Tsawwassen Area Plan Survey Arrives in Mailbox

Surveys about the Tsawwassen Area Plan began showing up in mailboxes yesterday. The survey was contracted by the City of Delta to the Ipsos Reid company to ask residents a few questions regarding the make up of the town center and to gauge sentiment on development of the agricultural land known as the 'Southlands'. The survey comes on the heals of a recent controversy surrounding an online survey that had people up in arms about a technical glitch that was changing answers regarding uses for the Southlands. Participants found that when they answered in favour of conserving the property their answers were altered to be in favour of allowing development of the land. It would seem the city's decision to hire an independent firm is to dispel a growing sentiment that the process is tainted by local politics.

The survey consisted of many questions but the one that has polarized town residents the most is the two part question regarding the fate of the Southlands:

1. Southlands The Southlands comprise 217 hectares (535 acres) of privately-owned lands, located between 56th Street and the Boundary Bay neighbourhood. These lands are designated as 'agricultural' in the Tsawwassen Are Plan and any land use change would require the approval of Metro Vancouver. Existing policies and regulations state that the land can only be used for agricultural.

Option A: No change - keep agricultural as the only permitted use of the Southlands. Proceed to question 2.

Option B: Some change - allow a limited amount of residential and commercial development on the Southlands (to be determined through a public hearing process), in exchange for transfer of a percentage of the lands to the Corporation of Delta, to be protected for agricultural and conservation purposes.

If you selected Option B (allowing a limited amount of residential and commercial development), what minimum percentage of the Southlands should be transferred to the Corporation of Delta ownership to be protected for agricultural and conservation purposes?

◘	◘	◘	◘	◘
Less than 50% |	50% to 60% |	61% to 70% |	71% to 80% |	No Opinion

The choice for preserving the Southlands intact is very black and white. You want the entire property to remain zoned agricultural. The choice for development requires quite a bit more thought with the five options to choose from. The following chart calculates the breakdown of how much land could be developed as residential or commercial and what would be transferred to the city:

Option	Max.Dev. (in Acres)	Min.Dev. (in Acres)	Max.City (in Acres)	Min.City (in Acres)
Less than 50%	535	238	238	0
50% to 60%	237.5	214	321	238
61% to 70%	209	161	375	326
71% to 80%	155	107	428	380

With all the choices for the pro-development side it would seem the easiest choice would be to leave it 'as is'. But this is Tsawwassen and nothing ever comes that easy.

Citizen Group Prepares Tsawwassen for Southlands Survey

Photograph by : Les Bazso, PNG

Delta City Council has decided to contract Ipsos-Reid to conduct a mail survey of Tsawwassen residents and businesses on the Tsawwassen Area Plan and the future of the Southlands. The survey will contain five questions in total but the first question, dealing with development of the Spetifore farmland, will be a two part question. The first question asks whether residents (and business owners) support the existing agricultural designation. The second, to ask if they support some kind of change in exchange for land being handed over to Delta and if so what percentage should be developed and what should be given to the city.

This poll is the result of a recent botched attempt to poll the citizens of Tsawwassen electronically. After posting the answers to an online survey people noticed that when they answered in favour of keeping the land zoned agricultural that their answers were altered to say the opposite. Citizens complained to the city and a complaint was filed with the Delta Police Department. By commissioning this poll to Ipsos-Reid the staff and council of the City of Delta hope to cleanse themselves of the controversy surrounded this contentious property. The survey will cost the city $15,000 to undertake and the deadline for returning the survey is June 18.

Not everybody is happy with the latest poll. Southlands the Facts, a citizen's group dedicated to preserving the farmland in question, announced the launch of their new website www.southlandsthefacts.ca to provide information regarding Delta’s latest attempt to gauge public opinion, with another survey on the Southlands. "We’re still puzzled why it’s necessary. Staff and Council have ignored the will of the majority who voted against Southlands development on October 24th, 2009. It seems they will keep wasting taxpayers’ time and money until they get the answer they want. We can only hope this survey will be the last regarding Southlands and that it will not suffer from the same inaccuracies as previous attempts did, when managed by Delta Staff and Council”, said Dana Maslovat, one of the organizers of Southlands the Facts, commenting on the recent survey. “All too often Delta staff have avoided the tough questions regarding the impact of such a massive development in our community. We hope our new website will provide residents of South Delta with all the facts surrounding the Southlands, so they can make an informed decision.”

