Cops ruled out booze as a cause – but drugs may have been in the suspect’s system. Reasons for the 4 AM rampage that caused a lot of damage are scarce …

After clearing away shattered glass from the entrance of the Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo showroom on NE 122nd Avenue, workmen prepare to install new plate glass windows.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Around 4:00 a.m. on March 4, a Honda sedan with California license plates hit the heavy steel chain guarding the entry to the Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo exotic car dealership, at 203 NE 122nd Avenue, with such force that it easily gave way.

The driver then used her car as a battering ram, as she allegedly smashed it into the main showroom building, and also into the steel roll-up doors that protect the Ferraris in the rear building.

As the dealership’s alarms sounded, a witness called 9-1-1, and then reportedly followed the car as it exited the dealership’s lot.

The car first hit and broke this heavy steel chain that was stretched across the dealership’s driveway.

A steel mesh roll-up door saved this exotic vehicle from damage. However the glass and roll-up door were destroyed.

“We have surveillance video cameras all over the dealership,” a Tonkin employee confided later that morning. “It was really something to see, as the car smashed into the showroom windows, and the steel doors that protect our bays in the back building. There was glass all over the place; but none of the vehicles was damaged.”

Fails getaway attempt
The driver of the now-battered Honda finally took off northbound on NE 122nd Avenue, past NE Glisan Street.  Police officers rushed to the area, and located the car near the intersection of NE 122nd Avenue and Halsey Street.

“The driver tried to elude the police,” said Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Detective Mary Wheat. “Officers had to ‘box in’ the car to get it to stop.”

Wheat said the driver was, at first, uncooperative with officers, and was Tased. “It’s unclear if the Taser probes struck the subject,” Wheat added.

Police charged this woman, Francesca Lavezzo, with three counts related to the odd incident.

Officers took the woman, identified as 33-year-old Francesca Lavezzo, for medical observation at Portland Adventist Hospital, before she was booked into the downtown Multnomah County Jail.  She was released from custody later that same day.

“Lavezzo was charged with one count of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, one count of Felony Elude, and one count of Hit and Run,” Wheat reported. “It was originally reported that this incident did not involve alcohol or drugs. At this time, officers still do not believe alcohol was a factor, but there is a possibility that drugs were involved in this incident.”

We asked Detective Wheat if Lavezzo – reportedly a stand-up comic and actress at clubs in Los Angeles – presented out-of-state identification. “Lavezzo gave a North Portland address – but the car she was driving did have California plates.”

A website for the “11th Hour Comedy” group in Los Angeles displays a webpage for “Francesca Lavezzo”, and the data thereon matches the physical description (6 ft tall, 160 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes), and provides a similar-looking photograph for the woman police charged with the mayhem at the Tonkin dealership.

It is unknown why Lavezzo is in Portland, or what triggered her alleged vehicular rampage.

The driver of the offending car dented several of the steel roll-up doors at this Tonkin dealership, out 122nd way, before leaving the lot.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover why tickets are selling fast for this wacky comedy about a city family’s countryside ‘dream-home-turned-money-pit’ now playing weekends through March 13 at the Horner Performing Arts Center …

Annabelle Fuller (played by Quinci Daoust) takes a look at the charming “fixer-upper” her husband, Newton (Carson Cook) purchased without telling her; their daughter Madge (Rachael Zeller) and her soon to be jilted heart-of-gold boyfriend, Steve Eldridge (Matt Richardson) survey their “new” living room.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Off to a good start on opening night, March 5, the actors and stage crew of David Douglas High School Theater Department have “moved into” their new winter comedy home, “George Washington Slept Here”.

The play, which continues on March 6th and also runs March 11, 12 and 13, is best described as a slapstick “house from Hell” farce.

Newton and Annabelle learn from friendly neighbor Mrs. Douglas (DeAnna Gayomali) that, in fact, George Washington didn’t ever sleep in the house – it was a fable made up by their shady real estate agent.

Annabelle and the family discover that the roof is in as bad condition as the rest of the house, as rain streams in during a storm.

Fun, but a technically demanding play
One reason for choosing this particular play, Judy LeCoq, a David Douglas High theater instructor, and the director of this play, told us is that “George Washington Slept Here” requires a high degree of technical expertise to play it out on stage.

“Our Technical Director, Mark Taylor, and his crew, bring this show to life,” LeCoq noted. “The house [set] is in shambles when the curtain rises. Then, it’s refurbished during scene changes. When it rains, the ceilings actually leak. And, you won’t believe what happens to the set by the show’s end!”

Another reason to mount this show, LeCoq said, is because of the humorous situations and clever dialog by the playwrights, Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. “Just like back when it was originally written, people today need a break from the cares and worries of the day. There’s a lot of satire and wit in this show. It’s a play where people can come in, sit back, and have an evening of laughs.

Each time local handyman Mr. Kimber (Corey T-Cedarleaf) comes to see Newton, he brings bad news – and a list of “needed purchases” that all cost more than estimated.

