Trinidad Skatepark Alliance

St. Patty's Day Fundraiser!

2012-02-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

TRINIDAD SKATEPARK ALLIANCE

ST. PATTY’S DAY BENEFIT SHOW

Saturday, March 17^th 6-10pm

Trinidad Town Hall $10 ALL AGES

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING

THE NO GOOD REDWOOD RAMBLERS
and
KINDRED SPIRITS

CHILI FEED, DRINKS, MUSIC, RAFFLE PRIZES, AND FUN!

Bring the whole family

KIDS CORNER PROVIDED BY TRINIDAD PLAYGROUP

Come out and celebrate with us!

*And if you think chili won't to fill you up, swing next door to the Beachcomber Cafe and grab dinner, then come on back and enjoy the show!

For questions, or comments, please contact:
Lisa Espejo at 707.601.7792
or at:
knowskateboardingintrinidad@gmail.com

Hope to see you there!

We're having a party!

2012-02-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

photo borrowed from web

Yep, that's right. Our first fundraiser of the year! To be held at Trinidad Town Hall featuring the musical stylings of Humboldt's own, The No Good Redwood Ramblers and dance performances by Trinidad's own Mischief Lab accompanied by live samba music.

Details are still getting hashed out, but, SAVE THE DATE:

Saturday, March 17th--yes, St. Patty's Day doors will open at 6pm

Stay tuned for further details . . . !!!

This one's for McKinleyville

2012-01-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

(Active Ride Shop, San Dimas, CA. Photo borrowed from web)

I used to work at a health food store in Southern California. It sat in a strip mall, as many stores do in Southern California. We were on the west end of the mall, and opposite us, on the east end, sat Active Ride shop. Active was the board shop that supplied the locals in the area with skateboards, snowboards, shoes, and all the fixin's. As years passed, Active outgrew its space. And in doing so they managed to make and save enough money to afford the construction of an even bigger building than the one they previously occupied. Their new site was now at a premiere location, and across the parking lot from Vitamin City where I worked. They had many a demo complete with HUGE ramps, pros, an impressive PA, and MASSIVE crowds. They soon became the landmark destination I would give people when they asked for directions to our store. "Make a right as soon as you get off the freeway. Turn in the driveway before Active." Needless to say, the once quiet, passive strip mall was now overrun with skateboards and skaters of every size, shape, and age. I loved it.

Active started out with one store in 1989 in Chino, CA. I believe the San Dimas store, the one I speak of, was no. 2. They now have 21 stores in Southern CA. Now why go on for so long about a string of stores in So Cal? To make a point: The skateboarding population the world over is growing. Whether you like or not, whether you skate or not, that is a reality. I am an advocate of skateboarding. I don't skate. I don't have kids. Should that matter? I think not.

In all my 11 years at Vitamin City not one week went by when I didn't hear at least one complaint about skateboarding:

"Those kids! One of them just about ran me over!", "Someone needs to tell them to slow down.", "They're going to hurt someone!"

Week, after week, year, after year, the complaints kept coming. Then I moved to Humboldt. I got a job at a market that happens to be the hub of a rural community where lots of children live, and surprise, surprise, they like to skate. And then come the concerns and the complaints, except this time they were too hard to ignore. Maybe it was because my new home town is such an intimate, all-knowing community. Maybe it was because I had heard too many complaints for too long. Maybe it was because now I am equipped with a college degree from a great program at a great school where I was taught that a small group of people can make a difference, and here's how to do it. Whatever it was, the complaints began to hurt and I felt like doing something about it. So began the Trinidad Skatepark Alliance. Then I met some pretty amazing people . . .

Enter the McKinleyville Skatepark Organization (MSPO). If you follow this blog, then you already know about the support and leadership they've shown us in all the time TSPA has been in existence. We would be nowhere without them. (If you'd like to learn more about them please visit their website/facebook page. Both are listed to the right of this post.) Skatepark projects are, as any planning project is, long and exhaustive. They will try the patients of everyone involved. They will take years, sometimes, decades, and hundreds of thousands of dollars before they come to fruition. They are built by the organization and efforts of several individuals, many of them are volunteers, who have full time jobs, families, and full time school schedules--basically, their own lives to live. These people meet when they can, plan fundraisers and write grants, which takes more time from their already overloaded schedules. But they get it done, and they never complain. All they ask from us is a few bucks, and our attendance at their wildly fun events, more often than not, designed for the entire family.

Unfortunately, the efforts of the MSPO has come under scrutiny by the McKinleyville Services District for the time, money, and efforts it takes to build such an amazing place. You can read all about it in the McKinleyville Press. In short, there has been talk of relocating the site, which would significantly and adversely effect the final design, as it is site specific, and set the project back for who knows how long. MSPO is so close to completion. Even if they are 1 year or 2 years out, that is so much closer than 12. They cannot stop, and they shall not be moved. I apologize for not going into further details regarding this issue, but honestly, I don't feel comfortable using this blog to discuss the business of the MSPO for fear of misinterpreting any part of it. BUT, I feel most comfortable forwarding messages and posting information about their upcoming events, and that is exactly what I am doing. That being said, our friends of the MSPO have called upon each and everyone of us for our help. Here is what we can do:

What?  Show up at the next McKinleyville Services District Board of Directors meeting
When?  Wednesday, February 01, 2012, 7pm
Where?  Azalea Hall 1620 Pickett Road , McKinleyville, California

No need to speak. Your presence will speak for you. But, if you feel compelled to do so, go right ahead.

In our busy lives there are some things that are worth taking time out for. We do it for ourselves, our kids, our pets, our friends, our principles, our convictions, our passions, and our pursuits. For years, our hard working friends of the McKinleyville Skatepark Organization have been making the sacrifice for us. Let's give them this night to show them how much we appreciate all that they have done.

See you there.

Thank you Santa!

2011-12-31T10:27:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, I hope everybody had a pleasant holiday. May this evening take you to a warm and wonderful place full of smiles and laughter. Or, if you prefer a more quiet, peaceful place, may you find it.

In my last post I spoke of replacing the donation bottle at Murphy's. The next day, whilst shopping, Salty Tom and I saw Moe, another one of our FAVORITE Murphsters. She told us during the week the bottle was gone, a guy asked her what happened to it. She told him that it broke and the staff at the store put its contents in the safe. He handed her some money and asked her if she could add it to the funds--Wow!! What a sweet man!

To preface the next great story, I mentioned in the last post that every week I find at least one $5 bill in the bottle. At times I've even pulled out $10 bills! Last weekend, I cleaned out the bottle on Christmas Eve and found two $10 and $5 bills sitting among several $1 bills, and a heap of coins!!!

AND THEN, Salty Tom comes home from the store (Murphy's) a couple of days ao and nestled in the crook of his arm is a box full of LOTS of change. I was surprised at how full the bottle was in the middle of the week. Apparently, an anonymous, very generous, and selfless man brought ALL his change that he had been saving up for the entire year and donated it to the skatepark fund--"HUZZAH TO THE TIPPER!!!" Anonymous man, that is your change, your support, pictured at the top of this blog. Whoever you are, wherever you came from, and wherever you went, on behalf of the Alliance, the community, and skaters/kids everywhere, I thank you.

