We’ve only been at this (quarantine) for two weeks now as we face another month of social distancing, crazy daily briefings and more fiction than fact on social media. The stimulus package is signed, sealed and decidedly complex. But there’s a massive push to inform small business owners and the workers who have been idled with ways to stay sane and solvent during the crisis.
Jimmy Boegle at the CV Independent is providing a daily dose of local stories and reliable news on the outbreak.
Again last Thursday, Dr. Laura Rush and Jimmy provided our podcast listeners with another update as the COVID-19 virus continues its march through the Coachella Valley.
Share this with your friends and thanks for your support of GayDesertGuide.LGBT.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide
Palm Springs Coronavirus Hotline
A new hotline and email is now available for Palm Springs businesses and residents impacted by the spread of Coronavirus. Anyone with questions such as how to apply for unemployment, a small business loan, find information about recent City and State of California orders related to sheltering in place, parks, trails, golf courses, the moratorium on vacation rentals, homeshares, hotels and any other issue, can now call a Hotline Number at (760) 902-1155 or reach out via email to coronavirusquestions@palmspringsca.gov.
Small Business Webinar: Response to COVID-19
Join Palm Springs Mayor Geoff Kors, the Palm Springs Chamber and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for an open session for area businesses affected by COVID-19 on available resources, funding options and more on Monday, March 30 at 1:00 p.m.Register here
Vibrant Virtual Gatherings at The Center
Are you self-isolating or sheltering in place and need Connection? Join The LGBT Center of the Desert for their virtual gathering Zoom meetings and stay connected with your community. Gatherings include: Seated Wellness/Chair Yoga, Connecting Women, Social Caring in the Face of Quarantine, Knit Together, and the open-forum Community Conversation. More info
Virtual Trans Peer Support Groups
The Borrego Health Department of Trans Medicine has had to postpone their in-person peer support groups for trans youth and adults, but they will move forward with virtual support meetings (via Zoom) until they are able to resume live meetings. Follow our link for meeting times and other participation details: More info
Online Shopping Locally
The Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism has compiled a list of Palm Springs Retail Businesses who offer online shopping, a great way to pass the time while you’re sheltering in place, while supporting our local businesses, in categories like clothing, flowers, home decor, and more. Learn more
They have also posted a very useful Grocery Store Shopping Guide, with a list of tips for all shoppers to protect themselves and others, plus a rundown of grocery stores in our area with hours and notes on delivery options. More info
Leadership Council’s Call to Action
The Palm Springs Community Leadership Council is calling on their network to encourage members and supporters in the low-risk category to reach out and help at least one neighbor experiencing home isolation due to COVID-19. One Member, One Neighbor is an immediate action to engage a social network for immediate good with gestures as simple and vital as making socialization calls, picking up groceries/medicine, and offering to walk the dog for those who could use the help in this difficult time. More info
Oasis at Home
The Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau has created an “Oasis at Home” experience where you can find links to great Palm Springs experiences online with Virtual Tours, Live Virtual Workouts from local instructors, Virtual Cooking Classes, and even Live Performances from The Purple Room stage. Learn more.
Among Friends Happy Hour
Join Among Friends on Thursday, April 2 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. for a Virtual Happy Hour on cam, using Zoom. Make your own cocktail and get on cam (or just watch) to connect and play games like “pineapple” and the famous Among Friends card game. Don’t know what those are? Join in and find out! More info
NEW DATE: Palm Springs HOT RODEO
The Greater Palm Springs Rodeo Corporation Board of Directors and 2020 HOT RODEO Production Team have decided to cancel, rather than postpone, their 2020 roedo. However, HOT RODEO plans to return May 7-9, 2021. Social & fundraising events will resume once the board of directors feels it is advisable.
Support Desert AIDS Project’s Response to COVID-19
Desert AIDS Project leapt into action in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in creating a testing/screening as well as treatment site. This is no small undertaking. This new clinic will cost DAP $575,000 to operate over the coming months and they need your help to make this vital service available. Help us help DAP reach their goal. Give today
OPEN: Certified Farmers’ Markets
Operations have resumed at the Certified Farmers’ Markets (Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta) continuing: Wednesday, April 1 in Palm Desert [more info], Saturday, April 4 in Palm Springs [more info], and Sunday, April 5 in Old Town La Quinta. Certified Farmers’ Markets are listed as an essential service to remain open during the Covid-19 Crisis and they are following a list of modifications to their normal operations for health and safety, including spacing of booths, no sampling or food prepared on site, and additional hand-washing and sanitizer stations.
LGBTQ Community Survey
If you haven’t already, please take part in the Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) 14th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey. For over a decade, this survey has provided free data to help non-profits, universities, and organizations better understand and serve the LGBTQ community. Participation in this survey gives important feedback to our LGBTQ community media and organizations, and provides data to companies interested in serving our community, sponsoring our charities, and supporting their LGBTQ employees. Think of it as the gay census! [Click here] to start the survey
“Werq the World” Livestream Global Benefit
A global benefit hosted by Bianca del Rio in Los Angeles and Lady Bunny in New York will help support drag entertainers whose income has been affected by the shutdown of clubs and bars to slow the spread of COVID-19. The special will take place on Saturday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m., streaming worldwide, and will include performances from Aquaria, Asia O’ Hara, Gigi Goode, Kameron Michaels, Kim Chi, Plastique Tiara, Vanessa ‘Vanjie’ Mateo, Violet Chachki and Yvie Oddly. More info
Don’t miss the latest episode of the #ILoveGayPalmSprings Podcast, where Hosts John Taylor, Shann Carr, and Brad Fuhr get an update on the Coronavirus outbreak and what it means for our community. [Listen here]
