What's Happening Salem

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Congresswoman Andrea Salinas to discuss: The economic impacts of proposed tariffs and market volatility on Oregon businesses. How federal budget cuts directly affect Salem communities - from Social Security office closures to education funding. Infrastructure concerns including Detroit Lake wat...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Max Carnage, Salem's favorite foodie, to discuss: His journey creating over 60 food review videos on YouTube. The quest to find Salem's best breakfast burrito. The importance of supporting local restaurants. And much more! Timestamps: 07:18 - Max's YouTube food review series 11:37 - Exploring S...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Britany Randall, land use expert and consultant, to discuss: Senate Bill 1537 and its impact on housing development. The challenges of housing affordability in Salem. Ways to improve housing production And much more! Timestamps: 05:10 - Workforce housing explained 07:42 - Regulations vs. afford...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers sit down with Jordan Truitt to discuss: His experience leading the relief efforts during the 2020 wildfires. How the community came together during crisis to support those affected. The lasting impact of volunteer work on personal growth. And much more! Timestamps: 00:55 - Jordan's communi...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers sit down with Hailey and Cheyenne from Punx With Purpose to talk about: How they created a nonprofit serving unhoused and at-risk youth in Salem through low-barrier, youth-driven programs. Why prevention and youth mental health support are crucial for breaking cycles. How community connect...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers sit down with Jodi Blackman from United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley to discuss: The evolution of United Way over the past decade. Taking over the Awesome 3000 community event. How nonprofit funding is changing. And much more! Timestamps: 03:37 - United Way's service transformation 08:...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers sit down with City Councilor Paul Tigan to discuss: Salem's current budget challenges. The upcoming livability levy proposal. Why local government matters in our daily lives. And much more! Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and welcome 03:39 - Reasons for running for City Council 09:00 - Bu...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with DJ Vincent from Church at the Park to discuss: The premiere of the Barriers for Bridges documentary. Church at the Park's evolution and mission. The reality of Salem's unhoused crisis. And much more! Timestamps: 05:06 - Church at the Park's origin story 13:55 - The importance of stable environm...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Charles Weathers, local developer and visionary, to discuss: Downtown Salem's evolution and future. The challenges and opportunities in urban development. Creating vibrant community spaces. And much more! Timestamps: 01:07 - Charles's journey from finance to development 05:06 - Current developm...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack to discuss: His four years leading Salem's police department. The upcoming city budget challenges. Changes in policing since 2020. And much more! To RSVP the 2025 Breakfast with the Chief visit: https://salempolicefoundation.org/ Timestamps: 01:07 - Chief Womack...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers sit down with Maddie Leutwyler from Salem Free Clinics to discuss: The incredible impact of providing free healthcare services to the Salem community. How Salem Free Clinics evolved from a church initiative to a vital community resource. The launch of their new Compassion Campaign. And muc...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Cory Poole, Chair of the Southeast Mill Creek Neighborhood Association (SEMCA), to discuss: The challenges facing manufactured home park operators. The potential impact of House Bill 3054 on housing. Salem's housing market and infrastructure needs. And much more! Timestamps: 03:02 - Discussion...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Joe and Sarah, former owners of Chubby Bao House, to discuss: Their journey from food truck to brick-and-mortar restaurant. The challenges facing restaurants in Salem's current economy. Their transition out of restaurant ownership. And much more! Timestamps: 03:53 - Starting out in the food bus...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers sit down with Salem Reporter Managing Editor Rachel Alexander to discuss: The evolution of local journalism. Challenges facing local news organizations. The importance of community connection in reporting. And much more! Timestamps: 02:17 - Rachel’s Background 04:46 - Changes in local jour...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Salem City Councilor Virginia Stapleton to discuss: The importance of local government engagement. Her journey to becoming a City Councilor. Future plans and projects And much more! Timestamps: 02:28 - Virginia's new podcast 05:01 - Local government communication 07:34 - Initial motivation to r...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this first episode of 2025, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers are joined by Salem Public Works Director Brian Martin to discuss: The recent West Salem sewer line emergency. How the city responded to the infrastructure crisis. The impact on residents and the community response. And much more! Timestamps: 04:59 - West Salem sewer emergenc...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Albert Ramon (DJ Inferno) to discuss Salem's evolving music and entertainment scene, including: The journey of starting Rhythm and Flow events in Salem. Challenges of organizing shows in a smaller market. Building relationships with local venues. And much more! Timestamps: 02:08 - First events...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Summers are joined by Pat Zajac to discuss Salem's newest sports team, the Marion Berries. You’ll learn about: The $6 million renovation of Willamette University's ballpark. Plans for community engagement and youth development. What the West Coast League is and how it works. And much more! Timesta...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers are joined by new Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth to discuss: The comprehensive services provided by Salem Fire Department. Innovation and technology in emergency services. Community engagement initiatives. And much more! Timestamps: 01:07 - First impressions of Salem and holiday season 04:...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this special Thanksgiving episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers reflect on: The growth and impact of What's Happening Salem Future plans for What’s Happening Salem Holiday preparations and upcoming events And much more! Timestamps: 01:32 - What drew Brandon to What's Happening Salem 03:08 - The podcast's approach and impact 10:38 -...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke to discuss: Salem's current budget challenges and potential solutions. Ways citizens can participate in local government. The statewide nature of municipal budget issues. And much more! Timestamps: 01:09 - Discussion of public service and volunteerism 02:26...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with competitive eater and food reviewer Max Carnage to discuss: Salem's best pizza spots and what makes them special. Top burger and shake combinations in the area. Hidden gems in Salem's food scene. And much more! Click here to learn more about Max Carnage. Timestamps: 00:49 - How Max got into com...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers are joined by Dan Sommers, owner of Advantage Heating and Air Conditioning, and his son Brandon Sommers to discuss: The journey of building a successful family business. The importance of investing in employee training. Building a strong company culture. And much more! Timestamps: 00:37 -...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers are joined by Trent Michels to discuss Salem's upcoming Cannery development project, including: Trent's journey from Salem native to developer. Why Salem was chosen for this major development. Details about the project's timeline and construction plans. And much more! Timestamps: 00:38 - I...

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers are joined by Salem City Manager Keith Stahley to discuss: The role of the city manager and how it differs from city council and mayor. Salem's $780 million budget and how it's managed. How citizens can participate in city planning and decision-making. And much more! Timestamps: 00:32 - In...