On short notice, rich-but-obnoxious Uncle Stanley J. Menninger, the “ball bearing magnate from Pittsburg” (Josh McKinley) arrives – ready to settle in for “a spell” and demand services one would expect in a fine hotel.

About the story …
Not many know that “George Washington Slept Here” was originally written as a stage play in 1940 by Hart and. Kaufman, but became known, thanks to a 1942 motion picture adaptation staring Jack Benny, Ann Sheridan, and Charles Coburn.

Tired of city life, Newton Fuller – unbeknown to his wife – buys a decrepit house in the country, in which George Washington supposedly slept. The list of things wrong with the house – and the very property on which it’s built – keeps growing exponentially.

The costs keep mounting as they try rebuilding the wreck of a house; and, the Fullers are beset with one problem after another.

Add to this their kooky clan that includes a thieving, ungrateful nephew, a daughter who is falls under the spell of a suave-yet-itinerant (and married) actor, a pregnant-but-unwed maid – and a grumpy neighbor who claims rights to their driveway – and water.

Madge’s young friends also come out for the weekend – but with steady rain falling all weekend long, their mood sours while Uncle Stanley snoozes.

Annabelle finds out why her husband has been so preoccupied during the weekend – she reads the foreclosure and eviction notice that’s been delivered.

-8 Annabelle’s wicked nephew Raymond (Ian Booth) steals more than money from her purse – he plans to “sell out” his in-laws by giving secret information about the property to their grumpy and greedy neighbor.

To make matters worse, they find out it wasn’t President George Washington who had rested in the abode – instead, it was a much less savory character in American history.

• Can this family turn their run-down hovel into a warm, happy home?
• How will problems with their daughter and obnoxious, evil nephew resolve?
• Can they find a way to tolerate Uncle Stanley, the world’s most demanding houseguest – and millionaire?
• Will the Fullers find a way to pay the mortgage – just days before foreclosure?

Find out, as you watch the interaction of the colorful characters in ever-more-complex situations in this comic play, suitable for all ages. While there’s some broad slapstick humor, the show is family rated.

When Uncle Stanley “fesses up” – it looks as if the Fuller’s last hope for redemption – and their home – is gone. You’ll be surprised at the plan this clever liar comes up that might just save the day!

After smugly swaggering into the Fuller’s home, greedy neighbor Mr. Prescott (Ken Tang) starts backpedaling when Uncle Stanley puts the “whammy” on him!

Show continues through March 13
“George Washington Slept Here” premiered on March 5, and runs on March 6. It also plays the evenings of March 11, 12 and 13. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. for all performances.

Tickets are $7 for adults; $5 for students and seniors. The Box Office at the theater is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 3:00 until 5:30 p.m. on school days, and also one hour before the show. Call the box office at (503) 261-8270 with questions.

The Theater and Box Office are located in the David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Avenue (between SE Stark Street and SE Division Street) To visit their website, CLICK HERE.

The cast of George Washington Slept Here takes a well-deserved bow.  But, what happened to their house?

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out what surprised firefighters in one of the apartments, as they battled this residential blaze …

Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters tear off portions of the roof to extinguish the flames traveling through the attic.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) crews arrived within minutes of getting the call, at 2:44 p.m. on March 1, a fire that broke out in a single-story 1970s-era ranch-style four-plex in the 2100 block of NE 80th Avenue was already belching out thick clouds of smoke; fire was visible.

When we arrived on-scene, firefighters with PF&R’s Engine 19, Truck 7, and Engine 28 were already opening the roof of the building to release heat, and pour water on the fire.

“People were home at the time,” commented PF&R spokesman, Lt. Allen Oswalt. “We had reports that the residents smelled, then saw, smoke. There were several calls to 9-1-1 before any of the smoke alarms – which were working – went off.”

Because it’s a multi-family dwelling, firefighters from several stations are called to fight the fire.

Older construction endangers building
Observing the firefighters at work as they opened up more of the roof, Oswald observed, “There’s probably very little or no ‘fire block’ between the units because of the older construction; when the units share a common attic, it allows fire to spread more easily.”

Soon, only wisps of smoke were visible, but the apartment units looked heavily damaged by smoke and water. “Fortunately, we got a quick knock-down that kept the fire from spreading to other buildings or homes in the area,” Oswalt said.

Large sections of the roof from this older four-plex had to be removed so firefighters could completely extinguish the blaze.

Pot grow discovered
When we noticed Portland Police Bureau drug unit officers on the scene, we asked why they had been called to the fire.

“There was a marijuana grow in one of the units,” a DVD officer told us. “Originally, they thought there was a ‘theft-of-service’ from Pacific Power and Light.”

Oswalt asked questions of the firefighters and told us, “Investigators say they checked; they believe that the ‘pot grow’ and the fire were not associated. It does not look to be a theft of power.”

We later asked Portland Police Bureau spokesperson, Detective Mary Wheat, about the pot grow. “As far as I can see from our records, this is a Fire Bureau investigation,” she replied.

Following up on this fire, PF&R’s Lt. Damon Simmons later reported that the fire was listed as “Accidental – Electrical”.

