When presidents, former presidents, and other heads of state come to or travel through the San Gorgonio Pass, it's best to prepare for the unexpected.
Secret service and other security rarely tell Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon and Whitewater residents what to expect in the way of traffic delays or other surprises.
Former President George W. Bush is scheduled to visit Morongo Casino on Thursday June 13 to speak during a private meeting of the Western Riverside Council of Governments.
According to the Forest Service, all efforts to contain the Hathaway Fire burning in the mountains northeast of Banning, including helicopter reloads at the tank site just north of the casino, are expected to proceed unhindered by Bush's presence.
Other than that, few details have been released about Bush's visit in Cabazon.
Last weekend after current President Barack Obama met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Rancho Mirage, westbound Interstate 10 was cleared of traffic and entrance ramps were shut down from Banning to Redlands for a convoy of limousines, other vehicles, and a rolling California Highway Patrol escort coming from the Coachella Valley.
The unannounced convoy included Jinping and his entourage, as well as secret service and other security.
Whether the former president arrives Thursday by limo, helicopter or some other means - or if he is already situated at the casino - Pass area residents and other visitors can prepare for possible delays.
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