🌮 The State of Salem, Man Arrested of Cocktails, and Maybe a Margarita Factory?

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Salem updates for the week, here we go….

✈️ Salem’s 2025 State of the City: A Vision for Growth

Mayor Julie Hoy delivered the 2025 State of the City address. It was direct and optimistic, highlighting economic growth, public safety, and community collaboration. She celebrated business expansions like Agility Robotics and Don Poncho Foods and announced the return of flights to Las Vegas from Salem’s airport.

She emphasized the need for partnerships at all levels of government to secure resources for public safety and infrastructure. To support essential services, she urged support for the upcoming “livability levy,” which would fund parks, libraries, and public programs.

Addressing homelessness, Hoy outlined housing initiatives and nonprofit collaborations. With 677 days left in her term, she encouraged community involvement, declaring that Salem is “strong and growing stronger every day.”

🍹 Is Margarita Factory Coming to Keizer?

The Keizertimes reported that Margarita Factory got approval for a liquor license for a restaurant at Keizer Station. The city paperwork listed the address of the BRIX Tavern. Ken Liebl, CFO for the Urban Restaurant Group said they currently did not have an agreement with Margarita Factory at this time.

💰Join us at our FIRST Kid’s Business Fair!

What's Happening Salem is hosting the inaugural Kid's Business Fair, a community event designed to inspire young entrepreneurs. I’m excited to see what the kids in our community bring to the event.

The fair aims to foster entrepreneurial skills while offering families an engaging, fun-filled afternoon. We have booths available if you know a young entrepreneurs who would like to participate. We can’t wait to see the enthusiastic support from the community as Salem celebrates the creativity and spirit of its youngest business minds this year.

🔥Salem Man Arrested for ​Cocktails (Not the tasty kind)

Salem resident Adam M. Lansky, 41, was arrested Tuesday in connection with two attacks on the local Tesla dealership. On January 20, Lansky allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at the Mission Street SE dealership, igniting fires that damaged seven vehicles and caused approximately $500,000 in damages. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Lansky pointing an AR-15-style rifle at a witness during the incident. On February 19, the dealership's windows were shattered by gunfire, with evidence suggesting the use of a suppressed firearm. Lansky faces federal charges for possessing unregistered destructive devices and is currently detained pending further court proceedings.

Question for you!

What's inside:

• Our brand new events calendar is LIVE

• When is The Forge opening?

• Drop in and play! From soccer to chess to dancing, there’s something for everyone.

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

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Community Updates

The Forge, latest major downtown investment, nears opening

The Forge, an $8 million renovation project in downtown Salem, is set to open its second floor on April 1, featuring a curated collection of women-owned beauty and personal care businesses. The building, part of a broader effort to revitalize north downtown, will also house Clink!, a French-American restaurant opening in June, a bourbon club, and an underground event venue. Developers are taking a deliberate approach to leasing to ensure a strong mix of businesses, aiming to create a vibrant, long-term destination. Notably, the second floor boasts what some are calling Salem’s “best women’s bathroom,” complete with a water feature and lounge seating. Additional businesses will open as renovations continue. (Salem Reporter)

Governor Kotek pushes for more housing options in Salem

Governor Tina Kotek is advancing House Bill 2138 to streamline housing development in Oregon by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and encouraging the construction of affordable "middle housing" like duplexes and townhomes. The bill aims to provide Oregonians with more housing choices and lower costs by making it easier for developers to build in more communities. Supporters, including the Oregon Home Builders Association and 1000 Friends of Oregon, praise the effort for removing local barriers and expanding access to housing near essential services. This initiative is part of Kotek’s broader strategy to tackle Oregon’s housing crisis, with the state planning to finance thousands of new housing units by July. (NBC Nonstop Local)

🧑‍🎤Live Band Karaoke | March 7

Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00PM - 11:00PM

Live your rockstar fantasy! Pick a song, hit the stage, and sing with a real live band.