Quick response by Portland Fire & Rescue kept this fire from spreading to other units – or nearby houses. That’s Madison High School in the background.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out who was picked to represent the Scots, as Portland’s internationally-known festival announced the first member of their 2010 Royal Court …

It’s an amazing sight – 1,500 underclassmen (the other half of the student body is on the other side of the gym) – all waiting to welcome the 2010 Portland Rose Festival David Douglas High School Princess.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The “Scots” of David Douglas High came out if full force to show their support for the 2010 Portland Rose Festival Princess Selection assembly on March 1. Every inch of the bleachers in the gymnasium was filled, as 3,000 students and teachers were seated for the 2:15 p.m. event.

Before the formal program started, Portland Rose Festival board member and director Amy Johnson told us how this year’s selection process had changed from past years.

“We narrowed the field of candidates at each school from six down to five,” Johnson said. “And this year, instead of holding the judging deliberations at the school, it was done at a central time and location. Of course, the results remained secret.”

Award-winning David Douglas High Cheerleaders entertain the crowd at the event.

Pacific Power Mentor, Michelle Follette, gives a memento to each Princess candidate.

The students at the participating schools were offered the option whether or not to hold a school-wide vote. “The result of this vote was counted in the final selection,” Johnson noted, saying that DDHS students did participate in the process.”

One of the candidates, Natalia Mosailova, answers the question put to her by the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

The candidates speak
The candidates were escorted through the length of the gym before they alighted on a 6-foot-high, decorated stage.

Before the school’s 2010 Portland Rose Festival Princess was announced, each candidate spoke briefly. Each answered a question put to them, even though all knew the school’s Princess had already been selected. They each thanked member of the student body.

Waiting to learn who would represent David Douglas High School during the 2010 Portland Rose Festival events are seniors Mackenzie Busby, Chelsea Kopacz, Natalia Mosailova, Kaitlyn Swyers and Selena Zou.

Introducing Princess Natalia Mosailova
A deafening cheer went up when Natalia Mosailova was announced as the school’s representative to this year’s Portland Rose Festival.

After receiving her tiara and bouquet of roses, Mosailova told the cheering audience, “Four years and six months ago, my family moved to the United States. I came to his school. I went to my first Rose Festival, saw the Princesses, and said, ‘Oh, my gosh! They all speak English!’”

This statement drew a big laugh from the audience as she continued, “I’m grateful to everyone in the Portland Rose Festival. I’m grateful to be in the United States of America. And, I thank all of you so much.”

Natalia Mosailova learns that she’ll be David Douglas High’s representative to this year’s Portland Rose Festival.

Photographers snapped photos of the Princess and her court. Asked what it meant to her to be selected, Mosailova, told us, “I’m very honored to be the representative from David Douglas High School. I’ll do my best to represent them in the best way. It’s been wonderful to become part of this great community here. And now, I’m so honored that I’ll actually be playing a role in it – representing our school, and this wonderful community. I find this to be thrilling.”

Born in Chisinau, Moldova, this 18-year-old DDHS Senior said she plans to pursue the University of Washington pre-medical program, and go on to be an Obstetrician and Gynecologist.

At DDHS, Mosailova has participated in the PRIDE Team, National Honors Society, and has won the school’s Award of Excellence (4.0 cumulative GPA at end of junior year).

Princess Natalia accepts a bouquet of roses.

Mosailova’s hobbies and special interests include Ballroom, hip-hop, and salsa dancing; is active in the Russian community, translating for Russian/Romanian/Ukranian residents, and works part time as office specialist at the OHSU Surgery Department.

During the interview process, Mosailova was asked, “What have you discovered about yourself during high school?”

She responded, “I’ve discovered myself as an excellent public orator, and defender of my personal views. I have an outgoing and giving personality. I’ve always been the person to whom friends and acquaintances would come for help or advice.”

It’s not too early to consider attending the 2010 Portland Rose Festival Queen Selection Ceremony, held just before the Grand Floral Parade. For more information about the Portland Rose Festival, visit their official website: CLICK HERE.

-8 Surrounded by her court is David Douglas High School’s Portland Rose Festival Princess Natalia.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

It wasn’t Valentines Day – but find out why Adventist Medical Center was decked out in hearts, as they restarted an annual event from the past …

Hontz, a medical technologist, takes blood for a cholesterol screening of Kathi Hunter at the Adventist Medical Center’s “A Fair for the Heart” event.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Heart decorations were everywhere, including the pink balloons festooning the entrance of the Adventist Medical Center (AMC) Pavilion that houses the Northwest Heart Center.

“No, it’s not Valentine’s Day,” smiled organizer Sandi Dykes, RN and Fellow of the American Association of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, on February 7. “We call it ‘A Fair of the Heart’. We have a bit of history with this event. From 1992 to 2002, we held an event like this every year in various locations. We’re restarting it here, in the AMC Pavilion, home of our Northwest Heart Center.”

Fair organizer, Sandi Dykes, RN, brandishes a “goodie bag” filled with hearth-healthy products and information.

Their goal, Dykes said, is to help people become aware that heart disease is “The number one killer in the United States. Secondly, to help guests examine their personal risk factors: cholesterol, blood pressure. Third, we offer heart-healthy free screenings.”

