July 14 underground

I’m just starting to dig a little deeper . We’ve been here 3 months and we really know nothing about this place . There is something in the background that you sense is bubbling away . Celebrity is here , you can’t see it and it doesn’t get mentioned but a self contained sanctuary like Hermosa Beach has a magnetism . You just know there are people in the Hollywood game that are bunkered down here . After digging into a couple of websites this is just a few nit bits that I found . Did you know that the surfing boardshorts that are the world over started here?Very weird . Every 2nd day I walk 300 m out the back of our place into a small little industrial area where I’ve discovered some grimy old shacks that are a collection of surfboard shapers and assorted surf industry types.. These guys make boards for some big surf companies and have been here for over 30 years unchanged . There’s some old heads that are entrenched in the history of Californian surf folklore.These guys don’t look like they’ve showered for weeks but the clientele that drives in and out of this place is littered with porsches , mercs and people that think they’re important ..This is where surf legend and shaper Greig Noll1st started . ‘Da Bull ‘as he’s known was the man that introduced the Malibu to Australia during the 1956 Olympics. He was also a pioneer of big wave surfing ,notably Waimea Bay.You’ve got legendary hard arse bands Blackflag , Pennywise and the Descendants that cut there teeth here . That is impressive . Henry Rollins has a weekly column in one the local papers . Professional skateboarders and sports stars are littered through here . Jason Acura from Jack Ass fame is one . Then the celebrities :Rachel Hunter , Jimmy Kimmel,Jack Black, and another 20 or more that I’ve found that you guys may know but over here everyone knows.Jay Leno has a weekly slot at the local comedy club that is 400 m from our place .Theres a celebrity plastic surgeon(the guy off ‘blotched’ reality fame) that has a clinic straight up from our place . This joint is small , it wouldn’t be a quarter of the size of Mornington but it’s packed with talent and a self assuredness that knows it punches above its weight . The list of names that is connected to this place is spectacular but no one talks about it . There’s more to investigate but it’s not talked about . Don’t worry i’l find some stuff , might even expand Howies hard hitting interviews to someone important .           Hmmmmm yep , i’l get one of Tex’s mates.   Ps.     I fucked up in a big way.I actually got talking to an old shaper . Skip Engblom. I asked if I could do a quick 2 minute interview on video ,he said sure. I couldn’t as I’m out of storage . No big deal .    WRONG!!  I looked this guy up and he’s fuckn royalty . Heath Ledger plays him in Lords Of Dog Town and I’ve blown the golden moment .   Farkin technology .