Salem‑Keizer Safe Routes to School staff visited the Keizer City Council on Nov. 3 to brief members on Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day and related school programming.

Beth Schmidt, Salem‑Keizer Safe Routes to School program coordinator, and Artanya Gimel, principal on special assignment with Salem‑Keizer Public Schools, said Oregon Senate Bill 450 has established Nov. 14 as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day statewide and specifically referenced Salem‑Keizer Safe Routes to School in the bill. Gimel said Salem‑Keizer Public Schools purchased copies of Ruby Bridges’ books for all 42 elementary schools this year.

Council members asked which Keizer schools will participate; staff confirmed Clear Lake Elementary is scheduled and said timing may change based on weather. The council encouraged members to share event details once finalized so councilors can join walking events.

The meeting also included ceremonial proclamations: the council read and presented a proclamation declaring November 2025 Native American Heritage Month and a proclamation declaring November 2025 National Veterans and Military Families Month. Dolores Pigsley, chair of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, spoke about tribal history and local partnerships; retired Col. Kevin Dial accepted the veterans proclamation and thanked the council for local support for service members and families.