Selected articles -- Morning Star, January, 2010.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

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Friday, January 22, 2010

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Council Meeting, January 25, 2010

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How bad is the economy?

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New Climate Change Adaptation Initiative Announcement

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You're Invited

You're Invited

Sunday January 24th, 2010

7:00 pm

To our spectacular "Vernon Performing Arts Centre"

Okanagan Symphony Concert - "OUR FUTURE"

The Okanagan Symphony is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this Season. This Concert is specifically celebrating youth in the Valley, featuring such up and coming artists as

Alicia and Colleen Venables from Armstrong,
Ok Youth Symphony, and the
Night Owl Orchestra.

It should be a great concert!

Tickets are available at the Ticket Seller (250) 549-SHOW (7469)

$42.00 Adult
$36.00 Senior
$16.00 Student/Child

Also note eyeGO tickets for Highschool students are available for $5.00

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Water Bulletin -- District of Coldstream and NORD

For information regarding procedures to flash and clean your system please click here.

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Liberals, Conservatives in virtual tie – CBC News

The Liberals and Conservatives are in a virtual tie with voters, says an EKOS poll.The Liberals and Conservatives are in a virtual tie with voters, says an EKOS poll. The Liberals have regained some support among voters and are now in a virtual tie with the Conservatives despite Prime Minister Stephen Harper's swift response to the Haiti quake, an EKOS poll suggests.

It marks the first time the Liberals have drawn so close to the governing party since late summer.

Asked which party they would support if an election were held tomorrow, 30.9 per cent of those polled chose the Liberals and 31.5 per cent backed the Conservatives.

The poll found 14.9 per cent of respondents supporting the NDP, 11.5 per cent the Green Party and 9.1 per cent the Bloc Québécois.

"The Liberals continued to edge upward this week despite Stephen Harper's adroit response to the disaster in Haiti, which dominated the news, obliterating the vexatious issues of prorogation and the treatment of Afghan detainees," said EKOS president Frank Graves.

"However, public opinion sometimes lags the news by a few days," Graves said, adding that it will be important to watch whether the trends are sustained.

Support for the Liberals has increased in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces and is also trending up among younger voters, new Canadians, as well as those who are university educated.

The two parties are virtually tied among women, while the Conservatives retain a narrow lead among men — a demographic group they traditionally lead by a larger margin.

In terms of the direction of the government, Canadians continue to have mixed feelings.

Forty-five per cent feel the government is moving in the right direction while an equal number, 42 per cent, believe they are moving in the wrong direction.

People in Alberta, Canadians 65 and older, and those with a high school education or less are more likely to believe the government is moving in the right direction.

Those with a university-level education are more likely to think the government is moving in the wrong direction.

The key demographic to watch are the baby boomers, who swung to the Conservatives in the last two elections, said Graves.

"Now many are defecting to the Liberals again, apparently unhappy with the Conservatives' governance style. The Conservatives still lead among this group, but their lead is much less significant than it was."

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Intrawest's troubles threaten Olympics: report – CBC News

A fight between Wall Street financiers could push the company that owns the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort into insolvency and threaten the Vancouver Olympics, a U.S. newspaper report suggests.

A New York Post report suggests the resort's owners could soon be insolvent, which may threaten the Vancouver Olympics.Back-country skiers descend Blackcomb Mountain. A New York Post report suggests the resort's owners could soon be insolvent, which may threaten the Vancouver Olympics. (Randy Lincks/Associated Press)

According to a story in Wednesday's New York Post, creditors who have loaned $1.4-billion US to the ski resort's owners, Intrawest ULC, are threatening to foreclose on the company and effectively seize control of the resort.

Among numerous ski resorts in Canada and the U.S., Intrawest owns the Whistler Blackcomb resort, which is set to host major ski events at the Winter Olympic Games next month.

In 2006, Wall Street hedge fund Fortress Investments LLC bought Intrawest in a $2.8-billion US deal. Fortress recently missed a $524-million debt payment connected to that purchase.

The primary lender on the Intrawest deal in 2006 was defunct investment bank Lehman Brothers. According to the Post report, the creditors have rejected Fortress's repayment proposal and may be moving to foreclose on the company within 10 days.

New York firm Alvarez and Marsal are handling Lehman's restructuring.

Typically, lenders are willing to work with borrowers to avoid foreclosure. But since Lehman itself is dogged by as much as $1 trillion in creditor claims against it, Alvarez and Marsal have an incentive to push Intrawest into bankruptcy and sell assets to raise funds, the Post story says.

The Post report says Vancouver Olympic organizers are considering pulling their financial backing of Intrawest as a result of the kerfuffle.

