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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

But, sir, an eagle ate my homework

COMMUNITY: Mural embodies hopes, dreams of Blair students 5

NEWS: All you need to start your own grow-op for sale at auction 7

n A bald eagle ‘attacked’ students at MacNeill secondary to claim ownership of one of their backpacks. See story on page 3. Photo by Ramon Klose

Queue-jumping accusations fly 30 homes at Kingsley Estates sold in advance of opening sale date Staff Reporter

GWOOD@RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

all it a mad dash to get your hands on a $1.2 million townhouse. Or just call it madness. “To me this is all bizarre,” said Steveston resident Franny Brooke of an apparent unplanned, impromptu sale of townhouse units at Kingsley Estates, the site of the former Steveston High secondary school. Brooke, speaking to the Richmond News, described a chaotic scene that took place May 19, when a group of about 80 people showed up at the Polygon Homes sales office at Kingsley Estates and began camping out, despite there being no public announcement that sales of the townhouses were taking place. Brooke said a sales manager was pushed and verbally harassed as potential buyers were not budging, despite being in an active construction site.

Ralph Archibald, Polygon’s senior “It’s not an easy way, but it is the fairest vice-president of sales, said that was not way to do it,” he said, noting there has the case and people were well behaved, been an “unprecedented” demand for however he noted Richmond RCMP did homes at Kingsley Estates, in a housing attend the scene for five minutes for market that’s already facing a “severe crowd control. lack of supply.” Police told the News that Brooke said she had officers attended the site been on an email list to after a complaint of open receive sales updates I’m so done with liquor in a public place, from Polygon. Polygon. I wouldn’t but no such violation was But now that people found. trust them, so maybe have jumped what many Archibald said Polygon thought to be a queue I’ll look elswhere. did not announce any sales, of sorts, Brooke said but rather the prospective she’ll look elsewhere – Franny Brooke, a buyers showed up and as she tries to help her frustrated potential eventually camped overadult daughter enter the buyer of a Kingsley night. The next day, Polymarket. Estates townhome gon handed out numbered “I’m so done with tickets to clear the site. In Polygon. I wouldn’t trust the week that followed, the them, so maybe I’ll look development firm sold 30 units to the elsewhere,” said Brooke. aforementioned real estate campers. Tyler Friesen — a 32-year-old father “In advance of an opening date a of two, who grew up in Steveston — felt lineup started,” explained Archibald. shut out in a similar way. “The fairest way to sell homes is on a See Potential page 3 first come, first served basis.”

“

GRAEMEWOOD

PULSE: Mayor Brodie and Magdalen Leung skate for Rotary 18

SPORTS: Steveston Judo Club win medals, including gold, at nationals 19

A2 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

NEWSin the City

Camper fire contained Graeme Wood

Staff Reporter gwood@richmond-news.com

Swooping eagle steals student's backpack Alan Campbell

Staff Reporter acampbell@richmond-news.com

ichmond’s bravest are being hailed for safely putting out a trailer fire in the 5700 block of Francis Road that endangered several other nearby homes early Sunday morning. “They did a good job. They put out the fire and the next morning didn’t leave a trace. I’m sure people woke up and didn’t even realize what had happened,” said Eric Chan, a resident on Cantrell Road, situated behind where the fire took place. According to the City of Richmond, Richmond Fire Rescue was called to a home on Francis around 1 a.m. after a trailer caught fire in a backyard. Battalion chief Gord Graebel said neighbours warned a couple living in the house with the trailer that their property was ablaze. Fire crews were able to prevent the flames from spreading. Chan said he was listening to music alongside his dog when his 23-year-old daughter came home from an evening out to tell him there was a fire behind the house. “I was in the house and didn’t know there was a fire. My daughter said ‘daddy, the backyard’s on fire,’” said Chan. “When I saw the fire, it was actually quite intense. It looked like it was burning for a while,” said Chan, estimating the flames to be about 25-feet high. Chan said, to be safe, he ran outside his house with his daughter as the flames became more

n A camper trailer behind a house on Francis Road went up in flames early Sunday morning. Photo by Graeme Wood/Richmond News

intense, just before firefighters showed up. “I left the house with a house key, my wallet and my dog.” He said he was impressed with the responsiveness of the firefighters and especially in how they managed to douse the fire without it spreading to nearby hedges. Chan said his backyard neighbours have a workshop in the backyard, next to the trailer, which is situated next to a fence bordering the parking lot of West Richmond Gospel Hall. The fire department does not believe the blaze is suspicious and noted no one was injured in the incident. No further information was provided by the city, as of Monday afternoon.

K, so you’ve heard the one about the student’s dog eating his homework, right? Well, the students down at MacNeill secondary — or at least the ones that were in the playground Thursday lunchtime — have an actual, readymade excuse for not handing in their homework. Around 1:30 p.m., MacNeill teacher Ramon Klose was in his computer lab when a colleague shouted to him that an eagle was “attacking” the kids in the playground. His interest piqued and being a little concerned for the kids, Klose made his way outside. And although any apparent “swooping down on the kids” had since ceased, sure enough, a giant bald eagle had commandeered a student’s backpack in front of a stunned 100 or so-strong audience. “It had managed to get hold of a backpack but it couldn’t lift it,” said Klose, who teaches social studies, photography and CAD (computer aided design). “I’ve seen them in the general area

before, but never seen one of them this close or do anything like this. “Another teacher managed to get the backpack away from the eagle. It was impressive to see, though.” Someone from the school later alerted Ladner-based OWL (Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society), worried that the bird may be injured. However, after sending out a volunteer to check it out, the bird was found to simply be feeding on something — it’s not clear if it was something from the backpack — and flew off when approached. And despite the apparent drama of the day, Rob Hope, senior raptor rehabilitator at OWL, said it was highly unlikely that the eagle was swooping down on the kids to attack them. “They have been known to play with soccer balls but it would be very, very unusual if it was, in fact, attacking the students; I have trouble believing that,” said Hope. “They can be quite intimidating with their six-foot wing spans, but it’s more likely it was going for the backpack, rather than the person. “An adult (eagle), especially, would know better than to get that close to people. I’ve never heard of an eagle attacking a person before.”

Potential buyers don't buy Polygon's excuse From page 1 “Being on the mailing list means nothing when they go ahead and sell all the 30 units in phase one to the people who lined up without ‘any prior notice’ all at the same time...hmmm,” wrote Friesen, to the News. Nearby resident Penny Charlebois emailed the News, stating she didn’t believe Polygon’s explanation as to what happened (the company posted signs indicating the 30 units were sold). “Just another sad story in this crazy housing market,” wrote Charlebois. Another nearby resident, Gordon Bird, who was thinking about downsizing from his Westwind detached home where he’s lived since

1971, also expressed frustration. “I found it very annoying,” said Bird. “Local people are not getting these opportunities,” said Bird, who is hoping to stay living in or around the same neighbourhood. “I registered on Polygon and then as it was getting more developed, I phoned; then they sent me another marketing email. When I phoned, all they give you is an advertising recorded message. I left my number and no return, no response. And then I get this email,” said Bird, referring to an email Polygon sent to those who were registered, indicating the 30 units were sold. “I had no idea what they’d sell for. I was just curious to see them,” said Bird.

Archibald said 91 units remain to be sold. “I’d still go and look for sure. But it’s the principle that bothered me,” said Bird. Units begin at $1.2 million for four bedrooms (1,700 square-foot ). Polygon bought the land from the Richmond School District for $41 million. It is building a $3.3 million childcare centre, as part of a “density bonus” agreement with the City of Richmond. London-Steveston secondary school park absorbed 4.5 acres in the deal. Polygon will also ensure, via the city’s affordable housing strategy, that 12 of the 133 units are “affordable,” meaning subsidized threebedroom units for low-income families will cost about $1,500 to rent monthly.

n The fact about 80 people lined up and were able to buy homes at Kingsley Estates, despite no public notification, and ahead of an official opening, is highly suspicious, according to other potential buyers who are registered to be notified of impending sale opportunities. Photo by @MarioRaposo70

WAREHOUSE WANTED! The award, winning Richmond News is looking to lease:

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A4 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

City Board Call for Nominations for the 2016 Richmond Heritage Awards

NEWSin the City

Man gets three years for child porn, luring Keith Fraser The Province

British Columbia Electric Railway tram passing Richmond Town Hall enroute from Steveston to Vancouver Archives 1978 12 10.

Richmond’s rich heritage is one of the things that make the community such a special place. The annual Richmond Heritage Awards are to recognize and celebrate people and organizations for their dedication. The City of Richmond Heritage Commission is encouraging the public to submit nominations for the 2016 Richmond Heritage Awards, to be presented on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 7 p.m. as part of the “Leave Your Mark” exhibit opening at Richmond Museum in the Richmond Cultural Centre. Anyone may submit a nomination for an individual or organization. Nominations:

A one-page summary describing the nominee and their contributions. All nominations must include the name, address and telephone number of the nominee, as well as the name, address and telephone number of the person nominating them.

