What's Happening Salem

What's Happening Salem

By Jacob EspinozaNews
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What's Happening Salem episodes

  • Maddie 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

      38 min
    • Cory 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

        21 min
      • Sarah 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

          53 min
        • Rachel Alexander on Keeping Salem Informed

          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 journalism landscape

            09:12 - Role of bias and objectivity in reporting

            15:21 - Investigative reporting

            21:34 - Salem's major stories for 2025

            26:26 - Memorable stories

            31 min
          • Virginia Stapleton on Making Change Through City Council

            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 run for City Council

              13:27 - Personal background

              20:07 - Power and public service

              23:29 - Major accomplishments

              25:46 - Community art initiatives

              28:22 - Future plans and projects

              31 min
            • Brian Martin on West Salem's Sewer Emergency Response

              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 emergency

                07:02 - Salem's wastewater system

                14:43 - Infrastructure challenges

                22:56 - Future infrastructure planning

                26:25 - Next steps for sewer system maintenance

                29 min
              • Albert Ramon (DJ Inferno) on Salem's Nightlife Scene

                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 and early experiences

                  05:13 - Challenges of finding venues in Salem

                  11:06 - Development of hip-hop scene in Salem

                  20:18 - Future plans for events and content

                  22:37 - Working with downtown Salem businesses

                  24:20 - Learning experiences from event promotion

                  30:13 - Creating memorable experiences

                  33 min
                • Pat Zajac on Salem's New Marion Berries Baseball Team

                  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!

                  • Timestamps:

                    01:52 - Overview of Marion Berries

                    07:27 - Wood bat league format

                    11:16 - Impact on downtown Salem

                    14:34 - Plans for youth development

                    17:41 - Funding and partnerships

                    20:45 - Impact on local sports culture

                    24:21 - Timeline and upcoming developments

                    26:04 - Entertainment plans and promotional events

                    28 min
                  • Fire Chief David Gerboth on Salem's Emergency Services

                    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

                      04:22 - Overview of Fire Department services

                      07:27 - Discussion of staffing and new ambulance services

                      10:35 - Innovation and technology initiatives

                      14:19 - Emergency response protocols

                      17:16 - Chief's vision for community involvement

                      20:47 - Social media and public communication

                      22:05 - Salem Fire Foundation

                      26 min
                    • We're Thankful for Salem

                      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 - Future plans

                        13:32 - Community building

                        18:55 - Advantage Heating's growth and culture

                        21:50 - Leading with intensity

                        23:12 - Holiday plans and traditions

                        25:39 - Preview of Salem's Christmas parade

                        27 min

                      About What's Happening Salem

                      From the publisher's feed

                      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…