The hospital’s marketing manager, Judy Leach, said people started lining up at 10 a.m. for the event that began at noon. “This was a greater response than we could have imagined,” Leach said afterward, adding that about 600 guests attended the event.

Pauline Miriam made a special effort to attend the fair; here, she’s having her blood pressure checked by Walla Walla College nursing student Emma Ryan.

In addition to exhibits relating to heart health, screenings, and a cooking demonstration, guests were able to attend lectures – such as the keynote talk presented by Dr. Katie Strelich, “Women and Heart Disease”.

While getting her blood pressure checked, Pauline Miriam told us she made a special effort to attend the fair. “We were in Seattle for the weekend; we left early just so I could come here for the screening. This is a wonderful service to the community they’re providing.”

To learn more about the hospital – and its Northwest Heart Center – CLICK HERE to visit their website.

Rebecca Cunningham, RDMS-VT, is performing a carotid ultrasound, to check for any plaque or blockages in the carotid artery of guest Carol Huff.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Just why the building lit up in a blaze seldom seen in Portland – while classes were in session – still remains a mystery at this venerated Portland school. But, see the steps they’re taking to preserve the undamaged parts of it …

On the morning of November 10, 2009, before the devastating fire broke out, kids were in class, learning to tell time, read, and write in this classroom at Marysville K-8 School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After interviewing at least 150 witnesses, and digging through a mountain of charred rubble looking for cause of the fire that shuttered Marysville K-8 School on November 10th, Portland Fire Bureau investigators remain mum about what started the disastrous fire while classes were in session.

> See our story about the Marysville School fire: CLICK HERE.

Over the last three months, winter weather hasn’t been kind to the exposed eastern end of the school.

Whether the school will be rebuilt or simply restored, the school will be reopened at the same location, Portland Public School officials say.

Shane Endicott, of Portland’s DeConstruction Services, says these classic wooden doors have only increased in value over the years.

And, when Marysville reopens, on its first school day – no schedule has yet been set – the building’s interior will have a look reminiscent of the original 1921 building.

“We have meticulously been taking out doors, molding, window frames, built ins, and other things, that were all installed in 1921,” explained Shane Endicott, the Executive Director and co-founder of Portland’s ReBuilding Center and DeConstruction Services.

Hallway floors covered with 1950s-era tile may have protected the pine flooring underneath.

Standing in the school’s gym, next to a stack of classroom doors still hung in their frames, Endicott pointed out the clear, vertical grain in the old-growth fir from which they were milled. “You couldn’t replace these for $2,000 today.”

Walking out into a part of the structure with only open sky above – its ceiling and roof burned away by the fire – Endicott tapped on undamaged wall studs. “We’ll salvage as much as this wood as we can,” he said.

“We are de-nailing it without damaging the wood,” Endicott pointed out. “Then, we’re wrapping the wood up and protecting it. In each classroom and hallway, we’re numbering and tagging each piece – they’ll all have a key number, and be indexed. This will help contractors figure out how they will reincorporate it when they rebuild it.”

All wall studs not charred or damaged in the fire will be removed, de-nailed, and stored for incorporation into the restored or rebuilt Marysville School.

His company has gained a lot of experience in deconstructing; Endicott said they’ve been in business since 1998. He reminded us that it was their company which deconstructed the old, rickety Westmoreland house bought by Shannon Quimby to replace with a new one – with almost everything from the old house recovered and incorporated in her new “REXProject (Reuse Everything eXperiment)” home. (CLICK HERE to read about it.)

“Portland Public Schools is being very thoughtful about this process, respecting the building’s history. This school means a lot to the community.”

Part demolition supervisor, part building archaeologist, Endicott told how he was personally affected by this project. “When I walked through doing my first assessment – and as I am here today – I got the feeling of how historically important this building is. I realize I realize that these doors were hung, those nails where hammered, that moulding was installed – in 1921. Every kid that’s gone to school here since 1921 has passed through, or walked by these doors.”

The stack of wall and window molding removed by DeConstruction Services, and here pointed out by Endicott, is growing, as the School District-ordered preservation project continues.

The trucks and loading equipment on-site, he pointed out, were there only to haul away the wood and building materials too burned or damaged to be reused.

“As a citizen of Portland – not just a contractor here – I can’t help but give the school and District’s commitment to sustainability a big ‘thumbs up’ – we’re reclaiming a bit of Southeast Portland’s history.”

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why two young ladies are in the hospital – one just clinging to life – even though they did the “right thing” by calling for a taxi instead of driving, after their evening of musical reverie …

This is the scene where one pedestrian was pinned under a car, driven by an allegedly drunk driver, while her friend was thrown as far as 40 feet, after both were struck by the careening vehicle.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
At the end of their “girl’s night out” – just before midnight on February 19 – two young ladies who had been enjoying an evening of karaoke at Fortune Star Food and Lounge made a very good, mature decision. Instead risking driving after an evening of partying, they called for a taxicab to pick them up at the establishment, located on SE Division Street near SE 158^th Avenue.

