The right of passage for North American males in the from the 50's to the 90's was cruising. In cars that is. Vestiges of crusing can still be seen in White Rock on a daily basis. Fridays and Saturdays were meant to show and shine your custom car, hot rod or back yard project for all the world to see. It didn't matter if you grew up in a major Canadian city or a small Prairie town, we headed out to “cruise” from one end of town to the next, back and forth back and forth.
In my case growing up in “North” Surrey our footprint was from the Dog n Suds on Hjorth Road (104th avenue) to the A&W on Peterson Hill at the North end of Whalley heading down to the Patullo Bridge. Gas was cheap probably in the neighbourhood of .50 cents a gallon. If you were lucky enough to be cruising thru one of the drive ins and there was a spot on the outside of the drive thru you could back in, push the seat back, crank up CKLG or CFUN radio and let the good times roll. Before our very own eyes there was a steady stream of beautiful cars slowly crawling through the drive in for all to admire.
On Sundays we would head out to the two main cruise destinations at the beach. Birch Bay and the strip along the White Rock waterfront. To this very day one can park themselves on a patio along Marine Drive's restaurant strip and marvel at the custom cars and hot rods that roll along Marine Drive. For a period back in the 80’s I rented the bottom half of a house on “The Hump” section of Marine Drive. It had a big patio out front with a picnic table which hosted many Saturday Sunday gatherings. The soundtrack to that era was AC/DC, DEF LEPPARD and newcomers LOVERBOY blaring out of the much improved auto sound systems.
Good harmless fun, punctuated with the odd chopper motorcycle, and on occasion a procession of local motorcycle enthusiasts the GYPSY WHEELERS and later the SATANS ANGELS striking fear into hearts of the uninitiated and out of towners.
The youth of today not only don’t care about owning a vehicle let alone a custom hot rod, thus the drivers of all the cool cars these days you see along the strip all pulling down OAS and CPP to supplement their rides.
Enter THE ROD GOD Mike Herrick President of the Westcoasters Car Club who's motto is "Its a sin to squish old tin."
Mike grew up in White Rock living on Cosmic Alley. Being a self appointed car nut Mike had a rich history with the cruise in White Rock. For years he dreamed of having a car show on the beach as opposed to where he was relegated during the Sea Festival, out in the cow pasture in Semiahmoo Park.
For the past couple of years I assured Mike I would do everything I could at the city council chambers to fulfill not only his dream but mine as well.
I believe this year's RUN TO THE ROCK will establish itself very quickly as THE car show to be at and to visit. In future years I would love to see a giant “cruise out” of all the cars leaving the parking lots on Marine right before the annual Sea Festival Torchlight parade. What an incredible sight of having Marine Drive closed (which it is anyways for the parade) and both lanes of Marine Drive hosting a side by side hot rod custom car "cruise out" as opposed to a cruise in. People could set their lawn chairs up along the sidewalk, or in front yards or book a table on a patio and enjoy the trip down memory lane.
Think of the movie AMERICAN GRAFFITI.
This can become CANADIAN GRAFFITI right here in our City by the Sea.
Surrey Police Service (SPS) is investigating shots fired outside a business in Cloverdale in the mid-afternoon of May 21, 2026.
On May 21, 2026, at approximately 2:24 pm, SPS officers responded to a report of gunshots near 58 Avenue and 176 Street, Surrey. Upon arrival, police located at least one business damaged by the gunshots. There have been no reported injuries.
At 2:47 pm, SPS officers responded to a report of a vehicle on fire near 20 Avenue and 174 Street, Surrey.
The investigation is in its early stages and the motive for the shots fired is unknown. It is not, however, believed to be extortion related. Investigators will be examining whether the vehicle fire is connected to the shots fired.
SPS’s Major Crime Section (MCS) has taken over the lead on the investigation, and the Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS) will be in the area processing physical and digital evidence.
Traffic in the area of 58 Avenue and 175 Street has been shut down while the scene is processed.
Anyone with information about this incident, including CCTV or dashcam footage, or who may know the identities of the suspects is asked to contact SPS’ non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 26-50217 (SP).
Full-patch Hells Angel Jaswinder ‘Jas’ Basi, 41, was uninjured after someone opened fire at a Surrey auto spa business. Basi, currently a member of the Hells Angels Nomads in Ontario was the target of the shooting.
