Local & Community
Palm Springs Air Museum Limits Offerings Due to Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order
(CNS) – The Palm Springs Air Museum is ceasing most of its offerings for the next several weeks due to the state-mandated stay-at-home order in effect across Southern California.
The move affects the museum’s exhibits and hangars, but not its gift shop or flight operations. Museum officials noted the paradox of the partial closure beginning on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which marks the 79th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The attack resulted in more than 2,400 casualties and the loss of U.S. Navy battleships and destroyers docked at the military installation.
“The date of the shutdown is ironic for our institution,” said Fred W. Bell, vice chairman of the museum. “On this date the United States was thrust into World War II. Now, as in that time long ago, we are at war, in this case with a deadly unseen enemy — COVID. We did not seek this circumstance, but we have to understand the reality of it.”
Aircraft enthusiasts can still book a flight aboard the museum’s T-28 Trojan, PT-17 Stearman, P-51 Mustang or T-33 Shooting Star by calling 760-778- 6262.
Several other popular Coachella Valley destinations, have also closed or significantly reduced their operations due to the regional stay-at-home order that went into effect Sunday just before midnight and is set to remain in place for at least three weeks.
The order calls for broad limits on day-to-day activity amid the ongoing second-wave surge in COVID-19 cases. The baseline determinant for implementation is 15% intensive care unit bed capacity. Any region where the number of beds falls below that threshold triggers the new lockdown. Southern California hit the trigger over the weekend.
The museum shut down fully in March amid rising coronavirus infection totals and reopened in June amid safety protocols aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
Up-to-date information can be found at https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/.
By: Ceci Partridge
December 7, 2020
Latest Instagram Posts
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews