Local Vancouver News & Commentary

 Readers can look forward to an exclusive poll, and a Harmonized Sales Tax Consumer Guide in the Vancouver Sun, June 26, 2010

 

Police busted five biker gang-run meth labs across three Metro Vancouver cities and arrested two suspects early Thursday morning.

As many as 150 officers from the RCMP, Vancouver Police, Municipal and RCMP emergency response teams and the clandestine laboratories unit simultaneously moved in at 5 a.m., raiding clandestine methamphetamine labs at two businesses and three private residences in Metro Vancouver.

Search warrants were executed in the 2600-block Lillooet Street and 1100-block Pacific Street in Vancouver, in the 200-block Newport Drive and 400-block Capilano Road in Port Moody, as well as in the 9400-block 189 Street in Surrey.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit’s Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Unit, which led the investigation, made two arrests and more are to follow, police said.

Investigators found “significant amounts of chemicals used in the production of illicit drugs” at a warehouse in Lillooet Street and an industrial unit in Surrey. Finished drug products were also found at two residential apartment units in Port Moody.

“This is one of several methamphetamine labs investigated by CFSEU teams in the past year and it demonstrates organized crime’s continued involvement in chemical drug production,” Insp. Rob Johnston, who leads CFSEU’s biker unit, said in a statement.

“(These labs) pose a serious safety risk,” Johnston added. “We will continue to use every enforcement opportunity we can to pursue organized criminals who put the public in danger by the production of these drugs.”

The Lions quarterback threw two touchdown passes and Paul McCallum kicked a late field goal in the second half to bury the Blue Bombers.

DVD/Blu-ray releases for December 27, 2011.

Everybody knows that film festivals are all about nurturing an appreciation of films, and celebrating the people who make them.

But film festivals are so much more than that:  they are also about rubbing elbows with stars and scooping up free stuff. So after a day of mountaintop sightseeing, I headed down into Whistler village to see how much I could do of both.

My schmooze-a-thon and swagfest began at the American Express warm-up tent, where Pia Shandel was shooting segments for her Shaw cable show, P!a. After scoring a complimentary Starbucks hot chocolate (free stuff, part one!) I sat down with Pia to talk about how Vancouver's cultural scene has grown and blossomed over the years. 

I could talk all day about how proud I am of my beloved hometown, but before long it was time to hand the interview chair over to a proper person of significance: celebrated filmmaker Monte Hellman, who was honoured in a tribute Friday night before a screening of his new film Road to Nowhere. (famous people, part one!)

After that, I got really efficient with my mission at the Canadian Film Lounge, presented by the First Weekend Club. If you love Canadian film and want to support our local industry, you have to know about this organization. Their mandate is to help Canadian films to find their audiences by getting people into the theatre on the all-important first weekend, which can make or break an independent film. They also happen to throw a great party, and their suite at the Crystal Lodge was packed with both stars and swag, aka Fish in a Barrel to me.

After chatting with CBC heartthrob host George Stroumboulopoulos and rising star director Zach Lipovsky, and picking up a goody bag of products from local companies like Eminence organic skin care and Domo tea, I could see my work was done.

And now, it's finally time to see some films! Coming up, the cinematic highlight of the weekend: the world premiere of Bruce McDonald's Hard Core Logo 2.

DVD/Blu-ray releases for November 29.

This documentary deserves the widest viewership possible because of the shameful hidey hole it exposes in one of the world’s fastest-growing, most profitable endeavours: the mobile-phone industry.

NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. - An avalanche in eastern B.C. Wednesday highlighted the risk of slides across the province — a danger that's triggered warnings to people thinking of heading into the backcounty and forced highway closures.

The avalanche occurred at Kicking Horse Mountain near Golden.

The RCMP say no one was hurt but the ski hills had to be closed for about half an hour while a safety sweep was done.

The Canadian Avalanche Centre in Revelstoke said the avalanche danger has been created by warm temperatures, rain and wet snow on top of a weak snowpack.

The avalanche risk is high across B.C.'s entire south coast, including the Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort area, along with the north coast, north Columbia and Kootenay-Boundary regions.

Tim Jones with North Shore Rescue in North Vancouver says the risk is considerable both above and below the treeline, where the chance of an avalanche is usually lower.

"We advise people not to venture out into the backcountry. Stay away particularly from any terrain traps, (such as) gullies," he said.

Jones said heavy rain falling on new snow is creating slabs that could come loose if a skier or snowshoer ventures out.

"We've got new snow that is saturated with moisture. Basically, that's the hazard right now," he said.

The danger of slides forced the closure of the Trans Canada Highway from Revelstoke to Golden for much of the day Wednesday while crews conducted avalanche control work.

There were similar closures on other highways. (News1130)

World-renowned Seoul, Korea-based art collective Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries will be the next Audain artist-in-residence for the Audain Gallery at SFU Woodward's, the gallery said in a release August 3.

The gallery will exhibit a specially commissioned work by YHCHI, entitled There Are No Problems in Art, from September 13 to October 21. It is presented in conjunction with Centre A, Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art. Described in the release as a "fast-moving, text-based video artwork synchronized to as jazz score", the 9:32-minute video piece contrasts the chaos and conflict of everyday life with the supposed carefree world of the artist.

