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.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Salem Reporter changing how you can comment on stories
Salem Reporter now allows readers to comment directly on a story, a change in practice. The new feature keeps the focus on the topic and away from trolls and insulting poster. Editor Les Zaitz explains the changes.
Keizer’s stadium will be aglow with new holiday festival
The GLOW Christmas Light Festival takes over Keizer’s stadium, Roto-Rooter Park, starting Nov. 28 and continuing through December.
State ethics panel advances probe of Keizer councilor
Keizer City Councilor Soraida Cross is facing a state ethics probe after a preliminary review found she may have “attempted to use her position to avoid being issued a criminal citation."
UPDATE: Keizer wildland firefighter freed after contesting immigration detention
Firefighter Rigoberto Hernandez Hernandez, 23, has been in federal immigration detention in Washington for over a month. He's been waiting years for a visa application to be processed.
Legislator hits YMCA over Soraida Cross treatment
Monmouth’s Paul Evans, a Democratic state representative, says his letter early this year lambasting the Salem YMCA was not "personal" despite his personal relationship with Soraida Cross, the Keizer city councilor.
Keizer councilors take stand against Cherriots’ payroll tax proposal
The Keizer City Council voted unanimously against a payroll tax proposal that the Cherriots board is seeking to impose without a public vote. It would sustain and expand bus service while taxing local businesses $39 million a year.
Keizer councilor’s comments draw ethics complaint
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission will look into Keizer City Councilor Soraida Cross invoking her position and relationships with police leaders as a Salem officer questioned her during a May response to her home.
Teens face charges after stabbing melee in Keizer park
A 17-year-old Salem boy was among seven teens charged following a fight July 22 where three were stabbed at Claggett Creek Park. Authorities said most had no previous arrests.
Keizer councilor advised officer of position, police connections during incident
Facing accusations of assault, Soraida Cross advised a poilce officer that she was a city councilor and that she talked to the Keizer police chief "all the time," according to a police video obtained by Keizertimes. Cross didn't respond to questions about the disclosures.
Keizer councilors turn down gas station after public hearing
Keizer councilors kept in place alongstanding ban on gas stations at the portion of Keizer Station near Lockhaven Drive. They responded to resident concerns about traffic and odors.