Some Southland motorists could experience some traffic delays Thursday morning as Vice President Joe Biden wraps up his visit to Los Angeles and flies north to San Francisco.
Biden’s exact travel schedule was not released, but police advised motorists to avoid the following areas:
— Wilshire Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Beverly Drive from 9 to 11 a.m.;
— Santa Monica Boulevard between Sawtelle and Wilshire from 9 to 11 a.m.; and
— Sepulveda between Lincoln and Century boulevards from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Southbound Rodeo Drive and El Camino from Wilshire Boulevard will remain closed until 11 a.m.
Biden arrived in Los Angeles Tuesday night, then spoke Wednesday at a North Hollywood business to praise local officials for raising the minimum wage, saying that earning a living wage isn’t just about finances, but dignity.
“Treating your employees with respect … (is) not only the right thing to do, it’s really smart business,” Biden said at Bobrick Washroom Equipment, 6901 Tujunga Ave.
Biden said he spoke to workers at the company — which has been in business since 1906 — and found that some had been there for more than 20 years. Bobrick touts the company as having a “strong commitment to employee development.”
“They’re excited about working here,” Biden said. “Most of all because they’re treated with respect.”
Biden also praised Mayor Eric Garcetti and County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl for their leadership in pushing through increases in the minimum wage. The county Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to boost the minimum wage in unincorporated areas to $15 an hour by 2020, mirroring the increase already approved by the city of Los Angeles.
Biden also attended an evening fundraiser at the Beverly Wilshire hotel benefiting the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, according to the White House.
—City News Service