3
If you check out your theme you'll probably notice that over most columns (like rightcolumn for instance) you'll find a statement like this:
<{if $xoops_showrblock == 1}>
Generally, though, there is no such statement for the left column. For some reason it's assumed. I'm not sure if inserting <{if $xoops_showlblock == 1}> would do the trick--but might be worth a try. You'll have to close the if statement with
<{/if}>
I've customized a theme in the past by moving the left column to just left of the right columns (both the left and right columns show up to the right of the center columns). It's a great way to get an "unxoops" look. This is one way to solve your problem--but might not be desirable in your case.