Salem in 2017

World Events

• Women's Marches in response to Trump election drew the largest American and world-wide protests in recent history.
• President Trump's first year is overshadowed by Special Council Mueller's investigation of Russian intervention in the 2016 election.
• Hurricanes created extensive damage in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico recovery and repairs especially delayed.
• In Las Vegas fifty-eight people are killed and 546 injured during another shooting. Use of "bump" stock and civilian availability of military semi-automatic weapons is debated Congress, but no action.
• #MeToo signals women's campaign to reveal sexual harassment and abuse against them. Several men in prominent business and political positions lose their reputation and careers.
• Amid world-wide protect, the US launches 59 Tomahawk missiles against Syrian targets, damaging US-Russian ties.
•  President Trump announces several international changes in U.S. policy: the intention to leave the Paris Climate Agreement, withdrawal from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), and moving our embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
• The Academy Awards: "The Shape of Water" (US), "A Fantastic Woman" (Chile). Prize-winning book: Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward.

 

Ron Cooper photograph, City of Salem

In Salem
At long last, the eagerly awaited bridge connecting Riverfront Park to Minto Island is completed. The public was allowed, temporarily, to cross in the spring, but it was closed and opened again in August for an official ceremony. The crowd was enthusiastic, despite the soaring midday temperature of over 100 degrees. The joyous occasion began with a parade from Wallace Marine Park, over the Union Street Bridge, and into Riverfront Park ~ dignitaries, musical units, pet dogs, and plain ordinary folks joined in the joyous celebration. Speeches were delivered from under a shade canopy while listeners in the sunshine enjoyed refreshments (supplied by Roth's) although the chocolate in the cookies melted before they could be consumed. Representatives from many city departments attended and all were in a holiday mood. A great time was enjoyed by all!
The bridge has been deemed a success, with many daily pedestrians enjoying the opportunity to access Minto Island from Riverfront Park.
Mayor Chuck Bennett said, "The Peter Courtney Bridge is the realization of a decades-old community plan to connect Minto Island to the rest of Salem. The bridge is an iconic and valuable addition to Oregon's Capitol City."
First envisioned in 1975, the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge and Trail is the last critical link in connecting 1,300 acres of City parks and nearly 30 miles of trails between South Salem, Downtown and West Salem. When combined, the acreage is larger than New York's Central Park.

When You Visit
The bridge can be accessed from either Minto Brown Park or Riverfront Park. Parking is available from Front Street either at the turnout to the left at State Street or take the Union Street turnoff to the left. The bridge is visible and close by. In Minto Brown Park, use any parking lot and follow the signs. Be aware that the walk in Minto Brown is a mile or more, depending  on which lot you choose. It is a delightful walk, which ever path you choose.
Because Minto Island is a Conservation Area containing sensitive habitat and wildlife, the City reminds walkers to stay on the trail and keep their pets on leashes.

Other Events 

•  A citizen appeal to LUBA, testifying against a recent Urban Growth Boundary extention, was upheld. The mayor recommended to the City Council that other solutions to traffic problems be pursued instead of a "3rd Bridge" between Pine Street and West Salem.
• The solar eclipse is enjoyed by Salem residents as well as many visitors for the day.
• Lancaster Mall is partly closed while that shopping enterprise is redeveloped as Willamette Town Center.
• Two bond measures pass: one will finance a new police facility at a lower price ($61.8 million) and the other to retrofit the city library against human injury and property damage in case of an anticipated earthquake.
• Homelessness is growing problem, especially downtown. The Union Gospel Mission will relocate from downtown to a location to north, across Liberty Street from the future police facility.
• A new councilor is elected to replace the one who recently resigned: Chris Hoy is the 5th candidate successfully sponsored by Salem Progressives.

• Le Breton Hall, the last remaining structure of the former Oregon State Fairview Institution was razed for the creation of a city park. This 1908 structure was designed by Walter Pugh, distinguished architect of many, now demolished, local historic buildings.

• Another historic structure, the former Wells Fargo building, designed by Pietro Belluschi (who also designed our Marion County Courthouse) was demolished. At the corner of Liberty and Chemeketa streets, it contributed to the Downtown National Register Historic District, but had remained vacant for many years. Eight Frederic Littman marble relief sculptures were removed and will be used to decorate the new building that will be erected in that location.
• The Historic Landmarks Commission honors David Holton with the Historic Preservation award for serving as a role model while a Commission member and for his leadership in promoting historical renovation projects in Salem.
• Salem On Ice, a 7,200 square feet seasonal rink opened in Riverfront Park November 17. The temporary facility will be open through January 21, 2018. The city agreed to a four year contract with the sponsors, so we can expect to see the structure reconstructed again for at least three more years.

