(I didn't take the first picture. I think that Kevin McComb brought it by to copy back in 1978 and I'm putting it here because it's a classic. My thanks to the unknown, to me, photographer. For all I know it may be in common internet circulation, but seems more likely that it hasn't seen the light of day in a while)
Hi Javier, they way you were treated had nothing to do with how you looked or that you are Latino (I'm latina) because I hung out with these same guys at Station 27, Bay Street & P.O.P. before we all took over the breakwater after P.O.P. was gone. We had a deverse group of friends which included every nationality. But we were very territorial and had to be otherwise everyone would be there surfing and hanging out when they felt like it. Even my cousin Jesse felt worried about hangin' at the Breakwater back in the 70s when he was young, it is just the normal order of things. He is now the most respected of locals (along with the others who are younger than our generation and we all hang together for neigborhood gatherings and we get along pretty much) and "runs" things now. The pecking order has to start somewhere. You pay your "dues". I also think this site it amazing and people ask for this link all the time, I'm happy to give it to them, I love looking at it. Javier, I'm in the photo above with all my friends back in the day.....www.onionskin.com/pop you'll love this site too.
I've moved Javier's original comment to the Perez Gallery where it more rightfully belongs. and I'm going to let Debbe have the last word in this gallery. This isn't my picture, I wasn't there, and I've never been able to fit into the "normal order of things
