Just got back from Northern California, we took a much needed couple of days to hike and take in the fresh air… not to mention the freezing temperatures.

In talking to skateboarders in Humboldt county, I felt more of a sense of community. There doesn’t seem to be the arrogant air that we sometimes see in our local parks. Older riders share the parks with younger riders, no pushing & shoving or harsh words… Skaters feel welcome regardless of their skill level. Not to mention the new guys

It is a good retrospect in how we should handle ourselves in the park. Come on people… smile on your brother…

A story caught my attention today:

From ABC-7:
MONTEBELLO (KABC) — There is still no sign of the driver in a deadly hit-and-run that killed a teenager riding his skateboard.

Friends and relatives of 14-year old Justin Carrasco gathered at the intersection of Montebello and Jefferson Boulevards in Montebello, where the teen was hit Saturday morning.

Carrasco was rushed to the hospital with major head injuries, where he later died.

"I saw Justin get away from the car, and the car tried to get away from him too, but they both went the same way," said Christian Coronado, Carrasco’s friend.

"He got hit, and I saw him flying up in the air," Coronado said.

Investigators are looking for a dark-colored SUV with significant front-end damage. Anyone with information is urged to call the Montebello Police Department at (323) 887-1313.

It is sad when this happens, my heart goes out to the family. It is also a reminder to wear helmets and safety gear when riding in the street. Sure it’s not "cool" but this kind of stuff is hard to deal with when you are a parent.

Wow, I sound like an old fart. But seriously above and beyond anything else, my kids are #1 even when they think I am acting like #2…

Some skate purely for the enjoyment, some for a career. Kevin Connolly gives a whole new light to skateboarding.

His work is truly incredible, providing an insight to the vulnerability of humans when viewing something "out of the ordinary." His works show raw human emotion.

I thought this inspirational article fit, not really a "skateboarding" article, like the other ones usually viewed, but worth mentioning nonetheless.

You can view the article here:
http://potw.news.yahoo.com/s/potw/64390/what-are-you-looking-at

Check out pictures from the Long Beach leg of the Element Skateboards "Future Nature Skate Contest Series":

http://www.elementskateboards.com/events/EA/FutureNatureTour/2008-Socal/FN4-LongBeach.html

Now this is what we need more of in OC.

Element Skateboards is providing a great opportunity for budding talent to show their skills in front of tons of people. The groupings are split in 3: 13 and under, 14-17 and 18+/Sponsored, prizes awarded to the top 3 in each group. The winner of the 14-17 division will receive a scholarship to the Element YMCA Skate Camp.

Element is bringing the finals to our very own Vans skatepark at the Orange Block (in Orange in case you didn’t catch that). This should give all you parents a reason to take your skaters out to Orange for some great amateur action & fun. Who knows, maybe your little one will end up in the mix the following year!

For more information on the event, including the dates and other locations leading to the finals can be found at http://www.elementalawareness.org/events/

From time to time we check in with the Daily Pilot on the "What’s Happening" with the continuing skatepark debate. The city council is constantly debating the issue with the public on where to put them, how to build them, blah, blah, blah…

A lot of good people are putting time and effort into creating a safe, enjoyable environment for Costa Mesa’s skateboarders, including Jim Gray, owner of ABC Board Company in Costa Mesa. Jim and a lot of other supporters are joining in at council meetings and voicing their opinions on bringing these parks and sites to the city.

Of course there is the other side, the so-called "Improvers" of Costa Mesa. They would strike down any opportunity to give the city more entertainment value. They are more concerned with "cleaning up" Costa Mesa. Hiding behind anonymous pen names they spew hatred and dissatisfaction with every step of the process.

Anyone reading this should not be afraid to voice their opions on the issue. The Daily Pilot gives you the opportunity to combat some of these "Improvers" and other ignorant folk who think skateboarders are the scum of the earth. Do everyone a favor though… don’t stoop to their level and hide behind anonimity. Let your voice be heard.

You can view the most recent story here: http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2008/01/16/politics/dpt-skateboards17.txt

Had to share this clip… it was too good to pass up!

What could be better than a skateboarding dog? OH WAIT… here is another one, and he is a Huntington Beach local:

The Maloof Money Cup is coming to town! At the start of the 2008 Orange County Fair, we will see the arrival of the first Maloof Money Cup in Orange County. The prize at the end of the tournament is $100,000 which should bring out some great talent! Check out an article for the event at the OCRegister. The official site for the Maloof Money Cup can be found here.