This is a test of the DIY Skatepark Advocacy System. If this were an actual Marginal Way benefit you would be… Oh wait, it is!

Art Show Benefit for Marginal Way Skatepark! Mission in West Seattle Thursday June 12th 8pm 21+

Raffle/DJs/Videos

Silent auction featuring: Tait, Paul Fujita, Q. Quigg, Bruno, LJ, Jesse Edwards, Aaron Filion, Chris Adams, Ego, Roy Wonder, Bobcat, Manbeast, Curtis Alton Jr., Romero Taylor, Eric Holt, Caveman, Leon, Jay Meer, and Lafferty Brothers.

DJs: VerseOmega, Treva, Hightower.

Videos, Footage and Slide Show featuring Jay Meer’s Archive.

Raffle: All the goods! 100% of proceeds goes to Marginal Way Skatepark!

Where: Mission 2325 California Ave. SW Seattle, WA 98116

8pm 21 and over

There are several organizations out there for giving skateboards to needy and/or at-risk youth. Some of them are in Africa, some are closer to home. The newest one, Board Rescue, seems to be the most organized option. They are a non-profit corporation with a (skate)board of directors that has some industry ties. I ‘m pretty sure the directors are all unpaid volunteers. Board Rescue’s Mission is “to provide free skateboards and safety equipment to children, targeting low-income and at-risk youth.” There’s also an informal group called United Skates Alliance that was started by Randy at Flood Kontrol. The United Skate Alliance’s mission is “To UNITE underprivileged kids with skateboards and supplies.” It looks like he is literally just taking old and new equipment and giving it to kids. So while they might not be able to provide the tax receipt, the gear probably gets disseminated quicker. It looks like both organizations accept new gear. Used, but still useful gear might find a better home at United Skate Alliance. Board Rescue also accepts monetary donations.

- Thanks to Judi Oyama and Chris Stephens for the tip.

Todd Taylor has graciously allowed us to reprint his article from issue #41 of Razorcake Magazine, titled How to fight for a skatepark. The article also appeared in Thrasher Magazine, but they’ve got no monopoly on activism, so the more people that read this the better. There are plenty of other places to get (dry) information on how to get a skatepark in your town, but Todd’s guide reads more like a short story peppered with practical advice and a sense of humor. Even if you’re up to your eyeballs in public skateable terrain, it still makes an entertaining read. Check out How to fight for a skatepark.

As always, we recommend Razorcake Magazine for all grown-ups who enjoy Punk Rock and it’s trappings. And yes, this excludes Enemy Combatant, we know how you feel.

From CBC News in New Brunswick, Canada

Skateboarder jailed after refusing to pay fine

A Fredericton man who refused to pay a fine for skateboarding on city streets has been taken into custody and will be sent to jail. Lee Breen, 25, was fined in the summer of 2007 after receiving several warnings. After not paying the initial $50 fine, it was increased to $100. A judge then ordered him in April to pay the fine or be sent to jail for five days.

But he’s not doing it because he’s too broke to pay the fine, he’s actually trying to make a point! He’s challenging the nuisance law under the grounds that skateboarding is not inherently dangerous and provides a environmentally friendly means of travel. About 80 people rallied outside the courthouse as he was taken into custody. Skateboarding is a crime!

- Thanks to Michael Brooke for the tip

This is a big weekend for Marginal Way benefits.

May 10th is the date of the Seattle premiere of Dave Hupp’s excellent video “Why Wouldn’t You?” There’s additional footage since the Portland Premiere, and the video and sound have received the final master. DVD’s and T-shirts will be available as well. There is a $3 entry fee, all of which will go to the Marginal Way project. May 10th at 8pm - Capitol Hill Arts Center. 1621 12th Ave, Seattle

Sunday May 11 the much-anticipated Thrasher Skate Rock Tour, final stop Marginal Way! Thrashers legendary Skate Rock collection is celebrating their 13th release with live music from bands such as Grindline the Band, Bad Shit, Shed, Pissboner, Kilgore, and many more local bands including Board Youth that will be opening up the show for the Seattle stop. Marginal Way advocates will be grilling up BBQ, selling Tee’s and making money to keep building Marginal! 2pm to dusk at the Marginal Way Skatepark. (Saturday is the Portland stop of the Skate Rock tour.)

