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- 🌮 Did you hear who is running for Governor?
🌮 Did you hear who is running for Governor?
Plus, Cinco De Mayo and Star Wars Day!
Ernie Samora & Jacob Espinoza
May 01, 2025
What’s Happening Salem is presented by
What’s Up Salem Squad!
What's inside:
Star Wars fans, May the 4th be with you.
Cinco de Mayo weekend celebrations!
TWO NEW Latin restaurants celebrate their grand opening
And much more. Let's explore what's happening, Salem. 🤜🤛
Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell is running for Governor
Commissioner Danielle Bethell just launched a bid for governor. Her site says, “Danielle Bethell is a proven leader who has spent her life standing up for Oregon families, small businesses, and the communities that make our state strong.”
We had her as a guest on our podcast last week, and we didn’t get into her decision to run, but we discussed how the Oversight & Accountability Council’s Measure-110 formula chops $3 million a year from Bridgeway—scrapping a men’s recovery house and trimming counseling hours . She says the council skipped three years of local success data and funneled cash to Portland outfits .
Her fix is Senate Bill 610, tying grants to population and sending about $9 million back to Marion . Without it, Salem gets longer wait-lists, bigger ER bills, and fewer exits from addiction.
Last Week’s Poll
This was the first week I’ve been surprised by a vote, but Nancy Jo’s was voted the best burger in Salem. I’ve honestly never been, so can’t offer an opinion. But shout out to all of their fans for showing support.
Killerburger was our most popular write in vote.
What are your thoughts on Danielle running for Governor? |
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May 2025 Election Preview: What Salem-Area Voters Should Know
In the upcoming May 20 special district election, Salem-area voters will weigh in on key local decisions including four open seats on the Salem-Keizer School Board, a new Salem city councilor, and a proposed property tax increase to maintain funding for city services such as parks, the library, and Center 50+. Voters will also decide on renewing a Chemeketa Community College bond to support career education facilities across its campuses. In Polk County, a separate tax proposal would fund repairs and upgrades to the county fairgrounds in Rickreall.
Turnout in local elections tends to be low—23% in Marion County and 29% in Polk County during the May 2023 election—but the outcomes can have significant impact on public services. The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, April 29. Ballots will be mailed starting April 30.
Read the full article on the Salem Reporter for the complete 2025 ballot guide.
Lil Jon and Ying Yang Twins to Headline Salem’s 4th of July Spectacular
Hip hop icons Lil Jon and the Ying Yang Twins will bring their high-energy hits to Salem on Friday, July 4, performing at the Oregon State Fairgrounds’ L.B. Day Amphitheater. The show starts at 8:00PM, followed by a free 20-minute fireworks display at 10:00PM to celebrate Independence Day. (The Oregonian)
What is it?
• Rapid, late-night-style interviews with Salem’s top community builders
• Zero boring speeches — all energy, all heart
📍 Where: The Grand Theater, Salem
⏰ When:
• 6 PM – Pre-party (drinks, apps, live DJ)
• 7 PM – Showtime
Onstage fun:
• 🎤 Comedian Eleanore Ryan
• 🎶 Manny Martinez Jazz Quartet
• 🎙️ Emcee Bank Sinatra
• 🤫 Surprise moments sprinkled in
Hosts: Jacob Espinoza + Jazmin Hayworth
Presented by: Advantage Heating & AC with support from It’s Bin Clean
Get your ticket: Network, laugh, and celebrate the people shaping Salem. See you there!
Friday, May 2
🌮Ribbon Cutting - Adobe Restaurant & Bar • 508 State St • 11:00AM
😂Laughs & Lyrics • Santiam Brewing • 8:00PM
Saturday, May 3
🛼Roller Derby Tournament: Petal to the Metal • Cherry City MadHouse • 8:00AM - 2:00PM
💙FREE Mental Health Awareness Workshops at the YMCA • Withnell Family YMCA • 10:00AM - 5:00PM
🦹♀️FREE Comic Book Day • Radar Toys • 10:00AM - 2:00PM
🐏Sheep to Shawl • Willamette Heritage Center • 10:00AM - 4:00PM
💁♀️LIGHTS UP!: A Drag Brunch • Historic Grand Theatre • 12:00PM
👯Swing Dance Night • The BAD Space, Santiam Brewing • 7:00PM
🪅Cinco De Mayo Party • The Yard Food Park • 7:00PM - 10:00PM
🎶Live Music: Downside UP • South Liberty Bar & Grill • 8:00PM
🍻LINKO DE MAYO • The Side Hustle Bar • 10:00PM - 2:00AM
Sunday, May 4
🎶Oregon Symphony in Salem presents Vivaldi's Four Seasons • Elsinore Theatre • 2:30PM
⭐May The 4th Celebration: A New Hope screening • Historic Grand Theatre • 4:00PM
⭐May the 4th Be With You • The BAD Space, Santiam Brewing • 5:00PM - 9:30PM
Monday, May 5
⭐Revenge of the Fifth - Star Wars Menu • ALL Bo & Vine locations • 11:00AM - 10:00PM
🌮Rico's Kitchen Cinco de Mayo Grand Opening! • 5780 Commercial St • 4:00PM - 8:00PM • FREE TACOS
👯Lindy Hop/Swing Dancing Lesson & Dance • Grand Theatre Ballroom • 6:30PM
Thursday, May 8
☕Cafe y Pan Dulce Latino Business Alliance Networking • Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry • 8:00AM - 9:30AM
🎶Heather Keizur Quartet: The Songs of Frank Sinatra • Christo's Pizzeria & Lounge • 7:00PM
🎤Emo Karaoke Night • Taproot Lounge & Cafe • 9:00PM
Discover More Events: Check out EVERYTHING happening this week on our BRAND NEW event calendar right here.
🐖PET OF THE WEEK: Harry
This is Harry. He barks a little different than our other dogs… probably because he’s a pig. But don’t tell him that. He’s convinced he’s just one of the pack (with a snorty twist). 🐷🐶✨
GT Landscape Solutions is hiring in the Willamette Valley!
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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