who lay them down and call the candidates.

Delta Election Signs on the Corner of Ladner Trunk and Highway 17
Signs knocked over at Hwy 17 and Ladner Trunk
Earlier this week I had a chance to speak with Delta CAO George Harvie about the signs. "There are bylaws in place and each of candidate is provided with guidelines. We (the city) haven't done any sign removal yet but crews will be out," said Harvie before directing me the the city clerks office for more information. A call to city clerk Angila Bains gave me far more insght into the rules regarding the placement of election signs then any normal citizen should have. There are municipal bylaws that govern placement of signs on city land and deal with blocking views, especially at intersections, and placement in relation to other signs. Then there are provincial guidelines that deal with the provincial right of ways like Highway 17.

It's not uncommon to lose a few signs to vandalism during an election. The only difference is that this year the carnage seems to be far more prevalent, especially in the south, and no candidate is immune as all candidates have had their signs attacked. Many destroyed so badly they cannot be salvaged. And while no one knows who is responsible for these willful acts there have been a few stories of goodwill amongst the sign crews who have erected their rivals signs while doing their own. And while the candidates may disagree on many things there is still hope that, in the end, we can all work together.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Delta All Candidate Debate Wrap up

Delta All Candidates MeetingBy Elvis Glazier - Last night people congregated at the Delta Town and Country to watch the debate between the candidates running in the upcoming by-election. Of the eight potential ballot choices only six candidates lined the table as Amy Ghuman Sara and Ray Robinson chose not to attend the televised event. The less than packed room included Delta Mayor Lois Jackson and councilors King, Hamilton, and Campbell.

The debate started out slowly with each of the candidates 1 minute opening statements. From left to right they took turns filling 60 seconds up with their introductions. It was pretty easy to determine right from the outset that this was not going to be the all out rough and tumble brawl that many people hope for. This was later reaffirmed by another member of the audience, "The candidates really have nothing to win here but (with a misstep) they can lose something."

Ten questions in total were asked on a wide variety of questions ranging from the obvious Southland's situation to what to do with John Oliver park in the aftermath of the White Caps pulling out. For the most part the candidates stuck to their platform policies with written scripts and the occasional rehearsed tag-line. That of course is with the exception of newcomer Peter Harms who seemed to be flying by the seat of his pants while wearing his signature Hawaiian shirt.

Without any real 'break through' moments I scored the debate question by question on content and delivery. This is how I scored it, feel free to comment.

Question 1 - The Southlands
Sylvia Bishop 0.5
Kathleen Higgins 0.5

Question 2 - Scott Road Revitalization
Kathleen Higgins 0.5
Sandeep Pandher 0.5
(* video replay moment when Sandeep slams the current councillors for neglecting this issue)

Question 3 - John Oliver Park
Sylvia Bishop 1.0 - This was a break out answer. Her year round multi use facility with a focus on cricket and field hockey was outstanding.
(* Video replay - Liked Ian Paton's comment about the Rugby club tearing down the old barn)

Question 4 - Safety in North Delta
Kathleen Higgins 0.5 - A walking community is a safe community.
Sylvia Bishop 0.5 - The Delta Police Force is the envy of the province.

Question 5 - Relationships with Surrounding Municipalities
Ian Paton 1.0 - There is nothing we can learn from Richmond or Surrey
(* Video replay - "I'll throw myself in front of the bulldozers" Talking about the development plans for the Tsawwassen First Nations Land. I was waiting for someone else to say, "I'll throw him in front of the bulldozers too!")

Question 6 - Greener Community
Sandeep Pandher 0.5
Kathleen Higgins 0.5

Question 7 - Affordable Housing in South Delta
Kathleen Higgins 0.5 - Large strata homes
Sandeep Pandher 0.5
(* video replay - Sandeep had a great line. "Maybe we don't want affordable housing."

Question 8 - Terminal 2 at Delta Port
Sylvia Bishop 1.0

Question 9 - Philosophy on developing farmland
Ian Paton 0.5
Sylvia Bishop 0.5
(Kathleen almost made a good comment on the swapping of ALR land for northern pastures)

Question 10 - Changes to Development Plans
Sylvia Bishop 0.5 - Hard line on anything but minor changes.
Sandeep Pandher 0.5 - Need better transparency.
(* video replay - Sandeep's slam against the Mayor when talking about policy we need a better choice tha, "If the Mayor wants it, Let's do it!")

The final scores:

1st Place - Sylvia Bishop (4.0 points)
2nd Place - Kathleen Higgins (2½ points)
3rd Place - Sandeep Pandher (2.0 points)
4th Place - Ian Paton (1½ ponts)
5th Place - Maria DeVries (0 points but gets the edge for content)
6th Place - Peter Harms

Does any of this matter? Probably not. It was interesting to see these candidates in action. It is likely we will be hearing these names for the next year or two. The only ranking that matters in this race takes place on September 18th.

The closing arguments were better than the opening with the butterflies of these relative newcomers to the political venue long gone. Bishop talked about her values, DeVries about Independance, Higgins sold herself as an inovative environmentalist, Pandher the pragmatic planner, Paton the farmer with experience. As each candidate took their last moments to get their respective messages out I couldn't help but think, "Does that shirt come with batteries Peter?"

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

All Candidates Meeting Tonight

It's an eight candidate 'Battle Royal' at the Delta Town and Country Inn tonight. The people vying for your vote will have an opportunity to duke it out in a public forum. The event is hosted by the South Delta Leader in partnership with the Delta Chamber of Commerce and Delta TV.

Each candidate will weigh in with an opening statement and then questions will be asked by a moderator. With eight people on stage it should be organized pandemonium as each city council hopeful fights for their political future. The show starts promptly at 7pm and ends at 9 sharp.

With two hours shared between eight people will there be a chance for anyone to claim victory? Only time will tell and the clock will be ticking...

DVD Releases Tuesday August 24, 2010

This Week's Top Pick:
City Island the MovieCity Island Set in a quaint fishing community on the outskirts of New York City, "City Island" -- an independent gem that has become a surprise hit that landed in the Top-20 theatrical releases by box office for more than 10 weeks -- is a funny and touching tale about a family whose comfortable co-existence is upended by surprising revelations of past secrets and present day lies. Vince Rizzo (Andy Garcia) is a lifelong resident of the tiny, tradition-steeped Bronx enclave of City Island. A family man who makes his living as a corrections officer, Vince longs to become an actor. Ashamed to admit his aspirations to his family, Vince would rather let his fiery wife Joyce (Julianna Margulies) believe his weekly poker games are a cover for an extramarital affair than admit he's secretly taking acting classes in Manhattan. When Vince is asked to reveal his biggest secret in class, he inadvertently sets off a chaotic chain of events that turns his mundane suburban life upside down. Inspired by the exercise, he decides to bring his long-lost ex-con son Tony (Steven Strait) home to meet the family, and it soon becomes clear that everyone -- including his college student daughter (Dominik Garcia-Lorido, Garcia's real-life daughter), teenaged son Vinnie, Jr. (Ezra Miller), charismatic acting partner (Emily Mortimer) and drama coach (Alan Arkin) -- has something to hide. A perfect storm of deception, half truths and confusion makes Vince and his family members realize that the truth may not set them free, but it is easier to keep track of than all their well-intentioned white lies. Vitals: Director: Raymond De Felitta. Stars: Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies, Steven Strait, Dominik Garcia-Lorido, Ezra Miller, Alan Arkin, Emily Mortimer. 2010, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 104 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $6.000 million, Anchor Bay.

THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Addicted to Her Love (aka Love Is the Drug) (2006) John Patrick Amedori, Lizzy Caplan, D.J. Cotrona, Daryl Hannah, Jonathon Trent. An outsider at a new school falls for a girl who travels in an elite circle and finds that he can make friends with the group by supplying them with drugs from the pharmacy he works at -- with dire consequences. Extras: Commentary by director Elliott Lester and star John Patrick Amedori, behind-the-scenes featurette, photo gallery. (E1 Entertainment).

Adventures at School (2009) This essential back-to-school library for kids ages 3 to 9 includes 14 tales on three discs: "Crazy Hair Day ... And More Back to School Stories," "The Teacher From the Black Lagoon ... And More School Stories," and "Miss Nelson Has a Field Day ... And More School Time Stories." $24.95. (Scholastic StorybookTreasures).

The Age of Stupid (2009) The year is 2055. The Earth is devastated. One man (Pete Postlethwaite) remains in "The Global Archive," a vast storage facility protecting all of humanity's collective achievements. Based on mainstream scientific projections from the present day, the film focuses on the archivist as he tries to work out why we didn't save ourselves while we still had the chance. He flips through a startling array of news clips, interviews and scientific reports from our current time, each its own way a warning sign of the destruction that is looming if we don't change our current consumption practices. $29.95. Extras: Making-of documentary; Pete Postlethwaite ambushing the UK's Minister for Climate Change; deleted scenes; extended interviews; eight short climate films; crew commentary; more. (Docurama).

Ax Men: The Complete Season Three (2010) Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $34.95. (A&E).

The Back-up Plan (2010) Jennifer Lopez, Alex O'Loughlin, Michaela Watkins, Eric Christian Olsen. Extras: Deleted scenes, "Belly Laughs: Making The Back-up Plan" featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds movieIQ+sync and BD-Live. (Sony).

The Bad Mother's Handbook (2007) Robert Pattinson, Catherine Tate, Holly Grainger, Anne Reid, Steve John Shepherd. A young man helps a friend with her pregnancy and finds himself on a memorable nine-month journey with three independent, outspoken women. (Lionsgate).

City Island (2010) Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies, Steven Strait, Dominik Garcia-Lorido, Ezra Miller, Alan Arkin, Emily Mortimer. Extras: Commentary by writer-producer-director Raymond De Felitta and producer-actor Andy Garcia; "Dinner With the Rizzos" featurette; deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds a digital copy of the film. (Anchor Bay).

Dark Night (2005) Sarah Strange, Kurt Max Runte. A modern noir dark comedy about love, lust, art and the power of the image in today's culture. An eccentric modern-day dandy obsessed by the power of art and visual imagery to mold the behavior and psychology of the individual orchestrates an elaborate series of staged visual events for the sole purpose of subliminally influencing the life of a harmless, down-to-earth graphic designer ... events that begin to take on the cruel and sinister overtones. (Vanguard Cinema).

Dorian Gray (2009) Colin Firth, Ben Barnes, Rebecca Hall, Ben Chaplin. A new horror adaptation of Oscar Wilde's 1891 hedonistic best-seller "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Extras: Commentary by director Oliver Parker and screenwriter Toby Finlay, multiple behind-the-scenes featurettes including cast/crew interviews, deleted scenes, more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (National Entertainment Media).

Dream Boy (2008) Stephan Bender, Maximillian Roeg, Randy Wayne, Owen Beckman, Diana Scarwid, Rooney Mara, Rickie Lee Jones. Chronicles the relationship between two gay teenagers in the rural South in the late '70s. (E1 Entertainment).

The Flight of the Conchords: The Complete Collection (2007-09) Three-disc set with 22 episodes, $49.99. Extras: "Flight of the Conchords: On Air Documentary," "Flight of the Conchords: One Night Stand." (HBO Home Video).

Four Stories of St. Julian (2009) Nicholl Hiren, Ky Evans, David Alan Graf, Tommie St. Cyr. Unconventional thriller takes place entirely inside an elevator: the elevator inside the St Julian building, a decrepit, inner-city building that was once a respected hospital but is now home to the city's downtrodden and corrupt. As four strangers begin a routine descent, the elevator suddenly lurches to a halt, becoming stuck between floors, fomenting a battle for survival among the elevator's habitants. (Vanguard Cinema).

Gangland: Season Five (2009-10) Three-disc set with 11 episodes, $34.95. (A&E).

Gossip Girl: The Complete Third Season (2009-10) Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98. Extras: "Gossip Girl Mode": Interactive viewing experience on Episode 16, "The Empire Strikes Jack"; "A Gossip Girl Fabulous Affair: Throwing a Party Gossip Girl-Style" featurette; Plasticines Bitch and Lady Gaga "Bad Romance" music videos; gag reel; unaired scenes. (Warner).

Group Sex (2010) Henry Winkler, Tom Arnold, Greg Grunberg, Lisa Lampanelli, James Denton. A young man unwittingly follows his girl into a sexual addiction recovery group where he meets a host of oddball characters, including a man who has a thing for condiments and a newly celibate martial artist. (Monarch Home Video).

Instant Expert Series. New line of informative DVDs that offer a quick, authoritative guide to essential subjects, for students and lifelong learners. Each DVD includes an interactive quiz, printed study materials, discussion questions, more. First entries in the series, $14.95 each: "Ancient History: Egypt", "World History: The French Revolution," "American History: The Mayflower," "America History: Ben Franklin," "Arts and Literature: Beowulf," "Science and Technology: The Story of Oil." (A&E Home Entertainment).

Lost: The Complete Sixth and Final Season (2010) Five-disc set with 16 episodes, $59.99. Extras: Bloopers and deleted scenes; commentaries on four episodes ("LA X," "Dr. Linus," "Ab Aeterno" and "Across the Sea"); "The End: Crafting a Final Season" featurette; "A Hero's Journey" featurette; "See You in Another Life, Brotha" featurette that unlocks the mysteries of this season's intriguing flash sideways; "Lost on Location"; plus a featurette that delves deeper into the world of "Lost" with a much-anticipated new chapter of the island's story from executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds immersive "Lost University." (Disney).

Lost: The Complete Collection (2009) Thirty-six disc set with every episode in the series (Seasons 1 through 6), $229.99. Extras: More than 30 hours of Season 1-6 bonus materials (previously released materials from Season 1-5 and the all-new Season 6 bonus material); a unique series of featurettes that takes viewers on very personal tours of Oahu where the series was created, with key cast and crew; bonus showcases events ranging from the series cast and crew at San Diego's famed Comic-Con convention to international voice recordings, local events and even fan parties, all of which helped make the show into a worldwide favorite; a closer look at some of the props with cast, writers and producers, exploring their significance, stories and emotional ties to the characters; a look at every character who died on the series; 16 "Lost" "Slapdowns" featurettes showcasing celebrity "Lost" fans who confront executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse to ask press questions about the final season, including the Muppets and cast members Nestor Carbonell, Michael Emerson, Rebecca Mader and more; a special edition collectible "Senet" game as seen in Season 6; a custom "Lost" island replica; an exclusive episode guide; a collectible Ankh; and a black light penlight. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Disney).