And I extend that 'thank you' to all of you who contributed in whatever way you could. Great and small, it all adds up, and believe me, it all matters. I know in many of these posts I often blather on about the donation bottle. More than anything I would love for you readers to open up the link to this blog and read about how we finally got a site. But, right now, this is all I've got. And it's keeping me going. THE SKATERS keep me going. People like the ones mentioned above keep me going. People who ask me, or talk about our progress keep me going. People like you keep me going. For now, that's what is most important, keep this thing going. So, let's keep it going.

Happy New Year.

'The bottle' is back!

2011-12-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

For those of you living in the 'Greater Trinidad' area, you may have noticed something significant was missing from Murphy's Market over the past week: Our donation bottle! The poor, old thing buckled under its own weight. One morning, when our very own, lovely lady of the cash registers, Miss Dee, went to empty the bottle of its generous gifts, the bottom fell out! But, not to worry, after a long week at work, chuggin' down a gallon of Santa Cruz Apple Juice, and one night dedicated to arts&crafts, the bottle is back!

Yep, Salty Tom set it up this morning. There it sits at checkstand no. 1 rigged by a cable, anchored to its former spot. After Salty hooked it up he had to get back to the shop (of the same name, Salty's) while I stuck around and chatted with a few friends, grabbed some half-n-half, and made for the checkstands. It was 7:30 in the morning. My loop through the store took me, at most, 10 minutes. During this time there were three customers in the store--including me. By the time I got to the register there was already a $1 bill and some spare change in the bottle. I said, "WOW! There's already money in it!" I told Nelson, Trinidad Murphy's beloved, hard working, store manager, the generosity of this community inspires and often reaffirms my faith in humanity. He agreed.

This generosity comes without question, without a second thought, and at a time when NO ONE has spare change to throw around. Yet, the bottle fills up every week, and every week there is at least one $5 bill in it amongst the several $1 bills, and LOTS of change. Many times I've even pulled $10 bills out of it! Perhaps it is just 'spare change' to some, maybe most. But to others, that bottle at checkstand no. 1 at Murphy's Market in Trinidad represents a dream. And a community watching it fill up every week--week, after week, after week--is a community watching its dreams come true, together.

"They're here"

2011-12-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

The hoodies are in! And they look GREAT!!! The collaboration between John Vitale's wonderful design and Blackjack's fine printing skills was amazing! We have t-shirts too, adult-toddler sizes in all kinds of colors. By noon today, they'll be available for Christmas present purchasing at Salty's in Trinidad. Come this Wednesday they can be found at The Stork's Nest in McKinleyville, and Ampt Skate Shop in Arcata as soon as the stores open. Hoodies are in limited supply--24 of each adult, and youth--so get 'em while they last!

We're still working on the jewelry, keychains, and belt buckels project. So far, we got the broken boards, cleaned them up, now they need to be cut into pieces. This is taking a little longer than expected, which means the hand/homemade gear they're destined to be might not manifest till very close to, or after Christmas. That's okay. It'll happen. Till then, enjoy the mini broken board picture show . . .

Nice, shiny, clean decks. Ready for a second life . . .

Sticky, scratchy grip tape. You've served your purpose.

Stacks of sticks. See the colorful layers?

Remember, $10,000, that's our goal for the end of this year. Like I always tell the girls at Murphy's when they ask about the cause, we get closer with every penny.

Si Se Puede--We can do it!

SOLD!!!

2011-11-20T10:14:00.000-08:00

The donated truck rack has sold! Adding to the ever increasing funds of the Trinidad Skatepark Alliance! Yep, I sold it yesterday afternoon. A man drove all the way up from Garberville, in the rain, handed me the asking price, and happily hauled it off. Said he'd just realized he wanted a rack for his Chevy. Before he came by to pick it up I ran a few errands. First, I cleaned out the 'please, help us build our skatepark' bottle at Murphy's. Next, I took it, along with more change from same donation source, over to Cher-Ae Heights Casino, in Trinidad. The smiling clerks behind the cash counter kindly ran it through a machine where it was counted, and converted into hundreds of dollars in paper money. (Now that I've been tipped off to this service, I no longer have to sit, count, and stuff coins into rolls as shown in the picture at the top of this post--$14 in pennies once took me 2 hours!! And no worries, I'm not the casino going type. Every penny that goes in with me comes out with me.) Between this money, the rack, and $193.50 in pennies and nickels that went in and out of the casino last week, we generated over $1100!!!

In the midst of all of this I shared some beautiful moments with many members of the community . . .

It began at Salty's. I was filling in for Salty Tom as he was doing what he does best, fishin'. While there, this super sweet little dude comes in with his pop. So professional, and grown-up he was. They were inquiring to Gabe about selling some boards and trading a wetsuit. It went so well for them that the dad ran home to grab more boards to sell, and our new little buddy stuck around to hang with the two of us. Gabe introduces the little guy and I and he says to me, "I saw you cleaning out the bottle at Murphy's." Shortly after they left, I remembered seeing him too. It was a moment I'll never forget. It affected me so much that I posted about it on the blog. To read about it, check the post titled, "Like a Genie in a Bottle", July 23, 2011. He was the genie.

Later, after Gabe left, a family came in looking for Salty's stickers. They'd been shopping at Salty's for years throughout its various owners. Since we didn't have Salty's stickers I gave the mom two TSPA stickers, which we sell 2 for $1 at the shop for fundraisers. She put $5 in the skatepark donation bottle--Salty's has one too!

After my shift, I headed over to Murphy's to clean out the donation bottle. While I was doing this a man stood behind me, patiently waiting his turn in line. He couldn't help but hear the conversation between the checkers and I regarding the status of the skatepark. As I was setting the bottle back to its upright position he dropped in some change. Of course, this brought a great, big smile to my face, and I thanked him. He never said a word, and just smiled back.

I proceeded to put up new TSPA flyers on both sides of every check stand, then went over to Catch Cafe to do the same. A local couple I recognize was sitting next to the window, enjoying a tasty lunch, as I was placing up the flyer. The woman asked how we're doing. I told them both all about it. She was impressed when I got to the part about making jewelry, belt buckles, and keychains out of busted boards. She thanked me for helping out the cause. I thanked her for asking about it.

My goal for TSPA is to have $10,000 in our bank account by the end of this year. We can do it. We're real close. We just need that final push. This means I have work to do. I ordered blank t-shirts and hoodies in sizes ranging from toddlers to XL adults. I should have them by Tuesday, then they're headed straight to Blackjack for printing with our new, sweet logo. Today, my friend Bonnie is coming over and we are going spend a good deal of time pealing grip-tape off of discarded skateboards. Thus prepping them for the saw, and bringing them one step closer to wearable art.

So, please, stay tuned. I can't wait to share more wonderful stories of community, and how far a penny and a smile can go.

It's that time of year!

2011-11-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year . . . When the weather changes for the cozier. Crab pots travel down the highway on trailers by the truckload. Men and women, dressed in their waders, run for the rivers. We opt for 'soup' instead of 'salad'. The nights grow longer. And Trinidad's skaters begin to hunker down and dream BIG of a skatepark that will one day come to their town. This is a taste of what they see.

And, yes, it's also that time of year when gift giving becomes priority no. 1 to many of us. To celebrate this time, TSPA, with the help of some amazing friends, is making contributions to the arts: Great, locally made, gift ideas that support a great cause!

We have three products that will be available VERY SOON after Thanksgiving. They are:

T-Shirts and hoodies with our new logo--yahoo!!!

Jewelry, belt buckles, and keychains made from recycled skateboards created by, yours truly and my good friend, Bonnie Duncan.

