Surrey NOW January 7 2014

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

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Mayor Watts apologizes for liking Facebook post calling Rasode coward

Watts admits to hitting ‘like’ on four posts slamming councillor but says it was an accident Amy Reid

See also NEWS › page 3 See also LETTERS › page 9

Now staff Twitter @amyreid87

SURREY — Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts says it was an accident that she liked four posts on Facebook that slammed Coun.

Barinder Rasode, including one that called her a “coward.”

This comes less than a week after Rasode said publicly that Surrey hasn’t done enough

in Newton, where 53-year-old hockey mom Julie Paskall died after being brutally beaten while picking up her son after a game at the local arena.

“I agree with people who say that our strategy isn’t working. We need to do something right away. The time for talk is

Barinder Rasode

Dianne Watts

over,” Rasode told the Now. On his Facebook account over the weekend, blogger Alex Tsakumis wrote: “I cannot believe that no one has taken either (Laila)

Yuile or Rasode to task for what they have done. Paskall’s body hadn’t hit to morgue (sic) yet and there’s Rasode in front of a camera saying that Surrey ‘hasn’t done enough!’”

Yuile is a local blogger who has been calling on the city to take action following the attack.

Tsakumis went on to write that most of Surrey council has taken the “dignified” route, except Rasode who he says “is out trying to score political points on lies.”

He calls Rasode’s behaviour “disgusting” and “shameless” and calls her a “coward.”

Hectic week for firefighters

Whalley

Crime spree ends with Surrey arrest

Surrey firefighters battle a blaze in the 12600-block of 69th Avenue after 5 p.m.

Saturday. Two families were burned out of this two-storey home.

See more on this and other fires on page 4 in today’s issue.

SURREY — The man believed to be responsible for a series of violent carjackings in Richmond and Vancouver Sunday has been arrested in Surrey. Police say the grey Honda Civic they were looking for was located in Surrey and an arrest was made shortly before midnight.

The suspect was arrested at 108th Avenue and University Drive in Whalley.

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Send your story ideas or photo submissions to ‘Now’ editor Beau Simpson at edit@thenownewspaper.com

Newton

Surrey to hold safety meeting EMAIL YOUR LETTERS WITH Tom Zytaruk and Amy Reid Now staff

SURREY — Mayor Dianne Watts says city hall must lobby higher levels of government to help make Surrey’s streets safer while it takes action itself at the street level.

“I think there’s things we can do right away,” Watts told the Now, as pressure mounts on city council in this election year to try to prevent homicides such as Julie Paskall’s from happening.

A public safety hearing was set for Monday night at Fleetwood Recreation Centre, with a question and answer period. Check thenownewspaper.com for coverage.

Meanwhile, a makeshift memorial continues to grow outside the Newton Arena, where Paskall, 53, was attacked Dec. 29 as she was waiting to pick up her son from a hockey game. She died in hospital two days later.

A collection for the family has been started.

Donations to the “Paskall Family Trust” can be made at any Vancity credit union branch.

Of Surrey’s 25 homicide victims in 2013, 18 of those victims led what police call a “high-risk lifestyle,” involving drugs, gangs, prostitution or other criminal activity.

Three of the 25 fell victim to domestic violence, and the remaining four died as a result of a hit-and-run traffic crash, a robbery, and attacks in which mental health issues played a role.

The outcry in Paskall’s case has been particularly great, as she was simply going about her regular business when she was robbed and beaten. Her fate could have been anyone’s.

Since Paskall’s death, Watts noted, city staff have reviewed lighting and sight-lines around the arena, deployed community safety officers and increased foot patrols, and have

Surrey

Watts emails Rasode to say sorry

‹ from page 1

The memorial for Julie Paskall outside the Newton Arena grew bigger by the hour as family, friends and locals left items in her memory. (Photo: JACOB ZINN) reviewed closed circuit television in the area.

They’re also looking at relocating some heritage trees and are contemplating the future of a forest behind the arena.

Some will say it’s high time, given recent crimes in the troubled Newton core (see the Now’s letter page, this issue).

Watts says help is needed from higher levels of government to regulate recovery houses, help manage growth south of the Fraser River, provide resources to help people with mental health and addiction issues, and to move the Newton Exchange “so we can redevelop the front of the recreation building.”

Surrey had a record-breaking 25 homicides in 2013. The previous record was 21, in 2005.

After that record was broken on Nov. 18, Watts set up a mayor’s task force comprising herself, police, firefighters, a criminologist, bylaws officer and school district officials, to investigate “causal factors” behind the crimes.

Chief Supt. Bill Fordy, of the Surrey RCMP, has since redeployed 49 plainclothes and uniformed police officers of all ranks, in

Whalley and Newton.

As a result, 45 people have been arrested for drugs, and on outstanding warrants, six vehicles have been seized for transporting drugs, 11 people have been arrested for allegedly dealing in heroin, crack cocaine, pot, MDMA and crystal meth, and eight drug houses have been raided.

Despite a record homicide year, the Surrey RCMP recorded a 10 per cent decrease in other violent crimes across the city as of 2013’s third quarter compared to the same time the year previous. The fourth quarter report for 2013 is not yet available.

When it comes to Newton, violent crimes went down three per cent overall, from 1,637 in 2012 to 1,582 in 2013.

The statistics show a 75 per cent increase in homicide, with seven recorded homicides in 2013, compared to four by the end of the third quarter in 2012.

Robberies decreased by 17 per cent, sexual assaults increased by 13 per cent, and abductions/kidnappings increased by 67 per cent.

Watts said Monday she unknowingly “liked” these Facebook comments.

In a message to all of Surrey council, Watts wrote: “It has come to my attention that for some reason it showed that I ‘liked’ comments that Alex Tsakumis (sic). Please know that this was not done intentionally. I read it last evening and I immediately contacted Alex and told him to take it down. I will forward all of you that message. It is inappropriate and I will not support or condone those comments made towards any member of Council.

“From what I gather when reading it on my Ipad (sic) if I tap it twice it automatically likes it. I am so sorry. My daughter brought it to my attention and I had assumed it was rectified.

“If this has caused you any distress, I sincerely apologize. I will also post on Alex facebook (sic) page as well. Again I apologize.”

Rasode confirmed Monday the mayor emailed her saying it was a mistake.

“I would like to say that social media has elevated the involvement and discussion on issues. It is so positive that everyone’s voice can be heard.

You don’t need a title or a press release to engage in directing the shape our community takes,” she said.

“It is however unfortunate that in very rare extreme circumstances, those who choose to serve are treated with such disrespect and without a filter that determines what the facts actually are.”

areid@thenownewspaper.com

Whalley

Mayhem included violent carjackings and stabbing ‹ from page 1

The suspect is described as a white man in his early 30s, about six feet tall and with a heavy build.

The mayhem began in Richmond at around 6:45 p.m., when a speeding black Ford Geo rear-ended a minivan on the EastWest Connector’s exit ramp to Highway 99.

The impact of the crash propelled the minivan, which was carrying a family of

three, more than 100 metres down the highway, where it landed on its roof, said police. Two of the three passengers were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Geo ended up in a ditch and its driver ran to a nearby home in the 4200-block of Deerfield Crescent, where he knocked on the door and stabbed the homeowner, a man in his 60s, and stole a grey Honda

Accord. The homeowner was taken to hospital in serious condition.