Submission deadline: 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2016. Submit via Mail:

Richmond Heritage Commission c/o Policy Planning Department Richmond City Hall 6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC, V6Y 2C1

Fax:

604-276-4052

Email:

helen.cain@richmond.ca

Our buildings, landscapes, artifacts, and the people and their histories all of them are rich resources of our collective past. The annual Richmond Heritage Awards recognize the special accomplishments of individuals and organizations who have contributed to preserving and promoting Richmond’s heritage. Some of the ways an individual or organization may earn special recognition are: • preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or adaptive reuse of a historic place, such as a building or structure, or conservation of a cultural heritage landscape; • promotion or awareness of local heritage through education, outreach or advocacy; or • contributions to local knowledge of heritage in public history or interpretation projects. The Awards Jury will include members of the Richmond Heritage Commission and guest jurors. All decisions of the jury are final. For more information, please contact Helen Cain, Heritage Planner, Policy Planning Department, at 604-276-4193 or email helen.cain@richmond.ca City of Richmond | 6911 No. 3 Rd. Richmond BC V6Y 2C1 | Tel: 604-276-4000

www.richmond.ca

Richmond man convicted of four counts of Internet luring and possession and distribution of child pornography has been sentenced to three years in jail. In imposing sentence on Stephen Reha, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Mark McEwan said he agreed with the Crown that the criminal counts should each call for a year in prison, to run consecutively. But in a summary ruling Monday, the judge said that given Reha’s circumstances, the sentence should be reduced somewhat due to what he called the “totality principle” of sentencing. “Although it appears that Mr. Reha has limited insight into these offences and in fact denies them, notwithstanding his participation is manifest in the materials he possessed, none of the luring offences resulted in actual sexual conduct,” said McEwan. “I think it quite unlikely that he poses that sort of danger.” The judge was referring to the fact that while Reha used the Internet to get four underage girls to send explicit photos of themselves to him, he did not commit sexual assaults. The Crown had argued that despite the absence of sexual contact, the offences

were serious and called for a 6 1/2-year jail term. Reha told the judge that he wanted to apologize for his actions and that they weren’t intentional. Asked by the judge what he meant by that, he said: “I didn’t mean to hurt anybody. I didn’t mean to break the law. I feel terrible about it.” Court heard that Reha used Kik Messenger, an instant message application for mobile devices, to target girls between the ages of 13 and 16, sending them explicit photos of himself. In return, the girls, who cannot be identified due to a publication ban in the case, sent him back explicit photos of themselves. Over the course of several months in 2013, Reha would then distribute those explicit photos to other men collecting child pornography. RCMP executing a search warrant at his home also seized a number of other photos of child porn, as well as child porn videos. In addition to the jail sentence, the judge ordered Reha to register with the sexual offender registry, have no contact with any of his victims and forfeit all of the child porn seized from him by police. He was also ordered to provide a DNA sample and pay a $200 victim surcharge for the criminal counts. For more stories, go to TheProvince.com

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RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

NEWSin the Community

Students' hopes and dreams take flight with mural Alan Campbell Staff Reporter

acampbell@richmond-news.com

ust how do you visualize and express the gamut of hopes and dreams of 352 children, aged five to 12? Take a walk down to Blair elementary on Lynas Lane, near No. 2 Road and Granville Avenue, and the picture, no pun intended, will become very clear. Every single student at the school, with the expert guidance of an artist-in-residence, quite literally had a hand in the 40-foot wide and eight-foot high mural which now adorns the school’s exterior, east-facing wall. Over the course of six weeks, artist Ann Thorsteinsson — thanks to more than $10,000 from grant funding, a PAC donation and sponsored supplies — worked closely with the students, with each of them creating their personal piece of the mural “jigsaw.”

After first sketching, painting and then piecing together, the giant, hand-crafted, wooden mural was mounted on the wall last week. And on Friday, the masterpiece was officially opened by the students at the school’s annual spring carnival. “I chose a hand; it only took about an hour and we had so much fun doing it,” said Grade 7 student Ashley Song. “It feels good walking past it, knowing I did that.” Katrina Lim, also Grade 7, painted one of the many arms on the mural, which symbolize reaching out for the future. “I feel very proud that I was involved in it,” she said. Catherine Ludwig, Blair’s principal, said, when thinking of the mural, the school wanted “exposure to the community 24/7; we want our community to know we’re here, we’re not just a school.” The trees on the mural, explained Ludwig, represent

n Just a few of the Blair elementary kids show off their mural, which every one of the 352 students quite literaly had a hand in. Below, Grade 4 students Tyler Lewis, left, and Jonathan Deng point to their contributions. Photos by Alan Campbell/ Richmond News

the nature surrounding Blair; the hands are reaching into the future; the paper airplanes are people’s hopes and dreams taking on a life of their own and the sun is the adults watching over the children and supporting them. “Ann guided them along the way, but very much stood back and let the students express themselves,” added Ludwig. “It’s very much a student creation.” Jonathan Deng, Grade 4, painted two men working together with wood, to illustrate what teamwork can achieve,

City Board Asphalt paving advisory Traffic Advisory

April 20 to August 31, 2015 at Knight Street in Richmond Bridgeport Road Overpass The City of Richmond has contracted Columbia Bitulithic to grind and pave the following locations Please befrom advised that traffic on the Bridgeport Road Overpass in Richmond April 20 to August 31, 2015:

over Knight Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction due to overpass repairs. Traffic disruptions are anticipated to be in effect from June 6, 2016 to August 31, 2016.

while his fellow Grade 4 friend, Tyler Lewis, painted a scuba diver to remind him of a recent trip to Australia. “I love walking past it every day; I’m very proud of it,” Tyler said. The mural was made possible by a $3,500 grant from the non-profit ArtStarts’ Artist in the Classroom program; $5,000 from the school’s PAC; wood and primer donated by Kerrisdale Lumber, and work-in-kind from the school district’s maintenance department.

we’ll make you one

WINGS TENDERS and

Detours may be required for access between Bridgeport Road and Knight Street. Motorists are advised to follow posted signage for alternate routes. Pedestrian and cyclist traffic may be altered, but access across Knight Street will be maintained at all times. Motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes during peak traffic hours, or allow for prolonged travel times. We thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience you may experience.

Work hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and weekends. Night time work hours will be from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (typically).

Completion of the project will enhance user safety and comfort, and

Traffic will be reduced to single-lane and there may be temporary lane closures. Delays may occur. prolong the bridge’s The use of an alternate route lifespan. is strongly encouraged. This work is weather dependent and dates are subject to change without notice.

For more information, call:

Questions may be directed to Wasim Memon, Supervisor, Engineering Inspections, at 604-276-4189, Contractor 24-hour call line: 604-314-4533 or visit the City’s paving program webpage at www.richmond.ca (City Services > Roads, Dikes, City of Richmond contact: Beata Project Manager: 604-276-4257 Water & Sewers > Construction Projects > 2015Ng, Paving Program). City of Richmond | 6911 No. 3 Rd. Richmond BC V6Y 2C1 | Tel: 604-276-4000

www.richmond.ca

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n Palmer secondary students, from front left, Vaness Parrenas, Aman Mohar, Navin Gill, Manesha Dulay and Jasmin Mander show their drain filter design with entrepreneur Jean Paul Kamand (background). Photo by Alan Campbell/Richmond News

City Scene Pipeline policies for success By Alexa Loo Councillor No one wants a pipeline in their backyard. However, everyone wants nice community centres, pools and also jobs so they can afford to live in their town. Richmond is no different. The airport (YVR) is our biggest employer and is responsible for 23,000 jobs. Each new flight that arrives is supported by 150 to 200 direct jobs; many are well-paying, secure, union jobs. One of the main inputs for the airline industry is jet fuel. The Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation (VAFFC) will be building a marine terminal and fuel storage facility in south Richmond as well as a pipeline to get the fuel from the terminal storage to the airport. The VAFFC’s Fraser River South Arm option has received a conditional Environmental Assessment Certificate and VAFFC is working through achieving the 64 conditions. The VAFFC’s recent application to the BC Environmental Assessment Office to increase the diameter of the pipeline and to change some of the routing to twin it with part of the existing Kinder Morgan pipeline is pending, but it’s presumed that these amendments will not create enough change to trigger a different opinion on the environmental assessment decision. Trying to send it back through environmental review is just throwing red tape at the project and hoping for a different result. It is a waste money – your money, your tax dollars. If we want a different answer, we need a different process and different measurement criteria. City of Richmond | 6911 No. 3 Rd. Richmond BC V6Y 2C1 | Tel: 604-276-4000

www.richmond.ca

Pipelines are the safest way to move fuel. We are not aware of any significant pipeline spills in Richmond nor have we had a problem with the storage tanks at YVR. The concern is that the Port of Vancouver (the Port) essentially conducted the environmental assessment on itself, as the Port owns the land the storage tanks will reside on, and this is technically a conflict of interest. The Port is mandated by the federal government to perform the assessment. In addition, many stakeholder groups were invited to review the roughly 40,000 pages of environmental studies and simply provide comments. The Port has the federal mandate to “work in the national interest”. The national interest includes moving goods, protecting agricultural land and farming, protecting waterways and the fishing industry, etc. If we, as Canadians, believe that the current “national interest” does not support the economy while adequately protecting the environment, then we need to change the process. We can fight for stricter rules. When a conflict of interest exists, we can insist that a third party must do the environmental review. We need to ensure that the levels of government have the policies in place to ensure that the correct environmental protection is in place and that local government is properly compensated for any extra services (such as fire suppression that Richmond is expected to provide.) We, in local government, need to make sure we are at the right table negotiating the right things, not fighting past battles.

