By Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times –
LOS ANGELES — Two F-16 military fighter jets were dispatched Friday morning to intercept a general aviation airplane that violated airspace restrictions as President Barack Obama was leaving Los Angeles International Airport.
“The fighters responded to a temporary flight restriction violation by a Piper 28 aircraft,” the North American Aerospace Defense Command said in a statement. “After intercepting the aircraft, the F-16s followed it until it landed without incident, at approximately (9:50 a.m. PST) where the plane was met by local law enforcement.”
Obama arrived at LAX from the Cheviot Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles by helicopter, then left LAX on Air Force One at 9:53 a.m. Large parts of L.A.’s airspace were under flight restrictions because of the president’s trip.
In February, a small-plane pilot who strayed into Obama’s airspace was also intercepted.
Long Beach police officials said “a large amount of marijuana” was found on board that plane.
Two F-16 fighter jets intercepted the Cessna 182 after air traffic controllers tried to contact the pilot.
The pilot did not respond and eventually landed — with escorts — at Long Beach Airport.
Authorities have told the Los Angeles Times that as much as 10 kilograms of marijuana aboard the plane was seized.
Despite concerns about traffic nightmares and possible protests, Obama’s fundraiser at the home of actor George Clooney in Studio City went off without a hitch.
People, some cheering, lined the route of Obama’s motorcade near Clooney’s home. Some noted the president’s announcement this week that he supported gay marriage.
Inside, Obama addressed the issue in his remarks at the fundraiser.
“Obviously, yesterday we made some news,” he said to applause. “But the truth is it was a logical extension of what America is supposed to be. It grew directly out of this difference in visions. Are we a country that includes everybody and gives everybody a shot and treats everybody fairly, and is that going to make us stronger? Are we welcoming to immigrants? Are we welcoming to people who aren’t like us — does that make us stronger? I believe it does. So that’s what’s at stake.”
Even in the celebrity-laden neighborhood, a presidential motorcade rolling down the street was something special.
About 200 people gathered at the corner of Fryman Canyon Road and Iredell Street to cheer as Obama glided past in a long line of black SUVs, California Highway Patrol motorcycles and other vehicles. The problem was figuring out which one the president was in.
