Learn why officials say this dreadful driver shouldn’t have been driving at all – and, be amazed at the stupid thing she did after causing the wreck. The pictures tell this rather humorous story …

When we arrive on scene, this crumpled Acura is the only vehicle in sight. Fortunately, the driver wasn’t seriously injured.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The police radio reports a motor vehicle accident on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses about 1:00 p.m., as we’re covering other stories on September 13. We snap to attention when we hear the dispatcher add, “It’s a roll-over.”

When we pull up at the announced location of the wreck – NE 82nd Avenue and NE Tillamook Street – we find a silver Acura parked on the northbound side of the street. The looks as if a giant battering-ram demolished the rear end of the car.

However, the ambulance parked ahead of the disabled vehicle is just sitting there, apparently unused; the police cruiser parked behind the wreck is empty.

The culprit’s Chevy Blazer looks very much the worse for wear.

Having also heard report of a vehicle on its side near Madison High School, we venture north. Sure enough, there lies a “beached” blue-green Chevy Blazer, sans occupants, in the school’s lower parking lot entrance.

The only people we see at this location are crewmembers from Portland Fire & Rescue’s Truck 12, standing guard. They’re mum.

With no public safety officials on scene, we’re struggling to make sense of the facts at hand:

• Two vehicles are reportedly involved in a hit and run collision;
• One empty and crunched Acura at rests at NE Tillamook Street;
• Five blocks north, an unoccupied, rolled-over Chevy Blazer lies motionless across from NE Russell St.

Schmautz solves the mystery
We turn to Portland Police Bureau spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schmautz, asking for his help in solving this mysterious happenstance.

“The collision occurred at 1:03 pm at Northeast 82nd and Tillamook,” Schmautz tells us. “At the time of the collision, 65-year-old Jan Albrecht was northbound in her Acura on NE 82nd Avenue when she was hit from the rear by a Chevy Blazer driven by 45-year-old Betty Elaine Calvin.”

After the collision, Schmautz says Calvin fled the scene – with the rear bumper of Albrecht’s car still jammed into the front undercarriage of the Blazer.

Yes, that silver bumper – still wedged in the front of the Blazer – belongs to the Acura the vehicle ran into five blocks down the avenue.

Yes, the story gets even better …
“Calvin stopped a few blocks away, and attempted to remove the bumper,” Schmautz continues, suppressing a chuckle that sounds to be welling up inside him.

“Unfortunately, Calvin shifted her Blazer into ‘Reverse’ instead of ‘Park’.

“This slight error caused the Blazer to leave Calvin behind as it drove backwards across the roadway and flipped into the Madison High parking lot,” he concludes.

According to police records, Calvin was charged with:

1. Hit and Run;
2. Reckless Driving;
3. Following to Close;
4. Driving While Suspended; and,
5. Driving Uninsured.

We can only hope Calvin doesn’t have access to another vehicle …

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you wondered why NE Glisan Street was shut down most of Sunday morning – it ended OK, except for dozens of golfers who missed their tee-time …

Numerous Glendoveer Golf Course duffers and path hikers discovered their Sunday morning recreation would be delayed until nearly noon, as the police SERT crew coaxed a released felon out of a home directly across from the Ringside Restaurant.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A 5:30 a.m. “domestic violence” call reporting an inebriated felon, on post-prison release supervision, claiming to be armed with a pistol, was enough cause to rally the Portland Police Bureau’s Special Emergency Response Team on September 14.

The first police officers to arrive on-scene at the single-family dwelling in the 14200 block of NE Glisan Street were able to get the home’s occupants safely out of harm’s way.

Then, the waiting began.

Police negotiators work with the telephone company to prevent other calls from reaching the holed-up troublemaker, and to try to get him to surrender.

Calls don’t coax him out
“Because this isn’t a hostage situation,” police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us on-scene, “we’re trying to talk him into surrendering.”

Because the man, identified as 31-year-old Garvin Franklin, was on post-prison supervision for felony assault, Schmautz said officers weren’t going to take any unnecessary chances by rushing into the modest Hazelwood Neighborhood home.

Occupants of the house in which Franklin barricaded himself are safely removed from the house under siege.

Friends and relatives were calling Franklin on his cell phone, suggesting that he surrender, Schmautz reported. He didn’t heed their advice.

“We were able to isolate his phone so that he can only speak with us,” Schmautz explained. “It’s often better for him to listen to the one voice – our negotiator – without the distraction of other people giving him input.”

News crew members s look for evidence that Franklin has surrendered as reported.

‘Attention-getting device’ deployed
About 9:30 a.m., we heard a loud explosion come from the home, just out of our view.

“He has refused contact with us for some time now,” Schmautz said. “We’ve been loud-hailing him, trying unsuccessfully to get him to come out. So, we deployed an ‘attention-getting device’ in the yard to let him know that we were still here – we’re not going away – and we encourage him to continue having a conversation with us.”

The subject, 31-year-old Garvin Franklin, appears to enjoy his brief notoriety, as he smiles and makes faces out the back of the police cruiser.

Patience pays off
About 10:30 a.m., Franklin surrendered peacefully.

Schmautz came back and reported to the gaggle of news-gatherers, “We’re now in the process of securing the home. We’ll then open up the golf course, the walking trails and the road. Then, we’ll do a very thorough search of the home.”

Because police had waited patiently, no one was injured – and the home wasn’t damaged during the standoff.

“Other than a lot of upset  golfers who missed their tee-time, everything’s peaceful here now at Glendoveer,” Schmautz concluded.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Take a look at the photos – if you know this jerk and
anonymously turn him in – you’ll net a cool $1,000 …

Do you know this guy? Help put him behind bars.

By David F. Ashton
We’ve kicked back a few with friends at the Ace Tavern, a friendly neighborhood bar at 8868 Northeast Sandy Boulevard.

But on Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at 1:58 a.m. a “last-call customer” decided to use the Ace’s cash register as his personal ATM.

“The suspect, armed with a knife, entered the tavern through the rear entrance and immediately went into the bathroom,” police spokesperson, Catherine Kent told us.

The barkeep was getting ready to close for the evening.

“The suspect, armed with a knife, approached her and demanded money from the till. The suspect took the money and left on foot eastbound on NE Prescott Street,” Kent said.

Here’s a profile of Mr. Cool – great hat, eh?  He didn’t know – or didn’t care – if he was caught on camera. Let’s get this creep out of the neighborhood.

He’s probably a local.  The suspect is described as a white male, in his 40’s, 5’7″ to 5’10” tall, shoulder-length blond hair, brown eyes, and mustache.  He was wearing a light -colored or faded hat, a gray “Cowboys” sweatshirt, and blue jeans.

Here’s what to do …
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to a resolution in this case, and you remain anonymous.  Call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-HELP (4357).

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover what hundreds of neighbors learned when
they turned out for this “Town Hall” …

Panelists at the anti-prostitution Town Hall Summit include Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard; Jeri Williams, Neighborhood Coordinator, Office of Neighborhood Involvement, and a survivor of prostitution on 82nd Avenue; Bill Smith, Executive Director of Defenders USA, a group formed to help end demand for prostitution; Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputy Keith Bickford, Office Human Trafficking Coordinator; James Pond of Transitions Global; Lila Lee, Executive Director of Council for Prostitution Alternatives; Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs; and Ken Turner, president of 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The panelists said they were impressed by the size of the audience, and the level of interest these neighbors demonstrated, in combating street-sex for sale at a Town Hall Summit held at Vestal Elementary School on September 15.

A question that remains is whether or not the city’s leaders will impress the neighbors by taking action to back up their rhetoric.

Street prostitution runs rampant
The Portland City Council chose allow the Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) ordinance to expire on September 30, 2007.

Because of this decision, many residents and business owners along 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Sandy Boulevard contend – and some law enforcement officials agree – that street-level prostitution along “the strip” has gone from furtive to “in-your-face blatant”.

Mayor Potter pledges prostitution prosecution
After no less than three neighborhood groups have formed – joined by two business associations – to protest the increased crime which they say street prostitution has brought into their neighborhoods, and a reduced level of livability – Portland Mayor Tom Potter revealed a plan to combat street-sex for sale.

(Read all about it in this exclusive East PDX News article: CLICK HERE)

Setting the scene
Even though Vestal’s auditorium was hot and very poorly ventilated, about 275 people listened to eight panelists and then responded, during the 2½ meeting on the 15th.

“Thank you for coming out,” began Justin Cutler, Vice Chair of the Montavilla Neighborhood Association, as he set the tone for the meeting.

“And, thank you to those of you who brought awareness to this issue,” said Cutler. “On behalf of the neighbors in Montavilla, and all the neighbors from neighborhoods along 82nd Avenue, we hope to be respectful this evening, as we develop solutions that make 82nd Avenue a better place for everyone.”

Event organizer Dawn Rasmussen introduced the summit’s facilitator, Judith Mowry, and asked the panelists to introduce themselves.

In the audience, we spotted Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer, Carmen Rubio from Mayor Tom Potter’s office, and Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, while Multnomah County District Attorney Michael Schrunk stood in the back – and there were many police officers in attendance also.

Organizer Dawn Rasmussen thanks community members and government officials for coming to the Town Hall Summit.

Town Hall Summit to elicit questions and educate
“We’re all here because we’re concerned about our livability,” organizer Rasmussen stated. We’re not here to weigh one particular approach to combating prostitution over another. What we are doing is assessing ideas to combat the problem.”

“Street prostitution isn’t a problem until it moves into your neighborhood,” Rasmussen added. “But, it hits home when it happens in your front yard or down the block.

“Prostitution is a very complex problem, and has multiple layers,” continued Rasmussen. “It has been called the oldest profession, as we’ve heard before. The purpose of this meeting tonight is to get ideas out there, and educate ourselves.”

Former 82nd Avenue prostitute – now neighborhood advocate – Jeri Williams prepares to tell her story.

Recovered prostitute tells her story
The room grew silent as Jeri Williams, now a neighborhood coordinator at the City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement, told compellingly about being a survivor of prostitution on 82nd Avenue.

“People think prostitutes are women who enjoy being intimate with total strangers,” Williams began. “That’s not the way it works.”

Williams said prostitutes will tell people they are in control of their lives. “Some may be, but that wasn’t my situation. I had two babies at the time, one was two years old one was one year old. They were being watched over by a crack addict, the sister of my pimp. I had to bring back $300 a night, or not come back until dawn.

“When I got out [of prostitution], it was because I was stabbed and left for dead in 1989 by a drug addict who tried to rob me. I would not let him rob me, because I did want to get home and get beaten up by my pimp for not brining back money. He stabbed me in my back and arm; I carry the scars with me today. But I’m alive!”

Because she was able to get into rehabilitation programs, get therapy, and develop a “spiritual life”, Williams said she learned life skills that helped her get along in the world outside of street prostitution. She credited the Council of Prostitution Alternatives – a funded program at the time – for giving women the opportunity to change themselves.

“I became a community activist,” revealed Williams. “I’ve worked on issues such as transportation; I’ve beat up on corporate polluters; I’ve been a workers’ rights and domestic violence advocate.  I’ve been able to do all these incredible, wonderful things.”

Williams then announced what we’d discovered while reporting this story in September, 2007: “I’ve been on the Web not been able to find any programs to help women escape from prostitution.”

Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard says he wants a program that “fixes the problem” instead of exporting prostitution to another part of Portland.

Commissioner Leonard speaks about the PFZ
Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard congratulated Williams on her accomplishments before saying why he voted to allow the PFZ ordinance to “sunset”.

“I joined the Council when we overturned the Prostitution-free Zone ordinance last year,” Leonard stated. “Prostitution-free Zones and Drug free Zones don’t work.”

When asked by police officers why he would vote to remove “such a valuable law enforcement tool”, Leonard added, he asked officers to think of a way of fixing the problem, instead of moving it to another area of town.

Leonard points to success of Downtown program
Leonard said systematically arresting and prosecuting repeat offenders – and encouraging city agencies to shut down businesses that harbor criminal activity – gets to the root of the problem.

“The downtown crime rate has dropped 30 percent. Recidivism has dropped 71 per cent. I’ve asked for this approach to be brought out on 82nd Avenue,” Leonard declared. Due to increased police patrols, he added, “I’ve been on three ride-alongs [observation sessions] with police officers in the last three weeks. We didn’t see one prostitute on the street.”

Executive director of Defenders USA, Bill Smith, says it’s time for real men to figuratively stand up and shout at johns, “Don’t buy our girls!”

Crusader decries recruiting children into the sex trade
Next to speak was the executive director of Defenders USA, Bill Smith. Turning to Williams, he said, “On behalf of honest men, I apologized for what pimps and customers have done to you. ‘Shared Hope International’ and our group demand this activity be stopped.”

Saying his group defends women and children from sexual exploitation, Smith asserted, “If there wasn’t a buyer and there wasn’t a seller, there wouldn’t be victims.”