Alan Campbell Staff Reporter

acampbell@richmond-news.com

t might not happen this month, or even this year, but a group of Richmond students is hoping to hammer a small dent in the 4.5 trillion cigarette butts that are littered worldwide annually. According to the World Health Organization, only 10 per cent of the estimated 15 billion cigarettes sold worldwide each day are properly disposed of, causing two billion pounds of potentially poisonous chemical trash. And with much of that leaching into the ocean and being mistakenly consumed by marine mammals and fish, a fivestrong group from Palmer secondary’s leadership class has teamed up with a local entrepreneur to design a device that could stem the flow. The students — Aman Mohar, Vanessa Vuen Parrenas, Navin Gill, Manesha Dulay and Jasmin Mander — have been working with Jean Paul Kamand since March, after Kamand gave a presentation to their leadership class about passion. After several months of endeavour, and with the help of Palmer’s Grade 11 “tech kid” Jake Bransford, the team have a prototype drain filter, which will feature in their social awareness project presentation on Friday to school trustees and local dignitaries. “It’s really something

that should have been done before; we’re shocked that it doesn’t exist already,” said Vanessa. Although the prototype filter is made of wood, Kamand, who owns and operates Vancouver-based We Did It cleaning services, said, if the project gets off the ground, the device will be made of something such as aluminum. “We haven’t quite costed it out yet, it’s still early,” said Kamand, who only harboured in his head the filter idea before meeting the students a few months ago. “Their input has been incredible; the students’ ability to connect with politicians and policy makers has been amazing.” Manesha said they’re hoping to see the filter installed, at least in their own school, before the summer break. “We would love to see them around Richmond and across the Lower Mainland,” she added. “We’ve been in touch with the school trustees in Richmond and they appear to be interested.” Kamand said he’s keen to keep working with the students on the project during the summer, with a view to the idea becoming a business venture in the future. “Like most projects, there’s a deadline, but not this one,” he said. “I need to speak to their teachers about working with them in the summer and we will keep on this. This is their baby, as well.”

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

NEWSin the City

Grow-op goods on the block Offering:

Philip Raphael Staff Reporter

IV Sedation • Wisdom Teeth Extraction

praphael@richmond-news.com

Dr. Ben Partovi, DDS Dr. Kara Ellis-Partovi, DDS Dr. Melissa Chui, DMD

f you’re looking to start up your own high-tech, hydroponic grow operation, a Vancouver auction house may just have some deals on equipment for you. On Thursday, Able Auctions will be conducting a sale of the equipment belonging to biopharmaceutical firm MediJean, which recently shut the doors to its 20,000-square-foot, hightech, high-security, licensed grow-op near the RCMP’s main detachment in the Ironwood area, that had planned to develop super strains of marijuana for pharmaceutical use. Back in late December 2013, the Richmond News reported the company was planning to conduct research to break down marijuana plants to their DNA levels and grow them. In mid-2014, there were reports the company’s CEO, Jean Chiasson, had, on Twitter, begun attacking his business partners and accusing the firm’s marijuana breeder of theft. There was also a report of a bid to sue Health Canada and the RCMP. The Richmond RCMP declined to comment on the matter, saying the force does not speak to allegations of legal action. The tweets were only posted for a brief time before being deleted, with Chiasson claiming his Twitter account had been hacked. On March 19, 2014, the News reported that Richmond City Council had passed site specific zoning for MediJean’s research and development facility. There was one letter of objection, based on MediJean’s location within an industrial park, but no opposition to the plan, which was unanimously approved by council. As MediJean proceeded through the process of attaining a producer’s licence from Health Canada, it made efforts to keep a flow of information about its operations in the public eye by conducting tours of the research and development site for media and city officials. When up and running, the facility was expected to produce 90,000 kilograms of medical marijuana in its first year. Earlier this year, the operation shut down. On Thursday, with the building that housed MediJean sold, there is a host of equipment that will be on the auction block.

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n Able Auctions’ president Jeremy Dodd checks out one of the

many grow lights that on Thursday will be part of a large auction of equipment used by MediJean, a licensed marijuana grow operation that recently closed. Photo submitted

According to Able Auctions, it will include grow equipment, a wide array of lighting instruments, including LED grow lights, light panels, tube lights and light canopies. There will also be industrial fans, air conditioners, growing trays, and electrical transformers. Since MediJean was touted as being high-tech in its quest to develop superior strains of marijuana there will also be lab equipment, including some unique pieces of equipment, such as incubators and transilluminators, which are used in molecular biology labs to view DNA (or RNA) that has been separated. Able Auctions estimated the value of the equipment at around $1 million. Bidding on the lots begins at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Coun. Linda McPhail said she was among those who toured the facility in 2014 and was impressed with what she saw. “It looked like a world class facility,” she told the News. “They had obviously spent a lot of money.” McPhail added she was fascinated in MediJean’s promise of a scientific approach to developing new marijuana strains to enhance its medicinal qualities. “They seemed on track and had gone through a lot of steps,” she said. While Coun. Derek Dang did not have the opportunity of seeing first-hand MediJean’s operation, he suggested the company’s failure was linked, in part, to shifting requirements at the federal level, adding there appears to be mixed messages coming from Ottawa on what will

be approved. “And that creates a problem for us (City of Richmond) and what we can enforce and what are our responsibilities. And we want to comply with what the federal regulations are.”

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HELP MAKE CANADA 150 A YEAR TO REMEMBER We’re baking the cake, you can light the candles. Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2017. Richmond is planning a year-long celebration with special events and festivals across the city. Locally-based community groups and others are invited to add to the celebration by planning your own Richmond Canada 150 event. A grants program has been established to assist in funding of grassroots events planned by the community. Your event could qualify for up to $10,000. Applications are now being accepted. Visit www.richmond.ca/canada150 for details. Hurry, ﬁrst deadline for applications is July 11, 2016

A8 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

Published every Wednesday and Friday by the Richmond News, a member of the Glacier Media Group.

200-8211AckroydRd.Richmond,B.C.V6X3K8 Call:604.270.8031Web:richmond-news.com

Editor Eve Edmonds

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Reporters: Alan Campbell

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The Richmond News is a member of the Glacier Media Group. The News respects your privacy. We collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Statement which is available at www.richmond-news.com. The Richmond News is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact the editor at editor@richmond-news.com or call 604-249-3343. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163.

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

LETTERSto the Editor Let owners cut trees if they like Dear Editor, Over the past few months, I’ve noticed an abundance of people writing to this newspaper in order to decry the removal of trees on private property. I have yet to see one that represents the other side of the issue. When someone purchases property, they have the right to landscape it according to their wishes, as long as it fits within local bylaw regulations (and other statutes). There appears to be a whole lot of outrage at people excerising their legal rights. I would recommend most of these people who are complaining to mind their own business, go to a public park, or plant some trees on their own property. Jesse Singer Richmond

Felling fine trees is public loss Dear Editor, The property next to 7500 Railway Ave. has been cleared. Now, there are no trees on that property. Why was this beautiful specimen allowed to be destroyed? The proper authorities should investigate. This quote can be found on the City of Richmond’s website: “VISION: To be the most appealing, livable and well-managed community in Canada.” It is time to amend this ‘vision’ to reflect the actions and practices of council during the past eight years. Eliminate the words ‘appealing, liveable, well-managed.’ A. Lerner Richmond

Gift card winner n These trees were cleared at a property on Railway

Avenue to make way for a new development. Many letter writers have been venting their angst about the loss of trees in the city. Photo by A. Lerner

Pointless pursuit Dear Editor: Re: “Tree Core Rotten: City,” Letters, May 18. Ms. Volkering Carlilie tells us that developers pay compensation for trees they cut down so the city can replace those trees in the city. The problem with this practice is that those trees aren’t on the same lot and likely not even in the vicinity of that once beautiful lost tree. That leaves gaps in neighbourhoods where there was once a gorgeous green canopy and now lies slabs of concrete and lawns without trees. I do believe the city does a very good job of planting trees in parks and boulevards; however, the issue is the loss of trees in neighbourhoods. Unless developers are forced to replace trees on the lots where they have cut others down (or heaven forbid work to develop around) healthy neighbourhoods will continue to lose their canopies, residents will lose their clean, fresh air and the bird populations will continue to shrink. Michael Seidelman Richmond

Waving the white flag Dear Editor, I’ve decided to take down my Canadian flag and run up a white one, instead. I am finally surrendering to the GRATABAM (Get Rid Of All Trees And Build Another Megahouse) forces that are attacking our community. Our general and his lieutenants, who were supposed to defend our city from rapacious marauders and invaders and guide us into a future defined by informed and enlightened community planning and development, deserted their posts several years ago. So, there has been nothing to stand in the way of the GRATABAM army as it relentlessly clears the environment of all things tall and green and covers over thousands of lots with oversized edifices, expansive bricked driveways, massive defensive parapets and iron gates. I and a few other long-entrenched defenders have done whatever we could to try and protect what’s left of the community that we have lived in and supported for so many generations, but it seems that

Making noise about noise Dea Editor, I would like to propose a change to the city’s Noise Bylaw 8856. Currently in the bylaw, Part 3, Noise Disturbing Neighbourhood, Sec.3.1.1 states: “A Person: (b) who is the owner or occupier of, or is in possession or control of, real property must not make, suffer, or permit any other person to make, a sound, on that real property, which can be easily heard by a person not on the same premises and which disturbs or tends to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of persons in the neighbourhood or vicinity.” To allow our neighbourhood pubs to continue providing their “Sunday Night

The winner of last week’s letter-writing gift card prize — a $40 gift card for Milltown Bar & Grill — was Michelle Li. Congratulations, Michelle. Send your letters to Editor@Richmond-News.com. Include your name and city. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for brevity, taste and legality. The Richmond News does not publish anonymous letters.