Customers who revisited the scene the following day, when we were investigating this incident, confirmed that two young ladies were enjoying the karaoke show before they left the establishment.

Marks left by Portland Police Bureau Major Crash Team accident investigators tell the story about what happened in an instant, early Sunday morning – an event that will change three lives, forever. Note that no skid marks are visible; it doesn’t appear as if the driver hit the brakes.

“It wasn’t a loud crash, just kind of a thud,” said witness Ryan Hillcrest. “People came out and first saw a woman, almost under a car, in [Fortune Star’s] parking lot.”

Then, they looked up, and about 40 feet to northwest, they saw a car smashed into a utility pole, Hillcrest said.

“Almost right away, police came,” Hillcrest continued. “And then, six or seven rescue people were trying to free the woman caught under the car. A couple paramedics swept up the other woman on a gurney, put her in an ambulance, and they were gone, off to the hospital.”

After caroming off the corner of Montego’s Tavern, the out-of-control car smashed into the two women.

Damaged tavern already closed for the night
The owner of Montego’s Tavern drove up and walked to the front of the building. She looked at the northeast corner of the building and shook her head. “I’m surprised to see how much damage there is. The concrete facing is cracked, and the side of the building is pushed out. I’m surprised we still have electricity and telephones because of such damage.”

She said they’d closed at midnight, and she was on her way home by 12:15 p.m. – but got a call just as she was arriving home, telling her about the accident.

The car, with an allegedly drunk driver at the wheel, was finally stopped hard by this utility pole.

Police confirm incident details
“Approximately 12:30 a.m., on February 20, the driver of a vehicle traveling Eastbound on Division at a high rate of speed lost control of the vehicle,” stated Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Detective Mary Wheat. “The car hit two women who were outside an establishment on SE Division Street. The vehicle also hit a telephone pole and the building that were near both women.”

The Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team was called to the scene to investigate, Wheat said. “The pedestrian victims are identified as 21-year-old Rachel Barber, of southeast Salem, and 21-year-old Marie Drennan.”

Both victims were taken to Oregon Health & Science University. A family spokesman for Barber’s family, Jim Cook, has told the media that she, a single mother of two children, remains in critical condition. Drennan is said to be in fair condition.

Police have charged this man, 24-year-old Dallas L. Lawrence, of driving under the influence of intoxicants when allegedly his car mowed down two young ladies waiting for a cab ride home. MCDC photo

“The driver of the vehicle has been identified as 24-year-old Dallas L. Lawrence,” Wheat reported. “He was arrested at the scene, and charged with two counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class B Felonies, each requiring a $250,000 bond), one count of DUII (Alcohol), and one count of Reckless Driving.”

At publication date, Lawrence remained in custody in the Multnomah County Detention Center.

A donation fund has been established in Rachel Barber’s name at US Bank – contributions can be made at any branch location.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Isn’t it time for a good laugh? See why you should plan to see “George Washington Slept Here”, premiering on March 5 at the Horner Performing Arts Center …

Trying to cope with a multitude of problems posed by their newly acquired run-down mansion – from its leaky roof, to falling-down walls – are Marissa Hanson, playing Rena Leslie; Carson Cook as the unlucky new homeowner, Newton Fuller; Matt Richardson as Steve Eldridge; Cary Miga as Clayton Evans; Rachael Zeller as Madge Fuller; and Quinci Daoust as woman-of-the-house Annabelle Fuller. All are shown rehearsing for the opening of the charmingly funny play, “George Washington Slept Here”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The David Douglas High School Theater Department is about to take the wraps – perhaps we should say construction tarps – off their new winter comedy, “George Washington Slept Here”.

The play, that premieres on March 5th and runs two weekends, is best described as a slapstick “house from Hell” comedy.

Few realize “George Washington Slept Here” was originally written as a stage play in 1940 by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. But it became widely known, thanks to a 1942 motion picture adaptation staring Jack Benny, Ann Sheridan, and Charles Coburn.

About the story …
Tired of city life, Newton Fuller – unbeknownst to his wife – buys a decrepit house in the country, in which George Washington supposedly slept. It’s truly a “money pit”.

Trying to rebuild the wreck of a house, the Fullers are beset with one problem after another; and the antics of their kooky clan only makes matters worse. To top things off, it turns out, they find out it wasn’t actually Washington who had rested in the abode – instead, it was a much less savory character in American history.

• Will they be able to turn the run-down shack into a livable home?
• How will problems with their daughter and obnoxious nephew resolve?
• Can they find a way to tolerate Uncle Stanley, the world’s most demanding houseguest – and millionaire?

Find out, as you watch the interaction of the colorful characters in ever-more-complex situations in this comic play.

Backstage, director and theater instructor Judy LeCoq coaches actor Josh McKinley, who plays the rich-but-obnoxious Uncle Stanley J. Menninger.

Says it’s a technically demanding play
Judy LeCoq, a David Douglas High theater instructor, and the director of this play, said she chose “George Washington Slept Here” because she loves Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s humorous situations and clever dialog.

