5 Things to Know: Thursday, October 1

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

Riverside County reported 83 new cases and no new reported deaths in the last 24 hours.  There are 119 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in the county, with 40 in the ICU.

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

More:

  • Amazon released data on its workers and the spread of the coronavirus on Thursday. The company disclosed that more than 19,000 workers, or 1.44% of their total workforce at Amazon and Whole Foods, contracted the virus this year.
  • Loss of smell and taste are strong indicators that a person is infected with the coronavirus, according to a new report.  Researchers say it may occur without other symptoms, such as of cough or fever – and they say those who lose their sense of taste or smell should consider self-isolating, even if they have no other symptoms.
  • Coronavirus vaccine phase three trials are underway. Those taking part in trials for Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccines have come down with high fever, body aches, headaches and exhaustion after receiving the shots. While the symptoms were uncomfortable, and at times intense, the companies say they often went away after a day, sometimes less.

2) Video Shows $100 Million Jet Crashing Near Coachella Valley

Just days after officials confirmed that an F-35 fighter jet clipped a KC-130 tanker and later crashed after attempting to refuel in the skies above the Salton Sea, video of the incident showing the aircraft crashing into the desert after the pilot ejected was posted to social media:

According to the Desert Sun, there were several non-life threatening injuries, including a pilot who was hospitalized after ejecting. All personnel involved in the crash have since been medically cleared, according to KESQ.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

3) The Palm Springs City Manager is Calling It Quits

One of the highest paid public employees in the Coachella Valley announced he will be stepping down at the end of the year. David Ready, who has been the Palm Springs City Manager for about 20 years (and earning more than $351,000 a year while doing it), announced he will retire on December 31. Ready told The Desert Sun that he’s planning to stay in Palm Springs and pursue public administration academic research.

4) Bob and Delores Hope’s Palm Springs Pad is for Sale

No, no, no…not the spaceship house, the other Palm Springs house that Bob and Dolores owned for more than half a century. The five bedroom, 7 bath house has nearly 3,000 square feet of living space and recently hit the market for $1.5 million, according to the LA Times.

The Hopes bough the place in 1946, and after both had passed away, their estate sold it in 2013.  There is currently a plaque on the front gate identifying the property as the “Home of Hope.”

The house has since been fixed up a bit – with an updated kitchen and solar panels.

5) The Heat

September left us in record fashion…

…and the first day of October brought even more heat records…

https://twitter.com/NWSSanDiego/status/1311816830902697985/

…and it doesn’t look like we are going to get any relief any time soon…

Dammit.

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

Seriously though, wear a mask.  ??

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