🌮 A levy, a resignation, and more restaurants closing. Oh, my!

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Who is ready for Salem Tea?

Less gossip, more just keeping you in the loop with what I’m hearing on the streets…

💸 The Levy Decision: Salem City Council voted unanimously to put a 98-cent per $1,000 levy on the May ballot. If passed, the five-year levy would cost average homeowners $229 annually to fund libraries, parks, and senior services. The money would go into a separate fund with oversight to ensure transparency. Council members emphasized that without this funding, Salem would face significant service reductions.

👔 The City Manager Resignation: Salem City Council accepted City Manager Keith Staley's resignation and appointed Deputy City Manager Krishna Namburi as acting manager. Council members acknowledged Staley's service and ensured his severance terms would be honored. The resignation was received over the weekend and discussed briefly at Monday's meeting.

🏢 Salem Center Mall Updates: The new owners of the Salem Center Mall are super flexible and open to working with the community. I’m a big fan of the changes they are making. The building is a massive indoor space and I’d love for it to become a community hub again. I’m hearing they are close to announcing multiple new locations openings… (Including a possible What’s Happening Salem Coworking space 😉)

🌮🍽️ Owning a Restaurant is Hard AF right now: Keizer Sub Shop announced its closure last week. Paradiso and Bo & Vine have closed their downtown locations and moved south. I’m hearing there are 2 more prominent downtown restaurants that could be potentially closing in the near future.

While restaurant closures are concerning, I think the downtown area would benefit from a better balance between dining options and other activities that draw people to the area.

I’d love to hear from you. What would you like to see open downtown or in the Salem Center Mall? Let me know by replying to this email.

I appreciate you Salem!

Espi

What's inside:

• ☃️Snow day! What you need to know.

• 💖Lot’s of Love - Your Guide to Valentine’s Weekend

• 🤔What is The Destroyer???

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

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Winter Storm Updates

Resources are available for those who need help staying warm during the ongoing winter storm

Warming shelters are open in Salem, offering meals and a safe place to sleep, with free transportation provided by Cherriots. Some city services, including Salem Municipal Court and essential emergency services, remain open, while others like the Salem Public Library, Center 50+, and the Permit Application Center are closed. Power outages are possible due to heavy ice buildup, and residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

For real-time updates on warming shelters, road conditions, closures, and emergency contacts, see the full Salem Reporter article here

Government

Salem City Manager Resigns

The Salem City Council accepted City Manager Keith Stahley’s resignation on Feb. 10, 2025, with Deputy City Manager Krishna Namburi stepping in as Acting City Manager. Stahley, who took the role in 2022, will receive severance and accrued leave per his contract. Mayor Julie Hoy acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and emphasized the need for unity moving forward. The council has yet to determine the process for selecting a permanent replacement. (City of Salem)

Sports

Capital Fútbol Club cuts Salem’s only semi-pro soccer programs

Capital Fútbol Club (CFC) has withdrawn its men’s and women’s semi-pro teams from the USL2 and USLW leagues, ending Salem’s only semi-pro soccer presence for now. The club cited financial and resource constraints but left the door open for a future return. CFC will continue its youth and adult programs, though the decision impacts local collegiate players who used the teams for off-season competition. The move comes despite soccer’s growing popularity nationwide, with other Oregon clubs expanding. (The Collegian)

Hands-On Riesling Wine Blending | February 14

Vitae Springs Vineyard & Winery • 1:00PM - 4:00PM

This interactive Riesling seminar offers a hands-on experience in balancing acidity and sweetness, giving guests the opportunity to taste, learn, and create their own custom blend. Perfect for wine lovers of all levels, this engaging event provides insight into the winemaking process while allowing participants to experiment with flavors. 🍷✨

Crab Feed 🦀 | February 15

Eola Hills Winery • 5:00PM - 8:00PM

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Crab Feed featuring unlimited crab, corn, coleslaw, and French bread for $50 per ticket. This Valentine’s Day-themed event supports Central Lions Youth Programs and offers great food, entertainment, and a Paddle Raise Fundraiser to further support the cause.

R&BAE 🎶Salem’s BIGGEST 2000's RnB & Hip Hop Throwback Themed Party | February 15

Side Hustle Bar • 10:00PM - 2:00AM

Salem is getting a full 2000s throwback at Side Hustle Bar, with a night packed with Y2K vibes, live performances, and DJ sets spinning the hottest anthems of the era. Bring their best tracksuits, baby tees, and bling for an unforgettable night of nostalgia.

Live performances by Derek King and Frosty Chasing Dough.

Free Tax Help from the Oregon Department of Revenue | February 20

Salem Public Library • 10:00AM - 5:30PM

Employees from the Department of Revenue and volunteers from free tax assistance groups will be at Salem Public Library to help visitors electronically file their federal and state taxes for free using IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.

🍽️ RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK

Subs With Love isn’t just another sandwich shop—it’s a community institution built on great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service. Since 1987, this family-friendly eatery—formerly Keizer Sub Shop—has been a staple in the Salem-Keizer area, offering freshly sliced meats, cheeses, and perfectly baked bread in every sub. While their food is highly praised, it’s their outstanding customer service that truly sets them apart, ensuring that everyone who walks in feels at home and leaves feeling even better. The casual setting features a family-friendly front area, video poker in the back, and a lively atmosphere filled with good music, friendly chatter, and laughter, especially during lunch and dinner rushes. Committed to cleanliness, they’ve maintained perfect 100 scores from the Health Department for years, making Subs With Love not just a great place to eat, but a trusted and beloved part of the community.

• Must try: The Club (best seller), The Destroyer (8 meats, 3 cheeses)

• Price range: $-$$

• Location: 4490 River Rd N, Keizer

• Hours: Open Daily 9:00AM - 10:00PM

💝 NON-PROFIT OF THE WEEK

Family Building Blocks is a lifeline for families in Marion and Polk counties, dedicated to keeping children safe and families together. Through compassionate, prevention-based support for parents with children ages prenatal through five, this organization provides essential resources like food, diapers, housing connections, and financial assistance—all at no cost. Their work is built on the belief that every parent wants the best for their child, and they offer the guidance and stability to make that possible. More than just a service, Family Building Blocks is a community—one that fosters deep, meaningful relationships with families, offering emotional support through every challenge. From heartwarming fundraisers to family-friendly events, they bring people together with care and purpose. The impact is immeasurable, ensuring children grow up in safe, loving homes with a strong foundation for the future.

• How to help: There are many ways to support, including donating time, money, or goods and services. See the full list here.

• Location: 2425 Lancaster Dr NE

• Contact: 503-566-2132 or file an inquiry.

• Learn more: https://familybuildingblocks.org/

Are you a Salem business interested in offering a discount in next week’s issue? Send me an email at [email protected] and let me know what discount you’d like to offer to our audience.

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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