Les Zaitz
Les Zaitz is editor and CEO of Salem Reporter. He co-founded the news organization in 2018. He has been a journalist in Oregon for nearly 50 years in both daily and community newspapers and digital news services. He is nationally recognized for his commitment to local journalism. He also is editor and publisher of the Malheur Enterprise in Vale, Oregon.
Defying councilors’ name change request, Keizer committee sticks with the one it has
The Keizer City Council provided its community engagement committee a list of possible new names recently. The Community Diversity Engagement Committee voted to leave its name alone.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Our digging into government spending takes patience, care
Turning numbers into meaning is not an easy chore when reporting about the government. Budgets for public agencies are confusing. They have category after category, and the purpose of each is not always apparent. Most governments draw from more than…
Keizer library embarks on new chapter, pursuing state recognition to open way for funding
A majority of Keizer city councilors intend to continue to help fund the city's community library, likely by dipping into lodging taxes.
Massive police search in Salem frees abducted child after hours-long ordeal
Salem police using drones, police dogs and a SWAT team on Saturday, Feb. 1, found a gunman with a child he had abducted hiding in a northeast Salem neighborhood. The child, who was unharmed, had been kidnapped with the mother, police said.
Keizer firefighters join forces working to check massive LA wildfires
LOS ANGELES FIRES: A Keizer fire crew is putting in 24-hour shifts to help local firefighters on the massive Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. They are among more than 400 firefighters from Oregon dispatched to California.
Scenes from Los Angeles: Salem fire crew chases down hot spots
FIRE RESPONSE: A photographer on assignment for Salem Reporter caught up with a team of Salem firefighters working in Los Angeles on the Palisades Fire. The crew is tasked with hunting hot spots that could flare up.
Republican legislator says reputation ‘destroyed’ over his controversial pay raise
AROUND OREGON: State Rep. Greg Smith, a Republican from Heppner, is threatening to sue two public agencies for destroying his reputation. His claims focus on efforts to boost his pay by 55%.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Salem Reporter added reporters, features to serve the community
EDITOR'S NOTE: Salem Reporter about to add an intern as it continues to grow and to refine how it serves Salem. Editor Les Zaitz invites readers to help keep the momentum buildiing for the community.
City restores full sewer service to West Salem after two days of restrictions
City crews opened sewer service for West Salem on Saturday night after crews completed repairs on two failed pipelines. Officials caution people to avoid contact with contaminated water in areas east of Northwest Wallace Road.
All-night work repairs one sewer pipe as city sets to restore West Salem service
West Salem's homes and businesses are expected to get sewer service restored Saturday morning as Salem city crews complete repairs on a broken pipeline. The city asks people to continue conserving water until it announces service is back.