Did you ever wonder what catapulted skateboarding’s popularity into the stratosphere? Does history of a “sport,” born and bred along the coast of Southern California, coincide with your love of surfing? Are you “stoked” to know that skateboarding will be featured in Tokyo for the 2020 Summer Olympics? If you’ve answered yes to any of the above questions, John O’Malley’s new book, “Urethane Revolution: The Birth of Skate-San Diego 1975,” is a must read. The always interesting, sometimes shocking, off-color page-turner dialogues the history of the skateboarding from one of its founding fathers, John O’Malley. Dubbed the “greatest story never told in extreme sports history,” O’Malley retraces his steps as a member of the original Skunkworks crew to creating his own skateparks. Photographs – sure to make everyone reminisce about the good ole’ days – accompany stories from the underground. “One crazy year on the California coast in 1975 a hippie skunkworks, bred in garages and shacks, launched the modern skater movement,” writes O’Malley. Strap in for a wild ride replete with two car chases, two plane crashes, a massive truck bomb, Colombian Narcos, the Mafia, senior White House staff, a gypsy fortuneteller, three straight-up miracles, Jacques Cousteau, big piles of cocaine and naked hippie chicks.” O’Malley details the books title, “Urethane Revolution” beginning with the history behind the urethane. “Around 1973, a guy named Frank Nasworthy discovered these urethane training wheels that were used on beginners’ roller skates,” he notes. “They were grippier than the unforgiving composite clay wheels of the day. Frank bolted them on his skateboard and bingo! Suction-cup traction like no one had ever imagined possible. It’s in that instant that the skateboard went from a toy with feet of clay to a wall-climbing UFO, screaming at warp speed to the 2020 Olympics.” The Revolution follows suit. “The Revolution began when a rift opened in the universe and that centrifugal buzz – heretofore available only through sports like surfing and skiing – came leaking out of the streets,” writes O’Malley. “Adrenaline rushing up your road, serotonin dripping down the drive. And the scales fell from our eyes: Any paved surface could be ridden. And the call went out: The rift has opened, God is great, spread the word.” According to O’Malley, a perfect storm of “ill winds” that began with a historic drought fueled the Revolution. “The drought uncovered insanely fun new skating forms like the reservoirs and drainage ditches while recession-vacant homes had their swimming pools drained and skated,” he pens. “Our eyes spoked an urban landscape lit up with a million new possibilities.” “Urethane Revolution” also showcases La Jolla native Bobby Turner. The innovative craftsman built Turner Summer/Ski slalom skateboards. Still popular today, these boards are constructed along the design vein of surfboards and snow skis. According to O’Malley, Turner’s skateboards “revolutionized” slalom skating boards. O’Malley touts, “The Revolution is over. Skaters won.” And if you need a place to play, check out Robb Field; San Diego’s first skateboard park constructed and operated by the City. Designed with input from the legendary Tony Hawk, the 40,000 square foot concrete park is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Sidling the San Diego River Bike Path at the onset of Ocean Beach, the “street course” features a combination bowl, handrails, ledges, blocks, a pump bump and an octagon volcano. Location: 2525 Bacon St.

With 20 live theatre venues, 12 acting schools and 10 comedy clubs, San Diego is not a bad launch pad for those trying to catch a break in the entertainment industry. From The Old Globe to The American Comedy Co., the city is enriched by theatre and is particularly welcoming to those who are willing to bear their amateur skills on the live stage. Two of those brave souls are Jules Chanel Hoberg and Ava Bunn, both looking to tap into the world of comedy, one through stand-up and the other through acting. Point Loma High graduate Bunn, now 18, has started attending The American Comedy Co.’s Tuesday night Open Mic Nights where she recently had the chance to see Hoberg, who prefers “Chanel,” take her shot at the spotlight. “It’s in these little clubs and theatres where people often get discovered,” said Bunn. “My friend and I saw probably 40 people go up on Open Mic Night and take a swing at comedy. It’s amazing to know there’s so many people out there trying to pursue their passions and do what they love here in San Diego.” While Chanel, a Pacific Beach resident, had no idea she was being observed by another aspiring comic, she says she’s not surprised. To her, this is one of San Diego’s many charms when it comes to entertainment. “San Diego is very pro-youth,” said Chanel, who moved from Bremerton, Wash. to Pacific Beach this past January on an impulse. “There’s quite a few of us going for the same goals in comedy and entertainment. It’s a city definitely geared towards younger people and it’s a lot more welcoming than most other big cities.” Bunn added: “I’ve heard from people, ‘Good luck being an actor. You’ll live with your parents forever.’ I know it’s going to be tough, but there’s no point in not believing in what you love to do.” For the past 10 years Bunn has performed in local theatre shows, such as in “Annie Get Your Gun” and The Old Globe’s “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” as well as starred in college short films and national commercials for Petco, SeaWorld, and Jeep. This May, Bunn was asked by TEDxYouth@SanDiego to do a TED Talk. Her subject? Having the “BALLS” to chase your dreams. Standing for “Believe,” “Achieve,” “Listen,” “Learn,” and “Support,” Bunn, who will be attending University of Southern California on scholarship for an acting major in comedy, believes these are the main ingredients everyone needs in order to successfully achieve their dreams. “Don’t have a back-up plan,” said Bunn, during her talk. “Grow a pair… Stop developing your plan B. You’re putting energy in the wrong direction. Don’t have something to fall back on. Instead, fail forward.” It certainly took “BALLS” for Chanel to get herself on the stand-up stage for the first time. While she’s harbored a deep appreciation for comedy since age 17, Chanel still had serious doubts about getting on the San Diego stage, until she had a chance encounter with a celebrity in March. “I was working at Hennessey’s Tavern in La Jolla and just happened to serve David Koechner right before his stand-up show in La Jolla’s Comedy Store that night,” said Chanel. “I asked him for advice about getting into comedy and he said to me, ‘Why are you nervous? You already know you’re funny, so just do it.” That night, March 26, Chanel went to the American Comedy Co.club and did her first stand up. Now, the comedian works at the comedy club, does stand-up every Tuesday night. Also performing at Mad House Comedy and the La Jolla Comedy Store, Chanel’s bits are drawn from stories of new friends, old boyfriends, her “boring” degree in accounting and, of course, her “posh” name. “Comedy is like therapy for poor people,” said Chanel. “That’s a joke everyone says. But it’s something I really apply to my comedy. I’ve had three failed relationships in the six months I’ve been here. That’s tragic to some people, but I think it’s pretty hilarious.” Bunn, who was called “mute child” by her gymnast coach, says she “grew a pair” after her first rejection at age 8 from San Diego Junior Theater’s Miracle Worker production. “I used to be the biggest introvert ever… but acting has totally brought me out of my shell once I realized how badly I wanted to do it,” said Bunn, who has gotten the chance to work with theatre legends Beth Malone and Allison Spratt Pearce. “I fell in love with the adrenaline rush that comes with improve, not having a safety net or any back-up takes. And I’ve learned from the best-of-the-best here.” San Diego might not have the highest profile gigs, but according to Chanel and Bunn, it offers a welcoming atmosphere to beginners, the perfect environment for growing a pair of “BALLS.”

Rhythm’s Chicken & Waffles What started out a year ago as a food truck in Big O Tires on Garnet Avenue has now materialized into a fast-casual eatery specializing in Southern fried chicken, burgers and bacon-wrapped hot dogs. The brick-and-mortar version of Rhythm’s Chicken & Waffles is the long-held dream of owner Brian Foxworth and his mom and dad. “Our original chicken and waffle sandwich is the main, hyped dish since we opened a couple weeks ago,” said Foxworth, adding that the loaded chicken fries and Hebrew National “street dawgs” wrapped in bacon and topped with grilled onions, mayo, mustard and ketchup are also top sellers. 1136 Garnet Ave., 619-452-8118, rhythmanddesserts.com. Pacific Fresh Grill Mexico City-style tacos on the cheap are all the rage at the new Pacific Fresh Grill in Pacific Beach. Two styles of pork – al pastor and cochinita pibil – are among the specialty tacos, which sell for $2 apiece. There are also fish and carne asada options for a buck more, plus deconstructed tacos priced at $6 a plate. The taqueria is minimally decorated and offers limited seating. 2015 Garnet Ave., 619-279-1685, pacificfreshgrill.com. Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest-based Better Buzz Coffee opened a drive-through/walk-in outlet with a rooftop deck in Pacific Beach. It is the company’s ninth location within San Diego County and the third in Pacific Beach. Distinguished by contrasting colors set against a modern, white backdrop, it’s the only location to offer soft-serve ice cream, which is available in vegan matcha or flavored after the company’s “best drink ever” coffee beverage. (The ice cream will be offered as well at the upcoming La Jolla location at 909 Prospect St., due to open in August.) The menu also features all of the signature hot and iced coffee drinks, smoothies and grilled sandwiches. 