Lastly, we're offering a DeWALT truck rack for sale. I know this is not a locally made gift. It was donated to us from a very generous family to be entered as a raffle item at one of our fundraisers. Since no events are scheduled, we've put it on Craigslist:

http://humboldt.craigslist.org/pts/2710137271.html.

As soon as these goodies are ready to go I'll post it so they can be found!

Yep, this time of year things are meant to slow down. Processes. People. Time to be a bear. The Trinidad Skatepark Alliance is not immune to this. Our activities have slowed down, yes, but that's okay. I'm still here, keeping the candle lit while new dreams are realized, and others are coming to fruition. I will always be here. I hope you're out there too.

Happy Birthday TSPA!!!

2011-10-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true. The little organization that could is celebrating its inaugural year. Much has happened in our first year. We began with a small group of dedicated skaters who met religiously every Friday afternoon, rain or shine. With the help of many supportive parents, community members, artists, shop/cafe owners, our own city officials, and local press we all worked together on making our dream, a skatepark in Trinidad, a plausible goal to work towards. Through it all we have seen one of Humboldt County's favorite bands, Rooster McClintock, reunite, and the resurrection of Trinidad's beloved surf/SKATE/and tackle shop, Salty's. But, best of all we have seen a rise in the number of skaters here in town, and we have watched their confidence and skill levels soar.

To help us celebrate, John Vitale of the Killing Floor Skateboards has designed us a new logo! It's pretty sweet and getting rave reviews. See for yourself!

Artwork by John Vitale of The Killing Floor Skateboards

Soon, the new design will be available on t-shirts and hoodies just like our last logo. Till then, we have stickers to pass out among friends and families--lots of stickers! Come by Salty's, get a hold of me, somehow get some stickers! Let's start slappin' 'em on boards, bumpers, backsides of 'stop' signs, wherever they must go! As always, we appreciate all the help and support.

For more on the Killing Floor, check out their website at: http://thekillingfloorskateboards.com/

Calling all volunteers!!

2011-07-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

(Photo borrowed from the McKinleyville Skatepark Association's facebook page. Check it out!)

Good morning! Or, afternoon, or evening, whenever and wherever you are reading this. You see that ramp? Isn't she pretty? Well, this here portable half-pipe belongs to our friends of the McKinleyville Skatepark Association. They have offered to lend it to us for Trinidad Art Nights on Friday, August 05th, from 6-9pm. We are waiting for final approval from the City of Trinidad to let us use some space for the show. So far, everything seems to be moving along as expected. If we get the nod from the city, the ramp will be sectioned off in an enclosed area, and I will need help with overseeing the operation. This includes:

Getting participants to sign waivers before entering into said space.
Making sure all participants are wearing their helmets. (I believe this applies only those under 18 years of age. I will be more clear of this detail come Monday morning)

The purpose of Trinidad Art Nights on Friday, Aug. 05th is to raise funds for the promotional costs of this year's Surf for Peace (S4P) competition. This would mark the 8th Annual S4P event to be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011. Get it? That's S4P, number 8, on 9/10/11!! In the past, S4P has always been a fundraiser for the Surfrider Foundation. This year, half of the funds will go to Surfrider, and the remaining half will be divided evenly among the two local skatepark projects: McKinleyville and Trinidad.

Volunteers from the S4P committee will be at Oshun Yoga selling tasty brews donated by Six Rivers Brewing Co. The shop's lovely proprietress, Karilily Kent, will not be there as her healing aura and positive chi will be called upon at this year's Gaia Festival in Leytonville. She will be missed. And, just as the staff at Gaia will appreciate her company and services, so will the S4P crew at Oshun appreciate yours during Trinidad Art Nights Friday, Aug. 05th.

If any kind soul out there is interested, or knows of someone who might be interested, and is available to help out the cause at Trinidad Art Nights, Friday, Aug. 05th, please, contact me:

Lisa, 707.601.7792--All hands are most appreciated!!

There you go. I've stated four times in bold faced type the date for Trinidad Art Nights, Friday, Aug. 05th (five now, in case you missed it!) Mark it on your calendar. Tell all your friends. Come prepared to have LOTS of fun showing support for your community!! And remember, community doesn't stop at city boundary lines. Community knows no boundaries.

We'll see you there.

(Anonymous skater tearin' it up . Borrowed from the Mck SP facebook page.)

Like a Genie in a Bottle

2011-07-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, I was at Murphy's waiting my turn in line to clean out this week's funds from the skatepark donation bottle. In front of me was a mom and her son. He must've been about 9 years old. The checker, Brenda, handed the mom her change. The mom handed her son whatever coins she received back from Brenda and said something to the effect of, "There you go." As I stood there next to them with the bottle tipped upside-down and my hand stuffed halfway into it, I realized he wanted to put his change into the donation bottle. I immediately retrieved my hand, set the bottle upright, and thanked him from the bottom of my my heart. His mom looked at me and said in a sincere, yet serious manner, "He really wants that skatepark." I turned, looked at him, and said, "We're working on it!"

And that we are . . .

Monday, July 18, 2011: I stepped into Umpqua Bank on Central Avenue in McKinleyville with Charlie Caldwell, President of the McKinleyville Skatepark Assocaition. One hour later, I walked out with Trinidad Skatepark Alliance now a 501 (c)(3), recognized nonprofit organization.

In order to seal this deal I had to open a TSPA account at said bank under the auspices of the McK Skatepark Assn. To do this, I had to run down to Arcata to make a withdraw from our current account at US Bank. On my way I stopped by Big Pete's for a slice of tasty pizza, which I enjoyed while skimming through the pages of the current issue of Savage Henry magazine. I was STOKED to see, right there on the bottom corner of pg. 7, our ad staring back at me! Because I placed the order for the ad so late in June, I didn't expect to see it till next month. BUT, the crew at Savage Henry are organized, professional, and in full support of skatepark projects the world over. Thanks guys! It's a pleasure to do business with you!

Some more good news: As you can see in the pic at the top of this post, Salty's, Trinidad's beloved tackle, surf, AND skate shop, is back in business! With much perseverance and hard work, TSPA's very own Gabe Adams has reopened its doors. He gave it a facelift and introduced some new items: Harbor Pride gear, Muddy Waters coffee, wifi access, skate gear, and of course, bait and tackle. If you haven't been in yet, here are a couple shots of what the inside looks like:

I should've taken some more, especially of the skate corner pics, but since I failed to do so, you'll just have to come in and see for yourself. Say 'hi' to Salty Tom and the little groms while you're there!

And finally, as I mentioned in the previous post, TSPA is working with Tim Breed, of Trinidad Art Nights, on the next event. The date is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 05, 2011. Save the date and check the website: http://trinidadartnights.com/, and this blog for more info. I intend to have an update in next week's post. We're still working out the kinks and I have to get to work right now!!!

Have an amazing day!

These Things I Must do

2011-07-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

Aside from walking the dogs, and going to the store for more half&half and coffee filters I have some TSPA administrative tasks to attend to. My hope is that they will produce long-lasting, positive effects for the Alliance.

Let's start at the beginning:

We are about to enter into the next level with help of, yet again, our friends from the McKinleyville Skatepark Association: http://www.mckskatepark.com/index.htm. Next week, they will take us under their wing and give us non-profit status! Achieving non-profit status was one of two of our biggest hurdles to overcome. The next, is to acquire land, which would most likely be out of the question without such status. This is a huge step for the Alliance. We love the crew of the McK Skatepark! We would probably still be in the Stone Age without their guidance and continuous support. Big thanks to you guys!

