Latest Update: August 4, 1999

Autobytel.com's Pete Ellis Loves To Surf
For some reason the Autobytel annual shareholders meeting looked more like a luau.

Century of West Coast Surfing
The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum in Newport Beach is exhibiting artifacts from the last century of surfing from now until November. Who said Museums were boring?

Mission Viejo Skatepark Opens
The grand opening will be celebrated on August 18. Another public, free, skatepark for California.
-Newberry Park Skatepark in the works.
-Tustin Council Votes Not To Ban Skateboarding In Public parks.

Garcia Obliterated by Padaratz in Semis
Hawai'ian Sonny Garcia gets caught waiting for the good waves by Neco Padaratz at the Gotcha Pro at Huntington Beach. Padaratz, who took all the small waves inched up his scores against Garcia. Sonny only took two waves in the 30 minute semi final Sunday morning. Garcia's loss guarantee an all Brazilian final.

Ballard Advances to the Finals at Gotcha Pro
It wasn't a big thrill, it was a relief for Rochelle who has had a frustrating year. "About time," she said of the win.
--Ballard Makes Final.

Slater Still In there
Six-time World Champion Kelly Slater is still in there at the Gotcha Pro. Looks like the time off hasn't hurt.
--The Champ squeeks buy Machado.

Padaratz Moves to Gotcha Quaterfinals
The Brazilian "mystery man" Neco Padaratz contined his "hot streak" according to the LA Times and moved right up on.

Slater Wins Surfer Poll
It's pretty much a no brainer, but Kelly Slater won the Surfer Poll again. The big winner was Bruce Irons, however, he drove home in a new Nissan for being best new starlet.

Stern Comes To Beach Access Defense
No one hates Dr. Laura more than Howard Stern and when she started picking on Beach Access for selling Big Brother he decided to jump in the frey.

Foundation Super Company Video Premiere
San Diego's Casbah celebrated the release of the new Foundation Video and helped raise money for the Washinton St. skatepark.

Random Quote
"Don't let the skateboard theme. . . stop you from enjoying the tapas menu. While the skateboard-shaped pizzas can be off-putting, they are impressive with a roasted garlic tomato sauce holding together fresh toppings.-- Review of Newports Buzz Retaurant in OC Register.

Curren Down to the Wire with Dorian
Tom Curren sneaks by Shane Dorian in the last minue of the heat. And the crowd goes wild.

Occy Ouchy: Champ gone in Second Round
The dream heat of Curren and Mark Occhilupo washed away when the tour leader was knocked out by Brazilian Neco Padaratz.

Lopez Advancing to Gotcha Quarters
The San Clemente Loc Shea Lopez hung tough to make the quaters. Now people are comparing him to Andy Irons. Is that a good thing?

Anderson Surfs in Air Show
She had to sit out the contest because of a back injury, but when it came time for the Air Show Lisa Anderson was ready to ride.

Trudy Todd Profiled in OC Register
"For Austrialian surfer Trudy Todd, each day brings a new adventure," another wonderful lead written by Sacklunch's favorite writer Marcia Smith.

Martinez Pans For Gold
Skateboard exporter Jesse Martinez spends weeekends dredging for gold in them thar San Gabriel hills. So that's what he's been up to.

Corky Carroll Weighs in On Slater's Day
Friday Kelly Slater had a real close call, and the king of wacky absurd surfdom has something to say about it.

Curren Back in the Limelight
He's old, he's tired, but the champ Tom Curren is not ready to throw in the towel just yet.

LA Times Pick Up Abercrombie & Fitch Suit
We mentioned this before, but George Downing, Richard "Buffalo" Keaulana, Rick Steere and Ben Aipa (among others) are asking for $500,000 for being featured in a "Surf Nekkid" photo section in the company's catalog. They also would like $5 million from the sales.

ASP Holds Open Summit
Rabbit Bartholomew leads a meeting to discuss the future of the Association of Surfing Professionals and to help develop a "five year plan." TWSurf's Aaron Checkwood was there.

Previous Bags o' Crapola (they work now!):
-July 30, 1999
-July 29, 1999
-July 23, 1999
-July 21, 1999

Special thanks: to Jim Romenesko's MediaGossip.com for the inspiration. In the words of Eddie Murphy on doing Richard Pryor material, "It's a tribute."