"Central to the survey is a question asking whether residents would support limited development in exchange for transfer of lands to the Corporation of Delta. This question has been previously asked in many forms and each time the overwhelming majority of citizens responded by not supporting development in any form and the preservation of this 535 acre farmland." The new website includes a link to a flyer with information about Southlands and how to respond to the survey.

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 redesignation 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.

Teenage Girl Assaulted in Annieville - Delta Police Issue Warning

News Desk - The Delta Police Department has issued a public safety warning today after teenage girl assaulted in Annieville.

Delta Police responded to the report of an attack that took place on May 24, 2010 at 10:45PM where they learned that an 18 year girl was walking on the pathway that connects 11200 blk of 92A Avenue to Kendale Way when was struck from behind on the head by an unknown attacker with a blunt instrument. After the initial blow, a struggle ensued and the girl was able to escape the assailant suffering only minor physical injury. She fled home where she later called police.

Because the attacker approached the victim from behind and no words were exchanged there is very little information although it is believed the suspect had a knife as well as a blunt weapon. "Although there have not been similar incidents in the recent past or subsequently however, the Delta Police are reminding the general public to walk in well lit areas, walk in small groups and if approached yell or scream to draw attention to yourself and report incident to police as soon as possible.", said Sergeant Sharlene Brooks of the Delta Police.

Delta Police encourage the general public to report anyone who appears suspicious or is acting in a suspicious manner. If anyone heard anything or saw anyone suspicious in the area prior to or shortly after the
time of this incident (May 24, 2010 11:45 p.m), please call the Delta Police at 604 946 4411 or Crime Stoppers 1800-222 8477.

DVD Releases Tuesday June 1, 2010

Alice in Wonderland (2010) Director: Tim Burton. Stars: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover, Matt Lucas, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen, Alan Rickman, Barbara Windsor. Available as a three-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy), single-disc Blu-ray and single-disc DVD Extras: DVD "Finding Alice" featurette includes Tim Burton's vision for the characters, differences from the book and Disney's version of Alice and how she evolves as both a character and actor as she takes an adventure through Wonderland; "The Mad Hatter" is a deeper look into the world of the Mad Hatter, with Johnny Depp's early sketches, make-up, costumes and how they digitally enhanced his eyes; "Effecting Wonderland" is a behind-the-scenes piece on the different technologies used to create some of the characters in the film -- Stayne, Tweedledee, Tweedledum, Bandersnatch and the Red Queen. Extras: Blu-ray Everything on the standard DVD plus: "The Futterwacken Dance � Futterwhat?" about the making of the timeless dance called the Futterwacken; "The Red Queen" featurette on the creation of the Red Queen from start to finish, including early Tim Burton sketches showcasing costume designs, make-up and digital effects; "Time-Lapse: Sculpting the Red Queen," a short time-lapse piece showing Helena Bonham Carter as she gets her make-up done (A three-hour process can be watched in just a few short minutes); "The White Queen" interview with Anne Hathaway, who plays Wonderland's good queen, about her character's journey throughout the process of the film; "Scoring Wonderland"; "Stunts of Wonderland"; "Making the Proper Size" inside look at the visual effects process of growing and shrinking Alice; "Cakes of Wonderland" with the "Cake Divas" in which the creators of the EAT ME cakes provide viewers with details about how they made the smallest crumb to the largest cake in scale; "Tea Party Props": Tea cups, saucers, cakes and more; prop master Doug Harlocker gives an overview of all the props used to bring the famous tea party scene together visually. (Disney).

The Barbara Stanwyck Show: Volume 2 Two-disc set with 12 of the 1960-61 series' most memorable half-hour dramas, previously unavailable, and restored and re-mastered for optimal viewing. The dramas include "Adventure on Happiness Street" starring Robert Culp and "Assassin" with Peter Falk. The set also includes the un-aired episode "Hong Kong and Joe" and a 16-page booklet. $29.98. (E1 Entertainment).

Bare Knuckles (2009) Jeanette Roxborough, Teya Roxborough, Chris Mulkey, Martin Kove. A single mother enters the world of Mixed Martial Arts -- specifically, the highly lucrative, extremely dangerous and completely illegal world of high-stakes all-female bare knuckle fighting -- to take her and her daughter out of their dead-end existence. (Image Entertainment).