Jam sessions,” (which clearly violates sec.31.1(b) and disturbs the neighbourhood, but goes on week after week and staff seem unable or unwilling to stop it), I propose the bylaw include a clause for neighbourhood pubs, restaurants and cafes that gives them an exemption to sec.31.1(b). Then for those of us who need to work or go to school Monday morning and have to suffer through these sessions, we can do so with only the frustration of the loud disturbing music, and be alleviated of the dual frustration that this noise violates Bylaw 8856 and nothing is being done about it. Brade Dore Richmond

those in charge of defending us from the ongoing de-construction of our way of life have gone over to the other side and now see us, rather than the invading forces, as being the problem. Our leaders have deserted their posts, our numbers are rapidly dwindling, there are no reinforcements ready to move to the front to help us, and the power and money behind GRATABAM is impossible to defend against. It looks like it is time to admit defeat and say goodbye to our lovely trees, shrubbery, lawns, and gardens and either become environmental refugees or resign ourselves to adjusting to a new lifestyle in half-deserted neighbourhoods devoid of children and friendly neighbours and filled with sprinklers that illegally water overgrown lawns throughout the summer. Planning for a formal surrender ceremony to take place on the terrace at City Hall is in the works. Stay tuned. Ray Arnold Richmond

Power going to security’s head Dea Editor, I put up with the near constant filming in Steveston as it is good for the city. However, the filming of Power Rangers recently had me doing a slow burn. Not sure how film crew security guards have the power to act like they are the police; arrogant and preventing me from walking down a street. Several people I know were repeatedly late for work due to the filming. Why is their job deemed more important than anyone else’s? I think Richmond requires an on-site controller for filming. Brendan Coyle Richmond

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

LETTERSto the Editor

make. Should extra funding be granted to private schools? I think not. Eight per cent of our taxes goes towards TransLink, which wants more money from taxpayers. TransLink really needs to clean house internally. Mismanagement of the entire board needs to be dealt with. More money is not the solution. Three per cent of our taxes goes towards “other.” What and who is “other?” Anyone care to explain what this is in detail? Three per cent may not sound like much, but in these times where inflation is increasing by the second, it’s a lot of money. After all, we are the taxpayers! Cathy Ma Richmond

Think trains and not cars Dear Editor, Re: “Six lanes and a train, get on it,” Letters, May 13. I am strongly opposed to another car bridge, as stated previously. It is absolutely useless to unload more cars into a road system which is unable to cope with the current volume. And I really do not believe that the owners along Granville or Oak streets are too interested in selling, not that we can afford that. In my humble opinion, we should invest that money in two other projects. First, one that connects from Delta with our current SkyTrain system. Secondly, a train

connection from that new station in Delta, which will connect along the south side of the river to the SkyTrain station at Scott Rd. This should be either a “traditionaltype” train, rather than the way too expensive SkyTrain concept, or a scenic, but quick tram system. That has worked well for years in major cities in Europe, Asia and Australia, to name a few. I sincerely hope that this will be given serious consideration, and, yes, I do believe it will be less costly than the $3.5 billion they wish to spend on a new bridge for cars. Henrik Laursen Richmond

HOV signage needs improving Dear Editor, As a commuter who has to drive through the Massey Tunnel daily, it is extremely frustrating to see the dozens of cars with two or more people, stuck in the regular north-bound lanes every afternoon. Since the South Fraser Perimeter Road was finished and the HOV lane is forced to turn off much earlier than before, the HOV lane is not being used nearly as much as before. By the time visitors realize the traffic is backed up, it is too late to access the HOV lane, causing even more gridlock and pollution from idling vehicles.

The signage is extremely poor and where the HOV lane curves under Highway 17, there are no markings on the road. I’ve talked to people who think the HOV lane ends there. There should be signs on both sides of Highway 99 saying “3-6 p.m. 2 Plus – USE HOV LANE.” We also need far more markings actually showing the lane and more signs advising that motorcycles are also OK. Please increase the signage so that the HOV is more fully utilized! Cathy Pope Richmond

Saturday, June 4, 2016 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Bridgeport Industrial Park (just south of Vickers Way)

As part of the 9th annual Doors Open Richmond celebration, come and take a tour of Richmond’s ﬁrst ever pollinator pasture designed for native pollinator species. Bring a picnic to enjoy the “buzz” in the park and an afternoon full of community activities. Learn about native pollinator species, native bee habitat and how you can help by becoming a citizen scientist. For more information about this project, please contact the City of Richmond Environmental Sustainability Section at 604-247-4661. www.richmond.ca/sustainability www.borderfreebees.com For further information on Doors Open Richmond visit: www.richmond.ca/doorsopen BRIDGEPORT RD VICKERS WAY

Pollinator Pasture

KNIGHT ST

Dear Editor, Upon receipt of my property tax notice, an information pamphlet was inserted. The pamphlet showed the typical breakdown of a property tax bill, a pie diagram indicating the distribution of our tax dollars. Fifty-one per cent of our taxes goes towards the municipality, which does show the breakdowns. The residents would appreciate if the City of Richmond would open its books, to be accountable to the very people who pay for the elected officials. Thirty-eight per cent of our taxes goes towards School (Province of B.C.). Of this 38 per cent, a portion will fund private schools. Parents who send their children to private schools, which they pay for, is a choice they

Picnic

BATH RD

JACOMBS RD

Tax bill needs clarification

Pollinator Pasture

SWEDEN WAY

year. That means that I (we), the homeowners can look forward to a 26 per cent increase in property taxes for next year. How many of you are expecting a 26 per cent increase in your income next year? Shouldn’t the huge increase in housing and taxpayers in Richmond over the last decade put enough tax money in the city’s pot to keep the tax rate steady or possibly a little lower? We are rapidly becoming a city of highrise chicken coops, parking lots with a loss of trees, open areas, and views. That’s progress and we all are paying for it! Doug Symons Richmond

Bath Slough Trail

Dear Editor, Richmond homeowners, you should have received your 2016 property tax notice recently. Did you look at it carefully? A little more than halfway down the page you find total taxes payable (ours is $6,222.91 ) and a little further down, I see the words, “If you were to enrol in the 10-month Tax Pre-authorized Withdrawal Plan (PAWS), your estimated monthly payment amount for next year’s taxes would be $801.” Estimated, right to the dollar! Let’s see; $800 per month for 10 months comes to $8,000 (notice I’m rounding off the numbers a bit). That is about $1,777 more in taxes than for this

NO. 5 RD

Hefty city tax hike expected?

CAMBIE RD

Doors Richmond

Cambie Community Centre

Parking is available at the Cambie Community Centre. The Pollinator Pasture is a short walk on the Bath Slough Trail, accessed on the north side of Cambie Rd.

A10 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

Richmond Youth Concert Band David Fromager, Conductor

Join Us!

RYCB is an auditioned wind and percussion ensemble of secondary school students from Richmond, designed to complement school music programs. Members enjoy a variety of repertoire, multiple performance opportunities, professional workshops, and community service. The band rehearses weekly, September through May, wrapping up the season with the annual “Music for Moms” concert at Gateway Theatre. We are auditioning for all instruments in June. To book an audition, or for more information, please visit us online:

http://rycb.org

New members receive 25% off registration!

NEWSin the City

Rubbing shoulders with Real Madrid Philip Raphael Staff Reporter

praphael@richmond-news.com

ichmond’s Alix Tham could hardly believe his eyes on Saturday evening. There he was, standing near the centre of the emerald green pitch inside glittering San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy that was packed with more than 80,000 fans, within steps of soccer superstars Cristiano Rinaldo, Gareth Bale and the rest of the UEFA Champions League-winning Real Madrid team. If he didn’t have the photos to remind himself, or one of his closest friends alongside, Tham, a huge soccer fan, would’ve needed to give himself a serious pinch. “It was surreal,” said the 21-year-old R.C. Palmer grad, who managed to get

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the trip to Italy and playing field access as media covering the event after being named winner of a global contest sponsored by Japanese electronics giant Sony. Tham, who works in administration in his father’s business, Sylvan Learning Centre, entered the contest almost on a whim. It appeared on a blog (GiveMeSport.com) he reads daily and to qualify for an entry all you had to do is answer who was the 2015 Champions League winner. Being a fan of the beautiful game — his favourite club side is Liverpool and soccer idol is former Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard — Tham knew the answer right away — Barcelona. Tham typed in the answer and about three weeks ago he got an email telling him he’d won. “When I opened the email I was surprised. But at the same time, I believed it because I actually signed up for the draw,” Tham told the News via email from Venice, where he was enjoying an extended vacation, seeing other parts of Italy following Saturday’s match. Suspicious, Tham’s father, Jimmy, wanted to make sure it wasn’t a scam. So, he made sure it was legitimate by contacting the UK-based company organizing the contest. It checked out and the flight to Milan was booked. All that remained was who would be his travel partner, since the prize was for a pair of tickets. “This was a difficult decision because I know there are friends who would have died to join me,” Tham said. “At the end, I decided to go with my closest friend (Elijah Payne), even though he is no major soccer fan.” When the pair landed in Italy they were treated like royalty and got a chauf-

A NN I V ERSA RY SPEC I A L

n Alix Tham (right) and his friend Elijah Payne stop for a quick selfie and Twitter post on the pitch following the UEFA Champions League final Saturday in Milan, Italy. Photo submitted

feured ride to the game. Since the contest was a promotion for Sony’s new Xperia X cellphone, which was being released for sale on the day of the final, each received a new phone. They also donned blue pinnies identifying them as media covering the game and allowed access as the players arrived before kickoff, and afterwards when the trophy was awarded to Real Madrid’s team, which won 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 tie with Athletico Madrid. “My friend and I were speechless,” Tham said. “It was a once in a lifetime experience. We were standing literally no more than 10 feet away from the biggest superstars of football. “We were pitch-side photographing them doing their warm up routine,” he added. “We could even go onto the centre of the field to photograph the winning team. That gave me goosebumps.

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“I kept thinking, I’m standing on the same field as the superstars just played on.” It’s a long way from suiting up on a local pitch for his old high school team, or the Richmond Rangers side he currently plays for. “I broke my leg last year, so to be able to recover and get to experience what I did in Milan is very special for me,” Tham said. While he and Payne plan to visit a few more sights in Italy during the remainder of this week before heading home on Sunday, Tham did have a fleeting thought about extending the trip a few more weeks to head to France and the Euro 2016 tournament. “I had already extended the trip and couldn’t go for too much longer because I would be leaving too much work to my dad,” Tham said laughing. “But it would have been nice to swing by France. It did cross my mind.”