Citing fellow panelist James Pond, Smith said the average starting age of a prostituted person has gone down to between 12 and 14 years of age. “You wouldn’t let someone take a youngster from a shopping center and turn them into a prostitute. Why do we allow this to happen on our streets and in our schools? It’s time men stand up and say, ‘Don’t buy our girls!'”

Sheriff’s office targets juveniles
“Our Juvenile Justice System hasn’t done a very good job,” admitted Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Coordinator, Deputy Keith Bickford.

Saying prostitution is so widespread and pervasive, Bickford told the attendees the sheriff is focusing attention on children. “We’ve found the [prostitution] recruiting has been going on in our schools! We need better services, and educational efforts.”

Transitions Global founder, James Pond, says he’s concerned because eighty percent of prostitution takes place “off the street”.

Looks beyond street sex-for-sale
James Pond, who started fighting sexual exploitation in Cambodia, and is now taking his work worldwide, announced his organization’s new name: Transitions Global.

“We help build new lives for survivors of sex trafficking,” explained Pond. “We’re looking at this issue in terms of a holistic approach. 80 percent of prostitution is taking place off street.”

Their concern, Pond added is that prostitution along 82nd Avenue is “only a symptom of the greater needs of women and children who are being exploited.”

Seeks funding for prostitution treatment
Lila Lee, executive director of the Council for Prostitution Alternatives (CPA), stated that she’s working to provide prostitution treatment options in Portland.

“Takes a village to make a prostitute; and it takes a village to get a woman out of prostitution,” Lee paraphrased. “We are trying to get funding to restart the CPA program that helped Jeri get out [of prostitution].”

Lee claimed they are already working with 51 clients, with the help of organizations like Volunteers of America and Providence St. Vincent Hospital – which provide clothing, healthcare, and hygiene services.

“Very few of these women were not sexually or physically abused as children,” asserted Lee, “I had a friend whose mom who sold her to a heroin dealer when she was in second grade. My clients are suffering from addictions. 90 percent are homeless; 90 percent have ‘post-traumatic syndrome’.”

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs is in charge of implementing the law enforcement side of the City’s new anti-prostitution program.

Police commander explains new program
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs began by saying, “With all of this community support, I feel encouraged that we – in a joint effort of North, Northeast, and East Precinct – can clean up 82nd Avenue.”

Currently, Crebs explained, an individual charged with prostitution typically is sent to Community Court, gets a short jail stay, and is turned loose – with no probation – and allowed to “go about their business” after being released.

“Under our plan, the individual has the option to go to Community Court for the first offence,” Crebs elucidated. “The second time, they go to regular court. If they are found guilty or admit guilt, they will be put into a probation system.

“About 15 officers will be assigned as probation officers. They’ll actively look for people [who are breaking the terms of their probation by associating with johns, pimps or soliciting]. They’ll be rearrested, and put them in jail for minimum for 3 days – instead of being out and back on the street in about five hours, as with the current system.”

The President of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, Ken Turner, talks about the negative impacts on commerce and future development.

Prostitution hinders commerce
Ken Turner, President of 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, told the audience, “I’d like to say that I’m glad to be here. I’d like to – but this problem is very real; so I am glad to be here to share information with the community.”

From a business standpoint, Turner said prostitution is hurting the business community – both currently and in the future, as the City considers building a professional baseball stadium not far from 82nd Avenue in Lents.

“When I was out with members of our business association, visiting businesses along the avenue and sharing anti-crime information with them, business owners and managers agreed there was a real problem,” Turner recounted. “One even joked darkly, ‘Without all of the prostitutes and pimps, what would we do for customers these days?'”

Turner said he felt empathy for the prostituted women, “but I don’t don’t feel a bit sorry for the pimps and johns. They are hurting our community.”

We estimate about 275 people put up with the hot and stuffy auditorium to participate in the Town Hall Summit.

Question-and-answer session follows
During the remainder of the summit meeting, attendees wrote questions and comments on cards, sorted by the facilitators, and then put to the panel.

The questions illustrated varying levels of understanding about prostitution among the audience members.

Some asked about root causes – “why do married men go to prostitutes?” Others asked for more details about the program proposed to deal with the situation. A neighbor asked what they should do if an act of prostitution was taking place in front of their home. Another decried the lack of social services for prostituted persons.

Space prohibits us from recounting the dozens of questions, answers, and comments made during the 90-minute “forum” portion of the meeting. We suggest you attend the next Town Hall Summit planned for next month to hear more for yourself.

Organizer pleased with the meeting
After the meeting, Rasmussen told us she thought the Town Hall Summit went very well. “It was positive opportunity to get everyone ‘on the same page’. People educated themselves.”

In all, it was a “galvanizing event”, Rasmussen reflected. “The most important thing I took away from the event is seeing how much our neighbors care about their neighborhood, and their great capacity to care about others as human beings.

“At the base of the Burnside Bridge is a quote from Mayor Bud Clark,” she paraphrased, ‘The citizens and businesses are the fabric of our community’.”

Standing in the back of the Vestal Elementary School auditorium, Multnomah County District Attorney Michael Schrunk takes in the proceedings. He’s one of the officials we’ll be asking for comment on this new program.

Coming up next …
We’ll be talking with City and County leaders in an effort to determine their dedication to the effort to reduce street prostitution along 82nd Avenue of Roses, and we’ll report back to you.

Next Town Hall Summit is scheduled on October 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Portland Community College Southeast Center, on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses at SE Division Street.

Watford Reed contributed to this story.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

A year after Portland City Council stripped cops of their street prostitution-fighting ordinance; street sex has exploded along 82nd Avenue. See how the City now plans to combat this unsavory problem and (below) how neighborhood organizations are responding …

Standing in the background, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs, Roseway Neighborhood board member Tyler Whitmeyer, Madison South neighborhood’s Geneva McArtor, Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer, Portland Police Bureau SE Precinct Lt. Vince Elmore and Madison South neighborhood chair Ruth Hander listen as Portland Mayor Tom Potter reads a statement detailing plans to curtail street-level prostitution.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After no less than three different citizen grass-roots organizations – joined by members of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association – circulated petitions, scheduled town hall forums, and planned a protest march, Portland Mayor Tom Potter came to the embattled avenue to announce plans to curb the burgeoning street sex industry that’s been plaguing the area.

Standing with area neighborhood chairs and officials from the Portland Police Bureau, Potter began an open-air press conference at on Thursday, September 11, at 11:00 a.m. sharp, outside the Montavilla Community Center on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses at NE Glisan Street.

