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What’s Up Salem!
The sunshine has been glorious this week.
But lets get to it because City Council had a busy planning session And there IS SOOO MUCH going on this weekend.
Salem Council Confronts Street Crisis with $650K Plan
Salem City Council unveiled a $650,000 package Wednesday to expand homeless services, mental health response, and street cleanup from four to seven days per week, responding to alarming statistics: over 1,000 overdose calls this year and two officers handling dozens of encampment complaints citywide.
The "three-legged stool" approach includes:
1) Community Health Response Team: A pilot pairing firefighters with mental health professionals to handle overdoses and crises. Fire Chief David Gerbot said current protocol—revive with Narcan, person leaves in withdrawal—provides no lasting help. The new model offers medication-assisted treatment and service connections.
2) Homeless Services Expansion: Two additional police officers for seven-day encampment response. Chief Trevor Womack noted current staff handles complaints through an online portal with required 72-hour notices before cleanup.
3) Clean Salem Expansion: SOS cleanup teams working all week, with daily costs ranging $2,800-$9,400.
The Money Question: Long-term costs hit $2.75 million annually. Funding sources include paid parking revenue (early estimates suggest $2.1 million yearly), EMS funds, and $900,000 in opioid settlement money over eight years.
Drug Enforcement Reality: Womack explained that decriminalization eliminated traditional enforcement tools—no felony possession charges mean no leverage to work up dealer chains. The department needs 60 additional officers but budget constraints limit realistic growth.
“Oregon's eight most populous cities, which we're number two.” Chief Womack added, “We're eighth for our staffing with police. We have second highest violent crime, only behind Portland. Something is off. That's forcing me... these are the decisions I'm having to make. How do I protect this city and meet everybody's public safety needs with that sort of staffing? It's an impossible, untenable situation."
Mayor Julie Hoy described witnessing daily drug dealing near schools like "the ice cream man of fentanyl."
Budget committee reviews the proposal October 22, with final consideration December 8 for January implementation.Was this email forwarded to you by a friend?
Kitchen sink dripping at 3 AM—and you're lying there doing mental math on your water bill? Another "I'll fix it this weekend" promise isn't happening. (We've all mastered the art of strategic bucket placement…)
Enter EZ Flow Plumbing, Salem's family-owned crew that turns plumbing disasters into done deals.
What they handle:
Leaky faucets that actually get fixed (not just tightened until next month)
Sluggish drains that flow like they're supposed to
Ice-cold surprise showers solved with same-day water heater swaps
Full remodels, repipes, and commercial projects—the whole range
Why Salem trusts them: Willamette Valley-proud, family-owned, and they show up when they say they will. Revolutionary concept, right?
Your move: Free, no-pressure quote that tells you exactly what you're dealing with.
Call or text: 503-991-4822
Rodeo of Champions - NPRA Finals Returns to Salem
The Rodeo of Champions is back in Salem, September 19-21 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, featuring the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association Finals. This annual championship showcases the top 12 cowboys and cowgirls who've competed through nearly 40 rodeos and over 1,000 contestants throughout the year. Don't miss Salem's premier family-friendly rodeo event - tickets are available HERE.
Here’s what’s happening this weekend in beautiful Salem, Oregon
🌟Stop & Smell The Rosés: Sunday Brunch Party at Mykie’s
Hosted by Jacob Espinoza & What's Happening Salem🌟
📍 Mykie's Bar & Lounge — 155 Liberty St NE, Suite 130
📅 Sunday, September 21
🕚 11:00AM – 3:00PM
Looking for the perfect chill Sunday vibe? Slide through to Stop & Smell The Rosés, a laid-back brunch party at Mykie’s Bar & Lounge. No dress code, no pressure — just good food, cold drinks, live music, and a fun crowd hosted by Jacob Espinoza and the crew at What’s Happening Salem.
