Richmond News February 18 2015 by Richmond News

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

YOUR SOURCE RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

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Page 18

Two boaters hurt after jetty crash

Big crowds are expected to fill Aberdeen Centre Wednesday night for Chinese New Year countdown celebrations for the Year of the Sheep, said the mall’s spokeswoman Joey Kwan. The entertainment starts at 9 p.m. on the mall’s central stage. Photo by Philip Raphael/ Richmond News

Alan Campbell

Staff Reporter acampbell@richmond-news.com

Richmond’s volunteer search and rescue team was called into action again on the weekend, after a boat crashed near the Iona jetty. Two people were rescued by the RCMSAR crew following the crash on Friday night at around 6:50 p.m. in what was described by Station 10 coxswain Brian Hobbs as “dark, wet and windy” weather conditions. Hobbs said crews responded in the north arm of the Fraser River to a report of two people injured after

their vessel struck the rock wall near the jetty. When the crew arrived at the scene, they discovered one injured person still on the rock wall, who was being helped by a member of a commercial tugboat crew that had been in the area. The second person had already been rescued onto a nearby pleasure vessel. The RCMSAR crew treated both patients before the arrival of the Canadian Coast Guard hovercraft, which took both patients to hospital with what were believed to be nonlife threatening injuries.

City opens dialogue on sign bylaw

Community advocate worries about a biased process that won’t address over-arching issue of race relations Graeme Wood

Staff Reporter gwood@richmond-news.com

Whether Richmond adopts an officiallanguage sign bylaw will depend on the results of a newly launched public outreach campaign organized by the city itself. On Monday the City of Richmond announced it is launching a “multipronged” public Kerry Starchuk consultation process to open dialogue on how foreign language-only signs have affected “community harmony” in the city. The campaign begins publicly with a registered, community workshop on March Gong Xi Fa Cai! 恭禧发财

12 at the UBC Boathouse, but the broader campaign will involve a number of outreach efforts, according to a City of Richmond news release. But Kerry Starchuck says she thinks the process may be biased. Starchuk was one of the first Richmondites to go public with her concerns for how Chinese signs are a cause and symbol of the lack of community cohesiveness that persists in Richmond. She believes the workshop — which she notes is being held in a small, private environment — will follow a structured communications technique that relies on a handpicked panel that will try to restrict any wider conversations about race relations. The city stated it is working with the Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, BC Signs Association and individual sign companies, Canadian Race Relations Council, Laurier

Another Chinese-only sign is erected on a construction site in 2015, after the issue caught fire during the municipal election. Photo submitted Institution, Richmond Chinese Community Society, Chinese Federation of Commerce of Canada and the Chinese Real Estate Professionals Association of BC to gather feedback on the issue.

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“I was quite taken back as to whom they’ve invited. This isn’t multiculturalism. This is all self-interest. I can’t see how this is going to get any better,” she said. At issue is how some members of the Chinese business community have willfully or unknowingly ignored official Canadian languages by advertising with Chinese-only signs. Starchuk says the concerns should extend beyond Chinese-only small business signs, which accounted for fewer than five per cent of new signs erected over the last three years, according to city data. Also at issue, for Starchuk and many others, is how real estate developers have effectively ignored every language except Chinese, causing multi-generational Canadians and non-Chinese immigrants to feel excluded. see SIGNS › page 4

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RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Send story ideas or photo submissions to Richmond News editor Eve Edmonds at editor@richmond-news.com

JET FUEL DELIVERY

VAPOR’s block sits in holding pattern Graeme Wood

I think the whole process was undemocratic and unfair. - Otto Langer

Staff Reporter gwood@richmond-news.com

A six-day court challenge against a consortium of airline corporations proposing to build a jet fuel terminal on the south arm of the Fraser River concluded Friday as the challengers hope to stop the project in its tracks. The grassroots environmental group VAPOR and retired biologist Otto Langer took the provincial government and the Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation to court, claiming the public consultation process amounted to a mere formality. “We’re hoping if there is a setback then common sense can set in for what I view as an irresponsible project,” said Langer. A B.C. Supreme Court judge may have a ruling on the case as early as spring. VAPOR and Langer are hoping the project will be denied and VAFFC will have to go back to square one. If that’s the case Langer suggests the airlines consortium take a “serious” look at a pipeline from an already established port facility in Ferndale (Cherry Point). Airlines want to gain access to potentially

VAPOR’s Otto Langer hopes the judge sends the whole plan for a new jet fuel delivery system back to square one. Richmond News file photo cheaper offshore fuel from Asia. But opponents of the project say the potential for toxic fuel spills on the Fraser far outweighs the airlines’ need to save money. Langer said there was no procedural fairness that led to a December 2013

decision by the BC Environmental Assessment Office to approve the project. “To be honest the province rubber stamped it and said ‘done,’” said Langer. He points to a number of alleged flaws that his lawyer presented in the case: VAFFC published mandatory communications in English for local Chinese news organizations; people were limited to two minutes of speaking at a “public hearing” and dozens of those statements were never recorded and submitted to the EAO; an initial 45-day consultation process wasn’t even enough time for the City of Richmond to review 1,500 pages of documents; and up to eight reports were conducted after the period of public consultation closed, including a tanker traffic study on the river, toxicity to fish and compensation plans.

