As you drive through San Pedro and surrounding neighborhoods you may have encountered skateboarders racing down our street and blocking traffic. There has been an increase of this issue which has angered drivers and worried residents. Unfortunately while the dare devil skaters continue to dart in and out of traffic, an accident occurred resulting in an untimely death of a young skater. Could this accident been prevented? Now more than ever, we need to rally, as a community, to prevent future accidents and deaths.

On November 10, 2O11 there was an untimely death of a community member that was active in AYSO and music. Micheal Borojevich was only 14 when he and and his friends were skateboarded around Western Avenue and 25th street when the accident occurred. The San Pedro High School freshman was passionate to skate, like every other skateboard enthusiast. But with his passing, the issue of the skateboarder traveling unsafe grab the attention on community leaders and law enforcement. A strong focus to protect, educate and warn the skaters on the real dangers, will need to come from the skaters, as well.

Skate boarding should not be demonizes. The sport is about learning as many tricks as you can and to test your limits. As former skaterboarder, I took my risks. But the level of intensity with our youth has increased. From skaters darting in and out of traffic and even assaulting motorist calls of frustration are being answered. Many emails and call have come my way about this issue. Our neighborhood council has been working with the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles City Council office to find solutions. As you can imagine other crimes and public safety concerns take precedent.

I have been working with officials in the City of Los Angeles to bring a skate park to Peck Park. The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council and San Pedro Skateboards Association have worked closely to make sure we provide another place for skaters. With full funding to build the skate park we are still in the planning stages. The skate park is only a small step toward by providing a safe and usable space. Our Neighborhood Council will continue to work with skaters, LAPD and city officials to keep our streets safe.

If you would like to participate on this issue or others issues feel free to contact me or the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council. nwsanpedro.org or johnmmavar@gmail.com