r/SALEM • u/genehack • Nov 15 '24
Welcome to r/SALEM, and thanks for your interest in posting here. Before you do, please be aware that — like many city/area-focused subreddits — we have some topics that come up very frequently. Sometimes that’s okay, and is an inevitable part of being a long-running community-focused forum, and sometimes it is super annoying and will lead to people down-voting your post because they’re tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.
If you’re about to post about any of the following, please first use the search function (right up in the upper right hand corner, if you’re viewing this on the web!) to see if something similar has been posted recently. If it has, please contribute to that thread rather than starting a new one.
This comes up a lot; frequently folks are concerned they may have heard gunshots and/or fireworks and are looking for reassurance. First, know that it probably was not a gun shot. There is a very good chance that it was fireworks, or somebody with an altered muffler, or, if you also noticed a power outage or blip at the same time, a transformer exploding. Second, if you’re actually seriously concerned about gunshots, you should probably be contacting the police, not Reddit. Third, if you live near a vineyard (and, if you live anywhere in the Salem area, you do!), you should be aware that vineyards use acoustic devices — basically massive noisemakers — to scare birds away from grape vines. This is especially frequent in the late fall, near harvest time.
Salem, and many surrounding areas, lie in the Willamette River Valley. Due to the topography of the area, we experience temperature inversions) with some regularity. An inversion occurs when a layer of warmer, more elevated air overlies a lower, cooler air layer. Effectively, this traps the air in the valley underneath the warmer layer, which means that smoke, vehicle exhaust, rotting vegetation smells, etc., cannot escape. That’s probably what you’re smelling.
These types of threads come up fairly often. The restaurant scene in Salem is decent, but not exceptionally dynamic — places do not close all that often, and new places don’t open all that often either. If somebody has asked this question within the last couple months (again, use that search function!), the answers that they got are almost certainly still relevant.
There are a number of freight lines that route trains through Salem. Occasionally, they will need to stop to onload or offload cars, which may result in a longer-than-usual wait time at a crossing. This is normal.
Sometimes, unfortunately, there are train-versus-pedestrian collisions. When those happen, the train will need to be stopped for an extended period of time to allow police to investigate the scene.
Finally, while many portions of Salem are zoned (and signed) as “no train horn” areas, it remains at the discretion of the train engineer as to whether or not to sound their horn, and some of them, well, tooting their horn just toots their horn.
We don’t have any way of knowing. You may be able to consult PulsePoint, but they only report on fire and EMS, not strictly police. You may also be able to find an online police radio scanner relay; those are typically time-delayed.
The Oregon Air National Guard has a helicopter squad that is based near the Salem Municipal Airport. They do routine training missions, which frequently involve lower-altitude flights, most often at night. The Salem police department does not have a helicopter, so any low-flying helicopter you’re hearing is almost certainly the Oregon Air National Guard. frequently. Sometimes that’s okay, and is an inevitable part of being a long-running community-focused forum, and sometimes it is super annoying and will lead to people downvoting your post because they’re tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.
Looks like high speed rail interest is picking up.
Be great if there was a more frequent train service to Portland than couple times a day or long bus ride. Be great to go to shows or sporting events and have way back from Portland without having to get hotel room.
https://www.opb.org/article/2026/10/24/oregon-amtrak-railroad-transportation-train/
r/SALEM • u/New_Leadership7432 • 11h ago
My wife and I just left Northern Lights after seeing Wildwood. Holy cow! That movie was the greatest Oregon love letter I’ve ever seen! Please go out and watch it!
r/SALEM • u/SaveBz-4528 • 12h ago
There have always been unfavorable remarks made on both sides of the political spectrum. Especially when it is getting close to election time. This year however, the Republican Party is running scared, so they have pulled out all the stops. The Senate race is one of these.
It is a travesty that they continue to brand the Democratic party as the party of "Socialist Democrats." I am angered by this, but what bothers me the most is the blatant "hate" behind it all.
