Support West Seattle- fundraiser for new park May 30th!

This coming Saturday May 30^th please join in on the FREE Skate A Lot festivities that will be held at the Delridge Youngstown Cultural Center parking lot (4408 Delridge Way SW) at 1pm. See the attached flyer and below for more information.

This event is intended to help raise awareness for the Delridge Skatepark that will be located directly across the street from the Cultural Center. The skatepark has a fully funded design and two meetings have already been held to gain design input from the community. A third design meeting will be forthcoming in the next few months. And the SPAC just learned that the Seattle Parks and Recreation is going to provide $500,000 towards construction and an additional $250,000 will go towards construction from the Parks for All Levy. There are currently no skateparks in south Seattle so the community is attempting to build the largest skatepark possible in the available footprint. Although $750,000 seems like a lot, more money is needed to build the largest possible facility. Therefore, the community is throwing events such as the attached to raise awareness and attempt to obtain additional in kind donations from the community and grants from outside organizations.

Summer Tour Sneak Peek!

Ladies, load the cars / motorcycles / winnebagos follow the SLAG trail!
Here is the sneak peek for where the tour is going!
More info coming soon!

Friday July 17th

Clinic and Ladies Skate Jam @ the Bite of Seattle

SeaSk8 @ Seattle Center

11:00am-7:00pm

Monday July 20th

Demo @

Yakima Skate Plaza (1109 E. Maple Street Yakima, WA)

1:30pm-4:00pm

Tuesday July 21st

Demo @

Hood River Skatepark (2204 Wasco Street, Hood River, OR)

1:00pm-4:00pm

Girl's Only Skate Jam & BBQ @

Dept. of Skateboarding

7:00pm-9:00pm

Friday July 24th

Ladies Skate Date @

Lincoln City Skatepark

1:00pm-5:00pm

Saturday July 25th

"Glenhaven Maiden" Skate Jam @

Glenhaven Skatepark

11:00am-3:00pm

Sunday July 26th

All-Girl's Skate Clinic @

Dept. of Skateboarding

11:00am-1:00pm

Tuesday July 28th

"Miss Medford" Ladies Skate Competition @

Medford Skatepark (625 Highland Drive, Medford, OR)

12:00pm- 4:00pm

Wednesday July 29th

"Ladies Night" Skate Jam and Dance Party @

The Ranch (18907 Lonetree Road, Escalon, CA)

6:00pm-9:00pm

Friday July 31st

"The Showdown" @

The Log Shop (640 Crespi Drive, Pacifica, CA)

12:00pm-3:00pm

contest in Europe! July! Check it out!

www.rubiconskateboards.co.uk

Amy Caron invites you all to SKATE PARTY!

Important Meeting SEA skaters!

The next scheduled meeting for the Seattle Parks and Recreation Skate Park Advisory Committee (SPAC) will be next Monday May 11. The meeting will be in the usual location in the Parks and Recreation Building located at 100 Dexter North, Seattle, WA 98109. The current draft of the meeting agenda is pasted below.

THIS MEETING IS A VERY IMPORTANT ONE as we will be accepting public comment and having a subsequent SPAC committee vote on diverting much needed funds (upwards of $750k!) into the Delridge Skatepark which has a funded design but is lacking construction money. Matt Johnston provides a good summary of this issue at the bottom of this email – please read on. We need your support to prove to the Parks Department, Parks for All Levy Oversight Committee and the City Council members that the Delridge Skatepark deserves these funds. The Parks Superintendent, Director of Planning, and Delridge Skatepark Project Manager will be on hand to further discuss the path forward for this project and listen to our feedback. Please show up and bring your friends. It is VERY RARE that you have the direct opportunity to vote for the near-term construction a skatepark – this is your chance.

As always, please check www.seattleskateparks.org for more information.

Ryan Barth

Chairperson, Skate Park Advisory Committee

MARGE BARGE!

Just 2 weekends ago, Skate Like a Girl hosted the Marge Barge at Marginal Way Skatepark. 

