Spring Break
Pro skaters on hand for
downtown weekend event
Steve Caballero among pros giving tips
Allison M. Foley, Daily Staff Writer
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The series of events gave various local bands a chance to showcase their talents. The bands fell into every category from punk - the type of music most associated with skateboarding - to rap and electronic music.
The event strove to create a skateboarding environment with none of the usual negative effects that come along with skating in public, coordinators of the event said. These "negative effects" usually involve interference between skateboarders and law enforcement.
Horchata and Cow Palace were the featured bands, setting a perfect backdrop to the displays of skating talent on the "Local Heroes" stage sponsored by Ernie Ball. The portable trailer stage was making its second appearance, as it was also used to kick off the first in the series of Positive Skate Experience events.
Saturday's event, which took place from noon to 5 p.m., featured professional skater Steve Caballero, who displayed his talents for all the aspiring skaters to witness. Although skaters were able to skate in front of an audience, watching Caballero was the clear highlight of the event.
"(Caballero) was pretty much one of the founding fathers of the sport," said Ruth Lewis, whose son Brandon participated in the activities. "It's awesome they could get him in here."
As in the previous Positive Skate Experiences, children were treated to free tips on various tricks from professional skateboarders.
Because of the involvement of Community Action and Pride as well as the West of Fourth Street Neighborhood Group, all events were free to any skaters who wanted to participate.
"It was neat to skate around in the middle of the street, because cars usually drive there," said 10-year-old Rodney Salas, who participated in Saturday's events. "The guy who did a handstand on his skateboard while it was rolling was awesome."
All rails and ramps provided for skaters to do tricks on were courtesy of Santa Clara's Go Skate.
According to San Jose Downtown Association's Web site, POPULUS Presents, an organization that puts together many other downtown activities, organized the event.
This year's Positive Skate Experience was the first in a chain of events held in San Jose that was created especially for the city's kids, according to Steve Cohen, who is affiliated with the West of Fourth Street Neighborhood Group.
POPULUS Presents and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency hope to bring the series of events back next season when the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities, said representatives of the agencies.
Although most in attendance were satisfied with the outcome of the day, spectator Spencer Wilson had one complaint.
"Where are all the girl skaters? I want to see more of them," he said.
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