Cool centers open for summer

Like most senior centers in the Coachella Valley, the Cathedral Center at 37171 W Buddy Rogers Ave. in Cathedral City, is also a place where you can keep cool. It works with Southern California Edison to host a cool center during the hot summer months.

“It is free and it is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m,” said James Martinez, executive director of the Cathedral Center.

It is a safe, air-conditioned facility where you can cool off with snacks, a game of bingo, a movie or a swim. Diane Richenberg said it’s her relief from the heat.

“I do different things, a movie in the afternoon, which is very popular. I come to the center play bingo and bunko,” said Richenberg.

Southern California Edison also donated a computer lab to the center.

Cool centers are especially for those at risk of getting a heat-related illness including senior citizens, people with a medical condition, the disabled, infants and young children.

“We have a large population of seniors here. For our center to provide what they do for seniors is very critical,” said Richenberg.