From the Maple Ridge News:

The party bus industry received a stern reminder from police and the province last week to keep alcohol off their rolling discos as graduation season approaches.

After six years of tirelessly lobbying the province to regulate the burgeoning industry, Julie Raymond and her daughter Danielle believe they are finally being heard. They are set to meet with Transportation Minister Todd Stone on June 11.

“Danielle and I no longer feel that we are alone and that people are finally realizing that what we have been saying over the past six years is in fact the truth on how the majority of the industry operates,” said Raymond, whose  daughter Shannon died on July 26, 2008 after taking two ecstasy pills and drinking alcohol during a birthday party for a friend on a party bus. She was 16.

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Shannon death’s resulted in the trial of Victoria Turley (at whose home Shannon perished) on the novel charge “Failure to provide the necessities of life.” Turley was acquitted.

Danielle Raymond, a former student of mine, has become a great friend. I met Julie Raymond and other members of their family during the trial. I feel lucky to know them: Such a strong family.