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- Feb 1 - Black History Month kicks off
Feb 1 - Black History Month kicks off
Plus: William Head tearing down security towers, former Vic student wins massive lawsuit
Capital Daily team
February 01, 2024
Good morning !
Today marks the beginning of February and the start of Black History Month. We’ve got a roundup of events for you to check out in today’s newsletter—let us know if we missed any and we’ll update the list throughout the month.
— Robyn
Are you planning to attend Black History events this month? |
Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes
🌡️ Weather Forecast
NEWS
Black History 2024 events in Victoria
John Craven Jones, Salt Spring's first schoolteacher, and wife Almira in 1885. Archival image via BCBHAS
Today marks the start of Black History Month, a time to learn about and celebrate the many contributions of Black people throughout history. In Canada, this year’s theme is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build,” focusing not just on the history of Black Canadians, but on moving toward a better future.
The theme is meant to coincide with the 10th year of the International Decade of People of African Descent (IDPAD), which the UN General Assembly proclaimed in 2013 to run from 2015-2024. It focuses on highlighting the diverse culture and contributions of people of African descent internationally while working to protect their rights and improve their quality of life.
In Victoria, there are many opportunities this month to reflect on Black history through local perspectives and stories, as well as Canada-wide ones.
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
Too warm to ski at Mount Washington. [Operational Update]
Check your bus route to see if it’s running today while BC Transit deals with mechanical issues on several Victoria buses.
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
NEWS
The two security towers are coming down at William Head Institution
William Head tower. Photo: Capital Daily
Two metal security towers are soon going to be demolished at William Head Institution as the status of the institution itself shifts over time and the towers no longer serve their purpose.
Guard towers have figured prominently in modern prison design as strong deterrents to residents thinking of misbehaving, but “the security towers,” explained assistant warden Peter Forbes, “will be replaced by a camera tower on each side.”
The institution has completed an upgrade to its systems to increase the security and “the new 360-degree cameras will give them much better resolution,” he said.
Forbes also acknowledged the community’s potential sensitivity of “the optics of taking the two metal security towers down.”
⭐️ Capital Picks
🥐 Tombo, a new hybrid bakery and restaurant, will open Monday.
⚖️ Protect your rights and dispute your driving prohibition with the help of a knowledgeable lawyer. Contact Acumen Law Corporation today to start your defence.*
😁 Everyone Deserves to Smile: Cool Aid’s dental care funding drive.
✈️ There's only one way to fly non-stop to Thailand. Escape the cold and get lost in The Land of Smiles.*
🌠 Shooting star magic over a frozen lake near Port McNeill.
😊 Hiring: Vehicle Readiness Specialist at Tesla.
*Sponsored Listing
🗞️ In Other News
West Shore RCMP raid Langford motorcycle club
Along with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit BC and the provincial gang unit, Mounties executed a series of search warrants yesterday in what they call a multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking investigation. One of the searches took place on the property of the Savages clubhouse on Spencer. Police say the Savages are associated with the Hells Angels, as CHEK reported in 2017. [RCMP]
Police beanbag, arrest man swinging a hatchet downtown
VicPD said it received several calls at approximately 7pm Monday about a man swinging a hatchet near Government and View. The man ignored the officers’ commands and pulled the hatchet from his jacket. The officers fired a beanbag round to his thigh. The suspect was taken to hospital as per police procedure, cleared, and then released on the condition he appears at a future court date. [VicPD]
Former Vic student awarded possibly ‘biggest’ compensatory damages in Canada
The man was sexually abused for years by a tutor who was suggested by his SD61 (Greater Victoria) elementary school. Named H.N. in court documents, the man, now 35 and living on the Mainland sued the board, his former teacher, and the estate of the tutor who recently died. He was awarded $2.3M. [Times Colonist]
Green’s Furstenau to run for re-election, this time in Victoria-Beacon Hill
The party leader says she’s leaving her Cowichan Valley riding to reside—and run in the fall provincial election—where she spent “two formative decades of my life, attending university” and bringing up a family. First elected an MLA in 2017, Furstenau says the Cowichan Valley riding has seen historic levels of investment with the additions of a new high school and hospital and progress toward a new weir to protect the Cowichan River from drought. [Green Party]
🗓️ Things to do
Grant Green Tribute: David Santana will perform an homage to Green, with Ryan Oliver on sax at Hermann’s, tonight at 7pm.
OK Dope Comedy: Catch this hilarious standup show at the Mint, tomorrow at 8pm.
The Beautiful Maladies: The band will perform the music of Tom Waits at Hermann’s, tomorrow at 7pm.
Tight & Bright Party: Enjoy throwback hits at this dance party at Hermann’s Upstairs, tomorrow at 9pm.
Latin Funk Night: Dance along to Latin, funk, R&B and reggae tunes at Victoria Event Centre, tomorrow at 8:30pm.
Compagnie Herve Koubi: See this unique performance, featuring street dancers from around the world, at the Royal Theatre, tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30pm.
The Invitation: See the heel dance performance showcase at the Capital Ballroom, tomorrow and Saturday at 7pm.
👀 In Case You Missed It
EV Chargers coming to Sidney. [Capital Daily]
15 Fairy Creek land defenders sued for $10M. [Capital Daily]
Wednesday’s Headlines: More on Vic cyclist banned from the sport; Vic hit high heat Monday; Property taxes going up. [Jan. 31]
Pickleball vs. roller derby in Esquimalt. [CHEK]
CFB Esquimalt sailor gets 14 days for choking superior. [Times Colonist]
Death at Esquimalt mechanic’s shop not suspicious. [VicPD]
That’s it!
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