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RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

VOICES in the City

Trying to extend our Reach SHAWNCHANG

Youth

or us members of the Burnett secondary Reach team, our third year in the decade-old club drew to an end on April 8, after we left the senior provincial tournament of Reach For The Top with a fifthplace finish. As the longest-serving student on the team, I was rather amazed at how far we had come in the history of Reach for the Top at Burnett. The year before, we finished 13th. Reach For The Top, commonly called Reach, is a nationwide club that is dedicated to trivia and, of course, buzzers. The objective of each opposing school team, which is represented by four students in each round, is to answer, with impressive reflexes, question after question pertaining to science, literature, pop culture, history and geography. In fact, the questions cover almost anything academically related you can think of. Every person on the team is usually expected to have a certain field of expertise. For instance, I am the go-to guy for classic literature and the periodic table. Another fellow Reach member is astonishingly competent at spouting the exact area codes of various cities all over the globe. Quite impressive. I do believe it was my predilection for knowledge and my affinity for memorizing random facts that compelled me to

become so immersed in the club. Although I have sometimes felt my readings resembled nothing more than an eclectic variety of haphazard trivia, that thought soon vanished after we came in second out of 20-odd schools across B.C. in the junior provincial tournament in March, thereby acquiring marvellous silver medals. Throughout the year, we went head-tohead with students from McMath, Richmond High and Palmer. As one who has been greatly influenced by episodes of Jeopardy! and trivia contests on the radio, I seldom missed a game â€” the experience was just too thrilling. However, there ought to be more participating schools in Richmond. There are most likely people in the other six secondary schools who share the same passion for trivia and knowledge as us, but they may be unaware of the clubâ€™s existence. This is unfortunate, as Reach For The Top is, in fact, a very celebrated club across Canada that was established many decades ago. Until 1985, the national finals were aired on CBC-TV. With new shows coming online and gaining popularity, it seems people grew less interested in trivia games between secondary schools; however, all of us Reach members across the nation would be genuinely delighted if the broadcasting of our games were to resume once more in a glorious renaissance. Shawn Chang is a Grade 10 student at Burnett secondary and the recent winner of a national poetry contest. We will publish his winning poem with his next column.

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A12 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

RICHMOND 26TH

Pre-register

Electric Car Showcase

WHAT'SOn

ANNUAL

n Thursday

entertainment

See the Miss British Columbia Drag Boat

Signs & Printing &

TOWING

Richmond

T HE FOR D WR E C K E R

HANS' RADIATORS RICHMOND

IRONWOOD

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

The Sarcastic Bean

Come out and explore all that the 200-acre Richmond Nature Park has to offer including plants and animals in bog, forest and pond habitats during a Walk Richmond event on June 2, from 7 – 8 p.m. Meeting spot: Nature House (11851 Westminster Hwy.).

n Friday

n Monday

Discover Richmond’s heritage, arts and culture during the free Doors Open weekend. Choose from 42 sites including museums, national historic sites, art galleries, studios and places of worship. Attend the Doors Open kickoff at Minoru Chapel (6540 Gilbert Rd.) on May 3 from 5 – 8 p.m.

n Saturday

The Richmond Orchestra and Chorus is pleased to again welcome CBC personality Rebecca Hass as its

South Arm United Church and the Richmond Hospice Association are hosting a three-part series from June 6 – 20 to support those after a loss. Called Moving on From Loss, topics will be the shape grief takes in our lives, finding meaning and value in the midst of grief, meal planning for one, what is available in our city. The series will be held in the heritage wing of South Arm Church (corner of No. 3 Road and Steveston Highway).

TAKE HOME A HOT NEW PHONE.

n Tuesday

There’s a new, outdoor market day in Richmond. Every Tuesday, until Oct. 18, the Kwantlen St. Market will be in full swing in the parking lot of Kwantlen Polytechnic University at the intersection of Kwantlen St. and Lansdowne Rd. from 3 – 7 p.m. Admission is free. The market will highlight KPU’s Sustainable Agriculture and Farm School programs, education programs for new farmers to learn ecologically sensitive agriculture practices and how to build their own agricultural businesses. The market will feature all the goodness of a farmer’s market, with entertainment, artisan food and crafts, food trucks and chef demos using the freshest local produce. Richmond residents are invited to connect with their community during BC Seniors Week June 6 to 10 through a series of fun, entertaining and educational activities that will help show persons 55 years and older how to connect with new people. A free opening ceremony will kick things off June 6 at 1:30 p.m. at Minoru Place Activity Centre with a country fair-inspired social, featuring live music by the Soda Crackers, dancing and strawberry shortcake.

Novel has split personality RACHELROSENBERG Book Club

li Smith’s How to Be Both is not an easy read, but it is a clever and engaging one. Split into two separate sections, one set in the Renaissance and one set in the modern era, the streamof-consciousness style of writing can make it a challenge to grasp the two separate stories and their connection. George (full name Georgia) is a teenage girl who has suddenly lost her beloved artist mother. The last trip they took together was too Italy, where they viewed art by Francesco del Cossa, a real-life renaissance artist. ok The second half of the book d is the story of del Cossa, and while it is beautifully written, I would have preferred to havee out read George’s story throughout. Smith is my favourite fiction author, and I’ve read every novel and short story she’s written. Her novel Hotel World is similarly experimental, though it isn’t as difficult to focus on. In all of Smith’s writing, she plays with the concepts of storytelling and art, and this book is no exception. Fragmented and poetic, it is an exploration of love, language, family, gender and genre.

71 Annual st

Smith’s turns-of-phrase are beautiful as ever, and the writing contains a wit that cuts open and exposes the depth of life’s grief. Books about loss can be overwhelming, if not tempered with gentleness about those left behind, and George is simultaneously self-aware and completely, vulnerably lost. Del Cossa’s section exposes the truth of the artist’s life — born a woman but raised as a man by a fath who wanted to encourfather age his talented daughter’s suc success. It is a story about the pursuit of art — del Co Cossa’s friends and lovers co come and go as fragmented b blips in time. This novel, nominated for t 2014 Booker Prize, was the r released in two versions. In one, George’s section (Camera) comes first and del Cossa’s (Eyes) comes after. That is the version I read, and I tore through the first half much more quic than I did the second. quickly The alternate editions of the book are reversed, with Eyes at the beginning. I do recommend this book, but I think that I might have preferred to read the alternate version instead — if I’d known more about del Cossa, it might have made George’s experience of the art a bit more meaningful. Rachel Rosenberg is a library technician at RPL’s Ironwood branch

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ARTSin the City host for a fun night of music from Broadway on June 4. From 7:30 – 10 p.m. Come and hear all your old n Rebecca Hass favourites from Guys and Dolls, The King and I, The Sound Of Music, West Side Story, My Fair Lady, Paint Your Wagon, Gypsy and Music Man. You’ll want to sing along! Tickets cost $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and $6 for children 13 and under.

To help prove that laughter is truly the best medicine an improv charity event benefitting the Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS) is being held June 2 at 7 p.m., at the Metro Theatre (1370 Marine Drive) in Vancouver. Tickets $10/$8. For tickets, visit online at: Eventbrite.ca.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

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A14 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

ALLAbout Steveston • Dr. Michele Nielsen • Dr. Doug Nielsen

• Dr. Bob Jamieson • Dr. Selena Chow

n There were some strange and familiar faces being pulled at the annual Richmond Carvers Society’s Carving Show on the weekend at Steveston Community Centre. Photos by Gord Goble/Special to the News

New Patients Welcome 604-277-1131

www.stevestonsmiles.com

DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

$6.95

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Sinfully The Best Artisan Chocolates Specialty Fine Foods Corporate Gifts Party Favours 13 – 3993 Chatham Street, Steveston Village, Richmond B.C. Tel: 604-272-2655 / www.sinfullythebest.com

JOIN US FOR EXCEPTIONAL FOOD GREAT PRICES & FRIENDLY PEOPLE!

Steveston’s Original & BEST Fish & Chips!

3460 Moncton Street 604-271-7555 www.davesfishandchips.com

Trans Fat Free oil

Let' s go to

GREECE

Authentic, Natural Greek Cuisine

for dinner…

FULLY LICENCED CATERING LUNCH & DINNER Mon - Sat 11 - 10pm Sun 4 - 10pm 3420 Moncton St., Historic Steveston Village

www.kisamos.ca • 604-277-5626 • Fax: 277-2602

keithwestcoasthomes.com

Keith Liedtke Your Steveston area Real Estate Specialist!

Voted Richmond’s Best Realtor – 2011

Keith Liedtke 604.341.6231

71st Annual

Steveston Salmon Festival Friday, July 1st

www.stevestonsalmonfest.ca @SalmonFest

#SalmonFest

StevestonSalmonFestival

Carving out a real good show M

ore than 400 people swarmed to Steveston Community Centre last weekend to take in the annual Richmond Carver’s Society’s Carving Show. A total of 78 expert carvers from all over the province graced the Saturday and Sunday event, with 214 wonderful creations on show.

In addition to the carvings on display, there were paintings, jewelry and vendors, as well as raffles and a demonstration from Rupert Scow, a member of the Kwikawsupaineuk Nation and well known carver. For more photos, check out the Richmond News’ photo gallery at Richmond-News.com.

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

A15

Ask A Professional Q: I have a Hot Water Heater that is about

1% Realty to sell my home, Q: IfwillI use other Realtors® show it? A:

12 years old. It’s past its expiry date but, it seems to be working ok. Should I consider replacing it or wait until it actually breaks? Travis, in Richmond

The Real Estate industry’s average percentage, of homes being sold by cooperating agents is 75%-80%. This percentage is the SAME for 1% Realty.

