I’m not a skater but I play one on TV. No wait, I don’t but these kids know a thing or two about skating.

Controversy aside and after 8 months of construction 14^th Street Skate Park reopened on Sunday, January 17, 2010 with much fanfare.

One of Robert Garcia‘s first priorities was to secure funding for the skate park. Done. Ground was broken in just his second month in office.

With Robert Garcia, Councilmember First District

Right on Robert for supporting youth in one of Long Beach’s lower income neighborhoods!

With Lena Gonzalez, District Deputy

Councilmember Garcia also submitted legislation to the City Council to name the park after Michael K. Green, a popular neighborhood teenager who was tragically killed in 2005 by gang violence. Michael, who was an innocent bystander, was an avid and skilled skater who inspired countless youths to choose skating over violence. His positive attitude and respect for others made him a role model and he is terribly missed by his friends and family.

14th Street Skate Park is in our backyard so it was a given that we represent. However this time it was all about my taller half.

A heartfelt hell yeah to Epitaph Records for donating t-shirts, CD’s, stickers, Gnarly, Escape the Fate and ISMFOF wristbands. Nine skate decks were also given away.

I consider myself an at-risk adult and I’m all too familiar with being stereotyped. There is a lot of good in these kids. They just need to be given a chance and deserve a safe haven to call their own. Please encourage our youth.

A little irony, Clit 45 – Kids Aren’t Alright