Burn Notice: Season Three (2009-10) Four-disc set with 16 episodes, $49.98. Extras: "Smash, Crash, Boom: Inside the Burn Notice Stunt Unit," 2009 Comic-con International Panel. (Fox).

The Cleaner: The Final Season (2009) Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.99. Extras: "Coming Clean" featurette, "Warren Boyd: The Real Cleaner," gag reel, cast and crew commentary on selected episodes, deleted scenes. (CBS/Paramount).

Cornered! (2009) Steve Guttenberg, James Duval, Ellia English. During their nightly poker game, a group of lowlifes are terrorized in their own convenience store by a masked killer, and players begin to disappear one by one. (Phase 4 Films).

Drop Dead Diva: Season One (2009) Single-disc with 13 episodes, $39.95. Extras: Deleted scenes, three "Dreamisodes" (short films), "Rosie's Rap" (short film), eight behind-the-scenes featurettes. (Sony).

The Eastwood Factor Extended Version.

(2010) Documentary, written and directed by critic and film historian Richard Schickel, presents the director-star in a way he's rarely seen -- visiting film locations or sites where his movies were created, and on the Warner lot visiting the costume department and Eastwood Scoring Stage, as well as his hometown of Carmel, Calif. Eastwood's candid, intelligent and often humorous interviews about his body of work and the choices he made, along with Schickel's selection of scenes from his movies, results in a rare view of one of our era's great icons. Narrated by Morgan Freeman. This is an expanded version of the 22-minute documentary included in "Clint Eastwood: 35 Films, 35 Years at Warner Bros"; consumers who purchased that set can trade up to this new feature-length version at no cost by visiting www.wbshop.com/Eastwood. $14.97. (Warner).

Elvis 75th Birthday CollectionSeven-disc Elvis Presley film set with "Clambake," "Frankie and Johnny," "Follow That Dream," "Kid Galahad," "Love Me Tender," "Wild in the Country" and "Flaming Star," $39.99. (MGM).

Essential Eastwood: Director's Collection "Letters From Iwo Jima," "Million Dollar Baby," "Mystic River" and "Unforgiven." $34.92.(Warner).

Essential Eastwood: Action Collection "Firefox," "Heartbreak Ridge," "Kelly's Heroes" and "Where Eagles Dare." $34.92. (Warner).

Firefly Fun and Buggy Buddies (2010) Three episodes that will educate children about insects with celebrity appearances by Jenny McCarthy and Molly Shannon, $14.97. (Sesame Street/Warner).

Foyle's War, Set 6 (2010) Three-disc set with three new mysteries set England in the immediate aftermath of WWII: "The Russian Hose," "Killing Time" and "Hide," which air on PBS Masterpiece Mystery! in May 2010; $49.99. (Acorn Media).

Ghost Hunters International Season 1: Part 1, (2008) Three-disc set with 11 episodes, $24.98. Extras: Deleted scenes. (Image Entertainment).

Life (2010) Documentary narrated by Oprah Winfrey. Four-disc set of the Discovery Channel series that explores life on Earth. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

MLB Bloopers: Baseball's Best Blunders (2010) The game's finest athletes brought to their knees by gravity, brain cramps, killer kittens and anything else that can disrupt the symmetry of the game. $14.97. Extras: "Orioles Magic Music Video," "Ryan Dempster's Wheel Heist," "Mitch Williams Gives Larry Andersen Some Much Needed Hair," "Mascot Mayhem," "Tim Hudson Scares Eddie Perez," "Fun With Gum," "Fan-mania," "Drive to the Park." (Shout! Factory).

Midsomer Murders Set 15 (2008) Three contemporary, stand-alone mysteries, available to U.S. audiences for the first time: "Blood Wedding," "Shot at Dawn" and "Left for Dead" (the first half of Series Eleven). Extras: Behind-the-scenes documentary on the show's first decade. (Acorn Media).

Peanuts 1970s Collection: Volume 2 (2009) Six remastered TV specials: "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown," "You're a Good Sport, Charlie Brown," "It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown," "It's Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown," "You're the Greatest, Charlie Brown" and "What a Nightmare, Charlie Brown." Extras: "Your Groovy, Charlie Brown: A Look at Peanuts in the '70s. $29.98. (Warner).

