Gilroy Police Officer Mark Tarasco and Gilroy Firefighter
–Paramedic Steven Hayes came up with the idea a year ago for an
event hosted by the city, targeting teen skateboarders and BMX bike
riders.
Gilroy Police Officer Mark Tarasco and Gilroy Firefighter–Paramedic Steven Hayes came up with the idea a year ago for an event hosted by the city, targeting teen skateboarders and BMX bike riders.
Hayes and Tarasco wanted to break down barriers and open lines of communication with the teenagers and young adults that are drawn to alternative sports and music.
The Extreme Youth Event held Saturday Gilroy Skate Park was not a competition, but more of a demonstration. The schedule was arranged so that individual skaters and bikers of all ages could enter the skate park and demonstrate various bike and skate moves in front of a menagerie of local skate and bike enthusiasts, parents and others.
The crowd cheered in admiration as their counterparts performed well. There was also live music from five regional bands and numerous vendor tents promoting products and giving away stickers and other promotional items.
Both the Santa Clara County Sherriff’s Office and CalStar landed helicopters at the park for static display, and there were other vehicles from the Gilroy Fire Department, US Army, Gilroy Police Anti-Crime Team and Special Operations Group, California Highway Patrol and the Gilroy Police Mounted Unit.
Firefighter Hayes and Police Officer Tarasco had no experience organizing an event such as this, but as word spread numerous individuals, corporations, and city Ddepartments offered assistance. The event was co-sponsored by the City of Gilroy Community Services Department and the Gilroy Gang Task Force.
Numerous members of the Gilroy Fire Local 2805, Gilroy Police Officer’s Association, and other City workers on their own time lent assistance before and on the day of the event. Attendance was estimated at about 1000 persons.
Local and regional corporations contributed hundreds of items to give away at raffles. Other local businesses donated various supplies such as food, water, banners, and equipment. Tarasco and Hayes would like to thank all those who participated by donating or attending Extreme Youth and hope to make this an annual event.
