See why police detectives say that stealing a few bucks, under false pretences, really is more than a petty crime. Perhaps YOU can help …

Portland Police Bureau Southeast Precinct Detective Dan Andrew shows a “donation sheet” signed by victims of the suspect’s door-to-door solicitation fraud.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One might think that door-to-door solicitors asking for donations for non-existent causes constitute a pretty inconsequential scam. But, a Portland Police Bureau detective, building a case against one of these scam artists, said there is more to such a criminal enterprise than simply cheating citizens out of a few dollars on a false pretext.

Why did folks from this outer East Portland neighborhood give coffee mugs to all the officers and workers in East Precinct? We’ve got the answer right here …

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs receives the first Argay coffee mug from Argay Neighborhood Association Chair Valerie Curry.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We wondered what was happening, when we saw Argay Neighborhood Association chair Valerie Curry getting a couple of East Precinct cops to help her carry large and obviously-heavy cardboard boxes into the police station.

Don’t let cold winter weather rob you by stealing the heating energy from your home!  Find out about these FREE classes coming to outer East Portland right there …

Community Energy Project’s Weatherization Workshop Coordinator, Loni Silva, shows some of the simple, energy-saving products that can cut drafts and save money.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Folk all over East Portland are learning how to keep their home or apartment from getting cold and drafty when the winter winds blow at free classes offered by an independent, non-profit organization called Community Energy Project (CEP).

Outgoing Portland Mayor Tom Potter didn’t get to take a dip, but come along on the sneak preview Portland Parks officials arranged him at the East Portland Community Center Aquatic Center …

Outgoing Portland Mayor Tom Potter is all smiles as he starts his tour of the soon-to-be-opened East Portland Community Center Aquatic Center.  The shark in the background is actually a little kid’s water slide.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Snow was blowing sideways when Mayor Tom Potter visited the East Portland Community Center Aquatic Center on December 19.

Find out why “Mayor Sam” chose outer East Portland for his public swearing-in ceremony. Also, see our exclusive photos, and read the full text of Adams’ remarks, right here …

Parkrose School District Board Chair James Woods Ph.D. checks over his opening remarks, while superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray awaits the swearing-in ceremony for Sam Adams to begin, at the Parkrose High School Theater.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Perhaps you’ve seen the 60-second TV version of the story: At the Parkrose High School Theater, about 400 people gathered on January 5th to witness Sam Adams’ public Mayoral swearing-in ceremony.

Folks at the Portland Police Bureau’s Sunshine Division wondered whether the snowy weather would leave needy families without food boxes for the holidays. Boy, were they surprised when then opened the station house door! Find out who showed up …

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Police Cadets Andrea Ettlin, Colton Sharmen, Ryan Mele, and Jose Perez get ready to load food boxes into the vehicles of drivers who await to take them to needy families.

You might say this bungling crook got clean away – but didn’t get a single cent for his efforts. The victim’s hands weren’t totally clean, though – find out why he was arrested during the investigation …

This Washman car wash on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses at NE Glisan Street sprays down hundreds of vehicles every day – and power-washed a would-be bandit on December 13.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The crime was simple, although perhaps not well-thought-out: Just rob a Montavilla-area carwash, and scoot with some quick cash.

See why volunteers each year turn the outer East Portland DHS office into a delightful wonderland for hundreds of kids during the Holiday season …

Amanda Martinez and Sherry Robinson, children living in foster care, say they’re thankful they can enjoy a delicious Holiday meal and the DHS Holiday Party events.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While many people find the Holidays taxing, consider the stress felt by a child living in foster care at Christmastime.

Officials aren’t saying if this partial cave-in is related to the collapse that happened four years ago. Find out what we did learn about the incident …

Shoppers looked puzzled and confused when they were directed to stay away from the Gateway Fred Meyer store last Saturday.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
“This is kind of creepy; the roof fell in at the same place a few years ago,” was the sentiment expressed by shopper Marta Sanchez as she walked away from the yellow tape which warned shoppers to stay away from the Gateway Fred Meyer store on December 27.

Hey! Don’t throw away those return-deposit bottles and cans that piled up during the Holidays! Here’s where to take them – and why …

The first Saturday in December, the Parkrose Swim Team helped Dave “Can Man” Luce collect and sort deposit-return bottles and cans.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
On the first Saturday of the month – including January 3, 2009 – the Parkrose Can Man (aka Dave Luce) and his clan (student volunteers from clubs, sports teams and groups at Parkrose-area schools) collect deposit-return cans and bottles.

Read this and see what you missed at the “Fix-it Fair” in Lents – and discover all of the money-saving, health-improving, safety-enhancing topics to be covered at the January 10 event at Parkrose High School …

Kyle Barton with Energy Trust of Oregon gives Fix-it Fair attendee Ed Sharick a free energy-saving light bulb and tells him, “Our mission is to help people save money on their energy bill.”

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Once again this year, the streets around Lent Elementary School were packed with cars, as neighbors flocked in to attend the City of Portland’s Fix-it Fair a couple of weeks ago.

Everyone thought the flood in December, 2007, was bad – but take a look at what this week’s major rainstorm did to businesses – and even to a PGE Substation – on SE Foster Road …

Looking east on SE Foster Road from SE 101st Avenue, the water on the roadway gives a whole new meaning to the term “traffic island” – the Springwater Trail crossing is deep beneath flood water.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Thirteen months and six days have passed since Johnson Creek last flooded Lents area businesses and neighbors. (Read about last year’s flood by CLICKING HERE.)