Wax On, Wax Off: Vans Store Opens in Costa Mesa

by John Gilhooley

This past weekend saw the opening of the latest Vans store in Costa Mesa. More rainy weather threatened to put a damper on the celebration, but in the end, the sky remained just clear enough to pull it off. The "What If?" bus (a uniquely weird skate prop) was there, and pros and amateurs alike skated it. Live music by Tomorrow's Tulips, local surfer Alex Knost's latest musical project, sent friendly, laid-back vibes into the air.

by John Gilhooley

Christian Hosoi, Jeff Grosso, Omar HassanJoel Tudor signed a huge quantity of autographs for kids and fans. Product giveaways were also abundant.

Longtime local legends Herbie Fletcher and Pops Hosoi were there showing their sage support, too.

"It was a big turnout of families there to check out the scene, let the kids skate the bus, and meet the

by John Gilhooley

Vans pros," said OC Weekly photographer John Gilhooley of Saturday's festivities.

"This event really showed Vans' commitment to giving the worldwide sport a true neighborhood feel."

Check out the rest of John's photos from the event here. Check out the Vans website here.