Peace Arch News, May 02, 2013

Page 1

Thursday May 2, 2013 (Vol. 38 No. 36)

V O I C E

O F

W H I T E

R O C K

A N D

S O U T H

Watershed watchman: After more than half a century of protecting, restoring and enhancing Little Campbell Hatchery, Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club volunteer Bob Oswald is retiring. › see page 22

S U R R E Y

w w w. p e a c e a r c h n e w s . c o m

Confrontation discouraged as businesses urged to reject criminal clientele

Top cop’s anti-gang stance clarified Tracy Holmes Staff Reporter

In the wake of a call by Surrey’s top cop for business owners to take a stand against those involved with gangs, police are clarifying the message was not intended to encourage confrontation.

“The safer route is to contact the police when you believe there are gang members or organizedcrime-linked individuals in your place of business and you would like them checked or moved along,” Cpl. Bert Paquet said Wednesday. Paquet was responding to Peace

Arch News’ questions regarding the announcement by Chief Supt. Bill Fordy the day after the brazen daylight shooting of 28-year-old Craig Widdifield April 24. Widdifield was gunned down in the parking lot of Morgan Crossing shopping centre just before 7 p.m.,

in what police soon after described as a “merciless… targeted, gangassociated killing.” The next day, Fordy promised increased police pressure on those associated with criminal activity, and called on business owners to deliver the message, “You are not

welcome here.” Paquet cautioned citizens and business owners alike against doing anything rash. “We recommend trying to avoid any kind of confrontation, or getting involved in a situation that › see page 4

Senior dangles from ladder

Heroes save fire victim Kevin Diakiw Black Press

Evan Seal photo

Emergency crews respond to a fire in the 13500-block of 66A Avenue Monday afternoon, after Good Samaritans stage a dramatic rescue.

Flames advancing fast, the 75-year-old woman was trapped on the balcony of a two-storey home, and but for a dramatic rescue, she might not be alive today. Sam Sihalathavong was cutting his front lawn Monday, when he saw smoke coming from the house next door. The 49-year-old dashed over to the smouldering home and helped a man and a Sam Sihalathavong child out the front door. He asked the man if there was anyone else in the house, and the man, choking from smoke inhalation, pointed a finger upstairs. › see page 4

Software developer denied access to belongings, job and fiancée in the U.S.

Blocked at border, expatriate lives out of his car Nick Greenizan Staff Reporter

Contributed photo

George: homeless in South Surrey.

George wants to go home. Home to his fiancée and her 14-year-old son in Blaine, Wash.; and home to all his possessions, currently packed and awaiting transfer to Ohio, where he and his new family were planning to move last month to start a new life. Instead, for the better part of three weeks, home for the 45-year-old Ontario native – who asked to be identified only by his first name – has been the backseat of his Acura TL, which he’s

been living in with his dog since being denied re-entry into the United States on April 16, a day after the Boston Marathon bombings. In the meantime, George – who was contracted to start a new position as a software developer in Columbus April 22, after working similar, wellpaying past jobs with companies from Ontario to Kentucky – has seen his available cash evaporate to the point that he’s wondering how long he will even be able to keep his vehicle. “I’ve had to apply for social assistance – for welfare – for the first time in my entire life,” he Mom’s the Word

May Long Weekend

Get back to

country File name: HISbyH_Iogo_Small_spot.eps Use for 1.5 in. width (38mm) and smaller Smallest size recommended: .8125 in. wide (20.5mm) NOTE: In relation to the Medium logo file size below: –By Hilton– is larger and Hilton has been “weighted” (made bolder) to accomodate smaller size usage. The TM is also larger.

H May 17-20

Rodeo Tickets $20 (12 & under FREE) Grounds Admission $12 (12 & under FREE) Ride ALL Day Wristbands $40

www.CloverdaleRodeo.com

Between May 3 to 12 show proof of purchase of $100 or more in same day receipts from Semiahmoo retailer(s) to Customer Service & receive a PriceSmart Food’s designer floral bouquets are $9.97... it’ll be our little secret that you got them for free! *One $10 gift card per customer. Offer good while supplies last. Taxes are extra

told Peace Arch News last week, adding that, if approved, the $610 monthly stipend he would receive would barely cover the payments on his car, which he purchased four months ago. “I can’t go see my family… and I can’t get through the border anyway,” he said. “And twice she has come through the border to visit me here, but they know who she is and each time she is harassed and has her car searched. “It’s basically ruined our lives.” The problem started with missing paperwork. › see page 8


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Peace Arch News, May 02, 2013 by Black Press Media Group - Issuu