This week, Eye on Travel broadcasts from the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, California. Peter has the latest on the coronavirus and what you need to know, and how to walk the fine but important line between concern and panic. Patrick Smith, Airline Pilot, Author & Founder of AskThePilot.com, discusses the current state of affairs at Boeing in the aftermath of the 737 Max 8 investigation. Ty Peabody, Mayor of Indian Wells, speaks about the origin of the city’s name, the region’s transformation and the legacy of some of its residents, including Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra. Fred Bell, from the Palm Springs Air Museum, shares some of the wild stories of its planes and pilots. And, to coincide with International Women’s Day, Peter is joined by Kate McCue, the captain of the Celebrity Edge with her remarkable story. There’s all this and more as Eye on Travel comes from the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, California.

Click here to listen to the show streaming live from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 7, 2020.

Have a travel question? Then ask Peter. E-mail him at peter@petergreenberg.com, or tweet your questions to @petersgreenberg (include #AskPeter).

Patrick Smith, Airline Pilot, Author & Founder of AskThePilot.com, returns to the program to discuss the current state of affairs at Boeing in the aftermath of the 737 Max 8 tragedies and the plane’s consequential grounding. He reveals his views on the beast of a plane that he now calls the “Frankenplane” and why, perhaps, Boeing should move on to a new blueprint. He also addresses the seemingly unethical relationship between the FAA and Boeing and the problems that arise.

Ty Peabody, Mayor of Indian Wells, speaks about how he ended up as the mayor, the origin of the city’s name and the region’s transformation. He dives into the legacy left behind by the Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra days and the philanthropic community that inhabits it today. He then shares his favorite places to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as his favorite “cult” California-founded fast food establishment and its challenges.

Thomas P. Nolan, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Palm Springs International Airport, joins the program to talk about the gem airport, why it’s an airport like no other in the world and the reason why it got rid of its golf course. He further chats about seasonality, the airport’s experience and its claim to fame.

Fred Bell, Vice Chairman & Managing Director at the Palm Springs Air Museum, gives us the history behind the museum, the type of planes it has and which are flyable. He tells the story of the war planes, and Peter talks about his own experiences flying some of the planes. Fred then shares more on the most surprising plane and the restoration process. Plus, don’t miss the outrageous story of a pilot who dropped out of a plane to face an angry Italian lady with a knife.

Erik Nygren, Director of Food & Beverage at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, speaks about moving from the midwest, sourcing locally and making use of the region’s dates. The dates are even used in the cocktails! He explains the connection between the Mediterrean and the desert, the history behind saving the dates and the biggest surprise on the menu. Then, he’ll dish on more on the unique offerings and how they’re influenced by the region.

Erin Scott, Community Outreach for The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, dispels the myth that the desert is void of life and explains its diversity as well as the unique adaptations of different local species. She speaks about the wolf prosecution and efforts to help the Mexican wolf. She discusses the importance of mountain lions and why wildlife isn’t an enemy. She also talks about learning to co-exist and community-based conservation. Then, she has more on the 1,000 acres of mountain trails.

Christoph Roshardt, General Manager at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, speaks about how he ended up in the desert and why the summer heat – its low season – is attracting Europeans. He reveals his biggest surprise about Indian Wells and the local government and what surprises visitors too. He says it’s not a clubbing scene and a lot more tranquil than its neighbor Palm Springs. He also chats about the water misconception and how it’s thriving.

Renee Brown, Director of Education & Associate Curator at the Palm Springs Historical Society, shares more information on the extensive archive records and the architects that have made Palm Springs famous. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t the stars. She tells the early story of the region and its mineral water that’s 12,000 years old by the time it comes up. She also reveals more on the star hideouts. She then illustrates the Section 14 history and how an all-women’s tribal council lobbied for the tribe’s rights.

Jeffery Harmon, Historian & Author of Tales From Southwest Riverside County, gives a voice to the smaller stories that were forgotten and overlooked in the county, including the first plane that flew over the county. He gives us some local military history and talks about the the long-distance races from Los Angeles to San Diego and how a group of chickens in Orange County impeded what would have been a record. Jeffery talks about a dual murder and its aftermath, prohibition and illegal saloons and the history of the local Murrietta.

Ron Willison, Local History, Modernism & Architectural Expert, and part of the Palm Springs Cultural Center and Palm Springs Film Festival, reveals how he ended up in the desert, why he stayed and how it emerged from being a forgotten town. He says that everyone from Margaret Thatcher to Frank Sinatra came here. He expands on the Frank Sinatra estate as well as a scandalous Ava Gardner incident involving a thrown bottle. He further speaks about the surprising natural elements of the area, how Sonny Bono really brought back the whole valley and how the seasonality of the town has changed.

Michael Tebbetts, of Indian Wells Golf Resort, chats about the staggering number of golf clubs in the region. He discusses the water agency’s mission to use water sustainability and what it’s doing to become stewards for the environment. He then reveals the even more staggering number of bourbons and American whiskeys on its property and talks about the difference between coastal and desert golf courses including the temperature and effects on the roll of the ball.