As January flows into February and 2021 really kicks off, the state of California slowly begins to open. As we open, I ponder the past 10-12 months. It’s such a strange thing to think on this past year. Facebook updates us on memories of the previous years and moments of our lives (I can do without the reminders of 2015) and as I now see the memories of 2020 in the rearview mirror, it’s shocking to think of how near and far that time is and was. It almost feels as if someone else lived that life.

So now we begin to open, ever so slowly. I take my dad this Friday for his first vaccine and hope it is the beginning of the end of this nonsense. I cheer on my friends who’s places have reopened and, as I like to do, give love to another place this week.

Bar of the Week– Waterman’s

When I first moved to Hermosa Beach, it was a hopping little town. When people, under the age of fifty, refer to the good old days in Hermosa, they refer to 2004-2008. The town was a little oasis of nightclubs that drew customers from all over LA County and SoCal. Places like Blue 32 (which set the standard)and The Shore would have limos lined out front as celebrities (mostly sports celebrities) arrived on the weekend and made it a scene. Dragon was one of those places and it’s difficult to give that place a PG-13 review. It was crazy but it was a fun place.

Times have changed and Dragon went the way of the other two spots but has succeeded in a different genre. The business morphed into a surfer vibe concept and recently there was an ownership change. I’m pleased that Chris O’Malley and Ryan Post, who started out as bussers, moved all the way up to owners. It’s always good to see upstarts get their chance and work themselves up the ladder and take over. And, it couldn’t have happened to two better or nicer guys.

Waterman’s, like everyone else, had to shut down but now with outdoor dining, they’re back up and running. I’ve always enjoyed their Poke Tacos but it’s their Tiger Shrimp in a spicy red sauce that is my favorite. Located on the Hermosa Pier, it’s surrounded by old standards and new kids on the block, but Waterman’s has a comfort vibe that most of the other spots do not. There is a veteran crew (I guess we could call Christian Lopez a veteran) and almost always a familiar face.

Maybe on a sunny day after walking out onto the Pier and watching the surf, you can go give my boys Chris and Ryan a visit. It’s an enjoyable low key spot and I guarantee you’ll enjoy a laugh or two.

This week’s Tip of the Cap goes to the GOAT and scourge of many football fans, Tom Brady. What can one say other than that he just wins. He took the Yukaneers to the Super Bowl and that’s no small feat. Now, it seems like this team is way more talented than any Patriot team of recent memory but they’re going up against as talented team as the NFL has ever seen. Who to pick? That’ll be Friday’s blog.

My Wag of the Finger goes to Coach K of Duke. I know your team is mediocre and this is a tough year but biting some college reporter kid’s head off? For a fairly innocuous question? Get over yourself, Coach K. NOTE: He did later call and apologize to the kid.

That’s all for today folks. I will be writing my Super Bowl piece for Friday but until then, be good to one another and my friends, remember to take my advice; pull down your pants and slide on the ice.