⚽Co-Ed Drop-In Soccer | March 7 & March 11

Captial Futbol Club • 8:00PM

⚽Women’s Drop-In Soccer | March 8

Salem Indoor Soccer Field • 8:00PM

Traveling Wheelz Open Roller Skate | March 7

Cherry City MadHouse • 7:30PM - 10:00PM

Adult Drop-In Board Game Day | March 8

Salem Public Library • 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Salem Saturday Market Returns! | March 8

Summer St and Marion St • 9:00AM - 2:00PM

Fetes des Femmes | March 8

Willamette University, Hudson Hall • 7:30PM

Willamette Music’s fourth annual International Women’s Day tribute showcases performances from around the world and across decades, honoring women’s lasting impact on music. Celebrate the voices and talents that have shaped generations of female musicians and artists.

💃Drop-In Salsa Lessons | March 8

VFW Marion Post 661 • 1:00PM - 5:00PM

No experience? No problem! Seasoned dancer? Even better! Drop in and get your salsa groove on

♟️Drop-In Chess | March 9

The Yard Food Park • 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Willamette Master Chorus: Music from Latin America | March 9

Willamette University, Hudson Hall • 3:00PM

Stayin’ Alive Sustainer Breakfast | March 11

Willamette Heritage Center • 7:00AM - 8:30PM

Rescheduled due to weather, this fundraising breakfast offers a chance to hear from Salem’s new Fire Chief and learn how the Foundation supports firefighters and dispatchers. Limited seats are available—RSVP required to attend.

♟️Weekly Chess Club | March 11

Santiam Brewing • 5:00PM - 9:00PM

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic | March 12

Infinity Room • 7:00PM • FREE

AI – Artificial Intelligence: Possibilities, Perils, and Peculiarities of a Powerful Technology | March 14

Willamette Heritage Center • 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Dr. Calvin Deutschbein, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Willamette University, will provide an introduction to AI, covering its history, capabilities, applications, and challenges. This Salem City Club program includes a live demonstration of AI/ChatGPT and a Q&A session to explore the evolving impact of artificial intelligence.

🍽️ RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK

Chopstick Brothers has built a reputation for consistency, speed, and excellent service since the day they opened. The waitstaff is kind and attentive without being overbearing, and the restaurant maintains a clean, comfortable atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between lively and relaxed. The food is consistently delicious, served quickly, and reasonably priced, making it a go-to spot for many repeat customers. While they offer classic favorites like egg flower soup and crispy crab puffs, they also feature unique dishes not commonly found at other Chinese restaurants.

• Must try: Hot Sour Soup, Szechuan cold noodles, General Tso’s Style

• Price range: $ - $$

• Location: 3135 Commercial St SE

• Hours: Wednesday - Monday 11:00AM - 9:00PM

💝 NON-PROFIT OF THE WEEK

Courtney Place is more than just housing—it’s a community built with Veterans in mind. Nestled in the heart of Salem, this affordable housing initiative provides a safe, supportive, and dignified environment where Veterans can thrive. In partnership with the Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties, Courtney Place offers wrap-around services, peer support, and a strong sense of camaraderie, helping Veterans overcome challenges and build stability. With access to essential resources like employment assistance, transportation, and fitness opportunities at the YMCA, residents are empowered to lead independent, fulfilling lives. Spacious, thoughtfully designed accommodations ensure comfort and security, while the downtown location provides easy access to parks, public transit, and local services. At Courtney Place, Veterans find more than a home—they find a community that honors their service and supports their well-being.

• Location: 220 Cottage St NE

• Contact: 971-298-7644 OR [email protected]

• Learn more: https://www.liveatcourtneyplace.com/

Clink is Hiring!

Clink! is a French-American bar and bistro opening in June 2025 in Salem, Oregon. We focus on delivering a sophisticated dining experience with a seasonal menu that complements our mocktails and cocktails. We’re seeking a creative and detail-oriented Executive Chef to lead our culinary team and develop Clink!’s signature menu for our primarily female guests.

Click below to learn more about each role:

• 👩‍🍳 - Executive Chef

• 🗣 - General Manager

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

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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