It's about time something is done about these "skater punks". Last month one almost took a header on my windshield than got violent with me even though I saw him and came to a complete stop. These boards damage curbs and sidewalks and when they use their boards on hand railing, it leaves sharp and jagged pieces of metal which cuts hands. People don't think skateboarding is a crime but the damages it causes is a civil matter and their parents should be accountable.

Its a shame our kids dont have a safe legal place to ride. Why is it that all the other sports in this town are so promoted, but the kids that want to skateboard cant? I have to take my kids and their friends out of town to a skatepark so we dont get harassed!!

I work in that shopping center mentioned. It drives me crazy to see all these skate boarders near my car. There have been so many times that a flying board has come close to hitting my car! They sit on my hood and leave thier trash around when they leave. They have attitudes when you ask them to not sit on cars or clean up after themselves. I am happy to see Fallbrook is finally doing something about it! This problem has been going on for years!

Why doesn't the community support the skateboard park so they have somewhere to go? I am not a fan, because most of the time they are getting stoned and not skating. However, in a park with supervision, it will cut the drugs/drinking a great deal. Mark my words, someone is going to get hurt badly on either the Carl's Jr 12, or the Taco Bell gap, or the Zion stairs. Just give them a place to go, because you will NEVER stop them from skating. They all strive to be sponsored and because of that do harder, more dangerous tricks every day. They are not watching traffic because they are too busy filming each other. So, until the town gets a skateboard park, you are just going to have to watch out for them. This is a community with tons of teenagers and absolutely NOTHING to do and no support from the community to help them out.

You are right on with your comments. Its not only the teenagers that skate. Its also the little ones that enjoy it. They arnt out there spitting on cops and throwing their boards. We have gotten kicked out of La Paloma school, and I was with them! We do need a place to go. It doesnt even need to be elaborate. Obviously the kids are desperate for a place to go.

Resident: I have a place for them to go, a really deep place in the lower regions of the earth. Skateboarding is not a recognized sport so it's up to their parents to find a place for their kids to go, it's not really our problem. Skateparks were big back in the late 70's and early 80's but died off because people could not spend hundreds of thousands of dollars just so a few rogue kids can play. Parents of skater punks, supervise your kids, teach them manners because it's a long drive to Kearney Mesa.

Our community has many talented skateboarders and simply doesn't support this sport. While I agree we must always follow the loitering, spitting, drinking etc. laws, we had should also consider alcohol/drug-free alternatives for the skateboarders. Where is Fallbrook's skateboard to support our local talent? Yes, I take my son and his friends out of town to skateparks. Please note, I also shop by those skateparks supporting my son's sport. This takes money out of Fallbrook, doesn't it?

To resident: you are right on the money when you say that teenagers have NOTHING to do- THAT is the problem!! (This, of course, is not the case with all teenagers). There are SO many needs around us that people have and unfortunately in today's current culture, children have not been given enough to do, enough responsibility, or a place to go where they ARE needed. With all their energy, it would be nice to see it plugged in to fill a need and make it useful to themselves and others. It used to be that EVERY child was valued and needed somewhere- a place, home, or work, where there time was not only appreciated, but necessary.

Thanks for concurring. I wish the rest of the town could see the root of the problem. There is NOTHING for kids to do and "nothing" breeds trouble. A supervised park would be great and have the FAST bus be able to drive them to the park from town. Either that or get a bowling alley, a teen club, or something in downtown Fallbrook. I know a bowling alley was tried years ago by Duke Snider, and the White's tried a pool hall. But that was a long time ago, when we did not have the number of kids just hanging around town that we do now. Every successful business is about timing and the time is ripe right now.

As for the kids spitting, etc. Remember, they are all hanging out with their friends, unsupervised, and they are trying to show off. Showing off is unfortunately part of the right of passage for teenagers. It can be exhibited in poor social behavior, or by being a bully at school like some of the boys involved in sports like football. Teenagers in a group, inherently behave worse. They are not bad kids for the most part. Give them a park, give them supervision in that park and role models and most of this bad behavior will go away.

What happened to our society that we so easily want to throw these kids away? Why is the first choice always finding their wants and desires to be foolish? I may not like their attitudes, I may not like them getting in the way of my car, but I won't give up on them. I don't even have a skater in my family, but I do care about their lives and their future. We all should care.

Library cards are still free, read books. Boys and Girls Club has avtivities as well as most of the churches in our community. Mow lawns, babysit, get a job. Enroll in community service or sport activities in schools. Rainbow Girls, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts. Get a group of friends to play ball or join a league. Take the bus to Bonsall to see a movie at the local theater. I can find dozens of things a young person can do in Fallbrook than raininig terror on everyone and damaging property by skateboarding and tagging. What is wrong with the youth of today?

Want to solve the skate boarding problem in Fallbrook today? Pea gravel.

Other libraries have classes in chess, Beginning Yoga art classes, Free Poetry Writing Workshop, Homework Help, Computer Classes.. I am award winning artist from Sonoma. I would be willing to teach an art class..
www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=SANDIEGO
Why not change the world instead of making it worse by doing nothing?
How about classes in skate boarding, do we have any skate board stars here in town?
Put structure to anything and you get a better anything.
It would be great to see the headlines here read, "Fallbrook native top skateboarder in the world!" Thanks to the great people of Fallbrook for their free classes...

