Skateboarders find a home at downtown’s Circle-A

At San Jose's beloved Circle-A skateboard shop, customers stop by to check out merchandise, say “hey” or grab a cup of joe. Some stay around and skate on the concrete strip outside. Shop owner Bob Schmelzer became a professional skateboarder in 1984 and toured the U.S. three times.

Martin Cadena, center, and Andres Gonzalez, left, practice tricks on their skateboards in front of Circle-A in downtown on June 17, 2022. The two friends have been loyal Circle-A customers.
— Dacia Cobian, Mosaic staff photographer

Martin Cadena practices tricks on his skateboard in front of Circle-A in San Jose on June 17. Cadena has been a loyal customer for almost a decade.
— Dacia Cobian, Mosaic staff photographer

Skateboarders find a home at downtown’s Circle-A

Additional Supporters