“There’s a lot of satire and wit in their comedies,” LeCoq said, between rehearsals. “This is a play where people can come in, sit back, and laugh. Just like back when it was originally written, people today need a break from the cares and worries of the day.”

Another reason for choosing this particular show, LeCoq added, was the many technical requirements of staging it.

“Our Technical Director, Mark Taylor, and his crew, bring this show to life,” LeCoq told us. “The house [set] is in shambles when the curtain rises. Then, it’s refurbished during scene changes. When it rains, the ceilings actually leak. And, you won’t believe what happens to the set by the show’s end!”

This play is suitable for all ages. While there’s some broad slapstick humor, the show is definitely family rated.

Show opens March 5
“George Washington Slept Here” premieres on March 5, and also runs on March 6; it also plays the evenings of March 11, 12 and 13. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. for all performances.

Tickets are $7 for adults; $5 for students and seniors. The Box Office at the theater is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 3:00 until 5:30 p.m. on school days, and also one hour before the show. Call the box office at (503) 261-8270 with questions.

The Theater and Box Office are located in the David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Avenue (between SE Stark Street and SE Division Street) To visit their website, CLICK HERE.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See what this expert on Portland’s budget says to keep an eye on, at the upcoming community budget meetings. This finance expert spills the beans, and shares how you – from the comfort of your own computer – can view this valuable information …

Andrew Scott, the Financial Planning Manager at the City of Portland’s Office of Management and Finance shows outer East Portland citizens how to “follow the money” – by familiarizing them with the City Budget document, and how to find and navigate its online tools.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Considering the importance of impending budget decisions that lie ahead for the Portland City Council, it was surprising that only a handful of outer East Portland folks took advantage of the “City of Portland Budget Training” seminar.

Andrew Scott, the Financial Planning Manager at the City of Portland’s Office of Management and Finance, showed attendees how to understand the Portland City Budget document. The class was sponsored by the East Portland Action Plan, and held at David Douglas High School on February 24.

In simple terms, Scott explained how the City takes in and spends money during its budget cycle. He also answered questions posed by the attendees.

Understanding the budget’s structure
Scott began outlining the difference between Portland’s General Fund and its Non-General Fund. He also discussed the difference between one-time and ongoing funding of programs.

While his explanations were clear and concise, we’ll not attempt to reproduce the whole class in this article. A good explanation is to be found, he said, on the City of Portland’s website: CLICK HERE to bring up that webpage.

Scott outlines the City of Portland budgeting process.

Portland’s budgeting process
The Portland City Council doesn’t simply rubber-stamp a budget document handed to them, Scott said. Instead, he outlined the budget process the Council goes through, which this time, runs from October of 2009 through May of 2010, and includes many forums and public meetings.

As part of his presentation, Scott showed those attending how to find information, such as on the budget process, on the Internet.

> To view the City of Portland’s 2010 “Budget Process” pamphlet (it’s a PDF document)  CLICK HERE.

Says information aids understanding
“It’s kind of a difficult year for the City and budgeting,” Scott told us after the seminar. “I think that a lot of the input from citizens at forums and hearings does get relayed back to the Portland City Council. It can influence the decisions that the Council ultimately makes on the budget. So, it’s important to understand the budget before one advocates for cutting or adding a program.”

Two of the most important areas of which citizens should be aware, Scott said, are what are called “cuts” and “adds”.

“The Portland City Counsel has already asked most Bureaus to make cuts of 4%; public safety has been asked to cut 2%,” Scott explained. “It’s important to know where those cuts will be made; they affect levels of service, going forward.”

“Adds” are new programs – those will also be under close scrutiny. “It’s important to be aware of all of the ‘add requests’ that have been coming in. This information will help people understand what needs various groups are asking to be addressed.”

Taking a look at the City’s “Community Budget” webpage – and reading some of the documents – will help prepare citizens for better advocating at Budget Forums, Scott says.

Online tools help prepare Budget Forum goers
Instead of showing up at a Portland Budget Forum unprepared, Scott advised citizens to avail themselves of the many resources available on the City’s Internet website. “It contains tables of ‘cuts’ and ‘adds’, and a wide variety of informative information.”

> To view Portland’s “Community Budget” homepage, CLICK HERE.

SE Portland Forum scheduled for March 3
At the March 3rd City of Portland Community Budget Forum – from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – you’ll have the opportunity to hear from, and give feedback to, officials from all of the City Bureaus. This forum takes place at Mt. Scott Community Center, SE 72nd Avenue and Harold Street.

And, in outer East Portland on March 6, another City of Portland Community Budget Forum will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the IRCO Community Space located at 10301 NE Glisan Street.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

With party hats, gifts – and, yes, birthday cakes – see why this local group hopes you’ll join them at their fun summertime event, supporting the American Cancer Society …

With their way lit by luminaria – candles inside decorated paper-bag lampshades,  each dedicated to a victim or survivor of cancer – “Relay for Life” participants circled the Floyd Light Middle School track at their 2009 event last August. East Portland News file photo

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the most visually-striking, and emotionally-moving fundraising events each year – to benefit the American Cancer Society – is the annual “Relay for Life”.

