South Bay : SKATEBOARD PARK

Sighting life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness--which in this case is the freedom to skateboard--a group of youths has formally complained to Hermosa Beach city officials that there is not enough space in the city for land surfers.

At last week’s City Council meeting, a group of about 10 skateboarders challenged officials to build a skateboard park. The youths said the city built a park for roller hockey and they want a park of their own.

“They were a very impressive bunch,” said Councilman John Bowler. “We told them they handled their complaint the right way and we’re willing to work with them.”

An outgrowth of surfing, skateboarding has long been a popular pastime among youngsters in the beach cities. Now, the only space where they are allowed to skate in Hermosa Beach is on the Strand and near the base of the pier.