“We weren’t able to comment on any of those studies,” said Langer. As a retired Fisheries and Oceans biologist, he said he had time to review at least some of the project but most people had no real chance to educate themselves. “I think the whole process was undemocratic and unfair. If this is the process, it needs to change,” said Langer. He noted the judge has several options, and among them are send the process back to square one, throw out VAPOR’s challenge entirely, or allow the project to continue but order the province to change its public consultation process. The City of Richmond never joined VAPOR’s challenge, claiming it stands no chance of succeeding. When the Richmond News requested the memos, and communications for the legal advice it received, the city stated the 682 pages worth of documentation must be withheld from the public for purposes of “public body confidences, policy advice, legal advice and disclosure harmful to personal privacy.” After Langer raised about $50,000, Richmond City Council donated $2,500 to the group for the challenge.

TRANSIT CONGESTION

Richmond first to hook up with DriveBC Alan Campbell

Staff Reporter acampbell@richmond-news.com

Anyone who commutes by road daily in or out of Richmond will testify to how sensitive the flow of traffic is to the slightest hiccup anywhere in Metro Vancouver. So, the city hooking up its traffic management system to the province’s DriveBC state-of-the-art regional network — the first “marriage” of its kind in B.C. — could be the beginning of a fruitful relationship. For example, a major incident on Highway 99 may cause traffic to divert into Richmond. With both traffic management systems working together, staff would be able to respond quicker to deal with the disruption, perhaps by adjusting the timing of traffic

lights in the area, before congestion builds up. Richmond residents and people working in the city are also expected to benefit from the move, with data, video and image-sharing giving a clearer picture of travel conditions in the city and in areas around it. A report detailing the changes, set to go before the city’s public works committee on Wednesday, states that the physical connection of the cabling network between Richmond and DriveBC is expected to be completed by the end of March. Testing will then take place and the system could be up and running by the end of 2015. Richmond’s Traffic Management Centre is currently in the process of moving its operations from behind Fire Hall No. 1 to the City Hall Annex on Minoru Boulevard and

The new link between Richmond and the B.C. government’s traffic management systems will alert the city and drivers to factors affecting traffic flow across the region.

Granville Avenue. According to the report, with one-third of all daily trips in Richmond made to destinations outside of the city, more timely and detailed traffic information will help

“travellers make smart choices.” The provincial government is picking up the tab for the connection of the two networks, with staff costs expected to be absorbed within regular resources.

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A4 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

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NEWS Signs: Have your say at city workshop

‹ from page 1

Furthermore, she said it’s hard to understand why public properties are now full of English-Chinese signs when there was no public discourse on the matter, let alone a referendum. “There are other people that live here who are of other cultures. We have Punjab, Tagalog, and Spanish. So how come this

(Chinese)?” she asked. “We should ask, is this doing more harm than good?” said Starchuk. The signs issue was much talked about during the 2014 municipal election campaign. In October, city staff was directed by council to investigate the matter, undertake public consultation and “develop recommendations for

possible future regulatory, education or other measures,” the release stated. One of those measures could be a sign bylaw to mandate English or French on each sign, depending on the results of the consultation. Some consider a bylaw a must, while others consider it to be a last resort. Still, others are wholly opposed to

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a bylaw. In a pre-election questionnaire, councillors Linda McPhail and Bill McNulty, as well as Mayor Malcolm Brodie, said they opposed any sort of bylaw even if the community supported one (Coun. Derek Dang didn’t reply). Starchuck said she is open to any possibility, so long as the community has true, open discourse on race relations. A bylaw may pose constitutional issues and incite a court challenge. The city stated it is now working with the University of British Columbia’s geography department to research how other communities are dealing with foreign-language signs. The city claims it has already begun to consult with businesses to “encourage” inclusion of 50 per cent English content on signs through site inspections and “friendly written notices.” To register for the free workshop on March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the UBC Boathouse at 7277 River Rd. email signsconsult@ richmond.ca. If you cannot attend but have an opinion, voice it at LetsTalkRichmond.ca

Ben Moss Jewellers at Richmond Centre was robbed in 2012. Photo by Gerry Kahrmann/The Province

