July 11, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Horizons West Surf Shop Leaves Location:

The Horizons West Surf Shop, a Santa Monica landmark and a familiar sight in the Ocean Park area for decades, has vacated its space at 2001-2011 Main Street.

Randy Wright, the longtime manager of Horizons, declined to comment on the shop’s closure.

The modest one-story blue building was designated a landmark in May 2007, after its proposed demolition came before the Landmarks Commission for review. The owner of the property wanted to build an apartment complex with retail space on the ground floor. This resulted in a public outcry by surfers and skateboarders because of the low-rise building’s significant cultural history.

Letters, emails, and personal testimony at neighborhood and Landmarks Commission meetings gave evidence of the building’s background.

In 1971, the southeast corner of Main and Bay had been the location of Jeff Ho Surfboards and Zephyr Productions. Surfboards were manufactured (or “shaped”) and painted and glossed in the building.

Ho and Skip Engblom formed the Zephyr Surf Team, composed of local surfers, and later formed the Zephyr Skate Team which became known as famous “The Z Boys.” The surf shop was a hangout for the Z-Boys, several of whom also worked at the shop. In 1976, Jeff Ho Productions closed, but the shop was reopened by Z-Boy Nathan Pratt in 1977 as Horizons West. Wright took over management of the shop in the mid-1980s.

After the Horizons building was designated, the owner scaled down the project to a 14-unit, mixed-use complex with solar power, with the surf shop building and a historic tribute to be incorporated into the complex’s design. Local architect Howard Laks worked on the design and presented a model for the complex at a neighborhood meeting in 2008.

According to Scott Allbright, a City planner and landmarks commission secretary, there has been no word on the progress of the proposed development.

Assaf Raz of Dogtown Realty, which is handling the property for the owner, said that the owner has plans for the building but that he could not disclose all the details at this time. He did however confirm that “the development plan is currently not on the table. That’s not to say that they are terminated or cancelled, but because of the economy and other matters, at the moment we are not looking into development.”

Raz said that the existing building will be rented to businesses that will “further enhance the community and business population.”

“With regard to the business type, we are looking at a few options. I cannot disclose them at this time. It’s important to understand that the owners don’t just care about people who can pay the rent. We really care that businesses that will occupy this building will fit in with the area of North Main, attract more pedestrians, and that the locals will like it.

“It’s a beautiful piece of real estate that has been in the family for a century. They really want to do the right thing with it.”

Currently, construction crews have come in to clean up the building to make it ready for showing to tenants. Raz said that a more definite plan for the site will be announced in September and describes the upcoming news as “exciting.”

in News
<>Related Posts

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...