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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 - Overview of Campaign For Equal Justice event

05:32 - Salem's budget crisis

07:43 - Statewide municipal budget challenges

11:46 - Current budget cuts and impact on city services

14:23 - Ways to get involved in budget discussions

18:02 - Potential revenue options

21:12 - Importance of community awareness and participation

23:25 - The role of social media in civic discourse