What's Happening Salem

By Jacob Espinoza

Stay connected to your community with "What’s Happening Salem," your go-to podcast for all things Salem, Oregon. Every Friday morning, we bring you the latest news, events, and stories from the past w... more

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FAQs about What's Happening Salem:

How many episodes does What's Happening Salem have?

The podcast currently has 41 episodes available.

What's Happening Salem episodes:

March 20, 2025Jordan Truitt on Salem's Wildfire Response and Community Leadership
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 community involvement and board positions
06:59 - The 2020 wildfires
13:16 - Community response to donation requests
30:17 - How the experience changed Jordan's perspective
36:11 - The importance of volunteering and community service
42:15 - Discussion on generational gaps in nonprofit boards
44:53 - Upcoming Awesome 3000 event
...more
50min
March 14, 2025Punx With Purpose on Supporting Unhoused Youth
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 connections make their work possible.
And much more!

Timestamps:
00:34 - Introductions and recent award recognition
06:54 - What Punx with a Purpose does
10:55 - Youth homelessness and couch surfing reality
21:33 - Punx in the Park resource festival
24:56 - Punxgiving and Punxmas youth events
34:21 - Taking care of staff prevents burnout
41:58 - ACE scores and childhood trauma impacts
49:54 - Myths about youth experiencing homelessness
...more
56min
March 07, 2025Jodi Blackman on United Way's Evolution and the Awesome 3000
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
08:28 - Enrichment Academy program overview
12:09 - Federal funding uncertainties
18:59 - Fiscal management approach
21:26 - Awesome 3000 acquisition
28:49 - Event sponsorship opportunities
33:39 - Leadership succession challenges
...more
44min
February 28, 2025Paul Tigan on Salem's Budget Solutions and Livability Levy
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 - Business consulting experience and city communications
12:23 - Understanding Salem's budget challenges
16:36 - Independent financial audit findings
20:23 - Livability levy details and property tax impact
27:49 - Myths about City Council divisions
30:31 - Humanizing local government
39:35 - Closing thoughts on Salem's future
...more
41min
February 21, 2025DJ Vincent on Supporting Salem's Unhoused Community
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 environments
19:52 - Outreach and intervention approaches
24:42 - Faith-based service discussion
31:05 - Rural community support
35:12 - Common myths
42:35 - Staying optimistic in difficult work
46:12 - Closing thoughts
...more
47min
February 14, 2025Charles Weathers on Downtown Salem's Development and Future
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 development projects update
09:20 - Commercial real estate development
14:21 - New construction vs. renovation challenges
20:56 - Government and community engagement
24:40 - Downtown Salem's strengths and opportunities
29:03 - Mall redevelopment potential
31:14 - Creating diverse downtown experiences
34:09 - Vision for a successful downtown
...more
40min
February 07, 2025Police Chief Trevor Womack on Salem's Public Safety and Community Trust
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's first impressions of Salem
06:43 - Department strategic plan overview
08:08 - City budget
11:28 - Staffing challenges and progress
14:34 - Crime trends in Salem
18:02 - Behavioral health crisis response
20:44 - ICE enforcement clarification
24:44 - Department transparency & public engagement
26:17 - Memorable experiences
32:06 - Chief's vision for the future
34:04 - Upcoming Breakfast With the Chief event details
...more
37min
January 31, 2025Maddie Leutwyler on Salem Free Clinics' Healthcare Mission
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 much more!

To learn more about Salem Free Clinics visit: https://salemfreeclinics.org/
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
05:34 - Salem Free Clinics overview and services
07:07 - Clinic accessibility and qualifications
14:15 - Challenges of nonprofit awareness
16:35 - Funding sources and Compassion Campaign
20:00 - Legacy donors and next generation support
23:56 - Healthcare provider perspectives
30:30 - Future vision for Salem Free Clinics
34:26 - Ways to support the clinic
...more
38min
January 30, 2025Cory Poole on Salem's Housing and Community Development
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 of House Bill 3054
08:11 - Housing affordability concerns
12:29 - Subsidized vs. non-subsidized housing
17:38 - Common misconceptions about manufactured home communities
19:14 - Positive developments in Salem
...more
21min
January 24, 2025Sarah and Joe Ngo on Restaurant Life in Salem
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 business
12:12 - Restaurant industry challenges
20:06 - Impact of state workers on downtown
22:27 - Advice for future restaurant owners
34:45 - Future plans
44:56 - Memorable moments
...more
53min

FAQs about What's Happening Salem:

How many episodes does What's Happening Salem have?

The podcast currently has 41 episodes available.