Today’s Hot Water Heaters have a 6-8 year warranty and are designed to fail after that. If you have gotten 12 years out of yours, you have done well. While your tank might seem to be working ok, you don’t know what is going on in the inside. Do you seem to run out of hot water faster than you used to? That’s an indication of a problem. Take a look at the top and bottom of your tank. If you see rust, that is a sure sign that things are starting to deteriorate and that will increase quickly. Waiting until your Tank actually leaks can be a costly mess as you are potentially looking at 40 or more gallons of water ruining your floor. You may want to look under your tank and check the pan and the drain to see what the leak management scenario is. Replacing a conventional Hot Water tank can be quick and easy. This may also be a good time to consider an on-demand, high-efficiency, heating system. While a little more costly to set-up, the 40% savings on your energy bill, triple the life of the system and unlimited hot water, make it a very attractive option.

Real Estate Expert

Rob Zadra Owner

604-278-8199 service@pjbmechanical.com www.pjbmechanical.com

The internet is changing every industry, the Real Estate industry is resisting change..but change is here. Sites like realtor.ca are enabling buyers to search for homes using detailed criteria at their own convenience, allowing them to select exactly which properties they wish to see and buy. The Realtor’s® role in searching for homes has been greatly reduced. Realtors® have lost control on which properties get shown. Pre-internet, only REALTORS® had access to all the listings and this information was fiercely protected. In fact it was a very serious breach of the Real Estate Board rules to make MLS catalogues available to the public.

Nari Thiara

So if your home is correctly priced for the current market, A SUITABLE BUYER WILL FIND IT AND BUY IT!

604-626-9545

FREE HOME EVALUATION ONE PERCENT REALTY

Call Today One Percent Realty nari@shaw.ca

THE BUYER IS NOT CONCERNED WITH HOW MUCH COMMISSION YOU ARE PAYING!

nari.onepercentrealty.com

Q: or theft claim to my insurance broker? A:

What do I do after I report my break and enter

In most cases this is a straight forward process. At the time of your phone call or visit to your broker they will take a few details of the incident from you such as when, where, police file #, contact information and brief details of the loss. Usually the same day an adjustor will contact you and collect a more detailed statement from you, over the phone or in writing. They will then forward you a universally used industry form called a proof of loss. This is where you list of items stolen or damaged and their values, this is form where you are telling the insurance company what you want to be reimbursed for. The list needs to be accompanied with as much evidence or proof of ownership and valuations as possible i.e. receipts, pictures or manuals etc. It is a great idea to have an up to date and organized inventory of your businesses contents for this and revenue Canada purposes. As soon as this is returned to the adjustor they will confirm the insurance coverages and providing there are adequate limits the reimbursement cheque will be issued less the deductible on the policy. I hope this information helps, feel free to call us on this or any insurance matter.

I want to lose weight and a friend suggested that I start writing down what I eat each day. What is the benefit to writing down my food?

If nobody saw me eat it and there is no record then it does not count, right!? Often we trick ourselves into believing we are eating healthy or eating in a way that will help us reach our goals. Once we write it down in black and white we realize where we may be off track. Food journaling is a great way to become aware of what you are actually putting into your body. It allows you to become accountable to yourself and will help keep you on track towards your goals. If change is what you are after, but you are not measuring and assessing what you are doing, how do you know what to change? One of the benefits of self measuring or logging your food is it gives you instant feedback with what you are actually eating versus what you believe you are eating. Mindlessly snacking on random food that is available does count. The strategy of food logging can bring awareness to habits that may be limiting you from reaching your goals. Once you recognize these habits and are more aware of them you can begin to change the behaviours that match up with your goals. Try logging your food for one week. Keep track of everything you eat. Be very specific and honest with yourself. Write down the times you eat, the portion sizes and how you felt after each meal. Review the log daily and be honest about what you see. Next time you reach for that snack or extra serving, I bet you will think twice.

Thomas Forbes Insurance Broker

Mardon Insurance Brokers

12011 Third Avenue, Richmond, BC V7E 3K1

604-274-9971

tforbes@mardoninsurance.ca Insurance Expert

Erin Huffer

Precision Nutrition Coach Personal Trainer MAKI Performance Training 11980 Hammersmith Way Unit 2130, Richmond

604-719-8655

www.makiperformance.com erin@makiperformance.com

With summer here, I want to prevent further sun damage and treat the sun spots and pigmentation that I currently have.What do you recommend?

Ultraviolet rays can be separated into UV-A and UV-B. UV-B is mainly responsible for sun burns, skin tanning, and skin cancers, while UV-A is mainly responsible for skin aging and pigmentation on the skin. Traditionally, treatment for pigmentation and skin lightening focused solely on hydroquinone, a chemical compound that has some effects on skin lightening. However, nowadays I tend to follow the recommendations from the Medical Rejuvenation Center in Vancouver which focuses on a blend of vitamin C, kojic acid, azelaic acid, and lactic acid to help exfoliate the skin and treat pigmentation. In our practice, we have seen this regimen improve pigmentation within the first 12 weeks. To prevent sun damage, and also for clients at risk of skin cancers, I recommend using a proper sunscreen year round. Specifically, use sunscreens that contain a mineral ingredient, either Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. For example, Green Beaver Mineral Sunscreens are safe for all children, including those under two and are completely chemical free. If however, you want a sunscreen with a built in moisturizer, try Di Morelli SPF 45 Sunscreen, which uses mineral sunscreen ingredients but have a light texture ideal for the face. Finally, if you suffer from acne, rosascea, eczema, wrinkles, or want to have your skin personally assessed, join us for a Night of Skin Specialists on Thursday June 9th, for an appointment between 4-8 pm. We will have Dr. James MacDonald, specializing in acne and rosascea; Rebekah MacLaren, specializing in pigmentation and anti-aging, Judy Xie, pharmacist specializing in eczema, and myself, specializing in nutrient stimulation for hair growth. Call us today or email us at stevestonpharmacist@gmail.com to reserve your appointment!

Peter Tong Medical Skin Care and Natural Pharmacist, Lifestyle Consultant

Pharmasave Steveston Village 12420 No.1 Road Unit 105, Richmond

604-232-0159

www.stevestonpharmasave.com stevestonpharmacist@gmail.com

PHARMASAVE®

A16 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

Ask A Professional Q: A:

Q: A:

What can I do to make family, my home and it’s contents more secure?

There are many common sense ways to “target-harden” your home making it less attractive to burglars: Install high-quality, heavy duty locks and strike plates on exterior doors to resist twisting, prying and lock-picking attempts. Make sure your doors and door jams are solid and reinforce and repair if necessary. Install a peephole with a 160º wide-angle view, or perhaps install a video intercom. Sliding glass patio doors can be vulnerable as they usually only have latches, not locks. Use sticks or store-bought blocking devices to prevent the door from sliding or being lifted off the track. Make sure the latching mechanism and door rollers are in good condition and properly adjusted. Make sure all your windows, including accessible upstairs windows, are in good working order and have secondary blocking devices. Use interior lighting to simulate signs of life and activity when away. Timers are inexpensive and can also be used with radios and TV’s. Bright exterior lighting is a very good deterrent to potential criminals. Motion-activated security lights are popular. Make sure your lighting is sufficient and in working order. Be a good neighbour. Try to develop a relationship with as many families on your street as possible. The safest neighbourhoods are ones where all the residents are looking out for one another. Consider having an anchored home safe to protect important documents and valuables. Have an alarm system installed by a professional (ahem) who can monitor and maintain it. Use it every day, even if you are out of the house for 15 minutes. Place decals and yard signs conspicuously so that a potential burglar is aware you have one.

You make rational decisions (someone else, perhaps overcome with grief, might find it difficult to make rational, logical decisions on your behalf).

You may pre-pay expenses outright or in installments.

Jeff Rothberg

COMMAND ALARM SYSTEMS

(604) 272-4888 commandalarms@shaw.ca

Keep a list and take a photograph of all your valuables and contents with make, model, and serial number. Photograph or photocopy important documents and the contents of your wallet or purse. If you live in a condo, encourage your strata to maintain the security of your building. Your home is your castle. It is your sanctuary where you should feel safe. Protecting your home and family is your #1 top priority.

What for adjustments I expect and Q: Q:I went a denturecould consultation, management because of irritated and

Generally if the bite is correct, the is vertical damaged gum tissues. What this?height of your dentures are correct, then adjustments should be of amanagement muscular nature Adjustments Soft tissue is aonly. rehabilitation of can gum be expected the lower by damaged tissues. on Irritation and denture damageinside to your the back of your tongue. This is where muscles gum tissue may result from micro organisms harbored in attach to your jaw bone. These muscles extend to your dentures’ old and acrylic, ill fitting dentures. First, your your throat to or your tongue. They are part of dentures cleaning to remove unhealthy yourrequire swallowing process. At rst when organisms dentures are placed, feel ne, they(swelling). do settle contributing to thethey infl may ammation andbut edema your tissues, the same way material) that a ring Tissueinto conditioners (temporary soft lining are into fitting the tissue of your nger. A sharp placedimpresses on the tissue surface of your dentures to pain or a pinching feeling may become evident provide a clean positive adaptation to your gum tissues. in as little as two to three days. Regarding full Healing beginsdentures, and your tissues are become reassessedmore in a week upper they may sore to at confirm thefront progress healing. in Second and/or third the of theofdenture the frenum notchtissue (the conditioner need be that applied before the small may piece of to skin holds yourcontinuing lips to your gums) of or new at the incisalHealthy, papilla pink, (the small bump construction dentures. hard tissues, tissue that sitsbase between your two front teeth). provideof the important foundation required for a Both type of adjustments are considered normal successful denture. New dentures promote a healthy, clean, setting adjustments and only take a matter of accurate fittingtosurface for Ifmany years. like If you have any minutes remedy. you would information questions regarding this procedure or any other on this or any other dental related subject,denture please relatedbook subject, please book your with free consultation with us. a free consultation us.

For more information or for a free copy of the Family Registry, please contact Richmond Funeral Home at 604-273-3748.

