5 Things to Know: Wednesday, October 28

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) Another development for the filthy rich has been approved

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors took a break from doing nothing to control the coronavirus this week to approve the Thermal Beach Club, a luxury resort development featuring a 20-acre surf lagoon in Thermal. Memberships for the reseort begin at $175,000 for a residence club member and shoot up to $1 million for full-time members who will also purchase homes.

In exchange for approval of the resort, developers agreed to donate some of its undeveloped land for affordable housing, or pay for its development elsewhere.

2) The Coronavirus

Riverside County reported 305 new cases and 2 additional deaths on Wednesday. There have been 1,305 reported deaths from coronavirus this year in Riverside County.

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

More:

  • The LA Dodgers won the World Series on Tuesday night. Slugger Justin Turner was mysteriously taken out of the lineup late in the game.  After the win, Major League Baseball announced that Turner had tested positive for coronavirus.  Turner later returned for the post-game celebration and, at times, removed his mask.  Officials called out Turner for disregarding protocols and instructions and putting others at risk.  The league is investigating.
  • During a campaign rally in Arizona on Wednesday, Donald Trump discussed how Californians are eating spaghetti through masks – which, like everything that comes out of his mouth these, is something that is totally happening and not some made up garbage:

3) Mail has been running behind in the Coachella Valley…and basically everywhere else

The Desert Sun checked in on mail delivery in the Coachella Valley and learned that deliveries have been happening arriving later in the day compared to the normal delivery schedule.

Local post offices are “working diligently to keep up with the increased package and mail volumes along with addressing staffing issues,” USPS strategic communications specialist wrote in an email to the paper.

As the Washington Post reported, the first-class delivery on-time rate has been below 90% for 14 consecutive weeks now across the country.

What does this mean for your ballot, well, at this point, you should strongly consider dropping it off in person, using an official drop box location, voting early in person, or voting in person on election day.

4) Desert X reveals 2021 plans

Desert X announced on Wednesday that its third edition will run from February 6 – April 11, 2021 at sites spanning 40 miles across California’s Coachella Valley. Organizers said the outdoor exhibition will prioritize a safe and free visitor experience.

“Desert X 2021 is uniquely positioned to provide a model to experience art safely,” said Desert X Executive Director Jenny Gil. “The journey through the California desert is an integral part of the exhibition. Open-air sites will allow for an adaptable, safe and socially-distanced experience.”

Prior to the opening, the organization will release a Desert X visitor guide in compliance with state, county and CDC regulations that will contain up-to-date guidelines and requirements to safely experience the exhibition and the public programs.

5) Now that’s a great costume!

ABC 7 reports on Maddux, a 6-year-old boy from Highland who was born with Spina Bifida and Achondroplasia Dwarfism.  Every year, his parents create a rad costume for him – and this year is no exception:

“Just because he is in a wheelchair doesn’t mean he has to miss out on the Halloween fun and festivities,” his mom told the TV station.

Stay safe.  Stay smart.  Practice Social Distancing.  Wear a mask.  

??

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR