Willamette Wake Up

Gwen Carr, Director of Bush House Museum, invites us to a new heritage talk series at Bush House this spring, starting with "Help Wanted: The Working Hands of the Bush House" on March 1st.  Then docent and presenter, Bill Galbraith, talks about how he researched the topic. The series has limited seating and charges a nominal fee to attend.

Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth talks about the City of Salem's new partnership with Marion County to assist people in a medical crisis in downtown Salem with the REACH team - Rapid Engagement, Assessment & Community Health team. He'll address the goals of the pilot program and how it's working - just a few weeks into the program.

Exploring legislation on housing and homelessness with Jimmy Jones & Christopher Lopez, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency. They discuss a bill that could change the way unsheltered people are treated while occupying public space; and a bill designed to create more housing, by allowing cities to more easily expand their urban growth boundary. Plus, they identify funds needed to prevent eviction - one of conditions leading to more people becoming unsheltered.

Willamette Block Party's Ray and Allie wish us a Happy Black History Month with activities and organizations to explore. 

Keeping Oregon Oregon speaks with Jim Johnson, Working Lands Policy Director with 1000 Friends of Oregon, regarding farmland issues to be brought forth in the 2026 legislative session.

Elephant in the Room talks with Brooke Edmunds, with the Master Gardener Extension Program in Marion and Polk Counties. She describes their new “Garden Future” initiative for gathering information from home gardeners about climate-related changes in their gardens, and sharing recommendations about how to adapt gardens to our changing climate.

We explore the Justice Reinvestment Equity Program (JREP) which offers culturally specific programs for people reentering the community from incarceration. We hear how the program changed one man's life trajectory, and how funding for the program may now be in jeopardy, with Juli Ray Joy and Patrick Alexander.

Neuro Emergent talks with Shawn Sullivan, Vice President of the Autism Society of Oregon and host of the podcast Sullivan's Unheard Voices. Plus, what's in the news about neurodiversity.

Health Thought & Transformation explores uncovering hidden toxins in everyday life.  Jamie Stanley shares how researching the products in her own home transformed her family’s health, and why reading labels matters—especially when it comes to chemical fragrances. 

Sen. Deb Patterson shares her perspectives on how this legislature can address critical health care issues during the legislative short session.