This morning, Apple News delivered some great reporting from The Atlantic. It’s not a source I normally peruse, but Ed Yong’s “How the Pandemic Will End” was a real eye-opener and a great piece of journalism which brought about thoughts of both hope and concern. Locally, Dr. Laura Rush and Jimmy Boegle are both providing excellent curated advice and information as the COVID-19 virus continues its march through the Coachella Valley.
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]
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide
For details on event postponements, cancellations, and rescheduling, as well as businesses and attractions that have closed for the time being visit: Coronavirus COVID-19 Event Postponements & Cancellations. We have recently had updates about the “essential” designation of Certified Farmer’s Markets, closings of trails, golf courses, and public parks, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, rescheduling of the ANA Inspiration, and much more. Read here
Palm Springs Police: General Question Line
and Coronavirus FAQ
The Palm Springs Police Department has been inundated with general questions that can be answered by looking through the City’s Coronavirus FAQ webpage – which can be found [here]. For general questions you can call 760-323-8159, from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Desert AIDS Project: Testing and Treatment
Desert AIDS Project leapt into action in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in creating a testing/screening as well as treatment site. Learn more about how they are educating, testing and treating (for other respiratory illness that can present in a similar manner) [here]. 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. Needless to say, Dining Out For Life, originally scheduled for April 30, has been canceled this year, but the need for fundraising is greater than ever. Learn more
Michael’s House Open and Providing Outpatient Treatment
Michael’s House Residential Treatment Center is fully operational in this time of crisis, and aware that mental health and addiction treatment options are needed even more during these times of high stress. Starting Monday, March 23, Michael’s House will be offering HIPAA compliant outpatient treatment as well. They are actively monitoring and responding to all recommendations made by the CDC and our local regulatory and health authorities. Read more
JFS Desert Offering Telecare
Jewish Family Service of the Desert is there for you during the COVID-19 crisis, offering Telecare via phone or computer for counseling and financial assistance. Most insurance accepted. Call 760-325-4088 or email:
• Current clients: appointments@jfsdesert.org
• New clients: intake@jfsdesert.org
• Financial assistance: casemanagement@jfsdesert.org
Stay In. Take Out.
Help restaurants in our community during this challenging time by ordering takeout for your next meal! We have a continually updated, (and ever-growing) list of options for you on our Dine & Sip Channel: Carryout/Delivery page. And check out this video from DineGPS:
- Many restaurants are offering free delivery and/or curbside pickup. For example, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Rancho Mirage is offering free delivery through March 31.
At Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Supper Club, they offer a unique experience: Curbside Pickup Dinner, with the same delicious food you’ve always enjoyed along with entertainment on the Purple Room Stage. On Wednesday and Saturday nights, you can have your takeout and entertainment too, via live streaming. Dinners available from 4:00–8:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.- Don’t forget the cocktails! Bars and restaurants may now offer take-out or delivery of alcoholic beverages under new ABC rules.
Soul Sessions Online Series
Soul Sessions with Nikki Caster is an inspirational new series created for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond in response to the global coronavirus pandemic. Produced by filmmaker Marina Rice Bader, Soul Sessions is a project born out of love as professionals and artists donate their time and effort to give back and help those struggling to cope with the isolation, fear and anxiety we’re all feeling during this unprecedented moment in time. In the first episode of Soul Sessions, Nikki Caster talks about taking care of ourselves with radical self-love and connection. Follow along
Coachella Valley Independent’s Daily Digest
Jimmy Boegle’s Coachella Valley Independent is a true gem of independent news, arts coverage, commentary and culture for the Coachella Valley, and ever since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, CV Independent has been posting a Daily Digest, which we in turn pick up and share on GayDesertGuide.LGBT. Be sure to check in every day for the latest! Read it here
LGBTQ Community Survey
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. The report will be published on the CMI.info website for free download on approximately June 30. Previous surveys have had over 45,000 participants from 150 countries. Also, 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. [Click here] to start the survey
Palm Springs Life’s Best of the Best
Now more than ever our local businesses need your support. Palm Springs Life is asking you to take the time to recognize the Best of the Best establishments across multiple categories. Votes will be accepted through March 31. You are eligible to vote once in each of the 88 categories in each of the nine cities. Vote today
Gift Cards to Support Small Business
Ordering takeout helps support our local restaurants and buying gift cards is another way to put cash into the hands of owners you believe in today, in the hopes they will be here tomorrow. Think not only of local restaurants, but independent workers like physical trainers or massage therapists who can’t serve their clients during this time. You can use the hashtag #prebuylocal to share this idea with friends!
Bouschet is a specialty marketplace offering a large selection of fine wines, liquor, craft beer, gourmet specialty foods, exquisite giftware, and amazing bistro menu where you can order delicious carryout sandwiches as well as wine and liquor! They offer free delivery for orders of $50 or more, and partner with Uber Eats for smaller orders. Current hours are Monday–Saturday 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Note: the opening of PS Air, the much-anticipated aviation-themed lounge inside Bouschet, has been delayed for obvious reasons). With our HOT DEAL, you get a $25 gift card, good for fine wine, liquor, gourmet foods & gifts. Get Your Deal
- DAP Doubles Impact at COVID-19 Clinic with Treatment Plus Testing
- US Small Business Administration Offering Federal Disaster Loans for Small Business
- 12 Ways to Thrive During a Quarantine in Southern California
- Top Queer Virtual Travel Experiences
- Why Support the Arts in a Time of Crisis
WeFiix cell phone repair provides an unrivaled selection of the best quality parts, a unique quick repair, and extraordinary customer service, and they are an essential service staying open to serve you with new hours:
Monday–Saturday 10:00–5:00 p.m. More info
Our Town Impacted by COVID-19
Check out this video, Our Town Pt. 1 Impacted by COVID-19 produced by DJ Galaxy/VJC Productions, fearing the eerie shuttering of so many downtown Palm Springs businesses, at a time of year when these places would ordinarily be the busiest. Palm Canyon Drive empty on a beautiful sunny day in March?