Police Chief David Westrick pointed out that skateboarding is strictly prohibited at the Veterans Memorial Building and he gives officers discretion on enforcement, in light of complaints from an American Legion leader’s complaints about it.
The commander of the local American Legion post Monday told Hollister council members he is beating his “head against the wall” over skateboarders riding on the off-limits Veterans Memorial Building property.
American Legion Post 69 Commander Joe Love spoke during the public comment period of Monday’s council meeting. He referenced the Nov. 11 re-dedication of the veterans building—after extensive renovations to the property—and said skateboarders are continuing to use and abuse the building’s courtyard area.
“They’re very disrespectful of that property,” Love said of the memorial. “I’m just beating my head against the wall.”
Love said he considers the teenagers “grownups” and mentioned a sign at the property saying skateboarding is illegal there.
“If they cannot read a sign, then our educators are doing something wrong,” he said.
Love asked for help and said he would be bringing something official to the council for consideration. Council members could not respond during the open comment period.
Westrick on Tuesday, though, pointed out that he had a meeting with Love and Councilman Ray Friend about two months ago, after which he sent a memo to officers reminding them the municipal code “strictly prohibits” skateboarding, in-line and biking on the property.
While he said “in the grand scheme of things” it’s not the most pressing matter, but he did want officers to keep a watch out for violators when they can.
He said it was “ironic” that skaters using the Veterans Memorial Building already had a skate park at Veterans Memorial Park that is being expanded in the coming months.
“I leave it up to the officers to use their discretion,” Westrick said.
The building was constructed in 1927. In December 2000, the county transferred ownership of it to the city. The city had reopened the building in 2003 following about $4.4 million in renovations.
For a decade, the city generally operated it under a deficit, around $75,000 annually in recent years with total revenue at about $150,000. Local veterans groups have overseen management of it, under an agreement with the city, since October 2013.
