March 13--President Obama is officially back in the City of Angels.
Air Force One landed at Los Angeles International Airport shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday, according to airport officials.
As rush-hour traffic kicked into high gear, a series of street closures stemming from Obama's visit were frustrating Southland drivers.
MORE: Tracking #ObamaJam
Los Angeles police started closing roads in and around Hollywood at 3 p.m. for the president's first visit to the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" show since his first White House campaign in 2008.
Some drivers took to Twitter to express their grievance over the street closures while others thanked Obama for the visit because, for them, it meant they were avoiding traffic altogether.
"Just received the dreaded 'Obama's in town so you'll be sleeping under your desks tonight' email from HR. #obamajam #LosAngeles," Joe Donatelli said on Twitter.
Nicole DiCicco tweeted a photograph of a swimming pool and said, "Thank you Obama for commanding that I don't go anywhere today #obamajam #losangeles #heatwave."
Starting at 4 p.m., drivers were asked to avoid Ocean Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard in Santa Monica. In Santa Monica, 19th and 20th streets between Marguerita and Carlyle avenues will be closed until 7:30 p.m.
Despite the warnings, some motorists encountered gridlock.
"Only one reason why it would take me 30 minutes to drive up two blocks," wrote Nicole Olney on Twitter.
Some southbound lanes on Avenue of the Stars after Galaxy Way will also be closed.
As part of his visit on Thursday, Obama will attend a roundtable discussion hosted by ICM Partners co-founder Chris Silbermann and his wife, Julia Franz. Attendance costs $33,400 per couple.
Proceeds from the event will fund election operations for the Democratic National Committee.
In February, Obama was in San Francisco for a DNC fundraiser and played golf with friends in Palm Springs.
For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna and @VeronicaRochaLA
UPDATE
5:43 p.m.: This post has been updated with additional reactions from motorists.
5:02 p.m.: This post has been updated with information about Obama landing in L.A.
3:07 p.m.: This post was updated to include information about street closures beginning.
This post was first published at 6:35 a.m.
