Venice, L.A belong to us!

LAPD's policy on the VSA's Community Watch of The Venice Sk8prk is unfair,unproductive and anti social. Jesse myself and other volunteers clean gaffitti, tagging, trash and other crap out of the skate-park every morning, It is clear the LAPD cannot or will not secure the sk8prk against vandleism.The LAPD evicted the VSA from observing/watching the park against this type of action but allow homeless vagrants every night to misuse the sk8park and surrounding area. Let us examine a peculiar quandry.Why do the police ask citizens to be responsible and be pro-active on their official web sites(neighborhood watch) and policy, when in fact LAPD has prohibited the activity? Why are productive citizens being discouraged from participating in protecting and beautifying our community? (as this is a constant request of government). We are in the midst of a great depression if you somehow were caught unaware. The community despreatly needs investment from within as well as from established resources.If we are prohibited as citizens and a community from striving to become self sufficiant and provide the community proper guidance, instruction, care and be a "Shinning Light on the Hill" to others we are doomed to destruction. "Get up, Stand up, Stand up for your rights"-Bob Marley

Helmet Law

Unfortunately the helmet law that was enacted with the help of Jim Fitzpatrick and IASC will be enforced by LAPD starting on Dec.1st. VSA is voicing concern over LAPD policing policy to LA City Council and Mayor's office as the stance LAPD is taking is outright profiling. The specific concern is creating an environment of criminality by issuing tickets to kids and adults in the skatepark (when others outside the skatepark are not subject to the same ordinance).What we do not want is a 3.5 million dollar skatepark that is not used because of police action, just take a look at the Culver City Skatepark. The VSA is of the opinion that the helmet law is unfair and was enacted without proper research and should be investgated for conflict of intrest and other inappropriate intrests of IASC.Perhaps you are unaware but skateboarding has been included in the hazardous activities list which is a list of activities that an assumed risk is involved in participation of said sport.This being the case the municipality is released from injury or death liability. This inclusion in (HAL) is enough protection and any criminalizing of skateboarding is highly unadvisable.The VSA is in favor of an ordinace that is akin to the helmet law in place for bikes-18 and younger wear helmets. An adult can make their own decision.

"ThanksGiving Day Massacre" Skateboard Contest

Its on! The name says it all, VENICE! First ever contest in the "Polar Bear" skatepark! You want in? holla quick or be left out in the cold.

"Blood Alley" time trials and race results

Held on Oct 30. Best slam-Darell, Death Race Winner-Darell, Time trials Winner-Killer Time:12:00 thanx Juice MagazIne, BDS and Sidewalk Cafe 4 prizes!

Dropping In.

Thanks to all who have helped out to make Polar Bear Memorial Skatepark a safe, clean, and happy place to skate. I met Asher and his dad Tom at Gilbert Lindsay Skatepark( a sk8prk VSA helped open up with SPAUSA) on 42nd Ave and San Pedro.I told them to come to the V sk8prk and they have not left yet. 5yrs old or 50yrs old, the stoke will never leave you.100% SK8R!

Let me take you back in time, to 2000. The pavilion had been crushed, skater Mecca (Venice Pavilion) razed! Our tribe gathered to make council and VSA rallied in front of the dozed rubble of hundreds of millions or steel, clay and urethane dreams. A demonstration for a skatepark took place; we rallied, petitioned, spoke and endeavored to build the dream. OH! Detractor and posers you will never fathom the personal toll to the many good folks who lent a hand in the struggle. To my skater brothers and sisters who are not on this earth to enjoy concrete nirvana, VSA salutes you! R.i.P Polar Bear, Paul Cullen , Big Fern, Dillon, Whitey, Mike Smith, Thumper,Pat Sleeper.


Check this out.The issue with the sk8park is not homelessness. It would be fantastic to train and employ the disenfranchised in some capacity as to ensure integrity of the sk8park. However it is simplistic to think that to “give a homeless person a flashlight” will help anything at the skatepark or is realistic. Unfortunately the people trashing the park don't skate or care about the sk8park. These people are defecating, smoking dope, fornicating and or using the facility for the wrong purpose. These same people who are trashing the sk8park , did not lend a hand when VSA and L.A City arrived @ 6:00am to clean up their mess. Lets call a spade a spade and not B.S each other.
Erroneous information and heresy will be sussed out and exposed as fraud. After all, I missed you at the California Coastal Commission hearing in 2001. Oh you didn't hear about that? Well surely you were at the hearing in 2003 at the West L.A Purdue office to secure funds to remediate Danson oil well? Oh not there either? Well how about the very first Venice Coastal Development Plan in 1989 at the paddle Tennis courts? You can of course get my drift. Posers step off. Heritage, tradition and pride cannot be bought or sold it is instilled and earned one broken bone at a time, one frontside air at a time.
In any struggle you will have detractors, defectors and an attrition rate, it is a result of warfare, any good soldier will tell you that. “Man, we have been doing this for 30 years”-Jesse Martinez

LAPD evicts VSA Night Community Watch

VSA members were evicted from night community watch on Oct 12 @ sundown. Sgt Reyna informed VSA members that due to legal ramifications and issues such as bonding and insurance the VSA is unable to watch and or secure Venice skatepark from vandals and the like at the sk8prk after dark. VSA will consult with attorneys on the matter as well as City Council and County DA'soffice on the matter. I wish to congratulate VSA members/volunteers who have done an excellent job providing a diligent, safe, vigiliant and professional team of volunteers.VSA members and skaters are upset and saddened as within 10 miniutes of being evicated ,the skatepark was overrun by BMX and rouge skaters.It is obvious the LAPD cannot secure the skatepark 24Hours a day and I fear what carnage awaits in the morning.I want to add that Sgt Reyna said the VSA is providing a neccessary function and he appreciates what we have done but it is a legal issue. VSA will continue it's day hours skate patrol and grounds clean up as scheduled. We need you, John Q skater to join us in the fight for jobs, education and respect. Power to the People!