George W. Bush Speaks in Beverly Hills, Heads To Long Beach

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Former President George W. Bush spoke Sunday evening in Beverly Hills, and although there was a protest at the venue, police reported no trouble or arrests.

Bush spoke at the Saban Theatre at 7 p.m., offering his "thoughts on eight years in the Oval Office, the challenges facing our nation in the 21st century, the power of freedom, the role of faith and other pressing issues," according to the Distinguished Speakers Series of Southern California, which presented the speech.

A group of about 30 protesters gathered outside the Saban, according to Beverly Hills police Sgt. Richard Billingsley. There was no trouble and no arrests and the protesters left shortly after Bush did, he said.

"War Criminal and former President George W Bush is scheduled to speak in LA & LB on 9/19 and 9/20 as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California. His presence is unwelcome and his characterization as `distinguished' is laughable. ARREST BUSH NOW!" Answer Coalition tweeted, citing the U.S. invasion and occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq under Bush's watch.

Bush is scheduled to speak again at 8 p.m. Monday at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, which is also being presented by the Distinguished Speakers Series of Southern California.

City News Service