Cops responded to a shots-fired call at about 2:24 p.m. near 58th Avenue and 176th Street. Cool Whipz Auto Spa, at 5811 176th St., was behind police tape. Half an hour later SPS reported a vehicle on fire near 20th Avenue and 174th Street.
Shutdown For The Weekend
The new Patullo bridge aka stal̕əw̓asəm bridge northbound traffic will be closed over this weekend from 9pm on Friday, May 22, until 5am on Monday, May 25.
Southbound traffic will remain open during this time.
May 21, 2026
Bad Timing
BC Conservative leadership candidate Kerry-Lynne Findlay is under investigation by the federal election watchdog over expenses relating to her unsuccessful federal re-election campaign in 2025, Business in Vancouver has learned.
The Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections, which oversees federal election laws, is currently conducting interviews and requesting information relating to Findlay’s campaign.
Man Charged with Firearms and Extortion Related Offences
..another one bites the dust
A man has been charged with a number of Criminal Code offences following separate investigations by Surrey Police Service (SPS) and Abbotsford Police Department for incidents that took place in Surrey and Abbotsford in December 2025.
On December 14, 2025, at approximately 2:30 am, SPS Frontline officers responded to reports of shots fired at a business located in the 8000 block 120 Street, Surrey. Police confirmed damage to the building was caused by gunshots. The business, which had received extortion threats, was occupied at the time and fortunately none of the staff present were injured. The SPS news release regarding that incident can be found here: Police Investigate Early Morning Shots Fired | Surrey Police .
On December 15, 2025, at approximately 2:05 am, SPS Frontline officers responded to a business parking lot in the 12400 block Old Yale Road, Surrey, where two vehicles had been lit on fire, causing significant damage. This business had also received extortion threats.
On December 17, 2025, members of the Abbotsford Police Department arrested Gursewak Singh immediately after a shooting incident on King Road. See the APD news release here: AbbyPD Investigates Overnight Shooting on King Road
The SPS Organized Crime unit worked with APD investigators and were able to identify a common suspect in all three incidents.
Twenty-two-year-old Gursewak Singh has now been charged with the following Criminal Code offences in relation to the two SPS investigations:
Discharge of a firearm at a place, knowing or being reckless as to whether another person was present
Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm without a license or registration
Extortion using a firearm
Occupying a vehicle knowing there was a firearm present
Possession of a firearm without a license or registration
Possession of a firearm knowing it was without a license or registration
Two counts of arson in relation to property
Extortion
Gursewak Singh has been detained by the court. His next court appearance is set for May 22, 2026.
SPS is asking anyone who has information on Gursewak Singh to contact SPS’s non-emergency number at 604-599-0502, call our Extortion Tip Line at 236-485-5149, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca if you wish to remain anonymous.
Point of View
How many times have you driven by the Little Campbell River on our way out of town on Marine Drive?
Very few of us have ever had the opportunity to see what a beautiful stretch of the little river really looks like. The river runs through the Semiahmoo first nations land from the ocean all the way out to HWY 99. The headwaters of the Little Campbell are in danger from expansion of commercial properties in the Campbell Heights district of South Surrey.
Another point of view is what our City by the Sea looks like at sunset from a bird's eye view.
Drinking & Driving / Long Weekend Results in over 70 Impaired Driving Investigations
Surrey Police Service (SPS) is reminding drivers about the serious dangers and consequences of impaired driving after issuing over 70 impaired driving-related prohibitions over the May long weekend.
This past long weekend, SPS’s Road Safety Section and Impaired Driving Unit officers were proactively patrolling for impaired drivers. Between Friday, May 15, and Monday, May 18, the officers issued 73 impaired driving-related prohibitions ranging from Criminal Code impaired driving charges to Immediate Roadside Prohibitions.
Impaired driving remains one of the major causes of collisions across British Columbia. SPS would like to remind drivers that alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, and certain prescription medications can all impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle by impacting reaction time, judgment, coordination, and attention.
Some helpful safety tips include:
Leave your car at home and use a taxi or ride share service
Plan your transit route before you go so you know how to get home safely
Choose a designated driver who will stay sober and get you home safely
Never get into a vehicle with a driver you believe may be impaired
If you suspect someone is driving impaired, please call 9-1-1.
The Rotary Club of South Surrey, would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone in the community who came out to support our recent “Shreddit” event. We were truly overwhelmed by the incredible turnout and community support.
