SF Supervisor Criticizes Soda Company's Sponsorship Extreme Sports Event

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - An extreme sports competition that gets underway in San Francisco Civic Center Thursday has drawn sharp criticism, but not because of the 250 truck loads of dirt piled outside City Hall.

Supervisor John Avalos raised objections to soft drink maker Mountain Dew sponsoring an event in a city trying to address childhood obesity. He also took issue with several weeks of construction and said he would investigate reports employees were being paid below the city's minimum wage.

KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:

Dew Championship spokesman Chris Prybolo said the organizers chose San Francisco to host its 200 BMX bike riders and skateboarders because of the city's "history and heritage in action sports."

"This is one of the biggest action sports events in the world," he said.

BMX rider Kyle Baldock is only 21 years old, but he has broken 22 bones.

"Still here, still ready to roll out over there and break any of this stuff," he said, tapping his helmet.

The competition continues through Sunday with free events in Civic Center and in the hilly section of Harrison Street between Fremont and Spear streets.

One paramedic said cynically his ambulance would be standing by to pick up the pieces.

The competition also features live music, including Lil Wayne, who will appear during the skateboard street final at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

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