Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Summers are joined by Virginia Stapleton, Salem City Councilor and candidate for House District 21, to discuss:

• The role of local government and its impact on daily life.
• Salem's new electric street sweeper and its importance for bike infrastructure.
• Challenges faced by teachers in unsafe classroom conditions.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:51 - Virginia explains the difference between local and state government roles

03:13 - Discussion on the importance of local government engagement

05:01 - Salem's new electric street sweeper and its impact on bike infrastructure

08:14 - Brandon discusses trends in heating and cooling technology

11:25 - Oregon's shortage of behavioral health beds

13:21 - Virginia's perspective on mental health infrastructure

15:07 - Discussion of teacher safety and classroom conditions

18:13 - Virginia on the challenges faced by frontline workers in education

21:13 - The impact of funding on student-teacher ratios and school safety

22:01 - Closing remarks and the importance of civic engagement