The Stranger (2010) Steve Austin, Adam Beach, Erica Cerra. Wrestling star Steve Austin is The Stranger, a man with no name, no memory and absolutely nothing left to lose who finds himself hunted by both the FBI and the Russian mob and decides to fight back. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).

The Three Stooges: Volume Eight 1955-1959 Three-disc set, $24.96. Contains 32 digitally remastered shorts from 1955-1959 and includes both Shemp Howard and Joe Besser. (Besser, a long-time friend of Howard, replaced him after Howard's death in 1955.) Disc 1: "Bedlam in Paradise," "Blunder Boys," "Creeps," "Flagpole Jitters," "Gypped in the Penthouse," "Hot Ice," "Husbands Beware," "Of Cash and Hash," "Stone Age Romeos," "Fling in the Ring," "Wham-Bam-Slam!" Disc 2: "Commotion on the Ocean" "Guns a Poppin!" "Hoofs and Goofs," "Horsing Around," "Hot Stuff," "A Merry Mix-Up," "Muscle Up a Little Closer," "Rumpus in the Harem", "Scheming Schemers," "Space Ship Sappy." Disc 3: "Outer Space," "Jitters," "Rusty Romeos," "Quiz Whizz," "Fifi Blows Her Top," "Pies and Guys," "Sweet and Hot," "Flying Saucer Daffy," "Oil's Well That Ends Well," "Triple Crossed," "Sappy Bullfighters." (Sony).

The Undisputed III: Redemption (2010) Scott Adkins, Mykel Shannon Jenkins. More martial arts action.

Unthinkable (2009) Samuel L. Jackson, Carrie-Anne Moss, Michael Sheen, Brandon Routh, Benito Martinez. Jackson plays a top-notch interrogator whose sole purpose is to safeguard the United States from terrorist threats; he has two days to get a captured terrorist to disclose the whereabouts of three nuclear bombs he claims to have planted in three major American cities. Extras: Commentary by director Gregor Jordan; alternate, extended ending. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds movieIQ+sync BD-LIVE. (Sony).

Wild Things: Foursome (2010) John Schneider, Ashley Parker Angel, Jillian Murray, Marnette Patterson. Next film in the "Wild Things" series about hot blooded sex and cold blooded murder. A murdered hotel millionaire's son finds himself tangled up in a game of seduction and murder after a raunchy night with three beautiful women. Unrated. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

The Wolfman (2010) Benicio Del Toro, Emily Blunt, Anthony Hopkins, Hugo Weaving, Simon Merrells, Gemma Whelan, Mario Marin-Borquez, Asa Butterfield, Cristina Contes, Art Malik, Malcolm Scates. Rated and unrated versions. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, with loads of bonus features.(Universal).

Gateway Closes Door on Neighbourhood

By Elvis Glazier - While many people fled the Lower Mainland for the Victoria Day long weekend a group of concerned citizens took to the streets of Delta to raise awareness about the Gateway Project and the devastation the South Fraser Perimeter Road is having on the riverfront community of Sunbury. The Sunbury Neighbourhood Association (SNA)organized a Victoria Day tea party to let the government know that they were, "not amused."

The demonstration, which took place on the 10300 block of River Road, had a shaky start. Organizers arrived at the rally location, a couple of waterfront residential lots which had been bulldozed, to find that the site had been made completely inaccessible by industrial fencing and green fabric sheathing. "It's ridiculous", said Richelle Giberson, one of the tea party's organizers. "This lot has been vacant for a long time and now suddenly there's a fence? It seems a little suspicious to me."

(The Delta Free Press tried to track down someone at Ledcor CMI Ltd., the company in charge of the design and build of the 40km container truck route, to comment on the sudden closure but no one was available for comment at the time this story went to print.)

In the interest of public safety two sections of the fence were dismantled so attendees wouldn't be forced on to the busy River Road. The Delta Police were called to the site shortly after but immediately left when they discovered the Sunbury Neighbourhood Group had organized the event.

The rest of the Victorian style garden party went off without a hitch and was well attended by the public who seemed to show up in shifts. The fenceline was used as a backdrop for the information placards and banners that were set out for people to paint they're pleas to the Provincial Government to stop the impending development.

