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367 offered to become involved in anyway she could to alleviate the problems socjated with the use of skateboards. Nathan Frost, 1451 Ridgewood Drive, stated that skateboards are needed for transportation; jt is no fun to have to watch who is following them. Jeff Kearl, 4524 Hirador Drive, stated he was not aware of complaints of accidents on Hajn 5treet; he has never hit anyone. He advised that approxi- mately one-fourth of all boys ride skateboards to Amador High School; he did not feel the use of skateboards should be banned. Scott Penner, 1857 Paseo del Cajon, asked why skateboards were being regu- lated instead of bikes; bikes are much faster and more dangerous. Mayor Mer- cer explained that laws already exist relative to bike riding. An Advisor for the Valley Times stated that skateboarders are an indi- vidual group of kids who generally do not cause any problems. She proposed that Council not act on the ordinance tonight, but research the issue further and give the kids options. She felt the City should provide a suitable place for skateboarding with adult supervision. Kevin Cooper stated he skates to school and to his friends houses; that is his only means of transportation. He felt skate lanes would ease the problems. Mr. Lee Locke, 1921 Greenwood Road, stated the ordinance should provide for the use of skateboards as transportation. He urged Council to look into the possibility of providing a public ramp for kids who enjoy the sport of skateboarding. Councilmember Wilson stated there is risk in any sport. He felt this or- dinance is too restrictive; perhaps it should be done in stages. He stated there may be problems for the police department and city, but the use of skateboards has to be allowed. Councilmember Butler stated he felt the ordinance is well put together except for the problem of kids using skateboards as transportation. He sug- gested eliminating the downtown business area and shopping areas from the restrictions as a means of accomplishing what the Police Department is trying to control but yet recognizing skateboards as a means of transportation. Councilmember Mohr stated that there are those who abuse the use of skate- board riding; but there needs to be a means of allowing reasonable kids the use of their skateboards. She stated the use of shopping centers during busi- ness hours presents problems; she suggested using them before 10:00 a.m. during the week and noon on Sunday. She asked if the same rules that apply to bikes could be used for skateboards. Police Chief Eastman advised that the State Vehicle Code applies to bikes, but it is not applicable to skateboards. He stated his department needs some means of controlling the use of skateboards, and the proposed ordinance pro- vides that. He advised his department has received many complaints from pedestrians, motorists, and shopping centers businesses relative to the unsafe use of skateboards. 5 - 10-20-87