A special officer of the law with a ground breaking career passed away recently, leaving his fellow officers to remember him as a hero and loyal friend. Police Service Dog (PSD) Jack, passed away in December after an incredible eight year career that his fellow officers continue to praise to this day. Sgt. Marko Shehovac, of the Golden RCMP, said that Jack did a lot of work in the Golden area and was responsible for numerous drug seizures in the community. [continues 324 words]
What is the Detachment doing about the Drug problem? There were a lot of comments in the survey that wanted to know what the Detachment is doing about the drug problem in Golden. Here are some examples of the comments: "Golden is a major drug center and trade route and is now being overrun by killer drugs brought in by dangerous gangs. Why is there not a Drug Unit here?" "Drug enforcement in school." "Stop wasting energies on small time pot users and growers and more energy into more alcohol abuse control. Concentrate busting hard drug users and dealers." [continues 962 words]
As of July 2, 2008 drivers will have to submit to a Standardized Field Sobriety Test for impairment when demanded by a peace officer who suspects they are driving while impaired by drugs. Bill C-2 empowers Canadian police who suspect a driver of being impaired by any drug, illegal, prescription or over-the-counter, to demand the subject submit to a breathalyzer test, physical coordination tests and an assessment by a Drug Recognition Expert using the Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) assessment along with a demand of bodily fluid samples (blood, saliva or urine). [continues 463 words]
Dear Editor, Conservative MP Jim Abbott is to be commended for championing substance abuse treatment. A study conducted by the RAND Corporation found that every additional dollar invested in substance abuse treatment saves taxpayers $7.48 in societal costs. There is far more at stake than tax dollars. The drug war is not the promoter of family values that some would have us believe. Children of inmates are at risk of educational failure, joblessness, addiction and delinquency. Not only do the children lose out, but society as a whole does too. Incarcerating non-violent drug offenders alongside hardened criminals is the equivalent of providing them with a taxpayer-funded education in anti-social behavior. [continues 86 words]
Since Jim Abbott is so concerned about kids and drugs, he should surely be able to answer a simple question: Historically speaking, what is the biggest single cause of drug epidemics among children? But, surprise, surprise, the man who claims to be solving this terrible problem couldn't answer this simple question, even if it meant saving his own kids. He will likely guess "peer pressure" -- like most people do -- and he will be dead wrong. That is, some kids will be dead because he was wrong. [continues 264 words]
I am continually reminded by parents and teachers in Kootenay Columbia of the importance of protecting our children from the use of illegal drugs. Drugs are dangerous and destructive, this is why this Government is committed to ensuring that those people who are addicted to illicit drugs get the help they need. Our Government's strategy to fight illicit drug use in Canada provides a balanced approach that is both tough on crime and compassionate to those addicted to illicit drugs. We are committed to working with our provincial and territorial partners to improve access to quality services and effective approaches to treating individuals who pose a risk to themselves, their families and their communities. [continues 296 words]
Since March, 2007, the Golden and Area Drug and Alcohol Task Force has been working to educate Golden residents about the perils of drug and alcohol abuse. According to task force co-ordinator, Nikki Kaiser, and the results of a drug and alcohol survey of the East Kootenays, the message has been getting through. Kaiser notes the recent survey of high school students in the East Kootenays conducted by Dean Nicholson showed that drug and alcohol use amongst teens in the region has decreased since 2005. [continues 610 words]
Ever wonder what your kids will dare to do these days? These days, drugs and alcohol seem more acceptable at younger ages than before. Golden's RCMP has been trying to educate children on the dangers of abusing drugs and alcohol, and about making the right choices. Constable Kate Bamber has taught more than 50 DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Program) courses in her career, and is wrapping up the program in two classrooms at Lady Grey Elementary School this month. "There are three levels of DARE - the core curriculum, which is geared for Grade 5 students, a Grade 7 follow-up curriculum and a high school (Grade 9) curriculum. In Golden, we are currently teaching the Grade 5 curriculum only," Bamber explains. "The main purpose of DARE is to assist children in learning to make positive, healthy choices and take charge of their lives. [continues 493 words]
April 28 - May 5 Has Been Declared by the Town of Golden As Drug And Alcohol Awareness Week. Niki Kaiser, program co-ordinator for the Golden and Area Drug and Alcohol Task Force is pleased with the announcement and has several things planned for parents and their children. "This week is significant because it draws attention to the issues and we can draw the public out and increase awareness," Kaiser explains. "Anyone is welcome to attend the events, but some of the events are geared to specific groups within the community." [continues 397 words]
Meet Niki Kaiser. If you're a parent with young children, Kaiser is someone you'll definitely want to know. She's just been hired as the Golden and Area drug and alcohol task force co-ordinator. While last Monday, Feb. 26, was officially her first day, she's already got some great ideas for our community. Her background in psychology make her well prepared for the task, too. While Kaiser has heard there is a significant drug and alcohol problem in the community, she is interested in quantifying it. [continues 448 words]
