July 22, 2008 — Lassen in Action in conjunction with the city of Susanville held the first SK8 the Ville on Saturday, July 12 at the skate park in Memorial Park. About 150 people attended the skate competition, designed to provide more activities for the youth of Lassen County. In addition, Tomm Williams and the Gonsalves and Starr families also dedicated time to the event.

The event was advertised for only three days, but Dave Gonsalves, of Lassen in Action said, “I think it was an incredible success for the short amount of time it was advertised. I think we had an incredible outcome.”

Friends and family gathered around the skate park to watch the competition and the winners received prizes donated by local businesses.

Several children participated in the 10 and under competition and all walked away winners with free movie tickets.

Jacob Passatino won first place in the 10 and over division, Armando Lucatero took second and Jake Hernandez won third place.

Skaters were judged on style, tricks and how much of the skate park was utilized.

In addition to the skate competition, three bands — Wasted Youth, Otis, and From Ashes to Eternity — provided musical entertainment.

Gonsalves said he has been receiving a great response from parents and teens about the event.

“People in the community are jumping on board with this,” Gonsalves said.

He said there are already sponsors and volunteers to host another event before summer ends. Josh Thibeau, guitarist From Ashes to Eternity,

Passatino said he participated in the event because he loves skating.

He said the event provides the youth in the community with something to do and shows people what a skate competition is like.

Taya Harper attended the event to watch her son compete.

“I think there needs to be a lot more going on for kids and for more parental involvement — to be with their kids at events like this,” Harper said.

She also said there needs to be a safe place for kids to have fun and enjoy themselves.

“We need more people like Dave to help him get more events for kids,” Harper said.

Josh Thibeau, guitarist of Reno band From Ashes to Eternity and former Susanville resident, said it was fun to come back and play in Susanville.

Thibeau said an event like SK8 the Ville should be done more often.

“It’s good for the kids, it’s good for the city to come out and unite, get together and enjoy each other’s company,” he said.