The man then drove to Vancouver, where he was involved in a head-on collision near 27th Avenue and Victoria Drive just after 7 p.m., said Vancouver Police.

He ran to Victoria and Kingsway where he allegedly tried to rob a man at an ATM machine. Afterward, the man crossed the street to an Esso, where he allegedly tried to

steal another vehicle with two children, age seven and 10, in the back seat.

The driver of the vehicle managed to get the two kids and his wife out of the car. He sustained minor injuries.

The suspect was believed to have been armed with a knife or a screwdriver.

Both Vancouver police and the RCMP were involved in the manhunt.

The Province

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NEWS

CITY OF SURREY NOTICE

Surrey

Two fires Saturday focus attention on smoke alarms

nEWton BusInEss ImPRoVEmEnt aREa (BIa) takE notICE that: The Council of the City of Surrey proposes the establishment of a Business Improvement Area (BIA) for the Newton area. The purpose of the BIA is to promote, stimulate and improve the economic viability of the business area.

The BIA is to be funded by a local service tax levy on Commercial and Industrial properties prescribed as Class 5 (Light Industry) or Class 6 (Business or other). The budget for the first five years will be $400,000 a year: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The property owners will pay 100% of the cost. The estimated levy of $0.84 per $1,000 of assessed value, will be included on your 2014 tax statement and must be paid in full by the tax due date.

Tom Zytaruk

Now staff Twitter @tomzytaruk

SURREY — Roughly 80 per cent of the house fires Surrey firefighters have responded to had fire alarms, but only about 30 per cent of them were working, Deputy Fire Chief Dan Barnscher said.

A house fire in Fleetwood last Thursday killed an elderly woman, sent two other people to Vancouver General Hospital’s burn unit and a third to Royal Columbian Hospital.

Three children were in the basement suite.

“None of the children were harmed in any way,” Barnscher said.

The fire was contained to the front living room on the second floor and investigators are still trying to determine its cause.

Barnscher said there were four smoke alarms in the house but none were working.

One had no battery, in another the battery was disconnected, one hardwired alarm had been pulled out, and the other was disconnected.

Barnscher said fire alarms should be

FURTHER, TAKE NOTICE THAT pursuant to Section 213 of the Community Charter, S.B.C. 2003, c.26, as amended, the BIA may proceed unless Council receives sufficient petition against the service within 30 days after the second date of publication of this Notice in the Surrey Now newspaper.

A sufficient petition must: 1. be signed by the owners of at least 50% of the parcels that would be subject to the local service tax, and 2. the persons signing must be the owners of parcels that in total represent at least 50% of the assessed value of land and improvements that would be subject to the local service tax.

Persons desiring to petition against the undertaking of the Newton Business Improvement Area must do so by submitting their petition, in writing, within 30 days of the second date of publication of this Notice in the Surrey Now newspaper dated January 7 and January 14, 2014. The final date for the acceptance of petitions will be Friday, February 14, 2014 at 4:30 pm.

If you wish to petition against the establishment of the Newton Business Improvement Area, the petition can be obtained from the Office of the City Clerk, Surrey City Hall, 14245 - 56 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3X 3A2, telephone (604) 591-4132, fax (604) 591-8731, or email: clerks@surrey.ca.

110713

010714

Jane Sullivan CITY CLERK

tested at least once a month and if it’s a battery alarm, the battery should be changed twice per year.

Meanwhile, two house fires on Saturday in South Surrey and Newton kept firefighters busy. It was not known at the Now’s print deadline Monday if either were equipped with working fire alarms. It was also not known what caused the fires.

The first happened at 11:30 a.m., in the 16300-block of 48th Avenue. The elderly couple living in the rancher were not home at the time. There are no fire hydrants in the area, so firefighters had to bring water in from the nearest hydrant.

The rancher was severely damaged, Barnscher said. “It was unsafe to enter.” The couple’s pet dog and cat are missing.

“We’re assuming they perished.”

The second fire happened in the 12600block of 69th Avenue, just after 5 p.m. The roof of the two-storey house collapsed, but no one was injured.

Barnscher said at press time that investigators were still trying to determine if either house had working smoke alarms.

www.surrey.ca

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

NEWS

pA R K s R E C R E AT I O N A N D C U LT U R E

connecting seniors to

Surrey

Woman who fell to death ID’d as Maurine Arogie Boyfriend released but homicide team continues to investigate

has a criminal record made up of relatively minor offences.

The deceased is described as an AfricanCanadian woman. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team continues to work on the investigation.

“Our goal right now is to try and determine from him what were the circumstances that led to her falling to her death and if the circumstances were criminal in nature,” MacIntosh said Wednesday, before the man was released.

Surrey had a record-high 25 murders in 2013, including the death of hockeymom Julie Paskall, 53, who died Tuesday of injuries suffered during a brutal attack outside a hockey arena in Newton.

The New Year’s Day fatality could end up being Surrey’s first homicide of 2014.

Anyone with information relating to either of these cases is asked to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or ihittipline@rcmp-grc. gc.ca. Anonymous tips can also be made through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

WHALLEY — The man arrested in connection with the “suspicious” death of 19-year-old Maurine Arogie, who fell from the 26th floor of a Whalley apartment in the 13000-block of 100th Avenue on New Year’s Day, has been released.

IHIT spokesman Sgt. Adam MacIntosh said the Surrey woman fell at about 1 a.m.

Wednesday. Two RCMP officers in the area on an unrelated matter witnessed the fall.

A 23-year-old man, with whom police say she was in a relationship, was arrested at the scene. Police said Thursday that the man had been released.

MacIntosh said police were initially called to the scene in response to a possible domestic disturbance.

Mounties have visited the residence in the past for other domestic disturbance calls.

MacIntosh said the 23-year-old suspect

Amy Reid With files from Vancouver Sun

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BRIDGEVIEW COMMUNITY RECREATION pROGRAMs Preschool Programs in cloverdale Family Fun nights Your family has decided to set aside some time to have a family night, but now you aren’t sure what to do. Every Friday there are a variety of family friendly programs to choose from including family yoga, family table tennis, parent and tot programs, and more. One Friday of each month in the lobby will be themed “special family activities” Chinese New Year Friday, January 31 Games Night Friday, February 28 Movie & Healthy Snacks Friday, March 14

math Fun with numbers Fun introduction to numbers through songs, stories, games and play.

8 Sessions $48 3-5yrs 4348354 W Jan 15 3:30pm-4:15pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre

Parent Participation

ready set read A fun and interactive environment to introduce your child to reading.

Includes phonics, letter recognition and more.

8 Sessions $49.50 4-5yrs 4348365 Th Jan 16 3:30pm-4:30pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre

Pre-sPort skills A fun and social way to be active, improve coordination, and build basic movement skills used in a variety of sports.

8 Sessions $41.25 2-3yrs 4348210 Sa Jan 18 9:15am-10:00am 4348211 Sa Jan 18 10:15am-11:00am Cloverdale Recreation Centre rhythm & rhyme An opportunity for you and your child to experience movement to music, songs, rhythmic instruments and musical games.

8 Sessions $41.25 2-3yrs 4348212 Sa Jan 18 9:30am-10:15am Cloverdale Recreation Centre 8 Sessions $41.25 18mos-2yrs 4349468 W Jan 22 9:30am-10:15am Don Christian Recreation Centre

imagination station See what you can create by using your imagination. Learn to make different experiments, crafts & play some games along the way.