Metamorphosis (2007) Christopher Lambert, Corey Sevier, Irena A. Hoffman. Three young Americans encounter vampires and the supernatural in modern Eastern Europe. (MTI Home Video).

NCIS: The Seventh Season (2009-10) Six-disc set with 24 episodes, $64.99. Extras: "NCIS: A Sound Investment," "Lucky Number Seven," "Home Sweet Home: Creating the Gibbs House," "The Future Is Now: NCIS Meets the Jet Pack," "Gimme Two Steps: Staging the Bar Fight," "Celebrating Episode 150," "Personal Effects," commentaries. (CBS/Paramount).

Nickelodeon Favorites: Happy Halloween (2009) Six Halloween-themed episodes, one each from "Dora the Explorer," "Go, Diego, Go!, " "Wonder Pets!," "Yo Gabba Gabba," "Blue's Clues" and "Ni Hao, Kai-lan," $16.99. (Paramount).

90210: The Second Season (2009-10) Six-disc set with 22 episodes, $47.99. Extras: "New Faces, Same Drama," "From the Hills to the Beach: The Look of 90210," "Beverly Hills Surf Crew," "Welcome to the Beach Club," "Set Tour: Beverly Hills Beach Club," "Adrianna and Navid," "Looking Back: 90210 Season 2 in Review," commentaries. (CBS/Paramount).

One Night (2008) Melissa Leo, Michael Muhney, Bill Sage, Robert Clohessy. A group of New Yorkers venture into Friday night unaware that their lives are about to change. As the night unfolds, they all convene at the same music venue, and their lives intersect in ways both humorous and poignant. (Vanguard Cinema).

The Patty Duke Show: The Complete Third Season (1965-66) Six-disc set with 32 episodes, $39.97. (Shout! Factory).

Pawn Stars: The Complete Season Two (2009-10) Four-disc set with 32 episodes, $24.95. (A&E).

Private (2009) Kelsey Sanders, Samantha Cope, Natalie Floyd, Tristin Mays. Extras: Drama, romance and deadly thrills at a the exclusive Easton Academy private school. Extras: Cast and screenwriters interviews. (NewVideo/Flatiron Film Co.).

Red vs. Blue Season 7: Recreation (2010) Web series based on the "Halo" video game. $19.95. Extras: Commentary, "Relocated" miniseries, special videos and PSAs, deleted scenes, outtakes. (New Video/Flatiron Film Co.).

The Simpsons: The Complete Thirteenth Season (2009) Four-disc set with 22 episodes, packed in a collectible molded head packaging featuring Ralph Wiggum, $59.99. Extras: Commentary on every episode; deleted scenes; featurettes: "A Token from Matt Groening," "Ralphisms," "The People Ball," "The 13th Crewman," "Blame It on the Monkeys," "The Games," "The Sweet Life of Ralph"; animation showcases; sketch galleries; commercials; special language feature; Easter eggs. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

The Square (2010) David Roberts, Claire van der Boom, Joel Edgerton, Anthony Hayes. Sinister tale centering on an adulterous couple whose scheming leads to arson, blackmail and murder. Extras: Deleted Scenes, "Inside The Square" featurette, "Pre-Visualisation" featurette, visual effects scene deconstructions, music video: "Sand" by Jessica Chapnik, director Nash Edgerton's award-winning short film "Spider." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

Squeal (2008) Kevin Oestenstad, Allison Batty, Stephen Dean, Joe Burke. While on their first indie tour, a rock group's bus gets stranded on a country road, where they meet up with some strange farm inhabitants -- members of a half-pig/half-human science experiment, who want to add the rockers to their group. (E1 Entertainment).

Survival of the Dead (2009) Kenneth Welsh, Kathleen Munroe, Julian Richings. The newest film from George A. Romero (creator of the "Night of the Living Dead" franchise), picks up where his last outing, "Diary of the Dead," leaves off: in a nightmarish world where humans are the minority and zombies rule. Set on an island off the coast of North America, two powerful families maintain an impression of order in the wake of a zombie epidemic, but are at opposite extremes: One believes that the undead must be destroyed without exception, while the other family insists that afflicted loved ones be kept "alive" until a cure is found to bring their relatives back to their human state. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes (2010) Original animated movie, $19.98. (Warner).

Three Silent Classics by Josef Von Sternberg. Vienna-born, New York-raised Josef von Sternberg ("Shanghai Express," "Morocco") directed some of the most influential, extraordinarily stylish dramas ever to come out of Hollywood. Though best known for his star-making collaborations with Marlene Dietrich, Sternberg began his movie career during the final years of the silent era, dazzling audiences and critics with his films' dark visions and innovative cinematography. The titles in this collection, made on the cusp of the sound age, are three of Sternberg's greatest works, gritty evocations of gangster life ("Underworld"; 1927), the Russian Revolution ("The Last Command"; 1928) and working-class desperation ("The Docks of New York"; 1928) made into shadowy movie spectacle. New, restored high-definition digital transfers. Extras: Six scores: one by Robert Israel for each film; two by the Alloy Orchestra, for "Underworld" and "The Last Command"; and a piano and voice piece by Donald Sosin for "The Docks of New York"; two new visual essays: one by UCLA film professor Janet Bergstrom and the other by film scholar Tag Gallagher; 1968 Swedish television interview with director Josef von Sternberg, covering his entire career; 96-page booklet featuring essays by film critic Geoffrey O'Brien, film scholar Anton Kaes, and author Luc Sante, the original film treatment for "Underworld" by Ben Hecht, and an excerpt from Sternberg's autobiography, "Fun in a Chinese Laundry," on Emil Jannings. (The Criterion Collection).

Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg (2009) Eye-opening documentary about television pioneer Gertrude Berg, the entertainment genius and entrepreneur who wrote, starred in and produced the first successful American sitcom, "The Goldbergs," and charmed a nation. Traces Berg's rise to stardom from her childhood in New York to her early radio days to her enormously influential sitcom, "The Goldbergs" (1949-56), which brought Berg the first Best Actress Emmy in history. Berg's passion and incredible productivity paved the way for a wide variety of causes, including women in entertainment, Jewish-American identity and actors' rights, but she is most celebrated for singlehandedly proving that the American family transcends social, religious and economic divisions. $29.95. Extras: Commentary with director Aviva Kempner; episodes of "The Goldbergs" (including a surprising 1954 episode featuring Molly and Jake in the same bed together, unheard of at the time); Gertrude Berg's guest appearances with Edward R. Murrow and on Ed Sullivan; additional scenes and interviews; a Gertrude Berg recipe; an essay from the director; more. (Docurama).