Note: What follows is our capture and transcription of Mayor Tom Potter’s speech as it was given. To see the official, written version of his speech, CLICK HERE – this link calls up a PDF document located the City’s official web site.

Mayor Tom Potter says the new plan is in response to a 300% increase in vice calls from 2006 to 2007.

Says street prostitution is “intolerable”
After greeting all present, Mayor Tom Potter introduced police brass and neighborhood organizers, and then read prepared remarks.

“We’re here today to join with the neighbors, and talk about how we’re going to take back the streets from the prostitutes, the pimps, and the johns [prostitution customers],” Potter began.

“They’ve made 82nd Avenue and Sandy Boulevard an intolerable environment for our children, our businesses, and our community. We’ve seen more than a 300% increase in vice calls from 2006 to 2007 in East and Southeast precinct. More importantly, we’ve witnessed how parents must clean up the playgrounds and ball fields that have been used by prostitutes before they can let their children play.

“This isn’t only unsafe; it’s intolerable to me – and to the people who live in the neighborhoods – and to everyone who lives in Portland. I don’t want anyone to think for a moment that these are victimless crimes. Or that the police resources could be better used elsewhere. Many of these women are abused, raped, robbed by both pimps and johns.  Pimps are often drug dealers and gang members. Customers not only expose themselves to the threat of disease, but expose their families [to this threat] as well.”

Potter tells how recent law enforcement efforts have curbed prostitution activities along 82nd Ave. of Roses.

Prostitution brings crime to neighborhoods

Potter continued, “Where prostitution flourishes, drugs, theft, burglary and assaults soon follow. Just last month, a prostitute, who was beaten up by a pimp, stabbed him to death.  A week later, another pimp was shot to death.

“Today, I want our community to know that we are changing what is happening on the streets. Since mid-August, [Portland Police Bureau] Chief [Rosie] Sizer has directed the Portland Police Bureau to increase their crackdown on both prostitutes and johns. During six anti-prostitution missions over 10 days, officers arrested 36 prostitutes — including one minor. They also arrested 27 johns and one pimp.”

Patrolling against prostitution
In addition to the large-scale anti-prostitution missions, Potter added, “Now, four officers in unmarked cars are patrolling [areas on either side of 82nd Avenue] seven days a week. They’re dedicated to vice calls only, and nothing else. Additionally, officers from three precincts will run a least four anti-prostitution missions each month.

“[Portland Police Bureau East Precinct] Commander [Michael] Crebs, who’s been spearheading this task force, says community members tell him that these missions and patrols are making a noticeable difference along the avenue. Perhaps more notably, we’re trying to fundamentally change how our criminal justice system here in Portland deals with the problem.”

Attempting to stall the Justice System’s ‘revolving door’
“Currently, most prostitutes who are arrested are back on the streets working only hours after they arrested. Working with the District Attorney’s office, we’re asking judges to [try] repeat offenders in Circuit Court – rather than the current practice of doing so in Community Court – for prostitution-related crimes. If convicted [in Circuit Court], they’ll be placed on probation, which will allow judges to exclude them from certain areas, or require them to enter treatment.

“We’re working toward a system where officers will have the ability to arrest prostitutes who enter an area, in violation of their probation and put them in jail.”

Portland’s Mayor describes how the criminal justice system will deal with those convicted of engaging in prostitution activities – including the possibility of treatment.

$1/2 Million dedicated to treatment
“At the same time, the Portland City Council will consider allocating a total of $500,000 to develop treatment options for prostitutes. While there’s a popular notion that most prostitutes are dealing with drug abuse issues, research by Commander Crebs in the past few weeks shows that [underlying causes] are much more wide ranging; drugs play a smaller part than anticipated.

“Therefore we must develop treatment programs that address sex abuse counseling, housing, child care needs, and job training, as well as drug counseling. This is not coddling offenders; rather, it’s breaking the cycle of dependence between a prostitute and her pimp. We’re getting to the root cause of the problem, by giving them new skills to create a new life away from the streets. Part of this money will be used to create a Service Coordination Team, similar to what is been so successfully used in Old Town [downtown]. This team of officers will identify the worst offenders, and offer them the choice of help or jail time.”

Asks for continuing community support
Potter concluded by thanking citizens and asking for their continued support.

“The Montavilla Foot Patrol is out several nights a week, actively targeting prostitution areas, and contacting businesses along the route. Local businesses are working with police to share information on criminal activity, and signing Trespass Agreements that allow the police to stop suspicious activity after hours. Citizens are creating Court Watches to monitor how prostitution cases are proceeding in court, and reporting back to their neighborhoods.

“I believe these efforts are an important beginning, helping these communities regain control of their streets, and addressing these problems at their root causes.”

Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer tells how she’s fought vice crimes, such as prostitution, during her career.

Police chief dedicated to fighting vice
Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer then stepped up to the podium and addressed the gathering, which consisted mostly of reporters and TV news crews.

“I would first like to extend my deep commitment to the residents and businesses along 82nd Avenue,” Sizer began. “I have spent major portions of my career fighting vice activities, and fighting the notion that prostitution is a victimless crime. In addition to the toll it takes on the women involved, street prostitution victimizes the community. It erodes a sense of safety, and stigmatizes neighborhoods. It is a crime.”

Sizer thanked the involved police precincts, singling out East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs and Officer Heath Kula for developing the current plan to combat prostitution. She gave kudos to Commissioner Randy Leonard for finding funding for treatment.

Finally, Sizer expressed appreciation for the District Attorney’s office, saying, “I thank D.A. Mike Shrunk and Assistant Director Carl Goodman [of the Department of Community Justice for Multnomah County] for their willingness to partner with us, and for their flexibility in addressing how prostitution is handled by the criminal justice system.”

Questions and answers … and a comment
Q Won’t there be a relatively long “lag time” between a prostitute’s or john’s arrest, their court dates and eventually conviction – only at which time they’ll be sanctioned?

A Potter responded, “We’re trying to reduce that time. The actual model that’s used on the west side is this: [Talk with an alleged offender] while they’re in jail, before they’re arraigned, and before the trial. Give them some choices in their lives in terms of treatment versus incarceration.

“There are problems in the criminal justice system. Part of the problem is that the criminal justice system is greatly under-funded. We don’t have enough judges or district attorneys. We don’t have enough jail space to hold the people who need to be [held in jail] until they are given some choices about their lives. There are no guarantees all of this.”

Q You’ve said as part of probation, judges will exclude those convicted from certain areas. Can you differentiate between this new program and Prostitution-free Zones (PFZ)?

