If it's just a side hobby, why should you be getting the benefits of limited liability? The whole point of limited liability is to protect business investment, not hobbies.
And yes, that is the reason that CA charges $800 for LLC registration. Because if $800 is too big of an expense...then you're not running a business.
And yes, that is the reason that CA charges $800 for LLC registration. Because if $800 is too big of an expense...then you're not running a business.