San Fernando Valley : Fight Against Development’s Skating Ban Gathers Speed

In a move to stop motorized skateboards, a Calabasas homeowners group has banned all skateboards and roller-skating in the neighborhood.

And that has some residents saying the association itself acted like an out-of-control skateboarder, rolling right over a fun and harmless pastime.

A printed reminder of the prohibition was distributed to homeowners in Calabasas Park Estates last week after several residents complained that youths were illegally riding through the gated community on motorized skateboards.

The notice warns that anyone caught skating--whether motorized or not--will face a $50 fine for a first-time offense and a $25 fine for each subsequent violation.

“The concern is that unlicensed kids are riding around in motor-driven vehicles,” said Larry Dinovitz, a homeowners association board member and developer of the housing complex. “The concern is of some of them getting killed.”

The notice frustrated some parents and children who said they have skated within Calabasas Park Estates for years. A handful began collecting signatures during the weekend, and say they will protest the policy at the association board meeting next month.

“This is a family community and there are tons of kids,” said Andrew Cohen-Cutler, whose son and daughter are avid in-line skaters. “I’d rather have kids doing that than standing around thinking about how to break into the next house.”