Danny’s Boneyard

“I feel like skateboarding is as much of a sport as a lifestyle and an art form,” said legendary pro skater Tony Hawk, 57. “There’s so much that transcends in terms of music, fashion and entertainment.”

Now sports, entertainment, music and fashion are coming together regularly in Oakhurst.

That’s because The Boneyard Skate Shop and The Crypt Closet, both tucked away together behind McDonald’s, are designed to foster community with the goal of some day bringing a skate park to the foothills of Eastern Madera County.

Oakhurst resident and general contractor Danny Guillen owns Boneyard Skate Shop. He opened the store last November and said it’s a natural extension of a favorite pastime.

“It’s kind of underground,” Guillen said. “It’s not a secret but we’re not trying to be annoying.”

Guillen graduated from Yosemite High School in 2009.

“We skateboarded through all of high school,” he said, and that’s where it all began.

“It’s like any kid’s dream to open up a skate shop — it’s more of a passion project than anything — so we can introduce Oakhurst back to skateboarding and back to music since we have shows every now and then.”

Boneyard may not be a big moneymaker but it’s bringing likeminded people together in a positive way. Guillen’s partner Gaby Cervantes can also often be found at the shop, helping out.

“We break even. It’s cool — it’s worth it.”

A couple of recent concerts have brought hundreds out for a Saturday night show featuring bands from the Southland like “Sleeve,” Fresno’s “Running with Scissors,” the Mariposa band “Jnx” and “Mind 4 Local” from Yosemite High School.

“Vampire Freaks” was set at press time to take the Boneyard stage on April 25.

“It’s been super cool. Hopefully we can keep that stoke alive, have everyone excited and have a fun time in a friendly neighborhood environment for all ages. We look out for everyone and everyone is welcome.”

The skate shop sells boards and parts from NHS Skate Direct, DLX and other products for “real core skateboarding.”

Guillen said his operation takes merchandise “back to the cool stuff from when I was growing up in the early 2000s.”

He also has a space in the shop for old boards, trucks and wheels so if a kid comes in with a ride that’s not great, they can replace it with something from the “graveyard.”

And Boneyard sells its own merch, too — including stickers, T-shirts and skateboards. And what skate shop would be complete without a quarter pipe?

“We’re here for everyone,” he said. “Teens come in and hang out, it’s a spot to lounge a little and play chess and skateboard in the shop. We’re very welcoming.”

The Crypt Closet

The “Crypt Closet” is located inside the Boneyard Skate shop and is completely separate financially. It consists of two clothing racks filled with skate, surf and alternative clothing at thrift store prices.

“The Crypt Closet Youth Skate & Wellness Foundation” nonprofit is in the process of formation and will do business as “The Crypt Closet Ride Forever.”

“The purpose of this organization is to create a safe, supportive space for youth through skate culture, community connection and outdoor activity,” explained Coarsegold resident Jennifer Richards who is behind the drive.

“The foundation is committed to promoting youth mental health and wellness, fostering a sense of belonging and positive self expression.”

Richards said the foundation is inspired in part by the legacy of Jacob Schumaker, a 17-year-old Coarsegold resident who died after being struck by a vehicle while skateboarding in 2013.

More than a month ago, with the encouragement of her surviving sons, Jacob’s mom Lori Schumaker stopped into the Boneyard to see what everyone was talking about.

What began as a stop and see turned into something more. Collaborating with Richards, Lori Schumaker will serve as secretary of the foundation and hopes to fulfill a dream her late son held — and even raised money for.

“The organization will work toward the development of a community skate park and supportive programs inspired by Jacob and others whose lives and stories guide this vision — holding grief in a way that honors lives with dignity, ensuring families are included, respected and never used for financial or personal gain.”

Richards said the nascent org has reached out to the family of Eben Hammond who was killed in a hit-and-run crash while riding his skateboard on School Road in Oakhurst in 2021. She hopes to honor his life and legacy, as well.

New and gently used items available at the Crypt Closet include shoes, sandals, hats, socks and jewelry with brands including Hurley, Rip Curl, O’Niell, Thrasher and Roxy.

The kind souls

“Our very first donation was generously given by a local small business, Image Mobile Detailing,” Richards explained.

The owners were previously operating a surf shop in the Coarsegold Village until Covid put paid to that. They’d been storing their merchandise and when they heard Richards needed clothing to sell for fundraising in the Crypt Closet, they stepped up, big-time.

“They donated more than $1,000 in brand new, never used surf clothes. We were over the moon with their generosity!”

Richards said Guillen and Cervantes were already keeping small items like socks, shoes and shirts to share at no cost for at risk youth before the Crypt Closet even came about.

“Gaby and Danny are the most generous and kind souls,” Richard said.

“They wear their hearts on their sleeve and always make youth feel safe and welcomed.”

And they extended that grace to Richards herself when she confided in them about a mental health crisis she was experiencing due to an unwarranted change in medication.

“The Crypt Closet gave me a space for healing and purpose.”

Richards’ said her initial introduction to the Boneyard came through her artist daughter, Adison “Addy” Richards and Addy’s photographer friend Candy Emery. The young women graduated from Yosemite High in 2025 and became fast friends in educator Higgins’ art class.

“They love to walk the town, exploring thrift shops and taking photos of the beautiful community. The girls were cold on this particular day. They noticed a sign that said The Boneyard and as they peeked their heads into the shop they were greeted by Danny and Gaby who welcomed them in to hang out, chill, watch TV, skate and chat.”

Richards, that day, was running late, hurrying up Highway 41 to retrieve her charges.

“Addy called me and said they found the coolest place to hang out, they were safe, not to worry. It was cold and foggy. I was so grateful that the next day I went into the shop to personally give thanks to them. The rest is history. ”

And part of that history now includes a mural at the entrance of the shop, a skateboard and a four by four art piece — all painted by Addy Richards. She now works part time at The Boneyard.

All concerned want people to know how members of this “beautiful community” have more in common than perhaps is readily realized.

“Life moves fast and sometimes we forget to slow down and pause to reflect on the beauty that surrounds us,” Jennifer Richards said.

“Mountains that take your breath away and landscapes that heal the soul, it all gets lost in the everyday. Our sense of community must be held to the same aspect. Beautiful people of all walks of life roam these hills. We are blessed with small town feel and friendly faces.”

With small businesses making up a large portion of the economy in the foothills, Richards said it’s important for everyone to support each other.

“We hope through the Crypt Closet Youth Skate & Wellness Foundation we can bring this small mountain town even closer together. We have had our fair share of loss and heartache. Lives lost, natural disasters and lock downs … it’s time we build each other up and shine a spotlight on just how beautiful we are.”

If anyone would like to donate skate, surf and alternative clothes to the Crypt Closet, please contact Richards to set up a collection time. Cash donations will also be accepted and fundraising events are in the planning stage for next month and beyond.

The Boneyard Skate Shop and the ancillary Crypt Closet are located at 40120 Highway 49 in Oakhurst. The shop is currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with special hours for special events. Follow on social media for more information.