Palm Springs Police detectives arrested a 31-year-old man at a home in Coachella Thursday after investigating a bomb threat he allegedly made on social media the day after the discovery of a pipe bomb here.
While the discovery of a pipe bomb near the entrance to Araby Trail in South Palm Springs on Feb. 16 and the threat made Feb. 17 may eventually be tied to the suspect, police said, “The two are being considered two separate investigations at this time as it is currently unknown if they are related.”
In the Feb. 17 threat, police said the suspect reportedly wrote that, “additional bombs would be placed at a Desert X art exhibit event on an unspecified date or time.”
Authorities encourage anyone with information related to these incidents to contact Detective Escallada at 760-323-8129. Anonymous information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 760-341-7867.
BRIEFLY
WHAT NEXT FOR ‘HERO PAY’?: The Palm Springs Council plans a March 11 vote on ‘Hero Pay,’ an ordinance that would mandate a temporary bump in hourly wages for certain front-line workers in the city deemed essential during the pandemic. The issue was discussed Thursday evening at the Council’s regular meeting, where city staff was asked to prepare additional materials for the Council to review in preparation for a vote in two weeks. If passed, workers at certain grocery stores and pharmacies in the city would see a temporary $4 an hour boost in pay. Council members said Thursday evening they are interested in expanding those who might be eligible, but also mindful of the impact it would have on businesses ordered to pay their employees more.
CITY FEATURED: Palm Springs will be the next “Virtual Road Trip” on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” when the show airs today at 9 AM on KESQ. Aside from highlighting the city, the show will feature the local station’s chief meteorologist, a local couple fighting food insecurity, and chef Andrew Copley of Copley’s on Palm Canyon.
COVID TESTING: Free COVID testing is offered Saturday at Desert Highland Park, 480 Tramview Rd. from 9AM -1 PM.
COVID VACCINES: If you qualify for a vaccine you can get one at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, from 8 AM-5 PM today, and again next week, Monday-Friday. Appointments can be reserved online at www.rivcoph.org/COVID-19-Vaccine. Find community providers such as pharmacies here. On Thursday, there was one fewer case reported in the city since the pandemic began (3,573) and no additional deaths (110) compared to the prior day. Also Thursday, the city reported that virus reported in the city’s wastewater was on the decline, and Desert Regional Hospital reported its ICU was at less than 100%. Both are signs that less COVID is in the community.
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND
OPEN/CLOSED: Restaurants, shops and services, parks, farmers’ markets, hiking trails and golf courses are all open with some at limited capacity. The Palm Springs Air Museum is open, but the Art Museum remains closed, as do the Senior Center and Library. The Animal Shelter is open by appointment only. The Aerial Tramway requires tickets be purchased ahead of time, but none were available this weekend at the time this was written.
ALL WEEKEND: The Agua Caliente Casino downtown is open at 50% capacity, with masks and social distancing required.
TONIGHT: The Sixth annual “Desert Taste of Soul,” presented by Palm Springs Unified School District Black Excellence, will be held online starting at 5 PM. The event features student lead activities and performances, artwork, oratorical and culinary presentations highlighting this year’s national Black History theme: The Black Family; Representation, Identity and Diversity.
SATURDAY: “Blocking,” paintings by New York City space and figurative artist Alex Harristhal, opens at Rubine Red Gallery on North Palm Canyon Drive from 1-8 PM. Stroll through the gallery, meet the artist and enjoy the open air back bar for a refreshment.
SUNDAY: The Palm Springs Black History Committee is hosting a “Caravan Thru African American History” Saturday at 10 AM. The caravan kicks off at United Methodist Church of Palm Springs, 1555 E. Alejo Road. To register, visit this site
SUNDAY: Chill Bar on East Arenas offers a drag brunch outside from 12 PM-2:30 PM. Tickets are $12 per person. In order to meet social distancing requirements you must purchase a full table.
SUNDAY: Marc Antonelli brings ‘An Evening of Musical Elegance’ to the outdoor patio at Venezia Italian Restaurant, 2500 N . Palm Canyon Dr., starting at 6 PM.