Fortress CEO Wes Edens believes he has a legal right to keep the Games from taking place at Whistler if that happens, the Post story says.

On Tuesday, a notice of a public auction to be held Feb. 19, 2010, was published in multiple newspapers in Canada and the United States that solicited bids for a membership interest in Intrawest Holdings. Among the assets in the notice were "partnership interests in two resort properties located in Canada (Whistler and Blackcomb)."
Three-month stock chart of Fortress Investments on the NYSE.Three-month stock chart of Fortress Investments on the NYSE. (CBC)

“We understandably cannot comment on Intrawest's finances beyond our continued support for their efforts to settle outstanding financial matters," VANOC president Dan Doyle said. "What we can confirm is that Whistler Blackcomb is an important partner in the staging of the 2010 Games and we continue working in very close partnership with them to finalize overall preparations and readiness for the skiing and sliding sport events."

"We look forward, with them, to welcoming the world in 23 days," Doyle said.

For its part, Intrawest poured cold water on the report. "We have a 2002 agreement with VANOC to host the Winter Olympics and have every confidence that VANOC will honour its financial commitments," Intrawest CEO Bill Jensen said. "Intrawest is looking forward to a successful Olympic Games.

Jensen said Intrawest is in discussions with lenders regarding refinancing.

"Our company is generating strong cash flow from its resorts. It’s business as usual," Jensen said

Calls to Fortress Investment Group LLC were not returned. A spokesman for Lehman Brothers had no official comment.
Behind-the-scenes efforts expected

Bill Singer, a securities lawyer with RRBD Law in New York, predicted efforts will be made behind the scenes to avoid foreclosure, at least until the Olympics are over, given the amount of money invested in the Games and their high international profile for Canada.

"I can't imagine that it will ultimately mean much," he told CBC News, "because I would assume between [Canadian] government interest and the Olympic Committee there would be something that would be accomplished just to forestall any kind of foreclosure.

"More importantly, assuming that there was some effort to put the properties into foreclosure or bankruptcy, again, I would assume that given the size of the transaction that vested interests would try to find a way to extend and drag out the process," he said.

Singer said the bigger issue is what motivation the lender would have to foreclose.

"What do you do with a ski resort in this economic market? Who would be envisioned as likely becoming a buyer for these distressed properties when the reports all over the United States as well as in Europe and other areas where there's skiing is that … traffic to both golf and ski resorts is down?"

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Photo gallery: Winter on Silver Star and on the Shuswap, 2010. Courtesy: Debbie Gibson.

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Water advisory

There is no change in the status of the Antwerp Springs water advisory.

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Greater Vernon Water and District of Coldstream Media Release.

For immediate release

January 18, 2010, 5:00 pm

Antwerp Springs Water Source

As of 5:00 pm today, the following notices remain in effect. The “Do Not Drink Water” Notice was downgraded to a “Boil Water” Notice for those residents living west of Murphy Road and Highway 6. The “Do Not Drink Water” Notice remains in effect for residents supplied by the Antwerp Springs well source, living east of Murphy Road at Highway 6. In consultation with Interior Health Authority an Action Plan has been developed that sets out the framework necessary for proceeding.

Notices were hand delivered to all homes in the area downgraded to the “Boil Water Notice”.

This effort was completed by volunteer teams and we respectfully ask customers to verify their water source if unsure.

For those areas still affected by the “Do Not Drink” Notice, emergency water remains available 24 hours a day at the Lavington Fire Hall on a self-serve basis from a water truck. In addition, disposable plates and cutlery are available for pick up at the Lavington Fire Hall for those residents affected by the “Do Not Drink” Notice. Security is on site if you have any questions.

The shower facilities at the Wesbild Centre are available between 5 a.m. and 12 midnight for use by residents of the affected area. The Wesbild Centre is located at 3445 – 43rd Avenue in Vernon. Enter at either the “Player” or “Main” entrance and proceed to the lower floor, where directions are posted to the shower rooms. Bring your own towels and toiletries.

Questions related to watering livestock should be directed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands at 250-260-3000.

Regional District of North Okanagan and District of Coldstream staff are working in close
consultation with IHA to allow for further downgrades to the status of both areas over the next several days. Three consecutive sets of samples taken 24 hrs apart must be free of bacteria.

The earliest date for change in status will be Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

If you have any questions, please contact Greater Vernon Water at 250-550-3700. Staff will be available for enquiries from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Please check the website for information and further updates at www.rdno.ca or www.districtofcoldstream.ca.

