President Biden in Bay Area to raise money, address climate change

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - President Joe Biden arrived in the Bay Area Monday afternoon for a two-day visit focused on climate change initiatives and fundraising for his re-election campaign.

After Air Force One touched down at Moffett Field, Biden gave a quick greeting to supporters, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and U.S. Rep Anna Eshoo (D-Palo Alto), before being whisked away in a black limo adorned with American flags. 

Biden's first stop: Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Center in Palo Alto where he announced a $600 million funding package aimed at addressing climate change.

"Folks, the impacts we're seeing in climate change are only going to get more frequent and more ferocious and more costly," he said, saying natural disasters in America caused $165 million in damage last year.  "But the worst thing impacts are not inevitable. Building on our incredible effort locally, my administration is doing all we can to help recover and build. So we can be prepared during it and adapt." 

Local experts have identified California as a prime candidate for receiving this funding due to recent devastating wildfires and the extended winter weather experienced earlier this year. 

The president's visit to the Bay Area goes beyond discussions on climate change, as he will devote a significant portion of his time appealing to donors to support his bid for re-election.

According to Dave McCuan, a political science professor at Sonoma State University, California serves as an ATM for American politics, with candidates, especially Democrats, having additional incentives to mobilize voters. 

McCuan explained that by engaging 8,000 to 12,000 voters per district in four or five congressional districts, Democrats could secure a victory in the House in 2024.

Of the $500 million funding package, approximately $67 million is expected to be allocated towards California's electric grid. This investment aims to mitigate the risk of public safety power shutoffs that often occur during the state's hottest days.

During his visit, President Biden will also attend campaign fundraisers in Los Gatos and Atherton, with another event planned for Marin on Tuesday.