Bush visits San Jose and promotes education.

by Brittany Brinkman   

President Bush visited California during the April 21 weekend. He met with Democrats, Republicans, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger over the few days he visited the west. 

     The president landed at Moffet Field in Santa Clara on Saturday, April 21.  From there Bush spoke at Cisco Systems in San Jose.  He wanted to promote math and science in schools, and boost the nationís high-tech innovation and global competitiveness through increased federal funding for research.  The President also met with Governor Schwarzenegger.  The governor talked to Bush about declaring a federal emergency to speed up levee repairs in California.

     On April 22, the President visited the California Fuel Cell Partnership headquarters to learn about the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.  He saw fuel cell vehicles made by eight manufacturers and two fuel cell buses.  President Bush stated that, ìI strongly believe hydrogen is the fuel of the futureî (Fuel Cell Today).  The President was very excited about the progress that this industry has made.  He was also impressed at how quickly the new types of vehicles were being produced.

On Sunday, President Bush attended a church service at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms. After the service he dined with 350 Marines and their families.  The President spoke about the war in Iraq, and he told the Marines that the Iraqi leaders expressed ìtheir deep appreciationî for the United States and its soldiers.  After the luncheon, the President visited former President Ford at his home in Palm Springs.  The former president is 92 and was hospitalized for 12 days in January for pneumonia.  The few reporters who covered the semi-secret meeting, said that it looked like both men truly enjoyed each others' company. 

     President Bush's last stop in California was the city of Irvine.  He gave a speech on immigration reform to the Orange County Business Council.  The city is deeply divided on the immigration issue, and the President tried to give some light into his opinions on the issues. 

            This debate ended the President's trip to California.  He addressed a number of issues that involve Californians and Americans alike.

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