Local News

By Declan HillYou may have missed the story, but recently one of the most notorious and powerful jerks in India’s political pantheon died. His name was Bal Thackeray and in his life he summed up many of the dangers of modern-day India.

Deer should be treated with respect Re: “CRD, not municipalities, to devise next steps on deer,” Nov. 29.

The east tower of Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa has been evacuated and the surrounding streets shut down after noxious chemicals coming from the pool area sent two workers to hospital. The Victoria Fire Department responded to reports at 7:36 a.

Premier Christy Clark is shuffling staff in her office yet again, this time hiring former CBC TV journalist Ben Chin as her director of communications. Chin was a weekend anchor on The National newscast before leaving the CBC in 2003.

NEW YORK — A U.S. Coast Guard officer investigating a suspected drug smuggling boat near Santa Cruz, California, was killed Sunday when the boat’s driver accelerated, running over two approaching patrol officers, a Coast Guard official said Sunday.

A man was plucked from the water off Gabriola Island Sunday after someone heard his calls for help. The man, approximately 60-70 years old, was found clinging to his boat in the Descanso Bay, on the west side of the Island near the ferry terminal.

Victoria police say anti-drinking and driving messages are not getting through to motorists after officers found a high number of impaired drivers during the first weekend of its Counter Attack program.

A licence plate number offered by a witness helped lead to the arrest of a suspect in an attempted abduction involving two teenage girls Monday night in Saanich.

Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for Greater Victoria. It is forecasting potentially damaging southerly winds gusting 70 to 90 km/h beginning after midnight. The winds should ease by early Tuesday morning.

Victorians have a say on the future of B.C. Ferries on Wednesday, when the provincial government brings its travelling consultations to town.