From January 23-25, top baristas from California and Hawaii will converge on Los Angeles to compete at the Western Regional Barista Competition. The winner scores a coveted slot in the Semi-Finals of the 2009 United States Barista Championship. Jared Truby from Verve Coffee Roasters in Santa Cruz is one barista you’ll find competing at Western Regional Barista Competition at downtown L.A.’s Spring Arts Tower.

Josh Lurie: Why did you decide to compete in the WRBC?

Jared Truby: I wanted a chance to visit with some of the best Baristas in the country and potentially to learn ways to progress coffee farther in our culture.

JL: How did you become interested in coffee?

JT: My father

JL: What’s your first coffee memory?

JT: My Father used to brew “good” coffee and give me tastes when I was very young, I’m sure it’s why I can’t stop moving.

JL: What did you do to prepare for the competition?

JT: Made as much coffee as possible while trying to train and run a coffeehouse. I’m still working on what I’m going to say, but I was a B student in speech class. Yeah, I know, good luck to me.

JL: Outside of your coffeehouse, what’s your favorite coffeehouse in the U.S., and what do you like about it?

JT: Ritual. They have a roaster in the coffeehouse and have a friendly staff.

JL: Other than yourself, who do you think has a good shot at becoming WRBC champ?

JT: Pretty much a free for all out here on the west coast, we are the powerhouse. I would pretty much say the person who has the most time to prepare.

JL: If you didn’t work in the coffee industry, what would you do for a living?

JT: Probably tend a bar, surf, farm, and live the simple organic life.