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Where You Can Vacation And Be Home The Same Day

 

 

 

 

 

Off The Record

I'd like to wish Tommy Chong Cheech & Chong who's Birthday was last Saturday a belated Happy 87th Birthday

Tommy Chong first came to Vancouver with his band The Shades in the early 60s and they quickly changed their band name to "Little Daddy & The Bachelors" . Along the way he opened a nightclub on West Broadway near Alma called the Blues Palace where he booked acts like "Ike & Tina Turner".

Eventually Little Daddy & The Batchelors" combined with another band "The Good Shepards" with great Vancouver Musicians Duris Maxell, Robbie King and Eddie Patterson with Bobby Taylor to form Bobby Taylor & Vancouver's . During this time Tommy's father Pop Chong and his brother Stan Chong had gotten involved in the Vancouver Nightclub business. They ran a number of historical Nightclubs in Vancouver like the Shanghai Junk on Pender & Main and the Elegant Parlor on Davie & Burrard. It was actually at The Elegant Parlor in 1965 where Bobby Taylor & The Vancouver's were discovered by The Supremes Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard and ended up being one of the only Canadian Bands ever signed to Motown Records. There hit song "Does Your Mother Know" was co-written by TOMMY along with BOBBY TAYLOR.

 

 

After that was over, Tommy had a chance meeting with Cheech Marin at the Shanghai Junk. It was comical first meeting because Cheech was a Carpet Salesman and was trying to sell Tommy Carpets. The story is the two funny guys hit it off, started doing improv at the Shanghai Junk, formed Cheech & Chong and then never looked back the rest is history.

Interesting story. A Vancouver musician who at one time lived in the seedy Downtown Eastside then in East Van across the street from Clark Park becomes a Pop/Counter Culture Icon and the undisputed symbol of cannabis culture. ? A comedian, actor, musician and activist Tommy Chong has many great stories and is a big part of Vancouver Rock Groups from the '60's to the 80's and Vancouver music history.......

Happy 87th Birthday Tommy

Dave Skinner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Night Owl

(check out all the great live music this weekend - click here)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local News

May 29. 2025

A Beautiful Story of Community Connection and Commitment

 

When the White Rock – South Surrey Stroke Recovery Branch received devastating news last November that March of Dimes Canada would be ending funding for the Stroke Recovery Association of B.C. (also known as After Stroke B.C.), the future looked uncertain. The organization also announced that all provincial program instructor contracts would not be renewed past March 31, 2025.

Rather than give up, our stroke survivors took action. They went into the community, knocking on doors, raising awareness about our group and our needs.

“I’ve always said, we have a caring and generous community here in White Rock,” said program instructor McFarlane. “We simply need to let them know who we are and what our needs are.”

And the community heard us.

The White Rock Firefighters took time to visit our branch to see first-hand the impact of our programs. Deeply moved, they stepped forward with a generous donation of $10,000, helping us meet our financial goal for the year. This remarkable support would not have been possible without the efforts of Myra Merkal, the mother of one of our local firefighters, who has been fundraising and giving back to the community for many years. We are deeply grateful for her continued commitment and compassion.

“It is nothing short of a miracle,” said McFarlane. “I am in awe of this incredible group of people stroke survivors facing their own daily challenges, yet so passionate about their stroke family and determined not to let us fail. With such a committed team behind me, my job becomes a joy.”

You're Invited!
Join us Monday, June 2nd at 3:30 PM at the White Rock Pier for a fun warm-up with live music before our Dr. Bryan Prentice Strides for Stroke Walk n’ Roll  event, which begins at 4:00 PM.  Later that evening, the Pier will shine blue in honor of Stroke Awareness Month.

Want to know more about who we are and what we do?
Visit our website: White Rock/South Surrey Stroke Recovery Association

We run a variety of weekly programs out of the Centre for Active Living on Anderson Street, include ng:

  • Walking & Gardening Program on Mondays

  • Communication and Regular Programs on Tuesdays

  • Peer-Led Program on Thursdays

Together, we are stronger.

 

May 28, 2025

Inquest Ordered Into Jail Death In White Rock

......nine years later?

The BC Coroners Service will hold an inquest into the death of Patricia Ann Wilson in Burnaby, scheduled from June 16-25, 2025.

The inquest will take place at the Burnaby Coroners’ Court (20th floor, 4720 Kingsway, Metrotower II, Metrotown, Burnaby), starting at 9:30 a.m.

On March 29, 2016, Patricia Ann Wilson’s death in White Rock was reported to the BC Coroners Service. It followed events involving civilian jail guards and members of the White Rock RCMP. Patricia Ann Wilson was 58 years old at the time of her death.

Under Section 18(2) of the Coroners Act, inquests are mandatory for any deaths that occur while a person was detained by or in the custody of a peace officer.