Due to the unexpectedly high volume, our shredding trucks reached capacity much sooner than anticipated and, unfortunately, we were unable to accommodate everyone who attended. We sincerely apologize to those who were turned away or experienced frustration and disappointment.
We would also kindly ask for understanding and patience, as every person involved in organizing and operating this event was volunteering their time to help support the community. The tremendous response far exceeded expectations, which speaks to how valued this event is.
All monies raised on Saturday go directly to support our community projects and a Children’s Home in Battambang Cambodia.
We are incredibly grateful for the support shown by the community and will take what we learned this year to help make future events even better.
Thank you again for your support of the South Surrey Rotary Club and the many community initiatives we are proud to be part of.
The club meets every Wednesday at the Rotary Field House at 7.15 am to 8.30 am approximately.,
Everyone is welcome to join us and learn more about our club and Rotary.
The support from our community was amazing! There were cars floating in the parkade and I remember Gordie Hogg handing his car keys over to a resident that lost everything and he said “use it as long as you need”
My Mom always says “keep going” and truly feel that’s where I get it from
I know, it came up in my memories too. Such a terrible loss. Miss your little place. But you built another great place which we loved and then you moved on and now look how well you are doing. We do miss you though.
May 13, 2026
The White Rock Whalers are proud to welcome Josh Daley as our new General Manager. Josh holds his HP1 and brings 20+ years of high-level coaching experience, including serving as the Head Coach of the Valley West U17AAA program for the past 2 years!
What truly sets Josh apart in his new role is his background as an educator, school counselor, and program leader. Josh strengthens our ability to support players in academics, performance mindset, and personal development!
Josh brings real-world experience in supporting young people through pressure, challenge, and growth, making him an invaluable resource as we work to develop players to reach their highest level of play.
Cruise Ship From White Rock to Bowen Island
A great shot showing when Bowen Island, BC was a major steamship destination for BC based tourists circa 1940's.
The small Island, which is a 20 minute ferry ride accessed from Horseshoe Bay today, was a popular destination for company picnics, weekend getaways and summer vacations.
Many of you of a certain vintage would have traveled to the Island via downtown Vancouver on the Union Steamships vessel the 'Lady Alexandra.'
In the 30's the LADY ALEXANDRA docked at the end of the White Rock pier and took passengers to Bowen Island for a day trip.
Metro Vancouver made history on May 1st, the traditional day when they normally initiate Stage 1 water restrictions. Instead of putting these rules in place, they immediately jumped to Stage 2 water restrictions. This was in response to snow pack levels being significantly below normal due to warm winter temperatures and a lack of snow, weather forecasts for a hot and dry summer, plus low rainfall rates in April that have now persisted into May. In April we had only 26.0 mm of rain, which is only 19% of the yearly average for what is usually a very wet month. To date in May, we have only had 11.1 mm of rain and the two week forecast shows only one day of precipitation with 5 mm expected. If we use these figure together, it would total 42.1 mm of rain for the early spring, compared to 127.1 mm in 2025 and 113.6 mm in 2024, which were also years when we had much more snow in the mountains. There is also a problem with water supply due to construction of the Stanley Park Water Supply tunnel that is installing a new pipe from the North Shore which will not be completed till 2029.
The Generations Playground Splash Pad is officially OPEN for the season!
Bring the kids, cool off in the sunshine, and enjoy a fun-filled long weekend with family and friends.
Located in Generations Playground/Ruth Johnston Park 16th avenue/North Bluff
Raccoons usually have one litter of kits each year, though second litters can occasionally arrive in late summer or early fall. That is exactly what happened in August 2025.
Meet Violet, Pedro, and Tito
Growing Strong for the Wild
Since arriving at Critter Care, the trio has spent their time playing, cuddling, exploring, and building the natural instincts they will need to survive in the wild. Watching them grow and be released has been one of the great joys of this past year.
Your Support Makes This Possible
Stories like this do not happen overnight. Wildlife rehabilitation takes time, patience, specialized care, proper nutrition, safe enclosures, and dedicated people working behind the scenes every single day.
That is why our Baby Season 50/50 matters so much. Every ticket purchased helps support animals like Violet, Pedro, and Tito as they heal, grow stronger, and prepare for life back in the wild. And of course, you also have the chance to win. At the time of writing, the jackpot is $37,940, and the winner takes home an estimated $18,970.