The duo, consisting of American artist Marc Voge and Korean artist Young-Hae Chang, have created works for some of the world's most prestigious art institutions, from London's Tate Gallery to Paris' Centre Pompidou. Their text-based animations set to music have been presented in 16 languages and have earned YHCHI international acclaim as groundbreaking innovators in the field of web-based art. A solo-show seven-channel video installation entitled Black on White, Gray Ascending (below), formed part of the inaugural opening of the 2007 New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, NY. You can see more of their work at yhchang.com.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

The artists will be in Vancouver in mid-September to take part in a series of free talks and workshops, the first of which will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept 16, at the Goldcorp Centre for the Arts. Watch for the rest of the schedule of events to be announced on August 15.

The Audain Gallery and SFU Woodward's are located in the Goldcorp Centre for the Arts at 149 W. Hastings Street. See audaingallery.ca for more information.

A mother shot and killed in front of her three-year-old son has been identified as Thuy Yen “Jenny” Vu.

Vu, 38, was in the driver’s seat of her BMW when she was shot multiple times around 3 p.m. on Wednesday near 49th Avenue and Bruce Street.

The vehicle was parked, but the engine was running when police arrived. Vu’s youngest son was in the back seat of the SUV and was physically unharmed.

The toddler was put into the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development on Wednesday, but was expected to be returned to his father Thursday, said VPD spokesman Const. Lindsey Houghton.

Vu lived with her husband and four children ranging in age from three to 17, said Houghton.

The three older siblings are with their father who is not considered a suspect, he said.

Police said the shooting appears to be targeted, but that Vu was not known to them.

A description of the suspect has not been released but police are continuing to interview a handful of witnesses, said Houghton, adding that no further witnesses have come forward.

This is Vancouver’s 14th homicide of 2011.

When 10-year-old Laure moves into a new neighbourhood, she reinvents herself as a boy.

From the Canucks' Stanley Cup run, to the Lions' Grey Cup victory, to the Whitecaps' MLS debut, 2011 was a memorable year in sports in Vancouver.

1. Granville Island

Granville Island's unique shopping and arts destination is a perfect place to spend the day or half day come rain or shine. You can do a walking tour that focuses on culinary indulgences or learn about the area’s history and architecture while shopping for unpredictable and distinctive products. Children of all ages will love the Kids Market where you can find every toy and childhood treasure new and from days gone bye.

The public market is incredible and offers fresh food, unique drink, flowers and artisan products. Buy a fresh baguette and pair with gourmet olives and locally made cheese and dine outdoors while enjoying the street entertainment, sights and sounds of this water front location.
www.granvilleisland.com

2. Tour a multi cultural neighborhood.

• 1. Commercial Drive defines an 8 or 9 block strip of an east Vancouver neighborhood that is a cultural mosaic. You will find Cuban restaurants, Italian coffee houses, Thai or sushi take out, reggae music and live jazz and an atmosphere that breeds excitement at any time of the year. I especially recommend being there around world cup soccer time when the Drive is a big party. Shopping is eclectic on the drive and you won’t find any big box stores here. However, you will find everything from import furniture, fine fabrics, and chic shoe stores to second hand clothing and used goods.
• 2. China Town is located in the downtown east side of Vancouver and is easily accessible on foot from the downtown core. You can even seek out The Silk Road Route which is a pedestrian walk connecting Chinatown to Downtown Vancouver. The way is clearly marked with colorful banners and road signs, this self-guided walking tour encompasses all of Chinatown's best activities and cultural highlights. Starting from the city centre's Central Library, the course takes you through Keefer Street, International Village, the site of the future Millennium Gate on Pender Street, the Chinese Cultural Centre, the Chinatown market area and the must see Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
• 3. Walk through a rain forest –whether you pick a local walk such as the most well known Stanley Park, the U.B.C endowment lands or if you choose to wander farther out to Vancouver’s North Shore or Squamish. You can discover the lush world of some of B.C.’s beautiful rain forests.You should take the time to visit the Capilano suspension bridge where you can take guided tours learning about the mysteries of this impressive eco system. This is a great activity for family or singles and can be explored in any weather.

4. Go Shopping

• · Robson Street – It has been nicknamed Canada’s Rodeo drive and offers everything from high fashion to book stores, souvenir shops and great places to enjoy a coffee or settle in for a meal. Located in Vancouver’s downtown core and is with in walking distance to most city center hotels.
• Yaletown –an industrial area that has converted its brick warehouses into über-trendy clothing stores, furniture shops and boutique restaurants. It is the place to spot Hollywood stars and one of the city’s best spots for people watching.
• West Fourth – During the sixties this was the Haight Ashbury of Vancouver and it is now the home to many young urban professionals and families. This strip will delight the shopper that is looking for unique products, cafes, book stores and health conscious eating.
• Main Street- This is where east meets west and you will enter a world of antique shops, multi cultural stores, ethnic restaurants and a great departure from the typical tourist destinations.

5. Vancouver Art Gallery

A wonderful escape into a world of Canadian and international artwork where you will See works by famed West coast artist Emily Carr , the group of seven and other art icons. For more information call 604.662.4719 or visit: www.vanartgallery.com

The NPA wants to see more police foot and bike patrols in Davie Village.