Good morning, Salem.

Simonka Place in Salem is expanding its shelter to add family rooms and a child care center for 40 new residents.

Run by the Union Gospel Mission, the $3 million renovation—set to finish in April—will boost capacity from 50 to 94 people.

Salem gardeners won 109 blue first-place ribbons for their award-winning tomatoes, dahlias and other produce at the Oregon State Fair—where entries are on display until Sept.

1. Young Emma Black earned six first-place ribbons in the youth Farm & Garden category while her family shared in the gardening effort.

Discovery Academy recovery high school and 4D Recovery youth community center held a ribbon cutting on Aug.

28 in east Salem as the school, which opened in spring, now prepares for its first full school year + improved recovery supports. Students and staff acknowledged the milestone with hope for better mental health and substance use disorder services.

Trinidad Leon became the first freshman to enroll at Discovery Academy recovery high school in Salem; she started school in April and continues her studies.

A city committee voted unanimously this week to support the creation of a Hispanic Advisory Commission—led by business leader Jonathan Castro Monroy—to give Salem’s large Hispanic community a permanent channel to share its concerns with city officials.

The proposal will now be forwarded to the full City Council for final approval.

Oregon lawmakers held a special session at the State Capitol on Aug.

29 in Salem to review Gov. Tina Kotek's transportation proposal. Some senators missed the session due to travel and recovery needs and local business owners opposed the plan — saying it could impact their operations.

Banda Los Sebastianes Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Free entry — Experience the lively sounds of Banda Los Sebastianes at the Columbia Bank Concert Series during the Oregon State Fair.

The Beach Boys Concert

4-9:30 p.m. — The Pavilion — Cost info not available — Experience over six decades of musical brilliance from The Beach Boys.

Tropical Treasures: Paper Art Exhibition by Eileen Downes

5-8 p.m. — Stefani Art Gallery — Free entry — Explore vibrant collages that transform torn paper into tropical dreams and hidden stories.

Boot Scoot and Brew Music Festival

11 a.m.-10 p.m. — Salem Riverfront Park Amphitheater — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy a full day of music featuring the Catnip Brothers and more.

Wine & Yoga Experience

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

Yoga + Libations at Lively Station

6-7 p.m. — Lively Station — $5-$10 suggested donation — Enjoy a relaxing outdoor yoga session followed by dinner and drinks in a vibrant setting.

Pinot & Pizza at Hudak House

4-8 p.m. — Hudak House - Winery & Vineyard — No reservations required — Savor custom pizzas and Pinot while enjoying live music in a scenic setting.

Salem Saturday Market

9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. — State of Oregon Green Lot — Free entry — Celebrate 27 years of local vendors showcasing handmade and homegrown treasures from the Mid-Willamette Valley.

SPCC Annual Luncheon 2025

12-2 p.m. — Broadway Commons — Free lunch — Enjoy insights from Ben Olson on thriving in relationships with practical tools for connection.

Bringing Sea Otters Back to Oregon

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Venti's Cafe + Beer Vault — Free entry — Discover the importance of sea otters and the ecosystem from a passionate marine biologist.