Plane violates Obama’s airspace

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.

Obama arrived at LAX from the Cheviot Hills neighbourhood of Los Angeles by helicopter, then left LAX on Air Force One. 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 in that incident 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 Los Angeles Times much as 10 kilograms of marijuana 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.”