A The difference is,” Potter replied, “that it is not a police officer excluding a person from a geographic area.  It is the order of a judge that excludes them.  That is quite different, because when the judge gives an order, if there is a violation, and if they’re caught in a prostitution area, but they’ll end up back in jail.  To me, this is really the way that it should be done.  Everything we did before was trying to adjust to a criminal justice system that was not functioning properly. I think with this model in mind, it’ll perform much better than it has in the past.”

Q We’ve heard that prostitution-related calls have tripled within the last year, since the PFZ was discontinued. Wasn’t it a mistake to discontinue them?

A “No. It wasn’t a mistake,” asserted Potter. “We find that [PFZ] exclusions tend to displace the problem instead of solving the problem. In fact, right now we’re seeing some of the spillover effect out here from the enforcement efforts in the Old Town area. Instead of displacing the problem, we want to fix the problem.”

Area resident, Liz Sullivan, tells the group why she has concerns about the plan announced by Mayor Potter.

Mt. Tabor neighbor takes Potter to task
Liz Sullivan stepped to the podium and told the gathering why she, a Mt. Tabor resident, got involved with the Montavilla in Action petition drive to reinstate the PFZ ordinance.

“I’m helping because we don’t understand what’s happening to our neighborhood,” Sullivan said. “Overnight, organized crime moved in. We saw so many groups of prostitutes – during all hours, and on all days – it scared me. I know if you don’t stem the problem and address it, it’s sure to grow deep roots here.

“Mayor Potter, with all due respect, it was a huge mistake to let the Prostitution-free Zone end,” Sullivan went on. She argued that the rationale to allow the PFZ ordinance to “sunset” was based on research done on Drug-free Zones downtown, not prostitution, and not on the eastside. Further, she asserted that without the PFZ in place, prostitutes, pimps, and organized crime have moved into town from Seattle.

“Our neighbor to the north, Seattle,” asserted Sullivan, “has a similar zone. They simply provide more enforcement. They have consistent, mandatory sentencing. They have stronger enforcement on the johns. I don’t think this proposed solution even attacks the johns.”

Commander Crebs challenged her inference, saying “This program does go after the johns; they’re all treated equally. [Convicted] johns will also be placed on probation.”

Sullivan urges Potter and the Portland City Council to reconsider reinstating Prostitution-free Zones at the press conference.

Looks for stronger medicine
“On probation!” shot back Sullivan. “I think it needs to be stronger than probation.”

Sullivan asserted that the city promised “real solutions” when the PFZ ordinance was allowed to sunset on Sept. 30 2007. Looking to the future, she asked, “What will it be like when I-205 MAX opens, bringing in more crime that is associated with light rail? … I don’t understand why the Prostitution-free Zones can’t be reinstated.”

Potter replies he feels Prostitution-free Zones were not effective; the Criminal Justice System will reduce the causes of the problem.

Trying to make the system work
Potter retorted, “We’re not trying a new model. We’re trying to make the criminal justice system work efficiently.

“We’re saying to the judges: Please make the system work. Please put [those convicted of prostitution-related crimes] on probation, and hold them accountable. We will go out and make sure that this is the case. This is how the criminal justice system is supposed to work.

“I was the Police Chief when we created the drug and prostitution-free zones. As Mayor, I feel that they were not as effective as they should have been.”

Before the press conference, Portland police Bureau Southeast Precinct Lt. Vince Elmore and Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs review the program on which they’re working with one another.

Precincts work together on prostitution-fighting plan
Portland police Bureau Southeast Precinct Lt. Vince Elmore will be handling the “operational side” of the new program, he explained to us. “What I’m doing is making sure that the patrol officers assigned to deal with 82nd Avenue livability issues, such as prostitution, are patrolling the neighborhoods on either side of the Avenue.

“The specialized patrols will consist of officers from both SE and East Precinct,” Elmore explained. “We’ll also collaborate with the Bureau’s Traffic Division, Drug and Vice, and other divisions to address this problem.”

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs said he was working as a liaison with city and county governmental agencies. “By working together and joining our resources, we’re going to take a bite out of prostitution.”

Crebs said he is hopeful that this program will get positive results. “Members of the community have spoken loudly and clearly: ‘This is really bad.’ I think we have the momentum to get the politicians, the District Attorney – all of the agencies involved, including the probation officers – to pour resources into this area’s issue.”

Organizers comment

No one with whom we spoke after the press conference speculated that Potter chose to release his plan on this date to get a jump on a widely-publicized “Town Hall Summit” scheduled for Monday, September 15 at Vestal Elementary School.

Ruth Hander, Chair of Madison South Neighborhood Association, said, “Hopefully, it will work. I think we helped push them into action. They’ve been talking about lots of plans. It’s good that things are starting to moving along.”

“Save NE 82nd Avenue Coalition” chair Dawn Rasmussen pitches their group’s Town Hall Summit on Sept. 15 at Vestal Elementary School at the press conference.

Pitches Town Hall Summit on September 15
A driving force behind the “Save NE 82nd Avenue Coalition”, Dawn Rasmussen, told us after the conference, “I think [Mayor Potter’s announcement] brings attention to what is going on 82nd Avenue. It is good to see leadership address the problems here.”

Both at the press conference, and later during our conversation, Rasmussen reminded us of the upcoming Town Hall Summit her group is hosting on Monday, September 15.

“Our goal with this Town Hall Summit is to bring together the community to discuss the causes of prostitution and also discuss solutions. This is a community-based approach. It’ll be positive, and focusing on the human side of the victimization [against prostitutes]. And, it’s also empowering citizens to figure out what we can do as citizens to help assist all the city agencies and the Police Bureau in combating this issue.”

The venue for the Town Hall Summit, the auditorium at Vestal Elementary School, seats 400, and the organizers say they hope most of them will be filled with concerned neighbors. It runs from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at 161 NE 82nd Avenue (just south of E. Burnside).

Because it was held on a weekday morning, few people – other than Portland’s fine press corps – were on hand at the press conference.

‘Montavilla in Action’ responds
Liz Sullivan of “Montavilla in Action” told us she, and the group to which she belongs, chose not to stand with the Mayor, because doing so would appear to give tacit approval the plan being rolled out at the press conference.

She and her group parsed a document that outlines the city’s prostitution-fighting program entitled, “Taking Back Portland’s Neighborhoods: Fighting Prostitution On 82nd Ave. & Sandy Blvd.”. It was handed out by Potter’s staff at the press conference. (CLICK HERE to see this PDF document at the City’s web site. This is different than Mayor Potter’s speech text.)

