🌮 Do you think Salem is a sports town?

What’s Up Salem Squad!

What's inside:

• Our Community Connectors Awards were last night

• 4 events to move your body (Badminton anyone?)

• 6 live sports events for sports fans

And much more. Let's explore what's happening, Salem. 🤜🤛

Before anything else, quick reminder that the deadline to vote in our special election.

I’m mostly reminding myself to vote, I need to do this today. Please remind me.

Ballots are due Tuesday, May 20 by 8 p.m. — drop them off or mail them with a May 20 postmark.

But, what are we voting for?

1) Salem-Keizer School Board — 4 Seats (voted at-large)

• Zone 1: Lisa Harnisch (i) ▸ Anthony Mitchell

• Zone 3: Angelo Arredondo Baca ▸ Jennifer Parker

• Zone 5: Karina Guzmán Ortiz (i) ▸ Jason Kroker

• Zone 7: Mel Fuller ▸ Jeremiah Radka
  Why it matters: The board hires the superintendent and sets district policy.

2) Salem City Council — Ward 6

Deanna Garcia ▸ Logan Lor ▸ Mai Vang
Ward-only vote. Winner fills the seat Mayor Julie Hoy vacated.

3) City of Salem Operations Levy

• Adds $0.98 per $1,000 assessed value (~$229/yr for the average homeowner).

• Keeps libraries open, parks maintained, Center 50+ programs alive.

• Prevents 51 staff cuts and major service reductions.

4) Chemeketa Community College Bond

• Renews the current $0.27 rate — no tax increase.

• $140 M for career-ed expansions, seismic gym retrofit, new Woodburn science lab.

5) Polk County Fairgrounds Levy

• $0.15 per $1,000 assessed (~$45/yr on a $300k home).

• Funds HVAC, electrical, amphitheater, and office upgrades at the 72-year-old fairgrounds.

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May 20 Election: Your Vote Matters

Election day is next week, Tuesday, May 20, and Salem-area voters will help decide the future of local schools, city services, and community programs. Ballots include four Salem-Keizer School Board seats, a new Salem City Council member for Ward 6, and a proposed five-year property tax levy to prevent deep cuts to Salem’s parks, library, and Center 50+. Voters will also weigh in on a Chemeketa Community College bond renewal for career education expansion and, in Polk County, a tax to upgrade the fairgrounds in Rickreall. With voter turnout historically low in local elections, your vote could make the difference. Be sure to mail or drop off your ballot by 8:00PM on Tuesday, May 20!

Read Salem Reporter’s 2025 ballot guide here.

School Board Approves New 3-Year Contract for Superintendent Castañeda

The Salem-Keizer School Board has approved a new three-year contract for Superintendent Andrea Castañeda, tying any raise to increases given to district teachers. Board members praised her leadership through budget cuts and union negotiations. The contract continues her $15,000 annual donation to youth-focused programs and ties future raises to cost-of-living and step increases still being negotiated with the teacher union. Director Krissy Hudson cast the sole vote against the contract, citing concerns about the district’s direction. The board also approved four curriculum adoptions for science, social science, and world languages. (Salem Reporter)

Friday, May 16

🎡KeizerFEST Carnival • 1900 Chemawa Rd N, Keizer • 8:00AM - 10:00PM

💪Drop-In Badminton • Kroc Center • 5:00PM

⚾Campesinos de Salem Keizer Vs. Portland Mavericks • Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Stadium • 6:00PM

🏀Salem Capitals vs Willamette Valley Jaguars • Salem Armory Auditorium • 7:00PM

🛼Open Roller Skate: Retro/Steampunk Night • Cherry City MadHouse • 7:30PM - 10:00PM

Saturday, May 17

🥋Jiu Jitsu: Sub League Open • State Fairgrounds • 8:00AM - 4:00PM

🧠S.T.E.A.M.'d Up for Kids • Powerland Heritage Park • 9:00AM - 4:00PM

🎡KeizerFEST Carnival • 1900 Chemawa Rd N, Keizer • 10:00AM - 9:00PM

🛒Spring Vendor Pop-Up at Salem Center Mall • Salem Center Mall • 12:00PM - 5:00PM

⚾Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Vs. Salem Senators • Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Stadium • 6:00PM

🦖Jurassic Dark: 3rd Saturday Dance • Radness Ensues • 6:00PM

💖Maggie Baugh: Entertainers Heart Tour • Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00PM

Sunday, May 18

🎡KeizerFEST Carnival • 1900 Chemawa Rd N, Keizer • 7:30AM - 3:00PM

♟️Casual Chess Night • The Yard Food Park • 2:30PM

🏀Salem Capitals vs Wenatchee Bighorns • Salem Armory Stadium • 3:00PM

⚾Campesinos de Salem Keizer Vs. Portland Mavericks • Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Stadium • 5:05PM

⚾Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Vs. Salem Senators • Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Stadium • 7:30PM

Monday, May 19

🧘Yoga + Wine • Chemeketa Cellars • 6:00PM

🐶PET OF THE WEEK: Theodoros Elwood

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See you next Thursday,

Ernie