Good morning, Salem.

Retired Salem dentist Daniel Saucy, a Vietnam veteran, plays folk songs on downtown streets—raising money for the Salem Parks Foundation to help maintain local parks.

He has raised hundreds of dollars so far and plans to host an annual wine tasting event with his wife to boost funds for park improvements.

Federal agents arrested Gildardo Rivera Garcia (45) in north Salem for distributing counterfeit fentanyl pills linked to a fatal overdose in Portland and seized drugs and cash from his Northgate apartment (he is scheduled to appear in court on August 7).

A 45-year-old man from Mexico who was living in Salem without documentation was arrested July 27 for alleged fentanyl and heroin trafficking after officers seized 32 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of heroin, an automated money counter and thousands of dollars in cash from his vehicle and apartment, and he is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 28.

Salem Police arrested two men on July 29 for trying to make an ATM give out cash at Umpqua Bank at 550 Center St. NE; the suspects—a 26-year-old from California and a 31-year-old from Washington—face charges and are held in Marion County Jail pending arraignment on July 30.

The National Park Service accepted the Mill Place House Site—also known as the Jason Lee House Site—as a new entry in the National Register of Historic Places.

Excavations that began in 2020 uncovered artifacts from its use as the first mission dwelling in Salem and confirmed its role in early local history.

The Oregon Department of Forestry warned Salem residents to deeply water urban trees as dry soils and hot days stress them.

Homeowners are advised to water younger trees with about 15 gallons weekly and give older trees a deep soaking at least once during the designated Soak It Weeks.

Cherriots will propose a payroll tax on Salem and Keizer businesses in 2026 to fund new transit centers—expanding bus service hours and buying new buses without affecting employee wages.

The tax is expected to raise about $39 million in its first year and boost service by 47% over five years, with details discussed by board members today from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Salem Convention Center.

Salem city councilors resumed attending neighborhood association meetings after new guidelines on public meetings law were issued last Friday by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.

They plan to engage with constituents starting in August but still expressed concern—councilors say the guidelines remain ambiguous despite prior advice.

Gov. Tina Kotek appointed Michael Tessean as the new director of the Oregon Youth Authority on July 30.

He will assume the role on Aug. 18 pending Senate approval and is expected to improve accountability at the agency amid ongoing lawsuits and past management issues — he is relocating from Colorado with his family.

10th Annual Run for the Oaks

7 a.m. — Left Coast Cellars — Cost TBD — Celebrate a scenic run on gravel, trail, and paved roads in beautiful Oregon wine country.

Basketball Camp: Point Guard Prep

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — The PAC Community Center — $695 — Enhance your child's basketball skills with a focused and immersive training experience.

Disney's Mary Poppins

7:30-10 p.m. — Gerry Frank Amphitheater — Check website for ticket info — Experience the enchanting magic of Mary Poppins under the stars with thrilling performances and live orchestration.

Pinot & Pizza Night at Hudak House

4-8 p.m. — Hudak House - Winery & Vineyard — No reservations required — Enjoy custom-made pizzas and fine Pinot wines under the stars with live music.

CAMC S-K Car Show

9 AM – 3 PM — Powerland Heritage Park — No Spectator Fee — Celebrate all car makes and models at this vibrant show sponsored by CAMC.

Partner Massage Class

4-6 p.m. — Massage With Fauna, LLC — $75 per pair — Learn to provide nurturing massage techniques in a relaxed workshop setting.

Yoga & Wine Experience

6-8 p.m. — Cubanisimo Vineyards — Suggested donation of $5-10 — Enjoy a refreshing yoga session with scenic mountain views followed by a post-class beverage.

7th Annual No BS OBS Truck Show and Swap

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Powerland Heritage Park — $20 entry — Experience one of the largest gatherings of 1980-97 Ford trucks and Broncos with vendors, food, and community fun.

The Shinkle Band Live Performance

5-7 p.m. — West Hills Vineyards — Enjoy a delightful evening with live country and rock music while savoring fine wine and bistro bites.

The All-American Rejects Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — L.B. Day Amphitheater — Part of Columbia Bank Concert Series — Enjoy a night of nostalgia with The All-American Rejects at the Oregon State Fair.