8 Sessions $41.25 2-4yrs 4349461 Tu Jan 21 11:15am-12:00pm Don Christian Recreation Centre

Preschool

social rec seasonal

Preschool Social Recreation programs are based on responsive curriculum where the educators offer an exciting, reflective program based on children’s interests. Parent Participation field trip opportunities will be a part of the program.

18 Sessions $258.25 3-5yrs 4348372 T/ Th Jan 14 12noon-2:00pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre 7 Sessions $117.25 3-5yrs 4349557 Sa Jan 25 9:15am-11:45am Cloverdale Mini Rec

Plan ahead – earLY PreSCHooL reGiStration Register early for the 2014-2015 school year on March 6, 2014 at 8:30am.

Year long programs run from September 2014 - June 2015.

Scheduled monthly payment options available. Join us for our Preschool Open House on February 26 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.

Phonics Fun Fun introduction to the alphabet through songs, stories, games, and play.

8 Sessions $48 4-5yrs 4348357 W Jan 15 4:30pm-5:15pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre

Floorball Floorball is a fun, safe and inclusive sport that is a cross between floor and ball hockey. Players will be introduced to basic ball and stick handling skills.

8 Sessions $41.25 4-6yrs 4348607 F Jan 17 4:30pm-5:15pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre Pre-sPort skills A fun and social way to be active, improve coordination, and build basic movement skills used in a variety of sports.

8 Sessions $41.25 3-5yrs 4348362 Sa Jan 18 11:15am-12noon Cloverdale Recreation Centre Paint, Paste, Pour Paint, Paste and Pour your day away. Come have fun while exploring different ways to show your artistic ability.

8 Sessions $49.50 3-5yrs 4349467 Tu Jan 21 12:30pm-1:30pm Don Christian Recreation Centre story, art & Play Introduction to preschool through songs, crafts and exploration. Different themes include dinosaurs, insects, farms, gardening, jungle animals, ocean life and more!

8 Sessions $49.50 3-5yrs 4349521 Th Jan 23 3:15pm-4:15pm Don Christian Recreation Centre cooking Mix, measure and create your own fun in the kitchen. Learn about kitchen etiquette, healthy food and nutrition. Each week includes hands-on experience preparing kid-friendly snacks.

6 Sessions $52.25 3-5yrs 4349528 F Jan 24 9:15am-10:15am Don Christian Recreation Centre science discovery Young scientists join us for a day of exciting activities and experiments that you can try at home!

6 Sessions $43.25 3-5yrs 4349543 F Jan 24 10:45am-11:45am Don Christian Recreation Centre

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children Youth Programs in cloverdale BRIDGEVIEW&COMMUNITY RECREATION pROGRAMs

Children

basketball

Learn fundamental basketball skills including dribbling, shooting, passing and lay ups.

9 Sessions $55.75 6-8yrs 4348015 W Jan 15 4:30pm-5:30pm 9 Sessions $55.75 8-10yrs 4348016 W Jan 15 5:30pm-6:30pm 9 Sessions $55.75 10-12yrs 4347963 W Jan 15 6:30pm-7:30pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre basketball For girls Skill building and fun game play for girls only.

For beginner and intermediate level players.

9 Sessions $55.75 9-12yrs 4347964 W Jan 15 3:30pm-4:30pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre French Learn to read, write and speak basic French words and phrases in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Emphasis will be placed on conversational French.

9 Sessions $63.50 6-12yrs 4347996 Th Jan 16 4:45pm-5:45pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre i am game Prepare children to enjoy a wide variety of sports. Play fun activities that focus on basic movement skills. Build confidence and comfort while learning about teamwork, leadership and fair play. For children with minimal sport experience.

8 Sessions $49.50 6-9yrs 4348175 Sa Jan 18 2:30pm-3:30pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre

Youth

cloverdale youth droP-in Preteen DroP-in (GraDeS 5 to 7) Saturdays 4:00pm to 6:00pm YoUtH DroP-in (GraDeS 8 to 12) Thursdays 6:00pm to 10:00pm Fridays 6:00pm to 10:00pm Saturdays 6:00pm to 10:00p Just For girls This very popular night is planned around activities that have been requested by girls and for girls!

Beading, cooking, nail art, contests, fitness and crafts are all part of night!

1st and 3rd Wednesday of the Month 5:30pm to 7:30pm don christian youth droP-in PRETEEN DROP-IN (GRADES 5 TO 7) Tuesdays 2:30pm to 5:00pm Fridays 2:30pm to 5:00pm Preteen dances Music, lights, games and prizes are just a part of all the fun.

All dances are fully supervised.

1 Session $5 10-13yrs 4349714 F Feb 7 7:00pm-9:30pm 4349715 F Mar 7 7:00pm-9:30pm Don Christian Recreation Centre

yoga This gentle activity focuses on stretching and relaxing exercises. Learn to focus and control your energy flow through basic yoga positions.

4 Sessions $30.00 12-18yrs 4348220 W Jan 15 3:45pm-4:45pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre cooking - indian Enjoy the fun-filled, hands-on experience of preparing, cooking and sampling a diverse selection of cooking styles and dishes from different states of India.

1 Session $10.25 13-16yrs 4347377 W Jan 15 5:30pm-7:00pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre sushi - level 1 Learn the basics of making your own Sushi, including California Rolls and Kappa Maki!

1 Session $10.25 13-16yrs 4348219 W Jan 22 5:30pm-7:00pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre cooking - asian Enjoy the hands on experience of preparing, cooking and sampling a selection of dishes from Asia.

1 Session $10.25 13-16yrs 4347368 W Jan 29 5:30pm-7:00pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre babysitter training Learn the essentials of babysitting through our Canada Safety Council endorsed program. Certification upon completion. $7 fee for manual added at time for registration.

2 Sessions $50.25 12-15yrs 4347306 Sa-Su Jan 18 9:00am-2:00pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre home sense Create a safe environment while home alone. Important topics such as message taking, food preparation, playing safe and stranger danger are all taught through fun and educational activities.

1 Session $21.75 10-13yrs 4348172 Sa Jan 25 11:30am-3:30pm Cloverdale Recreation Centre

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VIEWPOINT

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Address: The Surrey Now, #201 7889 132nd St., Surrey, B.C. V3W 4N2

NEWSPAPER.COM

Publisher: Alvin Brouwer

B.C. politics

Questions to consider for 2014 InTheHouse Keith Baldrey

FOLLOW KEITH ON TWITTER

E

very time a new year begins, I always wonder whether politicians will change their behaviour when it comes to some key issues over the next 12 months.

Or will they simply stick to the old ways, even if doing so weakens their credibility?

Politicians can be very stubborn, so I suspect little will change, but no matter.

Here are some examples of what to look for from our elected representatives in the coming year: ❚ Will Premier Christy Clark and her government continue to boast that their so-called BC Jobs Plan is working?

It is not, at least not right now.

It may in the future, but despite more than $10 million in government advertising touting its success before the May election, the finance ministry’s own numbers from its most recent quarterly financial report tell the real story: there were about 2,600 fewer jobs in B.C. in 2013 than the year previous.

Nevertheless, the B.C. Liberals show no signs of backing off their claim of success of job creation.

I suppose if they keep making that kind of claim, eventually they will be correct. But we’re not there yet. ❚ During the upcoming NDP leadership race, will the candidates continue to insist the positions of the environmental movement and the private sector natural resource industry can be accommodated in the same political platform?