Getaway driver convicted A man has been convicted of being the getaway driver in the armed robbery of a Richmond jewelry store. On Saturday, a B.C. Supreme Court jury found Keith Macdonald guilty for his role in the November 2012 heist of Ben Moss Jewellers at Richmond Centre. Macdonald, the sixth man convicted in the case, is to be sentenced Thursday in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver. Court heard that two men entered the store, one of them carrying a firearm, and used hammers to smash the display cases before filling pillow cases with jewelry items. While trying to flee, one of the men tried unsuccessfully to carjack a vehicle. When he tried to carjack a second vehicle, he was tackled by bystanders. In the melee, he fired a shot, but no one was injured. One of the bystanders was bitten by a suspect and received medical treatment. Shane Buckner, who pleaded guilty to various charges including robbery with a firearm, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Ty Burgess, who also pleaded guilty to robbery, received a six-year jail term. David Liu, Sherman Liu and Richard Warner all pleaded guilty to being parties to the robbery and were each sentenced to 40 months in prison. — Keith Fraser, The Province

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RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

A6 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

NEWS

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

CITY BRIEFS

Solar power in pool design Trade centre plans submitted Graeme Wood

Staff Reporter gwood@richmond-news.com

Minoru’s new pool may be one of the most energy efficient facilities of its kind in the region, once built, according to a staff report to city council. The design intends to incorporate photovoltaic solar panels, to provide some of the pool’s electrical capacity, as well as a heat recovery system, low-flow water fixtures, LED lighting and a rainwater capture system. Engineers and architects are targeting a LEED Gold standard for the 110,000square-foot facility that will incorporate a seniors centre, as well. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a North American building certification program. Being that it’s a pool, which typically uses lots of energy, the $80 million facility will be on the lower spectrum of the Gold standard. The ranking system is based on 100 points; the Gold standard is from 60-79 with the Platinum standard being above 80 points. The city is hoping Minoru pool will be ranked at about 65 points. The facility is twice as large as the

existing pool and seniors facility, but will use about the same amount of energy. The proposed design will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent (180 cars per year) and energy demand by 50 per cent when compared to a “typically constructed facility,” states the report, while noting design and energy efficiency mechanisms are still works in progress. The city considered taking heat from Minoru Arenas but concluded it wasn’t feasible to do so. Only two buildings in Richmond are presently LEED Gold certified — the Richmond RCMP headquarters and Brighouse elementary school. Hughes Condon Marler Architects (HCMA) is designing the pool. It also designed Vancouver’s Hillcrest aquatic centre and Steveston’s new fire hall, both of which are awaiting LEED Gold certification. Once built the new Minoru pool will feature two, 25-metre pools and various hot and cold pools, as well as saunas. The design is geared toward seniors activities as the complex incorporates the new Older Adults’ Centre. The building will also include change rooms for outdoor activities and a viewing terrace for the adjacent track and field.

Graeme Wood

Staff Reporter gwood@richmond-news.com

Blueprints for an international trade centre, which includes a 14-storey hotel and two office towers (nine and 12-storeys), have been submitted to the city for building permits, following a public hearing in December in which there were no voiced concerns over rezoning of the land. The proposed centre, to be located north of Bridgeport Road at River Road, is expected to compliment what has been called the largest development proposal in Richmond’s history — that of Duck Island, next to the River Rock Casino and Resort. The centre is striving for LEED Silver energy efficiency via water and electricity savings measures. Green roofs will help mitigate the “urban heat island effect.” Meanwhile, the “Bridgeport Village” area may have taken another step to expanding as Mayfair Commercial Real Estate Advisors announced the sale of industrial land at 9311 River Rd. The six-acre parcel next to the Canada Line bridge sold for an undisclosed price, according to Mayfair president Lawrence Lim, who added development speculation may play a role as the lot is situated between the casino and recently built Parc

Riviera condo development.

City grants approved Richmond City Council approved 73 community service grants valued at $823,300 last Tuesday, ahead of a review of casino revenue expenditures that may result in a boost to the grants program. Mayor Malcolm Brodie called the grants an important facet of the community. “Our many community partner organizations provide critical and valuable services to Richmond residents,” said Brodie. Grant money comes from the city’s gaming revenue — a 10 per cent share of the River Rock Casino Resort’s revenues. Grants have, to date, represented 5.8 per cent of $147 million worth of Richmond’s gaming revenue expenditures since 2004. The biggest portion of grants was directed to social, health and safety, which totaled $562,400. Because council budgeted a specific amount, it meant roughly $260,000 of requested money for the social, health and safety grants was not distributed. Organizations — such as Touchstone Family Association and Chimo Community Services — requested about $170,000 less than they did in 2013.