> Read our story about last year’s event: CLICK HERE

“At the Relay for Life of East Portland,” said its Chair, Tamara Marmol, “People come and camp out, eat, have fun, and take turns walking the track. There are constant activities and food throughout the day, and live music at night.”

The purpose of the event, Marmol reminded, is to raise $100,000 for the American Cancer Society to help with their medical research programs.

Event Chair Tamara Marmol and volunteer Karla Signs welcome guests to the 2010 East Portland Relay for Life kickoff celebration.

‘Birthday Party’ kickoff event
An activity room at the East Portland Community Center was decorated as if for a birthday party – complete with a welcoming giant inflatable clown, streamers, balloons and party favors – on February 2.

“Our theme this year is ‘Celebrating Birthdays’,” Marmol explained. “And this is our Relay for Life kickoff for our 2010 event – held August 14 and 15 – again at Floyd Light Middle School’s track. We’re working to make it bigger and better than ever. Tonight our past teams, and people interested in forming a new team, are being introduced to the event.”

Rick Rankin, of Adventist Health Occupational Health Services, says he’s thankful to be celebrating the additional birthdays he’s enjoyed – thanks to help he received from the work of the American Cancer Society.

Cancer survivor serves as team captain
One smiling face at the “birthday party” was Rick Rankin, who captained the East Portland Chamber of Commerce Relay for Life team last year.

“I am a cancer survivor of seven years,” Rankin told us. “I was diagnosed with stage-four metastatic melanoma. I was given less than a 5% chance of surviving. The day I was diagnosed, I told them that I was going to be alright; that I was going to live to be a grandpa, and be around to enjoy it.”

Thanks to professionals at the American Cancer Society, Rankin said, he was selected for a clinical trial program to treat the cancer. “That’s why I’m still here. The 18-month program of chemotherapy was pretty intense. But, because of the American Cancer Society, and the grace of God, I’m still here. I now have two grandbabies; seven years later, I’m still here. This organization does wonderful things.”

You can participate
“We’re looking both for team captains and for cancer survivors,” Marmol said. “Put it on your calendar now: it’s from 10:00 a.m. on August 14 until 10:00 a.m. on August 15.”

All the information about this event can be found at their official website: CLICK HERE to open that webpage.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

In this, the third installment of our ongoing series, learn about the values that drive the City Commissioners to seek their positions, and about the City bureaus they oversee – in their own words …

Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman says his term as a Multnomah County Commissioner has helped him become a better Portland City Commissioner.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Occupying Position #3 on the Portland City Council is the “Commissioner of Public Affairs”, Dan Saltzman. “As you know, these titles have little connection with what we actually do,” Saltzman said with a smile as we began our interview. “The bureaus and organizations we oversee are assigned by the City’s Mayor.”

Read on, and see what we learned in this interview, conducted at Portland City Hall, about how Saltzman governs, and the Bureaus he oversees, and the accomplishments of which he is most proud – in his own words …

Saltzman’s philosophy of governance
“My philosophy is to listen; I’m a very good listener. I’m perhaps a better listener than a talker. I do listen, truly listen, to what people say – and then seek results for them. It’s my way of governing. I get good ideas by listening to people, and finding out what the needs are.”

“This results in how I run the Bureaus of which I’m in charge – and, how I’m responsive to concerns from citizens. It also results in how I act in the initiatives I pursue, or the City policies I support or try to change.”

Commissioner Saltzman says he likes being able to work on projects that make a tangible difference to citizens of the City of Portland.

About being in office
“What I like most about being in office is the opportunity to make a difference. When I really work on issues, I can see the results. It’s the ability to do tangible things and feel that I’m making a difference.

“My passion areas are children and families; and also the environment and sustainable development.

“[Before being elected to Portland City Council] I had a lot of satisfaction as a Multnomah County Commissioner during my five year tenure there. In many respects, this [my current role] is more of a ‘bully pulpit’ for working on the issues about which I care most; it’s a more highly-visible position. And, I think that experience has made me a better City Commissioner; a lot of people in City Hall don’t understand the work of the County.

Saltzman visits the Gateway Area Business Association in February, 2010, to talk about the new Domestic Violence One-Stop Center soon to open on E. Burnside Street at SE 102nd Avenue, and to answer questions about the Bureaus he oversees.

City agencies overseen by Commissioner Saltzman
Bureaus, offices, or agencies in City government are supervised by Portland City Commissioners. Here are the agencies for which Commissioner Saltzman is responsible.

Portland Police Bureau – “It’s been a new experience for me to be in charge of this Bureau. It’s got its own dynamics. The public’s reactions can be hot and cold. But overall, I have a great amount of respect for men and women at the Police Bureau. Not only are they good officers committed to community policing, but also serve in the community as coaches, foster parents, and other community-minded activities.

“Every now and then somebody does something really stupid, or criminal; but, by and large, they are great people.”

Bureau of Environmental Services – “This agency is in charge of our sewer system and also protecting our watershed. They are doing the biggest public works project in the City’s history; it will all but eliminate combined sewage overflows into the Willamette River and Columbia Slough. They’re doing the Big Pipe Project on time and on budget.

