Don Descoteau

Host and comic Steve Patterson, flanked by comics Derek Seguin and Erica Sigurdson, brings the hilarious spontaneity of The Debaters Live on Tour to the Royal Theatre on May 13. (Photos, from left, by Joep Hovens, John Hryniuk and courtesy Erica Sigurdson)

The Debaters offers Victoria audience a fun escape from the day’s news

People have to learn to laugh again, says Steve Patterson, host of May 13 show

Host and comic Steve Patterson, flanked by comics Derek Seguin and Erica Sigurdson, brings the hilarious spontaneity of The Debaters Live on Tour to the Royal Theatre on May 13. (Photos, from left, by Joep Hovens, John Hryniuk and courtesy Erica Sigurdson)
Greater Victoria player Rio Schaefer (in white) returns a volley during an under-19 boys match against Joseph Toth in the Canadian Junior Squash Championships, at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. Schaefer wound up tied for ninth while Toth placed sixth. The tournament ran Thursday through Sunday. See story on page A29. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)

PHOTOS: National junior tournament in Saanich boosts squash profile locally

Cedar Hill club’s head pro hopes exposure will boost numbers down the road

Greater Victoria player Rio Schaefer (in white) returns a volley during an under-19 boys match against Joseph Toth in the Canadian Junior Squash Championships, at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. Schaefer wound up tied for ninth while Toth placed sixth. The tournament ran Thursday through Sunday. See story on page A29. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)
The Best Coast Big Band performs previously at Beckwith Park in the North Quadra neighbourhood. The group is among the performers slated for the upcoming community picnic and barbecue May 15 in the park. (Courtesy of Trevor Barry)

Community connections coming for Saanich’s North Quadra neighbourhood

Beckwith Park picnic/barbecue event May 15 sandwiched by smaller local gatherings

The Best Coast Big Band performs previously at Beckwith Park in the North Quadra neighbourhood. The group is among the performers slated for the upcoming community picnic and barbecue May 15 in the park. (Courtesy of Trevor Barry)
HeroWork Victoria general manager Trevor Botkin gets strong-armed into his jail cell at Uptown in Saanich as he starts the third annual Jail, Bail or Bribe fundraiser. The event runs through the weekend and the public can make a donation onsite, or online at jailbailbribe.com. (Photo courtesy HeroWork Victoria)

Even heroes sometimes go to jail, says Victoria radical reno firm boss

HeroWork’s Trevor Botkin invites public to come by Uptown and say hi, make a donation

HeroWork Victoria general manager Trevor Botkin gets strong-armed into his jail cell at Uptown in Saanich as he starts the third annual Jail, Bail or Bribe fundraiser. The event runs through the weekend and the public can make a donation onsite, or online at jailbailbribe.com. (Photo courtesy HeroWork Victoria)
A proposal for a six-storey mixed-use building at the corner of Shelbourne Street and McRae Avenue is coming to Saanich council for discussion on Monday (May 9). (Courtesy of Abstract Developments)

Residents object to height, parking variances requested for Saanich development

Six-storey proposal for Shelbourne Street at McRae Avenue comes to council Monday

A proposal for a six-storey mixed-use building at the corner of Shelbourne Street and McRae Avenue is coming to Saanich council for discussion on Monday (May 9). (Courtesy of Abstract Developments)
Tillicum elementary principal Jeff Duyndam, introduced as part of the 2022 Tour de Rock riders team, gets his students going at the launch event Friday, May 6. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)

VIDEO: Tour de Rock rebirth: 2022 team unveiled at Saanich elementary school

Riders for Sept. 24 to Oct. 7 Island fundraiser hail from around the Island

Tillicum elementary principal Jeff Duyndam, introduced as part of the 2022 Tour de Rock riders team, gets his students going at the launch event Friday, May 6. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)
Cedar Hill Squash Club head pro Benjamin Uliana invites the community down to watch top-level Canadian junior squash played inside the glass court behind him. The nationals get underway Thursday (May 5) and run through Sunday at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre in Saanich. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)

