Friday, June 5, 2020

ON THE HORIZON – BUSINESSES SLOWLY RE-OPEN

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail

Is it a mirage or just a dream come true?   Enjoying a delicious meal at one of my favorite restaurants had to go on an extended hiatus during the COIVD-19 lockdown.   We missed the simple pleasure of enjoying a meal together at our favorite haunt.   After several months of patiently waiting for restaurants and businesses to emerge from lockdown, I am finally starting to see long awaited signs of life as they slowly reopen their doors to customers.
While in some states, cases are decreasing, but in California the number of cases continues to rise.  Businesses have been working diligently to re-tool their public space and incorporate stringent safety policies and best practices for their employees and customers.  Safe distancing and face coverings will still be required.

Courtesy of Pexels

All 50 states have begun easing quarantine restrictions even though not all states have met the federal criteria for reopening businesses.  It is even more critical to continue social distancing, washing hands frequently and wearing face coverings to slow the spread of the virus.  Reopening businesses is still somewhat hesitant for both the customer and the staff because the COVID-19 virus has not disappeared.  Everyone is anxious to reopen but will have to ensure that safety measures are followed.  According to the CDC, the public is not resonating the health message that the number of cases continue to rise across the U.S.  While cases have slowed in hot spots such as New York state, the U.S is still seeing roughly 20,000 new Covid-19 cases each day.


Heritage Farmers Market
With the extended stay at home mandate, some business owners saw the writing on the wall and jumped into survival mode to address public safety protocol during operating hours.  Heritage Farmers Market was successful in launching their convenient on-line, home delivery of farm fresh fruits and vegetables to their clients.  I was thrilled to receive the announcement from Bing Turner, Market manager that on Friday, June 5, 2020 at 10:00 am, they will be returning to Victoria Gardens with their premier Farmers Market.  The market has temporarily been moved to the North West parking lot in front of the Cheesecake Factory.  To ensure safe distancing protocols, they will have a single entrance and exit for this market. This is exactly the news that I have been patiently waiting for.  I cannot wait to see in the re-opening in person, and I am looking forward to supporting Bing and his lovely wife Misha for all the hard work it took to bring back my favorite farmers market at Victoria Gardens.  Thank you for your dedication and continued commitment to providing this cherished amenity for our community.

Another positive sign of life is just next door in Upland, with the re-opening of one of my favorite breakfast restaurants adjacent to the Pacific Electric trail, Molly’s Super. Grateful customers are returning to help support their re-opening.  Face coverings are still required, but they have a large patio for dining and remember that they are dog friendly, so do not forget to bring your four-legged friend.

Public Domain Pictures

Yet another positive sign of progress is on the horizon for the city of Laguna Beach, who are in the planning stages of isolating the busiest section of the businesses on Forest street in downtown, to pedestrian traffic only.  This will allow restaurants to extend seating to the sidewalk and street and give restaurants the ability to serve the maximum number of guests and still adhere to safe distancing.  The city is also considering the addition of parking complexes to accommodate for the loss in street parking adjacent to businesses on Forest street.  Laguna Beach is my home away from home and it is encouraging seeing how this artistic city is embracing tangible solutions for change that can transform the landscape model of dining for all.

A few other local restaurants are finally open for dine in service in the Inland Empire:  Lazy dog, B J’s, near Ontario, Brio Tuscan Grille, Paul Martin American Grill, Kings Fish House, Lucille’s’ BBQ, Fleming’s’ Prime Steakhouse at Victoria Gardens and in Upland, the historic Sycamore Inn and Cask and Cleaver are now open in Rancho Cucamonga.  This is the right time to celebrate the long-awaited re-opening of your favorite eateries and this is the perfect time to be generous at the end of your meal when tipping your server. Enjoy the reopening by trying them all and let us which is your favorite in the comments section below.

Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail
- Victoria Jones Friend of the Pacific Electric Trail
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