The positions are untenable, but I expect leadership candidates will try to have everything both ways,

to avoid rocking the ship.

It’s simply a way of saying: “Let’s not talk about this right now because everyone will get mad at each other.”

But it’s an issue the NDP cannot avoid forever, no matter how hard the party tries to paper things over. ❚ Will the federal Opposition parties continue to equate pretty well anything the Harper government does with an assault on democracy that will imperil our lives?

It’s almost as if Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s political opponents have succumbed to some kind of syndrome that causes them to view all concerns with his government’s policies with the same horror, much of it exaggerated. I suspect this approach will only serve to work for the prime minister come election time. ❚ Will next spring’s provincial Throne Speech

again mention that paying off the provincial debt remains a realistic goal in the near future?

The government’s own books show the debt climbing to more than $66 billion in the coming year, and close to $70 billion the following year. If those much-touted liquefied natural gas plants are ever built – a big “if ” – the revenues to government may be enough to entertain the thought of paying off the debt. But we are a long, long, long way from that.

Of course, all these contradictory facts were pointed out during the recent election campaign, but it didn’t seem to matter to the voters. ❚ Will the B.C. government continue to insist it is “transparent and open” about things?

Its track record suggests otherwise, as journalists

and researchers continue to complain about difficult freedom of information requests (for example, many government documents are completely blanked out when they are released).

When I hear a “transparent and open” claim coming from any government these days I tend to think “secretive and closed.” ❚ Will the B.C. NDP continue to try to raise money by sending out fundraising letters that suggest donating to that party will actually help change B.C. Liberal government policy, as the party has done over the issue of rising BC Hydro rates?

If you think sending the NDP $50 or $100 will force the B.C. Liberals to lower BC Hydro rate hikes, I have some very valuable land in Florida to sell you. ❚ Will Premier Christy

Clark shed her aversion to Victoria and allow the legislature to have a fall sitting in October?

Clark has stated she thinks the legislature is a toxic place, akin to a “cancer” where nothing but bad things happen.

Of course, not having the legislature in session allows her government to avoid scrutiny much of the year, which is unhealthy for democracy (no matter your own personal political views). ❚ Will politicians, from any party, insist from time to time that something “is not about politics?” Of course, this usually means that particular something is precisely about politics.

When you hear he or she say this, run.

Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC Keith.Baldrey@globalnews.ca

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an 9letters

LETTERS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

AN09

Send your letters to ‘Now’ editor Beau Simpson at edit@thenownewspaper.com

Talk, talk, talk – Newton needs action Newton. We certainly don’t want to hear that overall crime is a “conversation for another day.”

In this dismissive comment, Mayor Watts, you fail to inspire confidence in public safety.

Corry Chadsey, Surrey

Watts needs to act for Newton, not pray

A memorial outside Newton’s community centre grows on Thursday. Julie Paskall’s family, friends and nearby residents left flowers and heartfelt messages. (Photo: JACOB ZINN) the Night.” But you know, you get tired of complaining, going to meetings, getting nowhere and you begin to accept that it’s just the way things are in Newton and Surrey.

Oh I know, they’re going to step up police patrols, get more lighting. I bet they hold a community meeting too, but will anything really change?

We know that eyes on the street are what make us safe. Criminals don’t want to be seen.

Will more police officers be hired? Will there be a more visible on-the-ground police presence? Will we have CCTV cameras installed in high crime areas? Will we look at ways to make people feel safe and get them back out on the street and in the parks again? What will be done to make sure we are safe in Newton and Surrey?

Sheena Macintyre Wilkie, Surrey

Mayor, conversation needs to happen now The Editor, Re: “From bad to worse in Newton,” the Now, Jan. 2.

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The Editor, Re: “From bad to worse in Newton,” the Now, Jan. 2.

Regarding the vicious and senseless attack on the hockey mom in Newton, Mayor Dianne Watts says she is praying for the woman and her family.

Praying isn’t going to do anything. It never has – she needs to act now to make that place (recreation centre and bus loop) a lot more safe now! Young children, young women and the rest of us frequent that area and we need protection.

A police presence needs to be there all day until the last bus leaves to keep the criminal element away. We cannot leave the “conversation for another day.”

Act now, Dianne.

Matt Logan, Surrey

Death penalty might deter Surrey’s scum The Editor, Re: “From bad to worse in Newton,” the Now, Jan. 2.

Now we ask for solutions and deterrents.

More lighting? That area has been dark for years. As usual, the politicians are doing too little too late.

As for a deterrent, I have no problem calling once again for the death penalty. The quiet majority needs to get vocal.

Andreas Dutschke, Surrey

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I was very dismayed with Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts’ comment when asked about the bigger picture of crime in Newton.

“That’s a conversation for another day,” said Watts, adding “right now we’re going out for public assistance to get this individual off the streets.”

What I would like Watts to know is, my wife and I, along with my stepdaughter and five-year-old daughter, own a townhouse just two blocks away from the murder site.

In fact, my wife works as a transit operator and often walks through that very parking lot where that poor woman was killed. I can’t stop thinking how it could very well have been my wife who lay there bludgeoned.

Though the perpetrator has yet to be caught, it’s far from egregious to think that the increase in drug crime in the area is tied to this murder. So when someone asks what is being done about overall crime, they are asking exactly what I – along with a lot of people living in the area – am asking too.

We need reassurances, indications or promises of a proactive approach to crime rather that reactive.

Talk about the progress of your task force on murder, talk about your plans (if you have them) to combat drug crime in

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The Editor, Re: “From bad to worse in Newton,” the Now, Jan. 2.

As a longtime Newton and Surrey resident, I am sickened and deeply saddened by the tragic murder at our recreation centre. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this terrible time.

People have been complaining about the escalating crime around Newton for years.

A quick troll through my inbox brings up emails about crime issues in Newton going back years.

We’ve had community forums, meetings, consultations – we’ve been cajoled and promised but mostly we’ve been ignored. It’s been a civic election issue for more than 20 years. Every time there’s a stabbing or purse snatching in Newton, people are on high alert but nothing fundamental ever changes.

Many people will agree the roots of Surrey’s crime are born of the tremendous growth in population without an equal growth in the social infrastructure.

Newton’s real problems started in 1986 when the bus exchange went in. Frankly, it’s been downhill ever since. In 2008, we were told that as part of the city’s crime fighting strategy for Newton that the bus exchange would be moved. It’s still there.

In Newton, our recreation centre and the wave pool face inward – not toward a street but toward each other, sharing a joint parking lot. To the east, the back of a concrete mall and a bank sit next to a big stand of trees.

None of this area is visible from the street – we are talking about an area that has very low visibility, which is poorly lit and is a stone’s throw from a large public bus exchange.

How could we not see this coming?

I haven’t really walked around alone in Newton for years. I go to the bank in daylight, to the grocery store and I walk directly and quickly with purpose and keep my purse tight to my body. It is a terrible thing to not feel safe where you live and work and play.

Thirty years ago in Surrey, we marched down the middle of King George Highway, stopping traffic to “Take back

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

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suRREy sChool DIstRICt - sPECIalty EDuCatIonal PRoGRams You are invited to register for kindergarten and “Choice” programs!

