Obama returns to Valley after Orange County trip

President Obama began his Saturday with a quick trip to Orange County.

He left Palm Springs International Airport just after 8:30 a.m. headed to a democratic fundraiser in Laguna Beach. The roundtable discussion, held at a private residence, was attended by about 25 supporters who paid $32,000 dollars a plate.

“I know one of our volunteers injured herself and can’t be there and her doctor jokingly said can I have your ticket? So that’s how hot that ticket is,” said UCI Spokeswoman Cathy Lawhon.

At 11 a.m. the President took off in Marine One bound for Angels Stadium, where he gave the commencement speech for U.C. Irvine’s graduation.

Students launched a creative campaign to get the President to come by sending 10,000 postcards to the White House along with a student-produced video featuring the men’s basketball team.

“At end of the video our tallest center, who’s 7’6 invited President Obama to a one-on-one pick up game,” said Wilbert Cheng, one of the student’s who created the video.

And the President said the campaign worked.

“I’m here for a simple reason, you asked,” Obama said in his speech.

He focused much of his speech on the growing threat of climate change, urging students to listen to science over cynicism. He said tackling climate issues is one of the country’s greatest economic opportunities.

“A low-carbon clean energy economy can be engine for growth and jobs for decades to come, and I want America to build that engine, because if we do others will follow,” Obama said.

After the President’s speech, Airforce One took off at about 1:30 p.m. and made its return to Palm Springs, landing just after 2 p.m.

The plans for the President, First lady, and daughter, Malia, are still under wraps for the remainder of the weekend.