I'm no skate Bettty
5:56 AM July 14, 2008
For all that has been said about the high rate of obesity in our kids these days, I saw something that warmed my heart today. We were running an errand over in Mar Vista, and on the way back drove through Culver City. As we drove down Jefferson Blvd, we passed a skate park. A very busy, well populated skate park. And aside from the number of kids at the park, we noticed that a large percentage of the kids were black. It was actually a really multi-cultural cross-section.
We pulled over and stood and watched the kids for about 20 minutes. For some reason we both were really impressed with the fact that on a Sunday afternoon, these kids were out in the fresh air, being active, and out of trouble.
Now, I have no connection to skateboarding. I was never drawn to it. The closest I came to the sport was my best friend's kid brother who was an avid skateboarder. He was a few years behind us, so at that time he was mostly just an annoyance, but occasionally we'd check out his latest moves on the half-pipe he'd built in the back yard. Then there is my friend Sandy, no teenager to be sure, however is in complete adoration of all things surf and skate.
Back to the Culver City kids. They were of a variety of ages; the older, more seasoned skaters with iPods playing whatever music skaters listen to these day - to the littler kids adorned in kneepads, elbow pads and helmets with watchful parents hovering not too far away. What we found really interesting is that it all worked. It was as though it was it's own little society. There was, I don't want to say rules, but perhaps etiquette, that all that populated the park seemed to clearly respect.
Be sure, I too have almost been run over by some distracted kid on a skateboarder while walking on the sidewalk. And I'm aware of the nuisance kids skateboarding in non-sanctioned areas can cause.
But, kudos have to be given to Culver City and other communities, that recognize the need for and provide safe places for kids to skate and recreate. There wasn't a heavy kid among those kids we watched today. They were breaking a sweat, having fun, and expressing themselves in a sanctioned environment. How about that.
And in this day and age when we are told (here comes a sweeping generalization) that all kids are home playing video games or glued to the t.v., that was certainly a welcome sight.
Posted by Michaela Pereira | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
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That's great, but you're also seeing a self-selected sample of kids.
What you're attempting to say is a little like going to a swim meet and saying that you didn't see a heavy swimmer there.
I somehow doubt any of the skaters you saw would be sitting home in front of their PlayStation 3 were it not for the local skate park.
If you want to put a news twist on it, how about reporting on the private skate park owners put out of business by the cities who've decided to operate their own skate parks at taxpayer expense?
Posted by: Bill | July 14, 2008 at 06:19 AM
Skating was big when I was growing up, especially during the summer when we could stay out later and later flying up and down the street. I don't see skaters much in my current neighborhood.
Bill, sorry to hear about the Mom & Pop skating parks going out of business. Although that doesn't make sense to me. We skated everyday on the street for free, then in the evenings and weekends sometimes we'd go to the skating palaces that sported a disco ball, strobe lights and bangin' music. That experience can't be duplicated by an iPod. So I'm confused as to why those places are being put out of business by the free park facilities. Our local skate depot seems to be doing fine.
Shades of the movie, Roll Bounce.
Happy Skating, everyone.
Posted by: jozielee | July 14, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Unfortunately many parents today are not nearly as stern with their children as they should be!!! Being a father myself I tend to observe other parents in action and I am sometimes disgusted. who is the parent nowadays the child or the adult. A lot of the reason why some of these children are obese is because of the parent spoiling the child. Also Michaela you are the hottest woman on in the morning. It stung a lil bit to hear you had a man but I know he is truly blessed. Take care
Posted by: D. Ellis | July 14, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Michaela, your blog truly brought a smile to my face. Like, those children you mentioned, skating was also a big part of my life. Most of my afternoons were spent skating with my cousins.. Whether it be in our apartment garage or an actual park, it brought great fun in our lives.. Even the wedding speech my cousin gave me mentioned our skating days! Oh, to be young again! =)
Posted by: Melanie | July 14, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Frank, Mark, Eric help, the women have taken over the blogs and are boring us to death. Please guys post something INTERESTING.
Posted by: Mean Tristan | July 14, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Michaela - You brought back some fond memories for me. Having grown up in Culver City, I spent a lot of time at the roller rink there. Having been gone from CC now for sometime, I don't even know if it is still there. I no longer live in California. Those memories, which I hadn't thought about in years, put a 'smile' in my heart for the 'good old days'. Thanks to you, for that.
Posted by: Judy | July 14, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Hey Michaela,
Lack of exercise is part of the problem with childhood obesity. The other part is eating. I'm sure you are aware that Jan Perry, part of the Los Angeles City Council, is tackling some of these issues in her district. She also recognized Dr. Richard Visser, founder of Toddler Health, recently. Toddler Health created a product that helps parents on the go, which is the big factor in Childhood Obesity. I know I'm constantly on the go and most parents are the same way. Toddler Health gives them a health supplement, without all of the sugar that others push.
Regardless of what parents use, they just need to make sure that they start teaching their children healthy eating habits at a young age. This will stay with them for the rest of their life.
I don't have children yet, but I understand how challenging it is for my friends and family that do. Healthy eating combine with exercising, whether it's skating, jumping rope, a sport, etc., is key in a healthy childhood. Creating those habits in the first five years is crucial.
Posted by: Rob B | July 18, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Hey Michaela,
I Think everybody should exercise and change those bad habits
I think everybody at KTLA Prime News and the Morning Show Rocks I am longtime Watcher in started watching in 1989 and I haven't stopped watching yet
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