L.A. Wildfires & Harsh Winds Force Biden To Cancel Coachella Valley Visit; POTUS Hunkers Down In City Of Angels

deadline.com:

(Updated with latest White House statement) Wildfires and powerful winds whipping around LA have forced President Joe Biden to cancel his trip to near Joshua Tree National Park to proclaim a new national monument. “Due to weather issues, the President will not travel to Thermal, CA,” the White House just announced “The previously scheduled remarks will be delivered in Los Angeles, CA.

Additional details to follow.” Biden’s speech has now been shuttered, at least for the time being, I’m told. (Update 12:45 p.m.: White House says: “Today’s event will be rescheduled for next week at the White House so that key stakeholders can attend.”) Having flown into LAX last night on what is likely his last visit to the region as POTUS, Biden stayed on the west side of town Monday.

Up until just over an hour ago, it looked like the President would be making his trip to establish a Chuckwalla National Monument south of Joshua Tree National Park.

According to the White House pool report: “Earlier, pool saw POTUS enter the Beast at the RON at 10.58am. Pool then saw POTUS exit the Beast about 10 minutes later and reenter RON” Fast moving fires, low humidity, dry vegetation and hard wind gusts have led to fast moving fires throughout LA.