The smoke from the fires could be seen across the greater Portland area. See why the firefighters intentionally torched 34 acres of natural area …
Using special fire-starting gadget called a drip-torch, Portland Fire & Rescue’s brush-fire specialists light fires that burn off weeds on Powell Butte.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although firefighters train throughout their careers to proficiently extinguish fires, crews from the Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Urban/Wildland Interface team proved equally adept at igniting a firestorm on Powell Butte on Thursday, September 4.
See how the cops showed their support for Montavilla neighbors who are fed up with street-level prostitution and drugs, overflowing from 82nd Avenue of Roses …
Officer Kennith Fox, neighbor Marie Hopper, Officers Scherise Hobbs and Matt Schroeder, Dave Hillman of the Mt. Tabor Foot Patrol, Southeast Precinct afternoon shift supervisor Lt. Vince Elmore, and Officer Josh Howery are some of the 200 people who came out to spend time at the Portland Police Bureau’s Mobile Command Unit in Montavilla.
See why Mayor Tom Potter visited Parkrose’s Sacramento Elementary School on the first day of school; we’ll even tell you what was on the menu …
Seated with members of Mrs. Steinfeld’s 3rd Grade Class at Sacramento Elementary School, Portland Mayor Tom Potter hears why his tablemates are excited about returning to school.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the school bells rang the day after Labor Day, kids all across East Portland headed back to school.
What fun folks had, as this neighborhood business district held a block-long party! Come along, and enjoy it with us …
On many side streets along the Hawthorne District, booths promote civic involvement, and provide merchants the opportunity to sell their wares.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it was blazing hot on August 15, lots of folks came out to peruse one of the better-known business districts – SE Hawthorne Boulevard.
“Hawthorne Street Fair is more popular than ever,” commented the Hawthorne Boulevard Business Association’s President, Karin Edwards. “People have wonderful nostalgic feelings about our area.”
Last week, you learned our “secondary source” of drinking water. Now, discover how a group works to make sure that the well water that constitutes that source stays usable – and, learn about a fun family event that took place in August, and another coming up at the Slough in September …
As officials from the water bureau serve up groundwater knowledge, Katie Meckes, outreach director of the Columbia Slough Watershed Council readies lunch at their August “Subs on the Slough” event.
From the “grudge-match” softball game, to parade and fair, to music in Lents Park – discover what’s been going on – and what’s coming up in the next couple of weeks …
Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, Sr. Vice Commander of VFW Post 1442 Dale Guldenzoph, Event co-organizer Ken Turner, and Lents neighborhood Chair Dewey Akers, are all here enjoying Lents Founder’s Day events.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Why do folks in the Lents Neighborhood celebrate “Founder’s Day” each year in August and September, with a baseball game, parade, festival and musical concerts?
You might be surprised to learn the identity of the classically-trained concert pianist who led this “Music in the Park” series …
Warming up before his performance, classical pianist (and local realtor) Fred Sanchez said he hoped to escape the Gateway Keystone Kops paddy wagon by giving a virtuoso performance during the Ventura Park Music in the Park program. And he did!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although outer East Portland has numerous City parks – many of them large enough to accommodate thousands of people – the Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) “Music in the Parks” concerts haven’t made it east of 92nd Avenue – until now.
While officials say they’re making plans and creating programs to curb the new explosion of street prostitution, many neighbors say they’re “fed up” with having their local streets turned into brothels. See what’s up …
If it weren’t for “johns” – like this alleged street sex customer being taken in by a custody team during a summertime mission – prostitutes and their pimps wouldn’t be so brazenly strolling along 82nd Avenue of Roses offering their services.
Other merchant associations could take a page from this organization’s book. See why, right here …
Event chair Debbe Hamada (formerly director of East Portland Community Center) at her store, Tilde, says she enjoys creating events that bring the community together.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When 100 merchants, members of the recently-expanded Sellwood-Westmoreland Business Alliance, agreed to participate in this August 9 event, they hoped it would draw folks to their businesses – and indeed, everyone came out a winner.
They call this East Portland teen a musical “whiz-kid”. See why he returned to offer a special concert to benefit his alma mater …
Matthew Cohen plays classical selections with verve and passion, during a benefit concert at his former music academy, the Community Musical Center in Inner Southeast Portland.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Starting when he was six years old – and continuing on for a decade – Matthew Cohen held his violin case tightly, as he headed into the Community Music Center (CMC) on SE Francis Street for his music lessons.
North, south, east and west – we traveled to all of the National Night Out gatherings throughout outer East Portland. Here’s your chance to “ride shotgun” on our annual odyssey …
Carol Krikava, Parkrose Neighborhood Association’s Secretary, and Marcy Emerson-Peters (Chair of land use and community development) help out at the National Night Out information center at the Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in on August 2.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton (except as noted)
More than many other cities around the country, Portland – and especially outer East Portland neighborhoods – participates with gusto in the National Night Out Against Crime.
Here’s a way to help kids do better in school! Take school supplies to a barrel in Eastport Plaza before the end of August …
Portland General Electric’s specialist in community affairs, Rachel DeRosia, says she hopes you’ll fill this barrel at their Eastport Plaza office with school supplies.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Now’s the time that folks start thinking about buying pencils, erasers, crayons, colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks, markers, notebook paper, and backpacks for their young students.
But, many folks can’t afford to equip their kids for school. Portland General Electric is stepping up to help them out.
