$1,092,000,(!) to be exact, and we need to thank them. The point is to make a few calls thanking the right people. Word is that a phone call carries more weight than an email. All you need to do is call and let the office know that you appreciate the money and effort being directed towards public skateparks in Portland, and they are doing a good job. The end result is that they will be more inclined to follow through with money for the rest of the system. Phone numbers, links and more after the jump.

Rich Doe of John Doe Skate Zine let’s us know that if you missed the benefit show you can still pick up a copy of the Cheyenne Skatepark Tribute CD. Featuring 18 local bands with original music. All proceeds go to the Cheyenne Skatepark. Copies are fifteen dollars. More info and pics after the jump.

The folks at Marginal Way skate park are having a some recent problems with theft and vandals. (Anarchy Burger!) They are trying to publicize their plight in hopes of stopping it or getting a tip. Portland’s Pier Park has been experiencing it’s own share of boneheads lately. The demographics of the offenders might be different, but the problem remains.

The City of Portland has proposed building a network of 19 skateparks. With Pier Park finished and Glenhaven about to break ground we seem well on our way. What most people don’t realize is that we don’t have any money to build the other 17 parks. Antigravity Press reports: At Monday’s City Council retreat Commissioner Saltzman proposed just under $1.1 million in funding for Ed Benedict and Gabriel Park skatepark construction. Dan noted, “This would ensure we had a skatepark in each quadrant of town, except NW.” More after the jump.

Grind for Life is an organization founded by skater and cancer survivor Mike Rogers for the purpose of helping cancer patients and their families with the financial aspects of traveling for treatment, as well as education and inspiration. If you’ve been to any of the World Cup events you might have seen Mike skating in the Masters division. This benefit and awards ceremony will be held at the Cocoa Beach skate park (I’ve been there and liked it! ) on November 18th and will feature pro demos from the likes of Benji Galloway and Tim Johnson and others.

Here’s how it works: Famous skaters who are artists will make art (not love) on plaster casts of famous female skaters. Then you buy these artworks in an auction and the money goes to the Keep A Breast Foundation to raise money and awareness of breast cancer. Regardless of your sexual orientation, you are probably thinking “Sure, I like breasts and I’d like to do my part, but what am I going to do with a life size bust cast?” And somewhere the last work-safe content filter just added Skate and Annoy to their blacklist.

In the immortal words of Squirrel Bait, I don’t need no pig stomping on my buzz.

Meet some modern-day pioneers who turned Oregon into one of the most well-known skatebarding (sic) destinations in the world. – I’m guessing that means Dreamland interviews? Episode 1803 of an Oregon Public Broadcasting show called Oregon Field Guide will be broadcast Thursday October 19, 2006. It repeats at 2:30am and 6:30pm on Sunday. What is skateBARDing? UPDATE: Watch it here.

Lost in all the hubbub of the opening of the park is the fact that there is a lot of work to do if we want to see the rest of those 19 parks built, or if we want to see a roof and lights over Pier Park. Skaters for Portland Skateparks has been carrying a cross on your behalf for five years now. The opening of the new Pier Park hasn’t stopped them from giving even more as seen in this novelty check symbolizing a very real donation of another $1000 by SPS to Portland Parks.

Just cause the park opens this weekend doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels or ass, for that matter. Head on over to Skaters for Portland Skateboards and buy a Pier Park commemorative shirt, silkscreened poster, or a skateboard to help raise money to put a roof over the damn thing. It is in Portland you know. Hello… Oregon? Winter rain? Did that ever cross your mind?