This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Surfer Tells Board Makers to Pay Up, Brah

When Tom Gregg went surfing off the coast of France in 2009, he wiped out.
But the real bummer was that the fin on his Channel Islands surf board cut a deep gash on his right leg, severing his muscles and causing him permanent damage.
Now Gregg is doing something The Los Angeles Times reports is unusual in the world of surfing: he's suing the board manufacturer.
"The surfboard, fins and their component parts were unsafe for their intended use," Gregg said in the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
His attorney, Jeffrey Karpel, said the fins are so sharp surfers cover them with protective sleeves, but Gregg didn't know that until it was too late.
Such suits are rare in the world of surf board manufacturing. Usually, these companies are worried about the stiff competition in the field or which surfer they're going to sponsor. (Channel Islands has that locked down: It sponsors Kelly Slater, the world's best-known surfer.)
Scott Anderson, general manager of Carpinteria-based Channel Islands, said it's the first product-liability lawsuit filed against the company. "I've been here 20 years and I haven't seen one," he said.
-
It's been many, many years since we saw this much snow in our mountains. Going up there right now isn't safe, but here are some places where you can enjoy the view and snap a pic.
-
April Valentine died at Centinela Hospital. Her daughter was born by emergency C-section. She'd gone into the pregnancy with a plan, knowing Black mothers like herself were at higher risk.
-
A look at years past when snows creeped into our citified neighborhoods, away from the mountains and foothills.
-
-
In the face of a drier future, that iconic piece of Americana is on its way out in Southern California.
-
Another Missing Hiker Has Been Found Dead In San Gabriels As Search For Actor Julian Sands ContinuesBob Gregory, 62, went missing the same day as Sands. His body was recovered near Mount Islip.