A coroner’s inquest is a non-fault-finding public inquiry that serves three primary functions:

  • to determine the facts related to a death, including the identity of the deceased and how, when, where and by what means the individual came to their death, as well as a classification for the death;

  • to make recommendations, where appropriate and supported by evidence, to prevent deaths in similar circumstances; and

  • to ensure public confidence that the circumstances surrounding the death of an individual will not be overlooked, concealed or ignored.

Learn More:

For more information on inquests, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/coroners-service/inquest-schedule-jury-findings-verdicts

 

 

 

 

May 27, 2025

Celebrate Canada Day by the Bay in White Rock

The City of White Rock invites residents and visitors to the waterfront on July 1, 2025 for an exciting day of free, family friendly festivities at Canada Day by the Bay.

The event begins at 12 p.m., with welcoming remarks from the mayor and council in addition to the presentation of White Rock’s Outstanding Canadians on the Peninsula award.

Live entertainment will take place all day, building up to an unforgettable evening of music on the main stage. White Rock's own DJ James T will kick things off, followed by rising Canadian talent Richard Tichelman.

Headlining this year’s celebration is the Guess Who Tribute, delivering iconic hits from The Guess Who and Burton Cummings, a musical homage to Canadian rock legends.

New this year is a second stage at the Kids Zone, which will feature performances all day long including ventriloquist-comedienne Norma McKnight, Shot of Scotch, and a one-of-a-kind pan-drum performance by John Watkins.

Families can also enjoy face painting, crafts, balloon artists, and Vendor Row along the Promenade with local goods and treats.

Don’t miss the Pier Photo Op at 3:30 p.m., a stunning drone shot that will capture White Rock’s Canadian spirit like never before. Come dressed in red and white, bring a flag to wave around, or use one of the hundreds of Canadian flags the city will be handing out.

Cap off the day with a spectacular fireworks display presented by Thrifty Foods at 10:15 p.m., lighting up the night sky over Semiahmoo Bay.

This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada. Ce projet a rendu possible en partie grce au gouvernement du Canada.

For more information, visit whiterockcity.ca/canadaday


White Rock Council Rewind

 

- QUESTION & ANSWER PERIOD

PRITAM DHALIWAL a resident from the east beach district of White Rock appeared before council to question why NO PARKING signs have suddenly appeared on Moffat lane. It was explained by staff there had been a complaint from a resident in the area and upon investigation staff and the fire chief confirmed if parking continued to be allowed on MOFFAT LANE it could prohibit a fire truck in servicing the area in the event of a fire.

- council initially approved murals for the Balsam street change rooms as well as a mural for the West Beach parkade

- the deputy mayor rotation was revised as a result of councillor ERNIE KLASSEN resigning from his council seat to fulfill his newly acquired MP duties for the LIberal Party of Canada.

- council endorsed sending a letter to Victoria registering the city's displeasure with Bills 13/14 & 15 that are scheduled to become law this Friday. Critics of the bills state it puts excessive power in Victoria's hands for future development in local communities.

 

May 25, 2025

Dig It

Recently a soil remediation company set up shop on the vacant parking lot at the corner of Russell avenue and Johnston road in uptown White Rock.

The lot was purchased from Imperial Oil back in 2016 by the city of White Rock for park space. Recently the community was informed there were plans for a possible "highrise hub" in the uptown area of White Rock.

In that the site was once home to a gas station the soil quality has always been in question.

IMPERIAL OIL secured the services of the the soil remediation company.

 

May 23, 2025

Ocean Park Attack - Too Close To Home


Police investigate overnight stabbing in South Surrey

RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (SPOSU) is investigating an overnight stabbing in the Ocean Park neighbourhood.

At approximately 12:30 am on May 22, 2025, a man approached White Rock RCMP members in the area of 140 Street and 16 Avenue, Surrey. The man stated that he had been attacked by unknown suspects nearby at 128 Street and 16 Avenue and was suffering from a serious, but non-life threatening injury to his hand. White Rock RCMP rendered medical aid and members of RCMP SPOSU attended. BCEHS attended the scene, treated the man’s injuries and transported him to hospital 

SPOSU General Investigative Unit (GIU) members have taken conduct of the investigation. While the motive of the attack is still under investigation, it does not appear to be random.

Anyone with information about this incident or the identity of the suspects should contact the SPS non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 2025-28325 (SU) or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.


The Reklaws to headline Surrey Canada Day 2025
 

Western Canada’s largest Canada Day celebration will return to Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre on Tuesday, July 1 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Surrey Canada Day will be headlined by eight-time JUNO nominees, The Reklaws, alongside Canadian singer-songwriter, Goldie Boutilier, and Indigenous rock ‘n’ roller, Garret T. Willie.

