Ask A Local Lawyer + NWPD Welcomes Sokka

Issue #594

Author

Carla McNeil
May 12, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌞 Weather - Mainly sunny

 😜 Rain Joke - Why did the storm follow me to the beach? 🏖️🌊 

 🗓️ New West Events - Your Week in New West, Sorted

 💝 You’re So Sweet - Thank you, Karen S.!

 🗞️ New West Local News - Ask A Local Lawyer + NWPD Welcomes Sokka

 🔗 Use the links above to skip to your favorite section.

 📧 Did someone forward you our New West Spotlight? You can Subscribe Here!

Thank you, Karen S. - you’re awesome!

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 29.4 1912, 1924, 1926 - Record low 1.7 1916, 1920

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

Tuesday May 12, 2026

📝 MOSAIC's 14th Annual Job Fair – 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

📖 Storytime (3-5 years) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

📱 Bring Your Own Device Tech Cafe! – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

📚️ BYO Book Club – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

🎤 Ukulele Level 1 at Mechanics of Music Studio – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

🌳 Greening Our Communities: Taking Local Action – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

🚴 Tuesday Night Rides – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🍺 Steel & Oak Beer and Board Games – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Hot B*tch Rock & Roll Bingo – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ Notorious Grey Fox Trivia Tuesdays – 7:00 PM

Wednesday May 13, 2026

💰️ Financial Aid (Welfare) Worker at NWPL – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 CaRT Peer Navigators – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

👶 Babytime (0-23 months) – 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM

🎒 After-School Drop-In (5-12 years) – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🎤 Find Your Voice at Mechanics of Music Studio – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

📖 Pyjama Storytime (all ages) – 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM

🎉 MKP Vancouver Welcome Home Celebration – 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

❓️ Georgie's Local Trivia Night – 7:00 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Drag Bingo & Trivia – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🏃 Steel & Oak Run Club – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Connect Youth (13+) – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

❓️Frankie G’s Trivia Night – 7:30 PM

Thursday May 14, 2026

👶 Babytime (0-12 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

🍼 Baby Social – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

👪️ Family Place Storytime & Play Lab – 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

📝 SFU Writing Consults – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎙️ Rock Room Karaoke Nights at The Legion – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Karaoke Night – 7:00 PM

❓️ Steel & Oak Thursday Trivia Night – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎭️ Comedy Exposed at the Flapper Lounge – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎙️ The Terminal Pub Colossal Thursdays Karaoke – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎤 Notorious Grey Fox Open Mic Jam – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Thanks to the incredible response from our readers, Ask A Local Lawyer is officially coming to the New West Spotlight!

In early March, we asked whether this was a feature you would find valuable — and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey, share feedback, and encourage us to move forward with the idea.

One of the things that makes New West Spotlight special is that many of our features come directly from the community. We listen closely to what readers tell us they want to see more of, and your feedback helped make this new section possible.

We are now officially accepting questions from subscribers.

Have you ever wondered:
• Do I really need a will?
• What are my rights as a tenant?
• What should small business owners know legally?
• What happens if a contract goes sideways?

Now you can ask a local lawyer directly through the New West Spotlight.

Selected questions will be answered in upcoming editions of the newsletter by a local legal professional. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity or length, and no confidential information should be included.

We are currently on schedule to publish our first Ask A Local Lawyer answer during the week of May 25, 2026.

And please — keep those questions coming. The more participation we receive from the community, the more often we may be able to feature Ask A Local Lawyer in the newsletter.

Together we are stronger.

We are Proud New Westies!

Photo courtesy of NWPD

The New Westminster Police Department has introduced a new four legged member to its team — and his role is all about comfort, care, and support.

Meet PADS Sokka, the department’s first Accredited Facility Dog, specially trained to help support victims of crime during investigations and court proceedings.

After completing two years of professional training through the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), Sokka will work alongside officers to provide emotional support during some of the most difficult moments people may face.

Whether sitting beside someone during an interview or helping provide comfort while they navigate the court process, Sokka’s presence is designed to help victims feel calmer and more supported.

Beyond victim support, Sokka will also assist sworn and civilian staff after difficult calls and critical incidents, helping support wellness within the department as well.

The addition of Sokka reflects the department’s ongoing focus on trauma informed policing and community care — and already, this newest team member is bringing a little extra warmth to the work being done in New Westminster.

🔍️ Spot the details

Today’s Tin Man mystery has some great clues.

🎁 This week’s prize (May 07 - May 13):
$250 Design Consultation from M Designs Interior Decorating.

Think you know the spot?
Head to Facebook and Instagram and drop your guess.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ Why did the storm follow me to the beach? 🏖️🌊 

Loyalty. 🫶 

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