There are epitaphs and then, there are epitaphs.

Charles Bukowski's gravestone farewell reads, "Don't Try"; a topsy-turvy, literary prod reminding us to "do" something, rather than spend a life "trying."

And do-we-must to preserve the historic Hollywood home on DeLongpre that long sheltered Charles Bukowski and fostered some of the most important Los Angeles-centric literature, poems, and novels of modern times.

5124 De Longpre Avenue is on the agenda for the next L.A. Cultural Heritage Meeting scheduled for November 15th. However, there is no precedent set for how to recognize a building purely because important, creative work was done there.

Do they focus on the structure as it was in the 1960s, when Bukowski moved in? The 1920s, when it was originally constructed? Do they focus on Bukowski's bungalow alone, or the entire row of little houses? What best reflects the building and the writer's work? These are some of the challenges facing the Commission members as they decide their votes.

The Heritage Commission is the first step of a city government process, according to Lauren Everett, a Bukowski preservation activist. Next is the Planning Commission, and, eventually, the City Council. "That's probably the major battle."

Preserving something like a 1920s bungalow may not seem too much to ask, but some are raising eyebrows, if not outright opposition.

"There are no plans to build anything there, so I don't know why people are getting riled up about it," Everett said. "It's the ambiance of the neighborhood. It has stayed the same. No Starbucks and things like that. (This preservation is) not just for Bukowski but for Los Angeles in general."

WHAT: L.A. Cultural Heritage Commission VOTE on Bukowski-home landmarking
WHEN: Thursday, 11/15/07, 10am
WHERE: L.A. City Hall, Temple/Main Streets, Room 1010. Press and public welcome.