The City of Santa Cruz proudly announces the designation of a new State of California Point of Historical Interest at the site of Jack O’Neill’s Surf Shop. A public dedication will take place March 25th 2013 at 5:00pm at the entrance to Cowell Beach (below the Dream Inn) featuring the unveiling of a bronze plaque and temporary interpretive mural celebrating the O’Neill family’s legacy in Santa Cruz.
“By every criteria O’Neill’s Surf Shop had a profound effect on the region’s culture and economy,” said Bonnie Lipscomb, the City of Santa Cruz’s Economic Development Director. “60 years ago Jack O’Neill invented wetsuits, making the ocean accessible in a new way. Today Santa Cruz has an international reputation as a surfing destination, and is the proud home of a number of sports equipment manufacturers and designers including O’Neill, Ibis, Surf Tech and Santa Cruz Bicycles.”
The effort to establish this location as a California Point of Historical Interest was spearheaded by Councilmember David Terrazas with the support of Historic Preservation staff liaison Don Lauritson. The Economic Development Department worked with design firm Studio Holladay to develop the temporary interpretive mural, which will be printed on paper and installed by Mariah Roberts and volunteers from the Sunrise Rotary Club Sunday March 17th. The plaque was created in collaboration with Stokes Signs. This project was made possible through the generosity of a number of supporters including Bay Federal Credit Union, Brian Foss, Brian Kilpatrick, Dan and Rebecca Haifley, David and Monica Terrazas, the Difference Consulting, the Dream Inn, Mark Mesiti-Miller and Donna Murphy, O'Neill Wetsuits, Picard Construction, Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary, the Seaside Company and Studio Holladay. If sufficient funds are raised project organizers will work toward creating a more permanent interpretive element at the site.
“From founding the O’Neill Sea Odyssey, which brings thousands of school-age children out on the bay to learn about ocean ecology, to cementing Santa Cruz’s reputation for innovation and entrepreneurialism, Jack O’Neill’s impact to our community can’t be overstated,” said Councilman David Terrazas. “Most importantly this recognition pays tribute to the fact that Jack O’Neill was a family man who chose to build his business and raise his kids, who have all been active in making the company the worldwide success that it is, in Santa Cruz. We’re proud to honor his life and work with this designation.”
Visit http://www.Facebook.com/scsurfshop for project updates.