Flea & Andy.

Santa Cruz! To many, it's just another one of your average skate towns. No big deal, right? Fuck no! Santa Cruz, California, baby! This is the place that I call home. Seems like people think so much of this small town on the coast.

I've heard it so many times over the years, "Santa Cruz! You actually live there? Are there any good skate spots near your house?!" Well yes, but no. For many of those that don't know, it is now illegal to skate on most of the streets in Santa Cruz. There's a brand new law that says you must wear a helmet whenever you ride your skateboard. Can you believe that? I just read a letter in Mail Drop about a guy coming to skate here in Santa Cruz. He tells of skating at Derby Park (which is still very locally controlled, thank fuckin' god) And then going over to Go Skate, a shop right in front of the Boardwalk. This shop has unfortunately been over-run by so many tourists that it's been now forced to expand itself into the market of selling and renting rollerblades, beach toys, and "boogie boards." To you this may not really mean anything, but to me and many other local skaters this is a disgrace and an insult. I ask for nothing of Thrasher or from any skater--I just want to warn you to protect your town. Let's not lose another great skate spot or shop just because all of the locals got lazy. Keep the spirit alive people, and localism too. Just remember out there, if something happens to one of your hometown skate shops or spots, kick some ass and don't ever let them take your board. Love and respect.

Peter

Santa Cruz, CA

Trannies go home. T-ed