blog assignment#45/ The La Times

1. Obama mines California donors
Presiden Obama begans a two day swing through California on Wednesday that underscores conflicting roles the state plays in presidential politics. Its strong Democratic bent means it will once again be written off by both sides during the 2012 general election. The trove of supporters here will once again be mined to bloster Obama's efforts elsewhere. Last time around, California donors gave $78 million to Obama's campaign. Tens of thousands of Californians volunteered, phoning voters and flooding crucial swing states such as New Mexico and Nevada.

2.

Obama's L.A. visit: Westside residents urged to stay home to avoid gridlock

Authorities said they were taking steps to avoid a repeat of past gridlock when President Obama arrives in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon.