Q: How did the fundraiser that Bradley Bell, the producer of "Bold and Beautiful," held for President Obama go? — Arleta in Mill Valley, Calif.

A: The event was held on Feb. 15 at the main Spanish style house of the Holmby Hills estate of Bradley Bell and his wife, Colleen. According to a press poll report, in a dining room under a large gilded chandelier, George Clooney was standing amid 7 or 8 round dining tables, chatting with Valerie Jarrett and two others.

Seated at one table was actor Jim Belushi; at another, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The president Obama entered to applause. Clooney was a few steps away from the president when he entered. Behind Obama was a giant antique-looking gold-framed mirror. Obama recognized Villaraigosa and Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Fox. About a half-dozen waiters dressed in black stood in the back of the room. The ceiling, with wooden beams, was similar to what you'd see in a California mission.

Obama's opening remarks were his standard campaign stump speech. He talked about ending the Iraq War; creating jobs; health care; talking to Marines at the gym where he worked out in Hawaii and them thanking him for ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell; and everyone playing by same set of rules. "The other side has a very different view about where they want to take this country," where it's OK if just a few do well, and those left behind, it's their own fault, he said.

Wilshire, Santa Monica and Sunset Boulevards were closed. A dozen or so people along the route took pictures of the motorcade with their cellphones.

Upon arrival, the reporter pool was led up a driveway to a muddy footpath that ran along the side of a gigantic backyard full of hundreds of people. (A Democratic official told pool there were 1,000 guests.) A canopy of olive trees covered the footpath. Orange, pink and white floodlights illuminated trees all over the yard. A large, brightly lit concert stage was set up on one end of the yard. The Foo Fighters had performed "Walk," "Learn to Fly," "My Hero" and a solo performance of "Everlong" by lead singer Dave Grohl, who accompanied himself on acoustic guitar.

On stage, Colleen Bell introduced Obama. Speaking of the president, she said, "He reminds us that change doesn't come easy or fast." Obama joked about the weather being relatively cold for Los Angeles. "You guys are not used to this kind of weather, are you," he said. He added, "This is balmy, people." He also said he loved the Foo Fighters and that they were tired of winning so many awards, so they said, "Let's do something else tonight."

Obama also thanked Rashida Jones and Jack Black. He mentioned that Villaraigosa had been named Permanent Chair of the 2012 Democratic National Convention Obama also said that the mayor of Charlotte, N.C., was present. An interpreter was on stage was translating Obama's remarks into sign language.

Obama talked about the change he promised in the 2008 campaign and the depth of the nation's economic troubles when he took office. "We did not fully comprehend at that point how deep this crisis would be," he said. He mentioned the increase in jobs in recent months. "Don't underestimate the changes we made," he said. Also: "Our auto industry is saved, and General Motors is the No. 1 auto maker in the world again." He said 2.6 million young people have health coverage who wouldn't otherwise have it, had it not been for the health care law passed on his watch. "There are people whose lives have been saved because of the work you did in 2008," he said. "As tough as things are, the changes we've made are remarkable, and they're making a difference in the lives of people every single day."

Obama spoke for 20 minutes. According to a spokesperson for the Bells, the event exceeded their expectations.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.