5 Things to Know: Friday, October 2

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

Obviously, the big news is that President Donald Trump announced Thursday night that he and First Lady Melania Trump had tested positive for coronavirus.  Since making the announcement in a tweet, Trump has reportedly had a fever and cough, been treated with an experimental drug cocktail for COVID-19, and taken to Walter Reed Medical Center, where he will remain for what the White House says will be at least several days.   There has been a lot to take in over the last 24 hours and the New York Times has been posting regular updates about the situation here. 

Riverside County reported 446 new cases and 5 new deaths in the last 24 hours. Here is the latest on what’s going on in the desert:

2) Fire Destroys Los Rios Rancho in Oak Glen

The Los Rios Rancho bakery, ranch store, packing house and the ranger shop were destroyed in a fire that broke out early Friday morning in Oak Glen. Firefighters were called to the property about 2:15 am.  There were no reported injuries.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and Oak Glen Preserve is closed until further notice.

 

3) Woman Arrested for Taking Riverside Fire Engine for a Joyride

 

A 31-year-old woman was arrested Thursday night after police say she stole a Riverside Fire Department truck and took it on a joyride while first responders were handling a life-threatening medical emergency.

The woman jumped behind the wheel of the vehicle while firefighters were loading a patient into an ambulance, say police.  She then drove the fire engine for about three miles  before eventually being taken into custody.  Police told CBS 2 that the woman appeared “extremely intoxicated.”

4) Palm Springs Police Investigating Late Night Shooting

Palm Springs PD is investigating after officers recovered two guns after a high-speed chase and reported shooting.

The shooting was reported Thursday night at about 10:50 on Palm Vista Drive. Officers patrolling the area began following a Mazda sedan seen turning from the general direction of the sounds of gunfire, according to police.

They attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the driver refused and drove onto the 10 Freeway, where officers reported seeing “two objects” being tossed from the car.

Officers lost sight of the vehicle after it exited the freeway at Bob Hope. Police later recovered two guns on the side of I-10. The Mazda was found abandoned behind the Walgreens on Dinah Shore in Rancho Mirage.

Witnesses or anyone with info should call Sgt. Miguel Torres at 760-323-8144. Anonymous tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867

PRESS RELEASE: Incident Type: Shooting Investigation Location: 400 block of Palm Vista Drive, Palm Springs Time:…

Posted by Palm Springs Police Department, CA on Friday, October 2, 2020

5) Tribe to Donate New Mobile Homes to Families After Indio Fire

After a fire destroyed the homes and belonging of multiple families in an Indio trailer park earlier this week, the Indio Mayor told KESQ that the 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians will purchase all brand new trailer homes for the families.

Five adults and five children lost everything in the fire at the Pueblo Del Sol community on Wednesday. DSUSD is also accepting donated items and gift cards at Indio High School or Summit High School for the families.

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

Seriously though, wear a mask.  ??

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR