Listen, none of us is giving 2020 a five-star Yelp review. But gratitude, I'm told, is a vital tool for getting through tough times. So while nothing seems normal, we're going to do what we do every year and express some gratitude toward the people, places and things that make this county beloved by its denizens. Some of our winners are closed for now — we'll have to wait to enjoy Moonstone's Best View from the Table, raise a glass at Best Bar the Logger Bar or applaud at Best Place to See a Play North Coast Repertory Theatre. But we can still send them appreciative shout-outs and let them know we'll be supporting them as soon as it's safe to do so.

We can also tip our hats to the businesses who've managed to adapt to sheltering in place, like Best Local Virtual Class winner Pali Yoga or S.T.I.L., which nabbed Best Pivot to COVID Aid by a Business by cranking out free hand sanitizer a few months ago.

As we peruse this year's Best of Humboldt champions (cheering and scoffing as we always do), we're doing so with gratitude and hope that you will, too.

Jennifer Fumiko Cahill

Browse the list, above right, for all the categories and winners.