The Annex Guardian

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).

The 30th annual Toronto Emergency Services and Salvation Army's Red, White and Blue Knights Toy Ride goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Queen Street West and Bay Street.

The event kicks off with opening remarks by Toronto police deputy Chief Tony Warr at 10 a.m. at the Summer Stage and is followed by a day of activities including live bands, a fashion show, interactive emergency services displays, awards, draws and door prizes and a special performance by the Toronto Police Winged Wheels Precision Motorcycle Team.

Central to the festivities will be a police escorted motorcycle ride.

Admission is a new, unwrapped toy, which will be donated to The Salvation Army to help the city's underprivileged kids. Donations of money and food will also be accepted and donated to The Salvation Army. Visit www.redwiteandblueknights.com for details.

The fifth annual College Street Little Italy Fiera 2008 takes place Aug. 30 and 31 from noon to 11 p.m. in Little Italy at College Street between Shaw and Bathurst streets. Admission is free and a street closure is in effect.

Touted as a genuine Italian street festival, Fiera 2008 includes entertainment on the main stage at Palmerston Avenue as well as on each block through the Little Italy area.

People can enjoy Italian delicacies presented by more than 70 restaurants on College street including a number of sagra - authentic Italian dishes representative of a restaurant's favourite feast from a village in Italy. These dishes include zeppole, pesche fritti, polpette, gelato, all prepared in the traditional way and ranging in price from $1 to $5.

In addition, the Johnny Lombardi Canadian-Italian Song Festival takes place at 6 p.m. on Aug. 31.

According to organizers, the song festival bridges all communities and music lovers and will feature the popular songs of Italy plus original songs composed and performed by Canadians of Italian heritage.

The CHIN Festival Orchestra will perform with the singers, who are vying for thousands of dollars in cash prizes, gifts and awards and the opportunity to further their music careers through television and radio exposure on CHIN TV and CHIN Radio as well as a chance to perform at the 2009 edition of the song festival.

CHIN TV and radio will be broadcasting live on college street Aug. 31.

Visit www.littleitalytoronto.com or www.chinradio.com/special_events_page.php?id=85 for details.

For the third year, Staples Business Depot is hosting its Back-to-School Supply Drive at each of its locations in the city. The office supply store is teaming up with local community service organizations such as the Kiwanis Club and the Children's Aid Society to ensure every child will be able to afford the needed supplies for a successful school year.

People are encouraged to donate school supplies or money at Staples locations until Sept. 7. Money will be mainly used to purchase more expensive items including calculators, knapsacks and binders.

Bins will be set up in front of the Staples locations so customers can easily donate items such as pens, pencils and notebooks.

The sale, complete with various types of books from fellow Annex residents' homes, also includes refreshments and entertainment.

The sale is set for Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 250 Davenport Rd. Donations of books and help is appreciated.

Call the association hotline at 416-926-9261.