You know there is a park that specializes in Dirt Skateboarding and they make a KILLING at the snake bar, and it would help the local cycle place too, they do sell the dirt boards. I have seen them, it looks crazy what those people do on those boards! It would also not require tons of money to put in concrete over natural terrain. Mountain Boarding is a cheap option, just a suggestion!

http://www.caliskatz.com/v4/skateparks/sonoma_skatepark.asp That is the parks I've seen. (I am not a skate boarder but a figure skater.) Difference between ice dancing and playing hockey..
Medical Release / Hold Harmless Forms:

* Must be current and on file at the YMCA.
* Riders under the age of 18 must have parent/legal guardian sign the form IN PERSON at the YMCA or have it NOTARIZED and attach a copy of a valid photo ID of parent/guardian. There are no exceptions to this rule.
* The YMCA will fax forms upon request.

BMX MEMBERSHIP/DAY RIDE FAX COVER SHEET PDF File
http://www.skateboardparks.com/california/magdalena/bmx/index.html
I know I'm violating the no html rules, but we NEED this information as to how to set up a dirt track for our youth!

its the only place we can skate...why dont u watch out not us...we dont want to do anything else just skate people should just butt out and learn how to do something other than complaining

A skateboard park next to the Sheriff's Substation on Alvarado would be a good location.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Somethings been bothering me regarding the Skate Park.

You know a Roman General in the time of Cesar once said, "If it can be done, It will be Done". "If it is impossible, it will be done". Those are the words I live by. I have been a ficture in this down since 1972. I know most of you and look forward to meeting the people that I haven't yet had the pleasure. I know fallbrook and believe that we with the help of others can create a Skate Park for our kids. It is long overdue!!

Doing something to help our youth.
Why set on your behind and just complain? http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/FallbrookDirtBoarders/
Please make a difference!

Just back from the carlsbad skatepark with the boys. Some good innocent fun! It would be nice not to drive 40 min. by the way its next to the fire and police station. Everyone was wearing helmets.

To the naysayers, you are obviously in your 60's or 70's. It appears that you have no understanding or compassion for the youth of today. As much as we don't want it too, times have changed and your suggestions do not hold any value to the youth of today. Go to the library??....kids do not read anymore....(it's a very sad fact but absolutely true and you will not change that). Their lives are electronically driven. Libraries will be extinct in the next ten years. You say that the Boys and Girls Club has activities as well as most of the churches in our community.....but that does not help them skateboard does it? Mow lawns, babysit, get a job??? Why would you say that when we are talking about having fun, not working. They will get a job when it is time, but they have the right to have fun.

You are missing the point COMPLETELY. We need to help them be able to skateboard, which is their passion. As great as everyones suggestions are, such as yoga, poetry, art classes, chess, Boys and Girls club....this is not the 1950's. Kids don't do that stuff anymore no matter how badly we want them to. They live electronic lives, in front of video games, computers, and television.

We should applaud those kids that are willing to get outside and skateboard. They are getting great exercise and should be helped out with a skatepark. Make it a combination BMX bike and skatepark. It would be a good source of revenue and the kids would finally be out of your hair.

Just don't flush their lifestyles down the drain. Don't try to make them into your own image. They are not the same as you and me. They have different standards, wants, desires, and dreams. Let them live and quit trying to make them into something they will never be. Don't try to force a lifestyle on them that they think is old fashioned and outdated. We have to understand that they are different and help them out!!

Why is that so hard to do? Every generation hates the one before, because they try to hold them to the standards that were in place during their youth. It is sad. Times change, people change, lifestyles change, and all that is inevitable. We have the opportunity to make a difference with these kids and support them. How about we try to understand them more and do that?

ray, I think you are missing the point. There is nothing wrong with skateboarding. It is a sport! Not everyone in this town wants to play baseball. Not everyone in this town has money to join all the things you suggest. Get a clue!

wow this is good. sheriffs are cracking down on skateboarders while people get mugged walking the streets by gang members. now thats the fallbrook i know

Well than MOM, supervise your children. Quit having them and expecting society to raise them. You want a skate park? get together with other skater punk parents, purchase some land, in the "Hillies" part of town, and build it yourselves. This way you have nothing to complain about. People have a hard enough time paying bills, wondering when the next school bond measure will pass jacking up their taxes to build more schools for the illegally arrived new comers, food, gas, power, water and everything else that goes with being an adult and citizen. A skater park is yards down my list of priorities.

Resident: Seems you are missing the point, children today have lost their creativity, now they need to be entertained or they become angry. I am not trying to "mold" these children into some "image" that I think they should be but uneducated, ignorant and lack of responsibilities is no way to go through life.

Ray, while I agree that some kids have lost their way and have become uneducated, ignorant, and lazy, I do not agree that all skateboarders are this way. I still think we need to give them a chance.