To read the response, in the form of an “open letter” Montavilla in Action prepared to the city’s document, CLICK HERE. You will go to the text of their document on a page here at East Portland News.

Group plans September 20 march on 82nd Ave.
Sullivan added, “We plan to have our “March on 82nd Avenue to Reclaim our Neighborhood” on Saturday September 20, starting at Portland Community College Southeast Center. Please come out and join us.

For more information on their march, visit their web site by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

We’ve seen the results when this happens at homes and apartment buildings – but look at the devastation a careless act caused at a venerated local business …

Portland Fire & Rescue crews keep pouring water on material used to make industrial conveyor belts at this September 10th three-alarm blaze in inner SE Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For decades, Empire Robber & Supply, located in inner SE Portland’s industrial area (on SE Taylor and SE Water Streets), has been fabricating, installing, and servicing heavy-duty conveyor belts which move mountains of gravel and other building materials.

But, on September 10, officials say a moment of carelessness reduced a big section of the company to a smoldering heap of rubble – when a fire, the smoke of which could be seen as far away as Tigard, destroyed a building. Quick action by Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) squads – answering three alarms – kept the blaze from devastating separate buildings of the business as well as surrounding businesses.

The fire broke out just after closing time; employees had left the building.

Had firefighters not aggressively attacked this fire, huge rolls of flammable rubber like this would have caught on fire, officials say – and the situation would have quickly grown much worse.

Twelve engines pumped massive amounts of water to firefighter’s lines on the ground – and in the air.

“The fire went quickly to a second alarm,” PF&R spokesman Lt Allen Oswalt told us, as engines pumped water up to six nozzles attacking the fire high above the building. He said they added a third alarm to bring in additional firefighters to relieve the first crews. 84 firefighters, operating 12 engines to pump the water up the ladders to supply five ladder truck snorkels, fought the fire.

“Not long after they arrived on scene,” Oswalt continued, “part of the roof collapsed while firefighters were inside. Deputy Chief John Harding immediately ordered all crews out of the building; we accounted for all of the. We’re now sure no civilians are inside, although an individual was initially reported seen in an upstairs window.”

The work was exhausting for firefighters, Oswalt commented, because the thick, black smoke produced by burning rubber and other materials forced crews working outside the building to wear their breathing apparatus. We watched crews swap out their depleted air tanks for fresh canisters, as the firefighting effort continued.

The choking smoke obscures the buildings across the street near the Willamette east-bank waterfront.

There was no “pot of gold” at the end of this rainbow; only a fire-devastated business.

An employee, who declined to be identified, shook his head as he watched the fire from behind the emergency yellow tape stretched across the street, saying he’d just returned from a job site. “There’s a lot of rubber in the building; even more in the warehouse,” he said as he pointed out his white SUV parked on the south side of the building being doused with water.

It took nearly a half hour – and a river’s flood of water – for the firefighters to control the blaze. Crews from as far away as Station 30, located east of NE 122 Avenue, were called in on “fire watch” throughout the night, dousing hot spots.

High above the fire, two PF&R crewmembers direct streams of water down on the blazing building.

Neglected barbeque gone wild
The following day, Oswalt reported that fire investigators had determined that the blaze had been caused by improper disposal of charcoal ashes.
“Earlier in the day,” explained Oswalt, “the company had a barbeque for its employees. During the cleanup, one of the employees placed the ashes from the briquettes in a plastic container. The hot embers eventually melted though the plastic container, and ignited nearby combustible materials.”

After the smoke cleared, it was evident that firefighters had managed to keep the fire from reaching an attached portion of the building that contained the company’s offices and records storage.

“The fire threatened to spread though several large openings in the concrete wall, but firefighters were able to beat the fire back, so that there was only minimal damage there,” Oswalt added.

PF&R spokesman Lt Allen Oswalt says he’s seen too many fires – mostly at homes and apartment houses – caused by used barbecue charcoal briquettes. He hopes citizens will learn from this tragedy.

A cautionary tale
The fire bureau’s spokesman shook his head and said they “too often” find smoldering, discarded barbecue briquettes to be the cause of fires outside homes and on the decks of apartment buildings.

“Ashes or cinders from cigarettes, fireplaces, or barbecues should always be placed in a metal container, doused with water, and placed outside away from decks or anything else that will burn. Charcoal, in particular, can stay hot, and burn for hours – sometime days,” warned Oswalt.

“A metal container with a tight-fitting metal lid can ensure that the fire and heat stays inside the metal container.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Neighbors who live near a house on the 300 block of SE 76th Avenue told us – and continue to tell us – that they’re fed up with their neighborhood being a haven for drug runners, pimps, and prostitutes. Although police have made multiple raids, and arrested numerous suspects, the open drug deals and open-air prostitute/pimp confrontations continue.

To discourage criminal activity in the area, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) took a novel approach to dealing with the problem last week, on August 29.

When drug buyers and pimps started filtering into the area – ready to party during the holiday weekend – they saw the PPB Mobile Command Center parked at the intersection, and numerous police cars and Traffic Division motorcycles parked throughout neighborhood.

Although the cops were very visible, the scene looked like more like a block party than a police action.

A festive atmosphere
Instead of looking like a SERT callout, refreshments were set out under the Mobile Command Center’s awning, tables were laden with community service information, and Crime Prevention Specialist Katherine Anderson was on hand to answer questions, the intersection had the appearance of a block party.

“We’re waving the ‘community policing flag’ today,” explained Portland Police Bureau Southeast Precinct’s afternoon shift supervisor, Lt. Vince Elmore. “Specifically, we’re addressing some issues here that are negatively impacting the area. We’re having coffee, talking with people in the community, and working with the neighborhood associations, so they can sign up more members to come to their meetings.”

Wants all to feel safe in their neighborhood
One of the activating events, Elmore related, was the story of an elderly life-long resident of the area who was repeatedly confronted by hostile-acting pimps and prostitutes.

“It got so she didn’t want to leave her house,” Elmore continued. “This is unacceptable – not only for this woman, but for all neighbors who live here. So, I’ve made the Mobile Command Center my office for my shift this afternoon. We thank Starbucks and Safeway for donating the refreshments.”

Additionally, Elmore added, the bureau’s presence was a way of endorsing the efforts of community groups working to reduce crime.

Taking a short break from their patrols, a squad from the police bureau’s Traffic Division stops by to talk with neighbors.

‘Montavilla in Action”, acts
“Prostitution creates livability issues,” stresses Fritz Hirsch, a Montavilla resident, and one of the founders of an independent group of neighbors called ‘Montavilla in Action’.

