President Barack Obama visited San Diego for the first time in his presidency Monday as part of a west coast trip to campaign for his re-election.
Air Force One touched down around 1:30 p.m. at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
A few moments later he was welcomed by U.S. Rep. Bob Filner and San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders along with MCAS Miramar brass.
He then jogged around the waiting caravan of cars to shake hands with the dozens of people standing on the tarmac. He was even photographed holding a baby dressed in Chargers gear.
There is no public appearance planned for the president according to White House staffers.
President Obama will attend a fundraiser luncheon at the private home of Elizabeth and Mason Phelps on La Jolla Ranch Road.
La Jolla Ranch Road is closed for his arrival. As you can imagine, nearby residents are excited about the president coming to their neighborhood.
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“I think we'll come down here and see what the crowd turnout is and hopefully we'll see the President,” said Richard Mehren. “It's a once- in-a-lifetime event. It's not often the President comes a couple of doors away."
The event is expected to include 160 people who will pay $5,000 per person to attend.
A photograph with the president will cost attendees around $10,000.
The president's three-day West Coast swing includes seven fundraisers.
President Obama is racing to collect cash ahead of an important Friday quarterly fundraising deadline that will provide a snapshot of the president's strength against the gelling GOP field.
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