President Barack Obama will make the rounds in Los Angeles early this week on a trip that includes a reception at Magic Johnson’s house, a visit to Haim and Cheryl Saban and a Tuesday stop at DreamWorks Animation’s lot for an economic address.
The West Coast jaunt comes as the president’s approval ratings have sunk to new lows as the website for his new health care plan remains mired in technical glitches.
On Monday, President Obama will arrive via Air Force One at Los Angeles International Airport at roughly 4:35 p.m. PT.
Also read: President Obama Set to Speak at DreamWorks Animation Lot Next Week
He will attend receptions at the home of retired basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson in Beverly Hills, Calif., and at the home of Haim and Cheryl Saban. Haim Saban is the CEO of Saban Capital Group, and a longtime Democratic donor who has been an important supporter of the Obama administration’s approach to maintaining Israeli-U.S. relations.
Tickets for the events run from $2,500 to $32,400 and are being overseen by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Besides President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and DSCC Chairman Michael Bennet will attend both events.
On Tuesday, the president will attend a round table at the home of “Friends” producer Marta Kauffman and her husband Michael Skloff, the composer behind the sitcom’s opening anthem, “I’ll Be There For You,” that is sponsored by the Democratic National Committee. The event replaces one that was cancelled in September so Obama could negotiate with Congress on possible military strikes in Syria.
A Democratic National Committee spokesman said about 30 supporters are expected at the event.
On Tuesday, the President will participate in a DNC event before traveling to DreamWorks Animation facility in Glendale, Calif., to deliver remarks on the motion picture and television industries — and their impact on the economy — at 12:15 p.m. He departs Los Angeles immediately after.
Past visits by the president have resulted in traffic snarls and closed streets, and this Hollywood excursion promises to be no different. Streets in Glendale, Beverly Hills and around Los Angeles International Airport will be impacted beginning Monday afternoon, the Los Angeles Police Department said.
Police advised motorists to avoid the 405 Freeway to La Cienega Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard to Venice Boulevard from 4:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday; Fairfax Avenue to Western Avenue and Beverly Boulevard to Pico Boulevard between 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday; Riverside Drive, San Fernando Road and Grandview Avenue to North Pacific Avenue, West Kenneth Road to Victory Boulevard, San Fernando Road, 5 and 134 Freeways between 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday; and LAX from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
The president’s arrival will not result in flight delays, a spokeswoman for LAX told TheWrap.
Ira Teinowitz contributed to this report.