The event was a huge success! Together we raised almost $1,000 for the skatepark's building fund. Thanks to everyone who donated, came out, or spread the word about the event. This was truly a community effort. Here is a really awesome video by Jake Culver. More photos are up at www.toebock.com

Sol sol sol sol sol! Skating outside the city!

Chica Riders organized the Magical Mystery Tour out to this new amusement park: Bicentenario Park in Querétaro. It has a huge skatepark that looks like super happy cause of the paint job. We left super early in the morning in this nice tour bus filled with chicas, a few parents and a few chicos. The bus was amped to go skate! When we got there Paco and Paloma set us up with the girls from the bus and from the town. They skated from noon to 5pm in the hot sun. We worked on pumping walls, which most of the girls could do really well already plus kickturns. Then we moved over to ollies, 5050 stalls, shuvits, maunallying off things, old school tricks (with Erica), and tons more. The girls just wanted to skate. At one point in my broken Spanglish, I was like "I need water, do you all need a break, and they were all naw... go ahead take a break.

There were like over 30 girls skateing. We had such a fun time! The bus ride back was insane. The girls were soo hyped on skating and walking back and fourth on the bus chanting many things, but mostly: "Sol Sol Sol Sol!" It was one of the girl's names.

finally, skateboarding @ la fuente y benito cabeza

Ok we slacked a bit this is from el 3 de Abril.

So yesterday we got picked up by Paloma, Paco and Micaela-- we headed to a park where we will be doing our last clinic on Sunday: La Fuente. It's a park that is built into an abandoned fountain, mostly ramps. It is really awesome. We met Raul who runs the park, and Renata who stopped by to skate with us!

After sessioning and eating our tortas we went to the skatepark that is next to La Cabeza de Benito.

It was a bunch of bowls. We skated there, and I got trapped in the deepest bowl. I had to have Erica rescue me. Between the heat and the lack of oxygen in my body, I was panicking like a rat trapped in a bowl. Dios mios, gracias Erica! I have committed to better cross training so I will never be trapped like that.

Then we took a skate break and went to visit Frida Kahlo's house. Her and Diego lived in a really beautiful spanish style home in Coyoacan. Erica noted a picture of Frida and Diego, where they were holding seals, and Paloma said they were Xoloitzcuintli, which were hairless dogs that the Aztecs bred, not seals. After leaving Frida's place, we went to a restaurant and had some traditional fare including: spinach soup in chicken broth, really good limeade, nepolas (cactus), and some taquitos with whey.

We stuffed ourselves as a mariachi band played. Micaela told us that her favorite song was playing, it was about a crazy woman who drowned her kids in the river, and at night she goes around crying... adults use this to scare kids into obedience... if you aren't good.. she will come and drown you.

We walked around Coyoacon, and went to their Cathedral. It was really beautiful and ornate inside. We walked into someone's quincenera, but tons of people were, it wasn't like we were barging in.

After being able to be part of some sweet Mexican girl's special day Paloma pointed out to us a real live Xoloitzcuintli! We were all trying to be sneaky to take a picture of it, but Paco asked the guy if we could take pictures and pet the dog. It felt like petting an oily piece of leather with tufts of hair. Erica was pretty much not into it.

Day 2: Touring the City

The first night when we got to our Hotel Paloma warned us not to go to the street food vendor across the street. So when Erica and I woke up yesterday we walked around looking for water and avoided that place. We got pastries, and sat in a beautiful church. After 30 min we were overheated and high from the air so we went back and took a quick nap.

We got up and were hungry, so we went to a torta stand, down on the OTHER end of the street. Then Erica got a papaya / guava juice next to the street vendor that Paloma told us not to go to. No diaherrea yet.

We went and took another nap.

Paloma came and got us and showed us around the downtown area. Mexico City has 30 million people, and so much culture and history. We went to the Palacio de Belles Artes, the night before we saw people skating on the all white marble building. Inside is a performance hall with huge murals done by the great Mexican Muralists.

We stepped out and walked towards the central plaza. We stopped at a traditional candy shop (Dulceria de Celaya). Then we went to a cathedral that was built on top of a pyramid. After that we went to the Templo Mayor, a "rui"n part of the Aztec's great pyramids.

