Nothing gets the boardwalk pumping like sunshine and warm temperatures — and that’s exactly what we’ve been getting for the better part of the month so far. One beach area restaurant owner told me January is his slowest month every year. With the weather we’ve had, that trend may actually change. The business on and around the boardwalk has gotten a nice little boost because of late starts to the second semester at local colleges. Without classes or exams to worry about, students have inevitably made their way seaside. There has also been a noticeable amount of European tourists. If you spend any time on the boardwalk you will hear all kinds of different languages. I met some polite Germans and flocks of Italians while hitting the pavement last week. But it’s not just undergrads and vacationers who are piling onto the beach. Many local residents have been waiting a long time for this kind of weather after a terrible summer and a rainy December. “I’m just out here enjoying the day, enjoying the weather and people watching,” said local surf instructor Corey McCarley. “We have a lot of interesting characters down here and it’s a chill environment.” McCarley said he’s expecting a decent-sized swell this weekend. The ocean currents tend to come from the north and move south this time of year, which means cold water. If any beginners decide to paddle out, they should be careful because there’s a sizable sandbar out in front of Pacific Beach Drive about 50 yards off the shore where it gets really shallow. The Mission Beach Town Council installed some solar powered lighting devices along the boardwalk to make it more visible at night. So far I can’t see anything wrong with it although I’m not sure it makes much of a difference. A sweep of all the sand, dirt and mud that piles up along the wall would certainly help to keep the boardwalk safe for riders and walkers. By the way, dog owners can walk their pets on the boardwalk and beach anytime before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. After March 31, the time bumps up to 6 p.m. With all the NFL playoff games going on, people have been flocking to PB to support their teams. That’s great but it shouldn’t give instigators a chance to be obscene and vulgar. Cheer on your team but let’s all respect each other. Seen on the beat: • A couple set off a bird feeding frenzy. They come to the boardwalk early in the morning and feed the eager pigeons with heaps of bird seed. Nothing wrong with that but sitting among dozens of flapping birds is not where I want to be. • A church service was performed on the beach while simultaneously on the other side of the boardwalk patrons lined up to get into a beachside bar. • Two local celebrities were being interviewed by television crews last week, but, incredibly, Slomo wasn’t one of them. • The skies were so clear last week that the Coronado Islands in Mexico were easily visible from the shores of Pacific Beach or Mission Beach. • Good weather conditions have produced breathtaking sunsets lately. I was told by one beach bum that when the weather starts out good at the beginning of the year word spreads around and more people come to the beach because of it. So far we’re off to hot start. Hopefully it continues and results in an excellent 2011 on the boardwalk!