 

This free full-day celebration will feature an exciting lineup of live music and entertainment across four stages, Indigenous cultural sharing, and family-friendly activities 

Alongside the Main Stage, Surrey Canada Day will feature three additional stages offering something for everyone: Indigenous performers will take the spotlight on the Siam Stage in the Indigenous Village, family-friendly entertainment will be featured on the Family Stage, and dance battles and DJs will bring up the energy on the Community Stage. Attendees can also enjoy amusement rides, food trucks, and a beer garden with a site-wide license. The event will end with a fireworks show 

For more information, visit surreycanadaday.ca.

 

May 22, 2025

Get On The Bus - Take A Ride With Us

Subregional highlights


  • Ridership south of the Fraser (Surrey, North Delta, White Rock, the City of Langley, and the Township of Langley) grew by 11.4 per cent, which was more than anywhere else in Metro Vancouver.

  • South of the Fraser River faced significant overcrowding

    • New service from the R6 RapidBus and additional bus service approved in the 2024 Investment Plan helped ease pressure.

    • The 2025 Investment Plan will further expand service south of the Fraser by adding or upgrading seven routes and increasing service on 25 other routes.

       

May 20, 2025

Have you ever wanted to learn to roast coffee?

Maybe you'd like to learn about what it takes to make a great cup of coffee.

Kingha Coffee Roasters course is designed to take you from the coffee tree to the coffee cup. You’ll get hands-on, professionally guided mentorship every step of the way. Working across multiple coffee roasting machines, we will move through sample roasting up to production roasting, examining the variations in taste, aroma, color and roasting time. You'll get to samples the coffees you roast, and use what you're learning to adjust your roast profile to dial in your best roast.


Join us for a 2 day hands-on, fully immersive coffee roasting and sensory skills course.

Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Kingha Coffee Roasters
15585 24th Avenue Surrey

Unit 110 - Back of the Building

For more info email us at: kgriffin@kinghacoffee.com or

Click on the below link for more info and to sign up.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/kingha-coffee-roasting-level-100-tickets-1366690641499?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

 

 

 

TNT The Naked Truth

May 26, 2025 

Giants Among Us


Back in 1997, my neighbour decided to plant a tree in his front yard to match up with the line of Douglas fir trees on the other side of the driveway.  He picked a different species of evergreen that was only two feet tall.  When we moved in across the street in 2008, this tree had already grown to a height of 35 feet or 10 metres in only 11 years.  Well here we are in 2025 and it has now reached a height of 90-100 feet or 30 metres.

(click here for the full story)

 

Video of the Day

 

An amazing look at how a man obtains honey for his family in the jungle.

After watching Tete climb up a 40-meter tree with a vine in place of a rope, then balance on a precarious branch while being stung by an angry swarm of bees I don’t think I’ll ever quite look at a bottle of honey the same way.

If this doesn’t make you appreciate the luxury and convenience of a well-stocked grocery store nothing will. 

 

Joke Of The Day

Apple is developing a product—invented by Bart Simpson—that cleans your vehicle.

The iCaroomba

 

Thought For The Day

 

 

 

 

 

Community Events

 

This year's Walk The Rock is back on June 1, 2025, from 11am-3pm, along the White Rock Beach Promenade. 

Family-friendly activities will be hosted at both Bayview Park and Memorial Park. At Bayview Park, there will be an Oceanside Yoga class and a by-donation exercise class for anyone who wants to get active while breathing in the beautiful sea air. All participants of the exercise classes at Bayview will receive an event swag bag full of healthy lifestyle items. Walk your way down to Memorial Park where you will find fair activities, a vendor market, raffles, and food trucks!

Walk The Rock is a Youth In Action planned event! The Youth In Action program is a Healthy Communities initiative that is designed for grades 10-12 students in South Surrey and White Rock who want to make a difference, get hands-on volunteer experience, and get involved with helping to make their community the healthiest possible. 

This year, 100% of all proceeds from the Walk The Rock event will go towards our Healing Starts Here campaign, supporting a new production kitchen and upgraded food services at Peace Arch Hospital. What's more? Homelife Realty will be matching all donations up to $5,000.00! Don't miss out on making your donation that will double the impact for our community hospital.

WHEN: Sunday, June 1, 2025

TIME: 11:00am - 3:00pm 

WHERE: White Rock Beach Promenade (Bayview Park & Memorial Park)

Can't make the event? Donate and have your donation matched! 

 

 

 

(click here for other upcoming events)

 

 

Tomorrow In THE SUN

Yell It Like It Is

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Check the weather in White Rock in real time.

It's always sunny in White Rock 

 

 

East Beach Camera

 

 

West Beach Camera

   

 

 

 

 

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Serving White Rock & South Surrey since June 02, 2007

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