🌮 a marathon city council meeting and a list of places to run in salem

Last night meeting was almost an all nighter

AuthorAuthor

Ernie Samora & Jacob Espinoza
June 24, 2025

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Salem City Council: The June 23rd Marathon Meeting

Salem's city council pulled an all-nighter (well, almost) tackling everything from historic swearing-ins to heated debates about airline contracts.

The Good News: My Vang made history as Oregon's first elected Hmong American representative, joining Ward 6 with style. The council also approved employee parking discounts and established oversight for the new parks and libraries levy.

Avello Airlines' deportation continues to make a huge presence at our local city council meetings. Council members expressed moral opposition but cited scary legal risks (think: losing federal airport funding) for breaking the contract early.

Downtown Drama: New parking meters start July 10th! Quarters still work (who knew?), and there's still free parking in our parkades. Business owners are nervous, employees are stressed, and everyone's watching closely.

Given all these competing priorities and limited city powers, what would YOU focus on first if you were running Salem? 🤔

Was this email forwarded to you by a friend?

Running on caffeine fumes—and still tanking by noon?
Another drip-coffee isn’t the answer. (I hate admitting this…)

Enter Saltwater Wellness, Salem’s one-stop spot for IV vitamin drips, medical weight-loss coaching, and hormone optimization. It’s like plugging your body into a fast charger, right on Hyacinth Street.

What you’ll unlock at your first visit

  • A quick lab panel + no-rush chat with Nurse Practitioner Nancy Yankovic to pinpoint exactly what your body’s missing.

  • Targeted IV blends (immune boost, skin-glow, “I overdid it last night”) or a supervised weight-loss game plan—no fad diets required.

  • A clear roadmap to more energy, deeper sleep, and that “let’s-hit-Minto-Brown” vibe—without driving to Portland.

🏃 Salem Summer Runs

I've been getting into running lately and wanted to share some of the amazing opportunities happening around Salem. I recently ran the Salem Summer Solstice 10K and the June STRIDE 5K, and crossing those finish lines made me feel like the world was mine. There’s just something about moving in stride with others from your own community—sharing the same trails, the same pace, the same determination.

Many of these races take place in Salem’s most beautiful parks, from the winding forest paths of Minto-Brown to the tree-lined loops of Bush’s Pasture. Whether you're training for a big race or just looking for a casual jog with friends, there's something here for everyone. If you’ve been thinking about getting out there, this is your sign.

Pick your race, set your pace, and come run this city. Let’s go! 🏃‍♂️🔥

Saturday, June 28

Race to Save the Harvest – 5K / 3K • Minto‑Brown Island Park • 9:30AM (5K/3K Adults), 9:35AM (3K Kids) • $17/$30 registration

Saturday, July 5

Help Oregon Veterans 5K Run & 3K Walk • 155 McNary Estates Dr N, Keizer • 8 AM (Walk) / 8:30 AM (Run) • $25 registration

Saturday, July 19

STRIDE 5K / 10K Run & Walk • Minto‑Brown Island Park Picnic Shelter near Parking Lot #3 • 9 AM • $10/$15 registration

Saturday, August 9

Angry Owl Ultramarathons – 5K, 10K, 6‑/12‑/24‑Hour Ultramarathon • Bush Park • 8 AM (5K/10K start; ultras begin earlier) • Registration starting at $25

Saturday, August 16

Run for Salem Free Clinics – 10K / 5K / 2‑Mile Fun Walk • Minto‑Brown Island Park • 9 AM • $30 registration

Sunday, August 17

HCAO Every BODY In 5K / Walk • Minto‑Brown Island Park • 9 AM • $30 registration

Thursdays in August (7 & 14)

Bush Park Thursday Nights in August – 3K & 5K Series • Bush’s Pasture Park, Phillips' Field • 6 PM (3K) / 6:50 PM (5K) • $10 registration

Saturday, August 23

August STRIDE Run/Walk • Minto-Brown Island Park • 5K / 10K • 9AM • $5 registration

Saturday, September 20

September STRIDE Run/Walk • Minto-Brown Island Park • 5K / 10K • 9AM • $5 registration

👟 Run Clubs

• When: Saturdays at 8AM
• Where: Meet at Riverfront Carousel
• Casual and social. A great way to start your weekend with a jog and some community vibes.

• When: Sundays at 9AM & Wednesdays at 6:30PM
• Where: Locations vary (check stories or DM for each week’s route)
• A relaxed, welcoming group for runners of all paces.

Social Runs
• When: Mondays at 6PM
• Where: Gallagher Fitness Resources
• 3.12-mile loop from downtown through Riverfront and Minto-Brown. All paces welcome! Group usually heads to dinner together afterward.

Long Runs
• When: Saturdays at 6:50AM
• Where: Meet outside Isaac’s Room (downtown)
• 3 pace groups, distances vary from 4 to 20 miles. Drop-in friendly.

GFR Saturday Runs
• When: Saturdays at 7AM
• Where: Gallagher Fitness Resources
• Open to beginners and seasoned runners. Part of GFR's FREE training resources.

Interested in connecting with our audience and supporting the growth of this publication? Simply reply to this email and we can help you get started.

Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!

Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.

See you next Thursday,

Ernie

Š 2025 What's Happening Salem.

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