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Youth Appeals to Ramsar to Protect Burns Bog

Recently an application by Metro Vancouver to have Ramsar status endowed upon Burns Bog was quashed by Delta Mayor and Metro Chair Lois Jackson. Citing she wanted to add additional land to the application she instructed Metro staff to not forward any applications to Ramsar. The following is a letter sent from an 11 year old Delta resident who is upset about this decision:


Dear Ramsar Secretariat,


My name is Eric Velestuk, I am only 11 years old and I live in Delta British-Columbia Canada.

Thank you for offering us the Ramsar International Designation for Burns Bog.

I think it’s sad that you were turned down.

The Mayor of Delta, Lois Jackson, said that she will include another parcel of land to the Burns Bog before she accepts the Ramsar Designation.

She’s been saying that for SIX YEARS!

I believe that she WILL NOT add this land to the Burns Bog, that SHE WILL NOT take the steps necessary to protect Burns Bog from development, and the Ramsar International Designation will never be accepted UNLESS SHE IS FORCED TO DO SO.

SHE WILL DEVELOP IT INSTEAD.

PLEASE DO SOME THING BECAUSE IT IS NOT HER FUTURE IT IS MINE AND MY GENERATION`S FUTURE.

Here is the email address for a lady that runs the Burns Bog Society: eliza@burnsbog.org and I am sure she can answer any questions you have about this.


Sincerely,

Eric Velestuk

Friday, August 20, 2010

Committee Votes 8 to 1 to Protect Southlands From Developer

Tsawwassen Area Plan Southlands SurveyBy Elvis Glazier - The Tsawwassen Area Plan committee has recommended that Delta’s municipal council retain the current agricultural designation on the Spetifore Farmlands now known as the Southlands and adopt it as such into the official community plan. The committee met yesterday evening for a final discussion on how the recommendations in their report would be presented to city council.

The meeting had to be diverted to the main council chambers to accommodate the influx of people wishing to attend. The contentious nature of the proposed Southlands development has been a rallying point for the battle hardened citizens of Tsawwassen. Land developer, Sean Hodgins was in attendance as the committee deliberated over the parcel of land that his family has held for over 20 years.

A unanimous consensus couldn’t be reached as one member of the committee spoke out against maintaining the current agriculture zoning. Helen Kettle, who served on the Century Groups community planning team, was alone in voicing her concern that people in favour of the development weren’t being represented in the document. In the end it was agreed that staff would add a disclaimer to the policy statement:

“The Southlands: The existing Tsawwassen Area Plan has policies related specifically to the lands known as the “Southlands”. It is recommended that the existing land use designation of AGR be retained for these lands. (added)A consensus on this policy issue was not reached among Committee members.”


"While it is certainly a positive step forward, it is unfortunate that a single dissension results in a statement about a lack of consensus,” said Dana Maslovat, co-founder and spokesperson of the group Southlands the Facts. “Another section of the TAP was not unanimously supported but no statement about lack of consensus was put into the Committee report."

The Tsawwassen Area Plan Committee may have one more gathering prior to being struck but their heavy lifting is done. The document will now be prepared by staff and presented to Delta council on August 30th for ratification. It is expected that the public hearings will take place sometime in the early fall.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Southlands Designation to be Decided at Meeting Tonight

Tsawwassen Southlands in Boundary BayDelta Staff members have released a draft of the new Tsawwassen Area Plan (TAP) that will be discussed and ratified at a final Committee meeting tonight (Thursday, August 19, 7:00 pm, Annacis Room, City Hall), including policies regarding the future use of the Southlands.

Although the TAP recommends agricultural designation be maintained for the Southlands, it notes that this statement may be amended after the August 19th meeting due to several members of the Committee encouraging residential development on these lands.

Results from the Ipsos Reid survey commissioned by Delta Council in June of this year showed clear majority support (62%) for maintaining the designation of the land as agricultural. It is expected that there will be a large public turnout for this final TAP Committee meeting.

“Given the clear direction from the community at all stages of public consultation, I cannot understand why this issue is still being discussed,” stated Dana Maslovat, one of the organizers of Southlands the Facts, “Although I am optimistic the right decision will be made and Southlands will remain agricultural, it appears that some members of the Committee are trying to push their own agenda rather than representing the will of the people.”

The potential re-designation of the Southlands agricultural land to accommodate a housing development is by far the most contentious component of the process undertaken to revise the existing Tsawwassen Area Plan. Any re-designation will change the Official Community Plan and open up the Southlands for a 1900 unit housing development by Century Holdings. 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.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

DVD Releases Tuesday August 17, 2010

This Week's Top Pick:
The Good, the Bad, and the WierdThe Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008 -- South Korea), director Kim Ji-woon, a master of modern horror thanks to "A Tale of Two Sisters" and "3 Extremes II," turns to pure, high-octane thrills in this wild take on Sergio Leone's Clint Eastwood classic "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." Set in 1930s Japanese occupied Manchuria, tells the story of three Joseon mounted bandits who get their hands on a treasure map, only to be pursued by the army of national independence, who believe that the outlaws have a map for a new railway to be built by the Japanese army. One of the most expensive films ever made in South Korea; from IFC Films and MPI Media Group


THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Big Money Rustlas (2010) Shaggy 2 Dope, Violent J, Tom Sizemore, Jason Mewes, Ron Jeremy, Brigitte Nielsen, Vanilla Ice, Todd Bridges. In the Wild West town of Mudbug, Sheriff Sugar Wolf arrives to confront an over-the-top villain, deranged gambler Big Baby Chips. (Psychopathic Records, Vivendi Entertainment and Fontana Distribution).

Black Orpheus (1959) Winner of both the Academy Award for best foreign-language film and the Cannes Film Festival's Palme d'Or, Marcel Camus'" Black Orpheus" (Orfeu negro) brings the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice to the 20th-century madness of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. With its eye-popping photography and ravishing, epochal soundtrack, "Black Orpheus" was a cultural event, kicking off the bossa nova craze that set hi-fis across America spinning. Two-disc set with new, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: Optional English-dubbed soundtrack; archival interviews with director Marcel Camus and actress Marpessa Dawn; new video interviews with Brazilian cinema scholar Robert Stam, jazz historian Gary Giddins, and Brazilian author Ruy Castro; "A la recherche d' 'Orfeu negro,'" a feature-length documentary about "Black Orpheus's" cultural and musical roots and its resonance in Brazil today; theatrical trailer; booklet featuring an essay by film critic Michael Atkinson. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).

Burning Bright (2010) Briana Evigan, Charlie Tahan, Garret Dillahunt. A thriller centered on a young woman and her autistic little brother who are trapped in a house with a ravenous tiger during a hurricane. Extras: Introduction by actress Briana Evigan, "Forces of Nature" special effects featurette. (Lionsgate).

Ca$h (2010) Sean Bean, Chris Hemsworth, Victoria Profeta. Sam Phelan and his wife Leslie are facing financial problems to pay their mortgage after a period of unemployment. While driving his old Buick below an overpass, a case falls onto the hood of the car and he finds $600,000 inside. Sam and Leslie quit their job; pay their mortgage; buy a Land Rover; and refurnish their house. But a vicious criminal who had disposed of the money before getting arrested sends his killer brother after the couple to retrieve the ill-gotten gain. Extras: "The Making of Cash" featurette, commentary by director Stephen Milburn Anderson. (Lionsgate).

