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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 […]

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Our City Our Neighborhood

Is your short-term rental compliant?

Five years after Salem created the short-term rental license program, Code Compliance Officers are doing the rounds. You might have recently received a communication from the City, stating a date when Code Compliance Officers will come around to inspect your short-term rental for compliance with city codes. They will be looking for smoke alarms, egresses […]

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Our City Our Neighborhood

Exploring law enforcement services, programs and policies

Twice a year, during April and September, Salem residents have the unique opportunity to engage with their Police Department in a unique fashion. The Community Police Academy program is designed to promote better comprehension and communication between neighbors and law enforcement. Through interactive in-person classes, you gain comprehensive insights into various topics, such as crime […]

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Our Neighborhood

Halloween, safe and fun

Halloween, Oregon’s favorite holiday, is only days away. Where to go for a safe and fun experience? Our own Willamette Heritage Center organizes once more their Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treat. Each car will drive through a route on the site to see all the fun booths and decorations, while the ‘Candy Crew’ passes out sweets. On the […]

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Our City Our Neighborhood

Get rid of those leaves

When traversing the historic SESNA neighborhood, one of the things standing out are the many and diverse trees lining the streets. These tall companions provide shade on hot days, a respite from harsh winds, cover and living space for all kinds of small animals, color the neighborhood green in summer and colorful in fall… But […]

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Our Neighborhood

Halloween, safe and fun

Halloween, Oregon’s favorite holiday, is only days away. In the face of 2020, what recommendations are there to give? This year Salem City Police is not organising a Halloween Dress Rehearsal. Although last year’s safety tips for going around the neighborhood still stand. Similarly, the Salem Public Library is not hosting a Haunted House. Nor will the […]

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Our City Our State

Safer and stronger, in a diverse community

All of us are part of a neighborhood, a city, a culture… a community. The fact that you choose to read this, probably means you want that community to be strong and healthy. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has launched a new campaign website ‘Safe + Strong‘ that provides community resources on how to deal […]

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Our City Our Neighborhood Our State

Summer activities risk

This writing was supposed to be about Salem’s iconic Saturday Market and how to walk there from our neighborhood, while seeing interesting things on the way. Sadly enough, reality has caught up to us, with rising numbers of COVID-19 infections. Promoting such a public gathering did no longer seem appropriate. Does this mean, we should […]

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Our City Our Neighborhood Our State

Hate crimes, even today

A neighbor recently reported seeing individuals with white supremacist/neo-Nazi tattoos and related symbols right here in Salem, in the vicinity of 12th Street and Hines. Hate groups have been expanding nationally and in Oregon in recent years. What can we do about this growing problem? The extent of the problem Despite Oregon’s reputation as a […]

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Our Neighborhood

SESNA Followup on State Street Corridor

SESNA is pleased with the first steps the Salem City Council took in approving parts of the State Street Corridor Plan. The Council approved the ‘Hybrid’ road section, which institutes a road diet for the stretch of State Street between 12th St and 17th St. Council also approved the MU-1 and MU-2 zones, with some […]