President Obama arrives in the Coachella Valley
Air Force One touched down in Palm Springs around 10 a.m. Saturday.
Unlike the last time he landed in Palm Springs, President Obama walked up to a crowd of onlookers and shook hands with a few people.
“It was pretty surreal, you don’t think about meeting the President on a Saturday morning so it was pretty cool,” said Bradley Herrin.
“It never gets old to have the President here, it’s good for all of us,” said Steve Pougnet, Mayor of Palm Springs.
First Lady Michelle Obama did not come on this trip.
“On Valentines Day she should be here,” said Mary Hill who watched Air Force One fly over Rancho Mirage.
Many onlookers took this time to try to see the President with their own eyes for the first time.
“There was one woman that said she’s 63 and it’s the first time she’s ever seen him or any President in the flesh as matter of fact,” said Serik Nieto who brought three children to the airport to watch Air Force One land.
Dozens of people gathered at the corner of Country Club Dr. and Highway 111 to try to get a glimpse of the Presidential motorcade, but they missed out. The President headed straight to Sunnylands to play golf.
“I’m just really happy that the President is gracing the Coachella valley, it’s great for the valley and great for those of us who have been long time supporters,” said Jann Martelli who was waiting to see the motorcade.
“It just showcases this area that it’s a top location to come to, and it will hold on to our real estate prices, and with the weather back east I’m sure a lot of people would be interested in the 82 degree temperature,” said Bernadette Cordick who was waiting to see the if the President was going to drive by.
Not everyone is thrilled with the timing of President Obama’s visit.
“He should have picked a better weekend, we have a lot of things going on, we have the Tour de Palm Springs, the fair starts, there is so much traffic, he should have picked another weekend,” says Melissa Diaz of Indio.
President Obama is scheduled to stay in the Coachella Valley until Monday.
Photos: President Obama arrives to Palm Springs during Valentine’s Day weekend