Cemetery Junction (2009) Written and directed by Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant. Stars Felicity Jones, Matthew Goode, Christian Cooke, Tom Hughes, Jack Doolan, Ricky Gervais, Ralph Fiennes, Emily Watson. '70s England is in full swing as three outcast friends find themselves drinking, joking, fighting and chasing girls, while dreaming of escape from their blue-collar hometown of Cemetery Junction. Freddie is a salesman suddenly thrown onto the fast track when he gains the attention of his boss; torn between a prior life of partying with his friends and the promise of a brighter future, life gets more complicated when the boss' daughter becomes the focus of Freddie's affection. Extras: Commentary by co-writers/co-directors Gervais and Merchant; commentary by Cooke, Hughes and Doolan; behind-the-scenes featurettes "The Directors: A Conversation with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant" and "The Lads Look Back: The Stars Discuss Cemetery Junction"; deleted scenes; blooper reel; more. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds movieIQ+sync and BD-Live; featurettes "Seventies Style: Production and Costume Design," "The Start of Filming," "Week 1," "Meet the Boys," "The Directors On Set," plus a bonus "Snow Dude" Easter Egg. (Sony).

The City of Your Final Destination (2009) Anthony Hopkins, Laura Linney, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Omar Metwally, Hiroyuki Sanada. After winning a grant to write a biography of the Hispanic author Jules Gund, an Iranian-American student must travel to Uruguay and convince the family to give him permission. He finds more than he expected when he meets the writer's brother (Hopkins), wife (Linney) and mistress (Gainsbourg). (Screen Media Films).

Cougar Town: The Complete First Season (2009-10) Three-disc set with 24 episodes, $39.99. Extras: Bloopers, deleted scenes, "Taming Cougar Town" featurette, "Ask Barb," "Jimmy Kimmel Live: Saber-Tooth Tiger Town," "Stroking It With Bobby Cobb" series. (Disney).

Dark and Stormy Night (2009) Daniel Roebuck, Jennifer Blaire, Dan Conroy, Brian Howe, Fay Masterson. A loving lampoon of the classic "old-dark house" thrillers. Set in the 1930s, this Larry Blamire-directed film begins with the family of the deceased (and very rich) Sinas Cavinder gathered for the reading of his will in a gloomy old mansion, complete with secret passageways, portraits with the eyes cut out and, of course, a gorilla. They soon find themselves being murdered by a mysterious hooded phantom, while two fast-talking rival reporters compete for the story (and do some backstabbing of their own), somewhat hindered by the frightened Brooklyn cabbie who brought them and just wants his "toity-five cents." Extras: Cast and crew commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette, more. (Shout! Factory).

Dexter: The Fourth Season (2009) Four-disc set with 12 episodes, $49.99. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Paramount).

Father Knows Best: Season 5 (1958-59) Five-disc set with 38 episodes, $34.99. (Shout! Factory).

Four Seasons Lodge (2009) Haunted by the past but driven by an unquenchable passion for living, an aging group of Holocaust survivors gathers each summer at an idyllic hideaway in the Catskills, where they savor tightly bonded friendships, find new love and celebrate their survival. Extras: Personal stories of survival, Hymie's story, deleted scenes, the director on making the documentary. (First Run Features).

Furry Vengeance (2010) Brendan Fraser, Brooke Shields, Matt Prokop, Ken Jeong, Angela Kinsey. Extras: Deleted Scenes, "The Pitfalls of Pratfalls," "Working With Animals: A Portrait of Ken Beggs," gag reel, commentary by director and cast. Also available as Blu-ray/DVD Combo Disc. (Summit Entertainment).

Friday Night Lights: The Fourth Season (2009-10) Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $29.98. (Universal).

The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008 -- South Korea) Director Kim Ji-woon, a master of modern horror thanks to "A Tale of Two Sisters" and "3 Extremes II," turns to pure, high-octane thrills in this wild take on Sergio Leone's Clint Eastwood classic "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." One of the most expensive films ever made in South Korea. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (IFC Films and MPI Media Group).

L'enfance nue (1968) The singular French director Maurice Pialat ("Loulou," "A nos amours") puts his distinct stamp on the lost-youth film with this devastating portrait of a damaged foster child. We see Francois (Michel Terrazon) on the cusp of his teens, shuttled from one home to another, his behavior growing increasingly erratic, his bonds with his surrogate parents perennially fraught. In this, his feature debut, Pialat treats this potentially sentimental scenario with astonishing sobriety and stark realism. With its full-throttle mixture of emotionality and clear-eyed skepticism, "L'enfance nue" (Naked Childhood) was advance notice of one of the most masterful careers in French cinema, and remains one of Pialat's finest works. New, restored high-definition digital transfer. Extras: "L'amour existe," Pialat's 1960 short film about life on the outskirts of Paris; "Choses vues, autour de 'L'enfance nue,'" a 50-minute documentary shot just after the film's release; excerpts from a 1973 French television interview with Pialat; visual essay by critic Kent Jones on the film and Pialat's cinematic style; video interview with Pialat collaborators Arlette Langmann and Patrick Grandperret; booklet featuring an essay by critic Phillip Lopate. (The Criterion Collection).

The Last Song (2010) Miley Cyrus, Greg Kinnear, Bobby Coleman, Liam Hemsworth, Hallock Beals, Kelly Preston, Stephanie Leigh, Nick Searcy. Extras: Set tour with Bobby Coleman, Miley Cyrus music video "When I Look at You," making of the music video "When I Look at You" with Miley Cyrus. Available as a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, which adds alternate opening sequence: "The Church Fire," deleted scenes, commentary by director Julie Anne Robinson and co-producer Jennifer Gibgot. (Disney).

The Lost Skeleton Returns Again (2009) Fay Masterson, Brian Howe, Andrew Parks, Susan McConnell, Jennifer Blaire, Dan Conroy. In this clever, over-the-top sequel to "The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra," which brilliantly spoofed no-budget sci-fi movies of the 50s, old friends and new enemies schlep into the Amazon jungle in search of yet another rare element, Jerranium 90. This bigger, better, bonier Round Two ups the ante with some nifty special effects and a dynamic musical score, while retaining the original's hilariously deadpan performances as well as director-writer-actor Larry Blamire's trademark loopy dialogue. Extras: Cast and crew commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette, more. (Shout! Factory).

Madeline's Halloween & Other Spooky Tales (1993) Five episodes from the animated series based on the popular children's books: "Madeline's Halloween"; "Madeline and the Mean, Nasty Horrible Hats"; "Madeline and the Mummy"; "Madeline and the Haunted Castle"; and "Madeline and the Spider Lady." $12.99. (Shout! Factory).

One Tree Hill: The Complete Seventh Season (2009-10) Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98. Extras: Unaired scenes, featurettes, gag reel, commentary. (Warner).