822 Grand Ave., 858-273-2899, betterbuzzcoffee.com. Donut Bar Donut Bar founder and Point Loma resident Santiago Campa is opening his third San Diego location of the gourmet donut business in Pacific Beach his summer, at 1380 Garnet Ave. His “hope-ening”’ date is the third week in August, he said. Since launching Donut Bar’s original location at 631 B St. in Downtown San Diego, Campa has developed about 60 different types of donuts, 24 of which are available on any given day. The shop is also famous for one-pound “big poppa tart donuts,” which fold in Kellogg’s Pop Tarts and other fillings. “The new spot will feature everything on our tried and true menu, plus a nice outdoor patio,” Campa said. The address formerly housed Stuffed Burger, and with an annexed space in the back that operated as the short-lived Frat Boy Donuts. Campa gutted and remodeled both areas. Other Donut Bar locations are in East Lake, Temecula, Las Vegas and Scottsdale. donutbar.com. Cruisers Gourmet Subs Cruisers Gourmet Subs in La Jolla held its grand opening in early June, bringing to the village a diverse selection of toasted sandwiches made with meats and cheeses sliced in-house. The rolls are sourced from Bread & Cie and the sauces used on the subs are made onsite. Owner Kris Shea also runs another sandwich shop with his sister in Colorado. Here, the eatery features indoor-outdoor seating, sells beer and wine, and delivers within a mile radius. 637 Pearl St., 858-230-6414, cruisersgourmetsubs.com. Cove House The recently shuttered Cody’s La Jolla is now home to Cove House, a breakfast-lunch spot launched by restaurateur Darren Moore, who also owns the nearby Shore Rider and The Cordova Bar in Linda Vista. The kitchen is run by chefs Lance Repp of the University Club and Tommy Rogers, formerly of Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge. Their menu offers hearty, traditional fare with south-of-the-border touches. There is also a tribute to the late Theodore Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) with a dish named “Sam and I.” It features an egg tinted by seasonal greens that is set atop Nueske’s ham and garlic-rosemary sourdough bread. The construct is covered under a mantle of hatch chili gravy. Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily, Moore tells us that he may add dinner service and happy hour to the schedule after obtaining his beer and wine license in a few months. 8030 Girard Ave., 858-999-0034. The Cravory The Cravory in Point Loma was recently named “most innovative company” for 2019 by the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. The chamber bestowed the award to the gourmet cookie company in 2015 as well. “Over the last 10 years we’ve pushed the limits to what a cookie can be,” said co-owner Collin Smith, adding that The Cravory has introduced more than 4,000 cookie flavors since the business began at farmers markets a decade ago. With a second location in Carlsbad, both shops just added ice cream to their menus. It’s sourced from National City-based Niederfrank’s and flavored in-house by various cookies. On any given day, the cookie selection showcases 12 signature flavors in addition to six new flavors introduced monthly. Among the June creations are Rocky Road, banana cake and “Bay City beer and pretzels” using beer from Bay City Brewing. July roll outs will include almond brittle and sweet hibiscus varieties. 3960 W. Point Loma Blvd., 619-795-9077, thecravory.com. Village Kitchen The owners of Village Kitchen in Ocean Beach have put the 32-year-old business up for sale. But until a buyer comes along, the popular breakfast-lunch spot will remain in operation, said Eliana Lopez, whose father Faustino Lopez founded the restaurant. “He’s ready to retire,” his daughter told us, adding that her family does not own the building. “It will be up to whoever buys the business and takes over the lease whether they want to keep the name and the recipes.” 4853 Newport Ave., 619-222-0151. Pop Pie Co. The owners of Pop Pie Co. in University Heights have decided not to open a second location in Ocean Beach, in the structure at 1852 Bacon St. that housed Nati’s Mexican Restaurant for more than 50 years. For several months the rumor persisted that Steven Torres and his spouse, Nan Suebsarakham would take over the property to open a larger version of their pot pie shop. Though in early June they issued a statement that read in part: “We’ve parted ways with the developer of Pop Pie Co.’s Ocean Beach location. We’re disappointed that it didn’t work out, but we’re incredibly thankful for and encouraged by all the support we received from the community.” The couple indicated they are hoping to bring the eatery into other communities in the near future. 4404 Park Blvd., 619-501-4440, poppieco.com. Himalayan Palace Tucked behind Phil’s BBQ is the new Himalayan Palace Restaurant, which replaced Flavors of Mayura. The business is run by Khem Kharel who owns the well-established Himalayan Cuisine in La Mesa and other similar kitchens in Mission Valley, Chula Vista and Mira Mesa. Unique to the Midway District location are house-made noodles and dumplings, plus a daily lunch buffet (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for $11.99 that features an array of Nepalese and Tibetan dishes accented with exotic spices and chili peppers. 3760 Sports Arena Blvd., 619-510-4966, himalayanpalacesd.com.