Senior sues B.C. Transit

AN 82-YEAR-OLD North Vancouver woman has filed a B.C. Supreme Court suit against B.C. Transit and one of its drivers al- leging negligence aud seeking damages for injuries she suffered in the Oct. 27 accident in which a bus crashed and burned after it roiled backwards down Loasdale Avenue.

Alice Victoria Pearson was one of two people who stayed on the bus after its driver, Victor McMullen, and several other passengers left the vehicle to assist an 18-year-old male passenger who had been struck by a southbound car after he had disembarked from the bus at a stop near West Kings Road and Lonsdale.

An emergency bus draking system held for approximately five minutes before releasing. The bus then rolled backwards down Lonsdale, crashed into a power pole and burst into flames after it was drenched in oll from a damaged power transformer.

Pearson jumped off the rolling bus before it hit the pole, but suffered a broken right shoulder, multiple fractures to her right elbow, a bruised pelvis and subsequent back and neck pain.

The injuries, she said, have reduced ker mobility and interfered with activities she once enjoyed.

Pearson said she has been forced to sell her cay because she can no longer drive it, and now relies on taxis for transportation.

“I was a very active person...very independent,’’ Pearson said § Monday, “that’s what makes me so mad. Now I can’t be as active anymore.”’

The suit, filed Monday, alleges B.C. Transit was negligent in failing to keep the bus roadworthy and its brakes in proper work- ing order, and alleges the driver was negligent in failing to keep the bus under control, failing to set its brakes properly and secure the

bus, and failing to warn passengers of the possible dangers.

Police make drug bust

A SEARCH of a North Vancouver home by North Vancouver ) RCMP April 8 resulted in the seizure of 5.3 ounces of cocaine end half a pound of marijuana. Police estimate the street value of the drugs (to be $30,000. Charged with possession for the purposes of trafficking are Jef- frey George Martin, 35, and Helene Madeline Caldwell, 35, both of North Vancouver.

Woman jailed for theft, forgery

AN 18-YEAR-OLD Bowen Island woman was senteaced March 31 in West Vancouver provincial court to one day in jail and placed / on probation for 18 months after she pleaded guilty to 24 counts of uttering forged documents, three counts of theft under $1,000 and two counts of obtaining goods under fulse pretences.

Taramy Ann Schouw was originally charged is connection with a cheque-cashing spree that occurred in West Vancouver from July through to November.

The theft charges were laid in connection with thefts of a purse and two wallets, while the other two fraud charges deal with clothing obtained under false pretences.

Transit fares hold the line

THE VANCOUVER Regional Transit Commission recently voted unanimously to not increase fares on buses, SeaBus, SkyTrain, | West Vancouver Blue Buses or HandyDART.

West Vancouver Mayor Don Lanskail, commission chairman, —F announced the decision following a public meeting on fares and taxes for the 1989-90 budget.

Said Lanskail: *‘I’m pleased to say that we're holding the line on fares for 1989-90. Our fuli-fare customers will continue to be able to ride up to 100 kilometres in one direction for $1.25 on the off- j peak periods. The ride from Aldergrove to Lions Bay or from White Rock to the foot of Grouse Mounatin is just $1.25 —- 65¢ for seniors or students. That's a great deal.’* , The 1989-90 budget to provide transit services in the Vancouver

region is $302.2 million. The commission’s share of the budget is derived from four sources: fares, hydro levy, gas tax and the non- residential property tax.

Projected revenue totals from the sources are: $103 million from i fares; $9.9 million from the hydro levy; $50.1 million from the gas tax; $21.2 million from the non-residential property tax.

5 — Wednesday, April 26, 1989 - Nerth Shore News

/DVERTORIAL

New Fitness Centre celebrates grand opening -

Empire Fitness has recently opened the largest and most complete fitness cen- tre on the North Shore. Now located at 124 West 3rd Street, this club offers over 16,000 square feet of newly renovated weight room, spa facilities in- cluding showers, lockers, saunas, jacuz- zi, and much more! Not only can you lift weights with the most modern up-to-date equipment but you can play racquet sports and attend any number of aerobic classes seven days a week. Their services include nutritional experts and certified aerobic and weight instructors. Racquet- ball lessons are also available!

Empire's friendly staff invite everyone down to view their facilities during their Grand Opening April 26 through May 7. Many specials are being offered during

‘this time, so now is the time to take

advantage!

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Campana 40cm 19%” 50 cm 36”

60cm 69”

Geranium 90 Bowl 30cm 9

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1821 Marine Dr., West Vancouver 922-4171 922-3968