Sandra Melin CFSP

Manager

604-273-3748

Richmond Funeral Home 8420 Cambie Road Richmond, BC V6X 1K1 Fax: 604-273-1697 smelin@arbormemorial.com www.richmond-funeral.ca

The answer to this question is that the progression of your hearing loss likely occurs due to aging regardless whether you are wearing a hearing aid or not. However, using hearing aids will keep your cognitive function high. Seniors with hearing loss who choose not to wear hearing aids are a high risk population for cognitive impairment e.g. dementia, depression etc. Speech signals are an invisible work-out for your brain. Using hearing aids will stimulate the hearing nerves and hearing centers of your brain. “Use it or lose it” principle applies to your hearing system. The longer the hearing nerve is without stimulation, the less active your brain becomes in processing sounds. So, the bottom line is that your hearing will likely and gradually get worse over time whether you wear hearing aids or not. But your ears need proper exercise like other parts of your body. Hearing aids provide sound stimulation and keep your ears functioning optimally.

Notary Public

Lily Liu, M. A, RHIP

Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner

604-271-4327

Blundell Centre 164 - 8180 No. 2 Road Richmond, BC V7C 5K1 Fax 604-271-4387 Lily.Liu@experthearingsolutions.com www.experthearingsolutions.com

WHO IS Campbell & Pound Appraisers & How do you charge for your service?

with the Probate Registry A: Intoday,checking the costs to probate an estate are

We are a group of Land Economists, Reserve Fund Planners, Highest and Best Analysts, Real Estate Appraisers and Advisors.

as follows:

1. For an estate where the gross value of the assets are less than $25,000, there is no filing fee and there is no probate fee. 2. For an estate, gross value $25,000 to $50,000, there is a filing fee of $200, plus an additional $6 per thousand. 3. For an estate, gross value $50,000 and over, there is a filing fee of $200, plus an additional one point four (1.40%) percent or $14 per thousand.

Even with an increasing inflation rate, your costs are fixed. A pre-paid funeral/cemetery service contract with an authorized funeral provider keeps pace with inflation because your funds are placed in an interest bearing, government supervised trust account. Funeral insurance policies are also available. Ask your funeral or cemetery provider which is right for you.

Will my hearing get worse if I don’t Q: wear a hearing aid?

when new full dentures made? I wasI have told that I required soft tissue

Can you give me some idea as to Q: the cost of probating an estate?

What are the benefits of pre-planning and pre-financing funeral & cemetery arrangements?

Our team of appraisal professionals has extensive expertise in our service area and have the ability to obtain all the relevant data required to obtain the most accurate Real Estate valuations.

Hans Podzun Notary Public #630-4400 Hazelbridge Way (Fairchild Square) Richmond, BC

604-273-1101

Additional legal fees to prepare probate hpodzun@telus.net documents will vary depending on the size www.hanspodzunnotarypublic.ca and complexity of the estate.

We analyze and interpret this information to provide clear and concise Appraisal reports that will enable the user to make informed decisions in our ever changing real estate market. Appraisers are paid by the assignment based on the complexity of the appraisal which converts to the amount of time it takes.

Daniel Jones

The more difficult the search for comparables are, then the more estimated time it will take to complete the assignment. Benchmark Appraisals for standard residential purposes start around $400.00 - $500.00 while high end real estate properties over $5,000,000 can command fees starting at $1,000.00 +. The fees are based on estimated time requirement and not the value of the property.

#1111 - 11871 Horseshoe Way Richmond, BC, V7A 5H5 www.campbell-pound.com www.depreciationreport.com

AACI, P.App., RI, FRI, CRP

Owner & Managing Director

604-270-8885

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

A17

Ask A Professional are the most common chimney issues Q: What & how do I resolve or prevent them? A:

In order for your chimney to be safe and functional, it must be maintained annually, just like any other system of the home. A neglected chimney can be both dangerous and expensive to repair. So what chimney issues do homeowners need to pay attention to? • Creosote Buildup – Caused by combustion by products inside the walls of the chimney, creosote is a black or brown, shiny material that builds up, like tar along the interior walls of the chimney. Excess creosote can lead to chimney fires, so it is best to call in a chimney sweep for annual maintenance. • Flashing Issues – Improper flashing around the base and lower roofline of the chimney will allow leakage into the attic and home. This can be both destructive and costly when not caught in time. A roofing contractor should be called for maintenance. • Chimney Blockage – When debris from vegetation or animals make a home in the chimney, blockage occurs.This is extremely dangerous for the homeowners, as carbon monoxide cannot escape the home. Left unchecked, this could be fatal. A chimney sweep should be contacted to keep your chimney clear. • Missing/Damaged Flue Liner – A proper flue liner protects the chimney. When missing or damaged, a host of dangers can result, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, damage, or even a house fire. This can be prevented by an annual maintenance call to a chimney technician. • Deterioration & Cracks – Over time, the mortar between the bricks will corrode, leading to water seepage. In severe cases the chimney can be structurally instable. Repointing (repairs to the mortar between the bricks) is essential for maintenance, and ideally done by a chimney mason. • Missing/Damaged Chimney Cap & Crown – The crown is designed to protect the chimney from the elements, especially moisture seepage and resulting cracks. The cap protects the flue, which comes out through the chimney. A chimney mason can complete the needed annual maintenance and repairs. For any questions about chimneys, home maintenance or mold just let me know and I’ll point you in the right direction!

Q: Are chiropractic adjustments safe? A:

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drugfree, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of headache, and neck and back pain. It has an excellent safety record. However, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Even common over-the-counter medicines carry a risk. Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment, however, some may experience temporary pain, stiffness or slight swelling. This is usually a result of the change in the body and is short lived.

Sean Moss RHI, CMI Sean Moss Home & Mold Inspections

OUR HOMEWORK IS YOUR PROTECTION

(604) 729-4261

sean@homeinspectorsean.com www.HomeInspectorSean.com

is the higher U.S. dollar affecting the coin and stamp Q: How markets? A:

Jim Richardson

The high exchange rate has also helped with gold prices in particular. With all the media talking how gold is at a 5 year low, in reality gold is at a 3 year high in Canadian dollars.

Western Coin & Stamp

Gold is at $1,210.00 US but a very strong price of $1,570.00 Canadian. This has helped the investors who made 8% compounded each of the last 3 years, as well as sellers of gold coins and jewellery who are getting high prices for their items.

604-278-3235

JIM

#2-6380 No. 3 Rd. Richmond, B.C. Email: westerncns@telus.net

Western Coin & Stamp

Deb Robson

604-328-3507

If more than one written offer on a specific property is made before the Seller has accepted an offer, all written offers must be Pet Friendly Real Estate presented to the Seller. The only exception would be if the listing licensee has specific written instructions from the Seller on the RE/MAX Westcoast listing not to present particular types of offers. Unless otherwise 110-6086 Russ Baker Way, instructed by the Seller, the listing licensee should ensure that Richmond, BC V7B 1B4 any other representative involved knows there will be competitive offers. Any written offers received prior to the Completion Date of an existing sale must be presented to the Seller. If a Seller wishes to consider a subsequent offer, the Seller should seek legal advice. If you do not have a Realtor, and you have questions... just ask Deb (:

www.chirofamily.ca contact@chirofamily.ca

The rst step is to decrease the cavity-causing bacteria by ensuring there are no current cavities in your mouth. This is done by removing the cavities with llings. If we create an alkaline (higher pH) environment in your mouth, the bacteria will starve since they need an acidic (lower pH) environment to grow. Changing what you eat and drink will effect this in a positive way, simply by reducing the amount of sugars (acidic environment) you ingest. The natural process of ageing and many medicines decrease the amount of saliva in your mouth. Saliva is naturally alkaline (higher pH) and creates a negative environment for cavity bacteria. Therefore, increasing saliva ow is benecial to your mouth. There are a few simple ways in which to win the battle against cavities. Topical uoride from toothpastes strengthens the teeth and makes it harder for bacteria to attack teeth. Flossing helps by disrupting the bacteria between teeth from forming their colonies. Using adjuncts such as xylitol lozenges/gum starves the cavity causing bacteria.

These days we prefer to call ourselves professional investigators and the names of our various associations reflect this. The answer to how to become a P.I. is complex as it depends on what investigative field you will be in and the type of work you will be doing. This can vary from boots on the ground surveillance to high technology cyber intelligence acquisition for complex criminal cases.

written offers are received?

#230-7340 Westminster Hwy. Richmond, B.C.

Q: How do I become a licensed P.I.? A:

Buyers or their Realtors be Q: Should advised that there are multiple offers expected on a property before any In the current market, multiple offers are very common. Until more than one written offer has been received, there is no multiple offer situation. Telling Realtors or potential Buyers anything else may be false. Before you disclose any information about offers or the number of offers, the Seller must have consented. It is the Seller’s decision whether to inform other Realtors or Buyers about the existence and/or terms of other offers. When a listing is taken, the Sellers should discuss their preferred selling strategy with their Realtor, and confirm any instructions in writing to them via text, email or other form of written communication.

604-284-5099

In order for cavities to occur, there are generally 3 factors that need to present. The rst and most important is the presence of a cavity bacteria called strep mutans; the second is the source of food for these bacteria, which is sugar; and the third is a susceptible host environment. If we make some changes to each of these 3 causative factors, the incidence of future cavities is reduced.

First of all, we do not add exchange on to our World coins, we have had a large amount of tourists in buying items that are lower priced than they can buy them in their own country.

Note: I see that everyone is receiving the ad from the buyer from Quebec in their mail. Remember our previous columns we ran that show how much extra we pay above them?

There are also many different ways to adjust the spine. Some methods are very gentle and use very little force. If you have any concerns, they can be addressed during your consultation with your chiropractor. Call us today for a complimentary consultation and come experience the natural, drug-free benefits of chiropractic care.

