🌱 Salem's Homeless Camping Rules + Retail Theft Penalties Increase

Hi all. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Salem Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 85 Low: 54.
• Saturday: Not as warm. High: 74 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories in Salem today:

1. The Salem City Council voted to change the city's homeless camping rules on Monday, May 22, to comply with 2021 state laws HB 3124 and HB 3115. According to the new law, the city must give 72-hour notice before removing a camp and allows people access to property collected from a camp. There will still be camping restrictions in parks, building entrances, residential zones, near existing centers, and other areas designated as no camping by the Salem city manager. (KOIN)
2. On Tuesday, May 23, the Oregon House passed Senate Bill 340 with a 51-1 vote, which would increase penalties for retail theft. The bill creates a presumptive sentence of 24 months in prison for “organized retail theft,” which is defined as working with at least one other person or being suspected of stealing $5,000 or more merchandise. Currently, the $5,000 total amount applies to merchandise taken within a 90-day period, but the new bill would increase it to 180 days. (KPTV)
3. This year, Salem's Public Works Department's Public Works Day in Riverfront Park has been renamed Salem Service Day and will include other City departments! Mark your calendars for Jun. 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., for games, activities, booths, free hotdogs, and demonstrations from the City of Salem for the whole family. (City of Salem via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Friday, May 26

• Live Music: Rich Swanger At Taproot Lounge & Cafe (4:00 PM)
• Round House At Mike's Hideaway (7:00 PM)

Saturday, May 27

• Flares With No Other Option & Quinn Gatsby At Infinity Room (6:30 PM)
• Roundhouse Band At Taproot Lounge (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Salem reminds residents to check with the city before they prune, plant, or remove a tree! Permits might be needed to work on or remove any trees located in the right-of-way, which includes the area in-between the street and sidewalk near your property. Click here for more information. (City of Salem via Facebook)
• Life Jacket Loaner Stations will open all summer, starting Memorial Day weekend! Borrow a life jacket to be safe while enjoying watercraft activities on the Willamette River. Life jackets will be available at the boat launch ramp and popular swimming areas at Wallace Marine Park. Monetary donations are accepted at Salem Fire Station #1 to support the program and help purchase more life jackets. (Salem Fire Department via Facebook)
• Looking for something to do this Memorial Day? Check out local and regional parades, ceremonies, and events including the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs events at the Oregon World War II Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol grounds in Salem. (Here Is Oregon)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be in your inbox soon with a new update!

— 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!