“They also do work on watershed restoration; and are eliminating much of the flooding along Foster Boulevard by expanding the wetlands, and increasing the absorption capacity for floodwaters. And, important to East Portlanders, they’re investing in alternative ways – like building bio-swales – to keep rainwater out of our sumps, dry wells, or pipes.”

Children’s Levy Office – “This is the office that oversees the $15 Million a year we invest in organizations providing proven programs. In this small office, they oversee all the contracts and agreements we have with nonprofit organizations to provide early childhood services, after-school mentoring programs, child-abuse prevention and intervention programs, and programs that help children in foster care succeed. We’re serving about 16,000 children a year. We gave priority to programs that serve populations in east of SE 82nd Avenue of Roses, where the need is great.”

Office of Youth Violence Prevention – “As you know, this is an important issue in outer East Portland, especially along the MAX line. They are primarily working to reduce gang-related violence in our City. They work closely with law enforcement and with nonprofit organizations to provide outreach to potential gang members, to steer them away from gang affiliation.

Fire / Police Disability and Retirement Office – “I’ve only had this assignment for a year, but I did lead the reforms that voters approved in 2006. This office has their own board; they make many decisions. The board doesn’t make disability decisions anymore – those are now made by professionals. This office administers the benefits, provides the hearings for disability payments. I hire the office’s Director.

His door is open to all who wish to see him, Saltzman says; and, mail-delivered letters are especially welcomed.

Accomplishments during his current term
“I’m proud of diversity of the Bureau directors who work for me.

“I’m most proud of getting the Children’s Levy overwhelmingly renewed last November, by about 70% of the vote. I’m really pleased that we’ve gotten the Portland Police Bureau through a tough budget year; although this year looks to be tough too, and we’re making cuts. And, that our police force is becoming more diverse.”

Message to outer East Portland citizens
“It’s been an honor to serve the people of Portland. I know a lot of people in east Portland feel neglected. I try to be out there, and learn about issues that are of concern to them. Whether it be housing density, or livability, or public safety issues in Southeast and outer east Portland – I work hard to those seeking representation.”

About being contacted by citizens
“I’ll meet with anyone who wants to meet with me.  Or we can do phone calls or e-mails.

“The ideal method reach me is by telephone or e-mail. We take very seriously people who call and e-mail us. We take even more seriously people or write letters to us, because so few people do that anymore – those go to the top of the heap.”

Contact information

• E-mail: dan@ci.portland.or.us
• Internet Web Page: CLICK HERE to view it!
• Telephone: (503) 823-4151
• US Mail or delivery: 1221 SW 4^th Avenue, Suite 230, Portland, Oregon, 97204.
• Or, visit Dan Saltzman’s Facebook page: CLICK HERE

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover why our Midland Library hosted their first-ever “NeighborFair” – and what you missed if you didn’t attend …

Chair of Hazelwood’s neighborhood association, Arlene Kimura, learns that Anglia Dickey (here, holding Sofia Vergara) came to the “NeighborFair” because she is concerned about the state of outer East Portland parks.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A first-of-a-kind NeighborFair, put on by Midland Regional Library, provided a festive atmosphere for citizens to learn more about the 13 outer East Portland neighborhoods, and their coalition, on January 30.

In addition to learning about issues that impact our neighborhoods, and meeting their neighborhood association leaders, attendees discovered that the library had added to the merriment by providing refreshments.

Midland Regional Library’s Naomi Angier says she created the event to help bring neighbors – and neighborhoods – together.

Started with an idea
“When I came to Midland Regional Library, as a public outreach effort, I went to many of our neighborhoods’ association meetings,” said the event’s organizer, Naomi Angier.

“I came away from those visits being very impressed with the activities that the different neighbor associations were doing,” Angier told us. “I thought an event like this one, today, would be perfect – let neighborhood association leaders talk about what they do, what their boundaries are, and how people can get involved.”

The President of the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association, and Spirit of Portland awardee, Mark White, reported that people from all walks of life had come to their table during the event.

“Not only have people been asking about our neighborhood – and about East Portland in general – they’ve asked about all kinds of projects in which we are involved,” White smiled. “These have ranged from the Springwater Corridor Wetlands Project to wildflower and tree plantings. I’m glad we were here to show them how they can participate.”

Debby Friend, and RoseMarie Opp – Chair of Mill Park Neighborhood Association – talk about outer East Portland issues with visitors, including Bull Run water concerns.

The Chair of the Mill Park Neighborhood Association, RoseMarie Opp, observed that their association regularly meets at Midland Library.

“I’ve been mostly talking with people about our Bull Run water issues,” Opp related. “I feel this is critical, because our water bills will be doubling, and we’ll be $1 billion in debt for our community, to fix the ‘Cryptosporidium public health problem’ that, essentially, doesn’t exist.”

By the end of the fair, dozens of people became better acquainted with their neighborhood associations. “There’s a good chance we’ll hold another NeighborFair next year,” Angier said.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News