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RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

OPINION

Send your story ideas or photo submissions to Richmond News editor Eve Edmonds at editor@richmond-news.com

EDITORIAL OPINION

TransLink has got to go

egardless of what campaigners on the “Yes” side of the Lower Mainland transit referendum may be telling us, voting “Yes” in the referendum won’t instantly fix all of our transportation problems. Meanwhile, the “No” side has been telling us that a tax for transit amounts to throwing good money after bad because TransLink runs transit, and TransLink is broken. So, our alternatives are to either vote “Yes” and get a

partial and very expensive transit fix — without getting to the root cause of the problem. Or to vote “No” and get no fix — and still not get to the root cause of the problem. The fact is both transit and TransLink have to be fixed. Or do they? Sometimes, when something is too badly broken, you’re best to just throw it away. The transit system needs a lot of expensive work done, and it’s worth it to do. But TransLink belongs in a dumpster.

How did we, as voters, allow our governments to create two-tiered transportation in B.C.? Why is the Lower Mainland set aside from the rest of the province? TransLink operates like our school boards: the provincial government hamstrings its budget, claims credit when it works, and the rest of the time… well… “It’s not our fault, TransLink did it.” It’s long past time to dissolve TransLink into the B.C. ministry in charge of transportation.

Stupid economy is the best economy A lberta is in trouble. party ended, and Alberta led Sure, having all the nation in foreclosures and PainfulTruth the oil in the world is bankruptcies. Matthew great. Right up until the price For years, we’ve looked east Claxton of oil drops like a cartoon over the Rockies with envy. anvil straight down onto the Since the 1990s, Alberta has head of your economy. been on a tear, and it looked Now, realtors in Calgary have plenty of like oil was the way to go, hence our current work — trying to unload mansions of rich government’s continued enthusiasm for that people desperate to get their cash in hand related hydrocarbon, liquified natural gas. and get out of Dodge. Here in B.C., a lot of our identity also The provincial government there is having relies on the big extractive resources that conniption fits about the prospect of a make for fun Discovery Channel reality recession. shows — fishing, logging, and mining. A lot of transplanted Newfies, British Logging employed 18,700 people in 2013, Columbians, and others who have flocked to down from 27,000 just 10 years before. And the oil patch are considering a return ticket. believe it or not, that industry has bounced Maybe Alberta’s oil economy will bounce back a bit since the recession. back. Maybe the price of oil will shoot up Mining, oil, and gas employs 29,500 again next month and we’ll all be whining people, and it is increasing, but it’s still a tiny about paying $1.50 a litre again, and guys in fraction of the B.C. workforce. Fort MacMurray can return to fretting about By comparison, 15,200 people work in which skidoo goes best with their new truck. publishing in this province. Or maybe not. We’ve been here before, We hear a lot about how we need to after all. Remember the 1980s, when the first support mining, about how it’s a priority for

the government. talk up small business Let’s build an Yet when was the last and diversified business economy based time you heard anything generally. But the minute from Victoria about book someone talks about oil or around pointless, publishing? Or about forestry, you can see heads even silly jobs. performing arts (19,300 swivel in the legislature, people employed) or even though health care furniture stores (10,900) and manufacturing or sporting goods, hobby, and book stores outweigh those extractive industries by a (13,600) or food manufacturing (23,700)? wide margin. A full 258,000 people work in retail in I think we need to focus on the exact B.C., one way or another, selling everything opposite of those high-profile industries. from cans of pop to heavy equipment. Let’s aim squarely for building a pyramid To be fair, there are some reasons to the right way up. support those charismatic extractive Let’s build an economy based around industries — they tend to have a lot of pointless, even silly jobs. subsidiary industries that feed off them. The fluffy, goofy industries, like making Extractive industries are like the pointy video games and movies, tourism, and health end of an inverted pyramid, with big chunks and wellness, are less vulnerable to sudden of the rest of the economy balanced on their shifts in the price of oil or minerals, to free shoulders. trade deals and foreign wars. The thing about an inverted pyramid? It’s They’ll never be as sexy as logging and unstable. And if that narrow little base goes, mining, but they’re a better long-term bet. everything above it takes a tumble, too. Matthew Claxton is a reporter with the To be fair, the B.C. government loves to Langley Advance

Our Commitment to You Published every Wednesday & Friday by the Richmond News, a member of the Glacier Media Group. 5731 No. 3 Road, Richmond, B.C. V6X 2C9 Phone: 604.270.8031 Fax: 604.270.2248 richmond-news.com

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RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

