Good morning………
The scale of destruction in Los Angeles from still-burning fires seems incalculable and continues to hold the attention of Salemites.
At least 16 people killed. At last estimate from officials, more than12,000 buildings damaged or destroyed. Entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. And thousands of people suddenly homeless.
Containing the fires is taking the help of firefighters from Salem, Keizer and many other Oregon communities. They’re taking 24-hour shifts and will be on duty for at least two weeks.
Managing Editor Rachel Alexander has been reporting on the local deployment, starting with task forces that hit the road last Wednesday. She followed up with news of their arrival in Los Angeles, assigned to the Palisades fire.
State officials dispatched a second batch of firefighters, expected to arrive over the weekend.
In addition, the Oregon Department of Forestry dispatched 30 wildland fire engines and crews as well.
As in any disaster, misinformation has been flowing. I’d urge you to be careful about what you read or view. Does the source have direct information? Or are you being fed rank speculation?
Even Oregon’s crews got sucked into controversy.
Social media commenters said Oregon’s fire teams were held up from going to work because of vehicle inspections.
“They still haven’t reached their destination and may never be involved in fighting the fires,” said one poster.
Nonsense, fire officials said.
Both Oregon and California authorities explained every rig was going through a mechanical check in Sacramento before heading on south. Cal Fire officials explained, “Recognizing that these heavy-duty vehicles endure extensive travel, sometimes arriving with worn or out-of-specification components, we are committed to ensuring their safety before deployment to the front lines.”
An inspection takes about 45 minutes, they said.
But then the Salem and Keizer crews were on their way.
“The crews arrived in the Los Angeles area Thursday and went right to work on their 24 hours shift on Friday morning,” said a spokesman for the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal.
At Salem Reporter, we’re working to track our local firefighters to let you know how they’re doing on what can be very dangerous duty. And if you’re a relative or friend who’s been in touch with a firefighter down there, please reach out to Managing Editor Rachel Alexander to share what you’ve learned (email: [email protected]).
Here at home, Salem city officials had a bit of good money news to share. New calculations show the city isn’t in as dire a financial shape as earlier figured. Still, that’s like having a tooth ache that feels just slightly better – the city is still millions short of covering its expenses, as reporter Abbey McDonald explains.
Monday’s a big day in Salem. You get a new mayor (Julie Hoy) and three new city councilors in formal proceedings Monday night. Reporter Joe Siess caught up with Mayor Chris Hoy in his final days in office, getting his read on his time as mayor. Watch for another report on Monday from Joe, this time looking at how Julie Hoy has used her seven months since election to prepare.
Over months, city officials have acted to increase certain utility fees. Reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian produced for you an account of what’s going up and by how much.
Salem had a variety of good news on the housing front in recent days.
Abbey McDonald visited a new shelter designed to help homeless families.
As she reports, “The new shelter is part of a dramatic expansion of both shelter beds and affordable housing projects in Salem in recent years. Hundreds of beds have been added since 2020.”
We attended the groundbreaking event for a new apartment project in northeast Salem, intended to supply affordable housing for up to 500 people.
“When people walk in, they’re going to feel like they’re home,” explained the developer.
Ardeshir Tabrizian also reported details of yet another apartment project going up, this time on the south edge of downtown.
In a community strapped for housing of all kinds, these projects are good news.
Not many in Salem missed what’s not good news – the closing of Macy’s in downtown. How many sets of dishes, children’s shoes and fancy dresses have been sold there over the years? Rachel Alexander, Ardeshir Tabrizian and reporter Madeleine Moore joined forces to trace the history of the iconic store. The company that owns the Salem operation then confirmed plans to shutter what was once Meier & Frank.
We delivered some important watchdog journalism as well in recent days. This included a look at how school libraries in Salem are strained, a Republican legislator’s unusual claims about his reputation, and a promoter’s unauthorized invocation of a major Oregon company’s name in an effort to pry loose $4 million in public funds.
You’ll see even more watchdog reporting from around the state as we partner up with something called the Oregon Journalism Project. The new journalistic enterprise is designed to plug gaps in reporting around the state, bringing to light important stories that otherwise wouldn’t get done. This all fits into our role of being your watchdog over public money and government officials.
This new service comes as we continue to expand our service to you and Salem. In a column, I looked back at what we did at Salem Reporter last year. And I share a bit about our plans for the year ahead.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK:
Sara Webb, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency’s program manager, holds some of the art that will go up at the ARCHES Nest family shelter. (Abbey McDonald/ Salem Reporter)
I’m always delighted to hear from readers. Send me your ideas, your questions, even your concerns or complaints. My direct email: [email protected].
– Les Zaitz, co-founder and editor, Salem Reporter
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