Marina Del Ray -- There's an area of Santa Monica, California * known as Dogtown * from which the legendary skateboard team of the same name originated. In this neighborhood Jeff Ho created his Zephyr Surfboard Productions shop, which sponsored the Z-boys/Dogtown skateboarding team in the mid-70's.

The structure at 2001 *-2011 Main Street in which Jeff made his history now houses a store called Horizons West. The building is being considered for landmark status by the Santa Monica Landmarks Commission, after the property owner presented a proposal to replace the building with apartments.

This prompted Santa Monica locals to petition the building as a city landmark. Landmarks commission member Roger Genser, said that although the building itself may not be particularly noteworthy, "the things that went on there are important." He added, "I was surprised by the incredible response from the community about the importance of that site."

There are six criteria used in the determination of new landmarks sites: does the site exemplify or symbolize elements of the cultural, social or architectural history of the city; does the have site aesthetic or artistic interest or value; is the site identified with important events in history; does the site embody distinguishing architectural characteristics; is the site significant or a representative example of the work of a notable builder or architect; and does the site have a unique location or is it an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood or city.

The commission is to formally consider the building for landmark approval at a public hearing during its next meeting, which is scheduled for Monday May 14th.

This article was based on information in the article "Dogtown building of skateboard fame could survive and become Santa Monica city landmark", by Vince Echavaria, found at http://www.argonautnewspaper.com/articles/2007/04/19/news_-_features/top_stories/03dogtown.txt

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