SAN DIEGO - A smiling Snoopy will begin appearing on license plates across California next year, raising money for museums and related attractions.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the state will begin making the plates now that it has received more than 7,500 prepaid orders from "Peanuts" comic strip fans and museum supporters.
The plates initially cost $50 or $98 for personalized versions, with a lower price for renewing annually.
California Cultural and Historical Endowment chair Bryan Cash says the program is expected to generate $10 million over 10 years and has raised about $500,000 so far.
Proceeds will fund grants for California's 1,400 museums, science centers, zoos and aquariums.
Jean Schulz, widow of "Peanuts" comic strip creator Charles Schulz, is allowing the state to use Snoopy's image without paying royalties.