I placed an ad to run in Savage Henry Magazine: http://savagehenrymagazine.com/. Savage Henry is a creative, witty, and fun mag that A LOT of people are reading. It 's funded by advertisement and is distributed for free throughout ALL of Humboldt County. It only seemed right to support them. So, starting next month, a business card sized ad will run for the next four months in an effort to spread the word and seek out more help. Keep an eye out for it when you pick up the next issue!

Trinidad Art Nights:

Trinidad Art Nights: http://trinidadartnights.com/ is in its inaugural year--kind of like us! Organizer, Tim Breed, has been working his tail off keeping it going. His ideas are interactive, all inclusive, and fun for all ages. He's enlisted our help at the next installment, which is to be held on FRIDAY, AUGUST 05, 2011. The fun starts at 6pm. This evening will be dedicated to raising funds to help promote this year's Surf for Peace event. Please stay tuned to this blog and watch the TAN website to see further details unfold as this event is still in the planning stages . . .

'Like' us on facebook:

I've created a new page for us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Trinidad-Skatepark-Alliance/135483596534754. It's another attempt to spread the word and solicit more help. So far, three people like us, including myself! I've spent much time on facebook trying to figure out how to get more 'likes'. Apparently 25 'likes' makes it an 'official' page. So, if you see us, please, 'like' us. I'm curious to see what happens when we're official!!!

That's all I have to share for now. Just as if I were to jump on the board pictured at the top of this blog, it's time to start pumping my little legs, and ride!

It's a sign!!!

2011-06-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

I was sorting out change from the 'spare change for our skatepark' bottle at Murphy's today, when I came upon this rare nickel. It's a Buffalo Nickel. I looked it up online to see what I could learn about the portrait on the head of the coin and this was what I found:

The Buffalo Nickel 1913-1938: Depicted on the obverse, the head of the coin, is an image of a Native American man. He is an amalgamation of three chiefs, "Iron Tail of the Sioux, Two Moons of the Cheyenne, and John Big Tree of the Seneca nation . . . The reverse of the Buffalo Nickel was made in two distinct types. The first was produced for only a short time during the first year of issue in 1913, at all three Mints in use at the time. A male North American Bison, commonly called a buffalo, is standing on a raised mound . . . Beneath the mound is the denomination expressed as FIVE CENTS with the mint mark below. Above the Bison is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM slightly below."

That is our nickel. It is worth anywhere from $4.50 to $16.00. Not much? I tend to think otherwise. After all, it is only a nickel. At the very least it is worth 120 times its value. It took almost 100 years to find its way into our bottle, and later, my hand.

Clearly, the Alliance has been blessed with Buffalo medicine, which brings abundance, prosperity, standing one’s ground and protection of resources, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

As of late, I no longer work in the hub of Trinidad. I haven't seen, nor heard from the skaters in two weeks. That's okay. I needed a break. I was breaking. One day, I worked by myself, outdoors at our potential site, in the light rain, and I asked myself, "Why am I doing this?" I don't skate. I don't have kids. And I walked away for a few weeks.

But, today, as I mentioned, I picked up the change from Murphy's. There were two $5 bills in it. Wow! Some folks out there still feel very strongly in favor of this project. Then, I came home and opened up my emails. I had a message from MK of the McKinleyville Skatepark Assn. Apparently, things are looking up for our organization as far as nonprofit status goes. And, I opened up my snail-mail. In it was a statement from our bank account: $5286.05 and I am staring at a pile of change worth hundreds of dollars that I need to count out, and stuff into paper rolls before they go to the bank.

This is where we stand. Together. And try as I may to separate myself from something I have been so close to for so long, well, it is futile. I do need help. And it is coming. I did need a break. And I have taken it. So, before it goes on too long, I have this to say to all of you, but mostly to myself:

Hang in there.

We like this spot

2011-05-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

Rory at Trinidad State Park with the Big Blue behind him

May 01, 2011:

Happy Beltane!

Two nights ago we held our Meet 'n' Greet at Town Hall. It was more like a mixer, and we hosted it in the smaller, more intimate Civic Club room of the same venue. It was a productive meeting. The Mayor was there, one Councilmember, a representative from the McKinleyville Skatepark Association, a local artist and successful event planner/fundraiser, along with friends, community members, and of course, the skaters.

I typed an informal agenda. The topics it covered included:

In an attached document, I announced the formation our committee. It is comprised of five voting members, and one facilitator. It is subject to change as changes arise.
The Alliance has raised over $5000 since its inception last Fall. We have raised more money than that, but have invested some in t-shirt production.
Said t-shirts are available at three locations in our area: Ampt Skate Shop in Arcata, Oshun Yoga in Trinidad (carries only our organic cotton, American made tees), and the Stork's Nest children's clothing shop in McKinleyville carries our most requested sizes: toddlers!
We are in the initial stages of creating our website. We've enlisted the help of web designer, Scott Cocking of Side Show Design. His body of work includes the sites: McKinleyville Skatepark, Lost Coast Brewery, Kinetic Sculpture Lab, and Oshun Yoga, to name a few. We are very excited about this! The site will link to this blog and share a similar appearance. It will have many interactive features including a paypal donation button for online donations.
I also attached a flyer listing the upcoming events of the McKinleyville Skatepark Association. The reason being, we ourselves don't have much going on for the summer and they have all kinds of fun stuff planned! We could support them--we should support them!--and we could learn a lot about what it takes to run a successful event. Plus, these events are LOTS of fun! To learn more about them visit their website: http://mckskatepark.com/
And the last item on our agenda, but certainly not the least, our next fundraiser! Three local bands have organized a show and booked it, with the help of Rooster McClintock's Jereme Stinespring, at the Ocean Grove in Trinidad. Here is the flyer:

Now, before you get concerned about the rather larger gun that seems to grab your attention, ask yourself, "Do I feel lucky?" I do. I know this is a jarring image, (to understand my position on such images, please refer to my February 06, 2011 post), but I have this to say: These three bands have been working hard at this show since February. They have attended both major fundraisers, and more than that, I was most moved by a phone call I received from one of the band members, Dan of Drifter Killer, and formerly of Shay's Rebellion. He called me one day and was the nicest guy. He was very professional and said one thing to me, "I just want to help." My God. How could I say 'no'? Why would I say 'no'? If there is one thing I learned in this experience it was this: NEVER turn down help, 'cos you're gonna need it! That being said, I'll see you at the show!

Back to the mixer . . .

Two more topics discussed were establishing non-profit status, and determining and acquiring a site. The latter of the two was just about the most inspiring subject. We all agreed, the most desirable, and perhaps the most likely site, is also the one with the most beautiful view. It is known as the 'State Park property behind the school', though no one is sure just who owns it, and who owns what portion of it. It lies west off Stagecoach Road here in town. It is perfect for our project. It is centrally located, but tucked off of Main Street just enough to protect the skaters from crab trucks, buses, and tourists who are paying closer attention to finding the Beachcomber Cafe than they are looking out for rogue skaters. It also protects the general public from runaway skateboards, distracted skaters, and for those who are concerned about noise, you're safe too! The site is currently populated mostly by transients looking for a place to rest, an occasional picnicker sitting in their car, or a random hiker in need of a restroom. It is already equipped with bathrooms, picnic benches, and if memory serves me right, BBQs too (I'll have to check on my lunch today to confirm the last feature). We love it! And that is why we are taking the first steps at making it our site. Trinidad Skatepark, gateway to the Redwoods, with an ocean view!