Lets support these kids. They are not bad kids. What is bad, is that they have NO WHERE to go and so they just hang out in town. That is a recipe for trouble. They don't need to be entertained, they are doing that for themselves, just like the other kids who are spending their lives in front of their computers/video games. They don't need to be entertained at all, their "form" of entertainment is different than our generations. We have to start recognizing that.

I know this is a really rough issue for people. We are all effected by this terrible economy. I know economic times are tough and we are definitely STUCK footing the bill for illegals and their children. That is hard on all of us. Personally, I would like to build a bullet train to Mexico and load it with all the illegals and their gang-banger kids and send them packing.

However, I don't want to ignore our youth just because economic times are tough. Lets get creative and see if some of our older, EXTREMELY wealth community members would step forward and help out. They have the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. I encourage them to do so.

It's as simple as this....riding a skateboard has replaced bike riding; like bike riding replaced horseback riding in my youth. We have horse arenas, kids are allowed to ride their bikes, but NO ONE wants kids to ride their skateboards. I just don't get it.

I know times are tough, but I am just asking for some understanding of these kids. They want to be outside, they want to be physically fit, they would like somewhere to go, where everyone is not constantly harassing them. Of course they are angry.....no one wants them and they know it.

Just be more understanding and don't categorize them so completely alright?

I dont get it either. The signs posted say no bikes or skateboarders., but the ones who get harassed are the skateboarders. I suppose you think Tony Hawk is ignorant, uneducated, and lazy!

Kristen, you nailed it! Tony Hawk (ex-Fallbrookian) is one of the top businessmen in the sporting community. He is a skateboarder! What about Shaun White, a local San Diego skateboarder who won a gold medal in the Olympics.

This sport is here to stay and lets help them out with a skate park. Give them a place to go so places like the Angel Shop don't have to put up big ugly blue fences to stop the kids from skating there.

I gave up on watching the olympics when the NBA players joined the American team and when extreme BMX became an actual sport.

I have always taught my kids to learn to entertain themselves. Not ALL kids are bored. They love to read and spend time with their friends being creative. When they were younger, they would make plays and film themselves, then have the parents get together to watch. When they wanted something that was a lot of money, they made cookies and lemonade to raise the money. If these kids and their parents really want a skatepark, get together and start raising the funds. TEACH them that nothing is out of their reach. Let them have FUN washing cars and mowing lawns to help EARN the money. Match the money they raise. Teach them what it takes to have a skatepark and when it is built, they will take all the more pride in it. Stop asking for handouts and stop waiting for someone else to make this a reality for you and your kids. HELP them, work TOGETHER, and make it a reality yourselves.

Gosh my 2 bits.....who in the heck do you think is asking for handouts? That is a really strange comment to make. Again......you are not recognizing the need. Most people are hurting financially right now. Most people cannot fund something like this. No one is asking for a handout. I am only suggesting that the town STOP persecuting these kids and support their need to stay outside and stay healthy. Just think about how good a skate park would be for the youth of our community.

I applaud your suggestions to mow lawns, wash cars, etc. but that not going to raise enough money. I was thinking more like finding someone as kind and philanthropic as the Ingold family to step forward. I don't know how else to get it done. It is too expensive for lawn mowing and car washes. I would love to see if some of the supremely wealthy people we have in this town were willing to help out. Ingold's did just that and they succeeded in unselfishly changing our community and the lives of countless youths in Fallbrook. The Ingolds are real heroes in this town.

But please, don't pass judgment on these kids and assume they are not trying to find a way to get this done. They have been trying forever to get this done and no one will listen to them because the closed minded people HATE skateboarders. Well, perhaps if they would quit hating them so much and join hands with them, something could be done. The skaters would finally be able to get out of downtown Fallbrook.

To Vincenzo: why is that? because I believe in parental responsibility, individual responsibility, rule of law and know how much damage these folks create. Maybe you should look deep inside and ponder what kind of person you are, one who says "screw everyone" I can do what I want or one who works within society to better themselves and therir community. Life is like a two lane road, your beliefs on one side, your personal choices on the other, but the yellow line called society you MUST walk in order to survive. I don't think people should have to pay for the activities of others, that is a parental responsibility. If these children want a skater park, read my previous postings, "get a job" or get the parents to gather together, purchase some land and build the park themselves. There are so many other activities in Fallbrook kids could be involved in today, using the that's what they do excuse is a "lame" argument.

Maybe this might clear up the "personal responsibility" part of my numerous postings. I grew up in Chicago in the late 60's early 70's where my mother, a single parent, raised two children, me and my sister who suffered from cystic fribrosis. We were poor because at that time women made 1/3 of what men made could not afford to buy me a bike because of medical bills. I got a job delivering papers for the Chicago Tribune and saved enough to purchase an English racing bike with all the good Italian components of the day. I worked hard, obeyed the law, entered competitions and won many trophies. Later then I grew older, I had an interest in billiards, I worked hard to purchase a custom cue, rode my bike 15 miles to the local pool hall, practiced hard, entered the Boys and Girls Club competition and once again won numerous thophies. When I wanted a car, once again I worked hard and purchased my first vehicle. So when I seem indifferent to the youth of today with their "gimmie" approach to life and their parents not inforcing in their children responsibilities of being an adult, I have to say. If you want it, work for it.

