What's Happening Salem

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Jenn Hays sit down with Irma Coleman, Neighborhood Program Manager for the City of Salem, to explore how neighborhood associations bring people together, address local concerns, and make a positive impact across the community.

Discover how these volunteer-led groups help residents connect with city officials, advocate for safer streets and better parks, and turn community ideas into meaningful action. Irma also shares inspiring examples of neighborhood-led initiatives that strengthen connections and make Salem a better place to live.

In this episode, we discuss:

And much more!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing the conversation about neighborhood associations

09:25 - What is a neighborhood association, and how is it different from an HOA?

13:27 - The history of Salem's neighborhood associations

15:20 - How neighbors can advocate for safer streets and better public spaces

16:44 - Neighborhood associations and local development decisions

19:03 - What happens at neighborhood association meetings?

21:26 - Addressing the misconception that neighborhood associations block development

23:20 - Funding opportunities for neighborhood projects and park improvements

25:26 - Common neighborhood concerns: public safety, transportation, and sidewalks

27:23 - Balancing community concerns and city priorities

30:11 - Community engagement and respectful conversations during election season

32:59 - Volunteer opportunities and the need for greater neighborhood involvement

34:54 - How to find your neighborhood association and attend meetings

37:16 - Board member term limits and leadership opportunities

40:00 - Police involvement and addressing neighborhood safety concerns

41:57 - Community success stories: the Inglewood Forest Festival and clothing swaps

44:48 - The rewards of serving Salem's neighborhoods

46:11 - Irma's favorite underrated spot in Salem

48:31 - Why supporting local podcasts helps build a connected community

Welcome to this week’s episode of What’s Happening Salem!

Jacob Espinoza and Jenn Hays sit down with Julianah Dougals, Climate Action Plan Manager for the City of Salem, to discuss:

And much more!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Kickoff, jingles, and a Salem dinner out

01:59 - What a Climate Action Plan manager does

03:53 - Are Salem’s emissions goals on track?

05:20 - Making the sustainable choice the easy choice

09:28 - Youth Climate Action Fund micro grants

11:54 - Oregon’s new recycling rules, explained

13:57 - The great pizza box debate

15:26 - Wishcycling, hazardous items, and why contamination matters

17:59 - Bottle caps: yes or no?

25:15 - Where Salem’s trash goes next

29:29 - How COVID changed transportation emissions

32:04 - Trash audits and a week without driving

35:56 - Clothing swaps, donations, and Circular Salem

39:26 - The incinerator debate

42:06 - Climate anxiety and why small changes still matter

48:12 - Lightning round: Orchard Heights Park and cherry blossoms

Welcome to this week’s episode of What’s Happening Salem!

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Michael Wynschenk, CEO of Hunter Communications, to discuss:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and golf stories

03:51 - Hunter Communications’ origin story

05:44 - Launching fiber to homes during the pandemic

07:50 - Why Hunter has its eye on Salem

10:15 - Upload vs. download speeds explained

14:20 - Partnering with Boys & Girls Club and Family Building Blocks

17:47 - Cybersecurity Month and keeping kids safe online

24:44 - Meta lawsuit, parental controls, and Bark

29:25 - What a “passing” is and how the rollout works

33:20 - Registering your neighborhood for fiber

35:36 - Salem favorites: the convention center and downtown dining

40:42 - Fiber vs. Starlink

Welcome to this week’s episode of What’s Happening Salem!

Jacob Espinoza sits down with co-host Jenn Hays for a get-to-know-you conversation about her Salem roots, her career in country radio, and why local storytelling matters now more than ever. They discuss:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Cowbell chaos and Friday energy

01:16 - Getting to know Jenn Hays

02:07 - Marriage, parenting, and the 15-year hump

04:18 - High school party days and being “that kid”

07:48 - Growing up before smartphones and tracking your kids

08:54 - Nostalgic North Salem: video rentals and pizza nights

11:16 - Oregon State, the recession, and moving to Seattle and Montana

14:03 - College rap shows in Eugene and today’s concert ticket prices

16:09 - Why Salem events are a bargain

17:15 - Dropping out, traveling, and finding a path to radio

20:44 - Getting on the air and landing a Portland morning show

22:39 - How COVID reshaped the radio industry

24:17 - Streaming, social media, and the decline of radio

29:28 - Syndication and the loss of local voices

31:17 - Why Salem needs local media like What’s Happening Salem

34:04 - Making content that works on Instagram

36:07 - Starting What’s Happening Salem and handling criticism

38:51 - Salem hot takes: underrated vs. overrated

43:17 - Farm stands: local or just a tiny grocery store?

