5 Things to Know: Thursday, September 24

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) One Dead in Officer-Involved Shooting at La Quinta City Hall

A man, who police say was armed with a gun, is dead after being shot by a Sheriff’s deputy in La Quinta on Thursday. The Sheriff’s Department provided a few details (below) and say there is no threat to the public.

2) The Coronavirus

Riverside County reported 188 new cases and 6 new reported deaths in the last 24 hours. Here is the latest on what’s going on in the desert:

More:

  • It’s always a good idea to get a flu shot, but Riverside County health officials are really encouraging everyone to get one this year.  State officials are worried that coronavirus cases combined with flu cases could overwhelm hospitals this fall and winter.
  • Since the beginning of the pandemic, child vaccinations were down more than 20 percent.  Dental visits for children fell in the same period by nearly 70 percent. The numbers are highest for low-income families and officials are worried about the long-term-health outcomes for children.
  • The Pac-12 announced that it will play a seven-game conference football season beginning Nov. 6.  A schedule for the season is expected to be announced in a few days.  Officials also said men’s and women’s basketball can begin Nov. 25.

3) The Snow Fire

The fire burning near Palm Springs is nearly 80% contained, as of Thursday morning, according to Cal Fire. The fire has scorched 6,254 acres.

#SnowFire update 9/24/20 – No change in acreage or containm6, 6,254 ac. and 80% contained. USFS is now fully managing the fire. Go to www.inciweb.nwcg.gov for all future updates.

Posted by CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department on Thursday, September 24, 2020

4) The Other Fires

Dozens of fires continue to burn in California, Oregon, and Washington.   Currently, 18,200 men and woman are taking on 26 major wildfires in the state of California that have burned over 3.1 million acres:

Some important links:

  • The LA Times is tracking each of the major fires on this online map. The San Francisco Chronicle also has a similar map to track the blazes.
  • The El Dorado Fire in the San Bernardino Mountains has now scorched over 22,601 acres and was 81% contained as of Wednesday morning.
  • The Forest Service has lifted the evacuation orders for Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and Barton Flats as of 6 pm on Thursday. The communities had been evacuated due to their proximity to the El Dorado Fire.

5) The La Quinta Cove is Getting a Grocery Store Again

The old Ralphs location in the La Quinta Cove has been empty since 2014 – but, according to the city, it won’t be vacant much longer.  Officials announced on Thursday that a Grocery Outlet will open in the spot, likely by next fall…well, half of the spot that used to be Ralph’s, anyway.  As for the other half of the building, the mayor says that should be announced soon, so in the meantime we can go ahead and do what we always do in these instances: speculate wildly as to what it will be only to be disappointed when we learn it’s a something like a flooring store, real estate office, or an Applebee’s.

The same center will also soon get a drive-thru Starbucks and, at this point, you really have to be asking #DoYouEvenLaQuintaBro?

Stay safe.  Stay smart.  Wear a mask. Seriously though, wear a mask.  ??

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