"The Curiosity Effect" Judi's Roku shoot in Santa Cruz

I have to say 2024 has been quite a year. The World Skate Games in Italy, several news interviews, a continuing Japanese American History skate documentary project and this Roku The Curiosity Effect. I had the most amazing experience shooting this piece with Roku. I had no idea how large this project was until the night before when I got emailed the call sheet that had 17 people on it. This was the biggest crew so far.

Texas Sizzler Slalom Skateboard Overall Results 2024

Texas Sizzler Overall Results 2024

Fun racing over the past weekend. Here are jpgs from the final PDF's. I always like to review my times and think about things I could of done to improve my racing. My arm swing, truck adjustments, wheel durometer, and anything else like not enough sleep that affected the outcome.

I placed 2nd overall for the weekend.

I was happy to place 3rd in the Giant Slalom.

2nd in the tight and 3rd in the Hybrid but I think I could have qualified higher if I had a cleaner run on the second run. I was getting cones sprayed into my lane all the way down. They counted I hit 11 but Leiola's mom had a video and so I was able to contest it and it went to under the DQ total of 9. 

I counted 6 cones total.

Thanks Jonathan Harms for the YouTube footage.

The BAR 2.0 was tall and scary. Yes, I crashed on my ass on the first drop but was able to change my torn shorts and try again. I made the drop but didn't make the course. My foot shifted and I almost crashed a third of the way down the hill but corrected. I ended up racing off the smaller ramp. 

Giant Slalom Final Results

 

Invitation to represent the USA Slalom Skateboarding Team Letter

 

I am honored to get a letter to join the USA National Slalom Skateboard Team. 

This is my final year of big contests. Though I said that going to the World Skate Games in 2022 and podiumed on the first day placing 3rd in the Hybrid. I placed 4th overall against all age women. Some as young as 12 to the 9 years younger. I was the oldest competitor racing skateboards. I think I was the oldest athlete at the event. I will need to confirm that.

This year I was planning on going to 2 races before September. I got sick the night before going to the Presidents Race and had to cancel going. It was a tough decision as I had the film Clara Shuku Mokri the director of the mini documentary and Lou Nakasako the co-documentary filmer plus an extra person for the day of the race. I had Jamie Hart flying to meet me and we were going to travel to the hotel in the same rental car. Since I caught C I didn't want to be around anyone and so everyone canceled. I was bummed but it happens.

This year I am going to the Texas Sizzler March 22-24 in Hockley Texas on a soap box derby hill. and coaching Leiola a super talented and young slalom racer. It will be her first slalom race competition. They will have the largest drop in ramp measuring 12 feet high. I have only done 10 and it's scary. I try not to think about the ramp and will just see how I feel the day of the race.

28515 Old Washington Rd, Hockley, TX 77447

Yesterday I saw a post that the World Championships of Banked Slalom were going to be held in New Mexico. I immediately contacted Isa Ruiz a USA slalom team mate and awesome young racer who's dad puts on the race. I have always wanted to skate Ditch Slap because it's suppose to be epic. 

In order to fund my racing I'm asking my sponsors to help fund my travel fees by putting brand logos on my board, helmet and jersey.

USA Slalom Skateboarding Donation Link

If you want to sponsor me directly and get a tax letter. USA Slalom Skateboarding is a 501c nonprofit and if you put my name down in the description area the funds will be set aside for my travel expenses. Same goes for LaCosta Racing another nonprofit I am a team rider. Put my name in the description so it will be saved for my racing expenses to get to Rome in September. Thank you!!!

Current Sponsors:

Catto's Graphics Boardroom Racing, Lenz Arts, RipTide Sports, Insta360 Santa Cruz Skateboards, Bronson Speed Bearings, MobGrip, Sk8kings Skateboards, Sk8kings Turbo Wheels, Girlsnota4letterword, Laird SuperFoods, Old Bones Therapy, 187killerpads, Old Lady Gains cool woman owned former Masters CrossFitter Kim Munoz and badass. I love her messaging and posts on her social media.

