It hits home when the news of Desert AIDS Project’s CEO David Brinkman testing positive for COVID-19 is released. Much like what the British are experiencing with their Prime Minister in the hospital, when our leaders are struck down it gives us pause. New guidance continues to come in from local and state officials. Of most interest, our hotels and rentals are mandated to remain shuttered till June 19th. But I’m stunned at the number of neighbors and people about whom I see without face protection. That order is in effect until April 30th. Let’s continue to do our part to flatten the curve. Dr. Laura Rush gives some encouraging words on today’s #ILoveGayPalmSprings podcast. We’re joined by Davey Wavey and his ways to combat boredom with Himeros.TV along with DBA’s Dave Powell. Stay safe! And see below for what you need to know this week!
I Love Gay Palm Springs Podcast – Episode 40
Host John Taylor and comedian Shann Carr are joined by Dr. Laura Rush for an informative discussion on Palm Springs pandemic response. Gay social media guru Davey Wavey talks about how his erotic site Himeros.TV is adapting to the new normal. CV Independent editor Jimmy Boegle keeps us updated with timely and useful information. Gay Desert Guide’s Brad Fuhr and Desert Business Association’s David Powell seek solutions for businesses facing unprecedented upheaval in Palm Springs. Plus a “Take Out/Shout Out” to our local restaurants who are still cooking up great meals! [Listen Here] or [Watch Here]
Make Sure You are Counted: Census 2020
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau will attempt to count everyone in the United States on April 1, regardless of their nationality or sexual orientation. The 2020 Census will give people the option to identify a relationship as same-sex. Responses from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) community, a historically undercounted community, will provide reliable data to inform advocates, policymakers, and researchers working on LGBTQ+ issues. Start here
Crucial COVID-19 Info from the County of Riverside
The number of COVID-19 cases is rising rapidly in Riverside County, and County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser has ordered that no gatherings of any number of people may take place outside of family members residing in the same home. Dr. Kaiser also ordered everyone to wear a face covering when leaving home, including essential workers. Face coverings can be bandanas, scarves, neck gaiters or other clothing that does not have visible holes. Residents should not purchase N95 or surgical masks, as these limited resources are needed for the healthcare community and first responders.
Read much more in the extensive FAQ from Riverside University Health System:
COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions Concerning State and Local Orders
For the latest, please visit the Riverside County Coronavirus resource page at:
https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus
Revised 2020-2021 Gay Desert Guide Events Calendar Now Available
This has been an unprecedented season of rescheduling major events, and we are keeping on top of the changes for you! Check out our handy Calendar of Events for 2020-21 below. You can also download it for safekeeping or printout [here].
And don’t forget, just because we are staying home, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on! We are putting a lot of “virtual gathering” events on our events calendar now, including live performances, support groups, arts tours, drag bingo, and many other ways to occupy our time. Stay up to date with our day-to-day Events Calendar [here].
CANCELED: Splash House June 5–7
The June edition of Splash House, originally scheduled for June 5–7, has been canceled. Two Splash House weekends remain on the calendar for August: Splash House Weekend One is August 7–9, and Splash House Weekend Two is August 14–16.
Support Palm Springs Local Business
Restaurants and retailers are our family and what helps make Palm Springs unique. Please support them now more than ever so we can save what makes Palm Springs like no place else. Go to https://www.visitpalmsprings.com/ for a full list of restaurants and retailers you can support.
New County Regulations for Parks, Trails & Golf
Hiking is still an option, but only if you can walk or bike to it. Parking lots are closed. Learn more.
Coachella Documentary: 20 Years in the Desert
Just in time for the weekend that would have marked the start of the Coachella Music & Arts Festival (postponed to October this year), we have a new documentary, ‘Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert’, streaming free on YouTube starting Friday, April 10 at 12:00 p.m. The film will feature behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and performances from the festival’s 20-year history. More info
Virtual Hugs from The Center
The LGBT Community Center of the Desert has launched a Virtual Hugs Initiative, because staying physically distant from others is difficult, and it’s important to let people know that you care. You can do so safely and virtually with these sassy shirts and caps. Send as gifts, wear them for social media posts, or use them to wave and send “air hugs” from a distance to your friends and neighbors. Proceeds benefit The Center, whose mission is creating vibrant community by helping LGBTQ people along their way. Merchandise will be available to ship front Destination PSP on April 10. More info
Visit Greater Palm Springs Virtually
The culinary experiences of Greater Palm Springs are the focus of the DineGPS and CraftGPS Video Series , from Visit Greater Palm Springs. While we can’t travel physically, we can virtually explore behind-the-scenes of the top kitchens in the area: meet a local sushi master and restaurateur. Get a front seat at a speakeasy-style chef’s table. Dine with a view on top of Mount San Jacinto, do your homework and be ready for when it’s time to open up again! Learn more
Another way to “Find Your Videoasis” is to binge-watch the Wander List and Chill Chaser video series, which feature the activities and destinations that make Greater Palm Springs a one-of-a-kind adventure. Check it out
White Party Palm Springs Facebook Live April 25 & 26
While White Party Palm Springs 2020 has been rescheduled to the fall (Oct. 30–Nov. 2), Jeffrey Sanker Presents invites you to a free online virtual event on the weekend that White Party would have been: White Party Faceboook Live Main Event on Saturday, April 25 at 9:00 p.m. featuring DJ’s Isis Muretech, GSP, and Phil Romano — followed by the White Party T-Dance on Sunday, April 26 at 4:00 p.m. featuring DJ’s Anne Louise, Ben Bakson, and Dan Slater. Celebrate White Party weekend safely at home! More info
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
- COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions Concerning State and Local Orders
- New Fund Encourages Artists, Musicians, and Others to ‘Keep Art Alive’
- Tips on Hiking During COVID-19 Outbreak
- LGBTQ+ Artists Unite Virtually to Let Their True Colors Shine Through
- The 15 Essential Music Festival Performances You Can Watch on YouTube
Il Giardino Ristorante Italiano has announced they will be open for Carryout Service Thursdays through Sundays, serving their famous homemade Italian dishes for you to enjoy at home. You may phone in orders starting at 4:00 p.m. for pickup from 4:30–7:30 p.m. (Last call is 7:15 p.m.) And Check out their EASTER SUNDAY SPECIAL: Oven cooked lamb shank cooked in wine, with mixed vegetables, carnaroli risotto and parmigiano cheese Please book before 2:00 p.m Friday for Easter Sunday Carryout. Phone: (760) 322-0888 anytime. More info