Dr. Bonnie Chuter

I have had llings placed in my mouth to stop cavities from growing larger. How do I stop more cavities from happening?

With the falling of the Canadian dollar and the increase in the U.S. exchange rate to 40%, our business has actual been helped a lot.

We are also finding that we are buying many items at strong prices because we are able to ship them out of the country to dealers I know for more than we can get here in Canada.

Informed consent Prior to starting treatment, all health professionals are required by law to obtain informed consent to treatment from their patients. Health care consumers must receive adequate and accurate information to assist them in evaluating their health care choices, and in balancing the relative risks of treatment options with the benefits. The chiropractic profession takes this responsibility seriously and has been a leader in obtaining informed consent.

www.DebRobson.com

Most P.I.’s do people investigations related to wrong doing. Proper training, education and experience is important because we are dealing with people’s lives. The Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General lists the regulatory requirements and the courses required for getting the basic P.I. under Supervision license. The full license requires further education, training and a few thousand hours of experience working with a fully licensed P.I. firm(s). I co-authored the national on-line course that is mandatory for BC licensing. See PIABC.ca For more specialised P.I. work, such as the cybercrime related investigations we are involved in, you can check out BCIT’s Forensic Sciences program.

Dale Jackaman

President Amuleta™ Computer Security Inc.

604-230-8114

330-1985 West Broadway Vancouver, BC, V6J 4Y3 info@amuleta.com http://amuleta.com

AMULETATM is a B.C. Ministry of Justice licensed Private Investigator and Security Consulting firm regulated under the Security Services Act of B.C.

A18 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

THEPULSE

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEâ€™VE GOT OUR FINGERS ON IT COOL FUNDRAISER

n Mayor Malcolm Brodie (left) is flanked by a pair of young skaters during the 4th annual Rotary Skates for the World fundraiser Saturday at the Richmond Oval. Hosted by the Sunset Club, the event raised $50,000, of which $20,000 will be used to purchase a vein viewer for Richmond Hospital (right), which aids medical staff to quickly administer intravenous lines. The remainder of the funds will go to local Rotary programs and to fund open heart surgeries for children in China. Photos by Gord Goble/Special to the News

ELEGANT ORCHIDS

n The Richmond Nature Park was blooming with a variety of beautiful and elegant flowers on Saturday during the inaugural Orchid Show. The event was presented by the Richmond Orchid Club, whose goal is to promote orchid culture, education and conservation among club members and the public. Photos by Gord Goble/Special to the News

Submit Your Pictures To Editor@Richmond-News. com with The Pulse in the subject line. For more photo galleries, visit Richmond-News.

KUDOS

n The Law Society congratulated essay contest winner Han Wei (Helen) Luo (left), a Law 12 student from Hugh McRoberts secondary and runner-up Anushka Kurian (right), a Law 12 student from Hugh Boyd secondary, for their exemplary essays on the topic of Magna Carta and its relevance to Canada in the 21st century. Photo submitted

n On May 7, nearly $3,000 was raised for Richmond Society for Community Living (RSCL) as Richmondâ€™s two Vancity branches (No. 3 Road and Blundell Centre), in cooperation with Urban Impact, hosted a shred-a-thon. Members of the public made a donation to have their confidential documents shredded by Urban Impact. Cobs Bread, Menchies and Starbucks in Blundell Centre contributed to the festivities, offering treats to all those that stopped by. The entire proceeds will benefit RSCL programs and services for Richmond children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Photo submitted

n UPS in Richmond donated $2,900 to Decoda Literacy Solutions to expand its library collection and provide useful literacy resources for British Columbians. Decoda is the only provincewide literacy organization in B.C., providing resources, training and funds to support community-based literacy programs and initiatives in over 400 communities. On hand for the cheque donation were: (left to right) UPS drivers Scott Goleniec and Arnel Aquino, Decoda Literacy Foundation librarian Tina Chau, and UPS employees Cindy Morrison and Fred Chong. Photo submitted

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

A19

SPORTS Beyond the Scores

Steveston Judo thrives again at Nationals Mark Booth

Sports Editor mbooth@richmond-news.com

rop by the Steveston Judo Club any Tuesday or Thursday night and there’s a good chance you will see multiple national champions honing their craft. In this day and age when the cost to play elite level sports can be extreme the 53-year-old club, located at the Steveston Martial Arts Centre, quietly goes about its business. At the recent Canadian Judo Championships in Calgary, Tavis Jamieson and Ian Ryder were the latest to add to club’s extensive lists of accomplishments. Jamiseon captured silver in his own under 21 -100 kg class and also stepped up to senior men’s -100 kg to earn bronze. Ryder solidified his status as one of the top up-and-coming judoka in the country by capturing the U16 73+ plus kg division and adding silver at the U18 90 kg as well. “The last three years we have had five national champions,” said Steveston head coach Kane Morishita while overseeing the club’s Advanced Senior session. “This is a very down to earth club. I think our dues are $35 a month. It’s a great

environment and our membership keeps growing.” The 2016 Nationals were Jamieson’s final time competing as a junior. The 19-year-old has already got a head start as a senior athlete, having competed at that level the past three championships. His decorated career includes capturing the U21 Canadian title in 2015 and winning silver the same year at the Canada Winter Games in Prince George. His sister Meghan has also been training out of Steveston for the past seven years and won bronze in the senior -70 kg class at the 2015 nationals. “I would like to get to a senior World Cup before I retire,” speculated the UBC math and computer science student. “To do that I need to get to Europe where it’s much easier to compete with none of the events being too far away from each other. There’s a tournament in Finland I would like to go to.” Ryder learned last week he is one of just 12 athletes — six male and six female — from across the country invited by Judo Canada to participate in a High Performance Camp this summer in Montreal. The 15-year-old McMath Secondary student’s potential has got the attention of national team coaches, according to his training mate. His

■ Ian Ryder (left) and Tavis Jamieson each won two medals at the recent Canadian Judo Championships in Calgary, including gold at the U16 level for Ryder. Photo by Mark Booth

victory in the U16 division came against an opponent who outweighed him by 32 kilos. “Most of the high up coaches notice Ian now,” said Jamieson. “There’s a Polish coach who calls him ‘Easy Ryder.’ (Laughing) Neither of us are sure why.” Morishita knows exactly the path one of his top students is headed down.

He was a former national team member himself but says the program has changed significantly and now requires a different level of commitment. “They will be bringing them to the national training centre, develop them, and also see how they do in special tournaments as well,” explained Morishita. “Back in my day, there was no national training

centre. Now you have to go there full-time. When Ian is 17-or-18 they will be hoping to get him in the direction of moving to Montreal when he graduates from high school and go to university at Concordia or McGill. “Ian is very mature for his age and really is an athletic phenom. We brought a rope in here and he just climbed right up it with little effort. I have taught him since he was six or seven years old. He was always a little bit bigger and very active too. Now that’s really paying off for him.” Ryder, who won gold at the B.C. Winter Games earlier this year, also happens to be a standout lacrosse player. He played for Team BC at the Bantam Box Lacrosse Nationals last year and this season has aged up a number of times to play for Richmond’s Intermediate “A” team. “Judo has definitely helped me with lacrosse,” he said. “Sometimes on a breakaway I will get tripped up, roll and get back up with the ball still my stick because I know how to break a fall. I also feel a lot stronger than other players. That’s where the physical aspect of judo comes in. “It can get pretty busy, but I would like to try and do both for as long as I can.”

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MaY 30 - JuNe 5, 2016 oN GrAnViLlE IsLaNd, vAnCoUvEr

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A20 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

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SPORTS

Blue Demons tourney champs

t was a golden long weekend for Richmond City Baseball’s U9 Blue Demons — taking home top prize at the Tsawwassen Grand Slam Tournament. The kids bats started off hot and did not cool off until the dust had settled in a thrilling extra inning championship game win over the Tsawwassen Cardinals. The Blue Demons started off the tournament with convincing 17-0 and 14- 6 victories over a pair of host teams — Maroon 9s and the Cubs. With their confidence booming, the Blue Demons were brought back to earth in their third game — a 20-13 loss to the Cardinals. The boys re-grouped and won their semifinal game against the Cubs 13-5 — setting up the dramatic rematch against the Cardinals on Victoria Day Monday. In a game that will go down in Winskill Park lore, the Blue Demons started off slow falling behind 8-3 after two innings before the bats came to life. The Demons with two outs in the top of the sixth Richmond exploded for five runs as they batted all 11

players through the inning to take a 16-12 lead. The Blue Demons recorded the first two outs in the bottom of the inning, only see the Cardinals rip off seven consecutive hits to send the game to extra innings. The hot bats continued as the Blue Demons scored four times in the top of the seventh and retired the side in order to secure a 20-16 victory and the tournament tile. The coaches and parents could not be any prouder of the boys. They stuck together as a team when they were seemingly down and out. They represented RCBA with class and showed respect for their opponents. All that was left at the end was the round of freezies, which was the real prize. Coached by David Knott, Navi Sekhon, Brent Lexier and Andy Ohara, the Blue Demons include: Yianni Camara, Brandon Sekhon, Peter Tsakumis, Matai David, Ryan Huang, Murphy Ohara, Ben Lee, Cooper Swanson, Matthew Knott, Bryson Lexier, Luke Mayan and Leeland Kotze.

■ Richmond City Baseball’s U9 Blue Demons celebrate their tournament triumph in Tsawwassen that included an extra inning victory in the championship game.

■ Westwind’s Benjamin Worthington-White (1141) races to victory during the Grade 11 Boys 600 Metres event at last weekend’s 48th annual B.C. Elementary Schools Track and Field Championships, hosted by the Richmond Kajaks, at Minoru Park. Photo by Mark Booth

CHURCH