Obama visit prompts LAPD to urge drivers to avoid Westside streets

Los Angeles police are advising motorists to avoid major thoroughfares on the Westside because of President Obama’s visit.

Motorists are urged to avoid Pico Boulevard and Avenue of the Stars until about 6 p.m., as well as Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

Between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., drivers are advised to stay away the area around Sunset Boulevard and Beverly Glen and Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards.

Obama landed at Los Angeles International Airport Wednesday about 4 p.m.. He was scheduled to travel to an outdoor fundraising reception and dinner at the residence of Bradley and Colleen Bell in the Holmby Hills neighborhood in the hills north of the L.A. Country Club. Bradley Bell is the executive producer of the soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

The co-hosts for the event are are actor Will Ferrell and his wife, Vivica Paulin. The president is expected to be met by about 1,000 supporters at the reception, where the Foo Fighters will be performing.

About 80 people will attend a fundraising dinner at the same Westside residence later Wednesday night; tickets for that event cost $35,800. The money raised will go to a joint fundraising committee run by the Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

On Thursday, Obama is scheduled to travel to the Newport Beach neighborhood of Corona del Mar, where he will attend a fundraising luncheon at the home of real estate developer Jeff Stack and his wife, Nancy Stack, for which tickets cost $2,500.

Obama will then head back to LAX, where he is scheduled to leave before midday. Between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Thursday, motorists are advised to stay clear of Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards and Pico Boulevard and Avenue of the Stars.