Ray all that to respond to one simple question you must not have a LIFE !!!

It appears to me that most skateboaders here fit the "townie" discription. Is this true? Do "hillies" come to town to skate, or is it that they can afford to go to skateparks? Some of the skaters here look like future gang members, if not current ones. To me it looks like a whole lot of kids with nothing to do, up to no good, with skateboards, in town. Oh yea,
too bad for most of the merchants in this sweet little village.

Just curious.....you, my friend are a bigot.

Ray I read the story about your past. No wonder your so screwed up. I feel sorry for your mother and your sister.

The town is over-ridden with kids whose parents don't give a flying-leap where their kids are and what they're doing at any given time. In my opinion skateboarding is a perfect sport for kids whose parents don't have the time or money to take them, pay, or more importantly WATCH them. Shut up Resident.

I'm reading these comments and seeing two sides here. Yes, skateboarding is a sport, and a skatepark is a great idea. I agree that teenagers need places to go, places to hangout with friends. I remember our hangout was the old Safeway parking lot. That dates me for sure! But I'll bet they don't let kids do that anymore.

But on the other side, take remarks like Robert's:

"its the only place we can skate...why dont u watch out not us...we dont want to do anything else just skate people should just butt out and learn how to do something other than complaining"

And think of the kids with the lack of respect and consideration, that sit on other peoples cars, or spit at the deputies. These kids are not lacking things to do - they're lacking something far more important. Give them a skate park and they will be no different.

I suppose it would be better for the kids to be inside playing video games. Who goes around judging what little kids are wearing? Vinchenzo, I think you hit the nail right on the head with your comments!!!Keep up the good work.

Resident,
You my friend pass judgements when you assume people cannot afford to build a park. If there is a will, there is a way. I'm sick of parents teaching their kids to just go ask a business owner or a "rich" person for money or "sponsorships." I have had kids come in my business asking for money ("sponsorships") so they can go cheer in Hawaii! When I ask them what they have contributed towards this goal, they look puzzled and say they wrote the speech asking for money! You were missing my point. I agree with Ray, if there are so many kids and parents out there who want this skatepark, band together and raise the money! Your ability to make money is only as limited as your brain.

Vincenzo your Shindlers List comment. Oy Vey!

Where should the boarders go? Obvious answer is to school, so they can learn to read the posted signs!

Simple enough..boarding on private property is illegal and the signs are clearly posted.

Respect the law, the shop owners and the citizens. The the primary problem, a lack of respect. Too bad there aren't RESPONSIBLE parents to teach these kids what the word, RESPECT, means.

Sheriff dept.: start enforcing this, like confiscating the boards and taking the kids, on a field trip, down south to juvee? The choice is theirs.

I can see how sad Ray is, he was one of those latch key kids, he used to hang out at a Chicago pool hall, I would rather have my kid skateboard than hang out at a pool hall! Next thing you know Ray will be working in a bar, probably thinks kids should all have a job, man let them be kids! Now for those spitting on the Sheriffs charge them with assault on a police officer.

To "Vincenzo", "resident", and "my opinion", lay off of Ray! This is supposed to be a comment forum, not a name calling session. Your comments are cruel and have no heart whatsoever.

To Sad Ray: I had a great childhood, I played, went to the lake to swim, had lots of friends and still knew what personal responsibility was. I guess your ideals are just west coast values and maybe that is why most who live here are slackers. Kids can be kids but soon turn into adults and after seeing what the last few generations turned out, society is chaos.

must agree with alum. most of these town skaters wouldnt know how to act with a skate park. helmets? rules? supervision? no, i think they like what they do and that's run loose in town. you people with your " it takes a village mentality " crack me up.

What this discussion comes down to is that the skaters want a place to go but don't want to work hard to get it, they expect people to pay for their pleasures, I don't think so. Let these kids start a petition drive, collect donations, talk to local land owners to see if they can use their vacant property or rent it out. Contact the board of supervisors and push for a park with lots of black top where skaters can go. The county is building a park for ??who?? on West Clemmons, why not a skate park for boarders. Everyone wants something but nobody will work hard to get it, everyone has that "silver platter" mentality where it's expected to be given to them. If these skaters got together and started some of the things I mentioned, you would see how many would donate to their cause, but don't DEMAND that WE do something, get off your BUTTS and do it yourselves.

I started out liking Vincenzo and not so much Ray. Now I like Ray and not so much Vincenzo.

Friend
The parents do care where there kids are, but living in Fallbrook gives parents that "old-fashioned" appeal, that allowed all of us to go out and "play" during the day when we were kids. Most of the parents moved to this town to find a safe place where their kids could do the same thing. There is a sense of safety here that you will not find in other cities. That is why you see so many kids out and about.

