CDM Buzzing With Presidential Preparations

Last minute preparations were underway today in Corona del Mar for President Obama's visit with his Orange County supporters.

• The private breakfast fundraiser will be held at the home of Jeff and Nancy Stack in the 200 block of Evening Canyon Road. Tickets for the exclusive Obama Victory Fund 2012 event are selling for between $2,500 and $35,800, with proceeds benefiting President Obama's reelection campaign.

• Republican activists are expected to gather near Poppy Avenue and East Coast Highway to protest Obama's visit. Laura Dietz, a resident of CDM, is helping organize the protest in hopes of getting the attention of other activists around the country. "When I saw he was coming to my precinct it got a little too close to home," Dietz said. "We have to help the conservatives and whoever wishes to show their displeasure with Obama by giving them an opportunity to express themselves civilly and we hope other communities around the country will do the same thing.”

• The Democrats will also gather to show their support in the same vicinity. Medical marijuana advocates will gather at 5 Crowns Restaurant to protest. Kathy Lowe, spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Police Department, says extra officers will be on duty to make sure the event goes smoothly.

• Several street closures will be in effect Thursday between 6 a.m and noon. Newport Beach police say residents should anticipate delays as the presidential motorcade rolls in and out of the Corona del Mar area.

• There will be no parking or vehicular traffic allowed Thursday between 6 a.m. and noon on Seaward Road, Driftwood Road, Evening Canyon Road, Morning Canyon Road and Shorecliff Road. East Coast Highway will remain open on Thursday. Residents who provide proof of residence will be allowed in and out of the neighborhood.
  

• Other streets that could be affected by traffic are Newport Coast Drive, Jamboree Road, Macarthur Boulevard and San Joaquin Hills Road.

• If you want to indulge on a piece of presidential history, Wonderland Bakery in Newport Beach is selling that he will be eating at Thursday's fundraiser.