Adding more sponsors so I can update my jersey for the World Championships of banked slalom and will update again for the World Skate Games if I get more paid sponsors.

Thank you everyone who has already sent money and helped me. If I missed anyone please hit me up.

Another view.

Here is a link to the 10 foot ramp and 9 foot ramp Texas had but it got eaten by termites.

Current media links:

KAZU article on our local NPR station

Santa Cruz Style Magazine

Thanks Seal for putting the article in the magazine. Thanks Neil Pearlberg off the Lip Radio for writing the story. Available to pick up at Lenz Arts and in Aptos next to Companion Bakery.

More media projects in the works. I am super honored and stoked for the interest in my story it helps me keep skating and going for it.

 

Screaming Hand 30th Anniversary Art Show

Had a great time at the Screaming Hand 30th Anniversary Art Show July 10th, 2015. I didn't plan on going to the show but the timing was perfect since I was going to the US Slalom Skateboarding Nationals in Oceanside and flew into Orange County that same day with John Ravitch my slalom skate training partner and friend. We had some time to kill so we went to a few spots on our way to the show at the The Seventh Letter Flagship & Gallery.

Saturday, July 11th - Sunday, July 19th Los Angeles, CA

346 N Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, Ca 90036

Period Correct car eye candy and cool designed clothing,then to the Lab Antimal to have a Vegan lunch at the Seabirds Kitchen As Issued where I picked up one of Grant Brittian's photo Zines highly recommended for cool design books and surf, skate art unique items, Deus Ex Machina in LA a Australia moto, skate and surf inspired poster art and clothing store, on to the Venice area for more art culture. Saw the Jeff Ho No Poser's show going up his opening was the Saturday night. Hit a couple more stores and then on to the Screaming Hand Handiversary. The show will be traveling to art galleries Worldwide and local artists will be doing their version and this show will be up for weeks to one night events and end up in Santa Cruz 2016.

Eastside Industries Logo

Congrats to Sabine Dukes and Brian Peterson's new company. Prone paddleboards, surf, dirt and sustainability. Eastside Industries site Check out the notecards sold individually and in boxed sets featuring Sabine's ocean photography. Look for Eastside Industries to make their debut at the Surftech Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard Race on June 20th. They will also be at the Pleasure Point Street Fair the following Saturday.

John DeAndrea Sculpture Casting in Studio

Yesterday we casted Tara in the studio. She had been casted when she was 14 in a full leotard. I had not done a casting since John had his studio above mine at the Sash Mill in Santa Cruz. It was exciting and fun to do it again working with Lorraine, Jesse his long time right hand and Sebastian and Diane. Here are a few images.

Eton Rugged rukus video release Jay Watson and Maximum Impact Design

Eton Rugged rukus video on YouTube Director and stills photographer Jay Watson Video Cameraman Nils Carlson also helping out was Lance. Video Editing and production: Denise Gallant of Video4Creative and Kevin Monahan, Audio Engineer/Sound Designer/Co-Founder We shot all of the beach and forest photos and video in the morning at Hidden Beach and at Nisene Marks Park in the afternoon. I styled, art directed, produced, found the talent from past models and through Eric Clarkson and Angela Stucky. I recruited Naomi Kelley from Crossfit West. Models for Aptos: Allison Twisselman, Emmanuel Guzman (Pro Skateboarder for Santa Cruz Skateboards), Eric Clarkson (Professional Triathlete), Vicky Jones, Logan Halliwell (John Hutson's nephew), Katie Steidl (jr designer for Maximum Impact Design), Naomi Kelley, hair and make-up Thayse from Prima Salon Food by the Picnic Basket big thank you to Kendra Models for Woodside: Julian Sunn, Logan Halliwell, Sara Johnson (contact from , Michelle Mathews (Sharpe Models), Michael Webb (Apple), Wynn and kids, Hair Make-up Allison Sharpe Sharpe Models Product for the shoot: Local beach shoot in Aptos for Eton cool solar electronics company in Palo Alto. The whole crew tried to be as green as possible by car pooling, bringing Aptos Water and nalgene bottles for the clients, models, assistants so they could refill the water from the bigger 3 gallon bottles. Coffee in thermos's from a Think Local First Santa Cruz company Pacific Coffee Roasting, Ola Chica swim suits, Kuhl clothing, Keen Shoes, Pistil, Osprey packs, eyewear from Smith Optics and Arnette, which I felt fit the shoot best, Kelty coolers and chairs, some REI product, GSI table, local food by the Picnic Basket in Santa Cruz we got 15 scones, sandwiches and chocolate and oatmeal cookies. Hair and Make up by Thayse from Prima Salon. My company Maximum Impact Design producing, location scouting, art directing, logistics, food, and all the rest in Aptos. Santa Cruz surfboard and Santa Cruz Skateboard. Next shoot is a Pool Party... Fill in socks and shoes from the Sockshop and Shoe company and the Socksmith. Thank you to Cindy Whitehead Sportstylist® to the intro to Arnette. Jam Collective for Osprey, Keen, Alite connections.

First time sponsoring skateboarders skating for a good cause

Thank you to the Socksmith for giving me a killer deal on socks for two skateboard causes. I picked up some Socksmith socks and some Down HWY 1 socks yesterday afternoon. One group is already on the road. I spoke to them two days ago after seeing an Santa Cruz Sentinel article about their trek. I contacted NHS and they are going to give them Road Rider Wheels the wheels they are actually using. They come to town late Monday and I plan on giving them socks and wheels. I hope some bearings too. The other group is lead by a friend of mind Jack Smith. He is skating across america for the forth time.

WHAT: To raise money for veterans' services for veterans of of Iraq and Afghanistan by skateboarding and bicycling from the Oregon to Mexico borders. WHEN: 5 p.m. June 17 WHERE: Near Highway 1 and Ocean Street, Santa Cruz. INFORMATION: Call Britany Mendelsohn at 818-519-1638, send email to SkateTrek4Vets@gmail.com or go to www.facebook.com/VetSkateTrek, Twitter.com/VetSkateTrek or www.causes.com/actions/1745862-the-mission-isnt-over-veteran-skate-trek

In October of 2012 Jack Smith's father, and Dylan's grandfather, Jack Smith, passed away due to complications from Alzheimer's Disease. We are making this push in his honor and to raise awareness and $100,000 to help fund care, support and research in the fight against Alzheimer's.  

On July 4th, 2013, our five person team,  ranging in age from 20 to 56 will come together to push our skateboards 3,000 miles from Newport, Oregon to New York City, New York in a little over three weeks. Email the team atinfo@apushtoremember.com

Socks for the crew. Thank you to the Socksmith and NHS for the Road Rider Wheels

Fly Casting and Fly Tying at Patagonia Outlet Store April 13

Greg Foy (my husband) will be one of the Fly Tying and Casting demo participants. He makes custom rods, knives and other handmade items. Here are some of his rods and Manresa Rods website.

Fly Fishing Demo Day-Sat., April 13th Fly Casting and Fly Tying, followed by the CalTrout movie on the health of the McCloud River titled "Enough is Enough" at The Patagonia Outlet Store When: Sat. April 13th evening 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (casting starts at 7:00 pm - tying at 7:30 - the movie at 8:00) Where: The Patagonia Outlet Store 415 River St.,

Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831-423-1776) Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club members are encouraged to attend/participate and to wear club T-Shirts. This is a big opportunity for the club to form a partnership w/one of the world's leading eco-businesses that specializes in outdoor activities that we, as a club, promote.

CalTrout http://www.flyfilmtour.com/enough-is-enough

http://vimeo.com/57350313

Enough is Enough from The Fly Fishing Film Tour on Vimeo.

