Skateboarder advocates helmets

Thank you for printing Alice Dillon's letter. She pointed out that The Acorn featured in the same paper articles about James Street, who died from injuries from a skateboard accident, as well as a picture of boys riding skateboards without helmets. I was at the concert in the park when this picture was taken. I asked the photographer to take a picture of me wearing my helmet, but he shook his head and walked away.

I was also aware of James Street's death because one of my friends from church was on Street's baseball team. My minister told me that his accident happened while teammates watched in horror after imploring him to put on a helmet. My condolences to his friends and family.

I told my friends about what happened to Street, but some ignored me. Still, I will continue to pursue my dream of being a model and spokesperson for safe skateboarding and cool equipment.

I also agree with some of The Acorn letters stating that kids shouldn't play in the street. But even if kids ride bikes along the curb or skate on the sidewalk, they can be hit by a car that loses control because the driver is speeding or using a cellphone.

I don't agree that the parks in Agoura Hills are safe for kids. I've seen people drink alcohol and use drugs at the park. Adults also let their dogs run loose, disobeying the leash laws. I think the police and animal controls should patrol the parks and neighborhoods undercover to enforce our public safety laws.

Last, all of the parks in Agoura Hills ban skating and riding bikes. In memory of James Street and for the ideas he inspired, the city can designate and redesign one local park for skateboarding, biking, scootering and rollerblading. Josh Houserman, 11 Agoura Hills