Xi Jinping's Visit to LA and China-Golden State Connections

Mayor Villaraigosa visited China in December and opened a tourist office in Chongqing. Today, he welcomed the first visit of Chinese national leaders to LA in 13 years -- including Vice President Xi Jinping, who's expected to be China's senior official for the next decade. China Daily says the event will bring what it calls "the US Pacific Gateway" closer to China. How important is that to LA's economy, now and in the future? Xi Jinping's already seen the Port of LA. Then there's a dinner. Will he catch tomorrow night's Laker game? Also, Orange County isn't blue yet, but President Obama raised money this morning in Newport Beach. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, can Rick Santorum go the distance?

Banner image: Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (C) walks toward his vehicle on arrival in Los Angeles where he was met by California Governor Jerry Brown (2nd R) on February 16, 2012. Photo by Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images