The Salem City Club's Podcast

AFGHANISTAN: Through the Eyes of Those Who Served

Without presenting a political analysis, our program views Afghanistan through the eyes of two soldiers. Colonel Kevin Dial and Sergeant Major Jerry Glesmann served separate one year tours in Afghanistan and bring us their observations and experiences.

Phil Keisling: Demographic Changes and their Impact on Oregon‘s Political Future

Former Secretary of State Phil Keisling knows Oregon politics better than most, having spent over four decades in the worlds of journalism, elective politics, the private sector, and academia. Hear his perceptions of Oregon’s proposed congressional and legislative district maps that will define the state’s political future for the next 10 years.

Lessons Learned: Combatting COVID in the Mid-Willamette Valley

County health departments are responsible for a variety of activities designed to keep their citizens healthy and safe. Lessons learned from the Covid pandemic will help county health authorities prepare not only for future pandemics, but also for future epidemics (flu, foodborne illnesses, STDs. etc.). Representatives from the Marion and Polk counties health departments will discuss what they have learned and possible preparations.

The Oregon Remembrance Project: Remembering Alonzo Tucker

Alonzo Tucker, a black man, was lynched in Coos Bay, Oregon in 1902. The Oregon Remembrance Project, in collaboration with The Equal Justice Initiative (Montgomery, AL), the city of Coos Bay and the Coos History Museum, memorialized Alonzo Tucker in Coos Bay on June 19, 2021. We will remember Alonzo Tucker and discuss the through-line from Oregon’s past to now.

Oregon Drought: Water History of the Klamath Basin

Dr. Don Negri, Retired, Willamette University Economics Department, presents on the water history of the Klamath Basin. 

Oregonians in Transition: Oregon‘s Changing Demographics

Salem City Club opens its fall virtual programs on Friday, September 10 with a comprehensive look at Oregon’s demographics with Ethan Sharygin. The Center produces the annual population estimates for Oregon and its counties and cities, as well as the estimates by age and sex for the state and its counties. The Center provides the US Census with its Oregon demographics.

Oregon's Newest Constitutional Officer: Secretary of State Shemia Fagan

Salem City Club’s April 30 program will feature SOS Fagan as she discusses her agency’s core objectives and challenges.

A Deep Dive into the Willamette River with Travis Williams, Exec Director of Willamette Riverkeepers

The Willamette River defines the place we call home in so many ways. It carves our valley, nourishes all forms of life, supports industry, provides for recreation, and inspires us. It’s easy to enjoy its benefits without appreciating how our actions impact the river, below its surface, on its surface, and around its edges. We are pleased to have Travis Williams, Executive Director of Willamette Riverkeepers, speak about the current state of the Willamette River System and work being done to protect it for generations to come.

The Secret's in the Soil with Linda Brewer, Senior Faculty Research Assistant, OSU Dept. of Horticulture

Soils are increasingly in the news.  Linda Brewer, certified soil scientist with the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University and the OSU Extension “Ask an Expert” resource for all things soil, soil fertility and compost, will bring us up to date on the buzz about good soils at home, on the farm, and for the environment.

The State of Higher Education

Willamette University President Dr. Stephen Thorsett talks about national trends in higher education affecting enrollment and finances.  He also talks about how Willamette University is responding to those trends.