2 bits and Ray
The kids did exactly what you are talking about. They went around and got petitions signed, they tried to find donations, they held "town forums" about having a skatepark at Ingold field. NOTHING came of it because of the "I hate skater" short-sighted mentality in this community. I agree with both of you that this is how it should be done. Perhaps next time the kids try to get you to listen, you might encourage all your friends to open up their hearts and hear what they have to say. The skaters too, want to get out of your hair. They want to participate in this wonderful sport where they will not be harassed so much. Please don't just assume they have done nothing.
leah
Take a breath and don't insult me. I have probably been one of the MOST respectful people on this forum. Do not tell me that I am insulting anyone, because I am not that kind of person. You need to read all the comments before you make such a disgusting comment. Like I said take a breath. We are all in this together and this forum is meant to help others open their eyes to the what is going on in our community. For the most part, everyone on this forum is "listening" to what the others are saying or there wouldn't be over 50 comments! I have not picked on Ray and I am also certain Ray is a big boy that is not in the least bit offended by those that are. If I am not mistaken, he seems fairly secure with his position here and should be applauded for reaching out about this topic that so offends him. So, maybe you need to respect his intelligence and understand that he is aware of how people post on this type of forum. I am frustrated with people like you and some of the others who only read half the comments and assume they know what they are talking about. Ray has made many EXTREMELY valid comments. I just do not agree with him, but he is doing this because he cares. So lay off.

To everyone else.
I am only trying to get you all to understand that times have changed. Skateboarding is here to stay. I too, want the skaters out of my way and the only way to do that is to get them into a park. I am just like the rest of you. I do not have a child who skateboards, I do not like having them ruining private property, and I do not like having to slam on my brakes because they skate right in front of me. But for now, there is nowhere else for them to go.

Having said all that though. This concept that they are all bad kids is bigoted and judgmental. They are not all bad kids. They just need to have some place to go. Fallbrook is NO LONGER a retirement community. I am sorry that makes it tough on all of us that are at retirement age. Fallbrook is a community of young families, with young kids and we need to help them out.

Let's get back to the important values in life when we all helped each other and did not sit and pick each other apart. It truly does take a community to raise a child, but people have forgotten how. In our quest for wealth, happiness, success, we have forgotten that there are others around us that need support. All I am asking is that you support these kids and get them out of town and into a skatepark. Why is that so difficult for you to understand and to do??????

Gosh, I am so tired of the "it's all about me" attitude. Lets go back in time and be more like our parents. Lets care more about our youth and be the first generation that actually fully embraces their kids, instead of always finding fault with them.....PLEASE!!!!

Ok Vincenzo, I get it. Thank you for your light hearted humor- it is nice to see that you have that side to you!

To "resident"- you are amazing. I have read and continue to read all of the comments daily- sometimes hourly!! I found it of poor taste to refer to Ray as a "bigot" just because he has a different opinion other than yours. I actually have enjoyed reading your postings and am shocked that you are so flipped over my comment. "Disgusting"??? Saying someone is cruel because they called someone a bigot is not disgusting.

To resident: Ok, I am now realizing you called "just curious" a bigot and not Ray. Whatever. My apology to you that I confused that. Name calling to me is just unproductive, a turn off and leads no one to open their brains.

To resident: the definition of bigot- "bigoted person", the definition of bigoted- "sticking to an opinion...without reason and not tolerating other views, prejudice", etc. Not a bad word after all. My apologies to you. I am a thoughtful person about what I write and recognize that you are too, although you can be a little volatile, but so can we all.

Gosh "Resident" If I need to go to sleep, I will read your comment again. I usually take a Trazadone for this but, looks like I can flush those pills. I will print your comment and leave it next to my pillow.

Apology accepted. And yes, I was talking about "just curious", definitely not Ray. I see why you misunderstood, I should have bracketed the "just curious". My mistake. I actually enjoy everyones comments, as they are so valuable. This has been a wonderful forum with many very good people posting from their hearts. I like that.

Vincenzo
Be my guest and knock off the drugs...j/k

.I have been to many skate parks where the kids all have helmets on and the parents are there supervising. For alum to think the kids and parents in Fallbrook cant do the same is insulting! Just the fact that the kids are willing to risk geting in trouble to have a place to skate should tell you something.All you need is some concrete and some rails. Why does it have to be a million dollar park. Use the money already raised and get something going please.

While other communities build skateparks and integrate skating into highschool athletic programs, Fallbrook threatens skateboarders with juvenile hall. Most of these kids are between 13 and 18, full of energy and have no place to go. What do any of you think we will accomplish by forcing them to hide out of the public eye. They could easily end up spending that time doing drugs and robbing homes for money like the other gangs in town do.
I'd love to see a article from the police stating they are cracking down on the gangs who are robbing our properties including our cars! Robbery is rampant in Fallbrook and it seems the police are too busy with skateboarders to do anything about it.

Great idea Vincenzo, that would be wonderful.

why should all the skateboarders face the consequences of a couple of rude skaters? why are they just picking on skaters what about the bikers or the roller skaters. they should just ask the skater to leave and if he doesn't then arrest him or give him a ticket.

MOM!!!! please skateboarding is not a sport!!, I think you are wrong. actually do you know the irrigations to which your son is exposed? ... that such if he was managing to fall and to give him a strong blow in the head? Because they do not even use crash helmet please for the well-being of your children inculcate another sport

Seriously... some of the folks in this town need to relax for a second. The town is the "best to live in" for those that want to go to the art center, eat at the fance places, shop down Main street and think Fallbrok is going to the crapper. There seems to be a problem here because people fail to recognize that they are not the ONLY ones living in this town. Kids these days aren't happy to just head down to the library and read. Get real, that's not fun to them. They don't want to mox lawns or get jobs. THat's just not how it's going to work, and to suggest things to them is a waste of your time. Also, ignorance is abundant in this town. It makes me sick. Some of you people disgust me. How can you just assume that the skaters are all "gang" members. Geeze... if they're not White and driving a nice car they must be a darn gangster. If they're brown and have a checked shirt on--gangster. If they're not blonde, play football or go to church on sundays--gangster. Quit being so ignorant! It's sickening how people of this town think it is. You're not the only type living here, so deal with it. Kids are going to skate NO MATTER WHAT. Either you deal with them, run them over, or help them build a park. It's not going to go away.

You know not all skaters spit on cops and throw their boards at them, i doubt that ever even happened. There's no way skateboarding is gonna stop in fallbrook. Everyone was getting exited about the skatepark that was to be built, but once again no one wants to pitch in any money for the skaters so skating town continued. Yes, there are skateparks around but not everyone can afford to drive to pala or carlsbad every weekend.

i think skateboarding is really cool and cops need to stop being bullies and taking our sweet new boards that we have to work in the yard for

peace out

Skateboarding is a common activity in the city of Poway. The comminuty was willing enough to build a skatepark a few years back. Yes the town is full of kids getting stoned. But the skatepark was built accross from the police station so I don't think drinking goes on there. Sometimes I will see younger skateboarders causing a bit of trouble, using their skateboards as a side-kick to piss the world off, but atleast it gives them a way to get out. Of course most of them leave when they're told to leave property, and understand most boundaries. I don't know of many "hoodlum" skateboarders. Just teens having fun. Taco-bell probably earns the most business in town. You can't ever go there and NOT see a skateboarder sitting there with his buddies; and the people working there don't have to tell them where to put their boards. Teaching a bit of etiquette could make things better. And giving them a place to skateboard would be helpful instead of putting up a no skateboarding sign everywhere. Sometimes it's just the people who cause the problems like sitting on peoples cars and what not. I'm sure they'd do the same thing if they had a scooter! As for the damage caused, any sport could cause just as much damage as a skateboard.

hello. i am a thirteen year old skater. i disagree with almost everyone of your comments. skaters are not hoodlums. we are just like your "normal" kids. we arent in gangs, most of us dont do drugs or anything like that. that is a sterotype. and you think we destroy things, if you ask any skater, they would want to keep a spot nice and clean so they can skate it over and over again. i dont know anyhthing about your dilemma in fallbrook, but i stumbled across this article for an english persuasive paper. i highly disagree with almost everything negative about skateboarding.
and as for ray,
times are different. not all of us kids have the "gimme" attitude. i have to work for everything. my parents always make me work for my stuff.
so no more steriotyping.

My skateborder son does not get stonned and get violent with people. He goes to christian school and is very respectful. How can you stereo type. How old are you and weren't you ever a kid? I grew up in Fallbrook and yes just like back in the day there is STILL nothing for kids to do unless your paying for it out your yazoo. GET A CLUE!

I agree with skater luke. I am a 15 year old skater, and had got a ticket reently for skating at a public park. That incident got me interested in this topic, that is when I stumbled upon this article today, for research on a persuasive essay. Communit's are setting a standard for what they want the future to be like, they do not understand that every kid wants to play basketball, or football. One of you said earlier that, skateboarding is not a sport, that we could get seriously injured, but isn't that common with most sports. Isn't bashing your heads into each other while playing football dangerous?

A quote from the article:
“I’m not against skateboarders, but when you can’t walk on the sidewalks safely, something has to be done,” Sgt. Ron McCracken

He is basically saying that a skateboarder rolling past you is as dangerous as someone about to hit you with a bat. Skaters do not want to cause destruction, we are just looking to have fun.
Some of you also mentioned that skaters' parents do not know how to teach their kids RESPECT, but my family is very strict on self discpline. My parents have probably raised my siblings and I better, than you parents who claim that skater parents are bad parents, can raise your kids. Most of you think that skaters are the only one doing drugs, but I have seen Football, Basketball players who talk about doing drugs, so who really is the bad parent. You see your kid being active in school, doesn't mean that he/she is a good kid.

I agree with skater, i am 18 and i've been skating for about 5 years now and every time a cop tells us to leave, of course we complain but we have to fight for wat we believe in. I also dont know about ur dilemma in Fallbrook... i might not be Einstien but as soon as u build the skate park more skaters would be there instead of "causing trouble" as some of you put it. Im never angry but we skaters are here to stay and will continue to skate as long as we have our legs

Chill out ray.

its upsetting how you would think mowing lawns is fun.

