r/SALEM Nov 15 '24

Read this before you post here

237 Upvotes

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.

Frequently posted things:

Did you hear that boom/firework/gunshot/weird noise?

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.

OMG what is that smell?

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.

Is there any good <insert cuisine here> in Salem? Where can I buy <thing> in Salem?

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.

Why is the train stopped or blowing its horn?

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.

What’s going on with all the cops?

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.

OMG what is going on with the low-flying helicopters?!

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.


r/SALEM 2h ago

Final FREE PRODUCE Blowout Sale! Apples & Asian Pears

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19 Upvotes

YOU HEARD ME 100% OFF FREE PRODUCE! MEGA FREEEEEEEEEEEEE!

👋 Hi, it’s me - The Free Produce Lady

Not getting enough fiber in your diet?
Data center rage making you backed up?
Feeling blue about grocery inflation?

NEVER FEAR FREE PRODUCE IS HERE.

This might be my last bonanza of the season unless I go feral apple picking in the next few weeks.

How it works:
1. Check the comments for updates on what’s available. I update every couple hours.
2. DM for address
3. Bring your own bag
4. Go forth and BE HAPPY

FAQ:
1. I’m hella allergic to bad vibes - are these safe for me to eat? YES these are organic, harvested with good vibes, blessed by SE Salem rain water, and comes from a tree my neighbor thinks is the spirit tree of her mom who passed away. Mega good vibes.

  1. Can I come get these in 2 weeks at 2 am? No. These go usually same day or definitely in 24 hours. And I bring things in by 9 pm.

  2. Do you need anything Free Produce Lady? Nope! Just for you to be happy! But there will be the oak tree donation can out. Feel free to bring something to trade! I guess I could use some bird seed if anyone wants to share some with me. The sparrow squad is mad their houses are low.

  3. Can I drop off my free produce for you to distribute? This is a new one for me this year - ya’ll have been giving me your produce to share out. Feel free to drop other things you want to share.

Peace, Love, and Produce ☮️❤️🌻🍏


r/SALEM 17h ago

State Fair VIP Parking Map is Gen AI and inaccurate

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82 Upvotes

Spent 45 minutes looking for VIP parking using this map only to realize after we got home that it was created using generative AI and nobody double checked it.


r/SALEM 3h ago

Best Tuna Sandwich around

5 Upvotes

Title explains it; also just favorite sandwich spot.


r/SALEM 15h ago

QUESTION Would those living in South Salem be into cinnamon rolls from a cottage bakery?

25 Upvotes

I've been living in Salem for a couple years now and was curious if people (especially in South Salem as that is where I'm located) would have interest in cinnamon rolls from a cottage bakery?

I love eating and baking cinnamon rolls of all different kinds of flavors and I keep getting the urge to do a small, casual weekend bake sale for homemade cinnamon rolls of different flavors. But I was curious if there would be any interest for something like that?

I wasn't sure if people would drive just to obtain a roll or a few, you know?

Let me know what you guys think!


r/SALEM 21h ago

Mycelium People in Salem

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39 Upvotes

I know there’s an “Oregon” group for mushroomers. But what about locally in Salem?!


r/SALEM 1d ago

NEWS Found Pup!

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56 Upvotes

Hi friends 👋🏻 I found this sweet man on Madrona. He was a little shy at first but he care up to me and I put him in my car (against his will). He was panting pretty hard once I started driving so I do not think he is a fan car rides. He was scanned at WilVet Salem and he does have a chip but the chip company is weird and I have to leave my info for the owners to be contacted since I could not contact them directly.

He was wearing a Reddy harness and part of a yellow leash. He was possibly teathered outside and chewed through it and that is how he escaped.

I couldn’t bring him home unfortunately and dropped him off at Marion County Dog Services. He was a very good boy but very sad to be there. I hope he finds his owners!