KINDERGARTEN:

DISCOVERY (Grades K-7)

Children who will turn five-years-old before January 1, 2015 are eligible to begin school in September 2014.

In the Discovery program we assist students as they prepare for the challenges of the 21st century. Through program-wide themes, multi-age groupings and engaged learning, we support students as they achieve academic success, develop strong interpersonal skills and learn to think creatively. As a community, we encourage families to participate and share our enthusiasm for life-long learning. Come join us on the adventure!

Begins Monday, January 20, 2014. To register, please contact your nearest elementary school.

Upon registration at the school, the following documents must be provided: 1. proof of birth date for the student (birth certificate or passport); 2. proof of guardianship (parents/guardians as shown on birth certificate or other appropriate legal documentation such as landed immigrant paper or guardianship order); 3. proof of citizenship for both the parent and the student (Canadian birth certificate, citizenship card, passport, landed immigrant document, permanent resident card enhanced driver's licence or enhanced identification card); 4. proof of residency (purchase or rental agreement, cable, hydro or gas bill) Documents which are helpful, but not required: 5. Health documents (Care card, immunization records, medical condition information) (For school catchment areas, view the District website https://www.surreyschools.ca/ departments/BMGs or call 604-595-5195.)

Registration for Grades 1 to 7: Contact the school on January 14, 2014 or later.

Information meeting: 6 p.m. Monday, January 13th, 2014

TRADITIONAL (Grades K-7)

FRENCH IMMERSION

The Traditional program emphasizes a structured approach to learning whereby students acquire skills and knowledge in a systematic and sequential manner through teacherdirected instruction. Space is limited – a waiting list is maintained.

French Immersion programs are intended to develop fluency in French leading to functional bilingualism.

Early French Immersion (Kindergarten entry; Grades K-7) Peace arch 15877 Roper Ave. 604-536-8711

simon Cunningham Woodward hill Riverdale 14835 – 108A Ave. 9380 – 140 St. 6082 – 142 St. 604-588-5978 604-588-4435 604-594-2408 Early French Immersion registration for kindergarten only: Phone the District Education Centre at 604-595-6400 beginning at 5 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2014. Calls will be queued as received, to the capacity of our phone system. If you get a busy signal, please call again.

For more information, contact a school or visit surreyschools.ca/departments/EDSC/ChoicePrograms/ Early French Immersion information meetings: 7 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – Woodward Hill 7 p.m., Thursday, January 9, 2014 – Simon Cunningham Early French Immersion registration for Grades 1 to 7: Contact a school. late French Immersion (Grade 6 entry; Grades 6 & 7)

CHOICE PROGRAMS: B.C.'s largest school district offers a variety of choice programs that challenge students and enhance special skills or philosophies. Whether language programs such as French Immersion, global education programs like International Baccalaureate, Traditional schools or Intensive Fine Arts programs, students receive the regular B.C. school curriculum and have an opportunity to extend their understanding and experience.

Parent information meeting for all sites: (no children please) 6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 9, 2014 – Panorama Ridge Secondary School, Library, 13220 – 64th Ave, Surrey.

Registration: In-person at Royal Heights beginning Monday, January 20, 2014

martha Currie 5811 – 184 St. 604-567-8551

Crescent Park 2440 – 128 St. 604-535-9101

henry Bose 6550 – 134 St. 604-596-6324

k.B. Woodward 13130 – 106 Ave. 604-588-5918

sunrise Ridge 18690 – 60 Ave. 604-576-3000

Jessie lee 2064 – 154 St. 604-531-8833

late French Immersion registration for Grade 6 entry: In-person registration only, beginning 8 a.m., Monday, January 27, 2014. late French Immersion information meetings: 7 p.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2014 – Jessie Lee 7 p.m., Thursday, January 23, 2014 – Henry Bose French Immersion continues into the secondary level (Grades 8 to 12) at these schools: Earl marriott 15751 – 16 Ave. 604-531-8354

sunnyside 2828 – 159 St. 604-531-4826

Registration for kindergarten only: Phone the District Education Centre at 604-595-6400 beginning at 5 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2014. Calls will be queued as received, to the capacity of our phone system. If you get a busy signal, please call again.

Discovery program will be located at: Royal Heights 11665 – 97 Ave. 604-581-7622

laronde 1880 Laronde Dr. 604-536-1626

mountainview 15225 – 98 Ave. 604-589-1193

kwantlen Park 10441 – 132 St. 604-588-6934

lord tweedsmuir Panorama Ridge 6151 – 180 St. 13220 – 64 Ave. 604-574-7407 604-595-8890 For more information, call the Languages Department at 604-595-5325, or visit surreyschools.ca/departments/EDSC/ ChoicePrograms/

HERITAGE (Grades K-7) East Kensington Heritage school is a small school featuring a family atmosphere in a rural setting. This heritage school has long-standing traditions. Instruction includes traditional approaches and co-operative learning. There is a strong focus on social responsibility and academic achievement.

Registration for kindergarten only: Phone the District Education Centre at 604-595-6400 beginning at 5 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2014. Calls will be queued as received to the capacity of our phone system. If you get a busy signal, please call again.

Registration for Grades 1 to 7: Contact the school.

East kensington 2795 – 184 St. 604-541-1257

Information meeting:

Registration: Contact the school beginning Monday, January 20, 2014. For more information, contact the school or visit surreyschools.ca/departments/EDSC/ ChoicePrograms/

White Rock Wednesday, January 8th, 2014 – 6:30 p.m.

David Brankin Wednesday, January 8th, 2014 – 6:30 p.m.

INTER-A (Grades 7-12) This program provides a context for consistent academics, the development of leadership and personal achievement skills and work in cross-graded group environments. kwantlen Park 10441 – 132 St. 604-588-6934 to book a visit: Email Melanie Skelin at skelin_m@surreyschools.ca starting 9 a.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2014.

Information meeting: 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2014 – Kwantlen Park Sec Theatre For further information contact the school or visit www.inter-a.org

INTEGRATED STUDIES (Grades 8 & 9) This program involves the same teachers for English and Social Studies 8 & 9. It incorporates linear scheduling, interdisciplinary, multiple intelligence curriculum and an enhanced sense of community amongst students and teachers.

Elgin Park 13484 – 24 Ave. 604-538-6678 Registration: Contact the school.

For further information contact the school or visit surreyschools.ca/departments/EDSC/ChoicePrograms/ INTENSIVE FINE ARTS (Grades K-7) The Intensive Fine Arts program emphasizes the four areas of the fine arts – visual art, music, drama, and dance – through the teaching of specific subject knowledge and skills as well as integrating the arts with other subjects across the curriculum. In intermediate grades, some core curriculum may be compressed (fit into smaller chunks of time), due to the emphasis on the arts. Space is limited – a waiting list is maintained.

David Brankin 9160 – 128 St. 604-585-9547

White Rock 1273 Fir St. 604-531-5731

FoR FuRthER InFoRmatIon on all PRoGRams: WWW.suRREysChools.Ca

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (Grades 11 & 12) The two-year IB program provides an enriched and accelerated program of studies. Students have the opportunity to earn university course credits leading to preferred admission and often second-year entry to university.

Registration: Download application form surreyschools.ca/departments/EDSC/ChoicePrograms/ Drop off or mail the completed application to: Semiahmoo Secondary IB World School, 1785 – 148 St., Surrey, BC, V4A 4M6 application due date: December 16th, 2013 during student’s Grade 10 year for entry in Grade 11 the following September. Late applications considered for placement and waiting list.

