July 22 - New mobile "doctor's office on wheels"

Good morning !

With another warm weekend underway, today we have an extensive guide to local patios along with your weekend rundown of events to check out throughout the region. Plus the latest on a new health clinic on wheels and Victoria’s proclamation misstep.

— Cam

🌤️ Today's weather: Sunny, mix of sun and cloud near noon. High 24C/ low 13C.

Air quality: Low risk today (2/10), no smoke expected.

NEWS

Second travelling health-care unit hits local streets

You may have seen the tall, white Mercedes Sprinter on downtown streets as it travels to soup kitchens, the Pandora corridor, and the Mustard Seed, among other stops. Operator Cool Aid added this van—its second mobile clinic—through fundraising, donations, and partnerships with Telus Health and Island Health.

“We could probably run both vans seven days a week, and still not be able to see all the folks who need to see us,” said Candide Dias, coordinator of mobile health service with Cool Aid. It did 213 visits just in its debut month of May, bringing care to at-risk locals such as those who are homeless or in sex work.

It’s been refitted with medical equipment and hardware to become a “doctor’s office on wheels” capable of doing blood work, sutures, vaccinations, exams, and more.

With the region in a primary-care crisis even for those in good circumstances, these vans are some of the only ways that many people are getting healthcare.

Read more at Capital Daily.

Capital Bulletin

🐾 Cougar spotted near Camosun Lansdowne: Thursday’s sighting was near Allenby Park at Dean and Townley.

🩸 Call for more local blood donors: Canadian Blood Services seeks more O-, O+, B-, A-, and A+ blood type donations this weekend as stocks run low. The local donation site is 3449 Saanich Rd.

NEWS

Your ultimate summer patio guide

Patio season is here to stay, and with warmer temperatures and sunshine in the city, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best patios in Greater Victoria. From dog-friendly to kid-friendly, all-ages and 19+, this is your one-stop shop to find a great patio this summer.

This roundup has nearly three dozen options, broken down by region and with the practical info you need when planning a visit.

Check it out at Tasting Victoria

NEWS

Victoria and Nanaimo sign—then rescind—proclamations for fake nation

At the request of the United States of Kailasa, Mayor Marriane Alto proclaimed July 3, 2023 Guru Purnima Day—until it was found that Kailasa doesn’t exist. As CBC first reported, the self-declared borderless nation frames itself as a Hindu sanctuary and was “founded” by Nithyananda, a religious leader currently wanted in India and rape and sexual assault charges.

Nanaimo and Surrey also made proclamations; theirs and Victoria’s have all now been rescinded. Victoria recently changed from proclamations coming to council to going just through the mayor. Alto told the Times Colonist she’ll continue having proclamations since “people love them,” but will now vet them more closely.

Capital Picks

💃 Flamenco Festival: Dance and musical performances at locations across the city. July 22-29.

🎤 Apex Breaks at Hermann's Upstairs: The psychedelic jungle funk band will celebrate the release of its first album with Blase Blase and The Random Collective at 8pm.

🇯🇵 Japan Fest: This summer matsuri at Broadmead Village Shopping Centre will include cultural performances, a raffle, and Japanese food from FUDO. 2-5pm today.

🎉 Market SquareFest: This all day community event includes live music, a maker’s market, drag storytime, and more. 11am-5pm.

🏎️ Oak Bay Collector Car Festival: See more than 300 vintage and collector cars tomorrow on Oak Bay Ave. near Foul Bay. 8am-3pm. [Details]

🆕 Hot off the press! The 2023 edition of Victoria Foundation's Pulse magazine and blog is out now!*

👟 Burpees for Charity: To raise funds for KidSport Greater Victoria 130 participants will attempt to do 500 burpees each on Sat. at Royal Athletic Park. 6pm. [Details]

🧶 Entwined Market: This fibre arts market today at The Station Avenue in Langford will feature vendors and artisans specializing in varying fibre-crafts. 11am-4pm.

🖼️ Creative Corridor Studio Tour: Explore local studios and galleries across Saanich today and tomorrow, 10am-4pm.

🍓 BC berry season is here: We're kicking off the sweetest season with Strawberries, Raspberries, and Blueberries...OH MY! When the bountiful baskets of sweet BC Grown berries arrive we know it's truly summer! Learn more at TheRootCellar.ca.*

🎙️ Gordon Lightfoot tribute: Enjoy the music of Canadian singer-songwriter tonight at Charlie White Theatre. 7:30pm.

🎻 Eryn Sharpe Trio: The jazz trio will perform tonight at St. Paul’s United Church, 7-9pm.

⚽ Victoria Highlanders regular-season finale: The women’s game will kick off first today at 1pm at Centennial Stadium, followed by the men’s game at 3:30pm. [Details]

😊 Now hiring: Food security intern at Fernwood NRG

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In Other News

⚽ Tsartlip teen to train in Real Madrid program
Joseph Seward, 14, landed a spot in the famous soccer club’s 10-month program. Out of 125 athletes, only 5, including Steward, were selected to train at the official facilities in Spain. Joseph currently plays in the Gorge Soccer Association and on W̱SÁNEĆ United. [Times Colonist]

🏅 Oak Bay volunteer honoured for years of service
Ron Nicholson earned the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, recognizing his work helping elderly and disabled people with their taxes and highlighting Black history in Victoria and Canada. [Oak Bay News]

🤝 Now Hiring

Thinking of making your next career move? Let us help!

• Lighting and Scenic Technician at Butchart Gardens

• Comfort Advisor (Outside Sales) at Sasquatch Heat Pumps

• On-Call Administrative Assistant at Fernwood NRG

• Payroll Clerk at Butchart Gardens

• Associate Dentist at Oaklands Dental

Looking for more openings? See 50+ jobs open now on YYJobs.

Hiring? Post your job to have it featured here, and fill your opening fast!

In Case You Missed It

💐 UK hockey star killed in local crash: Also in Friday newsletter: Songhees to get new sewer system. Ferry cancellations plus new 1am run.

🏛️ RBCM hires new acting CEO: Tracey Drake will oversee museum operations and community engagement. Former CEO Alicia Dubois resigned June 16 after just 16 months.

🎤 Seattle expects record-breaking tourism this weekend as Canadians flock to the city for a Taylor Swift Concert and Blue Jays series. [CBC]

🚴 Why VO2 Max? It’s the best metric to improve if you want to live longer. Measure your cardiovascular fitness level and enhance your training with Tall Tree Health.*

👩‍👧‍👦 ​​BC Family Benefit raised permanently by $250-$750 depending on family size. [BC Gov]

📰 Thursday’s headlines: 235 Island toxic drug deaths so far this year, safety concerns at Oak Bay Marina, Victoria’s Nick Pivetta makes Red Sox history, and more. [July 20]

👕 Zellers pop-up coming to Victoria: The pop-up is expected to open at the Hudson’s Bay in the Bay Centre by Aug. 11.

🏍️ Motorcycles clocked at 143km/h on McKenzie overpass in Saanich, BC Highway Patrol says. The drivers were fined and bikes impounded. [Photos]

💧 Talk to Waterworks Irrigation for custom irrigation systems, water features or landscape lighting to enhance your outside living space. Learn more and get a free estimate. Quotes provided within 48 hours!*

*Sponsored Listing