🌮 Easter activities, budget updates, and a chance to plant trees

This budget situation is a tough one, hopefully people get out to vote in May!

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Ernie Samora & Jacob Espinoza
April 17, 2025

What’s Happening Salem is presented by

What’s Up Salem Squad!

This sun is absolutely glorious, and I hope everyone is getting a chance to enjoy it!

A few updates from around the city…

📊 Salem Faces Tough Budget Choices

At the April 16 Budget Committee meeting, Interim City Manager Krishna Namburi presented a proposed budget to address a $13.8 million deficit. To close the gap, the city plans to cut 51 positions, including 37 layoffs, mostly in:

  • Salem Public Library

  • Parks & Rec

  • Center 50+

Public safety services like police and fire were not cut, due to staffing mandates and cost-saving limitations.

📚 Community Rallies to Save the Library

Dozens of residents—including staff, seniors, and kids—testified in support of the library. If cuts go through:

  • Library hours would drop to 20/week

  • Programs, outreach, and key services would be eliminated

  • Staff say it would be unsafe and unsustainable to operate

🗳️ “Livability Levy” on May Ballot

The city is urging voters to approve a $18/month levy (cost for average homeowner) in May to restore funding for parks, library, and senior services. If passed, the budget will be amended to reverse many of the proposed cuts.

➡️ What’s Next?

  • A revised budget with more evenly distributed cuts will be presented soon.

  • Residents are encouraged to attend meetings, ask questions, and vote in the May 21 election.

Last Week’s Poll

Last week, you voted Walery’s as your favorite place for pizza. There was a STRONG write in movement upset that Paddington’s was not an option. My apologies!

What is the Best Gym in Salem?

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What's inside:

  • Plant trees in Minto-Brown!

  • All your Easter weekend activities

  • GT Landscape Solutions is hiring! Apply now!

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

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Looking for a low‑pressure way to stay active, connect with neighbors, and pick up real‑world tips on preventing cancer? Salem Health has you covered with a monthly education and activity series right in the heart of town.

Here’s the rundown:

  • What it is: A quick chat with Salem Health providers on important health topics, followed by an easy, social walk through the trees of Bush’s Pasture Park.

  • When we roll: 5:30 p.m. on May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9

  • Where we meet: The Soap Box Derby ramp at Bush’s Pasture Park, Salem

  • Why you’ll love it: Fresh air, expert guidance, and a community that cheers you on—plus a FREE Promenade in the Park T‑shirt when you register by April 25.

Whether you’re training for that next fun run, looking for family‑friendly activities, or simply need a healthy break after work, this series checks every box.

(And yes, feel free to bring the kiddos—future superheroes need role models, too.)

Help Plant Trees at Minto-Brown for Arbor Day

Celebrate Arbor Day by joining the City of Salem for a tree-planting event at Minto-Brown Island Park on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will help plant trees near Parking Lot 3 as part of ongoing upgrades funded through the city’s Safety and Livability Bond. A brief presentation on 2025 bond projects will kick off the morning. This effort supports Salem’s 50th year as a Tree City USA and its commitment to expanding urban canopy and natural infrastructure. RSVP online or sign in at the event. (City of Salem)

Sprague duo wins national constitution competition

Sprague High School seniors Matthew Meyers and Colin Williams made history by winning the We the People national civics competition in Washington, D.C. — as a team of just two students. Competing against powerhouse teams of 24+ students, the duo prepared 18 constitutional law speeches and wowed judges to become national champions. Their underdog victory was so unprecedented it caught national media attention, including a feature in The New York Times. (Salem Reporter)

Salem’s biggest high‑five to our unsung heroes! Join us for:

  • 6 PM DJ pre‑party

  • High‑energy show hosted by Jacob Espinoza & Jazmin Hayworth

  • Live sets from Bank Sinatra + Manny Martinez Jazz Quartet

  • Plus many more surprises

Thursday, April 17

💁‍♀️Drag Time! with RiRi Calienté • Infinity Room • 8:00PM

Friday, April 18

🏌️‍♂️Sprague Boosters Golf Tournament Fundraiser • Creekside Golf Club • 11:45AM

🎺Make Music Salem Countdown Event • Xicha Brewing North • 6:00PM - 9:00PM

🐰FREE Black Light Easter Egg Hunt • Salem Tennis & Swim Club • 6:00PM - 8:00PM

🌋Chaos Comedy • Infinity Room • 7:00PM

🐣 Eggprov: An Improv Show Full of Easter Egg Surprises! • Infinity Room • 9:30PM

Saturday, April 19

💞Love in Marion County Wedding Show • State Fairgrounds • 10:00AM - 5:00PM

🐰FREE Easter Egg Hunt & Party • Our Savior Lutheran Church • 10:00AM - 11:30AM

🐰Kroc Underwater Easter Egg Hunt • KROC Center • 10:45AM

🐰FREE Salem Center Easter Egg Hunt • Salem Center Mall • 11:00AM

🐰Salem FREE Easter Fest • Riverfront Park • 11:00AM

🐰FREE Easter Egg Hunt & Lunch • Wendy Kroger Park • 11:00AM

🐰Deepwood FREE Easter Egg Hunt • Deepwood Museum & Gardens • 1:00PM - 3:00PM

😶‍🌫️CABARET IN THE CLOUDS: Freshly Baked Burlesque • The BAD Space @ Santiam Brewing • 8:00PM

Monday, April 21

👾Coin Jam Bottle Purge • Coin Jam • 4:00PM - 11:00PM

🧘‍♀️Yoga + Wine • Chemeketa Cellars • 6:00PM - 7:00PM

🎭Phantom of the Opera with Live Soundtrack! • Salem Cinema • 7:00PM

Thursday, April 24

Discover More Events: Check out EVERYTHING happening this week on our BRAND NEW event calendar right here.

🐶PET OF THE WEEK: Hank the Tank

Meet Hank Moody—aka Hank the Tank! This charming guy lives for walks (especially when there are ladies to impress), sprinting full-speed into his parents, and playing fetch with his old man. He’s got the swagger, the zoomies, and a heart full of love. 💪🐾🎾

GT Landscape Solutions is hiring in the Willamette Valley!

At GT Landscape Solutions (GTLS), we take pride in our roots, our craftsmanship, and the relationships we build. What started as a college lawn-cutting hustle in 1999 has grown into one of the most respected landscape companies serving Portland, Salem, and beyond. GTLS offers full-service landscape design, installation, and maintenance with a commitment to sustainability, clear communication, and high-quality work. Our culture is grounded in integrity, innovation, and transparency—and above all, we love what we do.

Click below to learn more about each role:

Do you have positions you need to fill in your business? We can help.

Interested in connecting with our audience and supporting the growth of this publication? Email our relationship expert, [email protected]

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