45:13 - Wrap-up and a shout-out to Jenn as co-host

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

What happens when Salem takes control of its own ambulance service, and can the city actually deliver better emergency response?

In this first live episode, Jacob Espinoza and Jenn Hays sit down with Steven Boughey and David Gerboth to take a behind-the-scenes look at Salem's ambulance system one year after the city took it over. They discuss the dramatic improvements in ambulance availability, what "Level Zero" really means, how 911 calls are triaged, and why some emergencies require a completely different approach.

They also explore the innovative Reach program for mental health crises, the financial realities of running a public ambulance service, firefighter burnout, staffing challenges, and what the future of emergency response looks like in Salem.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome back to What's Happening Salem

01:50 - Meet Salem Fire's EMS leadership

05:02 - When should you call 911?

07:55 - Salem's transition to city-run ambulance services

09:21 - Why Salem took over ambulance services

10:19 - Ambulance availability and service improvements

12:17 - The dramatic reduction in "Level Zero" hours

13:45 - How Salem's ambulance service is funded

16:12 - Why fire engines respond to medical emergencies

18:06 - Handling 911 calls and emergency triage

19:34 - How dispatch determines the right emergency response

21:21 - 988, mental health calls, and alternative resources

23:43 - Salem's data-driven approach to emergency response

24:42 - The Reach program for mental health crises

26:08 - Connecting people with addiction and community resources

28:03 - The results and future of the Reach program

30:27 - The cost of ambulance services and financial concerns

34:36 - How ambulance billing and insurance work

36:03 - Keeping ambulance services financially sustainable

37:01 - Overtime, staffing, and firefighter burnout

40:46 - The emotional demands of emergency response

42:39 - Building compassion into firefighter culture

45:00 - Was taking over ambulance services the right decision?

46:28 - Improving quality of care and accountability

47:25 - How the public model supports firefighters and EMTs

48:24 - Creating career opportunities for local residents

50:14 - How to become an EMT or paramedic

51:31 - Where to find Salem Fire's ambulance service data

52:23 - Favorite Salem restaurants and local spots

55:40 - Closing thoughts and thanks to Salem's community

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and co-host Jenn Hayes sit down with Ashley Dunn, the City of Salem's Community Engagement Manager, to talk about Northeast United and the community-driven work happening across Northeast Salem.

In this episode, they discuss:

Timestamps:

00:47 - Meet Ashley Dunn and her role with the City of Salem

03:21 - Ashley's role as Community Engagement Manager

04:15 - What is Northeast United?

05:35 - The divide and perceptions surrounding Northeast Salem

08:02 - Defining Northeast Salem

08:52 - How Northeast United brings the community together

09:16 - The goals of Northeast United

10:15 - Why community members are driving the work

12:07 - What the Northeast Salem community survey revealed

13:05 - Public safety, walkability, and neighborhood concerns

13:48 - Homelessness, public health, and access to services

14:20 - Why cleanliness matters to the community

15:01 - The organizations and resources residents don't know about

15:29 - Stakeholder feedback and the importance of youth support

17:54 - Making sure the right voices are at the table

18:38 - Community engagement and gathering diverse perspectives

19:09 - The group of 30 and group of 7

19:52 - Creating Northeast United's public value proposition

20:19 - Breaking down problems and finding opportunities for action

20:54 - The timeline for Northeast United

22:44 - Learning and adapting from Downtown Salem

23:47 - Why Northeast United started with community input

25:22 - Putting community representatives in the driver's seat

26:13 - Lessons from Downtown Salem

28:30 - What Northeast Salem residents can expect next

29:27 - Transparency, engagement, and keeping the community informed

38:03 - Understanding perceptions of safety in Northeast Salem

39:22 - Making sure youth and unsheltered residents are heard

40:17 - Recognizing gaps and limitations in the survey

42:33 - When is there enough information to take action?

