The South Bayview Bulldog

Crime writer Ruth Rendell (top inset) has died in hospital at the age of 85. The inventive Rendell was best known for her Inspector Wexford series which was turned into an internationally  successful TV series. Rendell had been admitted to hospital after a serious stroke in January. Ruth Rendell is said to have been the most important British crime novelist of the past 50 years. She prided herself on the pace of her plots and the creation of compelling suspense. In her lifetime, Rendell sold an astonishing 60 million books. Her series of Inspector Wexford detective stories picked up the legacy of the golden age crime writers like Agatha Christie and led the genre into the modern world, in turn inspiring writers such as Colin Dexter and Ian Rankin. The role of chief inspector Reginald Wexford was played by George Baker (inset lower)

Premier Wynne encourages bowl to find the kitty

Premier Wynne, MPP John Carmichael and Councillor Jon Burnside were among the many people present yesterday (Saturday, May 2, 2015) on Hanna Rd for the opening of the Leaside Lawn Bowling Club. The ancient game dates back to the 13th century, it is said.

Telegraph (London)

The CP main line level-crossing at Wicksteed Ave. just east of Old Leslie Street has to be among the last of such crossings left inside Toronto. We know just how often work is done there or when a train is left sitting on the tracks because Twitter posts from the TTC and others tell us. (A different kind of level crossing signal) Today the crossing was receiving ongoing maintenance. You can see one of the workmen in the above shot taken yesterday (May 1, 2015). 88A and 88B Buses were diverted for most of the day. Those big boxy freight cars zooming across Wicksteed are known as Car Tracks and are used to transport new cars, a huge business for the railways.

Floyd Mayweather has won the highly anticipated superfight against Manny Pacquiao in a points decision at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Mayweather took his unblemished record to 48-0 adding the Filipino great’s World Boxing Organisation title to his World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council crowns.

The illegal home at 27 Fleming Crescent will be demolished, The South Bayview Bulldog has learned. The knock-down will be accomplished just as the many neighbors and Leaside residents who complained about the house had demanded. Robert Ellis, the lawyer who lives next door at 29 Fleming, received word that Hy Hirshberg, whose son Jonah is the owner of record, has agreed to knock down the building.

It was built by a previous owner in 2013-14 and has stood closed-in but unfinished since the City slapped a stop-work order on it last year. This word comes as opponents prepared for another round of battle at Committee of Adjustment (COA) on May 7 at 3:30 pm. Mr. Hirshberg wrote to Ellis and others revealing his decision last night (May 1, 2015). Demolition of the present structure however brings a new challenge for neighbors as the owner will be requesting permission to build a  two-story home with variances.

Mr. Ellis wrote to the many Leaside-area people who support him that he will ask COA to require detailed plans from the builder and a comprehensive zoning assessment by the City with opportunity for ratepayer comment. He will also ask for a community consultation meeting on a mutually agreed date not less than 15 days after such plans and zoning assessment are provided. Finally, he will ask that any Committee hearing date is scheduled with proper notice (ideally at a time and date as mutually agreed with the immediate neighbors).

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We know exactly how the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are engaged today. It seems that the vast remainder of the English-speaking world is guessing about baby names. Victoria,  Charlotte (that Pippa’s middle name) or maybe Alice. All lovely. Many bettors among the wagering masses in Britain’s capital would love to listen in on what Kate and William are murmuring about on this topic. As the Duchess of Cambridge went into labour Saturday morning betting shops saw Charlotte emerge as the favourite for the name of the new royal baby – overtaking long-time favourite Alice. Bookmaker William Hill yesterday slashed the odds of the baby being named Princess Charlotte, which stand at 5/4 now that the sex of the baby has been announced. But other bookies have Alice still as their top pick – with Ladbrokes offering odds of 5/4.

There is a day ever year and this was it. It’s when we go from the mere promise of Spring to its palpable presence, whatever the actual date. This is Bessborough Drive shortly before 2 p.m.