By Daily Press staff
DOWNTOWN — Sen. John Kerry relaxed at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel Wednesday evening before heading to Carson, Calif. this morning to give a speech on economic policy.
Kerry arrived in Santa Monica at about 7 p.m. after he spent Wednesday in Nevada speaking to senior citizens about the high costs of prescription drugs. He met privately with members of the press who have been traveling with him on his “Believe in America” cross-country tour.
Kerry is scheduled to speak at California State University Dominguez Hills at 11 a.m. Then on Friday, Kerry will complete his tour with legendary rocker Jon Bon Jovi and actor Leonardo DiCaprio in Oregon. Bon Jovi, a strong supporter of Kerry in this year’s presidential race, will perform a “Stronger America” set before thousands of Oregonians at Waterfront Park in Portland.
Kerry was in Santa Monica several months ago, showing support for grocery store workers during the strike.
And as Kerry makes his way north today, President Bush will head west from Las Vegas to Santa Monica for a private fundraiser at the local airport.
He’ll be greeted by a group of protesters who oppose the war and the president’s policies. The group plans to organize at the corner of 31st Street and Ocean Park Boulevard at 4 p.m., shortly before the president is expected to arrive. Some local residents have indicated they also will protest large jets flying into the Santa Monica airport, something they said is a violation of FAA rules.
A Santa Monica Republican group will hold their own rally from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the same location to show support for the troops in Iraq and for President Bush.
President Bush will attend “Victory 2004 Dinner” in a private hangar at Santa Monica Airport. He also will meet with Redondo Beach resident Lynn Brennan, who is an active volunteer with seniors in her community.
President Bush has called on all Americans to volunteer two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lifetimes and he created USA Freedom Corps to help foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Since March 2002, President Bush has met with more than 300 individuals like Brennan around the country.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 12, 2004. Read the original PDF.