The day was super busy, and at night Paloma and Paco took us to this super exclusive art opening hosted by Converse, "leyendas mixtecas a traves de pintando pasos oaxaca" where they had Oaxacan artists paint on converse shoes. The event was super posh, and Erica and I rolled in like scrubs with jeans on and wearing beat up Vans.

There were tons of random folks there, like the reggaeton sensation "gold nigga." We met the editors of Canvas (a magazine all about shoes) they had a spread on the Converse shoes. I am sure there other famous people there, but Erica and my Spanish is so poor.

We did enjoy the traditional Oaxacan hors d'arves such as chapulines
it tasted like black beans. Afterwards we went to go pick up Micaela from Poseiden.

It was a good day and night.

La Ciduad de Mexico

Erica and I flew in to Mexico City around 11:30 pm, and got picked up by Paloma (ChicaRiders.com) and Paco (reskate.com).
They are so awesome and nice. They told us about a radio interview, and we were like that sounds cool, it turned out that it was that night.

We went straight to the radio station and were unsure what to do, but we tried our best to answer questions about the clinics. Paloma and Paco helped to translate. They told us that the radio station was the biggest gov supported radio station.

So we were on Mexican Radio!

Then we drove around the city and saw some huge cathedrals that were built on top of pyramids.

We got to our hotel to get shut eye.

This morning we woke up and walked around trying to acclimate to the weather and air.
We will be exploring the city soon and skating a bit.

Paloma and Paco has set up some clinics and bus transportation to get like 20 girls to come to skatepark outside of the city. We will more photos soon.

Check out the photos of the radio interview!

Marge Barge- save the date April 26th

"MARGE BARGE: WOMEN'S SKATE JAM AT MARGINAL WAY When: April 26th, noon-5pm Where: Marginal Way Skatepark (Alaskan Way and Hanford) What: BBQ, LIVE MUSIC, FREE STUFF, and CASH PURSE FOR FIRST PLACE COME OUT AND SHRED!!!"

SF update from Erica Harris!

Hi everyone!
Hope you are all getting your shred on!

Next skate date will be Saturday April 11th, 1pm, at Treasure Island!
San Francisco Skateboard Association (SFSA) has more then a handful of new parks in the works for SF! One of these parks is on Treasure Island. On Saturdays the SFSA drags ramps, rails, and boxes out onto the tennis courts. There will also be a BBQ going on and a DJ. In one of the three courts they will be pouring cement and anyone is welcome to help with this DIY project. You'll find the park at Avenue D and California. We may spend the whole time here or head out to Potrero or Pacifica later on in the evening. We are expecting a special guest from Brooklyn. Don't miss out!

Hate On This zine:
Don't forget, submissions for the first issue are due April 1st.

Pride Weekend Volunteers Needed, June 27th & 28th
We are skating in the pride parade! Any ladies are welcome to join. There will be skaters from Seattle, Portland, California, Australia, and more. We will also be working donation booths that weekend and need volunteers. Money raised from this will go to SLAG SF. Anyone is welcome to help with this, including guys! Please contact us if you can:
1) Volunteer at a donation booth from 9am-1pm or 1pm-5 on Saturday June 27th
2) Manage a donation booth
3) Skate in the pride parade on Sunday June 28th
4) Act as security in the pride parade on Sunday
This should be a lot of fun and we need all the help we can get. Let us know if you can help!

Spring break in Mexico
SLAG will be teaming with Chica Rider in Mexico City and throwing clinics April 4th and 5th. Join us! Along with the clinics, there will be a competition, and girls coming from around the globe to demo.

See ya'll soon.

--
Erica Harris
Skate Like A Girl
SF Program Coordinator

Seattle Center Skatepark Update!

City of Seattle
Mayor GREGORY J. NICKELS


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 16, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: Deborah Daoust / (206) 769-0259
deborah.daoust@seattle.gov






Media Information

Seattle Center Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Skate Park


Seattle Center has started construction on a 10,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Skate Park. The project includes improvements to one of the main intersections leading into the campus at 2nd Avenue and Thomas Street. It is expected to be completed by early summer.