Orlando Special Edition (1993) Tilda Swinton, Billy Zane. Writer-director Sally Potter's groundbreaking, Oscar-nominated and visually stunning film, based on Virginia Woolf's gender-bending novel "Orlando: A Biography." A witty, dream-like period piece with lavish sets, stunning costumes and cameos by Scottish pop singer Jimmy Somerville, of Bronski Beat, and English writer and queer cultural icon Quentin Crisp, author of "The Naked Civil Servant." "Orlando" is the story of a journey through time, spanning over four centuries, first as a man, then as a woman, as Orlando moves from the era of Queen Elizabeth 1 to the turn of the 19th century. Extras: Commentary by Sally Potter; featurettes: "Orlando Goes to Russia," "Orlando in Uzbekistan," "Jimmy Was an Angel"; Venice Film Festival press conference, interview with Sally Potter. (Sony).

Prodigy: An Unauthorized Story on Tiger Woods (2010) Documentary on the legendary golfer, $14.98. Extras: Four featurettes. (Infinity Entertainment).

Sorority Wars (2009) Lucy Hale, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Faith Ford,Amanda Schull. A college freshman who has been groomed from birth to continue her mother's legacy by joining the Delta house decides to pledge their rival, the Kappas, creating an all-out rivalry and fight-to-the-finish competition. (RHI Entertainment/Vivendi Entertainment).

Spring Fever (2009 -- China) Wang Ping's wife suspects him of adultery, so she hires Lou Haitao to spy on him and discovers that her husband's lover is a man, Jian Cheng. Luo Haitao and his girlfriend, Li Jing, form a torrid love triangle with the male lover, marking the beginning of a journey into the confines of jealousy and obsessive love highlighted by asphyxiating sultry nights of physical abandon that exalts the senses. Winner of the Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival. (Strand Releasing).

Ugly Betty: The Complete Fourth and Final Season (2009-10) Four-disc set with 20 episodes, $39.99. Extras: "Betty Bloops," deleted scenes, "Betty Goes Bahamas," "Mode After Hours," Webisodes. (Disney).

Monday, August 16, 2010

Meet Sylvia Bishop

Sylvia BishopAs part of the 2010 Delta Free Press Candidate Challenge each candidate was asked to fill out and return a questionnaire covering some of the issues and questions that the citizens of Delta are facing right now. There are eight candidates vying for a single seat in the upcoming by-election. Here is the second set of answers returned.




Name: Sylvia Bishop



Why are you running for city council?

I have lived in Delta for over 40 years and have seen a lot of changes, some good and some not so good. I am concerned about the lack of open vigorous debate at council, the direction of land use policies and the preservation of Delta's unique characteristics.


What do you feel you offer the citizens of Delta?

Integrity. Commitment. Energy. I have been outspoken on the issues people care about, such as the preservation of the Southlands farmland and the South Fraser Perimeter Road. Together with many other Delta residents, I worked to collect signatures for the anti-HST campaign. I am a hard worker, willing to pitch in and do what it takes.


What do you feel is the biggest issue facing:


North Delta?

The destruction of the Sunbury/Annieville neighbourhood because of the construction of the South Fraser Perimeter Road cannot be underestimated. People I have talked to worry about increased traffic volumes in their neighbourhoods and the lack of adequate upgrading of infrastructure, particularly in the northern portion of North Delta.


Ladner?

The potential developments announced by the Tsawwassen First Nations will impact the neighborhoods immediately adjoining the Tsawwassenlands. Ladner's unique historic downtown core must be preserved in the face of pressure to increase density and height.


Tsawwassen?

The potential development of the Southlands is the single most important issue for Tsawwassen. The land should be returned to the ALR and at the very least, retain its agricultural zoning. The increased population and traffic development would bring, would forever change the community. The pressure on infrastructure and protective services such as policing and fire fighting would make us all vulnerable.


Delta as a whole?

Anticipated population growth in Metro Vancouver means Delta will see increased pressure to accommodate our 'fair share'. We must have the right development, in the right place, at the right time for the right reasons.

Further, Delta's many resources: its people, its location, its land must be considered in an overall plan to advance our assets while retaining our unique character.


Tsawwassen Area Plan


Tsawwassen is currently in the midst of an area plan review. As your first order of business as a city councilor it is likely you will have to vote on an updated plan. The most contentious issue in the Tsawwassen Area Plan is the proposed development of the Southlands by the Century Group.

Do you support some residential development of the Southlands? * (Required)

NO

As a councilor would you vote to rezone this property from its current agricultural designation to allow residential/commercial development on the property? * (Required)

NO


Explain:

It's farmland. Agrologists agree with the right irrigation, drainage and soil amendments it could be Class 1 or 2 farmland. When farmers own land, it's farmed. When developers own land, it lays fallow until people think it is of no use. We need local farmland for food security, sustainability and to support a new generation of farmers.

What is your view of the South Fraser Perimeter Road?

* (Required)

It is backward thinking. It is a 1950's model of transportation and relies on fossil fuels. It is also the wrong route as it destroys wildlife habitats and established neighborhoods together with farmland and forests.

We must address truck and container traffic volumes in another way. A different route was proposed but ignored.

We should be using forward thinking modes of transport such as electrifying railways, barging and fuel efficient vehicles.

In Region Waste to Energy


Mayor Lois Jackson has gone on record supporting an in region waste to energy facility be built in Delta.

Do you support development of a waste to energy incinerator in the Delta region? * (Required)

NO

Explain:

We should be aiming for zero waste and working with the manufacturing sector to change packaging. We have not achieved maximum recycling curb site pickup as in other areas of Metro Vancouver. I am not convinced the science of waste to energy incineration and the particulites created are harmless. Our air shed is already polluted as it makes its way up the Fraser Valley.

Personal


What is your favorite food? Halibut, local potatoes and Westham Island strawberries for dessert


What is your favorite movie? The Replacements


What is your favorite place in Delta?

My home and garden. The backyard is an oasis of privacy. I love to garden so there are an abundance of shrubs and flowers blooming throughout the seasons. We have fruit trees and berry bushes to harvest. All the neighborhood cats come by for a bite to eat.

What is the last book you read?

The Omnivore's Dilemna

Who is the one person who you admire most?

My mother

Why?

Annasusanna, Susie for short, left her native Germany and followed her new husband to start a new life in Vancouver. She hardly could speak english and arrived with little money or possessions. With sheer determination she built a wonderful life together with my dad. She would be the first to admit a little luck helped along the way. The lessons of making something from nothing, frugality and strong work ethic are not lost on me. She had a great sense of humour and was the life of the party.

Optional


Who are the major contributors to your campaign?

I am. Followed by many friends and concerned fellow citizens who believe in me. My campaign relies on many people making donations instead of a few large donors representing special interests.

If you don't win in this by-election do you plan to run in the general election in 2011?

YES

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Meet Kathleen E. Higgins

Kathleen E. HigginsAs part of the 2010 Delta Free Press Candidate Challenge each candidate was asked to fill out and return a questionnaire covering some of the issues and questions that the citizens of Delta are facing right now. There are eight candidates vying for a single seat in the upcoming by-election. Here is the first set of answers returned.




