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Leonard Gonzales, California

It all started more than 30 years ago in Imperial Beach (“IB”) California. In the 1980s IB was home to the US Open Sandcastle Competition, one of the largest events in the Country for decades. In grade school at the time Leonard’s family and friends created the “IB Posse“ amateur sculpting team. Over the years the Posse climbed to the top of the Masters competition. They claimed many championships and awards through the 90’s and early 2000’s. As competition formats changed the team has had to adapt which now opened up to individual sculpting events. In 2021 Leonard and teammate Mark Durazo were featured in the inaugural season of CBC’s Race Against the Tide television show. 

This is Leonard’s fourth year at SandFest. So far he has received a 2nd and two 3rd Place awards in the Semi-Pro category. Maybe this will be the year for the elusive 1st Place award! 

 

A man in a yellow long sleeve shirt kneels down next to a sand sculpture depicting a man's face and hand coming up out of the ground, rocking out on a guitar

Sand sculpture depicting four angels at four corners holding a blanket. In the middle of the blanket, a woman lies curled up.

Two men, one draped in multicolored flags and a purple fedora and the other in a teal fishing shirt and hat, pose with a sign that reads "2023 Sculptor's Choice"

Sand sculpture of a woman's face. There is a cut where her tears run, down to the ground. The "puddle" of tears is actually a person curled up in the fetal position.

Sand sculpture of Jimi Hendrix rocking out on guitar. His background says Voodoo Chile and has a swirled backdrop.