Community Corner

Costly Event Fees for Japan Concert Cause Concern

About 500 people need to attend for organizers to break even on the downtown San Juan Capistrano event.

A  will need a big turnout to break even, since the San Juan Capistrano City Council has declined to waive the event fees.

The concert, featuring four live bands, is set for Sunday in Historic Town Center Park in San Juan Capistrano to raise money for relief efforts in disaster-stricken Japan, as well as for the  which is holding the fundraiser.

"We need 500 people to cover the costs from the city for the use of the park before we start making money for Japan," said playhouse President Tom Scott.

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A fundraiser for the fundraiser was held Tuesday at , bringing in about $800—roughly the cost for the city's special-event permit. In total, fees and permits for the event are $3,440.97, according to a memo written by city staff in May. Other expenses for the event total about $3,000, Scott said.

On May 17, Scott asked the City Council to waive the city's fees, but it said no.

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While the city manager and the community services director are each allowed to grant up to a 25 percent reduction in facility rental fees (for total possible reduction of 50 percent), any reduction beyond 50 percent requires approval from the City Council.

Here is the breakdown of fees assessed by the city:

  • Special activities permit: $869
  • Historic Town Center Park rental fee: $912 ($57 per hour)
  • Electricity fee: $88 ($8 per hour)
  • Liquor permit: $55
  • Part-time-staff supervision: $225 ($13 per hour)
  • Police services: $1,040 (two deputies per hour)
  • Traffic control: $252.97

The City Council opted not to waive the fees for Scott because of San Juan's . Council members indicated they would have been more inclined to support the fundraiser if it were benefiting the local community.

The proceeds of the concert for Japan will be split 90/10, with the majority going to Japan. "The theater is a nonprofit and also needs the fundraising activities," said Scott.

Earlier this spring, the City Council waived nearly $20,000 in fees associated with the an event that draws tens of thousands of people to town.

Plus, the not-for-profit San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association "provides important costs savings to the city" by willingly taking on the all of the responsibilities associated with planning the parade activities that have been part of the town's fabric for more than 50 years, city staffers have said.

The concert will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Historic Town Center Park. Admission is $20 (kids under 12 with adults are free).

Fyne Tune Events is co-sponsoring the concert with the playhouse.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the date of the concert.


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