The East York-Riverdale Mirror

"A school should be a place where a kid can go and feel at home," Det. Larry Straver, co-ordinator of Toronto Crime Stoppers, said in a news release. "We want students to realize we understand what they're going through, that we've been there and show them that there are options available to them that can help make their school environment a safer place for everyone."

There are three ways to send anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers: by talking (call 416-222-TIPS), by typing (online at www.222tips.com) and by texting (text TIP312 and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Tickets are now on sale for the evening of fine food, a variety show and silent auction, which takes place Oct. 28. Tickets are $100 each.

As a lead up to the event and in honour of True Davidson, the former mayor of East York, and her love of hats a wall of hats is being created in the great hall at True Davidson Acres.

These symbolic hats are priced at $35 to commemorate 35 years of care in East York.

To purchase tickets or a paper hat, call the event line at 416-397-0385.

Funds raised from the sale of the hats and the revue will be used to transform the bath environment into a spa experience for residents at True Davidson Acres.

It is the first electric utility in Canada to offer its own on-site CFL recycling program. As part of its conservation efforts, Toronto Hydro has been encouraging customers to switch to the energy-efficient bulbs. They do, however, contain a small amount of mercury that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. By retiring old bulbs to a dedicated Toronto Hydro CFL recycling program location, the utility will ensure 98 per cent of each bulb is recycled, diverting waste and hazardous materials from landfills.

The components of the used CFL bulbs, including glass, aluminium and brass, will be separated and recycled. Toronto Hydro will use pollution protection technologies to ensure the mercury vapour and phosphor powder in each bulb stays out of landfills.

Switching from traditional incandescent light bulbs to CFLs is a simple step people can take to become more energy efficient as they save up to 75 per cent in electricity consumption costs and last up to five years.

CFL recycling program drop-off locations are in the main lobby of Toronto Hydro's locations at 14 Carlton St. and 5800 Yonge St. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the future, the program could be expanded to additional locations in the city.

Visit www.torontohydro.com/cflrecycling for details about the CFL recycling program.

The following routes are running bike-rack-equipped buses:

35 Jane; 36 Finch West; 41 Keele; 46 Martin Grove; 60 Steeles West; 79 Scarlett Rd; 84 Sheppard West; 99 Arrow Rd; 101 Parc Downsview Park; 106 York University; 108 Downsview; 120 Calvington; 130 Middlefield; 131 Nugget; 132 Milner; 191 Hwy. 27 Rocket; 308 Finch East; 309 Finch West; 313 Jane.

The TTC now has 43 bike-friendly bus routes. The entire bus fleet will be equipped with bicycle racks by 2010.

For details about this service, call 416-393-INFO (4636). Visit http://www3.ttc.ca/Riding_the_TTC/Bicycles.jsp to view the TTC bike rack instructional video. Visit www.ttc.ca for details abou the TTC.

During their investigation, 51 Division's street crime unit executed several search warrants at downtown homes seizing a quantity of marijuana valued at $50,000. They also seized $3000 worth of ecstasy and a firearm.

This investigation led to the identification of some of the city's alleged top marijuana cultivators and distributors.

On Aug. 13, law enforcement officials also executed a series of search warrants at warehouses and homes in Toronto, Georgetown and Brampton.

During their searches, police seized $600,000 worth of marijuana, $16,500 relating to the proceeds of drugs, a firearm, ammunition and a Taser.

Police allege this network involved the dismantling of stolen automobiles within a North York warehouse, which resulted in the seizure of two stolen vehicles and automobile parts.

George Vlachos, 37, of Georgetown and Gary Calisto, 37, of Brampton, are alleged to be the network's main drug suppliers.

Vlachos and Calisto face a total of 14 charges, which are primarily related to the production and possession of drugs.

The names of the seven other arrested individuals are being withheld as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call 416-808-5100 or contact Crimes Stoppers anonymously at www.222tips.com or 416-222-TIPS (8477).