Democratic Central Committee toasts Obama

A cacophony of popping champagne corks and thunderous applause erupted inside a conference room at the San Bernardino Public Employees Association Tuesday morning.

About 100 members of the San Bernardino County Democratic Central Committee toasted the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, during an Inauguration Breakfast.

"It means the beginning of an era, an era of hope and change - one we've been looking forward to for more than eight years," said Sam Clauder, spokesman for the committee.

About 100 committee members dined on quiche, muffins and other delectables while watching the inauguration on a large projection screen flanked by star-shaped balloons imprinted with patterns of Old Glory.

John Longville, a trustee of the San Bernardino Community College District and former state Assemblyman, considers Obama one of the most intelligent and articulate Presidents ever.

"I trust his judgement to do things in the most effective way possible," Longville said. "It's almost unbelievable we could do this well, given how bad we've done in the last two elections."

After Obama took his oath, Clauder handed out bottles of Andre champagne. Corks popped and glasses were raised in a toast to a more promising future.

They heckled outgoing President George W. Bush, waving to the screen and saying "bye bye" as Bush boarded a helicopter with his wife and flew off into history as one of the most controversial Presidents our nation has ever seen.

Then, they auctioned off a roll of toilet paper with Bush's face imprinted on it for $30.

joe.nelson@inlandnewspapers.com, (909) 386-3874