🌱 State Employee Discrimination Lawsuit + School District Election

Good morning, friends! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Salem Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny and warmer. High: 85 Low: 50.

Business owners and marketers in Salem: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Salem today:

1. On May 16, voters in the Salem-Keizer School District will elect three school board directors who will oversee the education of 40,000 local students with an annual budget of $1.3 billion. This year, seats representing Zone 2 in northeast Salem, Zone 4 in southwest Salem, and Zone 6 in Keizer are up for election. Krissy Hudson and Larry Scruggs are the candidates seeking the seat representing Keizer. (Salem Reporter)
2. Oregon State Police made two drug busts in the past week, uncovering fentanyl and other hard drugs during routine traffic stops in Salem and nearby La Grande. The discovery included 100,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, two pounds of powdered fentanyl, six pounds of cocaine, plus other illegal drugs. The US Attorney's Office will prosecute both cases, emphasizing the need for disruption and prosecution of fentanyl trafficking. (KOTI TV News)
3. In Marion County, Alex Pelusi, a transgender state worker from Oregon, has filed a lawsuit claiming that they experienced discrimination, a workplace environment that was not conducive, and limited prospects for professional growth after they started transitioning. The focus of the lawsuit is on Pelusi's previous supervisor, who is accused of exhibiting hostility and demoting Pelusi during their transition. The lawsuit requests reimbursement for lost wages, compensation for discrimination based on gender identity and whistleblower retaliation, as well as a court order requiring Pelusi's previous job reinstatement. (Salem Reporter)

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Today in Salem:

• Mission Street Parks Conservancy Plant Sale At Soapbox Derby Track (10:00 AM)
• Sassy Onio Ribbon Cutting At 1230 State St. (10:30 AM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Salem student who’s making a difference in the community? We want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a student to be featured on Patch.

From my notebook:

• The Salem Historic Landmarks Commission is holding a photo contest for amateur and professional photographers of all ages who are passionate about photography and Salem's history. The contest is seeking submissions that showcase the city's historic buildings, neighborhoods, and unique places. There is a separate category for those 17 and younger. (City of Salem via Facebook)
• Starting May 1, both locations of Salem Public Library will have expanded hours of operation to provide increased access to programs, services, and meeting rooms for the community. The Main Library will have extended hours from Tuesday to Saturday and expanded hours on Sundays. The West Salem branch will now offer service hours on Mondays. (Salem Public Library (Salem, OR) via Facebook)
• Killer Burger has opened its 21st location in Salem, following its recent debut in Eugene. Killer Burger plans to open more locations in Oregon over the next few years. (That Oregon Life)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— 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!