Ernie Baatz, a local resident and SNA member, is passionate when it comes to preserving the neighbourhood. "This highway is not wanted or needed. There is no demand for the container port expansion and the only people who will benefit from this project are the developers. The global economic crisis has reduced Asian shipments to an all time low and it is unlikely it will ever recover. Plus the increased capacities at other expanded ports, the widening of the Panama Canal, and the thawing of the East-West passage will make this port obsolete before the last piece of asphalt is rolled out."

"Who's brilliant idea was it to build a four lane container truck route beside an active rail line? If you need to move containers use the steel wheels on rails not rubber on asphalt." added Sue Hodges, a long time Tsawwassen resident who traveled from South Delta to support her neighbours in the North. "We're being let down by all levels of government. The provincial government is completely out of touch with reality and our Delta City Council is not being the stewards of the land that they used to be. Something strange is happening at City Hall."

These sentiments were repeated by everyone at the tea party. Of the 223 Delta properties required to complete the SFPR 155 have been acquired. Of these properties 64 homes are slated for destruction and at the time of this report 41 have seen the working end of a bulldozer and 34 of them in North Delta.

It's easy to understand what they are saying about their neighbourhood being destroyed when you're standing at ground zero amidst the ruin of what was once a vibrant part of Delta's history and heritage. Although the development seems relentless, the resolve and strength of character of the people fighting to save their neighbourhood can only be described as uplifting and hopeful and that is what truly makes a community!