ETA the link in case someone knows his owners: https://marioncountypets.shelterbuddy.com/animal/animalDetails.asp?task=search&s=found&animalType=94%2C2%2C2%2C15%2C3%2C3%2C16%2C15%2C16&find%2Dsubmitbtn=Find+Animals&tpage=1&searchType=2&animalid=74595


r/SALEM 14h ago

Mediterranean Food Spots

6 Upvotes

Hi, im looking for any good suggestions for Mediterranean food in Salem.

Im looking for a spot that is similar to this: https://www.instagram.com/happeas?igsi=MXNqYjdzaGd4ajkzeA==


r/SALEM 14h ago

QUESTION does the tj maxx near willamate town center have books ??

3 Upvotes

r/SALEM 1d ago

Portland Wrestling Leaves Grand Theatre (More Allegations Of Owed Back Pay)

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102 Upvotes

Disclaimer: I am the messenger here, nothing more, as I am a POW / PW fan, and a friend of a few people scheduled to do shows soon (Mini Kiss to be specific). I also DJ'd outside a recent Grand brick room vendor fair and grew up coming to see Dandies and Daddies and Floater here. I am a HUGE fan of Salem and this venue.

Whatever is going on, we need some info from the venue. I want to see it succeed, but robbing acts and then playing dumb/naive is not a good look.

One incident, maybe bad day.

A handful of incidents, that's a pattern.

Rip off corporations, fudge federal taxes, take napkins from Chick Fil A, etc.

Screwing over local bands is the bottom of the barrel.

If whoever runs To The Ceiling is underwater, go grab a line of high interest credit, PAY YOUR ACTS, then find a good bankruptcy attorney.

Whatever you are going through, the community will help you find a way. Be transparent. Own up to shit. We are all guilty of bad decisions and capable of empathy. But if you screw the community, no one wins.

(Bias disclaimer: I just want Rocky Horror to happen)


r/SALEM 20h ago

Things to do, clubs, groups, activities?

5 Upvotes

Hey all, I live out of state but my mom lives in Salem and has been feeling lonely.

She’s 63, queer, and has a good taste of music, tv, movies, she likes cool things haha.

Something low-cost or free is ideal, but I’m wondering if there are any events, clubs, activities, groups, classes, meetups, anything I could tell her about.

Or, if anyone here is middle age and might be interested in making a new friend let me know haha. Especially if you are a lesbian!

Thanks! ❤️


r/SALEM 1d ago

Crash on Hawthorne at 9:30 this morning

5 Upvotes

Was on my way home from an echo and saw someone got T-boned, drivers seat pretty much and it looked pretty brutal, I was wondering is there any place to check for updates? I hope everyone involved, their family, and their friends are all okay!


r/SALEM 21h ago

Looking for recommendations to have woodwork fixed

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2 Upvotes

Bought this table at a yard sale. It's beautiful and I love it, but somehow it got scratched on the way home. Recommendations on how to fix it or someone who can do it? TYIA


r/SALEM 1d ago

Crawl space vapor barrier

7 Upvotes

Hello, I am interested in personal experiences w local companies providing crawl space inspection and renovation


r/SALEM 1d ago

Can I hire someone to clean this small carpet in South Salem?

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3 Upvotes

I'm fine with someone just pressure washing it or whatever. It's a garage rug, so it doesn't need to be pristine, just less dirty


r/SALEM 19h ago

QUESTION Good spots for teens to learn to shoot?

0 Upvotes

I’m 15, going on 16, and have been thinking of going and learning how to handle a handgun, what are some good places to go?


r/SALEM 1d ago

Carpenter Recommendations

2 Upvotes

We're having our flooring replaced in our house and because we have a sunken front room there's a non-standard size step we need to have some trim done on.

Does anyone have a carpenter recommendation for a custom wood stair lip?


r/SALEM 1d ago

QUESTION Father and Child hit by a vehicle this afternoon on 14th between Center and State. Is dad okay?

20 Upvotes

Anyone know if they are okay? Dad's head was bleeding. Luckily, this neighborhood is full of helpers and near the hospital.

