Los Angeles became Kamala Harris' second home a decade ago, and since she assumed the vice presidency four years ago it has also become her retreat from the demands of Washington, D.C.
According to a review by The Wall Street Journal, since January 2021, Harris has spent more time in Los Angeles than in any other location outside of the capital. In 2023 alone, she spent 59 days in the city, making it a point to visit at least once a month.
"It’s good to be home," Harris declared in January after extending her Christmas vacation in Los Angeles in preparation for the busy year ahead. Harris resides in a 3,500-square-foot home in the Brentwood neighborhood, purchased for $2.7 million by her husband, Doug Emhoff, after his divorce from his first wife. Brentwood itself is famous for its rich history, including being the site of actor Jimmy Stewart's wedding, Marilyn Monroe's death, and the infamous police chase involving O.J. Simpson.
During her frequent visits, Harris balances rest with campaign activities, including mingling with celebrities. For example, during a weekend in March, she attended a party celebrating the Oscars with stars like Julia Roberts and Disney CEO Bob Iger. These connections in Brentwood also aid her in fundraising efforts for her campaign. According to the WSJ, she participated in a campaign event during each of her six visits to Los Angeles this year.
Other high-profile events she attended in 2023 included a New Year's Eve party hosted by her friend Dana Walden, a Disney executive, with guests such as producer Ryan Murphy, and another party organized by prominent Democratic donor Casey Wasserman, featuring a performance by Imagine Dragons.
When she's not socializing with celebrities or fundraising, Harris’s routine in Los Angeles includes dining at the Hillcrest Country Club or the Mexican restaurant El Cholo and shopping at Brentwood Country Mart, a spot where Nancy Reagan used to shop during her visits to Los Angeles.
While Harris is busy with her campaign, her husband has his own routine when they’re in Los Angeles, which includes attending a Sunday morning spin class.
Due to Harris's frequent visits, the White House has set up a nearby secure facility where government agents can review classified information and conduct secure communications. The chosen residence is a 6,000-square-foot home with eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, a home theater and a pool.
Although Brentwood is a Democratic stronghold, where most residents supported Hillary Clinton in her run for the presidency and Joe Biden in the last election, Harris's security arrangements have stirred some frustration.
"It’s very annoying to be their neighbor," one resident said, referring mainly to the road closures by Secret Service agents. Another neighbor quipped, "I’ll vote for her if she agrees to sell the house."