🛹 Neighborhood Skateboards: A Legacy of Style, Culture, and Street Cred

In the gritty heart of Los Angeles, where skateboarding pulses through the pavement and culture is carved into every curb, Neighborhood Skateboards emerged in 1993 as a fresh voice in the skate scene. Co-founded by Julio De La Cruz, the brand quickly became synonymous with raw street skating, creative expression, and a tight-knit community ethos that resonated with skaters around the globe.

🌆 Origins: Born in LA, Raised by the Streets

Neighborhood Skateboards was founded during a golden era of skateboarding, when small, skater-owned brands were challenging the dominance of corporate giants. With roots firmly planted in Los Angeles, the company was built by skaters, for skaters—led by Julio De La Cruz and a crew of passionate riders who wanted to push the boundaries of style and substance.

The brand also launched a sister company called Eśpecial in the mid-1990s, further expanding its creative footprint.

🎥 Notable Projects & Influence

Neighborhood Skateboards made waves with a series of influential skate videos that captured the raw energy of the streets and showcased their diverse team:

• Mi Vida Loca! (1993) – Their debut video, setting the tone for the brand’s aesthetic.

• Personalities Bideo (1995) – A deeper dive into the personalities behind the tricks.

• LaLa Land (1998) – A standout full-length video featuring skaters like JB Gillet, Enrique Lorenzo, Paulo Diaz, and Richard Mulder.

• Kaleidoscope (2001) – A collaborative project that blended art, music, and skating.

• To The Back of The Bus! (2005) – A promo video that highlighted the next generation of Neighborhood riders.

These videos weren’t just skate edits—they were cultural artifacts that helped define the underground skate scene of the '90s and early 2000s.

🧑🎤 Sponsored Skaters & Team Vibes

Neighborhood Skateboards built a reputation for sponsoring stylish, street-savvy skaters who brought flair and authenticity to every clip. Their team included:

• Julio De La Cruz (co-founder and rider)

• Paulo Diaz (aka “Ollie Khan”)

• Fabian Alomar

• Jesus Fernandez

• Richard Mulder

• Enrique Lorenzo

• Quim Cardona

• Rodrigo Petersen

• Marquise Henry

• Matt Brode, among others

The brand was known for embracing diversity—both in skating styles and cultural backgrounds—making it a beacon for skaters who didn’t fit the mold.

🔮 What They're Up to Now

While Neighborhood Skateboards isn’t as prominent in the mainstream skateboarding market today, its legacy lives on through its archived videos, cult following, and the influence it had on shaping street skating aesthetics. The brand’s ethos—DIY spirit, community focus, and artistic edge—continues to inspire newer generations of skaters and indie skate brands.

Some of its former riders have gone on to influence the skate world in other ways, whether through design, entrepreneurship, or mentoring younger skaters.

Neighborhood Skateboards - Personalities (1995)

Neighborhood "La La Land" (1998)