Cherriots – 10/30/25 3:24 PM
Salem, OR – October 30, 2025 – The Salem Area Mass Transit District (Cherriots) is aware of recent media reports regarding a private nonprofit organization currently facing financial challenges and related allegations. One of the individuals involved in that nonprofit, Ramiro “RJ” Navarro, serves as a member of the Cherriots Board of Directors.
We understand that members of the public may have questions about whether the situation impacts Cherriots operations or the use of public funds. We want to be clear: the matters being reported are unrelated to Cherriots, and no District funds, programs, or resources are involved.
The Cherriots Board of Directors takes its governance responsibilities seriously. We are closely monitoring the situation and consulting with legal counsel to ensure that our actions remain appropriate and aligned with our obligations to the community. As this is a personnel and legal matter involving another organization, Cherriots will not be commenting further at this time.
Our priority remains delivering safe, reliable, and accessible transit to the people of Salem and Keizer.