MONTESSORI (Grades K-7) The Montessori program is intended to develop self-directed students with a global vision. Students work together in multi-age classrooms intended to foster co-operation and community. Curriculum is addressed through an integrated theme-based, multi-sensory approach which emphasizes student independence and choice, and acknowledges individual learning styles.

Cloverdale 17857 – 56 Ave. 604-576-8295

mcleod Road 6325 – 142 St. 604-595-1060

surrey 13875 – 113 Ave. 604-588-1248

Registration for kindergarten only: Phone the District Education Centre at 604-595-6400 beginning at 5 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2014. Calls will be queued as received, to the capacity of our phone system. If you get a busy signal, please call again. For more information, contact a school or visit surreyschools.ca/departments/ EDSC/ChoicePrograms/ Registration for Grades 1 to 7: Contact a school.

SURREY CONNECT A DISTRIBUTED LEARNING SCHOOL (Grades K-12 and adults) Surrey Connect Elementary (K-9) is centrally located within a wing of Brookside Elementary school (8555 – 142A St.) and provides support for students in Grades K to 9. Teachers provide individualized learning programs that include tutorials, workshops, fieldtrips, learning resources, assessments and celebrations!

Students in Grades 8-9 are provided a blended learning experience with both online coursework and face-to-face tutorials.

Registration: 604-595-8505 / hogan_j@surreyschools.ca Surrey Connect Secondary is located at the District’s Education Centre (14033 – 92nd Ave.) and provides support for students in Grades 10-12 and adults. We offer over 70 online courses and also provide face-to-face tutorial support. We support all learners including those students looking for individualized programming such as performing artists, gifted students, students with illness, atypical learners, elite athletes or adults completing graduation requirements. Part-time, full-time and cross-enrolled students at Surrey Connect (Grades 10-12) learn online in a self-paced, continuous-entry blended learning environment.

Registration: Please visit www.surreyconnect.sd36.bc.ca to register and learn more about Surrey Connect, or call us at 604-592-4263.

010714

REGISTRATION:

latimer Road 19233 – 60th Ave 604-576-9184

AN12

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

THE

NEWSPAPER.COM

COMMUNITY Wellbeing guide

VoluntEERInG

Email all Wellbeing listings to edit@thenownewspaper.com.

Publication is not guaranteed.

REaD surrey/White Rock society

is looking for individuals who are interested in being trained to become volunteer tutors. Applicants

must have excellent English skills.

Training is provided by a certified teacher/trainer. For details, call

778-871-5319 or email safullam1@ gmail.com. surrey Crime Prevention society seeks volunteers to support its Community Safety Volunteer Tours and Speed Watch programs.

Interested applicants can contact Jen Samuel at jen@preventcrime.ca.

Info: www.preventcrime.ca.

aCtIVItIEs hockey for seniors: Greater Vancouver Oldtimers’ Hockey Association operates competitive leagues for men age 60 and over, in four divisions, weekday mornings at Great Pacific Forum (Planet Ice), North Delta. “Our next season will be starting up in September. We are starting a new program this year for 75’s and older, on Wednesday mornings.” For information on dates and times, contact Ralph Haugland, ralph@norquip.com, 604 830-0295.

Get there faster Put time back in your hands

CluBs/GRouPs

Save even more time with TReO

rouNd triP

New highway lanes are now open west of the Port Mann Bridge. This means a smooth ride the whole way, with no

commute time

total time SaviNgS

before december 2012

Surrey / coquitlam

32

52 min after december 2013

20 min

more congestion between Langley and

min

Vancouver. With these extra lanes open, travel time can be cut in half, saving drivers like you even more time — up to an hour a day.

Regular toll rates For the last year, as construction along Highway 1 has been wrapping up, drivers who registered early have been eligible for low introductory toll rates.

As of January 1, with extra lanes open west of the Port Mann Bridge and drivers able to save even more time, the low introductory rates have been replaced with regular toll rates. For drivers already paying the regular toll rates, there is no change.

Tolls have stayed the same.

before december 2012

langley / vancouver

1 hr 47 min

61

after december 2013

46 min

min

Regular toll rates, per trip, as of January 1: Small vehicleS

motorcycleS

$1.50 medium vehicleS (cube vans, cars with trailers)

To find out more about saving time with TReO, visit treo.ca/gettherefaster

$6.00

(cars, pickup trucks, SUVs)

$3.00

large vehicleS

(commercial trucks, motorbus, motorhomes)

$9.00

surrey singles over sixty: North Surrey/North Delta-based club enjoys getting together for cards, dinners, bowling and dancing, etc.

Call Gerri at 604-951-1830 or Doug or Lyla at 604-594-2860. north Delta lions Club seeks new members for community activities such as North Delta Family Days, Christmas hampers, cooking and serving food at school and community events, various projects.

For info, contact Bill Fraser at 604594-3473, email billfras@telus.net, visit www.northdeltalions.org. soup sisters/Broth Brothers of surrey: Soup-making social events hosted by charitable group monthly at Bistro 72 restaurant in Newton, as donation to Evergreen Transition House shelter for women and children. Fee per person is $50, www.soupsisters.org. north Delta newcomers and Friends: “Are you new to the area or would just like to meet some new friends? Call and arrange to attend one of our activities (morning walks, Par 3 golf, coffee gatherings, card games, stitch and chat, book club). Call Kathy at 604-583-3691 or Pam at 604-597-7974, or email at ndnewcomers@hotmail.com.” the netherlands association (“Je Maintiendrai”) is the not-forprofit Dutch-Canadian Cultural Society of Greater Vancouver, incorporated in 1965. “Our goal is to provide entertaining venues in the Lower Mainland whereby DutchCanadians and their friends can come together to preserve, enhance and celebrate, their heritage and cultural traditions.” Info: 604-5363394, www.dutchnetwork.ca.

PRoGRams seniors hot lunch Programs: “Do you know a senior who would enjoy a healthy meal and lively company?

Seniors Come Share Society offers hot lunch programs with live entertainment at Chuck Bailey rec centre and Newton Seniors Centre. Info: call Hillary at Seniors Come Share Society, 604-5319400, ext. 23.” On the web: www. seniorscomesharesociety.com.

THE

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

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COMMUNITY

At Adams Road Elementary, Mitchell Durante (above) drags trees to a bin.

(Photo: GORD GOBLE)

Photo gallery

Chipping in Tree-chipping and bottle-drive fundraisers were held at several place over the weekend, including Seaquam Secondary in North Delta and Adams Road Elementary in Cloverdale

Myra Walshe and Amanda McNichol share a laugh while sorting bottles at Adams Road Elementary. (Photo: GORD GOBLE)

ABOVE: At Seaquam Secondary, basketball players Josh Zayonc, Boston Newman, Gurvir Dhutt, Josh Romero, Jake MacDonald, Carl Wang and George Sibal (from left to right) pose for a photo with a donated tree.

RIGHT: At nearby Cougar Canyon Elementary, Austin Vokey, Brad Naples, Joe Naples and Brian Konlup (from left to right) sort bottles and recyclables during a drive for 9th Surdel Scout Group. (Photos: TOM ZILLICH)

Steve Cocks (left) cuts trees with a chainsaw as Kelly Grayon, an organizer of the event at Adams Road Elementary, looks on. Below, kids flag down customers with the help of Dale, one of the Cloverdale Rodeo mascots.