🎶 Live Music Lineup
11:00AM–12:45PM — Mayra Sandoval: soulful acoustic vibes to ease into your Sunday
1:00PM–3:00PM — Katrina Elizabeth: smooth sounds to carry you through the afternoon
Expect local vendors, tasty brunch eats, mimosas (or coffee — your call), and a welcoming community atmosphere. Whether you’re recovering from a big Saturday night or just want to kickstart your Sunday with something special, this is the place to be.
📍 No RSVP needed. Just roll up and vibe.
📍 Riverfront Park
📅 Saturday, September 20
🕚 11:00AM – 6:00PM
Join Salem Capital Pride for the 47th annual Pride celebration! Enjoy 200+ booths with queer vendors, free resources, live music, drag, food trucks, kids’ activities, and an alcohol garden.
🐾 Best Dressed Pet Contest · 3:15PM
Bring your fabulous furry friend for a shot at a prize basket from PNW Pooch!
🎉 After-Parties:
🧛 Jurassic Dark @Radness Ensues · 6:00PM–10:00PM · All Ages
🍸 Southside Speakeasy’s 20th Anniversary @Southside Speakeasy · 7:00PM · 21+
Pride is FREE and open to all — come celebrate love, identity, and community!
Thursday, September 18
🍺 Pints for Pups @Santiam Brewing • 5:00PM–7:30PM
🏃 Social 5K/10K Run/Walk @Santiam Golf Club • 6:15PM • FREE
🦦 Science Pub: Bringing Sea Otters Back to Oregon @Venti’s Cafe Downtown • 6:30PM
🎤 Big Stage Karaoke @Salem's Historic Grand Theatre • 7:00PM
🎮 Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament @The Coin Jam • 8:00PM • FREE to enter
Friday, September 19
🎈 The Big Bounce America @Oregon State Fairgrounds • 9:00AM–9:00PM
🚂 Grand Opening: Caboose 507 @Willamette Heritage Center • 10:00AM–4:00PM • FREE museum admission
🎵 IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild @Riverfront Park • 4:00PM
🎼 Live Music: Grupo Mparable @Salem Public Library • 6:00PM–7:00PM • FREE
🍴 An Evening With Phil Rosenthal of “Somebody Feed Phil” @Elsinore Theatre • 7:00PM
🤠 NPRA Rodeo FINALS Rodeo of Champions @Oregon State Fairgrounds • 7:00PM
🎙 Curtis Salgado @Salem's Historic Grand Theatre • 7:30PM
Saturday, September 20
🎈 The Big Bounce America @Oregon State Fairgrounds • 9:00AM–9:00PM
🌽 Bauman’s Harvest Festival Kick Off @Bauman’s Farm & Garden • 9:00AM–5:00PM • Open until October 30
🧘♀️ Yoga + Wine @Bryn Mawr Vineyards • 9:45AM–10:45AM
💃 National Dance Day w/ Ceili of the Valley @Saturday Market • 10:00AM–11:00AM
🎉 Krok Family Fair @Salem Kroc Center • 11:00AM • FREE
🍇 Grape Stomp Championship & Harvest with Girl Crush @Willamette Valley Vineyards • 11:00AM–5:00PM
🤠 NPRA Rodeo FINALS Family Day @Oregon State Fairgrounds • 1:00PM
🦖 Jurassic Dark: Goth & Industrial Music Dance Night @Radness Ensues • 6:00PM–10:00PM
🤠 NPRA Rodeo FINALS Rodeo of Champions @Oregon State Fairgrounds • 7:00PM
🍸 Southside Speakeasy’s 20th Anniversary @Southside Speakeasy · 7:00PM · 21+
🎭 Come Together: A Burlesque Tribute To The Beatles @Salem's Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00PM
Sunday, September 21
🎈 The Big Bounce America @Oregon State Fairgrounds • 9:00AM–9:00PM
✊The People’s Urban Art Fest @Riverfront Park • 3:00PM
💃 Rooftop Sunday Social Dance @Cascadia Pizza Co. • 6:00PM–10:00PM
Monday, September 22
🧘♀️ Yoga + Wine @Chemeketa Eola • 6:00PM–7:00PM
🍄 Music Meets Mushrooms @Historic Grand Theatre • 7:00PM
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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