DVD Releases Tuesday May 25, 2010

All My Friends Are Funeral Singers (2010) Angela Bettis, Emily Candini, Reid Coker, Kevin Ford. Rather than rattling old chains, the spirits in this film play experimental music in the upstairs bedroom of a psychic adviser's home. Zel the psychic is very good at her chosen profession, but she also receives some unique assistance. For as long as she can remember she has shared her home with a group of ghosts -- a priest, a bride, a mute child, some washed up vaudevillians and a noisy group of sight-impaired musicians -- who pass on incredible knowledge and abilities from beyond the world of the living. The ghosts came with the building, inherited by Zel from her mystic-minded grandmother, but now they want out. (IndiePix Films).
Ancients Behaving Badly: The Complete Season One (2009) Two-disc set with eight episodes, $24.95. (A&E Home Entertainment).
Bigger and Blackerer: David Cross (2010) Comedy DVD by the actor-comedian-writer taped during two shows at Boston's Wilbur Theatre, $14.98. (Sub Pop Records).
Butterfly Dreaming(2008) Andrew Bowen, Missy Crider, James McDaniel. Anxious dreams, hallucinations, and paranoid reality torment a young math professor in the aftermath of his wife's death in a car accident. (Vanguard Cinema).
By Brakhage: An Anthology, Volume 2(1955-2003) Criterion's first volume of the anthology "By Brakhage" brought 26 astonishing works by the avant-garde film pioneer Stan Brakhage to home video for the first time. In this second installment, Criterion presents 30 more of Brakhage's innovative creations, from 1950s films to his final work, from 2003. Highlights of this collection include the antiwar film "23rd Psalm Branch"; hand-painted films from the Persian Series; "The Wonder Ring," made for a commission by Joseph Cornell; the autobiographical "Scenes from Under Childhood, Section One"; his only found-footage film, "Murder Psalm"; and much more. New high-definition digital transfers of all 30 films. Extras: "Brakhage on Brakhage," a collection of video encounters with the filmmaker; "For Stan," a short film by Marilyn Brakhage; excerpts from a 1990 interview with Brakhage; footage from Brakhage's salon at the University of Colorado; audio recordings of two lectures by Brakhage; booklet featuring film program notes by Marilyn Brakhage and write-ups of the films by Brakhage expert Fred Camper. Volume 2 is available in a Blu-ray Disc set with Volume 1. (The Criterion Collection).
Call Me Madame (2008) In a small village in France, a 55 year-old Communist activist, married and father of a teenage son, becomes a transsexual with the help of his/her wife. "Call Me Madame," shot in 1986, is Francoise Romand's second documentary, after her famous "Mix-Up." In French with English Subtitles. $25.00. (Microcinema International).
Dear John(2010) Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Richard Jenkins, Henry Thomas, D.J. Cotrona, Cullen Moss, Gavin McCulley, Jose Lucena Jr., Keith Robinson, Scott Porter. Extras: Deleted and alternate scenes; alternate ending; outtakes; "A Conversation With Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried and Lasse Hallstrom"; "Transforming Charleston"; "Military in Movies: Dear John's Military Advisors"; "Mr. Tyree, The Mule, and Benny Dietz"; "The Story of Braeden Reed." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).
Dwizzle Dee -- Colors, Sizes, Songs & Imagination! (2010) A new preschool educational DVD series approved and endorsed by The Dove Foundation and KIDS FIRST! The DVD series teaches fundamentals such as colors, sizes and shapes with the help of characters Lenny, Penny and Gifford, and their teacher, Ms. Ashley. Featuring colorful live-action puppet characters together with animation, the series encourages children to participate in all of the fun and stimulating adventures in Ms. Ashley's classroom, using repetition, imagination, songs and fun problem solving. $14.95. Extras: Sing-a-long songs, printable coloring page, "El Gato," an animated video short of Frankie Corrigan's children's book "El Gato!"(Cinema Werx).
Flashpoint: The Second Season (2009) Two-disc set with 13 episodes, $42.99. Extras: Stunts and weapons featurettes. (Paramount).
Hard Ride to Hell (2010) Miguel Ferrer, Laura Mennell, Katharine Isabelle. After accidently witnessing a cruel human sacrifice, a group of defenseless campers find themselves on the run from a savage gang of Demon-worshiping bikers on the hunt for their next human offering. Spike TV original movie. (Vivendi Entertainment).
Hoarders (2009) Two--disc set with all seven Season 1 episodes, $19.95. (A&E Home Entertainment). I Know What I Saw(2009) Documentary featuring credible UFO witnesses from around the world telling stories that challenge reality. At the National Press Club in Washington D.C., director and host James Fox has assembled Air Force generals, astronauts, military and commercial pilots, government and FAA officials from seven countries to tell stories and share their experiences and observations about UFOs. $19.95. Extras: Out-takes and key witness interviews. (A&E Home Entertainment).
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great (1998) Two-disc of the four-part miniseries. Combining popular history with adventure and travel, historian Michael Wood embarks on an Odyssey of discovery, following the ancient triumphal march of Alexander of Macedonia from Greece to India, to uncover the truth behind one of history's most famous and enigmatic heroes. $34.98. Extras: "Alexander's Greatest Battle," newly filmed interview with Wood. (Warner).
Leverage The Second Season (2009-10) Four-disc set with 15 episodes, $39.99. Extras: Commentary, Q&A with the series' creators, set tour, spoof video, Season Two wrap party, gag reel, behind-the-scenes featurettes. (Paramount).
Marked: The Complete Season One (2009) Two-disc set with six episodes, $19.95. (A&E Home Entertainment).
The Most Distant Course (2007 -- Taiwan) This critically acclaimed, modern story portrays three broken hearts that converge by destiny. A heartbroken sound technician can't get over the girl who leaves him without a word and he collects sounds on tape and sends them to her. A girl name Ryo receives the tapes by accident; she's involved with a married man, but temptation leads her to track down the tape's sender because the sounds continue to echo in her head. Meanwhile, a recently divorced psychiatrist embarks on a soul searching journey and meets the sound technician. Will these three lonely souls eventually find the place that is closest to their hearts? (Vanguard Cinema).
