Skate with Caution

As most of you might have heard, last Sunday, March 22nd, two joggers were attacked along a path in Landsdowne just after 5:00am. A man was pronounced dead at the scene while his wife had been left critically injured in a ditch. This attack and several others that have occurred recently, including one in Sterling this past summer, were said to have been random acts of violence that struck innocent people.

I certainly would not have expected to see this situation arising in my high school years when I used to 'night skate' through that very shopping center. Almost every Friday and Saturday night, warm or cold, my buddies and I used to roam to skate spots on our boards without a worry in our minds. The police officers and security were usually obsolete in this part of the city and the shopping centers and schools were closed for 'our skating convenience'. The street lights gleamed on the irresistible stairs and ledges at an angle that was just perfect for a long fun skate session. The roaring of our voices and the popping of our boards were the only sounds to be heard from hundreds of feet away. This was our freedom.

About 5 years later, it is unbelievable to see that our very own hometown is slowly disintegrating from these malicious attacks as we sleep. While driving to the Safeway in Sterling earlier tonight I couldn't help but look in every direction before stepping out of my car and watching my back in the corner of my eye. Luckily a police car drove past as I was walking in which shook off my nerves, but this behavior is the complete opposite of what I had experienced in my younger years. It's hard to believe that certain things change for a reason, but its even harder when they change for the worst.

Our prayers go out to the victims and families affected by the attacks as well as to the County. We hope that stronger efforts and power will be enforced to help ensure that these incidents won't happen again.

LCSP's advice to local skaters and other skaters possibly experiencing the same stuff in their town: be cautious, be alert, and be safe. Before you skate to a friends house late at night or travel to a skate spot on your way home from school, consider these tips: choose a safe and open route, skating in a group is safer than by yourself, and it's safer to skate near a public area than at a spot miles away from public contact.

With spring weather just around the corner and the summer heat not too far either, desires to skate 24/7 are bound to come. We hope you take our tips into perspective in your daily routine. Happy and safe shredding!

NEW Skatepark Project proposal!

Loudoun Times Mirror article starts...

"Plans are under way to open an indoor roller rink and skateboarding park in eastern Loudoun. According to a letter sent to county zoning officials, inquiries have been made about the possibility of building such a facility either in Ashburn's Beaumeade Corporate Park off the Loudoun County Parkway or in the Sterling Park Business Center off Sterling Boulevard."

I'm not positive on the details of this indoor park project quite yet, but by assumption I think the editor got mixed up with the whole roller rink situation. I believe the letter meant a facility for skateboarders and roller bladers (skatepark). But who knows, maybe the person in-charge is bringing a brilliant new idea to the table. We will keep you all posted on this project.

I am super stoked on all of the efforts that have been popping up in Loudoun lately, I've literally lost count in the past month. Props to all of the people who are getting involved with enhancing the Loudoun County skate scene, this determination is greatly needed and supported.

Rest of article: http://www.loudountimes.com/news/2009/mar/17/skating-facility-proposed/

Obama for Skateboarding

Obama is like cheese, he goes good on almost everything, even skateboards.

Here's a shot from Art Whino gallery's exhibit not too long ago of a display of Obama inspired skateboards. I apologize for not knowing the artist at the moment, but props to him/her!

Get more info about the Art Whino gallery and other galleries in the DC metro area at www.artwhino.com