🌱 Salem Navigation Center To Open + Senate Approves SB 543

Morning, friends. I'm here right on time with your fresh copy of the Salem Patch newsletter, filled with all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Rain and drizzle in the p.m.. High: 50 Low: 44.
• Thursday: Breezy with periods of rain. High: 54 Low: 46.

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Here are the top three stories today in Salem:

1. The Salem Navigation Center is scheduled to officially open on Apr. 24. Operated by the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, the 75-bed facility will provide resources to people experiencing homelessness 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The center will serve people of all genders with their partners and pets, and sobriety will not be a requirement. (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
2. The Oregon Senate voted to pass Senate Bill 543, which will ban the use of polystyrene foam containers and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are commonly used in the food industry for storing and selling prepared food. Bill sponsor Senator Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, said of the bill, “This is a step towards a more sustainable and mindful approach to consumption and a commitment to preserving the health, beauty, and diversity of Oregon for generations to come.” The bill now moves to the state House of Representatives, and if it is eventually signed into law, it would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. (KATU)
3. Oregon's snowpack has hit 172 percent of normal levels as of Tuesday with the Willamette Basin and nearby Central Cascadades reaching 178 percent of normal. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts that more snow will likely continue in the state's mountains throughout the rest of April followed by what may be a hot and dry summer from June through August. Oregon State climatologist Larry O’Neill said about the snowpack's influence on this year's wildfire threat, "With this much snow, we don't expect an early start to fire season for most of Oregon above about 4,000-foot elevation." (Statesman Journal)

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Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Wednesday, April 5

• Live Music Happy Hour With Dylan Santiago At Taproot Lounge & Cafe (4:00 PM)
• West Salem Neighborhood Association Meeting At Roth's Fresh Market (6:00 PM)

Thursday, April 6

• Business Advocacy Meeting At Salem Area Chamber of Commerce (7:00 AM)
• Yoga At Physiq Fitness South Salem (8:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Calling all house hunters! To help in your search, here's a list of real estate properties currently on the market in and around the Salem area. (Salem Patch)
• If you're a musician, don't miss out on a chance to perform during this summer's First Friday Concerts at the Gerry Frank Salem Rotary Amphitheater! Salem is accepting applications from now until Apr. 16 for any bands that would like to perform on Jun. 2, Jul. 7, or Aug. 4. Learn more and apply here. (City of Salem via Facebook)
• It's Easter weekend! Bring the kids down to Salem Saturday Market's Easter Scavenger Hunt this Saturday, Apr. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. while prizes last. (Salem Saturday Market via Facebook)
• Celebrate Arbor Month by planting trees with Friends of Trees. The April planting event will be on Saturday, Apr. 8 at Stephens-Yoshikai Park from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (City of Salem via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!