Laguna Niguel Delays Action on Law to Restrict Skateboarding

Calling a proposed skateboard ordinance too vague, the City Council on Tuesday night postponed a decision to ban skateboarding in areas of the city where requested.

Council members said they wanted city staff to “fine-tune” the measure so that it specifically targets recreational skateboarding that might cause safety problems in commercial areas and other public places.

The draft ordinance now makes no distinction between responsible and reckless use of skateboards. Councilman James F. Krembas said he could not support the measure because it was not specific about hazardous activities.

About two dozen skateboarders attended the meeting to defend their sport and propose that the city create a special skateboard park.

“It is better for us to be doing this than to be doing drugs or be in gangs,” said Sage Geyer. “If we get the skate park, we’d be off the streets and out of your way.”

The ordinance would have allowed the City Council to hear requests to ban skateboarding around specific businesses on a case-by-case basis. If the request was granted, a sign would be posted and violators subjected to a $25 fine.

In preparing the ordinance, the city worked closely with teen-agers from Dana Hills High School and Niguel Hills Junior High School. During a meeting with about 35 skateboarders last month, Sheriff’s Department Lt. Joe Davis, head of police services for Laguna Niguel, agreed to work to delete a provision that would have allowed three-time violators to be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.