Salem in 2016

World Events

• In Syria, hospitals are bombed by Russian-backed forces of Bashar-al-Assad in a civil war which has killed half-a-million people.
• Mother Teresa is canonized. Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill meet: first meeting since 1054 of Catholic and Orthodox leaders.
• Britain votes to quit European Union.
• The International Atomic Energy Commission announces Iran has disposed of all nuclear weapons. The World Health Organization reports an outbreak of Zika virus. Ebola vaccine proven effective.
• In the deadliest mass shooting in US, a gunman kills or injures over a hundred patrons of the gay nightclub, "Pulse", in Orlando, Florida.
• First reports of Russian tampering with 2016 US presidential election result in expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats and sanctions against their intelligence agencies.
• Donald Trump wins US presidency in a surprise result.
• Trans-Pacific Partnership voided by Trump Administration
•  North Korea conducts nuclear tests.
• Academy Awards: "Moonlight" (US), The Salesman (Iran). Prize-winning books: The Sympathizer, Viet Thanh Nguyen and The Underground Railroad, Colson Whitehead.

In Salem
Senior citizens, even those who were once librarians, are surprised by the number a variety of services offered by libraries these days. Our Salem Public Library, in the Civic Center, is no exception. Walk in the welcoming entrance and a treasure of leisure and professional offerings are spread before you for your choice. In addition to books available there at the library, audio books can be accessed from your home. Adult literary groups meet regularly, at convenient times of the day, teenagers have a section for themselves and younger children are encouraged to come together to share stories appropriate to their ages. Activities for all ages vary from table top games to tech instruction. The library offers something for every age and interest. Plus, you can buy inexpensive second hand jigsaw puzzles in the Book Store.
As you approach the library entrance, you will notice to your right another doorway, this one into Loucks Auditorium. Lectures and concerts are offered here to an audience of almost 300 listeners. One evening, at the end of November of this election year, a very different meeting was held. A City Council meeting convened here to hear a special concern because a very large crowd was expected. The auditorium was "standing room only" by the time the meeting began. And, to the astonishment of the local crowd, Salem Police lined the walls. What was the occasion? A councilman had published a video on his Facebook page that showed deadly violence toward African-Americans. The city administration had feared "outsiders" would come and cause problems. On the contrary, for over two hours citizens stood politely and gave personal evidence of racial bias and mistreatment they or their families had suffered recently. The councilman had resigned by that time and several members spoke on behalf of maintaining the best of American ideals here in Salem during the current heated political climate. The library continues to be an arena for courteous discussion and community education.

When You Visit
Unfortunately, the City of Salem budget does not allow the library to be open on Mondays, but the doors open at 10 am Tuesday through Saturday and at 1 pm on Sunday. Parking is free in the adjacent garage on Sunday, otherwise 75 cents an hour.

Other Events

• A bond issue on this year's ballot proposed moving and expanding our police facility, now on the lower floor of the Civic Center, at the cost of $82 million. It was defeated partly because of high price tag, but also because this proposal left City Hall itself and the Library at risk of severe damage in case of  earthquake.
• Chuck Bennett was elected as future mayor as well as 3 councilors sponsored by Salem Progressives: Cara Kaser, Matt Ausec and Sally Cook.
• The Historic Landmarks Commission  designated SESNA as the second Heritage Neighborhood. Planned activities included an illustrated calendar, "toppers" for street signs indicating the historical names of individual areas within the neighborhood and signage at significant intersections.
• December 14 brought a heavy snow that imperiled traffic, but delighted the residents.
• The Barrick funeral home on Church Street downtown was demolished for a new Starbucks.
• A new children's playground, on the former site of Oregon School for the Blind, is completed and opened to the public.

• The City of Salem Urban Renewal Agency Board published a fact sheet outlining a plan to improve transportation in West Salem by constructing an underpass at the intersection of Wallace Road and and a reopened 2nd. Street. This underpass would facilitate a new traffic link by continuing to the Union Street Bridge and Trestle and into Wallace Park to connect, eventually, with projected "3rd Bridge" at a landing north of the park. See the green line in the city's illustration above. According to local residents who objected, the new commercial traffic highway would cut off a section of the historic, National Register trestle, intrude into park land enjoyment, disrupt natural resources and disturb households along the park. The project was debated in neighborhood meetings and by City Council testimony.