What’s Up Salem!

The fair is over. Kids are back in school. And I'm not ready for any of it.

I kind of fell off my game on Instagram last week as I tried to make the most of the last week of summer - went to the fair, hit the pool a few times, and caught the Ducks' home opener.

Now youth sports are back! I'm coaching my kid's football team. If you see me out on the field, don't be afraid to say hello!

Also, I'm helping with a holiday event at Roto Rooter Park this year. This is going to be HUGE. If you know of a vendor who might be interested, I'd love an introduction. Just reply to this email.

Now let's look at a few updates from the week...

Mental Health Progress Marion County Commissioners proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Awareness and Recovery Month, highlighting significant local progress. While Marion County recorded 60 suicide deaths in 2023, officials noted encouraging trends with 988 crisis hotline calls increasing by 2,000 people in 2024. Salem Hospital joined the county's "Zero Suicide Initiative," and two graduates from the innovative "His Place" and "Her Place" programs shared recovery stories about residential treatment that keeps families together.

Immigration Lawsuit Controversy Twenty-five residents spoke against the county's lawsuit challenging Oregon's sanctuary laws during a contentious public comment period. The legal action stems from five federal subpoenas requesting information about convicted sex offenders and violent criminals on parole, creating what officials describe as a conflict between state sanctuary protections and federal public records requirements.

Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell defended the lawsuit, arguing that Attorney General Dan Rayfield "remained silent" when counties sought guidance. With 34 of 36 Oregon sheriffs supporting the legal clarification, Bethell emphasized the county's duty to uphold both state and federal law while protecting local services from potential government retaliation.

Transportation Funding Split Salem City Council supports a state transportation bill to address a $300 million Oregon Department of Transportation budget shortfall, while Marion County Commissioners oppose it. Salem officials argue that gas tax and registration fee revenues aren't keeping pace with maintenance costs, warning the city will run out of road maintenance funding by 2029.

However, Marion County Commissioners oppose additional fuel taxes and fees, citing concerns about burdening struggling families and businesses. They called for more accountability from ODOT and criticized the lack of transparency in developing the proposal. Protestors accuse Marion County commissioners of trying to weaken sanctuary law through ICE lawsuit - Salem Reporter

Infrastructure Investments Marion County Commissioners approved nearly $2.2 million in water system improvements and a $1.5 million household hazardous waste contract, demonstrating continued investment in essential services despite budget pressures.

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 Paid parking meters downtown have already proven lucrative, bringing in $228,000 in their first month — nearly as much as last year’s entire downtown business parking tax. If revenue continues at this pace, the city could earn about $2.7 million in its first year, double what officials expected.

Businesses were still billed for the 2025 parking tax, meaning the city is currently collecting from both sources. Officials say they’ll revisit the tax after six months of meter revenue. Some businesses report positives like more turnover and easier access to on-street parking, but others say the new system is hurting sales and frustrating customers with malfunctioning machines and app fees.

The city has not disclosed installation or operating costs for the new meters, leaving some unanswered questions about how much of the revenue will go back into downtown services like cleaning, security, and parkade operations. (Salem Reporter)

📍 Riverfront Park – Salem, OR
🗓 Sunday, September 14, 2025

🏃‍♀️ Lace up and get moving—there's still time to sign up! Whether you're chasing a personal best or just out for a fun jog with friends, this event has something for everyone:
• Half Marathon through Minto-Brown Island Park, Riverfront Park, and Wallace Marine Park
• 10K & 5K courses for runners and walkers of all levels
• Kids Race to keep the little ones energized

🎶 After the race, stick around for music, awards, and cheering on the kids! Enjoy award-winning Oregon wines and craft beer while soaking up the energy of the day.

📧 Note: The race shirt guarantee deadline has passed (8/20/25). They’ll do their best to fulfill late requests, but can’t guarantee all sizes. For shirt questions, email: [email protected]

⛳ Salem Fire Foundation Golf Tournament @ Creekside Golf Club • 8:30AM
🎸 End of Summer Cruise-In ft. Tuesday String Band @ West Hills Vineyards • 4:30PM–8:00PM
🎭 Roaring 20's Murder Mystery @ The Southside Speakeasy, 3529 Fairview Industrial Dr SE • 8:00PM
🛼 Open Skate Neon Glow Party @ The Madhouse, 1335 Madison St NE • 8:00PM–10:00PM
💃 Social Dance Fridays: Salsa & Bachata @ Adobe Restaurant and Bar, 508 State St • 9:30PM–1:30AM

🏃STRIDE 5K/10K Run @Riverfront Park thru Minto-Brown and Wallace Marine Park • 8:45AM
💃 Salsa Classes @ 630 Hood St NE • 1:00PM–4:00PM
🛍️ Underground Market @ Blast Off Vintage • 3:00PM–7:00PM
🎤 Mt Angel Oktoberfest Kickoff Party @ 500 S Wilco Hwy, Mt. Angel • 7:00PM • 21+
🎶 Boot Scoot and Brew Music Fest @ Riverfront Park • 11:00AM–10:00PM

🏃 Cherry City Really Big Group Run @ Salem Riverfront Park • 10:00AM • FREE
🧘 Barre + Beer @ Minto Island Growers, 3394 Brown Island Rd S • 10:00AM–11:00AM
💃 Bachata Sundays @ 630 Hood St NE

🍽️ Lunch with Leaders @ Salem Area Chamber of Commerce • 11:30AM–1:00PM • FREE

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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