Friday August 21, 2015 (Vol. 40 No. 67)
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World serious: After a whirlwind week that saw them head from nationals to the Little League World Series, the White Rock All-Stars – now officially Canada’s team – are set for their first game on the international stage. i see page 39
Neighbours question City of White Rock’s explanation of ‘naturally’ occurring settlement
Sinking feeling for Marine residents Melissa Smalley Staff Reporter
Melissa Smalley photo
One of at least four properties affected.
Marine Drive residents are questioning the city’s explanation as to why their waterfront homes have sunk several inches over the past eight months. Significant sinking is visible on at least four properties in the 14700-block of Marine Drive, including a home rented by Terry Bird, who said the ground has shifted noticeably since
December. The fence separating his backyard from his neighbours’ used to be level, and now slopes downward towards the front of the lot. “I’ve adjusted the gate in the backyard twice since Christmas,” Bird said. “There’s something going on back there.” On his neighbours’ driveway, there is a gap of close to six inches between the steps leading to the front door and ground. The City of White Rock’s manager of engi-
neering, Bob Ambardar, told Peace Arch News Thursday that the city became aware of residents’ concerns about the sinking in March. The city consulted with the geotechnical engineer working on the nearby under-construction neighbouring development, who surveyed and monitored the area for the next three months, and said no settlement was detected over that time frame. i see page 8
One-month memorial
Keeping vigil Tracy Holmes Staff Reporter
One month to the day after Hudson Brooks was shot and killed by police outside the South Surrey detachment, family and friends held a candlelight vigil at the site, determined to keep the 20-yearold’s death in the public eye. Dozens of candles were lit, hugs were shared and tears were shed during the evening event Tuesday, which drew an estimated 50 people – some of whom didn’t even know Brooks. The South Surrey man died around 2:30 a.m. July 18, after police responded to reports of a man screaming in the 1800-block of 152 Street. Police allege a struggle ensued and Brooks was shot. An officer also suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, however, investigators confirmed two days later that only police-issued firearms were found at the scene. Many continue to call for answers. Brooks’ mother, Jennifer, said at the scene that she is trying to stay positive, but still can’t come to terms with how the officers’ interaction with her son could have gone so wrong, and why a lesslethal degree of force wasn’t used. Concerned that the issue will fade from people’s minds before the Independent Investigation Office’s
Curtis Kreklau photo
Dozens turned out Tuesday evening to mark the one-month anniversary of the officer-involved shooting death of 20-year-old Hudson Brooks. report is complete – she’s been told some tests could take nine months – Brooks said she hopes the public will also continue to ask questions. On a Facebook page created with that intent – Justice For Hudson – she pledges to be her son’s voice. “We will fight for justice, your credibility and your character,” Brooks writes. “…until we meet
again know that I will never give up or stop until #JusticeForHudson is served.” IIO spokesperson Ralph Krenz said Thursday that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Brooks’ death “is progressing,” however, there is no new information to share at this point. Hoodies and bracelets with #Jus-
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ticeForHudson were worn by many vigil attendees; bumper stickers are reportedly being created; and, some have had the social-media hashtag made into a vehicle-window decal. Senior Donna Krieger – who said Hudson Brooks was like an uncle to her granddaughter – was among those who attended Tuesday’s tribute. There was “lots of hugging,
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lots of tears. But he’s got beautiful flowers again, beautiful roses.” Krieger said she expects similar gatherings to be held “until we get some answers,” and noted a memorial march is also being planned. Details online note it is set for 4 p.m. Sept. 26, and is to pace off from White Rock’s Central Plaza. – with files from Curtis Kreklau