The day started out slow and cold but heated up quick with some of the biggest riders in skate turning out for the B3 skateboard preliminaries. The skaters in SoCal are not the star-struck types because the pros outnumbered the hos. All the Cali kids must be over it. They just ride down the street to the local skate spot and see the rippers; no need for a contest. Tearing it up were Steve Berra (who just took second in Tampa), Ed Templeton, Chris Senn, Omar Hassan, Brian Patch, Mike Santarossa, Bucky Lasek, Rob Dyrdek, Pat Channita, Chad Bartle and Chet Thomas, among others. It seemed like the older the better, with experience counting for more than anything. They had to pull Steve Berra off the course at the end of the night; the kid would not stop skating. Ed Templeton was not one to burn out quick.

Chad Fernandez

I was stoked to see him attempt the same crocked grind down this 10-foot ledge over and over until he had it nailed. Ed then went on to stick it in his competition run, proving practice does make perfect. Overall, the guys who rode the most in practice placed higher in qualifying. The B3 street course offered a lot of diverse terrain with numerous quarters, spines, rails and ledges. There were almost too many options, though it allowed each rider to find different lines and unique runs. The only lame part was the rough parking lot cement on which the course was set up. Halfway through the comp, the sun came out in full force and everyone rocking long sleeve T's wished they hadn't. Bam made a quick appearance, taking a few practice runs before sneaking away. About a half-hour later, thick black smoke started spewing from a building a block away, leading some to think that Bam hadn't gone after all.

Andy Mac checks out the course.

Best overall sighting: Christian Hosoi sticker Worst overall sighting: Jackass T-shirt Best rider: Steve Berra Worst rider: Bam Margera (I was looking forward to see him rip it) Most worn: Black T-shirts / Blue Jeans (tie) Most worn out: Shorts (no one wore them) Rock Star: Chad Fernandez (He rolled in with a hottie and rolled out with three) Much respect: Lance Mountain

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