Manresa Rods

Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club members are encouraged to attend/participate and to wear club T-Shirts. This is a big opportunity for the club to form a partnership w/one of the world's leading eco-businesses that specializes in outdoor activities that we, as a club, promote.

http://www.flyfilmtour.com/2013-schedule

Enough is Enough by Keith Brauneis and CalTrout official-selection-2013 Enough Is Enough is the story of northern California's McCloud River, its fish and its unique impact worldwide on fly fishing. The compelling story, told by three longtime locals who know the river like no others, helps remind us that as anglers, it's our job to respect our history in order to protect our future.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER

California Trout’s mission is to protect and restore wild trout, salmon, and steelhead waters throughout California. Based in San Francisco, we work at the grassroots level to identify conservation goals and priorities and engage local communities and other stakeholders in a collaborative effort to develop and implement long-term solutions. California Trout has been recognized as one of the strongest and most effective state-level conservation organizations in America.

More trailers on the Patagonia Fly page

Become a Member - Give Annually

Join CalTrout today and help us make a difference. Together we can protect and restore wild trout, steelhead, salmon and their waters throughout California.

Hospice of Santa Cruz County to benefit at the Sockshop & Shoe Company tonight

More meaning behind this project then I knew. Just read the article Jondi wrote about this event in the Santa Cruz Sentinel this morning. I worked on the ad's, post card with Ellen, Kelly Short, Jesse and Lauren. I didn't know the story behind the event and feel more proud for working on this. I had a friend commit suicide a week ago I can't imagine what Kate went through with her son. I thought this was an event for Hospice but realize it has more meaning behind it.

WALKING THE JOURNEY OF GRIEF

WHAT: Benefit for Hospice of Santa Cruz County, artisan food and wine, guitarist Dayan Kai, raffle WHEN: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday November 2, 2012 WHERE: Sockshop & Shoe Co., 1515 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. INFORMATION: 429-6101

3rd Annual Board Rescue Auction is LIVE on eBay

Boards are being posted up on the Board Rescue Flickr and on our eBay account. I put work in progress and event imagery on my Flickr site with links to ebay boards that are up per photo. I will update as best I can. This is a big project to work on as well as be a full time mom with kids. I had the a huge deadline with a company working with 5 artists that had a deadline set for yesterday. As well as ad's for the up coming Sockshop and Shoe Company Hospice Fundraiser. I photographed the boards as they came in and the most on Saturday morning, it is time consuming to crop and edit each piece of art. The lead up to the art show was fun as the boards arrived. Each box or personal delivery was amazing as each artist put their heart and soul into making a special piece of art. I know how hard that is as you are putting your work out there and wondering what kind of response you will get. Everyone did amazing work. If I haven't already called you or sent you a personal e-mail bare with me as I will in the next week. Thank you everyone. And a big thank you to my friends and clients if I have been late on getting your work done. One day I will learn to say NO to the non-profit work but for now I squeeze it in.

Link to Board Rescue eBay

By the way you can see 10 of these for a little while longer in the Santa Cruz Boardroom window display. They have a small batch of the limited edition hand silkscreen posters and t-shirts with custom art by Jimbo Phillips available to purchase.

Outdoor Retailer Summer 2012 Show Connections

Got back from the Outdoor Retailer Summer Show 2012 late last night. Always nice to see in person the work you have done the year or so before. Croakies product graphics I art directed with several artists from Santa Cruz. Jimbo Phillips, Danny Sun...more cool stuff for 2012 in progress. Can't show.

Saw the booth with Aaron Brookes who hired me to art direct, location scout, style, produce...photos from two shoots. One in November and one in May 2012. The booth graphics look great. Tomorrow is the last day of the show. One of the highlights was showing the sock brand Swiftwick the shots of Elle and Tommy Zaferes wearing their socks. I was scouting for a few companies that I work with. One the Sockshop and Shoe Company from Santa Cruz one of the second largest independent shoe stores in the US. The California rep was stoked to see the images on my iPad and probably happier still to know the shot of Tommy was 15 feet tall at the show. I know some people looked at me thinking I was some Asian trying to knock off their brand. Most companies were really nice but their were a few not to name names. They use to be smaller companies selling just socks but have grown. They weren't as nice. I like working with small brands and brands that make great product. Makes the work even more fun.

Magellan GPS

Sneak peak up and coming product that Santa Cruz Skateboards has in the works. Made in the USA. Closer up a few have a patch not a sticker as the art. Looks better in person. My photos posted on my OR flickr set.