What the heck do they need the money for? Check out these Stakbot pics of some recent concrete pours (Scroll down to bottom)

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Yes, we’re finally breaking out silence. I’m sure Sam will add this endorsement right next to his other high profile endorsements from The Oregonian, The Portland Mercury, The Willamette Week, The Portland Observer and Just Out. See that picture on the right? That’s Sam Adams cutting the ribbon on Portland’s Pier Park skatepark in 2006. Sam has a proven record supporting skateparks in Portland (among other things.) If you want to see Portland’s 19 park system come to fruition, your best bet is to vote Sam Adams for Portland Mayor.

What about City Council? We’re leaning towards Jim Middaugh for City Council, whom we’ve heard is receptive towards more skateparks in Portland.

Local skater Rick Lai has been working toward a Happy Valley skatepark for a while. Here’s the latest development by way of the North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District:

In March, North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District purchased 33 acres of property off SE 162nd Avenue in Happy Valley. This land was purchased to provide active recreation for community residents of all ages. Some of the uses already suggested include athletic fields, trails, play areas, skate park, dog park and community center. NCPRD will work with the community to complete a concept plan to determine future improvements to this site. Interested citizens are encouraged to participate in the process by attending the planning meetings or by submitting comments via mail, e-mail or telephone. Submitted comments will be presented during the public meetings.

Thursday, May 1, 2008
6-8 p.m.
Oregon Trail Elementary
13895 SE 152nd Dr.
Happy Valley, OR 97015

Your input and ideas will help shape the park site for future use and enjoyment. We hope you will attend. Questions, suggestions or comments may be sent to Michelle Healy by e-mailing (michellehea@co.clackamas.or.us) or by calling the parks hotline at 503-353-4367.

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This probably fake eBay auction has got to be a misguided attempt to encourage solar energy awareness. The perpetrator needs to dig deeper into the demographics of who is going to be most likely to search for “cool and stylish skateboards” on eBay. And because these things disappear after time, the text is preserved after the jump. What kind of trucks are those, Indy 415’s?

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Last Saturday there were two events coincidentally planned for the same day at Portland’s Pier Park. One was a neighborhood cleanup championed by Mark Conahan and the other was some sort of Pier Park locals appreciation event organized by Chris Nukala. There was a short speech and some short spot-driven contests with plenty of giveaways. I arrived late to the cleanup and and had to leave early and in a hurry, due to, well, you know. I didn’t get any decent shots, but Michael from The Skateboard Archives was there snapping away, so I’ll link if he posts anything. Also, GVK cameras were on the scene for a little while. Otherwise, this is what you get.

UPDATE: More cleanup coverage on EPM.
UPDATE: More coverage on The Skateboad Archives.

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I got suckered into leading the skatepark cleanup at Pier Park again. Come on down and help with graffiti removal and trash pickup around the skatepark. Here are the details:

Project Date and Time: 4/19/2008 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Site Address: N. St. John Street & N. James Street Portland Directions to Site: Cross the St. Johns Bridge at Highway 30. Turn left on Lombard and right on St. Johns. The Park will be on your left at North James St. Parking/Meeting Location: Ample street park available along N. James St. Meet at the covered picnic area.

Clean graffiti at the skatepark. There will be a small barbeque after the Pier Park Pick-Up for volunteers. Snacks and beverages available during the event.

Following are some general items to keep in mind when planning your participation: * Please bring work gloves. * This event will take place rain or shine! Dress appropriately for the weather, but plan on long pants, long sleeves and sturdy shoes or boots, even if it’s warm. * Mark tools or other items you bring with your name and phone number. * Parents/Group Leaders must accompany and supervise children.

Hope to see you there.