What’s up, Salem!

Let’s look at what we have for you today.

1. THREE Salem spots to try for summer treats

2. A breakdown of last night’s City Council session addressing northeast and downtown safety concerns

Also, I’m glad summer is back after the clouds we saw yesterday!

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I appreciate you all!

Jacob

Summer treats to try (and cool off with)

It is unbearably hot. Wanna get something to beat the heat and somewhat adventurous? Whether you want to try a summer snack piled with fruits or lactose intolerant-friendly, here’s three spots that have something for everyone. 

Michealda Y Antijitos el Perico 

This Mexican drinks and snacks spot is located on Lancaster Drive, next to the former Salvation Army spot. It may seem intimidating since the entire menu is in Spanish with little desciptions, but the workers know English and can answer questions you may have. 

Once you’re inside, you’ll have to step back to marvel at the over 80 options displayed, many of them are just variations of each other in either alcohol content, fruit variety, or even toppings. You can get classics like mangonadas and micheladas (cocktail of beer, tomato juice, hot sauce and spices) to ice cream shakes and other blended drinks topped with an assortment of candy. 

Recommendations: Sandia Loca (“crazy watermelon”) and Las Divas. The Sandia Loca is a popular fruit salad served out of a watermelon featuring other fruits and candies for a sweet and sour sharable experience. The Las Divas are fruity smoothies topped with candy in reusable Hello Kitty cups, perfect for your favorite diva or Hello Kitty lover. 

Address: 686 Lancaster Dr. NE

Wabi Sabi Tea 

If water isn’t quenching your thirst, maybe tea will. Wabi Sabi offers tea-based drinks with added ingredients like milk, cut fruit, boba/jellies, juice and house-made syrups. (Fun fact: most boba places use powdered products they dissolve in water, then add sugary syrups – so this is actually much healthier, comparatively!) 

Take whatever presumptions about tea you may have and throw them out, because these drinks are not the dark, bitter cups you may be thinking of. All the teas are brewed in-house, and the drinks’ sweetness levels can be adjusted from 0 to 100%. For the non-tea drinkers, there is also a selection of flavored sparkling waters and flavored milk. 

Recommendations: Bring in your own cup and straw for a small discount! For a true thirst quencher, go with any of the oolong tea-based drinks. My favorites are the Emerald Paradise (lime, pineapple chunks and juice, bit of blue curacao), strawberry jasmine with fresh cut lemon, or the Thai green ice tea with lime. 

Address: 1215 Commercial St SE

Slick Licks

Summer isn’t complete without ice cream, but it’s hard to find actual quality options for those with lactose intolerance. But Slick Licks offers flavors of ice cream made from nut milks that are actually as tasty (or tastier) than their dairy options. 

The case has a regularly rotating array of flavors, but the pre-packed pint fridge has a wider variety than the case. An issue people have with non-dairy ice cream is that the texture may be off-putting, like somehow watery or chalky. But Slick Licks’ actually has the perfect ice cream texture, and a varied rotating variety of flavors.

If you can’t decide on one flavor, sample them all or get an ice cream flight. Otherwise, you can get an ice cream shake or a malted shake. 

Recommendations: My favorite non-dairy flavors are amaretto chip and strawberry coconut, which are both enjoyable on a cone or as a shake. Pro tip: on Mondays, malted shakes are a dollar off. 

Address: 440 State St. 

Keep an eye out for our newest podcast episode, dropping on all your favorite podcast apps. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@whatshappeningsalem) too! To check back on previously published newsletters, you can find them on our website, whatshappeningsalem.com.

Got a tip, event or something else we should follow up on? Write to Em at [email protected].

Salem City Council Addresses Downtown and Northeast Safety Concerns

July 21, 2025 Work Session Summary

Salem City Council discussed new approaches to tackle safety and livability issues in downtown and Northeast Salem, where emergency calls have significantly increased.

Key Proposed Changes

New Crisis Response Team The city plans to pilot a 6-month program featuring a medical professional and mental health clinician responding to mental health crises and overdoses in unmarked vehicles. This civilian team would handle situations that don't require police, similar to Eugene's successful CAHOOTS program.

Expanded Homeless Services The current two-officer homeless services team would grow to four officers, providing seven-day coverage to build relationships with unsheltered individuals and connect them to voluntary services.

Downtown Bicycle Patrol Returns The popular downtown bicycle patrol, eliminated due to budget cuts, would be restored with eight officers to improve business and community relationships.

Community Concerns Addressed

Council members emphasized the need to rebuild trust between law enforcement and communities of color, noting that fear prevents some residents from calling 911 when they need help. Several councilors stressed that drug distribution, not possession, should be a enforcement priority.

Funding and Timeline

Specific costs will be discussed in September, with potential funding from downtown parking revenue and closed urban renewal districts. The fire department currently runs out of resources every three days, with call volumes doubling since 2011 while staffing decreased.

What's Next

• August 11: Community feedback report

• September 15: Budget discussion

• January: Potential program launch

The council showed unanimous support for these initiatives while emphasizing the need for measurable results and sustainable funding to avoid starting programs that can't be maintained long-term.