Obama to visit, raise funds in Newport Beach

Sen. Barack Obama is coming to Newport Beach to raise money for his presidential bid. He’s holding a reception benefiting the Obama Victory fund at 3:30 p.m. July 13 at the Balboa Bay Club.

There will be two events. A VIP reception will start at 2 p.m. followed by a general reception at 3:30. The VIP reception will cost $28,500 and the general $2,300.

“I actually like the fact that we’re taking it right here at the beach,” said Melahat Rafiei, executive director of the Orange County Democratic Party.

“We have so many people helping out with this event since Hillary [Clinton] is out of the race. Democrats are really coming together for Obama.”

Democrats hope to raise $1 million, Rafiei said. For more information call (714) 835-5158.

— Adriana Sellers