Thou shalt not grind

After eight years of serving the Venice community's youth counter-culture the "Lincoln Ramp", a popular skate ramp located in the parking lot of Venice United Methodist Church, has been removed. Even as it was being torn down, a handful of Venice youth shared their last ride on the "Lincoln Ramp". Amongst the strips of plywood is the evidence of a vibrant youth counter-culture that is displayed across the nearby church walls.

Reverend Okechukwu Ogbonnaya decided to remove the worn ramp citing lack of funds to maintain the ramp and safety as the main reasons in doing so; some question the legitimacy of such claims.

Meanwhile, the debate on whether the church's actions ultimately helps or harms its' chances to reach out to the youth community goes on.  Last Sunday, only 19 members attended the Sunday church service.