Games, Stunts, Gabrielle

The ongoing California Beach Bash ’99 has plenty for the sun set: a pro volleyball tournament, contests for skateboarders and bicycle stunt riders, and live music. It also has super-babe Gabrielle Reece.

Reece, at 6 feet, 3 inches, isn’t hard to spot. She has appeared on the covers of Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and other magazines. She’s also a top professional volleyball player, having been a regular on the tour for a few years.

She’ll be competing in the women’s championship at the Hermosa Beach pier through Sunday, and says she’s excited because the Bash brings together sports and entertainment on the beach.

More than $200,000 in prize money is up for grabs, with most going to volleyballers in both men’s and women’s divisions. But the “extreme sports” also have purses of $20,000 each.

Skateboarders, cyclists and in-line skaters will compete in the Lee Pipes Soup Bowl--a swimming pool with ramps along the sides for airborne maneuvers.

The bash--sponsored by Mervyn’s California--also features bands at the Summer Stage, including Common Sense and the Joe Wood Band. Many of the sporting events will be televised on Fox Sports Net and ESPN.

For a schedule, call (310) 274-7800.