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Contact:
Renee Clark,
Regional District of North Okanagan/ Greater Vernon Water
Phone 250-550-3700,
email info@rdno.ca
or
Irma Breitkreutz,
District of Coldstream,
Phone 250-550-1508
Email info@districtofcoldstream.ca

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Selected articles -- Morning Star, January 17, 2010.

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Photo gallery: Ready for winter -- Longhorn cattle and calves. Courtesy: Debbie Gibson.

We are ready, where is winter?

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Latest Press Release re: Antwerp Springs water.

For immediate release

January 17, 2010, 5:00 pm

Antwerp Springs Water Source

As of 5:00 pm today, the following notices remain in effect. The “Do Not Drink Water” Noticewas downgraded to a “Boil Water” Notice for those residents living west of Murphy Road and Highway 6. The “Do Not Drink Water” Notice remains in effect for residents supplied by the Antwerp Springs well source, living east of Murphy Road at Highway 6.

Notices were hand delivered to all homes in the area downgraded to the “Boil Water Notice”.

This effort was completed by volunteer teams and we respectfully ask customers to verify their water source if unsure.

For those areas still affected by the “Do Not Drink” Notice emergency water remains available at the Lavington Fire Hall between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 17, and then on a self –service basis from a water truck to be stationed at Lavington Fire Hall commencing 8:00 am Monday, January 18. In addition, disposable plates and cutlery will be available for pick-up at the Lavington Fire Hall starting Monday morning for those residents affected by the “Do Not Drink” Notice.

The shower facilities at the Wesbild Centre are available between 5 a.m. and 12 midnight for use by residents of the affected area. The Wesbild Centre is located at 3445 – 43rd Avenue in Vernon. Enter at either the “Player” or “Main” entrance and proceed to the lower floor, where directions are posted to the shower rooms. Bring your own towels and toiletries.

Questions related to watering livestock should be directed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands at 250-260-3000.

Regional District of North Okanagan and District of Coldstream staff are working in close
consultation with IHA to allow for further downgrades to the status of both areas over the next several days.

If you have any questions, please contact Greater Vernon Water at 250-550-3700. Staff will be available for enquires from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. throughout the weekend. Please check the website for information and further updates at www.rdno.ca or www.districtofcoldstream.ca.

- 30 –

Contact:

Renee Clark,
Regional District of North Okanagan/ Greater Vernon Water
Phone 250-550-3700,
email info@rdno.ca
or
Irma Breitkreutz,
District of Coldstream,
Phone 250-550-1508
Email info@districtofcoldstream.ca

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Greater Vernon Water History

If you are interested in an concise review of the Greater Vernon Water history please visit the BX-Swan lake website. Under Links click on Greater Vernon Water History.

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Press releases Re: Water issues.

The following Prewss Releases were issued by NORD and the District of Coldstream on January 16, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.

Check also http://www.districtofcoldstream.ca/

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Readers write -- Agricultural practices and the community's interest

I am completely annoyed! Having come from Deep Cove North Saanich not known for its water, I expected mountain-fresh water. What we had until recently was liquid filth.

Because of this fiasco we have purchased an almost $200. dollar water cooler and are now buying our water.

One would almost think that certain agricultural practices are intended to make agriculture incompatible with the interests of the community, thereby giving a supporting argument to rezoning.

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Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson announces he is stepping down

1 hour, 3 minutes ago

By The Canadian Press

ST. STEPHEN, N.B. - Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson has resigned from cabinet, saying the time was right for him to step aside.

The New Brunswick MP says he has accomplished the things he set out to do and wanted to leave on his own terms.

The 62-year-old politician says while he still has energy, the job was tiring - only getting home twice between October and the Christmas break.

Thompson says he won't run in the next federal election but will represent his southwest New Brunswick riding until the vote is called.

Thompson has represented his New Brunswick constituency since 1988, including the last four years in cabinet.

There were reports last week that Prime Minister Stephen Harper would shuffle his cabinet, but it was not expected that any of his front-line ministers would be affected.

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Asking for help.

Calling for your help!

The Olympic Torch Relay will be passing through Coldstream from
11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 26.
Immediately afterwards, the District is hosting a reception for the public in the Council
Chambers from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.

Volunteers are still needed on
January 26 –
for three hours from
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
– to serve refreshments at the reception and then clean up afterwards.

Also, drivers are needed to deliver Olympic Games handouts
to local schools on
Monday, January 25.

If you can help out with either of these activities, please contact
Irma at the District of Coldstream at 250 545-5304,
Monday to Friday

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Update - Water issues.

DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
January 15, 2010, 6:25 p.m.

Antwerp Springs Water Source

As of 4:10 p.m. today, Interior Health has advised that the “Do Not Drink Water” Notice remains in effect for residents supplied by the Antwerp Springs well source, impacting water customers in the Lavington and Coldstream area as far west as McClounie Road.