My Dog: An Unconditional Love Story (2009) Documentary explores the unique relationship between people and their beloved pets through candid interviews with notable dog lovers and intimate glimpses into the lives of actors and musicians, authors and designers, examining the profound connection they have with their dogs. Includes interviews with Glenn Close, Richard Gere and Carey Lowell, Edie Falco, Christopher Meloni, Isaac Mizrahi, Lynn Redgrave, Edward Albee, Greg Louganis, Richard Belzer, Cindy Adams, more. Twenty percent of every dollar earned by the film will be donated to nonprofit animal welfare charities designated by the participants. $26.95. Extras: Deleted scenes, additional interviews. (Docurama Films).
Mystery Team (2009) Donald Glover, D.C. Pierson, Dominic Dierkes, Aubrey Plaza, Matt Walsh. Follows the adventures of three high-school virgins who are stuck solving childish whodunit mysteries in their neighborhood. But when these bumbling boy detectives are tasked to investigate a real murder, they see the ultimate opportunity to prove themselves once and for all. Extras: Commentary from DERRICK Comedy members: Dan Eckman, Meggie McFadden, Dominic Dierkes, Donald Glover and DC Pierson; "The Making of Mystery Team"," deleted material reel of jokes and moments that were cut from the final film; preproduction test scene; "Sword Club" testament to some very special heroes who supported "Mystery Team" across America; "Who Is Wally Cummings?: The story of an enigmatic, creepy, and disputably talented character actor who visited the set of "Mystery Team." (Lionsgate),
NYC: Tornado Terror(2008) Nicole De Boer, Sebastian Spence. Global warming has caused a rift in the Earth's atmosphere, causing powerful tornadoes and deadly electrical storms to descend on Manhattan; only a quarreling deputy mayor and his meteorologist wife can save the city in this Syfy Channel movie. (Monarch Home Video).
Owl and the Sparrow(2007 -- Vietnamese) Cat Ly, Le The Lu, Pham Thi Han. In modern-day Saigon, three lonely strangers form a unique family as a 10-year old run-away plays matchmaker to a zoo keeper and a beautiful flight attendant. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Stephane Gauger, deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurette, still galleries. (Image Entertainment).
The Road (2009) Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Kodi Smit-McPhee. Extras: "The Making of The Road," deleted scenes, commentary by director John Hillcoat Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Weinstein/Sony).
Royal Pains: Season One (2009) Three-disc set with 12 episodes, Extras: Commentary, "Dr. Irv Danesh: The Real Doctor of Royal Pains," Paulo's video blogs. $59.98.(Universal).
Stagecoach (1939) This is where it all started. John Ford's smash hit and enduring masterpiece revolutionized the Western, elevating it from B movie to the A-list. The quintessential tale of a group of strangers thrown together into extraordinary circumstances -- nine passengers traveling a dangerous route from Arizona to New Mexico -- "Stagecoach" features outstanding performances from Hollywood stalwarts Claire Trevor, John Carradine, Thomas Mitchell, and, of course, John Wayne, in his first starring role for Ford, as the daredevil outlaw the Ringo Kid. Superbly shot and tightly edited, Stagecoach (Ford's first trip to Monument Valley) is Hollywood storytelling at its finest. New, restored high-definition digital transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition. Extras: Commentary by noted western authority Jim Kitses; "Bucking Broadway" (1917), a 54-minute silent western by John Ford, with new music by Donald Sosin; extensive video interview with Ford from 1968; video interview with Dan Ford, biographer and grandson of the director, about Ford's home movies; video interview with filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich; video essay by writer Tag Gallagher; video feature about Monument Valley; video interview with stunt coordinator Vic Armstrong about "Stagecoach's" stuntman Yakima Canutt; radio dramatization of "Stagecoach" from 1949; booklet featuring an essay by David Cairns and the short story that inspired the film. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).
Tell Tale (2009) Josh Lucas, Lena Headey, Brian Cox. Inspired by the Edgar Allan Poe story "The Tell-Tale Heart," this modern adaptation follows a single father whose recently transplanted heart leads him on a frantic search to find the donor's killer before a similar fate befalls him. Extras: Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Genius Products/Vivendi Entertainment).
True Blood: The Complete Second Season (2009) Twelve episodes, $59.99. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (HBO Home Video).
The Unidentified (2008) Jay Sullivan, Lauren Shannon, Erin Ecklund. An aspiring journalist comes of age midst a struggle between apathy and idealism in today's youth culture. (Vanguard Cinema).
The Virginian: The Complete First Season (1962-63) Ten-disc collector's set in an embossed tin package with all 30 episodes, restored and remastered, $79.98. Extras: All-new interviews with actors James Drury, Gary Clark, Roberta Shore, Robert Fuller and Peter Brown. (Timeless Media Group/NBC Universal).
Visions and Miracles(2010) Documentary that reveals modern day visions and miracles in Egypt never before seen in the Western world. (Vanguard Cinema).
Words of Advice: William S. Burroughs on the Road(2007) In 1983, the counter-culture icon and author of the cult classic "Naked Lunch" (1959), William S. Burroughs (1914-1997), traveled throughout Scandinavia making a series of personal appearances. Twenty years later, filmmakers Lars Movin and Steen Moller Rasmussen found never-before-seen footage of his Copenhagen visit and set out on the road to record new material, telling the story of the acclaimed author's later work -- especially what is known as "The Last Trilogy" -- and his unique performance skills. Extras: A nearly complete documentation of Burroughs' reading in Copenhagen, Oct. 29th 1983; a statement by Ann Douglas, professor at Columbia University, New York; two short tribute films: "One Shot I + II." $24.95. (Microcinema International).
The World of Buckminster Fuller(2007) Architect, engineer, geometrician, cartographer, philosopher, futurist, inventor of the famous geodesic dome and one of the most brilliant thinkers of his time, Buckminster Fuller was renowned for his comprehensive perspective on the world's problems. For more than five decades he developed pioneering solutions reflecting his commitment to the potential of innovative design to create technology that does "more with less" and thereby improves human lives. He spent much of his life traveling the world lecturing and discussing his ideas with thousands of audiences. Now more relevant than ever, this film by Robert Snyder captures Fuller's ideas and thinking told in his own words. $24.95. (Microcinema International).