Looking north at Pewetole Island from the same site, Trinidad 'Skate' Park

Trinidad Skatepark Alliance on Youtube!!!

2011-04-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Update . . .

2011-04-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

Anthony in the bowl at Arcata Skatepark.

In 2008, I received my Bachelors of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, or simply, Cal Poly Pomona. When I first entered into the program I was bent on saving the earth, or at least finding a feasible way of planning and managing natural resources. So why did I study URBAN Planning? Because in the College of Environmental Design at Cal Poly Pomona I would learn the relationships between the built environment and the natural environment. I would begin to understand the definition of a public space, how it flows, and how people move through it. And in the process, I would appreciate the situation of an array of socioeconomic conditions that make it difficult to be a human being in the 21st century. In short, my focus shifted from concerning myself first and foremost with the environment to concerning myself with the hearts and minds of people and the places they chose to be.

The following link is portal into the concepts I just described. It is an hour long film created by a reputable group of individuals who explain the innovative ways skateboarders move through their urban environments. It is called Freedom of Space. It features the late Edmund Bacon, Executive Director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission 1949-70:

http://www.skatepark.org/park-development/advocacy/2011/01/freedom-of-space

For the record, I claim no rights to it, nor am I attempting to make any sort of profit from it. I am only sharing it with you, the reader. It was suggested to me by one of our skaters and his mom--thank you Jacob and Wendy Carney. I watched it with my boyfriend, Tom. When it ended, I told him that the best thing Trinidad could do would be to liberate itself and its skaters from all the 'No Skateboarding' restrictions and signage posted throughout our town. Of course, this is also the least likely move. So, we continue with our campaign to build a skatepark.

As mentioned in the last post so long ago, next on our agenda is a Meet 'n' Greet. This event was originally meant to connect community members with the skaters by putting names to their faces. The idea was introduced at the February 09, 2011 City Council meeting. That was a long time ago and that need does not seem so pressing. But, I have booked Town Hall and I do think it would still make for a good opportunity to bring the community up to speed with the Alliance and our plans. So, once again, save the date: Friday, April 29th, Trinidad Town Hall at 6pm. The event should only last for an hour or so. It will be very informal. I will make a few announcements, then we will just be social. I will provide snacks and coffee/tea.

Till next Friday, here are some shots taken by Trinidad's own Wendy Carney at Arcata Skatepark two weekends ago . . .

Orion flying like an eagle

Jariah giving Gabe some love

Skyler and his board suspended in time

Our boy Kyle, proudly wearing his flag: Skateboarding in Trinidad is Not a Crime. Contrary to an opinion in the aforementioned video, this is a very effective, unifying mantra that got a lot of people's attention in our town.

I do not pretend that skateboarders are the most courteous or cordial people. Nor do I make believe that they will ever be accepted in society as anything but edgy and fierce. Most of the skaters I've ever known remind me of pit-bulls, or pit-mixes. They are bold, formidable, and aggressive. But they are also brave, loyal, athletic, beautiful in their form and their play. I suppose this is why I have an affinity to pit breeds and I have always kept company with skaters. Misfits. Rogues. Just people. People moving through space and time, creatively, expressively, and with abandon. I am one of them. Trying to find a place of our own, and having fun in the meantime. Perhaps our next t-shirts should read, 'Skaters are people too.'

Will

Meet the skaters of the Alliance

2011-03-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

(Rory on the left, Kyle on the right)

Say 'hello' to Rory and Kyle, two ambassadors of the Trinidad Skatepark Alliance. One night, after the big City Council meeting at Town Hall (See two posts back) Rory walked a community member home so she wouldn't have to walk alone, in the dark, late at night. Kyle recently wrote an essay for school. The theme: Why Trinidad should have a skatepark. According to his mom, his teacher referred to his "excellent skateboarding essay" on his progress report.

This is Anthony. He's our unofficial 'helmet safety spokesman'. I've never seen him NOT wearing his helmet. He doesn't even take it off when he runs into Murphy's for a snack!

(Caique on the left, Anthony on the right)

Here's a shot of Caique and Anthony standing in front of Salty's, selling TSPA t-shirts at the Clam Beach Run. At our first fundraiser back in the Fall, Cai sat with Salty Tom and enthusiastically sold raffle tickets to the patrons as they walked in the door. We made over $700 that day! By the way, Salty's is now the official home of the Alliance!

And this is Gabe. Our friend, partner in the Alliance, founder of Harbor Pride Outfitters, creator of our amazing logo, Trinidad's City Clerk, and the man who saved Salty's. We love Gabe.

A year ago: I had never set foot inside Salty's, my conversations with Gabe were no more than a few sentences regarding the sale of garbage bags, and I didn't know most of the kids who I now call, 'the skaters'. Today, I can look at them and tell the world something positive each and every one of them has done.

Yes, things change in the blink of an eye. Soon, the skaters will outgrow their TSPA gear, get driver's licenses, and move on to whatever life has planned for them. Some of them will stay in Trinidad. Some will only stay in touch. Some, I may never see again. And that's okay. That's what happens. One thing is certain, I will never forget this experience we are sharing together.

Just like we remember every person who has had an impact on each of us--for good, or ill--I will never forget the skaters of the Trinidad Skatepark Alliance and everyone who has been there with us along the way. Now it's time for you to meet them. Join us Friday, April 29th at Trinidad Town Hall for our long awaited 'Meet&Greet'. The doors will open at 5:30, the event starts at 6pm. I will provide more details for the entire evening in the next post. For now, mark it on your calendars. We'd like to meet you so we can thank you in person for all your support!

The North Coast Journal Presents . . .

2011-02-23T00:39:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to the North Coast Journal's feature on our efforts thus far:

http://www.northcoastjournal.com/news/2011/02/17/generational-divide-trinidad/

Many good things are happening. Many more are on the horizon. Please, stay informed. Stay connected. And stay with us. It's the only way we'll get this done--together.

May this tide you over till the next great thing occurs, which, by the way, is . . .

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Mt. Baldy Pipe, or as we call back home, Baldy Pipe. This is where I come from. Though I never rode a skateboard, except to go to the store, I was a skater-groupie. All my friends rode and this was one of their favorite spots. Here's what some outsiders have to say about it:

"Mt Baldy is one of the holy grails of skateboarding... at least in the bigger history of skateboarding. "--skatepunk.com

Mark 'Gator' Rogowski

" - The Baldy pipe is a historic landmark in the skating world. For decades it's been highlighted in magazines and videos. We've all grown up seeing the best skate this thing. "

--skatenorcal.com

Jason Jessee, Chris Miller, and Lance Mountain

"The Mt. Baldy pipe is a 15ft. high, 300ft. long concrete drain pipe, and is generally regarded as one of the burliest skateboard spots ever found. You have to trespass on federal property, waddle through pitch-black drain tunnels and scale a 12ft. wall just to get there. Don't sweat it though, most people can't even find it."--skateboardpark.com

15ft high, 300 ft long! That's like skating inside a redwood! If you're a local, you know the way to Baldy Pipe, the beautiful walk through Mt. San Antonio's alluvial fan. My friend Annie even has names for the coyotes you'll encounter on your way.

