5 Things to Know: Monday, October 5

By
Casey Dolan
-

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 Coronavirus

The big news continues to be President Donald Trump who was hospitalized late last week after contracting coronavirus.  After receiving doses of steroids and experimental drugs, Trump was taken by helicopter back to the White House on Monday evening – where, despite the fact he is carrying a deadly contagious virus, he immediately took off his mask for a photo opp and in the process put everyone working at the White House at risk of catching COVID-19.  What a guy:

As selfish and ignorant as removing his mask was, the fact that many of his supporters will take it as a sign from their leader not to wear masks is dangerous for all of us.  Don’t let a lying reality show host fool you. He is weak.  He is losing.  He is desperate.  He is not well…

This virus is no joke.  Over 210,000 Americans have died because of it.  Take care of yourself, your family, and your neighbors.  Wear a mask.  

Turning to news from our area, Riverside County reported 804 new cases and 7 new deaths since Friday. Here is the latest on what’s going on in the desert:

More:

  • The White House’s Coronavirus Super Spreader Event last Saturday led to an infection of a Riverside pastor.
  • Obviously, the treatment Donald Trump received for coronavirus is far, far different than the care you or your family would get if admitted to the hospital. CNN breaks down the differences.
  • The CDC revised its guidelines on Monday to acknowledge that it can sometimes spread through airborne particles that can “linger in the air for minutes to hours” and among people who are more than 6 feet apart.

2) Hiker Found Dead Near La Quinta Cove

A 46-year-old La Quinta man was reported missing after not returning from a hike on Thursday.  Sunday, authorities found the man’s body on the mountainside near the cove area.

Officials identified the man as Thomas Teague.

 

3) Regal Cinemas will Close Theaters This Week

The movie industry has been hit especially hard by the pandemic. After delaying many movie openings for months, Tenet was released and did not do much at the US box office.  Since then, many films which were scheduled to be released this year, such as the new Wonder Woman and James Bond flicks, have since been postponed to next year. All of this has led Cineworld, the 2nd largest operator of movie theaters in the US, to close its Regal Cinemas theaters indefinitely.

The Regal Cinemas locations in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage will close on Thursday.  Their Indio location is already closed.

4) Vallarta Supermarkets to Open in Indio

Vallarta Supermarkets, one of the largest Latino-owned supermarket chains in California, is opening in Indio on Wednesday at 8 am, following a ribbon cutting ceremony at 7:30 am.

The store, located at 42425 Jackson Street, will be Vallarta Supermarkets’ 52nd store and first Vallarta to feature a Tap Room with a full-service bar featuring hand crafted cocktails and a Latin inspired small bites menu.

The store will also offer all popular Vallarta departments: Meat, Produce, La Cocina (Mexican Kitchen), Deli, Tortilleria, Bakery, Cremeria, Fresh Juice Bar, Seafood, Liquor, and Taqueria.

5) Here’s Where to Drop Off Your Ballot

Your mail-in ballot is on the way (or, maybe already in your mailbox) and you’re probably pretty motivated to vote this year. But, as you may have heard, Donald Trump has been trying to slow down the mail for months because he’s desperate and he knows he’s behind.

So, you may be thinking that you might prefer to drop off your ballot, rather than put it in the mail.  If so, here’s a list of dates and places you can do that in Riverside County.

Important: Before you drop off or mail your ballot, make sure you sign the envelope and that your signature matches the one on your driver’s license, state ID or the signature you provided when registering. The county elections office will compare them to protect your vote.

Stay safe.  Stay smart.  Stay cool. Wear a mask.

Seriously though, don’t be an asshole. Wear a mask.  ??

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR