Locals excited for Presidents stay
The President wasted little time getting on the golf course after his arrival.
News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 brought you live coverage of his motorcade as it traveled through Rancho Mirage on its way to Porcupine Creek Golf Club.
Several excited faces staked out spots along the route hoping to see the President in person.
“Welcome Mr. President,” said Rancho Mirage resident David La Porta.
A warm welcome for President Obama as his motorcade drove through Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage.
“This is like the fourth time I’ve greeted him,” said La Porta.
“It was extravagant! I couldn’t tell which car the President was in, but I knew he was in one of them,” said Patricia Trautman.
The motorcade took President Obama and his entourage to Porcupine Creek Golf Club in Rancho Mirage. The property, owned by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, is a property Mr. Obama is familiar with. He played golf there several times on previous visits.
“It’s pretty crazy. We are working right here and we got a front row seat. It can’t get much better than that,” said William Lockwood, who we found working on a home near the golf course.
The President is also familiar with Thunderbird Heights and he may stay there again. News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 learned Secret Service tightened security in the gated community similar to his last 3 visits.
While at Thunderbird, Valley business owner John Abner hopes the President will try his specially roasted coffee for the community.
“I hope he’s drinking it, I’m thrilled! My businesses partners and I are strong supporters of President Obama. We are thrilled to have him in the neighborhood,” said Abner, owner of Koffi.
He made the Koffi blend for Thunderbird’s Country Club two years ago.
“The blend we ended up with is 50 percent Kenyan, oddly enough for the President,” said Abner. “It’s a very prestigious coffee for a very prestigious place in the desert.”
The house the president and the first family have stayed at before belongs to interior designer and personal friend of the Obamas Michael Smith. He also designed the private residence of the White House.
News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 learned Smith has purchased the vacant lots surrounding his home. Some speculate it would be a perfect location for a secure compound if the first family was looking for a permanent home.
“I’d think its be great, there’s rumors of that you know,” said Trautman.
“It’s perfect, the White House of the West,” said La Porta.
The president has not made any official plans to house hunt, but Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon did urge Mr. Obama today to consider making the Valley his home after he leaves the White House.
