Culver City, with its three major movie studios and other draws, has hosted many stars over the years. Some of the stars made movies, but we have also been a draw for U.S. presidents, candidates and other “stars” in the political arena as well as royalty.

Research points to Charles Lindbergh’s visits and ties to our city, and even speeches given by our city founder, Harry Culver, in which he shared his great admiration for the internationally known aviator. Campaign offices in the Culver Hotel brought Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon here. I remember visiting my Auntie Vicenta at the Lugo Ranch as a child to watch “Ike” pass by in a convertible along Jefferson Boulevard. That visit brought out interested onlookers and fans who lined the boulevard in the early 1950s.

President Bill Clinton did a radio interview from Westwood One in Downtown CC, and he also appeared in Dr. Paul Carlson Park in 1993 to talk about the state of health care in our country. At that event, Sony Pictures “dressed the set” so many locals could see their president in person. Our mayor at the time, Mike Balkman, (for whom the Council Chambers were named), presented the key to Culver City along with other momentos to President Clinton.