“It’s a public safety issue; many pimps and some prostitutes are dangerous people,” Hirsch proffered. “Their customers, the ‘johns’, are dangerous people; they bring crime to our neighborhoods. Crime and reduced livability brings property values down – and in the end, that should be of concern to the city and county. It’s a multifaceted problem.”

About the cops’ “block party” concept, Hirsch opined, “It shows a willingness for our local government to allocate resources to address this problem.”

“One of the founders of Montavilla in Action, Carol Cima, asks neighbors to sign a petition asking the Portland City Council to reinstate the Prostitution-free Zones.

Neighbor volunteer ‘absolutely thrilled’
“We feel so blessed and honored that our police officers have come and are spending time here,” commented Carol Cima, another of the “Montavilla in Action” founders.

In past years, Cima said, street prostitutes dressed in sweat shirts and jeans. “But now, the gals are strutting around in bustiers, drop-down shoulder blouses in flashy colors, very very short skirts, and four-in heels – blatantly doing their best to attract the johns’ attraction. In front of our home, we’ve counted 18 cars going by in 20 minutes. And, the parkway is littered with used condoms.”

“Our police officers need tools to work with to specifically address the reduction of prostitution,” Cima told us. “We’re circulating a petition asking the Portland City Council to reinstate the Prostitution-free Zones here in East Portland.”

Hard to believe as it may seem, an alleged drug buyer didn’t seem to notice the police presence near the alleged drug house at which he hoped to score dope for his holiday weekend party.

Doper tries to score
How significant is the problem here, just a block north of SE Stark Street? We were told a man we’d seen cruising through the area returned several times throughout the evening until he was stopped by officers. He admitted he was waiting to buy drugs at the alleged “problem” house on the block.

For the sake of these neighbors, we hope the police presence will continue – and that the neighbors will remain vigilant and proactive as they work to reduce crime – and the fear of crime – and improve the livability of their neighborhood.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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.

“This controlled burn actually promotes natural area conservation,” explained PF&R spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt, as we watched fires sweep across acres of grassland. “This ‘prescribed burn’ also reduces fuel sources for wild fires. And, it’s an excellent training opportunity for all agencies involved, including those who would assist at a wildfire but are not usually familiar with combating such an emergency.”

PF&R spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt keeps his eye on the progress of the prescribed burn at Powell Butte.

Seeing some good fire
At 1:00 p.m., firefighters and Parks Bureau personnel walked along the edge of a section of open field, carrying drip-torches that dribble a flaming mixture of diesel fuel and kerosene on the dried grasses.

The breeze picked up, and the fire crackled loudly as it swept across the parcel. Even standing downwind, one could feel the heat of the blaze from yards away.

“We were concerned that the recent rain would reduce the effectiveness of the burn today,” Oswalt commented. “But, it looks like it’s burning pretty well. We’re seeing some good fire.”

Firefighters on ATVs, and in “brush rig” fire trucks, made sure the fire stayed within the prescribed burn area. After the flames died down, the pros doused hot spots before moving on to burn another section of land.

Fire crews from Portland and Gresham stand by to make sure the fire is contained and hotspots are extinguished.

Conservation through conflagration
We turned to Mart Hughes, a staff ecologist with Portland Parks & Recreation, who explained how burning flora helps promote conservation.

“The purpose of this burn is to return a natural process to Powell Butte’s grassland,” Hughes made clear. “The prescriptive fire will reduce flammable non-native vegetation, including Himalayan Blackberry and other invasive, non-native species, and prepare the site for seeding with native grasses and perennials. These will, in time, result in a grassland with higher wildlife habitat values.”

Visitors are warned, but not excluded
Oswalt drove us up Powell Butte’s bumpy, winding trails to get a better look at the fire from a high ridge. Along the way, we saw a barefoot bicyclist reading a book alongside a trail.

“We’ve publicized the burn, and Neighborhood Emergency Team members are notifying citizens entering the Butte from any trailhead. We’re asking them to limit their use of the park, but we’re not removing them,” stated Oswalt. “We’ve established several ‘safety zones’ in case of an emergency.”

Crews burn one section of land at a time, making sure the fire doesn’t get out of control.

A multi-bureau effort
The Wildfire Risk Reduction project – a three-year effort which ends in 2009 – is funded by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The project, Oswalt noted, is a partnership among PF&R, PP&R, the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, and the Portland Office of Emergency Management. “Gresham Fire and Emergency Services are helping manage the fire today,” added Oswalt.

Because several crews light sections on fire simultaneously, the active burning took about two hours. Fire crews then stayed late into the afternoon, making sure all the hot spots were safely extinguished.

“Fire Photo of the Day” – Repeated attempts to light this bramble with the drip-torch didn’t work. A little extra accelerant helped set this blackberry bush ablaze.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See what happens when the “Shop with a Cop” program pairs Portland Police officers with needy kids …

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.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When Portland Police Bureau Assistant Chief Lynnae Berg spoke to East Portland Concerned Citizens – a meeting on which we reported a couple of weeks ago – she was asked about how the bureau was dealing with street level prostitution, now that Prostitution-free Zones have been discontinued.

Her response: “…The zones are no longer in place; this is a fact of life. We’re working on other strategies to deal with prostitution. Until we have an effective strategy in place, we are working ‘precinct-level missions’ to reduce it.” She noted that it isn’t possible to continuously run anti-prostitution missions, because they are highly labor-intensive. “Hopefully, we will have more effective strategies in place in a couple of months.”

Judging by the collective groan heard throughout the room, her answer didn’t sit well with the attendees.

Officers on an anti-prostitution mission arrest another suspect for peddling sexual favors on SE 82nd Avenue.

Intensive missions in August produce results
Responding to the concerns of neighbors and businesspeople along 82nd Avenue of Roses, officers from SE and East Precinct have been running anti-prostitution missions throughout the month of August.

According to Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, officers conducted a total of six “missions” – targeted law-enforcement operations – to reduce the highly-visible, blatant street-sex trade on 82nd.

Four of the missions, Schmautz reported, were set up to allow prostitutes to proposition undercover police officers. Two additional missions put undercover female officers on the street, to see if customers (“johns”) would attempt to pick them up and propose sex for money.

“During the month, 64 individuals were arrested for prostitution-related crimes,” reported Schmautz.

Group prepares Town Hall Summit on September 15
One group, calling itself “Take Back 82nd Avenue”, says they’re organizing a Town Hall Summit on September 15 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at Vestal Elementary School, 161 NE 82nd Avenue (just south of E. Burnside).