The shower facilities at the Wesbild Centre are available between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. for use by residents of the affected area. The Wesbild Centre is located at 3445 – 43rd Avenue in Vernon. Enter at either the “Player” or “Main” entrance and proceed to the lower floor, where directions are posted to the shower rooms. Bring your own towels and toiletries.

Residents of the affected areas may pick up bottled water at the Coldstream Fire Hall and Lavington Fire Hall until 10:00 this evening, and then from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday or as required. The District has arranged for additional supplies of bottled water in limited quantities for emergency domestic use. We encourage residents to purchase their own supply of potable water until this situation is resolved. Due to the current demand for bottled water allocated towards the Haiti earthquake relief effort, we request that residents practice water conservation by taking only as much bottled water as required.

Questions related to watering livestock should be directed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands at 250-260-3000.

Inquiries regarding water quality should be directed to Greater Vernon Water at 250-550-3700.

A map of the affected area as well as updated information are posted on the Coldstream website www.districtofcoldstream.ca and on the Regional District website www.rdno.ca. Mayor Garlick has expressed his appreciation to the Coldstream community for their patience, and thanked them in advance for their continued patience.

Sand and Sandbags

For those Coldstream and Lavington experiencing flooding, sand and sandbags are available at two locations:

· On the side of Kalamalka Road across from Postill Drive
· On the side of School Road across from the Lavington ice rink

Please bring your own shovels.

- 30 –

Contact: Irma Breitkreutz,
District of Coldstream,
phone 250-550-1508,
email info@districtofcoldstream.ca

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Interior Health Authority Bulletin for Vernon water users.

Information for those Greater Vernon Water customers who are concerned they have consumed some of the affected water before being informed of the “Do Not Use” notice for the Antwerp Springs well source.

CHBC News, CHBC News, Kelowna: Thursday, January 14, 2010

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Attention: Greater Vernon Water Residents

For those Greater Vernon Water customers who are concerned they have consumed some of the affected water before being informed of the “Do Not Use” notice for the Antwerp Springs well source, no immediate action is required.

For people who develop symptoms, the main risk would be of diarrheal (gastrointestinal) illness due to infection. Interior Health’s (IH) Medical Health Officer advises those residents in the affected area who may have drunk contaminated water, to seek medical consultation if they develop nausea, vomiting or diarrhea or other symptoms that are of concern to them.

If symptoms are mild, people can contact HealthLinkBC by dialing 8-1-1 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week), or see their family doctor.

For more information on Waterborne Disease, residents can refer to the attached BC HealthFile at

http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile49a.stm

CHBC Video

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Students Back To School Friday

107.5 Kiss FM Thursday,
14 January 2010 16:41

It will be back to classes Friday for hundreds of Coldstream and Lavington students.

The Vernon School District says after conferring with Interior Health, Lavington, Coldstream and Kalamalka schools will reopen tomorrow after a one day closure.

Superintendent Bev Rundell says precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of students. Washrooms will be functional but all other sources of water will be shut down.

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Cute! -- Deer visits cat in yard every morning!

Deer visits cat in yard every morning! There is nothing more wonderful than animals!!! A cat in Harrisburg has a special friend that visits every morning. The owner finally took pics.

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Water Bulletin -- District of Coldstream

Here is the latest press release from Coldstream!

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Water Bulletin -- District of Coldstream

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Water issues.

I have received a number of inquiries as to the water source for Buchanan Road. Since the emails came through Google the email addresses are not included so I have to use this forum to respond.

In general Buchanan Road residents receive their water water from Duteau Creek. If you have not been contacted by emergency personnel last night your water is safe to drink.

Keep watching for further developments. If you wish to be on the contact list for future emergency messages please send me your email address and you will be on the contact list for emergency purposes. Your information will not be shared.

Gyula.

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Very Important!!!

Please note, the Boil Water Notice has been upgraded to a DO NOT DRINK Notification. ESS has been brought in to go door to door to all affected residents with the notification.

Please notify your friends and neighbours!

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Important notice -- Boil water advisory.

There has been an incident at the Antwerp Springs water pumphouse. The shallow aquifer has been compromised and GVW has issued a Boil Water Notice for all residents on the Antwerp Springs system. This includes parts of Lavington, and west, potentially as far as Kal High School, including Coldstream Elementary and Municipal Hall. District crews have switched over the water source to the deep well and will be flushing and monitoring throughout the night. At this point it is hard to determine how far in the system the contaminated water has spread, so initially the Notice will cover the entire Antwerp system.

Please advise your neighbours who might not have seen this notice!

