By Matthew Becerra, April 29, 2025
Pawnshop Skate Co. and Spitfire released a limited-edition collection of wheels, shirts and hoodies April 19 and celebrated with a skate jam at Pawnshop Skate Co. Pomona that included locals and pro skaters who took to the obstacles.
Pawnshop Pomona took the side parking lot of The Union on Garey, the building it is located in, and revamped it into a full mini park for its skate jam. Pawnshop Pomona installed ledges, flat bars, ramps, a quarter pipe and even a bump-to-bar-style obstacle with a Pawnshop Skate Co. x Spitfire-branded car door at the end.
Pawnshop employee Vince Muñoz said he saw it as a cool opportunity for local kids to skate with professionals.
“I think, for kids, it’s really exciting to skate alongside people like Donovon (Piscopo) and be in the mix being around those dudes,” Muñoz said. “There’s nothing like that; you can’t shoot around in a gym with Lebron James or Steph Curry.”
The skaters were a mixed group which consisted of local riders, who skate for Pawnshop’s team, pros like Ish Cepeda, Gage Boyle and Kyle Walker, as well as amateur skaters and kids from the surrounding areas.
After speaking with a local skater and discussing board size, Walker strolled to his car and returned with a brand-new board, handing it over to the skater without hesitation or a camera in sight.
This event is a significant win for the local community, particularly given Pomona’s proximity to major skate hubs such as Los Angeles.
Pomona resident Angel Rubio, who also brought his little brother to the event, said it was the first time he’s been to Pawnshop Skate Co.
“I’m hopeful that this helps the skate scene here in Pomona keep growing,” Rubio said.
The main attraction of the skate jam was the car door obstacle, which drew all skaters, regardless of skill level, to push their limits on multiple attempts. After several tries, Cepeda and Boyle stuck back-to-back tricks, landing an impossible and a tre flip on the car door, igniting the crowd, who cheered them on as they watched the two feed off each other’s energy.
Pro skater Vincent Alvarez took to the quarter pipe as his main obstacle for the day, landing several tricks on the coping and using it to build momentum into the car door obstacle. Younger skaters attempted ollies over the door after watching Alvarez.
Other skaters were giving it their all. Pawnshop rider Serv, who landed multiple tricks over the door, including a late shuv over the door that was met with shouts and applause from not only the crowd but pro skaters as well.
Serv, who is a Pawnshop team rider, commutes by bus from LA to both Pawnshop Skate Co.’s Pomona and Covina locations, to attend events and skate for the shop. He said he was drawn by the greater opportunities and sense of community the business offers. Despite the distance, he sees it as an investment in himself to pursue skating professionally.
Pawnshop owner Anthony Piscopo provided food and refreshments, including pizza from The Pomona Pizza Pirates. He also stopped a passing street vendor and gave him $150 to serve shaved ice to all attendees at the event.
Pawnshop Skate Co. continues to demonstrate its understanding of the skateboarding community, offering a welcoming environment for all. With its new location in Pomona, it appears to be working. The space doesn’t just serve as a store, but also as a place to build relationships and elevate local talent, providing skaters with a place to call home.
Feature image courtesy of Matthew Becerra
