Good morning, Salem.

A WalletHub analysis from October placed Salem as the 10th safest city with a score of 66.93 from 41 indicators among 182 cities (Salem ranked 13th for natural disaster risk).

The study was reported on Jan. 1.

Subatomic Vintage Toys opened early December in a shuttered building south of downtown after months of anticipation.

Owners CJ Nelson and Tom Engen showcased a collection (including a three-foot Yoda statue) that attracted early customers.

El Torito will open a full grocery store at 435 Liberty St. NE (former Rite Aid) in downtown Salem around September; the store will offer everyday essentials, a wide range of Mexican products, and a meat department (its biggest draw) with construction expected to take six to nine months.

Salem welcomes a busy week with a New Year’s yoga class today at Resonance Yoga Collective, a free art walk on Friday downtown, an organ concert and a drag brunch on Sunday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and The Vault Bar & Grill; new movies also play at local cinemas.

Conservation groups petitioned the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission to require pop-up buoys for crab pots to protect whales after four humpback entanglements and a stranded case north of Yachats.

The agency must respond within 90 days under state law.

On New Year's Eve, legal fireworks (sold June 23–July 6) had to be non-explosive and stationary; in Salem, using unauthorized items like roman candles or bottle rockets led to Class B misdemeanor charges and fines up to $2,500.

Energize & Elevate

10 AM – 2 PM — The Reed — Check website for costs — Discover balance and wellness strategies aimed at busy professionals and entrepreneurs.

Cascade Creatives Grand Opening

12-3 p.m. — LAP Studio — Free entry — Celebrate the opening of a new design studio with giveaways, tacos, and community connection.

First Taste Oregon

January 23-24 — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Admission info available — Celebrate Oregon's finest offerings in art, brew, food, music, and more.

Tales the Winds Remember

3-5 p.m. — Rose Auditorium — Free entry — Experience a musical journey through stories and legends with the Salem Symphonic Winds.

January Paint & Sip at Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge

6-8 p.m. — Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge — Food and beverages available for purchase — Unwind with a creative night of painting an adorable Winter Scene.

Genealogy Workshop: Ancestry & FamilySearch

4:30-5:45 p.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Explore genealogy resources with hands-on assistance from experts.

Hybrid Apprenticeship Workshop at WorkSource Salem

2-3:30 p.m. — WorkSource Oregon - Salem Center — Free entry — Discover hands-on training opportunities in various apprenticeship programs to kickstart your career.

English as a Second Language Beginner Class

3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Enhance your English skills with a supportive, multilingual atmosphere.

Indoor Winter Market at Wavra Farms

10 AM – 3 PM — Wavra Farms & Nursery — Free entry — Explore a diverse indoor market featuring local vendors from woodworking to gourmet foods.