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Learn the truth about the world!

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Coldstream and Lavington Fire Halls Annual General Meeting and Executive Elections

Both the Coldstream and Lavington Fire Halls held their Annual General Meeting and Executive Elections on Friday, January 8, 2010. The following people were elected:

Coldstream Executive (courtesy Maria Besso. More photos)

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Selected articles -- Morning Star, January 10, 2010.

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Garlick sets goals for 2010

By Brent Mutis - Vernon Morning Star

Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick has been on the job little more than a year and compares his duties to maneuvering a giant ocean liner.

“I liken the job to driving a ship. First, you have to stop going in the direction from the previous council then you turn it where you want it to go and get it up to speed.”

He wants a number of goals met in 2010 and some of them involve large infrastructure projects like the grid road plan to connect Kalamalka Road with the upper end of Kickwillie Loop.

“I want to get it completed and be as close to budget as possible,” says the 48-year-old.

“We don’t want to have cost overruns and don’t want surprises. Those happen but you want to minimize them if possible.”

Garlick also lists getting the road pavement management plan underway as a high priority. In four years’ time, roads will require $1 million of the district’s annual budget.

When Garlick began municipal politics as a councillor, it was just $250,000.

Seeing the water devolution process concluded and finding more staffing for the parks and recreation department are also on Garlick’s 2010 wish list.

Costs from water devolution negotiations are a big reason why Coldstream taxes will likely rise five per cent in 2010.

The district will also welcome a new engineer in February to take the job vacated by current chief administrative officer Michael Stamhuis last February.

Garlick’s taken heat for a perceived lack of transparency with issues like the grid road and says communication with the public is something he’d like to see improved.

He notes the district is limited in that capacity with staff, their website and media as the only ways to disseminate information.

“We have to hope more people pay attention.”

The father of two had to scale back his teaching duties at Clarence Fulton Secondary when he won the election last year.

He still handles physics and geology courses and will return to full- time teaching in May.

“It’s starting to balance out now,” he says of his two-job juggling act.

“I’ll be well-prepared for those courses (when I go back to full time).”

A Coldstream native, Garlick says being an educator helps with taking public input and teaching constituents about the governmental process.

He credits the district’s councillors for trying hard to be a cohesive unit.

“The mayor’s role is a big role, as is council’s. I think council has put in a lot of effort to get work done and not everyone agrees but that’s the good feeling of the job.

“Everyone hears what’s going on and gets a say.”

Growing up, Garlick never thought about being mayor or even on council.

It was a dispute over Coldstream Meadows retirement community expansion that motivated him to put his name forward.

He’s accepted his position on controversial issues is now on display.

“You have to stand up for your beliefs and make it known to the public,” he said.

“It’s not easy and I don’t always support friends.”

Garlick says he hasn’t decided whether he’ll run for a second term but hopes the remaining two years of his current term are smooth sailing.

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6.5 quake shakes N. California

A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California on Saturday afternoon, shaking buildings south of the Oregon border and knocking out power in several coastal communities.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake hit at about 4:27 p.m. local time about 43 kilometres from Eureka, a city of about 26,000. No injuries have been reported.

Pacific Gas&Electric Co. spokesman J.D. Guidi said power outages were widespread across most of Humboldt County, affecting about 25,000 customers.

Several traffic lights have fallen and numerous residents have reported water, gas and sewer leaks, Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services spokeswoman Jo Wattle said.

"People have chimneys down, and we're hearing about minor property damage and lots of glassware broken," Wattle said. "People are really shaken up. It was shaking pretty good, then it had a big jolt to it at the end."

Police in Ferndale, the community closest to the quake's epicentre, said the jolt caused stucco to fall off City Hall and broke shop windows, strewing the historic downtown streets with glass shards.

Televisions tumbled and objects were knocked off walls in Arcata, a small town that's home to Humboldt State University.

Arcata and Eureka are located about 435 kilometres north of San Francisco in a coastal area known for periodic earthquakes.

The quake was felt as far south as Capitola in central California, and as far north as central Oregon, USGS geophysicist Richard Buckmaster said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said there was no threat of the quake generating a tsunami.

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Coldstream Finance Committee Meeting, January 12, 2010

Anyone interested in the debate for the coming year's budget should attend.

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REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2010
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING TIME CHANGES
TO THE REGULAR AGENDA:
4:30 - 5:30 PM REGULAR MEETING WILL BE CONVENED TO DISCUSS
ISSUES RAISED FOR PARKS SERVICE REVIEW

5:30 – 6:00 PM COUNCIL WILL RECESS

6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL WILL BE
RECONVENED

AGENDA

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