Local Trump supporters enjoy Washington, D.C. during inauguration events

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The treasurer of the California Republican Party and his partner are enjoying their time in Washington, D.C., this week.

Greg Gandrud, who attended President Donald Trump’s first inauguration, flew out again for the second.

Although cold temperatures disrupted some plans, the former Carpinteria City Council member and financial services business owner is making the most of the trip.

“It is ice-cold here in Washington, D.C., especially for those who traveled all the way from California to be here. Like so many other Americans, we watched the inaugural ceremonies on television because the outdoor events were canceled and moved inside the Capitol Rotunda,” Gandrud said. “It is packed here in Washington with Trump supporters. Every event is sold out, and the energy is electric.”

The night before the inauguration, Gandrud and his partner attended a party hosted by the Log Cabin Republicans, a group advocating for LGBT Americans and limited government.

While Gandrud attended several parties, he noted that this year’s inaugural events, including the ball, were significantly more expensive.

Although Gandrud used to live and work in Carpinteria, he moved to Ventura after his neighborhood began smelling of marijuana from nearby greenhouses. He still works in Carpinteria.

In Washington, Gandrud said he has seen a heavy security presence but no protests.