RE: Dion Pitches Climate, Addiction Policies In Victoria (Jan. 31 issue, The Golden Star). Funny how Stephane Dion is willing to be more sensible about safe injection sites, but still has his head buried when it comes to The War On Certain Drugs. All studies show that drug prohibition is fuelling crime, subsidizing gangsters, and increasing community costs and danger. Two-thirds of Canadians want to see drug use dealt with as a medical issue, not a criminal one. Undaunted by science, history or facts, the Tories are promising to build more jails, hire more cops, and increase this counterproductive policy! Unencumbered by common sense or critical thinking, Tory voters are gobbling it up by the spoonful. The Liberals, apparently, are willing to do almost the same thing. Why? The same reason as the Tories, I guess: To satisfy the psychotic bully living to the south. Russell Barth, Federal Medical Marijuana License Holder, Ottawa [end]
VICTORIA -- Federal Liberal leader Stephane Dion says he would welcome an election decided on climate change policy. Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited Victoria last week to announce funding for alternative energy projects. Dion made his own trip to B.C. this week to attend a fundraiser and promote his environment plans. Dion challenged Harper to put "affordable" limits on industrial emissions of greenhouse gases and immediately introduce a "carbon market" that would allow companies to trade emission credits. Speaking to reporters at the Empress Hotel Thursday, Dion said Harper's economic update last November made no mention of the environment or climate change. [continues 252 words]
VICTORIA -- If you look at violent crime, serious property crime and non-cannabis drug crime, the safest place to live in B.C. is Vancouver Island. Next best is the interior region, which encompasses the Kootenays, Okanagan and Cariboo. In the middle of the pack is the Fraser region, the largest in the province by population, extending from Burnaby through the Fraser Valley to Hope. Second worst is the vast northern region, which includes roughly the top two thirds of the province. And the highest serious crime rates are in Vancouver Coastal, which includes Vancouver, Richmond, the North Shore and Sunshine Coast. [continues 504 words]
Discovering your child is addicted to Crystal Methamphetamine (crystal meth) can be a terrifying reality. Kathy Collins is the Golden Crystal Meth Task Force co-ordinator and she says there are many clues to indicate your child may have an addiction. "I think the biggest thing is a sudden change in their behaviour and appearance," Collins says. "They could be withdrawn, they could have lost a lot of weight very quickly." Fortunately, the problem of crystal meth is not too bad in Golden - yet. Collins says crack and cocaine are still considered to be the drugs of choice. With the younger community, she says marijuana and ecstasy are the drugs of choice. [continues 759 words]
Aaron Webb lost a third of his life to crystal meth-amphetamine. The former drug addict came to Golden recently to talk about his addiction and share with the community how crystal meth nearly ruined his life. At Golden Secondary School on Oct. 19, two presentations were made - to high school students and the community at large - regarding the 22 year old's journey. "I spent seven years of my life (screwed) up, as high as you could possibly get. I remember maybe a couple weeks - a few moments here and there and that's it," Webb says. [continues 981 words]
Dear Editor, Re: Go west, young criminal (B.C. Views, Aug. 2). Tom Fletcher thanks the British magazine The Economist for giving Vancouver a black eye over its street crime. Vancouver is no worse than any city its size anywhere in the world, and The Economist should look closer to home. Returning to England with an adult's eyes after 26 years I was immediately assaulted by the incredible amount of graffiti and garbage. I understand the garbage in train stations - a bomb safety issue - but it is incredible when found in hedgerows all over the country. Panhandlers are rife in the underground passageways begging for handouts and on the tube itself. How can a person who needs money afford the ticket? [continues 147 words]
Dear Editor: In your editorial of July 12, 06, you make comment about the lack of free and accessible drug counselling and education services in the community. If you had taken the time to speak to almost anyone handy, you would have been advised that Golden has these services, and has had, since 1989. The Golden Family Center offers a Drug and Alcohol counselling program including educational services, assessment, treatment and referral to residential resources, to the community of Golden and the surrounding area. The program is directed by Yvonne Solorio, who holds a Masters degree and has had many years of experience. Ms. Solorio has been a resident in this community for over 15 years and is fully cognizant of the conditions and impact of the use and misuse of drugs and alcohol in our area. [continues 67 words]
On July 1, Golden lost one of its young people to the consequences of a life consumed by drugs. Drug and alcohol addiction is a storm that rages in an environment of one yet creates suffering in through whole communities. Inevitably, there are those that think they can avoid the storm by taking shelter in willful ignorance, but that's a road to nowhere. In my time as an addiction counsellor I saw first hand how drugs and alcohol can ruin lives and destroy families. A few years back, in a town smaller than this one, I watched a 16-year-old go catatonic when she took what she thought was ecstasy but turned out to be Crystal Meth. Drug dealers sometimes blend the two to create cross-dependent clients. [continues 473 words]
The results of the Crystal Methamphetamine survey results are now compiled, according to co--ordinator Kathy Collins. Collins says the results of the survey show the general knowledge of Golden residents about crystal meth is good, but that more targeted education, especially to youth, needs to take place. Collins said she was disappointed that more younger people did not complete the survey but that the task force was able to extrapolate key data about at-risk populations and behaviours. Based on survey results, discussions with community groups and RCMP, Collins says youth up to the age of 22 are most likely to become involved with the drug. [continues 362 words]
A crystal methamphetamine forum held last week brought out community members to discuss the dangers of the drug and ways to combat its use in Golden. Crystal meth kills brain tissue, attracts users as young as Grade 8 and 9 and it will wreak havoc in Golden as it has in other communities if an action plan is not established, according to speakers at the forum. The audience watched a documentary called Crystal Clear, Crystal Fear. The movie, which was made in Hope B.C., is about the struggles of three teenagers and their families coping with crystal meth use. [continues 581 words]