LETTERS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Staff payouts out of whack City finances need review Dear Editor, Re:”City’s high earners top B.C,” News Feb. 11. President Obama’s annual salary is $400,000. U.S. Cabinet Secretaries make a bit under $200,000, and there are 14 such positions. Did I doze off and wake up to find Richmond had became a world super power with a population of more than 300,000,000, its own military, intelligence agencies, space program, etc? That can be the only viable explanation as to why the City of Richmond needs 13 employees taking home $200,000 plus last year — even if that includes benefits and vacation payouts. It’s a good thing that Richmond property taxes were recently raised in order to provide

these public servants with the lifestyle to which they’ve become accustomed. As was stated in the article, Richmond has more employees compensated at that level than Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby and anywhere else in B.C. How is that possible and who is to answer for it? Coming on the heels of city council voting down a motion for an independent review of expenditures, these factors don’t exactly build the public trust in our municipal government. Shame on all of them for riding in style on the shoulders of Richmond residents. I don’t know how to change this culture, but change is what is needed. Donald Grant Richmond

Unused vacation time the problem It was interesting to read the Mayor’s letter in your Feb. 13 edition. If you compare base salaries, you’ll see what’s going on here is the fact employees are not taking their vacations and this needs to be corrected. We are talking about people in supposedly stressful, senior positions. I want the people running the city to be working at the top of their game — that’s why holidays are allotted. The mayor also argues we need to pay these high salaries to attract and keep these people.

I have lived here for 58 years, and a lot of these city employees went to school with my children. They got jobs at city hall with no special training or skills; their promotions, it appears, are seniority driven. Due to their benefits programs, they can’t afford to leave. I am very sure there are many people, more qualified, who would love to work for city hall — for less money. Gordon Hercus Richmond

THE NEW

CANADA APPRENTICE LOAN

Dear Editor, There is something seriously wrong with how Richmond manages its finances — the taxpayers’ hard-earned money. We have heard for several years that municipal spending is out of control. It is infuriating to learn that Richmond is the top of the spending heap with 13 city bureaucrats taking home more than $200,000 (salary plus benefits and vacation payout); more than any other city or municipality in B.C. There is absolutely no justification for this at all. What’s the solution? 1. Change the way compensation is set for senior managers. Cut the number of high paid bureaucrats. I can immediately find two cuts: the two senior managers for the Olympic Oval costing us $433,500? The current managers who manage other city facilities can assume these responsibilities. (Assuming we need the Oval at all, but that is another tax

story.) 2. Completely review all other city spending. Set targets for each department to come up with annual savings (rather than budget increases). If the current senior bureaucrats cannot find the savings, replace them with more creative ones who can . . . at a lower salary! 3. Who will manage this change? City council has not proven successful or motivated so far. Maybe we need a “blue ribbon” panel from the business community and community at large. We could find wellqualified specialists who would be willing to work

for a dollar a day, as long as council is committed to adopt the changes. Perhaps the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation would be willing to lend a body to this panel. The city leaders are now completely on the wrong track. Rather than approving a two per cent tax increase, they should be looking at two per cent plus tax decrease this year and the next five years. It is achievable if we challenge ourselves to demand change and our mayor and council accept this challenge. Steven Guthrie Richmond

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hen considering best to the world. health, most You might see your HealthWise of us focus on emotions as products Davidicus of genetics, physiology physical wellbeing. Wong and luck. But it’s crucial I see emotional wellness to recognize your own as a deep sense of meaning resources and ability to and purpose, an abiding sense of peace, the ability to manage the cope with them. I believe there are three key emotional health skills that anyone stress and transitions of life, awareness can develop. of your thoughts and feelings and the 1. A meditative practice. Prayer, yoga, ability to manage them. formal meditation and mindfulness are Emotions influence your behaviour, all effective ways of calming the mind, your relationships and your thinking. centering thoughts and reflecting. By When we’re angry, we regress and deliberately pausing, breathing and aggress. We don’t think clearly or slowing your thoughts and actions, you logically. We can’t see any other point become less reactive. of view but our own. An adult will act Begin each day with a prayer of like a child, a 10-year-old like a toddler. thankfulness. Count your blessings A teenager . . . may still act like a before you even get out of bed. This can teenager. prime the pump to allow you to see the When depressed, we withdraw; we think negatively about ourselves, others, good that you have and your ability to make a positive difference in your life. our world and the future. Depression narrows our thinking and we don’t As you retire at the end of the day, recognize our positive options. and reflect on the blessing of the day (how you helped others and how others we may close ourselves off from the helped you) and its lessons. You may not world. end the day any younger or richer but When anxious, we freeze; we perhaps a little wiser and with memories overestimate danger and challenge, and of some positive experiences. What is we underestimate our ability to cope. the measure of your days? Anxiety holds us back from doing what 2. Choose your thoughts. we need to do, from moving forward, Thoughts are powerful. from reaching out, and from giving our

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If we don’t take care, they can provoke anxiety, fuel anger and prolong depression. You can’t control the weather, traffic lights, the behaviour of others or luck, but you can choose your thoughts. Cognitive therapy is one method of becoming aware of your thoughts, recognizing how they affect your mood or anxiety level, and gaining control over your emotions by choosing more efficacious thoughts. Reflect on the thoughts that may have triggered an emotional reaction. With time, you’ll gain facility in recognizing the underlying assumptions and beliefs. 3. Turn your problems into goals. Instead of replaying the past, think about what you want. When you are most relaxed, visualize yourself having achieved your goal, experiencing a sense of peace, and living a life rich with purpose and meaning. How do you feel? What do you see? Make it real! If the effects of stress, anxiety, mood or other psychological symptoms are having a significant impact on your life, see your family doctor. Your emotions are an important aspect of your health. Dr. Davidicus Wong is a family physician. His website is davidicuswong.wordpress.com.

