Obama Arrives In LA For Prestige Award, Fundraising Trip

BEVERLY HILLS (CBSLA.com) — President Barack Obama arrived in Los Angeles Wednesday  evening for a three-day trip to California.

Obama was scheduled to attend a Democratic Party fundraiser before accepting an award from the USC Shoah Foundation, where Steven Spielberg will present the President with the institute's highest honor, the Ambassador for Humanity Award.

On Thursday, the President is scheduled to attend a DNC roundtable in LA before making a quick stop in San Diego for a fundraiser en route to San Jose.

Obama made the first visit of his presidency to Arkansas while opening a three-day trip to California to raise money for the Democratic Party, accept foundation created by movie director Steven Spielberg and discuss his energy policy.

At 7: 33 p.m., the President left the Bel Air residence of Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn and his wife Cindy where the Horns hosted a joint fundraiser to benefit the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. (Tickets for the event ranged from $10,000 to $64,800.) About 90 people attended, among them Barbra Streisand, James Brolin and film exec Jeffrey Katzenberg.

During a 15-minute speech to the crowd, the President discussed the need for Democrats to get engaged in the midterms -- elections he noted Democrats don't often turn out for.

"I'm in trouble at home," the president quipped, "and the reason is because I told Michelle back in 2012, I had run my last campaign. But a couple months ago, I had to let her in on a secret and that is: 'Honey, I've got one more campaign I've got to run. I need to make sure we continue to have a Democratic Senate and I need a Democratic House of Representatives in Washington.' And I'm going to do everything I can to make that happen."

President Obama left the fundraiser for the 20th anniversary gala of the USC Shoah Foundation. Steven Spielberg will award President Obama with the Foundation's highest honor -- the Ambassador for Humanity Award. Bruce Springsteen is expected to perform at the gala.

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Commuters were urged to avoid the following areas if at all possible:

On Wednesday:

The area around Sunset Blvd. and Beverly Glen from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The area around Santa Monica Blvd. and Avenue of the Stars from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On Thursday:

The area around Santa Monica Blvd. and Avenue of the Stars from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

NOTE: All trucks will be restricted from travel along Wilshire Blvd. between Santa Monica and Avenue of the Stars from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The area around Pico Blvd. and Motor Avenue from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.