President Obama Speaks At Private Fundraiser Breakfast In View Park, California

June 7, 2012

by Brenda Caddell

President Obama completed his two-day fundraiser in California with a $2,500 per plate private breakfast at the home of real estate developer and owner of The Bedford Group’s Mr. and Mrs. Charles Quarles of View Park, California.  Quarles’ company is one of the leading real estate development firms to serve the needs of  urban communities through out Greater Los Angeles.

Proceeds go to the Obama Victory Fund, a joint fundraising committee of Obama for America, the name of his re-election campaign, the Democratic National Committee and many other Democratic parties.

Major-celebrities like, Jamie Lee Curtis attended the breakfast and hundreds of View Park residents came out to show their support.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Photo by Brenda Caddell

View Park, suburbia island known to some as the “Black Beverly Hills” is one of the most affluent African American communities in the United States.  It is home to actor, Loretta Devine and retired Pittsburg Steeler, Calvin Sweeney as well as to several doctors, lawyers, educators, business owners, famous artists and more. Perhaps the most known residents have been legends like Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson and Tina Turner. Others have been producer, dancer and choreographer, Debbie Allen with her husband, retired Laker, Norm Nixon; ex-Laker Michael Cooper and the late novelist, Bebe Moore Campbell and several others.

Residents lined the street of Presidio Drive as they awaited  to welcome President Obama into their neighborhood.  Enthusiasm and excitement  blanketed the atmosphere as neighbors greeted each other with hugs and smiles and shared stories about how long they have been lived here. While several others talked about the primary elections and how they were optimistic about President Obama serving another term.  One person said he feels it in his gut that Obama is going to win the presidential election. While several expressed that democrats have to go to the polls and vote.

View Park residents show support for President Obama

Owner of Diversified Corporate Supply (DCS) and View Park resident,  Maryann Seymour says, “Having President Obama come to our community will put us on the map.”  When asked how she thought the primary elections would effect the Presidential election, she said, “We need our game solid,  and we need to get out and vote!  After what happened in Wisconsin its evident   how negative ads by republicans can corporately affect the numbers.”

Maryann Seymour

Photo by Brenda Caddell

Long time resident Bonita Cooper, program manager for Santa Monica College and wife of the late Dr. Bertran F. Cooper, II, M.D.  Said, “It is exciting to have President Obama in our neighborhood!  Democrats need to come out and vote, so that the Republicans don’t win.  Democrats have a referendum over the Republicans; not the other way around.”

Bonita Cooper with son, Bertran Cooper, III and daughter Kathryne Cooper

Photo by Brenda Caddell

Long time resident, contractor, real estate developer and owner of Apple One Group of GRJ Properties,  Bernadette  Thompson-Appling,  who happens to be one of the daughters of the late, Vannoy Thompson, Commissioner of Construction for the Martin, Luther King, Jr. Hospital and former President of the NAACP Compton, CA Chapter says, “In 1958, my family was one of the first African American families to live in View Park.  My dad worked hard to get us [7 children] on top of the hill.  She went on to say,  “I had to be here.  This is View Park, and I have been here all my life! This is a historical event, and it’s a big deal”.

Bernadette Thompson-Appling

Photo by Brenda Caddell

According to real estate consultant, Linda Burrell, a 10-year View Park resident said, “I have sold many homes here and having the President here will have a good effect on the property value.  These homes have more character   than many of the homes in Beverly Hills, but they have always been underrated.  It’s also safe to walk at night.”

Linda Roth Burrell

Photo by Brenda Caddell

Yoshiko Plair’s reaction to the president being in View Park was, “Wonderful!”  “It’s a pleasure and it will increase property values.  This is the wealthiest   Black neighborhood in the country and we are proud of that.”

Sisters, Karen Bunkley and Yoshiko Plair

Photo by Brenda Caddell

As supporting residents shouted and chanted, “Four more years and thank you!”  to President Obama he was escorted by his convoy to LAX where he boarded Air Force One to Las Vegas where he will speak at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to discuss affordable college tuition.

President Obama is riding in the second Chevy Suburban.

Photo by Morganne Ramsey