(Photos: GORD GOBLE)

A14

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

4th annual Kwantlen Polytechnic university foundation

Golf TournamenT in support of student-athletes

save the date…

Ridge Course - Northview Golf & Country Club $250 registration fee

arrive in style!

early Bird registration – Prize Draw Register before March 15th and be entered to win a limousine ride to and from the tournament with your foursome.

Sponsorship & Prize Donation opportunities available kpu.ca/golf

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only a couple of other cast members to help at the last minute, so the cast and crew (as well as the audience) were all as surprised as Jenn.”

De Pencier and others with White Rock Players’ Club are hoping to make a video of the marriage proposal go viral on YouTube.

WHITE ROCK — Jack McLachlan, a founder of White Rock Social Justice Film Society, has died.

McLachlan, who helped organize the society’s first film festival in 2005, died on Christmas Day, not long after being diagnosed with cancer.

“The purpose (of the film

Voted Langley’s

HAMPTON INN

“Rocky Raccoon” (Jennifer Tiles, left) and Joe Thompson on stage Dec. 28 at Coast Capital Playhouse.

“Feel free to pass this (video) along to your contacts,” she encouraged in an email. “The more the better, and it actually is a really neat proposal, so it is fun to watch.”

To view the video, scan this page with the free Layar app on your smartphone or tablet, or visit www. thenownewspaper.com.

Cancer claims founder of film society

19545 NO. 10 HIGHWAY (LANGLEY BYPASS), SURREY

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Ensure the contract states whether or not any deposit or partial payment is refundable and that any promisesmade by the dealer or the salesperson are in writing

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Read, understand your contract before signing, and obtain your copy and any receipts before leaving

WHITE ROCK — The closing night of a play came with a surprise marriage proposal.

At Coast Capital Playhouse on Dec. 28, audience member Joe Thompson walked on stage during the panto Rumpelstiltskin to put a ring on the finger of Jennifer Tiles, who played the character of Rocky Raccoon in the White Rock Players’ Club production. “(Thompson) and I set it up starting about a month before,” play director Susanne de Pencier told the Now, “and pulled in

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Tom Zillich

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society) is to make people aware of what happens around the world and under our feet,” McLachlan once said.

Monthly, the society shows documentary movies with themes of social justice at First United Church. Next up, on Jan. 31, is the film Bidder 70.

Tom Zillich

BOB SHIVJI

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Send your team’s highlights to Sports editor, Michael Booth at mbooth@thenownewspaper.com or call 604-572-0064

Members of the Princess Margaret Lions – from left:Jasleen Bains, Georgia Paterson, Gurleen Klair and Maggie Castillo – check out some of the gear at the Newton Fire Hall in preparation for this week’s Surrey Firefighters’ Goodwill Classic basketball tourney. (Photo: KEVIN HILL)

Basketball

Goodwill tourney kicks 2014 off in style Michael Booth

Now staff Twitter @boothnow

SURREY — The calendars are barely out of their plastic wrap, but the new year is already filled with hope for senior girls basketball players in Surrey.

This week female hoopsters in the city will be burning off energy pent up over the holiday break with the annual Surrey Firefighters Goodwill Basketball Classic in Cloverdale, an event that has become a traditional way to kick off the business end of the hoops schedule.

Princess Margaret’s Maggie Castillo said the tournament is one of the highlights on the Lions’ schedule every year. Castillo has helped the Lions win the last two Ladder Division titles and said the atmosphere – the players’ names are announced when they sink a shot and bragging rights for Surrey schools are on the line – is what makes the Firefighter tournament so special for the participants.

“The Firefighters tournament is my favourite part of the season just because it is the turning point of the season,” Castillo said. “Early in the season we are still trying to figure out our team and with this tournament, all that is over and we’re playing as a team. It’s a chance to show our character and, because it’s a weeklong tournament, we build bonds as a team and

for the rest of the season, we have that bond to build on.”

The Firefighters tourney will offer one new twist this year. Traditionally the field is divided into two pools – the Axe Division for the high-calibre teams and the Ladder Division for less experienced squads. This time around that format has been altered somewhat.

Traditional powers Fleetwood Park, Holy Cross and Elgin Park will enjoy a first-round bye before picking up play in the second round of the Axe draw. All of the remaining teams will play the opening round against each other with the winners advancing to the Axe Division and the losers dropping into the Ladder Division.

“Those three all wanted to play in the Axe Division, but everybody else wasn’t so sure,” said tournament organizing committee member Nancy Innes. “It’s hard to do ranking this time of year just because there haven’t been a ton of games played. So teams are still not sure where they are at and they definitely didn’t want to go into the wrong division and they get beaten badly.

This way everything is evened out from the beginning. Everybody gets a chance and even if you lose your first game, you still have a chance to win the Ladder Division.”

Players in the tournament may find more than they are expecting this week. Some players go into the gym hoping to win a

championship banner and instead discover a career. Nicole Pruden is one former player who has since joined the Surrey Fire Department and several others are in the process of starting a firefighting career in Surrey or other municipalities.

Most of the female members of the Surrey Fire Department will be on hand as volunteers throughout the tournament and they also receive questions from players and high school students.

“I talk to a lot of girls at the tournament and even afterward about a career in firefighting,” said Innes, who played basketball at Simon Fraser University before becoming a firefighter. “Every year there are five or six girls who will ask a lot of questions. These girls are the kind of firefighter we’re looking for – they excel in a team environment and they’re strong, athletic people. Those are all important things for firefighting.”

One other big change in the tournament has taken place off the court when the Westland Insurance Group joined the event as a presenting sponsor.

Westland president Jason Wubs approached the firefighters about getting involved in the tournament and, after meeting with the charitable society, Westland was welcomed aboard.

“The Westland Insurance Group has been really good to us,” said Todd Schierling,

chair of Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society. “They’re going to cover our expenses for bursaries and merchandise and that is very significant for us to receive.

This allows us to offer more in the way of bursaries as well as promote our event.”

Last year the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society awarded five bursaries of $750 to players in the Goodwill Classic and Schierling expects those numbers to rise in 2014 with the help of the Westland Insurance Group.

The scholarships are an exciting bonus for players in the tournament and, best of all, all participants are eligible to win one regardless of the strength of their team.

“I love how the tournament recognizes players of all ability, not just the topnotch players and teams,” Princess Margaret’s Castillo said. “They give a lot of scholarships and awards and what you do in the classroom and in the community is just as important as how good you are at basketball. It recognizes everybody, not just those who are good at basketball.”

Tournament play begins today (Jan. 7) and continues daily for the rest of the week at Lord Tweedsmuir and the Cloverdale Community Centre. The championships finals are slated for Saturday at Lord Tweedsmuir beginning with the Ladder final at 2:30 p.m. followed by the Axe final at 4 p.m.

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Mayor Watts apologizes for liking Facebook post calling Rasode coward

Watts admits to hitting ‘like’ on four posts slamming councillor but says it was an accident Amy Reid

See also NEWS › page 3 See also LETTERS › page 9

Now staff Twitter @amyreid87

SURREY — Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts says it was an accident that she liked four posts on Facebook that slammed Coun.

Barinder Rasode, including one that called her a “coward.”