That's how the skaters in Trinidad feel about their home turf. That's why they wouldn't go away when they were told to leave. They couldn't go away. They were just waiting for the right time to gather their collective voice and speak on behalf of every generation that came before them. To all the skaters who confronted the same mixed feelings and ill sentiment, your time has come.

Wednesday, February 09, 2011:

Town Hall was packed for the City Council meeting. It happens every month, but not to this scale. It was said that 125 people were in attendance. Fisherman, loggers, lawyers, surfers, skateboarders, teachers, dietitians, nurses, Board members from the museum, local land trust, library, and two local school boards, and media personnel, who were there to capture the story, filled the hall. But most of all, parents filled the room. Sure some were there to discuss other items on the agenda; temporary library facility, improvements on the Van Wycke Trail, water turbitity, etc. All very important and very pressing concerns, especially the library--a town without a library is like a town without a skatepark!

What a majority of those who came were interested in hearing was second on the list of Discussion Action Agenda Items: Skateboarding in Trinidad. AND, whether or not our City Clerk, and partner of the Trinidad Skatepark Alliance would lose his job over the wonderful time that was had on Saturday, February 05, 2011--a day that will live in Trinidad-infamy! (Please see two posts back to know the reference). Thanks to the amazing artists who organized the event, and a general cooling of emotions by those who were most upset, that matter was addressed, redirected at the responsible party (thank you Chakeeta and your band of merry firedancers :) and as a community, we all moved on.

Greater-Trinidad is an area stretching south of Orick to the north of McKinleyville. It is inhabited by a significant number of people who are effected by the will of this council. When time came for item #2 to come to the floor the podium was never vacant. Person after person stood up and spoke to their council. They had plenty to say. In summation, it was agreed that the youth in this part of north Humboldt County have no where to go. Sure we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and some of the most magical trees and living things on the planet, but no parent wants their child to play there--alone, and unattended. Our kids need a place they can go after school, besides an after school program at the school.

And so it was decided, on that night, after over an hour of justification from the floor, that it is time for Trinidad to do something radical and unforeseen--give its children, our future, a place of their own. The council talked amongst themselves and reached a consensus. A committee would be formed to not only bring a skatepark to our tiny, little seaside town, but a multi-use facility where everyone can go and enjoy each other in Trinidad!

Why have I not posted this blog sooner? Because I have been working like a dog at ungodly hours with but one day off. Today, Valentine's Day (hence the title of this post), I am lying in bed, sick! Make that two days off. BUT, progress does not rest, nor will our cause. This is just the beginning. For those of you who live in Humboldt County, keep an eye on the next issues of the Journal, and for those of you who live close to Trinidad, the McKinleyville Press as well. Both weekly publications will be printing stories on us and the work we've accomplished thus far. For everyone, stay tuned, and as always, thank you for your support.

Chris Miller, Baldy Pipe, 2004

URGENT--Dire need for community solidarity!!!

2011-02-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

For those who attended the event Saturday night, good times were had indeed. BUT, they came at a cost, as we in this small, quiet town anticipated. Unfortunately, the wrath has been thrust at our hard-working, beloved City Clerk, Gabe Adams, who had no idea how BIG things were going to get. He is asking for our help. Please, join us at the City Council meeting this Wednesday night, 02/09, at Trinidad Town Hall, at 6:30 to show our solidarity for Gabe, for our community, and for our right to raise our collective voice. You do not have to speak. Your mere presence will speak for you.

"Trinidad's version of Burning Man"

2011-02-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

I used to work with the Department of Cultural Affairs, Public Art Division for the City of Los Angeles. My first job was assistant to the Murals Manager. I later inherited the role of assistant to the City Art Collection Manager. Both positions taught me value of 'the process', and how things came to be.

With my work experience in LA, knowledge gained through art history classes, visits to some of the greatest galleries and museums in Western Europe and the US, but most of all, my love for all forms of art I learned one thing 'the process' could never teach me. Art is meant to be provocative. It is meant to jar the emotions when times need to change. Art is timeless. Some of history's greatest books and poetry, most adored music, sculpture, architecture, fine art, performance art, you name it, remain indelible to us through the ages because they were so shocking.

Last night's performance in and around Town Hall was a wild and fantastical blend of music, dance, and pyrotechnics. The main attraction was (no disrespect to the other artists who performed) referred to as "Trinidad's version of Burning Man". And given the recent conversations printed in our local newspaper, the McKinleyville Press, and the trying efforts to maintain a working relationship between the school administration and the skateboarders, I admit, I was a bit nervous. But, after a good night's rest and a reflection upon the evening I realized, this is what I saw: I saw families together, teenagers hanging out with their parents, in public! I saw children laughing. People smiling and dancing. Parents looking relaxed and having a jolly good time. I heard good music playing that made people move. I saw skaters riding their boards and for once, no one telling them to stop. Thinking about it now, I am brought to tears. When we got home we heard our neighbor pull up in his driveway. He was at the event too. When we went to talk to him he was in awe. "Man that . . . was tight!" was all he could say. He probably still has that smile on his face, trying to describe what he saw. I guess you had to be there.

As we were packing up and making our way out I think I was probably the only one who wasn't smiling. I was afraid of negative repercussions that last night's event might have. Shame on me. I was worried about the future, over things I have no control, and because of that, I almost missed the moment. Sure, there will be questions to answer and blame to place. And that's okay. Soon enough the dust will settle and tempers will cool. One day Trinidad will have its skatepark. And we will have had our moment. To that, I thank the artists. I thank 'the artist' from the very beginning, and may you always be there for us till the very end. Because, in the words of Tom 'Pete' Davison, my boyfriend's father, who was there with us last night, "This town needed that."

"This town is our town"

2011-02-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Where did it all begin? Was it the music you listened to as a child? The Go-Go's, 1981. An all girl rock band singing with abandon, "Can you hear them? Talk about us. Telling lies, well that's no surprise." I was eight years old. Was it the images on t.v., of times past? Mexico City, 1968 Summer Olympics. Two black men sharing a pair of black leather gloves. Fists raised over their bowed heads in solidarity, sending their message to the world. I wasn't even alive then, but that image has always been with me. Whenever it happened, it happened. Universal truths began to reveal themselves, and some things just seemed wrong.

We started this project last year because it seemed wrong that kids who wanted to ride their skateboards in our tiny, little town were running out of options and places to go. At first, we were met with much community support. Then, the inevitable voice of opposition spoke up. The skaters were called on for their litter, damage to public and private property (grinding and landing on fresh poured concrete and outdoor furniture like picnic benches and table tops), riding out in front of traffic, and repeated requests to wear their helmets. With a lot of hard work, perseverance, and positive reinforcement things got a little better. There is still work to do, and we'll get it done, together.

Since the last post I've met with an optimistic Council member and the entire Trinidad Museum Board--both very productive meetings with positive outcomes. Our organization grew with the addition of Trinidad's own City Clerk, Gabe Adams, whose energy and enthusiasm sent a shock wave throughout the town. Salty Tom and I spent a morning at the school hosting a presentation on helmet safety by a group of representatives from Making Headway Center for Brain Injury Recovery in Eureka. Gabe has been working with the skaters over the past two weekends doing photo shoots and some good PR. Last weekend they helped members from the California Conservation Corps (CCC) pass out water and pick up trash at the Clam Beach Run. In recent weeks, I've engaged in a public conversation with a fellow community member over the kids who live here and why they feel they need a skatepark; this has been printed in the McKinleyville Press. As a result the time has come for our second Town Hall Meeting . . . Friday, March 4th at 6pm. Save the date!!!

