SAN SIMEON, CALIF- Over 600-thousand dollars was waived in event fees at Hearst Castle in the past 10 years, even in the wake of the possible closure of 70 state parks. The money could have been used to fund other state parks and potentially help keep them open during budget cuts, including Limekiln and Morro Strand Beach.
In 10 years the special event program at Hearst Castle brought in 322-thousand dollars in event fees that went to the California State Park Department. Now, compare that to the nearly 1.4 million dollars in donations from fundraiser's that local partners and non-profits held at the castle after fees were waived.
"Certainly raising funds with partners locally to keep money locally for particular projects is a good thing and people want to donate that way," said Nick Franco, Superintendent for State Parks San Luis Obispo Coast District. For example in the past, "Friends of Hearst Castle", a non-profit, has held events without paying fees, but 100-percent of the money raised went back into funding the castle.
What's being questioned is how state parks drew the line and determined which events it waived fees for. "There is no favoritism if you want to come and have a wedding, if you want to come and do a fundraiser that's when we do negotiations," said Franco.
Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell had a birthday party at Hearst Castle. He is considered a partner, meaning he donates money, but only 10-thousand dollars was paid through donations. All event fees, which would have totaled around 22-thousand were waived. "Like any partner who donates a lot to Hearst Castle, we partner with friends and do benefits for them whether its a special event or some recognition," said Franco.
In the State Parks policy, fees can be waived for events that ultimately contribute to its community involvement goals.
