The Rock Report - May 2007

SUN was one of several groups and delegates from the South Surrey/White Rock peninsula who made an appearance before Transport Canada's advisory panel reviewing the Railway Safety Act. The dangerous practice of the BNSF running HAZMAT along the beach including poisonous chlorine gas while this line is closed to Amtrak passenger trains because of landslides was detailed. Please visit the Railway Safety Act Review website (http://www.tc.gc.ca/tcss/RSA_Review-Examen_LSF/toc_e.htm) to read SUN's submission and the 12 changes suggested to make rail transport across Canada safer. If you find this information compelling, also review the entry from SmartRail, the leading community group dedicated to train safety across the peninsula.

Don Pitcairn, President of the Surrey United Naturist
at the Railway Safety Act Review Panel
May 14, 2007

As SUN is dedicated to the protection of Crescent Rock Beach, individual
letters were sent to both Mayors and all Council members of Surrey and White Rock informing them personally on the dangers from the bluff hillside which threaten the safety of the BNSF trains below. While North Vancouver is taking steps to reduce its landslide risk, these two cities continue to stick their heads in the sand on this issue. SUN has asked that septic and drain water be re-routed away from the bluff slope and that the illegal practice of cutting or drastically pruning trees on BNSF owned land be stopped as these practices dramatically increase the slide risk during our rainy season.

The Skinnydippers Swim Club commenced legal action this month against the City of Surrey for their Newton Wave Pool nude swim ban to be overturned. Surrey has filed to appear and in a surprise move, so has the
Attorney-General of B.C. Their positions have not yet been tabled, but
there is no doubt that Surrey will continue with their intolerant behaviour.
A recent on-line poll in the Surrey Leader asking if Surrey should rent
the Newton Wave Pool to the Skinnydippers for their nude swims received 70% approval from voters. SUN is backing the Skinnydippers in their legal
battle against this blatant discrimination that perpetuates Surrey's
reputation for being "clothes-minded". Fortunately Crescent Rock Beach is
under provincial jurisdiction and not governed by the prejudiced politicians
at Surrey City Hall.

With the increasingly warm weather, Crescent Rock Beach is once again being utilized by naturists as Surrey's answer to Wreck Beach. SUN invites everyone to come on down and be buff by the bluffs this summer. For new
visitors, we ask you review the conduct, direction, safety, and environment
sections of this website. Tell you friends about Crescent Rock Beach or
bring guests with you to introduce them to Surrey's nude-friendly shoreline and the naturist way of life.

Make your plans now for Crescent Rock Beach Day on Sunday, June 24th, the solstice weekend. SUN is planning on mass-mooning the passing Amtrak to bring attention not only to Crescent Rock's 50-year history of naturist use, but to the dangers posed by BNSF freight trains carrying HAZMAT. This will be done under the banner of "BNSF - Butt Out of the Beach". The northbound morning Amtrak from Seattle passes across the Crescent Rock main beach at approximately 10:30 a.m. SUN asks that you get up early for this event and be at the beach at 10 o'clock, rain or shine. After the protest, the rest of the day will be for having fun in the sun. Let's hope for nice weather!