Squash talent will be clear to spectators at Jr. nationals in Saanich

Nation’s tops teens battling on Cedar Hill Squash Club courts for Canadian crowns

Cedar Hill Squash Club head pro Benjamin Uliana invites the community down to watch top-level Canadian junior squash played inside the glass court behind him. The nationals get underway Thursday (May 5) and run through Sunday at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre in Saanich. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)
Saanich council narrowly passed third reading for a 6.67-per-cent property tax increase for 2022 at its May 2 meeting, as well as the district’s five-year financial plan, both by a 5-4 vote. (Black Press Media file photo)

Saanich taxpayers face 6.67-per-cent hike, will pay about $199/year more on average

Addition of critically needed staff, along with council wish list, bump 2022 tax hike

Saanich council narrowly passed third reading for a 6.67-per-cent property tax increase for 2022 at its May 2 meeting, as well as the district’s five-year financial plan, both by a 5-4 vote. (Black Press Media file photo)
’Judge’ Gordy Dodd throws the book at HeroWork Victoria project manager Trevor Botkin. The latter will be behind bars for the weekend at Uptown in Saanich as part of the charity renovation organization’s Jail, Bail and Bribe fundraiser. (Courtesy HeroWork Victoria)

HeroWork builder behind bars for weekend fundraiser at Uptown in Saanich

Jail, Bail or Bribe, May 6 to 8 offers fun fundraiser for charitable reno company

’Judge’ Gordy Dodd throws the book at HeroWork Victoria project manager Trevor Botkin. The latter will be behind bars for the weekend at Uptown in Saanich as part of the charity renovation organization’s Jail, Bail and Bribe fundraiser. (Courtesy HeroWork Victoria)
A parcel of land on West Burnside Road near McKenzie Avenue has been donated by a resident to the District of Saanich. The municipality hopes to develop a bike park on one half of the land while keeping the other as parkland. (Courtesy District of Saanich)

Saanich gifted with nearly 2-acre treed property from longtime resident

Split of protected urban forest, bike skills park planned for land at McKenzie/Burnside

A parcel of land on West Burnside Road near McKenzie Avenue has been donated by a resident to the District of Saanich. The municipality hopes to develop a bike park on one half of the land while keeping the other as parkland. (Courtesy District of Saanich)
Canada’s Elissa Alarie takes advantage of an opening to head upfield during previous women’s rugby sevens action. The Langford-based national team program is gearing up to host the next stop on the HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens series, April 30 and May 1 at Starlight Stadium. (Courtesy of Rugby Canada)

Canada’s women’s sevens gearing up for home rugby show in Langford

Women’s, men’s sevens look to cement 2022 World Cup berth this weekend in Bahamas

Canada’s Elissa Alarie takes advantage of an opening to head upfield during previous women’s rugby sevens action. The Langford-based national team program is gearing up to host the next stop on the HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens series, April 30 and May 1 at Starlight Stadium. (Courtesy of Rugby Canada)
Lorne Carnes, a member at the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club in downtown Victoria, delivers a bowl at the club. Open houses at the 11 clubs around Greater Victoria are being hosted on various weekends throughout April, welcoming newcomers. (Black Press Media file photo)

Flexibility of play, fun offered at Greater Victoria lawn bowling greens

Upcoming open houses around region designed to introduce newcomers to sport

Lorne Carnes, a member at the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club in downtown Victoria, delivers a bowl at the club. Open houses at the 11 clubs around Greater Victoria are being hosted on various weekends throughout April, welcoming newcomers. (Black Press Media file photo)
Saanich auto racer Bill Okell (car 7) leads a line of cars through a downward curve in the Sports Car Club of America racing at Buttonwillow Raceway near Bakersfield, Calif. Okell won both the F Production class sprint race Feb. 19 and the 25-lap race on Feb. 20. (Photo by Cali Photography)

Saanich driver muscles his way to second win of weekend in California

Wrecked gearbox on second day doesn’t prevent Bill Okell from sweeping national tour races