Pauline Rafferty at the 2014 Volunteers event.

Nominate a volunteer Do you know somebody who volunteers their time, energy, and talent so that Richmond can remain a strong, healthy, vibrant community? If so, nominate them for a Volunteers Are Stars award. Presented by Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives and the River Rock Casino Resort, the 2015 Volunteers Are Stars Awards will take place April 14 at the River Rock. The event celebrates Richmond’s volunteers, as well as businesses and non-profit organizations that have made a significant contribution to the community. Send you entry to www.volunteerrichmond. ca by March 16.

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Happy ppy Lunar New Ye Year How to Prepare:

Eat Chicken or Pork Amron’s Meats

Get a Haircut Q2 Barbers

Buy Mandarin Oranges Kin’s Farm Market

Eat Chinese Dumplings Bamboo Express

Buy New Clothes Bellissima Fashions

Enjoy Wine Blundell Liquor

Look Your Best Awesome Nails

Give Gifts to Loved Ones Seafair Jewelers

A11

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

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RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

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A15

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Richmond‘stars’ ready for dance spotlight Staff Reporter praphael@richmond-news.com

The lure of the lights. The rhythm of the music. And the artistry of dance. That, plus a healthy dose of community support will grace the Riverside Grand Ballroom as the Dancing With the Richmond Stars 2015 event gets underway March 7. But long before that happens, a group of local celebrities, most with no prior ballroom dance experience, have been practising with their professional instructors for the past couple of months to help raise funds for the Richmond Hospice Association. Taking part in the fourth annual edition that traditionally plays to a packed audience are: Colin Foo, actor, artist and philanthropist, Jan Rosovich, from Finning, Kelly Krull, of Splash Toys in Steveston, Michelle Nielsen, dentist from Steveston Smiles and Robert Madsen, president of U-Lock Mini Storage Group. Also taking part, but sidelined by injury is Adrian Thomas, retired president of Great Canadian Casinos. Thomas tore his calf muscle while practising, but will continue to collect

pledges for the event, and has vowed to heal up and be in next year’s competition. Pat Miller, executive director of the hospice, said the event is the association’s main fundraiser and hopes are it can surpass the $50,000 mark this year, with pledges supporting the dancers who have been paired with professional instructors. On show during the event will be dances including the jive, rumba and cha cha. Foo, who has some tap dance experience, said his number with instructor Laura Xie is expected to be part dance, part comedy routine. “It’s a lot of fun,” Miller said. “These couples prepare with dance instructors for about 20 hours of practice, and compete for the judges’ choice trophy.” Pledges can be made by visiting richmondhospiceassication.com and clicking on the Dancing with the Richmond Hospice page. Miller said funds raised are used to support the association’s many support and educational programs. Tickets for the semi-formal event are also available online and include champagne cocktails, dinner and dessert. For a sneak peek at some of the dance routines that will be performed on the night, visit richmond-news.com.

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Experience the excitement of Chinese New Year this year at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate the Year of the Ram and enjoy free fun and entertainment for the whole family. There will be live musical entertainment, Chinese ink brush calligraphy demonstrations, a paper artist and a roaming traditional lion dance. Also on tap will be fun contests and a complimentary photo booth. YVR restaurants will be joining in the celebration by offering lunch specials. Visitors can enjoy a special YVR Chinese New Year parking rate of $5 for five hours of parking (between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.) on Feb. 19. Be sure to pick up your parking voucher at the Customer Care desk in the International Terminal (Departures Level 3). Alternatively, begin your Chinese New Year adventure aboard the Canada Line and you’ll be there in 26 minutes or less.

Friday

Celebrate Freedom to Read Week Feb. 22-28 at the Richmond Public Library. The event is being marked with displays of banned and challenged books. “The Media & Censorship – a Panel Discussion” will take place on Friday, Feb. 20 from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Kwok-Chu Lee living room at the Brighouse Plus, Mayor Malcolm Brodie has issued an official proclamation endorsing Canada’s Freedom to Read Week.

