The Carlsbadistan City Council took a step in the right direction by voting not to add any amendments to the No Skateboarding laws that would include inlines and “similar forms of transportation,” according to a Randy Kalp story in The Coast News.
Jim Young, a 20-year resident of Carlsbad, told the council inline skating in the city is part of his lifestyle. The 51-year-old said restrictions on any type of skating or anyone outside exercising seem to be punishing people for getting outdoors and trying to take care of their health during a time when obesity is a national issue. . . “I feel a little disheartened that somebody from Oceanside comes to my city and tells me that I can’t take care of my health,” he added.
We agree. Next step for the council is to repeal the “no skateboarding” laws.
[Link: The Coast News]
RSS Feed-Posts
I am not from Southern California originally, but even growing up in PA I knew that in-line skating and skateboarding was part of the culture here. It’s so hard to understand why some lawmakers and citizens don’t get that. We have a beach town that is about surf, sand, skating and tourism. It’s how many people make their living in the area, from Tony Hawk to Ryan Gallant to Shaun White and the MANY other people that own or work at skate/surf related apparel and equipment companies.
I don’t know what it’s like to live that kind of life as we had different traditions growing up on the east coast. BUT, I know one thing, if someone had taken my baseball field away or my bike trails away or prohibited me from riding my bike downtown, I would be pretty upset!
I understand the other side of the equation…benches get ruined, curbs are destroyed, walkers and joggers are pushed out of the way…but like the young man said last night, don’t blame the masses for the failures of a few. Institute steeper fines and penalties for destroying property, or issue community service obligations.
Whatever is done, don’t ruin culture.
Jon Wantz
Candidate for Carlsbad City Council 2010
http://www.twitter.com/votejonwantz
Someone goes to Carlsbad to walk the seawall and has a problem with people inline skating. You’re just a few feet from the sand! You won’t have to deal with any skaters or bladers if you walk on the sand!
Comments on this entry are closed.