San Jose Event

Sen. Hillary Clinton made her first stop in the Bay Area today in San Jose. She touched on many policies that were unique to her presidential agenda such as universal health care, the creation of “green collar” jobs, ending the war in Iraq and student loan forgiveness.

“Let’s make college affordable again,” Clinton said. “It is part of our national defense to educate our children.”

Clinton explained her plan to increase Pell Grants, create a tax credit program and a two-year national service program that would give students up to $10,000 per year in federal scholarships.

“I will end the abusive and predatory practices of student loan companies,” she said.

Along with the national service program for scholarships she wants to create a student loan pay back program based on enrolling in public service jobs such as nursing, teaching and law enforcement.

Her speech was met by fierce applause by the audience. Among the loudest Hillary supporters were banner waving members from the NARC, agricultural and skilled labor unions and cultural non-profit groups. In the balcony section, a group bearing the United Farm Workers flag chanted “Sí, se puede!” ("Yes, we can!") with their fists in the air.

In the sea of people bearing supportive shirts, buttons, stickers and posters, one supporter brought a life-sized cut-out that was photographed during Clinton’s days as the first lady.

“I found [the photo] during a clean-up week in Santa Clara,” said Rita Brandan, a 57-year old photo restorer. “I’m hoping she’ll notice me so I can get it signed.”

California Sen. Diane Feinstein and city council members from Santa Clara, Cupertino, and Sunnyvale were in attendance at the San Jose event.

San Francisco Event

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton ended her final day campaigning in California with a stop in San Francisco, where she spoke to supporters at the Orpheum Theatre Friday night.

Clinton, who began the day at San Diego State University before moving on to San Jose and San Francisco, was greeted on stage by Mayor Gavin Newsom and Oakland Mayor Ronald Dellums.

“This has been such an extraordinary day,” she said to the large crowd. “California has a chance to help pick the president, and we have a chance to make history together.”

Newsom, who, along with Dellums, endorsed Clinton earlier in her campaign, welcomed the New York Senator on stage by praising her performance in Thursday night’s debate in Los Angeles.

“I don’t know about you, but I felt pretty good watching that debate last night,” Newsom said to the audience. “I think we found our next president.”

Clinton, who upon taking the microphone was greeted by cheers and a lengthy standing ovation. She spent the evening targeting the faults of the current Bush Administration and laying out policies that would reform labor laws, health care coverage and the economy.

“I see the numerous challenges facing this county as opportunities,” she said.

Outside the theater, a small but vocal contingent of protesters gathered with signs reading “No War” and “Shut Down Arms Shipments.” The protesters were from Code PINK, a non-profit womens' organization opposed to the Iraq war.

With tickets fetching as much as $2,300, the event at the Orpheum drew a sold-out audience and was her final formal stop in San Francisco before the California primary this Tuesday.