Professional dance instructor Andy Wong puts Jan Rosovich through her paces in preparation for this year’s Dancing with the Richmond Stars fundraiser for the Richmond Hospice Association. The event, March 7 at the Riverside Grand Ballroom, is the association’s major fundraising event. Photo by Philip Raphael/Richmond News

Live Entertainment Friday February 20th Andrew & Dylan, Great Live Music Duo Saturday February 21st DJs Robbie Rob & Sammy Fridays February 27th, March 6th & 13th Jordan and Emily, Incredible Live Music Duo

Chinese New Year celebrations land at YVR on Thursday, complete with a lion dance and caligraphy demonstrations. Photo submitted

Saturday

Come explore the past during Heritage Week events at Britannia Heritage Shipyard. On Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 4 p.m., experience the multi-cultural life of Britannia residents through building tours and sampling teas from all over the world. Thirty-minute tours leave the visitor centre at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Sunday

Know lyrics to most of the Beatles’ songs? Well, get ready to belt them out at the Beatles sing-along Feb. 22 at the Buck & Ear Grill. Hosted by the Beatmerchant, tickets are $20 and the music runs from 1 - 3 p.m. Seating is limited. Ticket information at: BeatlesSingAlongSteveston. brownpapertickets.com.

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A16 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

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The 2014/15 Richmond Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors being sworn in by Mayor Malcolm Brodie at the June 2014 AGM.

Chambers of commerce: Getting results for business

eb. 16 marks the beginning of Chamber of Commerce Week, an opportunity for chambers across British Columbia to showcase their hard work on behalf of the business communities across the province. This year, chambers are celebrating the theme of “Leadership in Action” — a theme which highlights the leadership chambers bring to their business communities, working hard to enhance B.C. as a business-friendly jurisdiction with strong opportunities for all British Columbians. So as B.C. celebrates Chamber Week, don’t miss the opportunity to swing by the Richmond Chamber, join in on some Chamber Week events, and celebrate the leadership, energy and can-do attitude that B.C.’s Chambers bring to our communities. Who is the Richmond Chamber of Commerce? The Richmond chamber is a member based, non-profit organization representing member businesses of all sizes, from virtually every industry and profession in our region. The Richmond chamber is also part of a provincial and national network, in partnership with the British Columbia and Canadian Chambers of Commerce. In B.C. we collectively represent the interests and concerns of over 125 chamber organizations,

made up of 36,000 businesses, and across Canada we connect to a network of over 420 chambers, representing nearly 200,000 businesses of all sizes, in all sectors, in all regions.

Our Board…

Our Board of Directors is comprised of members who are community leaders and influence makers. They are dedicated to serving the local business community. Not only are our directors business people themselves, but they go above and beyond to create prosperity for all chamber members and the community at large.

Our Committees…

The Richmond Chamber has various committees who are focused on specific outreach initiatives. Our committees meet on a regular basis and provide advice to our board on how best to help the local business community thrive and grow. All existing, and new members are encouraged to get involved in one of our committees.

Our Staff…

Simply, the Richmond chamber staff has one purpose, to serve our members. Our dedicated team is focused on helping our members flourish. Our joint success is inherently tied and we are motivated to help your business prosper.

What the Richmond chamber is not We would like to debunk some common chamber misconceptions. Have you caught yourself wondering what a chamber of commerce is and what it does for business? True or False: ! A chamber of commerce is a bank. False. We are not a bank, we are a broad-based business organization working on behalf of small to large businesses. ! A chamber of commerce is a private club. False. We are an accessible, progressive organization supporting local business in their community. ! A chamber is part of government: False. Chambers of commerce engage with all levels government as a voice, advocating for businesses. ! The chambers only offer group insurance benefits. False. Chambers have a long list of exclusive member benefits to offer businesses; Group Insurance is just one of many. Learn more about the Richmond chamber and upcoming events at: RichmondChamber.ca Richmond Chamber Week Events: Wednesday, Feb. 18: “Planning for Tax Season — Are you Ready?” Presented by Reid Hurst Nagy Inc. Friday, Feb. 20: Post Budget Breakfast with Hon. Michael de Jong, Minister of Finance. — Submitted by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

THEPULSE

A17

WE’VE GOT OUR FINGERS ON IT FAMILY FUN

Cambie Community Centre was bustling with activity during last Monday’s Family Day Fun event. Roughly 250 people turned out for a variety of activities, from crazy golf to arts and crafts. Photos submitted by Camille Garcia/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.com

KUDOS The Steveston Japanese Language School treated students to a New Year’s Party last week which featured traditional Japanese food, games and activities. Photos submitted

