Hey, what's up? It's Gustavo Arellano. This week, we're playing some of the times as greatest hits from the past year while we're getting ready for 2022. This one's from this past November. Take it away, past Gustavo.

Really quick question. What's up? What are the kids say now instead of squares? Like, you know, the squares.

Washed. The washed? Just washed. Okay, cool. set of squares, like, you know, the squares. Washed.

The washed?

Just washed.

Okay, cool.

So just let us know when you're ready, Saras, and we'll start.

Who comes to mind when you think of famous skateboarders?

Tony Hawk, of course, and Tony Hawk.

Fact is, if you're not a skater, your idea of one is most likely a white guy.

But do you think about skateboarders who are women, queer, or people of color?

No, not really.

Well, things are slowly but surely changing. I'm Gustavo Ariano.

You're listening to The Times, Daily News from the LA Times.

Skateboarding is a mainstay of California street culture from San Diego to San Francisco and

beyond.

It's so popular that L.A. County filled outdoor skate parks with sand during the pandemic

so no one could grind on them.

But the joke was on the squares and the washed, which is what the kids call squares nowadays, Boomer.

Skateboard sales surged during the pandemic and communities long marginalized from the sport are now making their own spaces.

Today we talk to a reporter who's covering this rise and hear from skateboarders themselves from all over the country about what keeps them so hooked on writing.

Sir Reese Castle wrote about this growing community for the LA Times Image magazine, both as

...