What's Happening Salem

Welcome to this week's episode of Coffee Breaks! In this episode of our new series in partnership with Salem Reporter, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Rachel Alexander to discuss: Top Halloween activities in Salem, from Rocky Horror at the Grand to the Lost Forest Zombie Shoot Mayor Julie Hoy's petition to repeal state homeless camp sweep regulations Rising immigration enforcement concerns and their...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Kyle Dickinson, Executive Director of Salem Leadership Foundation, to discuss the organization's vital behind-the-scenes work connecting and empowering Salem's community. Topics include: How Salem Leadership Foundation serves as a connector and trusted advisor across churches, schools, and nonp...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this inaugural Coffee Breaks segment—a new partnership with Salem Reporter—Jacob Espinoza and Rachel Alexander deliver a quick 10-minute update on local news and community developments. This week's episode covers: Christian Ambury's unanimous appointment as Salem's official city manager (no longer interim). The ongoing state ethics inves...

Welcome to this episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Rachel Alexander from Salem Reporter to discuss the state of local news and pressing issues facing our community: Topics covered: Salem-Keizer schools' first positive test score improvements since COVID The reality of downtown Salem vs. public perception How local journalism operates with limited reso...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, host Jacob Espinoza sits down with Salem City Councilor and mayoral candidate Vanessa Nordyke to discuss her campaign for mayor and vision for Salem's future. Topics include: Why Nordyke is running for mayor after nearly six years on the city council Salem's three-pronged approach to downtown challenges: safety, health, and...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! Ever wondered what it takes to break into the wine industry without millions of dollars? Host Jacob Espinoza sits down with Sam Parra from Parra Wine Co., a trailblazing Latino winemaker who's proving you can build a successful wine business from the ground up in the Willamette Valley. From his grandfather's journey through the Bracero prog...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! Jacob Espinoza sits down with two industry veterans to explore the reality of owning a restaurant in Salem, Oregon, in 2025. Joined by Cecilia Ritter, restaurateur and owner of Wild Pear with 25 years in the industry, and Jason Brandt, President and CEO of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association, this conversation pulls back the curta...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! Two-time MLS Cup champion Nat Borchers is betting BIG on Salem - and he's putting his money where his mouth is. From the 45th Parallel to downtown's JCPenney building, this soccer legend turned real estate mogul is transforming Salem one property at a time. In this powerhouse conversation, discover: Why a champion athlete chose Salem over a...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! Jacob Espinoza sits down with three local experts to dive deep into training for Salem's Ironman 70.3 triathlon. Joining the conversation are John Moore from the Physical Therapy Project, Moses Keener and Scott Cycle, and Conrad Venti, who completed his first half Ironman this year. In this comprehensive discussion, they cover: Getting star...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Brian Zielinski from Scenic Valley Farms and Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell for an in-depth discussion about the recent DLCD (Department of Land Conservation and Development) farm stands rulemaking proposal that sparked statewide controversy among Oregon farmers. You'll learn about...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Eleanor Ryan are joined by Brent DeHart from Fly Salem for an in-depth conversation about the past, present, and future of commercial aviation at Salem-Willamette Valley Airport. This discussion comes on the heels of Avelo Airlines' announcement that they're discontinuing service to Salem as part of their...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Eleanore Ryan are joined by Maeghan Egli, a professional IFBB bodybuilder and Sales Director at Ticor Title, for a fun and insightful conversation about the discipline of professional bodybuilding, the power of mindset, and how a calling can find you in unexpected ways. You'll learn about: Maeghan’s journ...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this first live episode, Jacob Espinoza and Eleanor Ryan sit down with Tiffany Bulgin from Isaac's Room and the IKE Box to discuss: The inspiring story behind Isaac's Room. The power of community support during life's most challenging moments. Downtown Salem's revitalization with new local ownership and exciting developments. And much mo...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Eleanore Ryan sit down with Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth to discuss: The major transition bringing Salem’s ambulance service back in-house with 60 new hires. Plans for alternative service delivery to preserve resources for major emergencies. Preparing for wildfire season and Fourth of July safety. And m...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem ! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Eleanore Ryan speak with Karlee Flores about: How Karlee built Floso with a community-first approach and experience in content marketing. The realities of entrepreneurship, social media visibility, and managing growth with integrity. Staying grounded and authentic while navigating personal identity and b...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Eleanore Ryan speak with Brandon Eastman, founder of Bentley’s Coffee, to discuss: Brandon’s journey founding Bentley’s Coffee and the hard lessons he learned building a beloved local brand. The culture of growth and loyalty at Bentley’s, including employee promotion and community-focused expansion into R...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem ! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Mickey Walker and Eleanore Ryan about: Mickey Walker’s journey from shagging home run balls as a kid to leading the Mavericks League and Roto Rooter Park in Salem. The transformation of Volcanoes Stadium into a vibrant community venue blending baseball with live entertainment and local culture. C...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Chad Johnson and Eleanore Ryan about: Chad’s foundational role in building Salem’s comedy scene and how it’s grown from just eight comics to a thriving community. The unique challenges and rewards of producing live comedy shows, including the grassroots success of Cakes Comedy. How comedy builds c...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Eleanore Ryan and Alyssa Lockwood about: Eleanore's rapid rise in comedy, balancing shows in Eugene, Albany, and Salem, and the evolution of her personal style and confidence onstage. Alyssa’s role at Garten Services and how they empower individuals with disabilities through employment, community,...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Eleanore Ryan speak with Allan Pollock and Maria Hinojos Pressey from Cherriots about: Maria and Allan’s shared commitment to making public transportation more accessible and sustainable in Salem. How Cherriots is expanding service, adding electric buses, and using technology to enhance rider experience....

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem ! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers speak with Chelsea Opfer of Ghost of the Grand about: Chelsea’s deep dive into Salem’s haunted history and the revival of ghost tours through immersive storytelling. The mysterious tunnels beneath downtown Salem and their ties to Chinese immigrant communities and forgotten narratives. How...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Superintendent Andrea Castañeda and comedian Eleanore Ryan about: Andrea's experience leading the Salem-Keizer School District through financial hardship and her commitment to transparency and growth. The increasing need for behavioral and mental health support in elementary schools and how the di...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with nutritionist Ali Virtue, MS NTP, to discuss: Practical approaches to healthy eating and fitness that work for busy lifestyles. Budget-friendly strategies for eating healthy in Salem. Simple habits that create major health improvements. And much more! Timestamps: 00:58 - Jacob shares his fitness...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell to discuss: The recent $3 million funding cut to Bridgeway Community Health, Salem's largest addiction treatment provider. How the Oregon Health Authority's grant allocation process impacts local treatment services. Current legislative efforts to impr...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers sit down with Dr. Jessica Howard, President of Chemeketa Community College, to discuss: How Chemeketa is adapting to rapidly changing workforce needs through innovative programs The upcoming May renewal bond that will maintain current tax rates while funding critical facility updates The i...