The discovery of a “live and active” pipe bomb in South Palm Springs blocked traffic and rattled nerves Tuesday evening.
Palm Springs Police did not say how the device was discovered, but did report it was found around 4:50 PM near the entrance to Araby Trail. Shortly after the discovery they advised residents to avoid the area and closed East Palm Canyon Drive between Cherokee Way and Escoba Drive. By 8:30 PM the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hazardous Device Team had “rendered safe” the pipe bomb and roads were back open.
Police must now investigate exactly how the device got there and who might have placed it. The Araby Trail is one of the more popular trails in the city, providing a 4-mile out-and-back hike up and near the former home of Bob Hope.
BRIEFLY
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: Since Friday, 15 new cases of Coronavirus and three new deaths were reported in the city, bringing the totals in Palm Springs to 3,553 cases and 105 deaths. There have been 3,102 reported COVID recoveries.
VACCINES AVAILABLE: A Coronavirus vaccine clinic continues this week at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, from 8 AM-5 PM. Vaccines will be administered to anyone eligible, Monday through Friday, but by appointment only. Appointments can be reserved online at www.rivcoph.org/COVID-19-Vaccine. The Convention Center is just one of several places vaccines are available. Find community providers such as pharmacies here.
NEW RESTAURANT: Owners of three popular Palm Springs restaurants are opening a fourth today in the north end of Palm Canyon Drive. Willie Rhine and Chad Gardner, who brought the city Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge, 533 Viet Fusion, and Roly China Fusion, will throw open the doors of 1501 Uptown Gastropub in the former home of The Draughtsman, housed in a building that was updated by architect Chris Pardo as part of a revitalization of the area that included construction of Arrive Hotel. The menu will be “upscale pub cuisine and European comfort food.”
CLUB OPENED: The Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs has reopened to a limited number of youth. Parents will need to contact the club at enrollment@bgcps.org or (760) 327-1304 to reserve spots for their children.