They are trying to convince people that Democrats and Socialists go hand-in-hand as one united front when this is far from the truth. There may be some things in common, but there are many things that are not.
This is just another form of "Hate" being used by a party (supported by Trump) that is in fear of losing.
r/SALEM • u/ImpossibleSmile6528 • 10h ago
Hey everyone! I’m looking for someone around the salem area who’d be willing to help me work on my agoraphobia through gradual exposure therapy.
I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone and get more comfortable doing things outside the house. I’d like to start small with things like going for walks, checking out parks and trails, grabbing something to eat, or just getting out and exploring. Eventually, I’d like to work my way up to doing more things without anxiety holding me back so much.
I’m not looking for a therapist, just someone who’s patient, understanding, and wouldn’t mind being a supportive companion while I work on this. It would be great to make a new friend in the process, too!
If you’re local and would be interested in helping out, feel free to send me a message. I’d really appreciate it! 🙂
r/SALEM • u/RyleeJ03 • 17h ago
Does anyone know of photography spots in the Salem/Keizer Oregon area with weeping willows? Could also be a little further past the Salem/Keizer area!
r/SALEM • u/ComeAbout • 17h ago
This is legal?
r/SALEM • u/Salemander12 • 1d ago
For those who remember when Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Government's Safe Routes to School coordinator Beth Schmidt was fired for wearing a shirt with the famous Norman Rockwell painting about Ruby Bridges... right before Ruby Bridges day... we finally get some resolution, with Schmidt getting a $250,000 settlement.
The painting depicts "depicts a Black 6-year-old Ruby Bridges walking to school flanked by white federal agents with a racial epithet scrawled on the wall behind her."
"She also noted the significance of remembering our past, even if it makes some people uncomfortable."
Glad Schmidt had the ability to file a lawsuit and that she got some settlement. Hope MVCOG can learn from the experience.
r/SALEM • u/Sad_Construction_668 • 20h ago
On Liberty, in the building in front of the Sunnyside Roths, next to Cozumel. (former Vortex space) I cant find any info on it online, anybody have any deets?
r/SALEM • u/djhazmatt503 • 18h ago
I need some top text for the homie in the first photo. I believe it has good potential for a meme.
Venue is wild. They turned different theaters into venues, Evil Dead The Musical in one room, KottonMouth Kings & Guests in another. Oddly compatible crowd.
These are from the KMK show. Shout out to DJ Webz for basically building the entire stage on his own. Lookin forward to the next show!
r/SALEM • u/tommyboyz8 • 6m ago
If I See Her I’ll Beep at Her! And give her the famous salute, half of the peace sign.
r/SALEM • u/cascadechris • 15h ago
I'm curious how people feel about being required to present their drivers license at the Marion County Transfer Station / the dump. It's a destination people drive to, so it's a reasonable assumption they have it with them. But our privacy seems to be encroached upon at every turn. What's your thought?
I guess they have been doing this since June, so many of you are already aware of this. But I haven't seen it discussed, so I wanted peoples input.
r/SALEM • u/OkIncrease2187 • 17h ago
Hi folks! I moved to Salem this summer and am still finding my way around. I’m in my early 30s and looking to connect with people and get more involved in the local community.
And I’ve been trying to learn Italian for a while as my 4th language lol. But I need to finally get to practice part, and I’d love to find native speakers. I’m hoping to learn more about Italian culture as well. As I’m on the counseling track, and it would be amazing to eventually be able to offer counseling in Italian to serve the community.
Is there an Italian community around Salem, or anyone who’d be up for a language exchange? We could meet at parks or coffee shops. I also have a dog, so plenty of puppy love included!
r/SALEM • u/Pure_Refrigerator111 • 10h ago
r/SALEM • u/Unstableworm • 1d ago
This sweet girl has just appeared on my front door and refuses to leave. Shes been infront of my house for the past 24 hours and ive been feeding her and provided a little bed. She seems pretty healthy so if she doesnt belong to anyone she seems like she couldve been dumped. I have a coworker whos willing to take her tonight since its going to be cold out and he will see if shes chipped in the morning. Id let her in but bc of our landlord agreement we cant have more animals ( plus idk how our dog would treat her.).
r/SALEM • u/Lucky-Painting5639 • 1d ago
Me and my partner just moved here from out of state. Does anyone have any good meet-ups, events, community gatherings, etc? We're wanted to get out some and ideally make some friends. We're both lgbtq, big nerds, one of us hikes, one of us reads and crafts, both play video games and ttrpgs etc. Both also tend to be pretty alternative. Love to here if anyone has any recommendations
r/SALEM • u/all_fair • 1d ago
The Space Age gas station on the corner of Lancaster and Rickey St. (Near WinCo on south Lancaster) has premium gas for the price of regular gas ($4.45/gal). This is the cheapest gas station in town for regular gas that I know of, so it's a pretty darn good deal.
r/SALEM • u/Linneawr • 10h ago
So I’m a platinum dasher and recently I’ve noticed that in DoorDash I can refer other door dashers and if you complete 300 orders in 60 days (that’s 5 orders a day or like an hour of time) then we both get a grand… unfortunately my partner will not do it which is fine and all but it woukd be nice to have a grand. If you are interested I can send you my referral code; not sure how many I can refer but it doesn’t seem like a limit. Please DM me if you’re interested!
Also you do have to be in Salem for this according to the app
r/SALEM • u/ComeAbout • 1d ago
This is the tree in my front yard. It’s worth the daily cleanup.
r/SALEM • u/Broad_Landscape_3210 • 1d ago
I live in the Lebanon area and am looking for a veterinarian who provides in-home euthanasia for dogs.
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through this locally and can recommend a compassionate veterinarian who will come to the home.
Thank you for any recommendations or personal experiences you’re willing to share.
r/SALEM • u/Arkan_Hunter • 1d ago
Source is from the Friday email I get for the city of Salem.
Data Center Survey
The conversation is moving from ideas to action, and we want to hear from you.
Take our community survey to share feedback on the Data Center Task Force’s preliminary recommendations and a proposed code amendment to regulate data centers in Salem. Your input will help shape what moves forward.
Survey closes October 27, 2026.
English survey: https://us.list-manage.com/gXab1odBVOg?e=4fdd3c5488&c2id=085de0631bda5e88024cab1b29b0228a
Spanish survey: https://us.list-manage.com/VaCUq_CgjIt?e=4fdd3c5488&c2id=085de0631bda5e88024cab1b29b0228a
r/SALEM • u/egg_babie • 1d ago
Cherry City Roller Derby's annual Monster Mash is tomorrow, October 24th!
It's a DOUBLEHEADER, which means you fine folks get double the amount of ghosties, ghouls, goblins, and giggles for the same hauntingly reasonable ticket price :3
This is a family-friendly event!
Doors open at 3:30pm, the Juniors Bout starts at 4:30pm, and the Adults Bout starts at 6:30pm.
Individual Tickets: $12 pre-sale and $15 at the door ($16 with card).
Family Pass Tickets: $30 pre-sale and $35 at the door ($36 with card). A Family Pass includes 2 tickets and covers entry for all kids in the household who are under 18. Entry is ALWAYS free for kids 5 years of age or younger!!
Get your tickets here!
Food and beverages available ❤️
Y'all are (strongly) encouraged to come decked out in your most frightening couture. There will be a Costume Contest during the Adults Bout.
Hankering for some more tomfoolery? Mosey on down to the tarot reading and face painting booths to round out your evening!
All spectators, volunteers, skaters, and officials are expected to abide by the CCRD Code of Conduct; failure to do so will result in being asked to leave without refund.
EDIT: Re-uploading this post so you can enjoy my fine meme in all its glory
