Phase 2 reopening commences in Coachella Valley

Phase 2 of California's reopening plan began Friday throughout the state. A variety of different businesses were able to open their doors back up, but with limitations.

Interstellar Comic Books and Collectibles in Palm Springs was among the businesses that reopened, while it offered curbside service.

"I can bring a few things out and show you, make recommendations," Interstellar Comic Books and Collectibles owner, Stephen Blackwell said.

Blackwell explained the new changes in accordance with the state's guidelines.

"They could just park here. There’s a parking lot in the back. They can pull up, call me and I’ll come out and come outside the store and do the transaction that way," Blackwell said.

Blackwell said it's a bit tricky, because comic book purchases often require browsing. Now that that's no longer allowed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, he said customers can call in to order or go to the store's Facebook page.

"I bought it as of January 1, took over, got the keys-- business was really picking up," Blackwell said.

Just a few months after becoming a first-time business owner, Blackwell was faced with one of his biggest challenges to date. He began with curbside in the early days of the pandemic. He said he had to stop because the sole distributor, Diamond Comic Distributors, halted operations.

"I rely very heavily on the new comic books coming in. A lot of times people come in every week to get the latest book," Blackwell said.

He is expecting to receive a new shipment on May 20.

Under phase 2 of the state's reopening plan, book stores, florists, music stores, toy stores, retailers and sporting retailers are allowed to open as long as they adhere to the state's guidelines, including curbside restrictions.

"It’s a positive sign, not just for the Coachella Valley, but it’s a positive for the state," CEO and President of the Greater Coachella Valley Chambers of Commerce, Joshua Bonner said.

Bonner said phase 2 is a step in the right direction, but it is not the end of the road considering the Coachella Valley's reliance on tourism

"Moving into phase 2 and into phase 3 when we start getting into hospitality and restaurants and some of the other things, that is going to be the key to getting this economy back on track," Bonner said.