This week’s edition of Coast Weekend celebrates the 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this past year has been unlike any other on the North Coast. Our local institutions have struggled throughout this past year of forced closures and lost income.

This year’s edition honors the establishments that readers nominated and voted for, while also acknowledging some of the challenges and successes businesses faced all over the North Coast.

Readers sent in more than 5,700 nominations for a variety of businesses, places and activities during the contest’s nomination period, which was held for three weeks in January. These nominations determined who and what is listed on this year’s ballot. Each listing came directly from readers.

During the contest’s voting period, readers sent in more than 32,000 votes through online and paper ballots. Readers were limited to only sending in nominations and votes once each, making the contest more equitable among those who received nominations.

Each nomination, vote and winner plays an incremental role on the coast. While many of this year’s nominees are mainstays of the North Coast and Long Beach Peninsula, there are also some new businesses that voters supported.

Thank you to all who have participated in the contest so far. All of your nominations, votes and messages of feedback are appreciated. We hope you join us in celebrating each other’s efforts.

A complete listing of winners, runners-up and honorable mentions are on pages 16-17.