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Dark Skies Our City Our Neighborhood

Keep your noise!

You crack open the window, eager to savor the crisp autumn air. But instead of peaceful tranquility, a cacophony of noise explodes. Maybe it’s your neighbor battling a monstrous leaf pile with a roaring leaf blower, or a lawnmower symphony echoing across the street. Suddenly, your weekend oasis transforms into a warzone of gasoline-powered racket. […]

Categories
Dark Skies Our City Our Neighborhood

City proclaims April, Dark Skies awareness month

Around this time, one year ago, Salem’s Mayor Chris Hoy, officially recognized one of the problems an industrialized society deals with on a daily basis. Not wanting to ignore the growing light pollution issue and its impact on both human health and wildlife, the City of Salem declared April as Oregon Dark Sky Awareness Month. […]

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Meetings Our City Our Neighborhood

Community Conversation on Tuesday

Hello neighbors and friends — our city is in a financial crisis, so PLEASE consider sharing your thoughts, priorities and questions at a special “Community Conversation” SESNA is helping to sponsor on Jan. 28. Because this is so important, we’re not having a regular SESNA neighborhood meeting this month.  See the attached flier for details. […]

Categories
Dark Skies Our City Our Neighborhood

It hurts!

You come home after a long day, craving a quiet retreat. But instead of peaceful darkness, your house is bathed in an unwelcome spotlight. Maybe your neighbor’s gone full-on Griswold with their holiday decorations, or a harsh floodlight illuminates your entire yard with every passing car. Suddenly, your sanctuary feels more like a brightly lit […]

Categories
Dark Skies

Buzzing around the stars

Forget “moth to a flame” – that saying might be totally wrong! Scientists are buzzing about a new discovery that flips the script on why insects dive-bomb your porch light. It turns out, they might not actually love light at all. Instead, all those flickering bulbs might be messing with their built-in GPS! Like tiny […]

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Our City Our Neighborhood

Salem’s Lost Buildings

Despite preservation efforts, some of the most iconic landmarks from Salem’s past have become victims of the wrecking ball. The newest exhibit at the Willamette Heritage Center features the rubble, and saves remnants of many of Salem’s lost buildings. Discover how Salem’s skyline has changed over time and how preserving historic structures can make a […]

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Our City

Who to call / A quién llamar

The City of Salem has released an update of their “Who To Call” list with many emergency and other convenient phone numbers. Vire and download the pdf in English, y en español.

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Our City

Viva Salem Festival!

A chance to hang out with our Latino neighbors. We didn’t get any more info, so let the posters speak for themselves.

Categories
Conflict Resolution

How to talk to your neighbor

We’re halfway through the summer. The sun relentlessly torments the earth for days. The same dog is barking at the few shadows left. That blackberry bush is rapidly growing through the fence again. The air feels as if straight from an oven. The neighbors newly installed outside light is very bright and shines into bedroom. […]

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Our City

City Library Cuts: Impact on the Community

The recent decision to halve the city library opening hours (from 96 to 48) has sparked concerns among residents about access to essential resources and services. Libraries are vital community hubs that provide access to books, computers, workshops, and knowledgeable staff. With fewer hours, residents, regardless of age or background, face limitations in accessing these […]