I've never had a problem getting it at airports (whether major like LAX, or somewhat-less-than-major ones like SNA). But city locations are a different story; I managed to secure one once in Stamford by personally appealing to the manager, but have had no luck at all in downtown LA or any of those Orange County town locations. Hertz won't confirm the NL, and the staff at those locations have told me they never have them except when a car with one happens to be returned.
Incidentally, AAA rate is 8.95/day. Plus whatever ungodly rate of tax is assessed.