Seattle Center worked closely with the skate board community on design of the Seattle Center Skate Park. It will feature practical and artistic elements, with skateable streetscape features and outstanding usability. A non-skateable divider will be built between the park and the campus, and it will be open daily (for daytime use only).

The Seattle City Council mandated construction of the Seattle Center Skate Park after property housing the former Skate Park was sold to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for development of its world headquarters. The project was funded by proceeds of the sale and other City capital funds.

The placement and design of the Seattle Center Skate Park were vetted through an extensive public process including public and Skate Park community meetings, determination and notice of non-significance, and published public notice, comment period and appeal period. The Park also was part of the environmental review associated with the Seattle Center Century 21 Master Plan.

Project members include:
Weinstein A|U--Architect
VDZ/New Line Skateparks---Skatepark Design
Perri Lynch---Artist
KPFF Consulting Engineers--Structural Engineers
WSP Flack + Kurtz--Mechanical and Electrical Engineers
McClure and Sons, Inc.--General Contractors
Grindline Skateparks--Skatepark Construction

The Skate Park site contained a pavilion built for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. It runs along Thomas Street southwest of KeyArena. Mechanical and catering facilities for KeyArena are housed below site, and so the skating area will be built up above the ground (as opposed to a bowl type design).

Attached are images of the conceptual design. For more information on the Seattle Center Skate Park and other activities at Seattle Center, visit www.seattlecenter.com.

About Seattle Center


Seattle Center draws you in. Its vibrant pulse brings together people of all ages and walks of life to create thousands of extraordinary experiences that enrich millions of lives each year. Entertainment options abound - starting with 63 free and low cost public programs and over 5,000 campus shows and events annually. The 74 - acre campus, with its 17 acres of open space, is home to more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations. This treasured urban park exists to delight and inspire the human spirit in each person and bring together our rich and varied community. The 12 million visitors to Seattle Center each year generate $1.15 billion in business activity and $387 million in labor income for King County.



###


More Information: http://www.seattecenter.com

HATE ON THIS! aka HOT!

Hi Everyone!

SLAG San Francisco's first ever issue of Hate On This (H.O.T.) will be due April 1st! Send in your pictures, stories, etc. This is a unique zine brought to you by female skateboarders. We are accepting submissions world wide.

If you wish to post an advertisement, the following special rates apply for first three issues:

For a single issue:
1/4 page: $5
1/2 page: $10
1 full page: $15

For three issues:
1/4 page: $10
1/2 page: $15
1 full page: $30

Questions and submissions go to: sub.slagmag@gmail.com

Join us on myspace at:
http://www.myspace.com/hateonthismag

Spread the word, stay tuned for the release party, and be sure to request a copy of H.O.T. when it's off the press.

Thanks!
--
Erica Harris
Skate Like A Girl
SF Program Coordinator

SF Madness

I'll cut to the chase:

Friday, Jan 23rd:

Staycee picked me up from SFO and showed me the new Potrero skatepark (aka the mission park). Drenched with a constant onslaught of rain, i ended up slipping out while walking down one of the roll ins-- this would be the first of many non-skateboarding related bruises. GREAT! We later met up with Erica, grubbed down, and wandered around. The day was spent heckling bicyclists, pedestrians and hipsters. Erica and I walked around for a bit, and i was more than happy to play the giddy tourist.

Saturday, Jan 22nd:

The day started around noon with an 1 1/2 hour drive to The Ranch. A little early, we set off to the Ripon skatepark to meet up with Kristin, Ashley, Holly and Brice. As it turned out, the park ended up being the meeting place for everyone else.

Skating Skating Skating

Then... EPICNESS
Ladonna's party was nuts. I'm going to leave it at that. Ladonna, happy freaking birthday girl!

