Fri. May 5 - Province tackles "sextortion" with Intimate Images Act

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning !

Happy Cinco de Mayo. A day that is definitely not Mexican Independence Day (that would be Sept. 16), but if you thought it was today, we have a little more info on that in the newsletter along with a list of local restaurants where you can celebrate Mexican culture. Reading the menu offerings got me craving my favourite tacos—birria.

NEWS

Media companies warned to comply with BC’s new Intimate Images Act

BC Attorney General Niki Sharma, sent a letter on Thursday to major social media, dating app, and adult content companies advising compliance with the new Intimate Images Act, which Sharma confirmed has now passed into law.

The act aims to protect people from having intimate images or videos circulate online without their consent—the content can be especially difficult to rein in when posted to larger social networks.

These enforcements come at a time when online sexual extortion, or “sextortion,” cases are on the rise in Victoria. According to the VicPD, teenage boys in particular have become targets for this form of sexual violence, where intimate images are used as blackmail. In 2022, 59% of sextortion victims in Victoria were young men—some as young as 13—and 41% were young women.

In March, multiple local victims filed a class-action claim against a former Red Barn Market employee who posted intimate photos and videos that he recorded without consent in the women’s bathroom of the grocery store and then circulated them online in 2015 and 2016.

The letter was shared with companies like Meta, Google, Tinder, Grindr, Pornhub, and OnlyFans to outline the enforcement of this law. Sharma expects to meet with representatives from these companies to understand what steps they will take to comply. So far she has only met with Google, saying the talks were “very productive.”

Read the full story by Robyn Bell. 

Capital Bulletin

🌧️ Today’s weather: Rain in the morning, ending near noon and then cloudy for rest of day. High 12C / low 8C.

🌭 Saint Franks relocating: Saint Franks is moving to 727 Yates after eight years in the Duck’s Building on Broad, which is now becoming a hotel.

🏢 Online portal for RidgeView Place residents now open: Residents can now review eligibility criteria and learn how to apply for funding.

⚽ Grand opening of turf sport field: Participate in multi-sport activities at Topaz Park. The grand opening is today from 10:30am to 12:30pm. [City of Victoria]

FOOD

Five places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo today

It’s a popular misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day—but it’s not. The day actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla, a successful battle against France in Veracruz on May 5, 1862. Now, Cinco de Mayo has become a way to celebrate Mexican culture writ large. So, in honour, here are a few restaurants that celebrate Mexican culture almost every day.

Benjo’s Tacos
Named one of the best hidden gems in the 2023 Tasting Victoria Restaurant Awards, Benjo’s Tacos is known for its authentic beef birria tacos—and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The taco shop opened in April 2022 at the Craigflower Food Market in Esquimalt on pure whim and a love for food. Now, its amassed a cult following resulting in hours-long lineups.

Fuego Old Town Eatery
Fuego Old Town Eatery is Victoria’s must-try Mexican-inspired brunch eatery known for mixing savoury and sweet with a Latino twist. It’s upbeat, casual, and colourful, and you can enjoy brunch out on its patio under the morning sun overlooking Market Square.

La Taqueria
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop has great Mexican street food, a lively atmosphere, and a welcoming environment. Each dish is packed with authentic Mexican flavours, crafted by La Taqueria’s executive head chef, Maria Ponce, who grew up in Sonora, Mexico.

Café Mexico
This Mexican Grill and Cantina is one of the largest Mezcal bars in Canada and its menu mixes both modern and traditional styles of Mexican cooking. When you walk in you’re struck by the bold colours, brick walls, and rustic furnishing. Café Mexico is a sight for the eyes and an explosion of flavour.

Ay Mi Mexico
The birria taco tradition remains at Craigflower Food Market with Ay Mi Mexico. The authentic Mexican restaurant is run by husband, Luis Cabello, who is originally from Mexico City; and wife, Amanda, who is originally from Edmonton. The two met in Playa Del Carmen, got married, and lived in Mexico City before moving to Victoria three years ago.

For more stories like this, subscribe to Tasting Victoria.

SPONSORED BY BAY CENTRE

Victoria’s favourite arcade is popping up at the Bay Centre

Kick it old school with Quazar’s Pop-up Arcade coming to the Bay Centre on May 8. The Pop-up features Quazar’s newly acquired and restored retro games from the 80s and 90s not seen in the arcade.

Find fan favourites such as Space Invaders Frenzy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mario Bros, Ms Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Final Fight, and Arkanoid—classic arcade games that will bring you back to your childhood!

This all ages, affordable arcade experience will be open during shopping centre hours until Jul. 4, 2023. Tokens are 50 cents each with each game between one to three tokens per play.

This is a retro arcade experience you won’t want to miss!

Capital Picks

🎧 Theatre SKAM Remixed deep listening experience: Gain a new perspective and experience a personalized playlist of music, narrative prompts, and true stories of transformation from all over the globe on May 5 and 6. [Details]

🎶 Virginia to Vegas at Wicket Hall: See the Canadian singer perform live with opening performances by New Friends & Sofia Camara. Doors 7pm / tickets $30. [Tickets]

🧘 Tall Tree Health announces the “Nature of Now” with John Astin. Popularized by Sam Harris’s Waking Up app. Explore the mystery of experience with this masterful spiritual teacher.*

🎤 Maureen Washington Quartet at Hermann’s: See one of Vancouver Island’s most beloved jazz performers on May 5 & 6, with both shows at 7pm. [Details/Tickets]

🍿 Short Circuit Pacific Rim Film Festival starts today! $12 screenings and some free events—get all the program and ticket info at ShortCircuitFilmFestival.com.*

🤝 Now hiring: Room Attendant - Housekeeping at Hotel Grand Pacific.

*Sponsored Listing

In Other News

🏗️ Price tag spikes to $62M for Esquimalt Public Safety building
The projected cost is now nearly 50% higher than the $42M projected in early 2021, and well above the $48M expected a year ago. The township said it is pursuing grants to mitigate the jump, which it attributes to Island-wide construction cost increases. So far $7M has been spent on removing the old building, on temporary police and fire facilities, and on design and consulting. [Township of Esquimalt]

🏥 Victoria doctor steps up to help kidney donation delayed by shortage
Metchosin’s Greg Powell was previously unable to start the donation process for a Calgary toddler as he could not find a family doctor. A Victoria doctor accepted Powell as a patient after his story received media attention. [CTV]

🏢 Courtenay councillor refusing colleagues’ calls to step down
Courtenay council voted unanimously April 28 for David Frisch’s resignation. Frisch was on leave until April 11 after being charged in January with assault. The charge has since been dropped. [CHEK]

In Case You Missed It

🥐 Popular pastries on Fort: Goodside Pastry House has amassed a devoted customer base since its December opening. [Capital Daily]

🌱 UVic-led project gets $83M to advance clean energy: The initiative will transition towards clean energy in small-to-mid-sized communities. [Vic Tech Journal]

📣 From Sooke to the southern Gulf Islands, your opinions matter! Take the Victoria Foundation’s Vital Signs Survey and possibly win a Country Grocer gift card.*

🎥 Island documentary up for 7 Emmys: Island of the Sea Wolves received writing, directing, editing, and nature category nominations. Filmed in Port Renfrew and other areas all across the Island region, it is narrated by Will Arnett and follows a wolf pack and other coastal creatures.

*Sponsored Listing

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