Saanich auto racer Bill Okell (car 7) leads a line of cars through a downward curve in the Sports Car Club of America racing at Buttonwillow Raceway near Bakersfield, Calif. Okell won both the F Production class sprint race Feb. 19 and the 25-lap race on Feb. 20. (Photo by Cali Photography)
Victoria Royals centre Brayden Schuurman, left, checks Kelowna defenceman John Babcock during Tuesday’s Western Hockey League game at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. The Rockets came from behind to force overtime and won 4-3 in a shootout. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)

Victoria’s high hopes fizzle against Rockets in first game of midweek series

Royals drop a 4-3 decision in shootout, will try again to snap losing streak Wednesday on home ice

Victoria Royals centre Brayden Schuurman, left, checks Kelowna defenceman John Babcock during Tuesday’s Western Hockey League game at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. The Rockets came from behind to force overtime and won 4-3 in a shootout. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)
Oaklands Community Association pantry founder Karin Zylstra and daughter Yisa pause amidst the pantry offerings. The pay-what-you-can program has been growing in recent months as people learn more about its fresh offerings and welcoming environment. (Photo by Sandy Yong/courtesy OCA)

Pantry program growing goodness in Victoria’s Oaklands neighbourhood

Clients appreciate friendly nature of food program, learning about local producers

Oaklands Community Association pantry founder Karin Zylstra and daughter Yisa pause amidst the pantry offerings. The pay-what-you-can program has been growing in recent months as people learn more about its fresh offerings and welcoming environment. (Photo by Sandy Yong/courtesy OCA)
Greater Victoria entrepreneur turned author, Earl Large, grabs one of the many personal journal books he filled up during his decades in business. His new book, Living Large, contains poems he wrote in the books to start every month. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)

Large life lessons abound in first-time Victoria author’s new book

Not a self-help book, art book or poetry book, says Earl Large, but it incorporates all three

Greater Victoria entrepreneur turned author, Earl Large, grabs one of the many personal journal books he filled up during his decades in business. His new book, Living Large, contains poems he wrote in the books to start every month. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)
Saanich resident Kim Dickinson and her son, Gavin Dickinson-Sichello, mug for a selfie. Gavin was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and he and his family are doing their best to adjust to their new lifestyle. (Photo courtesy Kim Dickinson)

Saanich family embracing lifestyle change after Type 1 diabetes diagnosis

Kim Dickinson says son Gavin, 10, gaining independence, learning to recognize warning signs

Saanich resident Kim Dickinson and her son, Gavin Dickinson-Sichello, mug for a selfie. Gavin was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and he and his family are doing their best to adjust to their new lifestyle. (Photo courtesy Kim Dickinson)
The Saanich police Major Crime Unit are investigating the forced entry into a Gordon Head home around 5 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 14). (Black Press Media file photo)

UPDATE: Saanich police release suspect description after forced entry into Kings Park area home

Elderly Gordon Head homeowner suffered minor injuries Tuesday, suspect fled the area afterward

The Saanich police Major Crime Unit are investigating the forced entry into a Gordon Head home around 5 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 14). (Black Press Media file photo)
Members of the Esquimalt Speedskating Club have fun in between races at a previous meet. The club hosts its own competition for young short-track skaters this Saturday morning (Nov. 27) at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. (Esquimalt Speedskating Club/Facebook)

Speedskating on tap this weekend in Esquimalt

Top young Island, Lower Mainland skaters compete at Archie Browning on Saturday morning

Members of the Esquimalt Speedskating Club have fun in between races at a previous meet. The club hosts its own competition for young short-track skaters this Saturday morning (Nov. 27) at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. (Esquimalt Speedskating Club/Facebook)
Convicted Victoria murderer Scott Ian Mackay was denied day parole in a written decision by the Parole Board of Canada Aug. 24. (Cliff MacArthur/provincialcourt.bc.ca)

Victoria murderer denied parole request for substance treatment

Scott Ian Mackay convicted of killing 20-year-old UVic student in 1989

Convicted Victoria murderer Scott Ian Mackay was denied day parole in a written decision by the Parole Board of Canada Aug. 24. (Cliff MacArthur/provincialcourt.bc.ca)