We have two amazing fundraiser events planned:

One is coming up this weekend. It's been organized by a group of local artists who want to help out and have a great time. It's called Reggae for Skaters at Trinidad Town Hall this Saturday, Feb. 5th. Doors open at 6, the fun starts at 7. They're hosting a DJ, DJ Lobstah, a local dub-reggae band, Woven Roots, fire dancing by the Humboldt Spin Collective, and a drumming/dance performance by Samba Amore.

The next fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 12th at the Ocean Grove in Trinidad. Trinidad's own Rooster McClintock will reunite for one night for a benefit show for the Trinidad Skatepark!!! Details are coming, so stay tuned. This is going to be a big one and a double benefit. We'd REALLY like to see these guys play again!!!

The Trinidad Skatepark Alliance has a mission to uphold. You can read it at the top of this blog. We will not stop until our vision comes to fruition. So we press on, with our collective energy, at whatever costs. Why? Because, in the words of Jack London, "The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time."

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope all is well in these first few days of 2011.

Since our last post, we, Trinidad Skatepark Alliance, have established our tax id number! For those who wish to write us checks, we are simply calling our organization, Trinidad Skatepark. Now we can move on to the next step, opening up a commercial bank account at Umpqua Bank, per recommendation from our friends of Surf for Peace. We have already spoken to the bank and the representative was very helpful and very enthusiastic to our cause. Aside from informing us on what steps to take to open our account, she also tipped us off to potential donors/funders! And a couple of more reasons why we chose this particular bank: One, they are local. Two, they offer grants to their customers/community members.

More exciting news for our project this month, Making Headway Center for Brain Injury Recovery in Eureka is coming to Trinidad Elementary! They are going to present a lecture on helmet safety, provide helmets to those in need, and feature a guest speaker at an assembly on Wednesday, January 26th at 9:15 am. And, they are doing all of this at no cost!

And, as I mentioned in our last post, we have t-shirts! Some of you have contacted me to acquire one, or more. Apologies for the delay. Salty Tom and I just returned home from our visit down south. In our absence our friend and co-creator, Gabe, Super City Clerk of Trinidad, was managing the tees, which he has just returned to me. I will be getting them to the promised buyers. AmpT Skate Shop in Arcata and Trinidad's own Catch Cafe have offered to sell them for us. Stay tuned for their arrival at these locations! If we run out and you'd like one, don't despair, more are coming! Hoodies are available on special orders only as they cost a bit more to produce, therefore are quite a bit more to sell . . . !!!

Please excuse any redundancy in this post in regards to previous posts. That's how these processes work: Planning, confirmation, reaffirmation , and presentation. Then eventually, skateparks are born. Hang in there with us, I promise, you will not be disappointed!

Update . . .

2010-12-16T23:07:00.000-08:00

Last I posted I had much good news. We made a nice chunk of change at our first fundraiser, our donation bottle at Murphy's was filling up fast, we made the local paper, and we have begun producing Trinidad Skatepark Alliance t-shirts. WOW! We've come a long way since inception back in October. Great work EVERYBODY!

Last post also mentioned a set back concerning the school. Due to liability, liter, and helmet issues the skaters at Trinidad Elementary have lost the privilege to ride at the school anytime before 5pm. This was the status quo, but the principal was lenient and let them on campus well before the posted time of 5pm. The principal is also concerned about helmet safety. He doesn't see very many skaters wearing them. To mitigate this issue I have contacted Making Headway, Center For Brain Injury Recovery, in Eureka. They are going to come to our school, provide helmets to all who need one, and bring a guest speaker to address the kids on helmet safety--at no cost. This event will take place in late January. Since this situation at the school arose I have made it my primary focus to work with the school at finding a peaceful solution. And I will do my best.

Last weekend a handful of the skaters and I traveled to the Arcata Theater Lounge to see a 3-D skateboard movie. The event was a benefit to raise funds for the McKinleyville Skatepark. The organizers of the event encouraged us to use this event to raise awareness for our cause. Myself and two other girls wore our "Skateboarding in Trinidad is Not a Crime" tees and all who attended were provided with flyers to hand out. Before the feature got rolling a representative of the McK Skatepark took to the stage and made an announcement regarding their project. After this he made mention of ours and "all the good work they're doing up there in Trinidad." Thanks guys!

Our t-shirts have arrived! The design is a collaboration between our organization and that of our City Clerk, Gabe Adams. Some of the cost to produce them was donated by sponsorship from local businesses and we thanked them by listing their names on the back. The cost is $20 as they are our latest installment in our fundraiser campaign.

Well, it's just about Christmas and Salty Tom and I have traveled out of Humboldt for a number of days to visit w/family and friends. We'll be doing skatepark research on the way. Our first stop, Fillmore. This is where Tom's family lives. Their home is just blocks away from Fillmore Middle School, the first middle school in California to have a Phys Ed series on skateboarding. Not an optional elective or after school program, but a part of the curriculum and sports rotation (soccer for two weeks, baseball, skateboarding, football, etc.) Tom's cousin was at the school last year and he got to participate in the class--just like every student at Fillmore Middle School!

And, I think that's it for now. Stay tuned and if keep your eyes open for those shirts!

Our first fundraiser and a link to our future

2010-12-03T20:42:00.000-08:00

Week 8 has passed with MUCH exciting news!

Last weekend we held our first fundraiser. One of our moms, Penny Gunn, organized it. Thanks to her, the community, the vendors (not all from Trinidad), and local businesses we earned $708, around $100 came from cookie sales alone!! GREAT job guys!

AND, the McKinleyville Press published an article on us in this week's issue!! Pick up a copy! We're on page 3!

One of our dads, Marc Woods, left a one-gallon donation bottle at check stand One at Murphy's. The amazing label he designed simply states, "Your spare change can help . . . Trinidad Skatepark Project." In the first 36 hours it sat at the counter it earned approximately $75!

Apologies to all. I have been a bit tardy updating the blog this week. I was very busy at school completing my final presentation in my grant writing class. It was due last Wednesday! I presented the skatepark project to my class. They were impressed that a hypothetical assignment grew into something real. Some of my classmates asked for contact info so they can stay posted as events unfold. I told them all thank you, and to keep an eye out for us as word is getting out!

In the meantime, I've been in conversation with a local artist of a local nonprofit. We are in the planning stages of our next big fundraising event . . . stay tuned for details!

And with all goods news comes some not-so-good news. This week our skaters at Trinidad Elementary were addressed by their principal at an assembly. They were told they are no longer allowed to skate on school property till after 5pm. The order was based primarily on liability issues. The principal feels he has placed his staff, and himself, in a compromised position should anybody get hurt. To this, I am very sorry. I understand where he is coming from. And with that, I will leave you with this clip from msnbc. Please watch it and give it some thought.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#23639861

Latest . . .