The next morning was spent at Ripon, some lowcard bbq ... i'm not even sure



Monday, Jan 26th

Best.Day.Ever.
Finally had the chance to skate the new Potrero skatepark, and it was everything i anticipated it to be, and more. Let me start by saying thank you to Erica who mapped out all of the skate spots in SF. Seriously, it's legit. Max and Erica both had things to do, so i was left to check things out. I love public transportation. The N.Judah took me to the civic center, where i later boarded the BART to 24th and mission. Skate east to potrero then south about 8 blocks, and WALLAH! You're there.



The bathrooms are locked, but the FRIENDLY locals suggested i head up to Casa Sanchez, a mexican resturant a few blocks from the park (Head up to 24th, go west, it's a block after the liquor store and will be on the right side of the street). Bonus perk; if you show up with your skateboard, they hook you up with free drinks.



Blah blah flight home blah blah

The point is, if you're in SF and you don't skate Potrero, you're freaking blowing it.



Kristina

Bellevue Skatepark Blog

Check Kristin's footage in the Bellevue Skatepark Blog and be sure to stay updated on your friendly neighborhood indoor park.

Hello 2009

Happy New Year!

2008 was a pretty epic year for us.

Skate Like a Girl Major 2008 Highlights:

* Partnerships with:
o Seattle Girls School
o Snowboard Outreach Society
o Rugged Riders
o Girl Scouts -Girls Beyond Bars
o Manitoba Skateboard Coalition
* Secret Skate Dates
* Going international: Skate Tour to Winnipeg
* Skate Like a Girl Film Teaser
* Summer Camps!
* Skate Like a Girl grew:
o Dedicated volunteers like Kristin Ebeling, Christine Hayes,
Chrissie Lathrop, and Kristina Naryan among others.
o SLAG Portland led by Jessie Haungs is blowing up!
o SLAG San Francisco started by Erica Harris is starting to grow.
* L'oreal Paris Women of Worth Recognition
* Wheels of Fortune contest with over 30 (or whatever the number is) women competitors from LA to Vancouver BC and our first ever cash prize!


2009 will start a little quiet, with no programs, BUT you should go skate at Skate Barn until the weather clears up. We will be working on creating solid organizational structure, preparing to move into our new office at the Seattle Center, and will be looking for volunteers and recruiting board members for Skate Like a Girl. If you are interested in being part of 2009, please submit a letter of interest and a resume to us at skatelikeagirl@gmail.com.

Keep in contact, check out the website: skatelikeagirl.com! Email /Myspace / Facebook us!

Thanks for the support and being able to be part of 2008.
We hope to see more of you in 2009!

Best,

--
Fleur Larsen and Nancy Chang
Skate Like a Girl Co-Directors
skatelikeagirl.com

Thanks Alex White!

1st Annual Wheels of Fortune girls skateboard contest from alex white on Vimeo.

WOF 2008 Out of Control!

Thank you all for flying, driving, skating out to the Skate Barn on Dec 13 for our first jam paying out some cash money to the ladies that skated fast, furious and fabulously!

A big congrats to:
Amy Caron taking first and a modest $175
Kristin Ebeling 2nd making Skate Like a Girl proud! $125
Tamara Drybrough 3rd (one of our favorite Canadians!) $100
Kristina Naryan 4th (We love the way you move)
Abby "Zace" Zsarnay 5th (Girls got style!)
Alex White
Ashely Jones
Esther Yeargin

Also congrats to skaters in intermediate:
Tuna Poanessa 1st
Erica Harris 2nd
Ladonna Williams 3rd
Chelsea Mullins 4th
Justyce Tabor 5th
Izzie White
Emily Lindseth
Jessie Haungs

Congrats beginners!
Autumn Lynn Maddux 1st
Staycee Lee 2nd
Rena Bean Rugh 3rd
Jordan Tabor 4th
Alison Post 5th
Erica Tragesser
Heidi Veuturine
Angie Faniani
AJ Cohen
Alicia Clinton

Thank you everyone who volunteered, judged, skated, watched, donated product and supports the ladies who skate! This was such a fun thing for us.

We will be getting photos from folks soon, so check back!

Dec 13 Contest! Register NOW!

Ok, so here is the deal. Pre-register so we know you are coming. Make sure to download all the forms needed, and you pay day of. Please make sure to register online so you can save money!