Criminal Trials Halted + Find Waldo

Issue #289

Author

Carla McNeil
July 11, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌤️ Weather - A mix of sun and clouds

 😜 Rain Joke - Why did the raindrop join a band? 🥁 

🔦Business Spotlight – International Gems by Dana Inc. (Meet the jeweller donating serious sparkle to the Rotary Pot of Gold Charity Golf Tournament!)

 🗓️ New West Events - Lots to choose from

 🗞️ New West Local News - Criminal Trials Halted + Find Waldo

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

In a quiet corner of White Rock, a family-run business is transforming stories, dreams, and milestones into wearable art. For 50 years, International Gems by Dana Inc. has been designing more than just jewelry; they’ve been crafting legacies.

Started in Kelowna in the mid-1970s, International Gems is now helmed by second-generation jeweller Dana, with locations in both Kelowna and White Rock. But it’s not just about longevity—it’s about loyalty, precision, and passion passed down through generations. Dana’s son, Garrett, now works alongside him in White Rock, while Dana’s father and brother continue to operate the original store in Kelowna.

From the outside, it may seem like just another jewelry store—but step inside, and you’ll realize this is something else entirely.

“We are experts in custom designing and hand-making jewelry,” Dana explains. “There’s absolutely nothing we can’t do—from family crest rings to company emblems to even Super Bowl-style rings.”

The team works with clients to design one-of-a-kind pieces using precious stones like diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. Through detailed CAD renderings, clients can see exactly what their future piece will look like before it’s even made. Every design reflects the wearer’s personality and story, because at International Gems, getting to know the client always comes first.

That personalized approach sets them apart. “Most jewelry stores, the owners are never around,” Dana says. “When you walk into our shop, you’re talking to me. The buck stops here.”

Dana has built deep relationships with his clients over decades, getting to know their families, their styles, even their values. That kind of personal connection doesn’t just create trust—it creates art. “A bold personality might want a bold piece. A more reserved person may want something simple and elegant. It all starts with who they are.”

Among their most jaw-dropping creations? A $500,000 custom ring made with a flawless natural blue diamond, one of the rarest stones in the world. But whether it’s a showstopper or something more modest, every piece at International Gems is created with care, skill, and pride.

valued at $5,200.00, it is 14 karat white gold with over 1.00 carat of diamonds

It’s that same community-focused spirit that led Dana to support this year’s Rotary Pot of Gold Charity Golf Tournament. Encouraged by long-time clients and Rotary members Neil and Jeanette, Dana jumped at the chance to give back. Now in his second year as a sponsor, he’s donated a dazzling diamond ring, valued at over $5,000, as a prize for the ladies’ closest-to-the-pin contest.

This year’s tournament will take place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the scenic Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club in Richmond. Register today! Whether you’re swinging clubs or just soaking in the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone:

  • 🎯 FOUR Hole-in-One contests—each offering a chance to win up to $50,000 in prizes (cash, a new car, and more)

  • 🏆 Competitions for longest drive, straightest drive, and closest to the pin

  • 🍴 Delicious food and refreshments are served throughout the course

  • 🎉 A buffet dinner and awards banquet to close the day

  • 💎 And yes, someone once won a $15,000 diamond ring—so it really can happen!

Can’t attend the tournament? There’s still a way to take part—the online auction from July 05 to July 27, 2025, lets anyone in the community bid on exciting items from the comfort of home.

“Rotary builds playgrounds, supports students, and runs community projects,” she adds. “I think it’s important to give back to the place where you live and work. New West has this unique small-town feel, and events like this help keep that spirit alive.”

“It’s about supporting community,” Dana says. “Rotary Clubs do amazing work, whether it’s school lunch programs or other initiatives, and I want to be part of that. As a small family business, community means everything.”

So, how can you learn more? Check out Dana’s creations on Instagram at @diamondsbydana, where he posts custom pieces almost daily. And while his website is currently being updated, you can find contact details easily online or reach him via email at [email protected].

Whether you’re dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime ring, want to explore custom design, or just want to meet a jeweller who truly cares, International Gems by Dana is worth a visit.

Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!

Address: 1959 152nd street, Surrey, BC, Canada, British Columbia

Phone: +1 604-536-3622

Already know, like, and trust this business? Be sure to support International Gems by Dana Inc. and leave them a Facebook Review

🍁 Shop Local 🍁 

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 24.6 2014 - Record low 12.2 2017

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

July 11, 2025

🔍️ Unique Survival Scavenger Hunt - New West – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

🎲 Friendsday Night Board Games – Doors open at 6:00 PM

🎉 Deep Roots: Indigenous Night – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎲 Hitmix Bingo - Howe Sound – 7:00 PM

🎙️ Weekly Karaoke Every Friday – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🥍 Salmonbellies vs Lakers – 7:30 PM at Bill Copeland Arena

🎸 Live Music at The Terminal - Mike Van Eyes – 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM

🎙️ Karaoke Friday Nights at Notorious Grey Fox – 9:00 PM until Close

🎲 Board Night Game – Phantom Alley

July 12, 2025

🔍️ Unique Survival Scavenger Hunt - New West – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

♻️ Recycling Pop-Up – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

😎 Summer Picnic 2025 – 10:00 AM at Port Royal Park

🗣️ Spanish Conversation Drop-in – 10:00 AM  to 12:00 PM

🎶 Uptown Live Summer Series – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🪄 Wacky Weekend Magic Show – 1:00 PM

🍩 B2B + Donuts – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🧩 Print making cards with Lego - All Ages! – 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM

🍢 Family Fun Day BBQ – 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🎨 Collage & Mixed Media Workshop – 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

🛍️ New West Craft Night Market – 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎸 Creative Sessions 2.0 – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎶 Live Music Saturday's with Angie Faith – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

📖 Night at the Bookstore-PJ Storytime and More! – 6:00 PM at Kinder Books

🙏 Byzantine Night – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎭️ The Ladies Foursome – 8:00 PM at Bernie Legge Theatre

🕺 Saturday Dance Party at Georgie's – 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM

🕹️ Fighting Game Night – Phantom Alley

July 13, 2025

🔍️ Unique Survival Scavenger Hunt - New West – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

🧶 Knitting & Crocheting Circle – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

🎶 Queen's Park 2025 Summer Concert Series – 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

⚓️ Summer Sundays @ the Samsom V – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

⛸️ Public Skate – 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM

🏘️ Iolanda Esposito Open House – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🧘 Meditation Class – 3:15 PM to 4:30 PM

🧘 Yang Tai Chi 24 form – 5:00 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Sunday Night Open Mic! – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ The Ladies Foursome – 8:00 PM at Bernie Legge Theatre

🏈 Sunday and Monday Night Football – at the Terminal Pub

Image via NW City Website

Criminal court proceedings in New Westminster will come to a standstill next summer as British Columbia’s Supreme Court suspends operations in several cities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The court’s chief justice confirmed that no criminal trials—jury or judge-only—will take place in New Westminster, Vancouver, Abbotsford, or Chilliwack from June 12 to July 8, 2026.

In New Westminster, home to one of B.C.’s busiest courthouses, the impact is expected to be significant. The suspension means dozens of pending criminal cases will face rescheduling, further burdening a legal system already grappling with delays and resource shortages.

Court officials pointed to several logistical challenges tied to the international sporting event. With the Lower Mainland hosting World Cup matches, police and sheriffs will be redeployed to manage increased public safety demands, leaving fewer officers available to support court operations. Heavy traffic and a lack of hotel accommodations for jurors and witnesses are also major concerns.

Civil jury trials will also be cancelled during this period, and the number of judge-only civil trials may be reduced leading up to the event. These measures are intended to mitigate disruptions and free up essential public safety resources.

While the province celebrates the economic and global visibility the World Cup is expected to bring, legal professionals warn the pause will deepen trial backlogs. For New Westminster residents awaiting justice, the delays could be particularly frustrating.

The court has pledged to maintain service for urgent matters, but acknowledged that the full extent of the disruptions remains uncertain as planning for the tournament continues.

Waldo has been spotted all over New West’s River Market — and if you haven’t joined the fun yet, don’t worry — there’s still time! The beloved “Find Waldo at River Market” scavenger hunt is underway and continues through Friday, July 26, so grab your passport and jump into the search while it lasts!

Hosted by the cozy and creative Kinder Books, this free, all-ages adventure invites you to explore some of River Market’s most charming local shops in search of the famously stripe-wearing character. 🎒👓

🗺️ Here’s How It Works:

Stop by Kinder Books (inside River Market) to pick up your Waldo Passport. Then, head off on your adventure, stopping in at these participating local gems:

📍 @babynookshop
📍 @crystalvibesrivermarket
📍 @churi.ca
📍 @raincitynewwest
📍 @pamola_bakery_and_deli
📍 @ninjabbt.rm
📍 @greatwalltea
📍 @tregalligelatocaffe
📍 @cosyyarnsandgifts
📍 @vancircusschool

Spot Waldo hiding in each location and collect a stamp for every find. 🧭 Once you've gathered enough, you'll be eligible for weekly prize draws — and best of all, you’ll be entered into the grand prize draw on July 26, with a chance to win a giant Waldo book bundle! 📦📚

🧁💡 Why You’ll Love It:

This isn’t just a scavenger hunt — it’s a fun-filled way to explore local shops, support small businesses, and keep cool inside River Market during these warm summer days. It’s the perfect way to entertain the kids or enjoy a low-key afternoon adventure with friends or family.

🧊 Bonus: River Market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and fully air-conditioned — your perfect summer escape!

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ Why did the raindrop join a band? 🥁

🎸 Because it had the perfect “flow!”

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