44:10 - Why Northeast United is an ongoing process

45:02 - Why community visibility and connection matter

47:25 - Northeast United as a process, not just a program

48:45 - Building the right table for meaningful community work

50:18 - Ashley's favorite spots and hidden gems in Northeast Salem

53:07 - Final thoughts and where to learn more about Northeast United

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening in Salem!

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and new co-host Jenn Hays sit down with Salem-Keizer School District Superintendent Andrea Castaneda to discuss the upcoming school closure recommendations, the district's financial challenges, and what families can expect in the months ahead.

They discuss:

The reasons behind declining enrollment and why Salem-Keizer is considering closing up to eight schools.
How declining birth rates, virtual charter schools, and enrollment changes are affecting the district.
The financial challenges facing Salem-Keizer, including the projected $46 million budget reduction.
How the district is evaluating school closures, including transportation, boundaries, programs, and the impact on families.
Common misconceptions and rumors surrounding the school closure process.
How community feedback will be incorporated into the decision-making process.
What happens to school buildings after they are closed.
The district's goals for balancing enrollment and resources in the years ahead.
And, despite the challenges, some encouraging news about student achievement and the work happening inside Salem-Keizer schools.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing new co-host Jenn Hays and Superintendent Andrea Castaneda

01:24 - Getting to know Andrea and her journey to Salem-Keizer

03:19 - The challenge of leading through years of budget cuts

04:11 - Why Salem-Keizer is considering up to eight school closures

05:38 - Declining enrollment and the timeline for the closure recommendations

06:29 - Falling birth rates and their impact on enrollment

07:19 - Virtual charter schools and other factors affecting enrollment

08:13 - How declining enrollment affects district funding

09:08 - Why empty classrooms don't automatically mean smaller class sizes

10:01 - How the district is evaluating which schools could be affected

11:21 - Transportation, boundaries, programs, and the impact on families

13:41 - How school closures could affect different groups of families

15:33 - What it's like to lead through an uncertain and difficult process

16:25 - Managing change and helping the community adapt

17:23 - Common misconceptions about the school closure process

18:20 - Why school closures won't solve the $46 million budget problem

19:10 - Concentrating resources in fully enrolled schools

20:29 - Addressing concerns about school buildings and real estate

22:26 - What happens to closed school buildings

23:10 - How proceeds from selling district property could be used

24:57 - How Salem-Keizer will measure whether the changes are successful

26:20 - Balancing school enrollment and preparing for future changes

27:12 - How community feedback will influence the process

29:00 - Boundary changes and transition support for families

30:23 - Understanding the district's $46 million budget reduction

31:20 - Where Salem-Keizer's funding comes from

32:11 - School funding challenges across Oregon

33:01 - What's next for the district's budget reductions

34:25 - Some good news: student achievement and school performance

35:20 - The focus on early literacy and student success

36:16 - What Andrea wishes more people knew about schools

38:11 - Looking beyond social media and seeing the community in person

39:09 - The roadmap and key dates for the school closure process

40:05 - October 9, October 13, October 20, and the December board decision

41:23 - Learning to navigate difficult change together

42:22 - "Learning to do hard better"

43:17 - Jenn's peach analogy and words of wisdom

44:42 - The grape analogy and wrapping up the conversation

46:39 - Jenn reflects on her first long-form podcast experience

47:37 - Learning through curiosity and conversation

48:36 - Final thoughts and episode wrap-up

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening in Salem!

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and new co-host Jen Hayes sit down with Salem-Keizer School District Superintendent Andrea Castaneda to discuss the upcoming school closure recommendations, the district's financial challenges, and what families can expect in the months ahead.

They discuss:

The reasons behind declining enrollment and why Salem-Keizer is considering closing up to eight schools.
How declining birth rates, virtual charter schools, and enrollment changes are affecting the district.
The financial challenges facing Salem-Keizer, including the projected $46 million budget reduction.
How the district is evaluating school closures, including transportation, boundaries, programs, and the impact on families.
Common misconceptions and rumors surrounding the school closure process.
How community feedback will be incorporated into the decision-making process.
What happens to school buildings after they are closed.
The district's goals for balancing enrollment and resources in the years ahead.
And, despite the challenges, some encouraging news about student achievement and the work happening inside Salem-Keizer schools.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing new co-host Jen Hayes and Superintendent Andrea Castaneda

