On April 10, 2023, lifelong skateboarder Lester Legarda was tragically struck and killed by a motor vehicle while riding his bicycle. As a South San Francisco resident, Lester was a regular around the area's popular skate spots and parks, including Paradise Valley, where skaters knew him as "Loaf". Lester met different generations of skaters from all over who remember him as an enjoyable person to be around, sharing laughs, and being a positive and welcoming person. Many skateboarders remember Lester starting a conversation with them when they didn't know each other, filming and cheering skaters on, or giving free skateboard products to those needing an upgrade on their setup or wanting to start skateboarding. A longtime employee and member of the Atlas skate shop family, Lester contributed to the growing skate scene in the Peninsula and became a fixture at Shoreview Skatepark. He frequently contributed to the shop's food drives, bringing multiple bags of donations. He spent many years as a member of Thrasher Magazine. He was also a beloved member and contributor to the Slap Skateboard Magazine messageboards where he was known as "Bubblegum Tate" and shared his encyclopedic knowledge of skateboarding gear and skateboard history. The loss of Lester Legarda has tremendously impacted the skateboarding community in South San Francisco, Daly City, San Mateo, the Bay Area, and beyond, including his cycling team and healthcare colleagues, where he supported children with special needs and their families.

As of now, construction for the Centennial Way skate space has not yet begun, creating a perfect time to dedicate the space after Lester Legarda. Naming this skate space Lester "Loaf" Legarda Skate Plaza will commemorate and honor the memory of Lester Legarda, a positive figure in the skateboarding community, taking cues from other notable skate plazas such as Encinitas Skate Plaza/Poods Park named after a beloved local skater that tragically died young in Encinitas. Lester's kind and generous persona will forever be recognized as a positive influence and outstanding community member for generations of skaters for years to come. We believe Lester's story can inspire others to grow their skateboard communities through motivation, generosity, and love.

We strongly urge the South San Francisco City Council Naming Committee, South San Francisco Planning Commission, and the South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Commission to consider the nomination of naming this new, exciting, and much-needed space after our dear friend and massive promoter of the skateboard community, Lester Legarda.

Thank you

SSF Centennial Way Improvement information here: https://www.ssf.net/departments/parks-recreation/parks-recreation-facility-projects/centennial-way-trail-improvements

Poods Park: https://www.sdskateparks.org/encinitas-skate-plaza-poods-park/