Ray,
Okay I am a thirteen year old skateboarder currently living in sonoma county california. Why wont you stop hating on skateboarders. Skateboarding is my life and it has been for the past three years, I have put hard work effort and joy into skateboarding. I think it is ridicuolus that skateboarders are stereotyped because other peoples actions in the past. we love skateboarding so dearly that we will do anything to deffend it. Most skaters now a days who do nothing but get in to trouble are not real skateboarders actualy this is where the term "poser" go into play. In my 5 years of skating i've charished every waking moment, while also being a good citizen and respecting other people trying to set a good example as much as possible. Skateboarding is not much different than ball sports infact skateboarding is classified under and art form, basketball players make a living off the sport they loves so do skateboarders. For example if in the 80's tony hawk and christion hosoi were making up to eighty thousand dollars a year both at the age of seventeen because skateboarding was there life. plus skateboarding has physicaly and mentaly developed my body by doing something i love rather than being a junky or sitting on my butt all day playing video games.

IM A SKATEBOARDER BEEN SKATING ABOUT 6 YEARS & I NEVER EVER HAVE BEEN TRANSPORTED TO A JUVENILE CENTER FOR SKATEBOARDING EVEN IF I WAS NOT IN TOWN.I THINK THE COPS ARE BEING TO HARD, NEW OFFICERS THAT JUST CAME IN ARE TRYING TO PUT IN WORK BUT THEY ARE DOING IT THE WRONG WAY. WE SHOULD HAVE A SPOT OR SOME SUPPORT THAT CAN HELP US, BOTH GET OUR WAYS. WE STAY OUT OF SHOPPING CENTERS,YOU GUYS LET US HAVE A FREEDOM TO SKATE SOUND HARD? WHAT ARE THE COPS TRYING TO DO HAVE NOONE WALKING THE STREETS ANYMORE, ALOT OF KIDS ARE GONNA LEAVE THE SPORT AND ALOT OF THEM ARE REALLY GOOD. SUCH A SHAME TO SEE GOOD TALENT GO TO WASTE BECUSE FALLBROOK DOESNT WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

Ray i know your a cop thats why yu hate skaters, i've been studying you and the way you talk your probley the same cop that threathned me to beat me up with a night stick if you were not working just becuase i was riding my board going home, becuase unlike you i have no car broker then a joke.I work & i go to school, and i also skate and im doing fine.Im going to the town council and disccusiing how new cops that are doing nothing to stop gangsters here ,but got time to talk crap to potter kids about skateboarding. Man such a shame this town was fun but now with these cops like ''Ray" they are the ones who are the showing the negative energy in this community.TODAYS skateboarders will be TOMMROWS stoners because kids will have nowere to go,nothing to do, and nothing to see.When i was smaller i rolled thru the streets with a passion to learn and keep learning but, now thats not gunna be the case now they're going to be thinking when theyre going to get there next sack.HELP OUT THE COMMNUTIY RESPOND BACK!!!!!!!RAY IF YOU ARE SEEING THIS IM SORRY THAT YOU DIDN'T HAVE EVERYTHING YOU WANTED BUT TIMES CHANGED THAT WAS YEARS AND YEARS AGO.TODAYS GENERATION IS WAY DIFFRENT GET A CLUE AND STOP HATING ON US.

HELP US GET A SKATEPARK!!!!

I am a skateboarder that is 15 years old, and i have been skateboarding for about 10 years and i have always behaved myself. I have read almost all of the comments that people have posted and i agree with all the skaters suck as: Skateboarder, and Daniel, Fellow Skater, Skater, Skater Luke. they all agree with each other saying that skateboarders don't vandalize and most of them don't do drugs. I do not live in Fallbrook but i have skated there and i have been kicked out of the shopping centers while i was not vandalizing anything, or doing drugs or anything else, me and my friends were just having a good time skating around. Some odd reason people say that we are bad kids and that we need to play "sports". SKATEBOARDING IS A SPORT. I live in Lake Elsinore and my friends and I skateboard in back of stores at loading docks. Alot of the places we skate at are where no one is ale to get hurt, but ourselves. We use trashcans to throw our trash away and everything we use we put back, when we move around to get somewhere we do not J-walk and we use crosswalks and we use sidewalks all the time, but we always watch where we are going. We always make sure to stay out of the way of cars and other pedestrians, and if we get kicked out of a spot that were skating at we argue but we always obey our orders and i say that if you are saying that we cant skateboard anywhere but pretty much our driveways, if we even have a drive way that we have no where else to go. Alot of us are too young to drive and even on the weekends our parents are working so we don't have any ride to go somewhere where we have to drive somewhere. You have to remember that skateboarders only have their skateboards to get around and if we cant even use the sidewalks to ride on, then that means we cant even move around because my mom always tells me to stay out of the road and watch for cars. i just don't get why you cant put up a skate park, i understand that it costs money to build one but if you build a baseball park, why cant you just add a skate park. even if you have to add bmx riders. at least its a place where we can actually ride and not get tickets for, or get arrested and sent to juvi! i just cant believe all the stuff people are doing to trying to get skateboarders to stop skateboaring. i think its pathetic.

Skaters! Come to the Village News for Soul Roll next weekend, January 30, 2010. We are going to have 7 bands outside, a half pipe with skaters from Active, Sector 9, and lots of product giveaways, like decks from Plan B. Starts at 11 am.
We are donating the half pipe after the event to the cause for the skate park. Go to www.thevillagenews.com/soulrollexpo and preregister! or follow the button ad at the top of this page.

stop hateing on skateborders we arent punks we are just doing what we love. so to all u haters stop hating and go skate

stop hateing on skateborders we arent punks we are just doing what we love. so to all u haters stop hating and go skate

i agree with #78 what the heck is wrong with skating? it isnt vandalizing in itself and if you people aren't satisfied with us skating at places where there is to skate... then BUILD US A SKATE PARK!!!