01:24 - Getting to know Andrea and her journey to Salem-Keizer

03:19 - The challenge of leading through years of budget cuts

04:11 - Why Salem-Keizer is considering up to eight school closures

05:38 - Declining enrollment and the timeline for the closure recommendations

06:29 - Falling birth rates and their impact on enrollment

07:19 - Virtual charter schools and other factors affecting enrollment

08:13 - How declining enrollment affects district funding

09:08 - Why empty classrooms don't automatically mean smaller class sizes

10:01 - How the district is evaluating which schools could be affected

11:21 - Transportation, boundaries, programs, and the impact on families

13:41 - How school closures could affect different groups of families

15:33 - What it's like to lead through an uncertain and difficult process

16:25 - Managing change and helping the community adapt

17:23 - Common misconceptions about the school closure process

18:20 - Why school closures won't solve the $46 million budget problem

19:10 - Concentrating resources in fully enrolled schools

20:29 - Addressing concerns about school buildings and real estate

22:26 - What happens to closed school buildings

23:10 - How proceeds from selling district property could be used

24:57 - How Salem-Keizer will measure whether the changes are successful

26:20 - Balancing school enrollment and preparing for future changes

27:12 - How community feedback will influence the process

29:00 - Boundary changes and transition support for families

30:23 - Understanding the district's $46 million budget reduction

31:20 - Where Salem-Keizer's funding comes from

32:11 - School funding challenges across Oregon

33:01 - What's next for the district's budget reductions

34:25 - Some good news: student achievement and school performance

35:20 - The focus on early literacy and student success

36:16 - What Andrea wishes more people knew about schools

38:11 - Looking beyond social media and seeing the community in person

39:09 - The roadmap and key dates for the school closure process

40:05 - October 9, October 13, October 20, and the December board decision

41:23 - Learning to navigate difficult change together

42:22 - "Learning to do hard better"

43:17 - Jen's peach analogy and words of wisdom

44:42 - The grape analogy and wrapping up the conversation

46:39 - Jen reflects on her first long-form podcast experience

47:37 - Learning through curiosity and conversation

48:36 - Final thoughts and episode wrap-up

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Gretchen Bennett, Community Services Director and Homeless Liaison for the City of Salem, to discuss:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Back from hiatus: introducing Gretchen Bennett, Salem's Homeless Liaison

00:51 - Gretchen's path to Community Services Director

02:01 - Why nonprofits fill the gaps government can't

03:07 - The range of shelter options and "behavioral expectations"

05:33 - The new agreement to help unhoused neighbors on ODOT property

09:14 - How the city-ODOT partnership came together

13:52 - What a respectful camp intervention looks like, and a story of family reunification

16:52 - Treatment barriers and Oregon Health Plan limitations

19:10 - Why people get stuck in "temporary" shelter

20:05 - Salem's need for truly affordable housing

22:05 - Coordinating across city, county, and nonprofit partners

26:03 - When someone isn't ready to accept help

28:51 - What's working and where Salem still falls short

30:11 - "Built for Zero" and centering youth homelessness

33:34 - Balancing compassion, accountability, and the case for designated campsites

38:27 - How to stay informed and get involved

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

In this episode, Jacob sits down with Britt Zijlstra of the Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service (WVMLS) to discuss:

And much more!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome back & introducing Britt Zijlstra of WVMLS

01:53 - Salem's real estate mood: cautious optimism and an 18% jump in new listings

04:43 - Median sales price trends and closed sales numbers

07:45 - Days on market: what it means and why it's dropping

09:06 - Using CMAs to help sellers price correctly

14:11 - Salem by the numbers: new listings and active inventory

16:06 - Agents entering the profession & common misconceptions about the job

20:37 - What WVMLS actually is (and what that acronym means)

22:21 - How listings get onto the big portals

24:15 - Busting misconceptions about WVMLS and Proptech

26:25 - Free tools for the public: Collab Center, broker search, and more

29:03 - WVMLS's push to educate the public with new stats and website resources

37:46 - Broker safety and protecting agents in the field

39:53 - Membership dues, perks, and Dues Free December

40:19 - Giving back: the annual food fund drive

42:08 - Town halls, chambers, and staying connected to the community

44:14 - Why networking is one of real estate's most powerful tools

50:15 - Closing thoughts and thanks to Britt