5 Things to Know: Monday, October 26

By
Casey Dolan
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Welcome to 5 Things to Know – a daily rundown of things you might want to be aware of if you live in, visit, or just like being aware about what’s going on in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. As always, thank you for your continued support of Cactus Hugs.

1) The Weather

Sure, it was windy (more on that below)…but, also, for the first time in what seems like forever, it was really nice in the Coachella Valley.  Like, it was open your windows and turn off the A/C nice.  I mean, it actually felt normally seeing sweaters for sale and pumpkins in stores.

Enjoy it while it lasts as it’s going to warm up again…though, luckily, not quite as hot as it’s been.

2) The Winds

While it was absolutely freakin’ great to finally experience moderate temperatures for the first time in forever, that also came with some strong winds on Monday, which led to fires:

And issues for high-profile vehicles:

The wind warning has expired for the Coachella Valley, but, if for those in the Hi-Desert, they could be sticking around for a while.

3) The Coronavirus

Riverside County reported 975 new cases and 16 additional deaths since Friday. There have been 1,295 reported deaths from coronavirus this year in Riverside County.

Here is the latest on what’s going on in the desert:

More:

  • Riverside County officials issued a press release on Friday stating, “It’s up to all of us to
    return to red” in regards to the county falling back into the state’s purple tier with more restrictions on businesses. The county noted, “when residents wear face masks outside the home, keep six feet of distance from others and frequently wash their hands, they protect themselves by up to 95 percent of the virus.”
  • The Palm Springs Tramway’s board approved a $15 borrowing plan on Monday.  The normally popular desert attraction has seen its bottom line hit especially hard during the pandemic.
  • Despite what some continually say these days, the country appears to be far from “rounding the turn”:

4) The Living Desert’s baby wallaby has passed away

Just a few weeks after announcing the birth of a baby wallaby, the Living Desert announced that they were “devastated to share that our newest wallaby joey has passed away.”

“Everyone is just devastated,” said RoxAnna Breitigan, Director of Animal Care at The Living Desert. “The joey immediately won over our hearts and became a symbol of hope during this very challenging year. His sudden and unexpected passing has been very difficult.”

“At this time, we don’t know how or why the joey died, but we will be completing a full necropsy to try and get some answers,” said Dr. Andrea Goodnight, Head Veterinarian at The Living Desert. “When you care for over 500 animals, there are some really great days, but also a few very difficult ones. This has been one of the difficult days.”

https://www.facebook.com/TheLivingDesert/photos/a.170177639218/10158273930864219/?type=3&theater

5) Rubio’s files for bankruptcy

Rubio’s Restaurants filed a petition for bankruptcy on Monday.  The fast casual Mexican food chain with 3 Coachella Valley locations says the move is part of a “comprehensive financial restructuring” and did not announce the closure of any currently open restaurants as part of the move, though more than two dozen stores (primarily in Florida and Colorado) that had been closed during the pandemic will not reopen.

Stay safe.  Stay smart.  Wear a mask.  

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