L. RON HUBBARD WAY ENDORSED : COUNCIL BACKS REQUEST TO RENAME STREET IN FRONT OF CHURCH.Byline: Patrick McGreevy Daily News Staff Writer L. Ron Hubbard Noun 1. L. Ron Hubbard - a United States writer of science fiction and founder of Scientology (1911-1986) Hubbard , the 1950s science fiction writer who founded the controversial Church of Scientology Church of Scientology: see Scientology, Church of. , will soon be the name of a Hollywood street. After some heated debate, the Los Angeles City Council  The Los Angeles City Council is the governing body of the City of Los Angeles, California, United States. voted 8-3 Tuesday to preliminarily approve renaming a stretch of Berendo Street, which runs in front of the church's landmark building, as L. Ron Hubbard Way. Council members Marvin Braude Marvin Braude (August 11, 1920—December 7, 2005)served as Los Angeles City Councilman for the 11th district from 1965 to 1997. At various times Mr. Braude (pronounced BROW-dee) served as chair of the Finance and Revenue Committee, the Environmental Quality and Waste , Ruth Galanter Ruth Galanter was a city councilwoman from Los Angeles. She served as President Pro-Tempore and President of the city council. and Mike Feuer dissented and some residents objected to the name change, saying the church uses heavy-handed methods to gain members. ``L. Ron Hubbard's ways are not American ways. They are about enslavement en·slave tr.v. en·slaved, en·slav·ing, en·slaves To make into or as if into a slave. en·slave  ment n. ,'' Graham Berry Sir Graham Berry, KCMG (28 August 1822 - 25 January 1904), Australian colonial politician, was the 11th Premier of Victoria. He was one of the most radical and colourful figures in the politics of colonial Victoria, and made the most determined efforts to break the power of the told the council. ``Don't shame L.A.'' Church supporters dismissed the critics as ``bigots,'' and argued Hubbard and the church have had a positive impact through literacy, drug rehabilitation and other community programs. ``This is treated like any other request to change a name,'' said Council President John Ferraro, who represents the area. The name change was supported by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and 183 residents of the street who sent letters, while only nine voiced opposition. The church owns 63 percent of the property on the one-block stretch of street. Hubbard, who died in 1986, had been a science-fiction writer when, in the early 1950s, he published his book ``Dianetics, the Science of Mental Health,'' which became a best seller and later led to the formation of the church. Founded in Glendale in 1954, the church now has about 8 million members worldwide. Councilman Richard Alarcon said it would be setting a bad precedent to reject a name change that has gone through the proper process and that involves someone who is a recognized community leader. ``Whether or not you support the beliefs espoused by L. Ron Hubbard, I don't think anybody can doubt that he's a significant player,'' Alarcon said. CAPTION(S): map MAP: L. Ron Hubbard Way |
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