Skating Meets Embarcadero History in Stunning ‘Epicenter’ Books

Later, Anthony G. Pappalardo draws a convincing parallel between skating in the 1990s at Embarcadero and music at New York’s CBGB in the late ’70s. “Like CBGB,” Pappalardo points out, “a creative scene grew from skateboarding, leading to new brands, artists, videographers and, of course, pros.”

It’s the small details, though, that truly elevate Epicenter. The photo book includes fun, fold-out spreads. The essay book includes architectural blueprints of Embarcadero Plaza. The set comes with a gigantic poster featuring scores of tiny snapshots of Rosenberg’s skate video footage from the era. There’s even an art print of some of Embarcadero’s long lost ledges, painted by Eric Merrell. The love and reverence Rosenberg holds for Embarcadero is reflected in every aspect of the set.

Epicenter is also a pertinent reminder of how quickly and often San Francisco transforms itself. The set asks the reader to appreciate their favorite features of the city every day that they still exist. A Thrasher interview quote by Greg S. Carrol from 1999 sums it up:

“There could never be another Embarcadero. Some of us spent hundreds of hours at Embarco. This just goes to show every one of you — don’t take anything for granted, whether it’s something as simple as brushing your teeth or something as fun as skating your favorite spot with your best friends, because someday it might be gone.”

‘Epicenter’ by Jacob Rosenberg is available for preorder now. An accompanying exhibition opens at GCS Agency (201 Jackson St, San Francisco) on Nov. 21, with book signings on Nov. 22 and 23.