Courtney Cohen (centre), Toby Rubin (right) and Lynn Fader hold some of the 500 care packages that were distributed to low-income residents in Richmond recently by Rose’s Angels, an organization founded by the Kehilla Society and Cohen in memory of her grandmother, Rose. Each package contained toiletries and food, plus socks, toques, gloves and scarves. The packages were distributed to CHIMO, Richmond Family Place, the Jewish Food Bank and Turning Point Recovery House. Photo submitted

One of KPU’s students at the Wilson School of Design in Richmond is expanding her fashion design ‘Down Under’ after being awarded a $6,000 scholarship. Yuliya Yaremenko, left, a third year fashion design and technology student, will be using her Premier’s International Scholarship for a semester starting this month at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Yaremenko said she chose the institution for its innovative programs, and is eager to expand her KPU education by discovering the similarities and differences in the design courses. The scholarships, hosted by the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society, are awarded to B.C. students who intend to study abroad. Photo submitted

A18 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

RICHMOND-NEWS.COM

SPORTS

Send your story ideas or photo submissions to ‘Richmond’ sports Mark Booth at mbooth@richmond-news.com

Colts win city title in thrilling fashion With leading scorer sidelined Richmond High digs deep to win first Richmond sr. boys championship in 15 years Mark Booth

Sports Editor mbooth@richmond-news.com

Last October, Mark Twyford was getting ready to coach junior girls basketball when an email changed his destiny. The Richmond High graduate was asked to return to his old school to guide the senior boys team he once played for. On Thursday night, Twyford joined the elite company of his former legendary coach by making the Colts the toast of the city once again. Richmond captured its first championship in 15 years with a thrilling 91-89 victory over the McMath Wildcats before a jam packed gym at Burnett Secondary. The exhilarating final was a perfect ending to a wild eight-team tournament that more than lived up to the hype. “I played for Bill (Disbrow) in 1989-90 and to win this again is special,” smiled Twyford. “I have so many people to thank, starting with (former coach) Les Brown who gave me this opportunity in the first place. My brother Matt has been a huge support (as an assistant coach). I never could have done this by myself.” Having spent 11 years in Japan, Twyford had gone nearly two decades without coaching until Jon Acob arranged for him to take on the Grade 9 girls team at McMath last season. The on-call teacher in the Richmond School District was going to continue with the same group until he received an email from Brown. “I just couldn’t pass this up,” he continued. “I have two young kids and my wife is still in Japan so I bring them to a lot of games and practices. That’s what I mean when I say everybody has played a big part in this.” The city championships proved be a carry over of a regular season that featured plenty of tight games and parity the league has never

seen before. As many as four other teams could have been hoisting the championship trophy had the chips fallen their way. The Colts had their hands full in a 76-74 opening round win over eight-time defending champion RC Palmer in the opening round. They then outlasted a good Cambie team 97-87. The Wildcats went unbeaten in league play but nearly were bounced in the opening round, holding off a young StevestonLondon Sharks team, 84-83. McMath then needed a furious fourth quarter comeback to erase a double-digit deficit and edge the McNair Marlins 74-73 in a battle of top 10 ranked AAA teams. Richmond High came out firing in the championship game, opening up a 31-21 lead after one quarter. However, the Colts looked to be in big time trouble when Grade 10 standout and leading scorer Jon Mikhlin turned his ankle and was done for the night. The Wildcats began to take over, led by the spectacular play of city MVP Anthony Demch, and seemed on the verge of securing their first Richmond title in nine years. However, the Colts kept hanging around, thanks mainly to some clutch three-point shooting, including their 6-foot-5 Grade 11 post Jeremy Bariso. It set the stage for a remarkable final quarter that saw the teams routinely exchanging haymakers and neither refusing to back down. The Colts took the lead on Cody Pidhaichuk’s free throw in the final minute and turned back McMath on its last two possessions, including a missed three-pointer at the buzzer. “It’s our never quit, never say die attitude,” said Twyford of the second half comeback. “We have been down in games before during the season and won a lot of close games too so that really helped us tonight. “We have had to play without

Richmond Colts’ Tristan Ordonez goes in for two points during his team’s 91-89 win over McMath in the city senior boys basketball championship game played last Thursday in front of a capacity crowd at Burnett secondary. Photo by Mark Booth Jon a couple of times and all season long we have had guys banged up or injured. We are use to saying ‘next guy off the bench, it’s your turn to step up.’ Someone is always filling in that role and willing to take it on.” Next up for the Colts is the AAAA Lower Mainland Championships where they are expected to see a steady diet of top ranked teams. Twyford is looking forward to the challenge. “The goal of our program is to

shoot high and we have seen a lot of the top teams already this season. We have played well against some and rotten against others. But it has also helped us improve a lot.” The league all-star awards based on regular season play included: MVP: Anthony Demch (McMath). First Team All-Stars: Anthony Demch (McMath), Kevin Yang (McNair), Jonathan Mikhlin (Richmond), Arnold Macalipay

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