I agree there is not enough for our kids to do in the village. I can't even find a baseball field to play catch and practice swing a bat with my five year old (That I am allowed to use). But the park is doomed from the get go. Does any one remember the skate park in ocean side by the pier? It was closed down do to staffing problems. Who will maintain the park. There will have to be a fence around the park. There are bad apples out there that will screw it up for everybody. Who will enforce rules(language, dress code, safety equipment) I have been to the skate park in Murrieta, it sounded like I was in a bar not a kids park. lets not forget about the elephant in the room . Who will pay for the start up. Who will pay for the operating cost. And to number 75 there are baseball parks here in town but you cant use them I have been trying to get on a field for three weeks now, and they are locking up ball field for the summer.

y do they have 2 take down sk8ters all i do is sk8 at parks and my friends do 2 and we sometimes use my friends halfpipe but seriously y do they hate us i dont drink do smoke dont break anything the closest to "ileagal" sk8ing is testing out a new board in a sk8 shop

Here is the problem. All you older people sit and complain about how skaters are terrible kids and cause problems. Yes, I understand we do mess curbs, rails, etc. up, but maybe if we had a park those risks would decrease? There are always going to be the arrogant people, but quit stereotyping skaters! The NFL, MLB, NBA, etc. have plenty of negative & arrogant people who do drugs, drink, etc. So get your facts straight first of all, quit complaining & build a park secondly, and third of all quit being idiots and realize that nobody is going to give up a passion. Either build a park, or tickets will start coming.

Im a skateboarder and im tired of people seeing dog fighting, drug using nfl players as athletes and seeing people that skate as hoodlums. we're not angry people we just get mad that ignorant people see skating as a sport thats lazy and takes no skill. well it does, accept the fact tht times are changing. we dont want you to spend 1000s of dollars on bowls and half pipes,all we need is for you to build hand rails, curbs and other things we find in the streets that we can legally skate.

You guys honestly have a bad opinion on skateboarding, skate parks are not that expensive for a city to build as long as careful budgeting has taken place, it's stupid to assume that all skateboarders are terrible people. I myself am very respectful and usually don't get thrown out because i don't damage anything. I'm not a beginner at skateboarding either. Skateboarding actually is a sport despite what you may thing. It involves ability, skill, and muscular motion that gets you up and moving. If you don't think it is a sport..then footballs not a sport either then because they're just throwing a ball back and forth and keeping score of how many times they get past a line. Most of you are just mad and trolling because you couldn't ever skate.

Ray, find a real problem to solve!

if the police want to take skaters to jail than you'll have to take all of us to jail too because we are just one big family. so good luck, it won't be easy!

go find a real problem to solve like actual criminals

take robbers to jail, not skaters

I'm a 19 year old skateboarder, have been since i was like 9, all my life i have never seen skaters spit on cops or anything like that, as for everying staryting something saying we are hoodlums and all, i thinks its total bs. I skate cause i love it, and i still go to school to get my education, not getting stoned or drunk or anyhting like that. Yes not everyone is the same and have anger problems and such, but comeone to thrash on a topic like this cause you hate us? get a life man

You people don't know anything about how skaters live. We don't spit on cops

This is true there are many parts to the story but for one i have been a skater for a bout two years im the honor student have all thje advanced classes i dont skate i have respect for everyone who deserves it but you still all treat us like criminals for the fact that we have a different way of life i used to be a shut in before i skated but now i am one of the top skaters in my city ive been having fun too i work for everything i work on you cant say we havent tried thousands of us have gotten jobs to work for this cuese but you people who discriminate on us for how we live is what make us angry. your putting us all on one catagory there is the simple skater who does what he loves because he loves what he does and then theres the sterotyper who hold boards but smoke nd drink we the people of the skating community are no different then you fancy baseball players, football players, we do a sport because we are good at it and have fun with it. if we dont have the right to skate you shouldnt have the right to play baseball or basketball. theyre are all national sports. France Eastern Europe and even ghanistan and many other countries have taken the chance to give us a chance why cant you

OKAY I AM A SATER AND I GET WHERE EVERY SINGLE PERSON ON THIS LIST IS COMMING FROM. TO ALL PEOPLE THAT KEEP CALLING US SKATER PUNKS I AM ACTULY TOP OF MY CLASS 4.0 AND PLANNING TO ATTEND HARVARD. THE REASON WE SKATE IN THE PUBLIC IS BEACUSE WE HAVE NO WHERE TO GO AND THE BEST SKATE PARKS COST AT LEAST $20 A PERSON IF THEY MADE MORE SKATE PARKS WE WOULD STAY MOSTLY OUT OF THE WAY.

Making skateboarding illegal changes nothing we will be doing it till we cant anymore its a passion, if you dont like it we really could care less if you dont like it .... off

i think its awesome to skateboard in a parking lot