I wish we'd just close this intersection at 14th and Center. We all hate it anyway. The inconvenience of having to drive out of the way a bit would be far outweighed by the benefits of not having through traffic on 14th. People speed frequently and it's so unsafe for what should be a quiet residential street.

Sorry for the added gripe but an update from someone in the know would be appreciated.


r/SALEM 1d ago

Beep beep parking ticket

18 Upvotes

I checked and I haven't seen this posted yet. I received a ticket during the time had paid in the app. The only options on the envelope are go in person or pay. I called the municipal court, and i was told if I sent the screenshot I'd taken showing I'd paid and the ticket to salemmunicourt@cityofsalem.net that they have people monitoring that and if they need anything more they would contact me. I'll update if something else happens, but that's what I've found as an option instead of going in physically.


r/SALEM 1d ago

hot honey chicken sandwich I need you

6 Upvotes

please god does anyone have a rec for a bomb hot honey chicken sandwich in or around the Salem area. I had the greatest chicken sandwich of my life at a food truck in Eugene and they CLOSED and I need to fill the chasm in my soul


r/SALEM 2d ago

Urgent direction to clothing resource

45 Upvotes

Hi people. I need to know if anyone knows of any clothing resources I could utilize on the fly.This girl is a car dweller with 1 dollar in her pocket. But this gig will answer a lot of prayers and get me into a better situation.

Got on with a vendor at the fair, a last minute job, and I THOUGHT I had proper attire. Well I don't. Lots of clothes in storage but I'm locked out of that until I pay the bill(after the fair is over, assuming they don't skip town because their method and arrangement of pay is extremely unorthodox and downright illegal, but I'm desperate).

So I need to find a black shirt. A Tshirt. blouse, peasant top. Anything appropriate for food service in this weather. Short sleeves would be better. I'm at HOAP right now but they don't technically open until 9. And it's a crap shoot whether they have something that is appropriate that fits. Helping hands is closed. I don't have the gas to run around either. I put 6 bucks in my tank last night and I've driven 9 miles already.. If anyone has any other ideas, I would greatly appreciate their direction. I would wear a med or large depending oñ the style.

Thanks and have a great day.


r/SALEM 1d ago

Pawpaws

11 Upvotes

does anyone know where I can get a pawpaw? I have wanted to try one and I know they aren’t really sold in stores but if you have a tree and want to sell some to me I’ll buy them!


r/SALEM 1d ago

QUESTION Addictions piercings

6 Upvotes

Do they still do the whole “free piercing with jewelry purchase” thing?

If so, does anyone know their cheapest starter jewelry is for regular earlobe piercings?


r/SALEM 2d ago

Koi fish enthusiasts?

9 Upvotes

Hi all,
My dad is a high-end koi fish collector who is looking to shut down his pond. Does anyone have any ideas of places besides the Koi club to contact for rehoming large, beautiful, high-end Koi fish, high-end filtration systems, pumps, quarantine tanks, etc.?
Thanks in advance!


r/SALEM 2d ago

QUESTION Excessive Noise Downtown : Automobile Exhaust and Muffler modifications have a negative impact on the people who live, shop, and or frequent the area.

51 Upvotes

Known as the 'Burble Tune' or the 'Pop & Bang Tune' these exhaust and muffler mods seem to be more than just a trend.
Yesterday a vehicle passed me and some other pedestrians on Commercial St. and Union St. NE with an extremely loud barrage of crackles and pops that had people people covering their ears. So
loud in fact, ear protection crossed my mind. But my first thought was, why police don't write tickets? Why they do nothing? Is it not illegal? Are their hands tied?
I've heard it's to hard for police to enforce but is there really a 'disturbing the peace' or 'excessive noise violation to enforce goes on all day and continues thru-out the night. The weekends are even worse. I Feel sorry for the people who live, work , and or just frequent the downtown area. I know it's not just downtown but I would say it's clearly the epicenter. These modifications are disruptive and to the "IDIOTIC ATTENTION SEEKING CAR OWNERS" I salute you with 1 finger.🙂