As we reported Monday, Palm Desert resident Don Genhart has been sending The Desert Sun updates from the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

Although organizers canceled Monday’s events because of Hurricane Issac — Genhart said weather has been windy, overcast and even the occasional breakthrough of sun — delegates still got a chance to meet some of the party’s most notable names.

Among the people Genhart heard speak Monday: former California gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman; famed talk show host Hugh Hewitt; Assemblyman Kevin McCarthy; Reps. David Drier and Darrell Issa; and former Gov. Pete Wilson.

Genhart had nothing but praise for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who spoke to delegates Monday morning and will deliver the keynote speech tonight.

Genhart said it was “a talk with gusto and enthusiasm, bringing us all to the attention of what we need to continue doing to win this November. ”

After having breakfast today with House Speaker John Boehner, California’s delegates are prepared for a long day ahead.

They’re already headed to their seats and — because weather canceled Monday’s events — they are expected to be at the Tampa Bay Times Forum until midnight.

You can view the complete schedule here.

“Spirits are up as we are all anxious to get down to the business of the day,” Genhart wrote in an email to The Desert Sun.

Genhart, a professional pet sitter and longtime volunteer for local campaigns, is one of three Coachella Valley Republicans attending the convention as delegates. Rep. Mary Bono Mack of Palm Springs and La Quinta council candidate Robert Radi are also representing the desert.

Desert Sun Washington Bureau reporter Maureen Groppe is providing news coverage from the convention. You can follow her on Twitter at @mgroppe.