2010-11-20T22:32:00.000-08:00

Meeting #7 just passed. This week we discussed many things. The first, being our t-shirt design. As a crew, we decided to abandon our mantra, "Skateboarding in Trinidad is Not a Crime". This design was originally meant to raise awareness to our cause at the McKinleyville Skatepark fundraiser last month. The event was canceled, but the skaters still wore their tees around town to get the word out. It worked. Now we're focusing on our new t-shirt design: A collaboration between the logo created by our City Clerk, the title of our project, Trinidad Skatepark, and the names of the local businesses who sponsor us. We talked about our first fundraiser. One of our moms has secured the Civic Club meeting room in Town Hall during the Artisan Faire this coming Sat, Nov. 27th from 10-5. At this event we will be holding a Dutch raffle. We will be raffling off items donated from local vendors such as, skateboards from Ampt Skate Shop in Arcata, decks from Satori, hoodies and t-shirts from our organization and Salty's, gift certificates from local good eating spots, and LOTS more good stuff. As a group we agreed to let Salty Tom help us open up a saving account for our funds. When Trinidad Elementary comes back in session some of the skaters and I will take the necessary steps toward the creation of a skateboard club. We also discussed our cans-for-cash campaign to help us build our skatepark. We're going to plant them in as many key locations we can think of. We discussed the possible acquisition of one site . . . for now it will remain unnamed.

The most exciting thing we talked about was having Ryan of Ampt sit in on our next meeting. Ryan was raised in Trinidad . Nine years ago he started a movement to bring a skatepark to our town. He got pretty close to achieving his goal. But, he left Trinidad to go to school and he took the dream with him as nobody picked up where he left off.

That's where we come in. Now it's our turn to hold the reigns and bring it on home!

Town Hall Meeting Minutes

2010-11-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

Our meeting at Town Hall was a success! Trinidad is a small town, and being a holiday weekend, the turnout was small. And that's okay. At first, I was a bit dismayed by this, but my spirits were quickly lifted by those who did attend. As I looked about the faces in the room this is who I saw: One of our older skaters, my better half and his father, our very good friend and mother of two of our skaters, a reporter from the local press, a member of the Trinidad City Council, moms and a dad of some of our skaters, some of whom are single parents, board members of the Big Lagoon Elementary School District, the Trinidad Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), and Kelly, the owner of Ampt, the local board shop in Arcata (I call her by name because the kids really look up to her), and along the southern wall sat the skaters. Dedicated and determined as always.

We discussed the issue of skateboarding in Trinidad. We all agree that the property owners, and business community see the skaters as a liability, and for just reasons. We also agree, that in Trinidad, being the physically small town that it is, the skaters have no place to go. Hence the point of our meeting: Bring a skatepark to Trinidad. After relaying some comments asked of me from the property owner and manager of Murphy's, the local store where the skaters like to hang, we then moved on to potential locations. We have ideas of sites and questions as to how we could acquire these sites, and we are working on the answers. I told the audience the work the skaters and I have achieved thus far. We are in the process of producing more t-shirts to sell as fundraisers. These will be a collaboration of our mantra: "Skateboarding in Trinidad is Not a Crime", and the design from our City Clerk of our city logo depicting a crab and an anchor with the words, "Trinidad Skatepark" below. I have asked some of the local businesses for sponsorship. For $25 their name and logo goes on the back of our shirt. So far, I have six businesses committed. Not counting the money committed, but not collected, we've already raised $235. This brings us closer to our goal of $500. Once raised, the father of one of our members will match us $500. Great work skaters!!

In the meantime, as a group we are proceeding with fundraiser ideas and awareness campaigns. One of our moms is working hard organizing a Holiday Artisan Faire. At this event there will be a raffle and the proceeds will benefit the skatepark project. I will post MUCH more information about this event as I receive it. Till then . . . stay tuned and stay skating!

Town Hall Meeting

2010-11-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

Goods news! We had our fifth meeting last Friday. This time we were joined by Wendy, a very motivated, dedicated, and proactive parent, Gabe, our City Clerk, and two special guests, Mike and Eric, of the local skateparks--Arcata, McKinleyville, and Eureka--these guys MAKE skateparks happen. It was an honor to have everyone onboard. This was especially beneficial to our young crew members there. Through listening to us talk about processes and legalities, technical issues, and discussing time and finances, things that went over even my head, they were, are, directly involved. Occasionally, they would offer up their comments or suggestions, and ask questions. This is what we are all about. Complete transparency. No one is left out of the conversation, and everyone's voice will be heard.

Which leads me to the next item on our agenda . . . a community meeting at Town Hall, this Friday, Nov. 12, at 5pm. We're only booked for one hour, but that should be enough time to introduce the vision and delegate working groups in order to move forward. Please, be there if you can. The crew is passing out flyers, wearing their t-shirts that state, "Skateboarding in Trinidad is Not a Crime", and doing the most important work of all, skateboarding in Trinidad. This is their job. Now let's do our's and get them a place to go.

What's Happening?

2010-10-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

Three weeks have passed since our first meeting. Since then we created two facebook pages, one gmail account, this blog you are now reading, and now we're about to start producing t-shirts as we just acquired a silk screen press. Those of us who showed up at the meeting last night all agreed to sport tees at the McKinleyville Skatepark Fundraiser next Saturday, 10/30 in the Northcoast Horticulture Supply (NHS) parking lot, McK, to raise awareness for our cause. A simple statement will read: "Skateboarding in Trinidad is not a crime". Keep an eye out for us. We are not asking for money, yet, just solidarity. We just want to get the word out.

As of late, I am getting offers from several interested, supportive, selfless individuals from the community all wanting to help. Everyone knows someone who they will speak to on our behalf about this angle or that angle dealing with the cause. AWESOME!! Before things start getting out of control, I believe it is time to have a "parents meeting" . . . !!! Stay tuned!!

The crew is learning that the process is slow, and there will be disagreements, yet they still have hope and a vision. I can understand why they may feel disheartened at times. No one has yet to bring a skatepark to Trinidad. Past attempts have only resulted in failures. They are also well aware of some serious obstacles here in our tiny, little town. And not to mention, I have been talking much, but produced very little. All I can do for them right now is help them channel their energy and bring their collective voice together. But do not underestimate these guys. They are strong, brilliant, and determined, but most of all, they are genuine. As one of them put it last night, "You can't stop us from skating." Well put.

Who are we and why are we doing this?

2010-10-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, as of now no dedicated space exists in Trinidad for skaters to ride. Current municipal law forbids skating from most public streets. The town shopping center has “No Skateboards” signs posted in the most desirable place to skate. The only place the kids are allowed to skate is on school grounds, after 5 p.m. With daylight waning in the fall, and homework and dinner to consider, this leaves them very little time to ride. Needless to say, skateboarding in Trinidad is just short of criminal activity as the kids are now being accused of littering, destruction of property, and violating the "No skateboarding" restrictions. The nearest skatepark is over 10 miles south on US Hwy 101. Since the average age of the skaters is 12 years old the most likely way for them to get there is by bus. In Humboldt County, the bus does not run on Sundays, and headway is very infrequent. There is no line running that could get them to the skatepark and back after school, before dark.

We, in the community, all agree that the kids need a place to go, and we will not fail them. Therefore, efforts have begun to bring a skatepark to Trinidad. It started when a local shop owner opened up his doors to give twenty kids and three adults a place to hold their first meeting. Pizza and root beer were among the first donations and $65 was raised, a humble beginning, yes, but a beginning none-the-less. As momentum grew and word spread our movement caught the ear of parents, teachers, local businesses and contractors, property owners, city and county officials, grant writers, non-profit organizations, and representatives of local skateparks and skatepark associations all asking what they can do to help. As ample support continues to pour in, we have been met with zero opposition. Please, stay tuned into this blog to see our progress and how you can help . . .