Vancouver rundown for Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Conditions remain volatile as crews continue
to fight a growing wildfire that threatens Fort Nelson. The Parker Lake wildfire is about
a kilometer away from town where most people have already evacuated. The fire is approaching
60 square kilometers. Emergency management minister Boen Ma says fire crews, aircraft
and heavy equipment are in place to protect homes and the community. Other news, anti-Israeli
protests have grown at UBC and according to security, the safety of university staff
has now been breached. Campus security says about 30 protesters occupied the main bookstore
on Saturday while 70 to 80 others blocked the exits. UBC is meeting with lawyers to
consider possible next steps. What's in the name? The provincial government has changed
BC's name act to prevent convicted criminals from legally changing their names. Invicted
child killer Alan Shulmborn recently changed his name to Ken Johnson and failed in a bid
to hide that change from being made public through the media. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke
has released a statement saying taxpayers cannot afford to pay for two police forces.
That statement comes as Locke and her majority on council continue to fight for an end to
the RCMP to Surrey Police Service transition. BC Solister General Mike Farnworth says a
budget that fits within Surrey's fiscal framework was submitted last fall. Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday will be mostly sunny but highs will be no more than 20 degrees in most areas.
Even the long range forecast remains rain free. For all the details on these local Vancouver
area stories along with the links go to vancouverrundown.substack.com.