The deficit-facing city council has made noise recently about halting its practice of waiving the fees levied on community events — but for sci-fi writer and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard's birthday, no problem. From the council agenda:
8-0568-S1 CD 8 e. MOTION (PARKS - LABONGE) relative to declaring the L. Ron Hubbard Birthday Event on March 21, 2009 a Special Event (fees and costs absorbed by the City = $3,000)
Others up for fee waivers at that price level include the March for Water on March 22 ($3,000) and the 16th Annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice and Cultural Arts Street Festival on March 29 ($4,872.)