🌱 Two Bias Crimes In Salem + Salem DEA Involved In Fatal Crash

Good morning, neighbors! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's going on in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A passing shower or two. High: 51 Low: 34.
• Tuesday: Cool with periods of rain. High: 51 Low: 34.

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Here are the top three stories today in Salem:

1. In the past two months, two people have been charged with bias crimes in Salem for yelling slurs and attacking people. On Thursday, Mar. 30, 41-year-old William P. Hinton was charged with first-degree bias crime, fourth-degree assault, attempted first-degree bias crime, and attempted fourth-degree assault. Just two weeks earlier, 38-year-old Yvon Pasco was indicted on charges of second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree bias crime, second-degree bias crime, and fourth-degree assault. The term "bias incidents" was created by the Oregon Legislature in 2019. The bias crime law, SB 577, renamed the previous"intimidation" charge. (Subscription: Salem Reporter)
2. The Salem Police Department announced that an on-duty federal drug enforcement agent was the driver involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, Mar. 28. Samuel Landis, a special agent in the Salem office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), hit and killed a bicyclist, 53-year-old Marganne Allen, with his vehicle in Salem's South Gateway neighborhood. Due to the "long-established partnership" between the Salem Police Department, the U.S. DEA, and a shared task force, the department has asked the Keizer Police Department to investigate the fatal crash. (Subscription: Salem Reporter)
3. A new 75-bed navigation center for people experiencing homelessness will open on Apr. 24 in Salem. The facility will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, does not require sobriety for entry, accepts all genders, and allows pets. It is the first of its kind in Marion County and will provide a "low barrier" shelter, according to city officials, as well as help clients access medical care, behavioral health services, and transition to stable housing. (OPB.org)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Monday, April 3

• Kids Eat For Free At Heroes Tap House Bar & Grill (7:00 PM)
  

Tuesday, April 4

• Finding Salem's Chinatown At Willamette Heritage Center (10:00 AM)
• Brown Bag Book Club At Collaboration Studio At Salem Public Library (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Whether you’re actively researching for a new home or just curious about other properties nearby, check out the latest homes for sale in the Salem area! One option on San Francisco Drive includes a four-bedroom for $119,997. (Salem Patch)
• In the past week, the Oregon Health Authority has reported two newly identified deaths of local residents diagnosed with COVID-19. (Salem Reporter via Twitter)
• The 72nd annual First Citizen Awards Banquet is almost here! The City of Salem will recognize six outstanding servant leaders on Apr. 8 at the Salem Convention Center. Click here to learn more and to buy tickets. (Salem Chamber via Twitter)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday! I'll be in your inbox soon with another 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!