This comes less than a week after Rasode said publicly that Surrey hasn’t done enough

in Newton, where 53-year-old hockey mom Julie Paskall died after being brutally beaten while picking up her son after a game at the local arena.

“I agree with people who say that our strategy isn’t working. We need to do something right away. The time for talk is

Barinder Rasode

Dianne Watts

over,” Rasode told the Now. On his Facebook account over the weekend, blogger Alex Tsakumis wrote: “I cannot believe that no one has taken either (Laila)

Yuile or Rasode to task for what they have done. Paskall’s body hadn’t hit to morgue (sic) yet and there’s Rasode in front of a camera saying that Surrey ‘hasn’t done enough!’”

Yuile is a local blogger who has been calling on the city to take action following the attack.

Tsakumis went on to write that most of Surrey council has taken the “dignified” route, except Rasode who he says “is out trying to score political points on lies.”

He calls Rasode’s behaviour “disgusting” and “shameless” and calls her a “coward.”

Hectic week for firefighters

Whalley

Crime spree ends with Surrey arrest

Surrey firefighters battle a blaze in the 12600-block of 69th Avenue after 5 p.m.

Saturday. Two families were burned out of this two-storey home.

See more on this and other fires on page 4 in today’s issue.

SURREY — The man believed to be responsible for a series of violent carjackings in Richmond and Vancouver Sunday has been arrested in Surrey. Police say the grey Honda Civic they were looking for was located in Surrey and an arrest was made shortly before midnight.

The suspect was arrested at 108th Avenue and University Drive in Whalley.

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an 9letters

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

LETTERS

AS09

Send your letters to ‘Now’ editor Beau Simpson at edit@thenownewspaper.com

Talk, talk, talk – Newton needs action The Editor, Re: “From bad to worse in Newton,” the Now, Jan. 2.

I am sickened by the tragic murder at our recreation centre. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this terrible time.

People have been complaining about the escalating crime around Newton for years.

We’ve had community forums, meetings, consultations – we’ve been cajoled and promised but mostly we’ve been ignored. It’s been a civic election issue for more than 20 years. Every time there’s a stabbing or purse snatching in Newton, people are on high alert but nothing fundamental ever changes.

Newton’s real problems started in 1986 when the bus exchange went in. Frankly, it’s been downhill ever since. In 2008, we were told that as part of the city’s crime fighting strategy for Newton that the bus exchange would be moved. It’s still there.

How could we not see this coming?

Thirty years ago in Surrey, we marched down the middle of King George Highway, stopping traffic to “Take back the Night.”

But you know, you get tired of complaining, going to meetings, getting nowhere and you begin to accept that it’s

just the way things are in Surrey.

Oh I know, they’re going to step up police patrols, get more lighting. I bet they hold a community meeting too, but will anything really change? We know that eyes on the street are what make us safe. Criminals don’t want to be seen.

Will more police officers be hired? Will there be a more visible on-the-ground police presence? Will we have CCTV cameras installed in high crime areas? What will be done to make sure we are safe?

Sheena Macintyre Wilkie, Surrey

Mayor, conversation needs to happen now The Editor, Re: “From bad to worse in Newton,” the Now, Jan. 2.

I was very dismayed with Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts’ comment when asked about the bigger picture of crime in Newton.

“That’s a conversation for another day,” said Watts, adding “right now we’re

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Mayor Dianne Watts says she is praying for the woman and her family.

Praying isn’t going to do anything. It never has – she needs to act now to make that place (recreation centre and bus loop) a lot more safe now! Young children, young women and the rest of us frequent that area and we need protection.

A police presence needs to be there all day until the last bus leaves to keep the criminal element away. We cannot leave the “conversation for another day.”

Act now, Dianne.

Matt Logan, Surrey

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another day.” In this dismissive comment, Mayor Watts, you fail to inspire confidence in public safety.

Corry Chadsey, Surrey

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going out for public assistance to get this individual off the streets.”

What I would like Watts to know is, my wife and I, along with my stepdaughter and five-year-old daughter, own a townhouse just two blocks away from the murder site.

In fact, my wife works as a transit operator and often walks through that very parking lot where that poor woman was killed. I can’t stop thinking how it could very well have been my wife who lay there bludgeoned.

Though the perpetrator has yet to be caught, it’s far from egregious to think that the increase in drug crime in the area is tied to this murder. So when someone asks what is being done about overall crime, they are asking exactly what I – along with a lot of people living in the area – am asking too.

We need reassurances, indications or promises of a proactive approach to crime rather that reactive.

Talk about the progress of your task force on murder, talk about your plans (if you have them) to combat drug crime in Newton. We certainly don’t want to hear that overall crime is a “conversation for

#20-2443 161A Street, South Surrey • 604-560-3827

AS12

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

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COMMUNITY Wellbeing guide

VoluntEERInG

Email all Wellbeing listings to edit@thenownewspaper.com.

Publication is not guaranteed.

REaD surrey/White Rock society

is looking for individuals who are interested in being trained to become volunteer tutors. Applicants

must have excellent English skills.

Training is provided by a certified teacher/trainer. For details, call

778-871-5319 or email safullam1@ gmail.com. surrey Crime Prevention society seeks volunteers to support its Community Safety Volunteer Tours and Speed Watch programs.

Interested applicants can contact Jen Samuel at jen@preventcrime.ca.

Info: www.preventcrime.ca.

aCtIVItIEs toastmasters By the sea meets every Sunday at White Rock Library at 1:30 p.m. Info: 604-536-2175.

Bingo at kent street activity Centre in White Rock every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. Small cash prizes and jackpot games. “Join us for some fun and relaxation.

Membership required.” Call 604-5412231 for more information.

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White Rock laughter yoga Club meets on the last Tuesday of the month at White Rock Library, from 7 to 8 p.m., 15342 Buena Vista Ave. Meeting this month is on Jan. 28.

Info: www.laughteryoga.ca. mixed singles over sixty in White Rock/south surrey: Social active group offering theatre, dinners out, golf, dancing, walking and much more. For more info, contact Colin at 604-538-7799. On the web: seniorsoversixtyclub.weebly.com. south surrey Garden Club: Club meets at 7:30 p.m. every fourth Wednesday (except August and December) at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, 12953 20th Avenue. “We have a very active and full program with great speakers, field trips and workshops.” For info, contact Kathy at 604-250-1745. Visitor fee is $3. newcomers Club of White Rock and south surrey is a club for women who are new to the area. The club meets the first Tuesday of the month (September to May) from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2350 148 St., Surrey. First visit is free.

Membership is $35 per year. Info: www.wrssnewcomers.com. south surrey soul sisters, a Gogo group under auspices of Stephen Lewis Foundation, supporting African grandmothers raising 14 million orphaned children, holds monthly meetings. All are welcome (you do not need to be a grandmother).

Contact Thelma Newbury, 604-5414688, thelmanewbury@saw.ca. oneness Gogos of White Rock/surrey: Group that works under auspices of Stephen Lewis Foundation meets on fourth Monday of every month, 1-3 p.m. upstairs at White Rock library, 15342 Buena Vista Ave., White Rock. Info: onenessgogos@gmail.com.

suPPoRt GRouPs the Compassionate Friends Group: “Are you a grieving parent that has had the death of a child at any age? We have a self-help support group at Victory Memorial Park the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.,” 14831 26th Ave., Surrey, in tearoom. “Please join us, you need not walk alone.” Info: Colleen Bujak, 604-536-6522.