HIgh-tech Toyota gang at work

It was November 2009 when six Toyota Highlander families woke and found their family cars gone. At the time, and ever since for that matter, it was as if they vanished into thin air.  Michael Dougherty of Rumsey Road was robbed of his car and like all the other victims has never heard a thing about these obviously well-oiled thefts. And it appears the same gang, or one just as good, is at it again. Since January 2015, 33 Division (just north of South Bayview) has experienced the theft of 13 vehicles apparently taken with the same high-tech savvy that marked the 2009 heists.  It is believed that the suspect(s) may have access to electronic devices that can bypass the vehicle security system.  Investigators are suggesting the following safety tips to protect your vehicle from theft: Lock your vehicle with the windows rolled up;  secure your spare key in a safe location and never leave it in the vehicle; park your vehicle with wheels turned towards the curb; apply your emergency brakes when parking your vehicle; park your vehicle in your garage, if possible, and lock the vehicle doors while in the garage  never leave the vehicle registration in the vehicle;  use a steering-wheel lock; test both sets of keys after leaving your vehicle with a valet, car wash, or repair shop.  People are reminded to call police and report any suspicious activity or suspicious person(s) near their vehicles.

As forecast, Wiseys Pies and Bakehouse has expanded its meat pie and pastry business to the Roncesvalles neighborhood. Gary and Karen have collaborated with their friends Anthony Spinley and Jen Orenstein in a partnership there. Anthony is a fellow “Kiwi” who has been residing in Toronto for the last 12 years. The new shop at 43 Roncy has the same tasty goods being sold daily at the original store at 874 Eglinton Ave. E. Try an espresso with some carrot cake when you are in.

Yes, but at least they can afford to get there.

Authorities in Philadelphia say they aren’t sure why a man walked off a subway but a close look at the video seems to suggest he was distracted by his phone. The capture above shows there’s something in the man’s right hand as he cluelessly walks along the edge of the platform and then puts his foot where there is nothing but air. Down he goes and the injuries appear to be serious. He may have a broken back. In the video below a courageous fellow commuter jumps onto the track and some go running for help. But others are hardly worrying. Take a look.

CP24 is among a number of news outlets tonight suggesting that Toronto’s new police chief will be  chosen this weekend from between Deputy Chief Mark Saunders (left) and Deputy Chief Peter Sloly (right).  Either man would seem to be an excellent choice on his merit as policeman alone. Mayor John Tory was cautious today, saying he  wanted to see a safer, stronger, fairer community going forward.”  We can hope so but regardless of who becomes the chief he will be the chief of the entire city. It seems highly unlikely that a black police chief, however sensitive and smart, will be able to eliminate grievances that frequently seem fictional. As to fairness, the mayor might ponder why after decades of rigorous examination of policy the police service would not be able to claim that it is fair, period. It certainly ought to be and if it isn’t voters might like to know why. This is about the high duty which commands each officer to know that he or she is acting ethically before the exercise of authority. Authority flows properly when the police know and act first upon their duty.

Rosa Agostino (left) with staff of Caffe Doria on her last day of business

Here is a picture that marks the end of an era for people in Rosedale, Summerhill and other locales along the Rosdale Main Street BIA. On the left we see Rosa Agostino, owner for these 15 years of the Caffe Doria coffee stop with her staff. It was taken on Thursday, her last day of business. Caffe Doria was a happy place for coffee, tea and savoury food on the northwest corner of Yonge St. and Roxborough St W. Rosa Agostino has sold the business and the name to a new owner and for that many are sorry but wish her well in new pursuits. The cafe closed last night and has an indeterminate date for re-opening although it seems likely, but not certain, that the name will remain the same. As Peter Rehak, publisher of the Yonge and Roxborough News  has said, Doria regulars are anxious but hopeful that the popular café will continue to thrive. It had many group gatherings and meetings and was the unofficial office of Yonge and Roxborough News, also known to some as Roxy Blogger.

This amateur video of police descending on a home near the multiple shooting yesterday on Driftwood Ave is compelling. In the opening pictures there is a police officer (face blurred) holding an accused on the ground. On a cue of some type other police in plain clothes dash toward the home. There other arrests and apparently one accused is shot but not seriously.

A worthwhile opportunity to get garden supplies delivered to your front or back yard.  132nd Scouts garden products order form