Coachella Valley is back in business as California officially reopens

For the first time in more than a year Tuesday became the day California scrapped it's pandemic-era restrictions and returned to what became the closest thing to a pre-pandemic world. What officially ended as of June 15: the need for physical distancing, capacity limits on businesses and the overarching tier system that instilled restrictions based on several COVID-19 metrics. Under the state's most recent guidelines, fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks unless they are in settings that include public transit, indoor childcare and K-12 schools, healthcare settings, state and local correctional facilities and detention centers, mega-events, and homeless shelters, which include emergency shelters and cooling centers.

For a majority of the time, Riverside County lingered in the state's most restrictive purple tier, which kept bars closed and several other restrictions on businesses and capacity.

"We’re going to align with the state, we’re going to post a sign that says fully vaccinated people may be allowed in without a mask. People that aren’t vaccinated are required to wear a mask. We’re all on the honor system. We got to rely on what people are going to comply with," said general manager of Trunks Bar in Cathdral City, Stephen Guerrero.

Trunks bar prepared for a soft reopening Tuesday at 5 p.m., which was the first time they opened in 15 months. The location and size of the parking lot did not permit a parklet or area for outdoor dining, according to Guerrero.

"Its been 15 months since we’ve been back behind the bar. We’re going to be a little rough around the edges, I’m sure because its been so long," said Guerrero.

Guerrero said they will allow full capacity, and are planning on a full reopening with shows and music on June 25.

"It’s exciting, we’re glad that we’re going to be able to reopen, finally welcome back our friends, our patrons that we haven’t seen in over a year," said Guerrero.

While businesses and restaurants were able to allow full capacity, several valley cities have also opened for in-person service.

"Effective today you no longer need an appointment for counter service here at city hall, so you can just walk in from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and take care of your business," said Brooke Beare, director of communications and marketing for the city of Indio.

Cities went on a months-long in-person hiatus after transitioning to appointment-only services as the pandemic took off last March.

"We are asking people to sort of be respectful of each other during this transition period. Some of the guidelines are still transitioning and so while we are waiting for specific guidelines on masking, we’re asking people just to air on the side of being respectful and safe and health conscious and wear the mask, we’ll have the mask for you," said Beare.

Meanwhile, the city of Coachella will hold its first city council meeting in months at the city council chambers next Wednesday. City offices also opened up on Monday.

"We wanted to make sure our residents know that we’re are open for business and they can have all the services they need," said Coachella City Manager, Gabriel Martin.

As for Palm Springs, the city reopened its offices in recent weeks and is aligning with state guidelines.

"Restaurants are able to invite patrons back inside, that’s again a personal choice and level of comfort whether they want to take advantage of the removal of separation rules, or some businesses may ease into this a little bit," said Palm Springs City Manager, Justin Clifton.

By Thursday, Cal/OSHA is also scheduled to meet, which could determine whether masks will be mandated in the workplace.