Name: Kathleen E. Higgins



Why are you running for city council?

I'm running for Delta Council because I believe I can help Delta face its present challenges. I am convinced that, by making wiser use of existing residential land in Delta, we can better protect farmland and natural areas, attract more first time home buyers to Delta and increase our tax base, so that Delta can more easily pay for services and infrastructure.

What do you feel you offer the citizens of Delta?

I offer the citizens of Delta my expertise, dedication and new ideas. My 2009 submission to the Delta Housing Task Force could be the beginning of a trend toward building smaller homes on smaller lots-- renewing Delta, both visually and demographically. I've lived in Delta for over 35 years. My husband and I have raised our family here. I've worked as a lawyer, a journalist, and a community activist. At present I'm the office manager for 3 of my older children, the award-winning country music band, The Higgins. I have a history degree and a law degree. I understand the challenges facing Delta and am convinced I can help Delta meet those challenges.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing:



North Delta?

Lack of affordable housing is an important issue for North Delta. Large single family homes and new luxury townhomes are beyond the reach of most first time buyers. People want more choices in affordable housing than just small apartments and secondary rental suites. Allowing empty-nesters to turn their large empty homes into strata title homes, as has been allowed in Shaunessy and North Vancouver, is worth considering for Delta. Encouraging home owners to replace aging ranchers with 3 smaller homes, rather than one large home, is worth considering, especially if one of the 3 is a maintenance-free retiree's unit. To protect farmland and natural areas and to increase Delta's tax base, Delta needs to explore new ideas for home ownership.

Ladner?

There are many issues facing Ladner. Declining school enrollment that lead to school closures is one. To address this challenge we need to attract young families to Ladner with innovative home ownership options. The truck traffic from the Delta Port expansion is another issue that impacts Ladner. The disruption of farmland around Ladner as the South Fraser Perimeter Road is built on the present route is an important issue. If Southlands is approved, the extra traffic that would be generated would negatively affect Ladner residents. The need for funding from other levels of government to carry out dredging in Ladner Harbour is an important issue. The need to renew the downtown core in Ladner is also an important issue.

Tsawwassen?

The Southlands issue is the biggest challenge facing Tsawwassen at present. I am in favour of putting Southlands back into the Agricultural Land Reserve. The negative impact of Delta Port Expansion is another issue. Declining school enrollment is another important issue and, as in North Delta and Ladner, I would propose encouraging the building of smaller homes on smaller lots as one way of attracting more young families to Tsawwassen. If large lots could be subdivided by the owners themselves rather than by developers, this would allow the owners to sell part of their lot at a more reasonable price. It would allow retirees to sell part of their lot to their grown children, and still remain in their own neighbourhood as they age.


Delta as a whole?

Other levels of government have not paid sufficient attention to preserving quality of life in Delta. Mega-projects from higher levels of government like the Delta Port Expansion and the South Fraser Perimeter Road show that Delta is seen more as a transition point, rather than a respected community. Delta needs to make its voice heard to other levels of government. Delta needs to use its existing residential land more wisely and create smaller homes on smaller lots in order to attract more young families to Delta, to keep retirees in Delta and to increase its tax base.

Tsawwassen Area Plan


Tsawwassen is currently in the midst of an area plan review. As your first order of business as a city councilor it is likely you will have to vote on an updated plan. The most contentious issue in the Tsawwassen Area Plan is the proposed development of the Southlands by the Century Group.

Do you support some residential development of the Southlands? * (Required)

NO

As a councilor would you vote to rezone this property from its current agricultural designation to allow residential/commercial development on the property? * (Required)

NO


Explain:

I favour putting Southlands back into the Agricultural Land Reserve. It would be an extremely negative precedent to allow this prime agricultural land to be turned into residential land. It's better to use existing residential land in Delta more wisely, gradually increasing the number of home owners by building smaller, more modest homes on smaller lots and subdividing large lots, where appropriate, than to allow the huge development of Southlands to proceed.
South Fraser Perimeter Road
The provincial government has officially announced the construction of the South Fraser Perimeter Road. This 40 kilometer four lane highway will cut through Delta connecting Delta Port with Highway 1.

What is your view of the South Fraser Perimeter Road?

* (Required)

I favour using trains and/or barges to move container traffic out of Delta rather than using trucks to transport container traffic and building the Sough Fraser Perimeter Road. If the highway for trucks is to be built, however, there are at least two other routes that could be used, which would not impact Delta farmland and Burns' Bog so negatively. I would promote the tunnel option or the Hoover Naas Option in Delta Council and try to highlight the negative environmental and social factors of the present SFPR route.

In Region Waste to Energy


Mayor Lois Jackson has gone on record supporting an in region waste to energy facility be built in Delta.

Do you support development of a waste to energy incinerator in the Delta region? * (Required)

YES

Explain:

In studying the science of energy from waste, there seems to be much less air pollution and leeching involved with an energy from waste plant located in Delta or Gold River, compared to filling thousands of trucks with garbage so that the garbage can be driven hundreds of miles to a large dump, such as at Cache Creek. I do support vigorous recycling policies and the eventual goal of zero waste. Until then, however, if waste can produce jobs, relatively clean energy and revenue for Delta instead of costing millions of dollars every year, we should consider the advantages of energy from waste.

Personal


What is your favorite food? Everything except squid

What is your favorite movie? Lord of the Rings

What is your favorite place in Delta?

I don't have just one favorite place. The beaches, dykes, farms, parks, Nature Reserve and forests in Delta are all wonderful. We took our children to Centennial Beach so many times while they were growing up, so that is definitely one of my favorites. Watershed Park could be an international tourist destination if more people realized how beautiful it is. I remember taking our children to Deas Island Park when they were little to pick black berries; it's a wonderful place for a family picnic. Delta could become an eco-tourist destination with just a little more promotion.

What is the last book you read?

To Africa with a Dream

Who is the one person who you admire most?

Olga Marlin

Why?

In the late 1950s, just before Kenya gained its independence, Olga Marlin was one of several women who moved to Kenya with the goal of starting the first Kenyan inter-racial and interdenominational school. Olga showed generosity, strength and solidarity with the poor when she left everything behind in her own country of Ireland in order to help people in a developing country. I admire her big heart.

Optional


Who are the major contributors to your campaign?

The contributors to my campaign are friends and neighbours. They were moved to donate to my campaign because they liked my 2009 Delta Housing Task Force submission and believe my ideas can help make wiser use of existing residential land, create affordable home ownership options for first time buyers, give more housing options to retirees, and generally help improve Delta.

If you don't win in this by-election do you plan to run in the general election in 2011?

MAYBE

Friday, August 13, 2010

Delta By-Election Candidate Challenge Begins

Delta Votes 2010 By-electionEight candidates will be vying for the City of Delta council seat left vacant by the late George Hawksworth. A steady stream of candidates filed their nomination papers with the city clerk's office over the last two weeks. The final candidate waited until the last moment to complete her paperwork. The nominations are not official until the until the 23rd of August. The candidates have until the 20th to withdraw and challenges can be made against nominations until the 17th. Although the nominations aren't technically official until the city clerk makes her declaration on the 23rd the campaign is underway.

The eight candidates consist of Sylvia Bishop, Sandeep Pandher, Kathleen Higgins, Amy Ghuman Sara, Maria Devries, Ray Robinson, Ian Paton, and Peter Harms.

Thus begins the 2010 Delta Free Press Challenge. As the candidates campaign for your votes, we have decided to add some excitement to what is typically a lack-luster event. I have chosen to vet the candidates in three steps.

  1. A questionnaire was made available earlier today to all the candidates to fill out (results will be published as they arrive)
  2. An interview of each candidate to drill down their platforms and get to know the person.
  3. On August 24th, at the all candidates meeting, candidates will be judged on their performance.

Right after the debate I will announce a winner.

The winner of the challenge will be presented a $200 campaign donation, a prime lawn sign location, free advertising and an editorial endorsement from the Delta Free Press.

And if that isn't enough, the winner will also receive my vote.

Elvis Glazier
Editor-in-chief

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Public Not Welcome at Development Workshops

Delta Mayor Lois Jackson Locks Public Out of WorkshopsBy Debbie McBride - I’ve noticed lately that Delta Council’s Monday night meetings are getting not just shorter but also lacking discussion at the table. Bylaws and policies are no longer being discussed at length as they were in the past. Yes, those discussions could be boring but they afforded the electorate an insight into what their representatives are thinking and how they were reaching their decisions. That is no longer happening.

The aha moment for me was during the public hearing called to deal with changes made to the original Tsawwassen golf course redevelopment. At a previous council meeting that dealt with 1st and 2nd reading of the proposed changes, a comment from Councilor King was made about how nice it would be to have a public outdoor ice skating rink that would be available during the winter.

Since there was no previous mention of a skating rink in the information given to the public about this, I was not alone in my confusion as to what she was talking about. It seems the comment came as a result of a previous discussion that had been held between the proponents, Delta council and staff at a work session. A work session which, Ron Toigo told us quite rightly, members of the public could have attended. However, it’s difficult for the public to attend work sessions they don’t know are taking place.

So just what is a “work session” you may ask. These are meetings that take place between various parties, especially developers, Delta staff and Delta council. They usually take place in the afternoon before regular council meetings but can be held at anytime. Discussion is held between the parties about a proposed development or bylaw. They are open to the public and are not an abnormal part of municipal business and are used by councils everywhere.

Minutes or notes are not taken at the meetings because it’s not a formal session that deals with motions, etc. It’s here that I feel Delta is abusing the system in a manner that is precluding the general public from the proper process that will allow them to know the details of these projects. Details are being kept from the public simply because not everyone can attend these afternoon work sessions and if they could the public would be hard pressed to find out just exactly when, where and subject matter of these sessions. Could this be just want Delta mayor and council want?

What’s really disturbing about the way Delta is using these work sessions is the fact that while developments – both large and small – are being discussed in great detail at these work sessions, public notification is poor and no minutes are taken. That leaves the public without a valid record to review what is being discussed unless they were actually in attendance.
It seems these afternoon work sessions have become defacto council meetings without the benefit of true public scrutiny or record. And they are happening more and more frequently.

On July 26, council held a work session with Earth King Industries. On Delta’s website there is only a memo from planner Tom Leatham saying the work session had been requested by Earth King and it was taking place to discuss what kind of development was allowable on the agricultural land owned by Earth King at 64 Ave, bordering Burns Bog. This, despite Delta declaring a moratorium on any development applications for land identified as being in the green zone in the Metro Livable Region plan. Delta had only recently returned a development application to Earth King for this same piece of property along with Century Industries’ Southlands application. So what gives? Could the fact that Earth King was a very major contributor to Mayor Jackson’s, Councilors McDonald, Hamilton, Campbell’s last campaign give cause for special consideration? I’m just asking the question. You decide.

No minutes or notes were taken, so there is no record of what was actually discussed. However, I was told by a Delta staffer that the meeting had been held at the request of Earth King and despite council’s “policy” of not accepting development applications on agricultural land until the Metro plan is finished, a development proposal was indeed discussed and discussion will continue in another work session on August 30.

Since so much information is being received at these daytime meetings and so much weight seems to be given to what’s discussed there needs to be a way the public can be observers and judge for themselves what is being discussed. At the very least, the public needs to be aware such meetings are taking place. As it stands now, in order to find out about work sessions, one needs to go personally down to Municipal Hall and check at the desk. Why on earth these meetings, which are usually scheduled 2 to 3 weeks in advance, are not placed on a prominent and easily accessible place on Delta’s website defies explanation.

Why can’t Delta set up a camera in those meetings and record them for broadcast on the web? Indeed, why shouldn’t all of Delta’s public meetings be recorded and broadcast on their website? It doesn’t need more than a static camera and a microphone in all the meeting rooms to make an acceptable audio/visual feed that would allow the public to observe what is going on. Excuses about the cost of setting up such a system are absurd and simply an attempt to deflect the subject at hand. That subject being, the public’s right to see what their elected officials are doing for the public.

Yes, these work sessions have a place in the business of running the municipality and yes, they’ve been happening for years. Here’s the difference between now and the past.

Delta council had effective councilors like Krista Engelland, Vicki Huntington and even at times the late George Hawksworth, who would bring the issues and minutia for discussion at the council table. Heck, even those I didn’t agree with caused discussion around the table that the public could hear and see. That’s how it should be.

Today’s council table consists of 2 very timid newbies who seem to be afraid to question anything and acquiesce all too easily the “elders” on council. It has become obvious that all we have representing us are a bunch of yes men and women who either are in over their heads and don’t understand what’s going on or have a set agenda that doesn’t involve public input.

Indeed, this was shown only too well when Councilor King decided not to vote on the changes to the Toigo project because she felt there would be a conflict of interest in her vote. How was this ethical move met by Delta Mayor and other councilors? A visit to the Delta lawyers, an admonishment and a slap on the hand instead of the back. That’s what happens with this Delta council when one of its members doesn’t march in lock step with their agenda.

The Tsawwassen Area Plan fiasco and the insistence on pushing garbage incinerators over public objections are only two items. Ladner residents are being ignored when their concerns with density and services are raised, Burns Bog is used as a bargaining chip and residents are of North Delta are left to blow in the wind when the Provincial government decides to destroy a neighbourhood so their buddy Gordon Campbell can push his precious highway through an historic neighbourhood. Let’s not forget who jumped on the Gordon Campbell bandwagon during the last provincial election.

We have a chance in the upcoming by-election to least open the door and elect someone who is on the resident’s side. Yes, we need to elect a new councilor who is willing to push back and not be afraid to question the powers that be at Delta Hall. Someone who won’t find it inconvenient to do the people’s business in front of the public. Frankly, that someone is Sylvia Bishop, the only one who is not beholden to big developers or afraid of standing up and taking a contrary view and won’t be bullied by those who would keep the goings on at City Hall way from the public’s eyes and ears.

After all, the public’s business should be exactly that. Public. Too bad our current mayor and councilors have forgotten that.