Many of the guys here are a pleasure to visit with and good for the soul. If I wasn't so stove-up and fat, I would dust off the old Powell-Peralta with those big spongy urethane wheels and have a go at it.
But I digress, this review is in regards to the SkatePark Pirate: Pictures included
The Banty Gestapo Rooster aggressively patrols and targets people who are taking, or attempting to take pictures, demanding they buy beer -- to be distributed by him among the skaters -- in return for unlimited photography privileges at this Portland Public Skate Park.
Take pictures without paying beer-fees, and he jumps directly and insultingly in front of your camera -- as seen in photographs.
Signs that prohibit alcohol are fairly clearly posted and yes there are minors around at any given time, so I can highly recommend not falling for this trap?! If you get pinched and charged for contributing alcohol to minors, you will be arrested and jailed!! I've seen it happen here in Portland as far back as the 1970's.
Suggestions for the local tribal skate council, is to self-police the bully's who practice toll-collecting-shakedown techniques towards people who exercise photography rights in public spaces.
In a world where everybody carries a camera, pictures will be taken, relax and get over it.
As a Marine Corps veteran and old school film street photographer, my freedom of imaging rights in public spaces are just as important as skating is to you.
Sincerely, Mecate