Tea Party to Save Sunbury

It would seem that Tea is becoming the drink of choice in British Columbia. The Liberal Party, under the leadership of Gordon Campbell, has incited a province wide 'Tea Party' with the tactics they have used to enact their hugely unpopular Harmonized Sales Tax and locally here in Delta with their Gateway development plans.

Paying homage to Queen Victoria on the long weekend that bares her name the Sunbury Neighbourhood Association (SNA) has decided to host their own tea party. "To express our royal displeasure with Gordon Campbell’s petulant scheme to pave over this historic landscape instead of preserving it as a Historic Waterfront Park", is the reason given on the official invitation to attend a tea party and banner painting party.

The event is a way to draw attention to what is happening in the North Delta community of Sunbury, and to provide an outlet for residents to voice their concerns with the South Fraser Perimeter Road project and frustrations with a provincial government that seems to be out of touch with the communities being affected by the development. “The government claims they do not have money for teachers, seniors, health care or public transit,” says Richelle Giberson, a Sunbury Neighbourhood Association member, “yet they plan to spend an estimated 1.3 billion dollars on a waterfront freeway. This really makes me question what our government’s priorities are.”

"The government has targeted about 75 homes to be destroyed in the Sunbury neighborhood and over 300 homes for the entire SFPR project. The Sunbury community is taking a big hit to make way for a four lane container truck route that nobody wants or needs. Delta Port is under capacity, the Port of Prince Rupert is running at 10% capacity, and their widening the Panama Canal. This road is completely useless and unnecessary. It only serves as a precursor to further industrial development to service the route. This (Liberal) government is just paying back the businesses that supported them with this development. Since the Campbell government has been in power, greenhouse gases have continuously risen despite their much publicized campaign to be the most environmentally responsible province in Canada," says tea party organizer and SNA member Ernie Baatz. “This beautiful and historic waterfront site is our local frontline in the struggle to stop global warming. Building a new four lane freeway when transit projects are being delayed for lack of funding violates the Liberals’ legislated commitment to reduce greenhouse gases 33 per cent by 2020. Making a waterfront park in our neighbourhood instead of a waterfront freeway is our way of thinking globally and acting locally. The tea party is a family friendly event and I would encourage families to attend."

UBC's Patrick Condon of the Design Centre for Sustainability is slated to speak to the group. Delta North MLA Guy Gentner will be attending but is not scheduled to make an address.

The event takes place Monday, May 24 between 1 and 3pm at the 10300 block of River Road, the sight of destroyed homes and the lot where the massive 'Climate Action Now" banner was unfurled during the recent 'Pilgrimage to the Bog'. Bring friends, family, painting clothes, freeway-busting ideas, slogans, cartoons, or whatever you fancy! Painting supplies and banners provided or bring your own plus a re-usable cup for this earth friendly event. Cucumber sandwiches and croquet are optional.

For more information:

http://sunburyneighbourhood.ca/GardenParty.htm

http://gatewaysucks.org/