Skateboarding is not a crime. But, as some know, skateboard ramps in South Lake Tahoe are a different matter.

Last week two skateboard ramps were ordered removed from two different homes as city officials said they violated certain codes involving coverage and exceeding the allowable size for recreational equipment.

While the news isn't earthshaking, or even new, the forced removal of the ramps caused downtrodden spirits for people who believe the structures are a benefit to a community that should embrace the sport.

"People have all sorts of illegal things in their backyards, like decks, and to pick on skateboarders ... It's just a shame with all the other problems that we have they're actually focusing on things that are a positive for our community," said Caroline Kreling of South Lake Tahoe.

Known skatepark builder Eric Valenzuela's halfpipe at the front of his house was only up a few days before, according to him, a passing motorist complained about the ramp to city officials. Valenzuela said his neighbors, at least those who reside in houses near Valenzuela, were fine with the ramp.

"It was a cool scene but it only lasted for a week," said Paul Naugle.

"It was just a shame ... It's not like we're out here at midnight pumping music," said Custic Wolosin.

The two were part of a group commiserating in front of Valenzuela's house, eyeing the ramp and sharing dismay.

Valenzuela was instrumental in building the skatepark off Al Tahoe Boulevard, and many others.

Valenzuela is hoping to improve the South Lake Tahoe park with a pool-type feature. He said he hopes to raise $20,000. Donations can be made to the city's recreation department, he said.

Valenzuela brought a photograph album from his house and proudly showed skateparks from Gardnerville to the Bay Area. Some of the pictures had a young Shaun Palmer or Glen Plake, both professional winter athletes who grew up in South Shore.

Naugle mentioned skateboarding should be embraced in an area such as South Lake Tahoe, known for its outdoor recreation.

"This is a Mountain Dew town," Naugle said.

Skateboarder Danny Marone echoed the thoughts.

"You would think that a town like South Lake Tahoe which prides itself as being home to several Olympians would embrace skateboarding instead of ignoring or ostracizing it," he said.

A tag from the city's building department attached to the ramp stated it exceeded the allowable size for play equipment and was constructed without permits from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency for coverage.

Already in pieces Friday and ready for transport to storage, Valenzuela said the ramp is portable and wasn't going to be a permanent fixture.

"There was no way it was going to stay here," he said.

Josh Bruner, a resident along Susie Lake Road, experienced the same doom for his ramp, placed in his backyard. Bruner said one neighbor complained about the ramp, which sat on concrete cinders and was also movable, to the city despite Bruner taking careful steps not to have anyone out there past 7 p.m.

Married with two daughters, Bruner envisioned a home where his daughters could use a skate ramp.

"It's not just a young punk generation. All of us are well over 21 (years old)," said Bruner. "I see it as constructive. I don't see it as a nuance upon society."

Officials at the city's building department could not be reached for comment. One city inspector drove to Valenzuela's house Friday. The two chatted amiably for a bit.

"The city was cool," he said. "They were doing their job."