It's amazing to me, that with the amount of talent you possess,
your
members cannot represent themselves as respectful citizens of Shasta
County.
If you read your own mission statement, you state: "To organize,
fund,design, and complete the construction of a new bike-friendly,
outdoor, cement public skate park in Redding, Ca."
Here's where I have a problem. Today, May 5th, your non profit
organization sold BBQ in the City of Shasta Lake. I can only assume
that
the proceeds you raised today were to fund your bike-friendly skate
park
in the City of Redding. The venue was perfect to raise funds. A
SKATEPARK, live music, food, crafts, perfect weather, and a venue to
showcase your talented members. Excellent recruiting technique! Bravo!
The problem I have is your group, with the support of parents that
are city employees,you have no respect for the rules that apply to
each
skate park. Now I agree that not everyone obeys the rules, but,
wouldn't
it put your group one step ahead of everybody if you played by the
rules.
I'm referring to the skate park at The City of Shasta Lake. Sure, the
skate boarders aren't fully in compliance with all rules.(i.e.
helmets).
So step up ! Play by the rules.
The skate boarders of Shasta Lake did exactly what you mission
statement says:"organize, fund,design, and complete" an outdoor, cement
public skate park!
If RDGBMX and the skate boarders of Shasta Lake can share the
existing SKATE park that's great! Show that you can. Show that the
persons that created the skate park in Shasta Lake are with you.
The reason I'm writing to you (besides try to bring awareness) is
that one of your members(possibly Aaron?),(web site ) as my wife, 2
year
old daughter, 6 year old daughter,myself and a friend of ours were
leaving the event stated "what's your fucking problem" to our friend.
Then ,after I made a brief statement about respect for my family and
friend, he called our friend a "bitch".
Now look. I'm a father of 4. My children spend a lot of time on
bicycles, as do I(many years of single track). If your looking to gain
support for your sport you can't feel like your entitled to something
unless you've put your own back into it. That doesn't mean taking it
from
someone else. Own it. Be responsible. Set a positive example. Tell my
children why they have to show respect and gratitude, earn it , and
you,the athletes, don't.
Starting as a non- profit is admirable. The way you present
yourself
falls short of that. I'm sure, that by the path you are taking, your
nonprofit will soon become profitable. My question is will your mission
statement still hold true? Will you "provide positive role models"? I
hope so.
We need a "healthy recreational opportunity for youth in our
community". DON"T demand it, earn it!
Paul A. Sifers
P.O. Box 492322
Redding, CA., 960