INSIDE: Unprovoked stabbing leads to a four-year prison term
Pg. 7
T H U R S D A Y
May 12, 2011
3 N E W S ,
SPORTS,
WEATHER
&
Police embracing the Tweet beat
E N T E R T A I N M E N T abbotsfordtimes.com
Cops seize councillor’s computer
Three more taken from former politician who says it’s “intimidation” CAM TUCKER camtuckertimes@gmail.com
R
CMP seized the computer of Mission councillor Jenny Stevens on Monday night in relation to a breach of trust investigation, the Abbotsford-Mission Times has learned. Stevens, as well as all members of Mission council, has been advised not to discuss why the RCMP conducted the search, but she did confirm on Wednesday that her computer was taken by police.
“The whole thing has shook me up, to put it bluntly . . . I can only hope that this whole thing gets sorted out as quickly as possible.” First reported @
abbotsfordtimes.com – Coun. Jenny Stevens
clear the LBGTQ community is an integral part of Abbotsford. “We’ll go out and hopefully educate people that we’re here, and we’re not just leaving because they think we should be gone. “I’m hoping the result will be positive and people will look at us for who we are, and not just use the typical stereotypes.” FVYS coordinator John Kuipers,
“The whole thing has shook me up, to put it bluntly,” said Stevens. “I can only hope that this whole thing gets sorted out as quickly as possible.” In addition to Stevens’ computer, officers from Mission, Chilliwack and Surrey also confiscated three computers belonging to retired councillor Ron Taylor. The seizures were part of a Mission RCMP investigation into an alleged leak from council regarding the district’s controversial substance control bylaw – better known as the marijuana grow op bylaw – said Taylor. He commended RCMP officers for their courtesy, but condemned the actions of council, calling it an act of ‘political intimidation.’ “It isn’t going to work. I certainly won’t
see GLITTERFEST, page A16
see COMPUTERS, page A22
– JEAN KONDA-WITTE/TIMES
John Kuipers, left, Daniel Arisato and Brittany Wilson are organizers of Abbotsford’s Walk Away from Homophobia on Thursday, May 19.
Taking strides against homophobia
ROCHELLE BAKER RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com
Glitterfest walk ‘a safe way to educate’
Y
being the province’s Bible Belt. Organizer Daniel Arisato, 18, says glitter reflects the nature of the LBGTQ (lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, queer) youth and friends who participate in the walk. “Glitter shines brighter than other things. It’s fun and part of celebrations,” he said.
outh organizing Abbotsford’s Walk Away from Homophobia event have selected “Glitterfest” as the event’s theme. The walk, hosted by the Fraser Valley Youth Society, is designed to eliminate homophobia and heterosexism and build a strong and inclusive community in a region often better known for
“D u r i n g t h e w a l k w e g e t to express ourselves in public without people putting us down because we’re surrounded by our peers and it makes us feel safer.” Arisato, who is bisexual, said he’s been the target of discrimination both at school and in the public at large. He hopes the walk will make
• D&G • VERSACE • RAY BAN • VOGUE • CK • MAUI JIM • CALVIN KLEIN
50 FRAMES % OFF
Single vision lenses reg $79 ..... 2999 Bifocal lenses reg $120 ............. 5999 Progressive lenses reg $220 ... 12999
FREE
SIGHT TESTING Ages 19-64
*
*some restrictions apply Add tint or scratch coating $20 103-2955 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford 604.864.8803 • 105-12568 72 Ave., Surrey 604.594.6940
MAY is National Salvation Army
Red Shield Appeal Month! Your gracious donations help us help others! For more information call 604-852-9305
34081 Gladys Ave. Abbotsford • 7221 Park St. & Lougheed Mission
®