“We’re holding this forum to develop a community-based and proactive solution session that empowers everyone with knowledge on how to deal with this issue at a house, street, business, and neighborhood level,” noted the group’s spokesperson, Dawn Rasmussen. “Additionally, we want to emphasize a humane approach to the women involved [in prostitution], as many [of them] are victims.”

They invited an impressive lineup of panelists – hopefully, she said, many of the city leaders will be on hand for the event. The auditorium at the school seats 400; the group is hoping that most of them will be filled with concerned neighbors.

Montavilla neighbors take action
Last Saturday, we met with a leader from a group calling itself “Montavilla in Action” (CLICK HERE to see their blog).

We learned these neighbors also feel they must take action because “82nd Avenue of Roses has turned into ‘Portland’s Red Light District’; the activity spills into all of the surrounding neighborhoods, especially our schools and parks.”

This group is obtaining signatures on a petition asking members of the Portland City Council to reinstate the Prostitution-Free Zone.

And, yet another group — from the Montavilla Neighborhood Association — is also holding a meeting they call “The Summit for Montavilla Neighborhood” on October 7 at Portland Community College Southeast Center at S.E. Division and 82nd. We’ll give you more details as they become available.

Starting in September, one police car will be dedicated, full time, to combating street sex in outer East Portland.

Police cruiser to target street-level prostitution
“The Police Bureau is currently dedicating one car to prostitution enforcement for a full ten-hour shift each day,” Sgt. Schmautz said on August 28. “The hours and location of patrol will shift, as individuals involved in prostitution activity change their behavior to avoid enforcement.”

We’ve asked to be allowed once again to ride along and report on this latest mission. We’ll let you know what we learn.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

SHOCKING BUT TRUE:
Move over meth! Big-time heroin trafficking is now out into the ‘burbs! Get the inside story here …

Folks living around this Montavilla Neighborhood home say they feel unsettled that a house on their street is suspected to be involved with one of the largest heroin distribution operations in East Portland the cops have ever seen.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
We’ve all heard about the “methamphetamine epidemic” that swept outer East Portland. While the Mexican drug lords are still pumping the drug into our part of town; the dangerous methamphetamine labs are pretty much a thing of the past.

But some neighbors near the 9200 block of SE Market Street say they’re disquieted to learn heroin dealers had a “distribution center” set up on their otherwise quiet residential street, just south of SE Stark Street – mere blocks from area schools.

An observant few were not shocked. “Actually, I wasn’t surprised they were selling drugs there, based on what I’ve seen,” said a neighbor down the street, who begged not to be identified for fear of reprisal.

To get the facts, we talk with Portland Police Bureau Drugs and Vice Division (DVD) Captain Mark Kruger – a former Parkrose resident and long-time officer in East Precinct. He tells us information about the drug operation started coming to light on March 16th, when 28-year-old Kevin Caldwell Stoll died of a drug overdose in Northwest Portland.

“This death led us to begin an investigation; and 49-year-old Richard Williams was subsequently arrested,” Kruger says.

Using evidence obtained during the Williams investigation, officers developed information leading them to believe that Williams was supplied by a drug trafficking organization that was selling more than two pounds of heroin in the Portland Area every month.

With warrants in hand on August 19, DVD and precinct officers swept the SE Market Street house and seized approximately $17,000, two vehicles, and one ounce of heroin. They also executed search warrants on houses in the 1000 SE 114th Avenue in Mill Park and in the 3200 block of SE Palmquist Road in Gresham.

At the Montavilla address, “officers also discovered a room dedicated to the repackaging of heroin into small quantities for redistribution, and thousands of balloons used to distribute heroin,” Kruger adds.

Further, he said that investigators uncovered information that documents the fact that members of the drug operation made or received more than 8,000 calls in the past two months on telephones associated with the investigation.

Investigators arrested (left to right) 19-year-old Martin Camacho-Ramirez, 23-year-old Kevin Omar Castillo-Grajiola, 23-year-old Jose Gilberto Gracian, 21-year-old Casiano Huerte-Diego, and 18-year-old Edgar Zavala-Rodriguez – charging each with Distribution of a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Commit Distribution of a Controlled Substance.

Heroin moves east
“Heroin has been a problem on Oregon for many years – it is on a par with methamphetamine,” Kruger tells us.  “Heroin has been more associated with the downtown Portland scene. Now it’s moving around a lot more. The group [broken up in outer East Portland] was working almost exclusively on the East side.”

While this bust has “put a significant dent” in heroin distribution, Kruger adds, they’re still on the lookout for other drug dealers looking to supply heroin to users.

This investigation is ongoing.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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.

The purpose of these gatherings is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, and to generate support for – and participation in – local anti-crime programs.

Speaking about the event, Crime Prevention Specialist Rosanne Lee, who works with the East Portland Neighborhood Organization, commented at one of the gatherings, “They strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. But more than that, they send a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against crime.”

Not all events were on the “officially designated” dates – National Night Out activities took place all during the first week of August.

Where was the grandest event of all this year? Check out Argay Neighborhood Association’s party!

Saturday, August 2

Oregon Baptist Retirement Home
During the day, folks came by and enjoyed a BBQ luncheon, live Dixieland and Oldies music, participated in a silent auction, and walked among classic cars on the grounds in the 1800 block of NE 108th Avenue.

“We’ve got kids’ activities, police and fire bureau exhibits. and are having lots of run,” said organizer Lou Fontana. Proceeds from their event benefited Snow Cap Community Charities.

Parkrose Neighborhood Association
As part of the 2008 Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in, volunteers of this association talked with many of the thousands of attendees.

“We’re here to get the word out about how our association is actively helping neighbors,” said Marcy Emerson-Peters, past association Chair.

Tuesday, August 5

Gateway Apartments in Hazelwood

In Gateway, Robert Minden and James Oliver grill hot dogs for folks who live in their apartment complex.

For the first time this year, the Gateway Apartments, located in the Hazelwood Neighborhood, held a National Night Out event.

Gateway area neighbor Andrea Long presents some homemade baked goods to Portland Fire & Rescue crew members from Station 30, who were visiting their event.

“Because we have so many families living here, we decided to be part of this,” said coordinator Sandi Lattin. “We’re cooking up hot dogs and we’ve had all kinds of good picnic foods all afternoon – and also for folks who are just getting home from work.  It’s been great; the police department has come by, and firefighters from Station 30 also came to visit.”

Wilkes/Russell Neighborhoods

Kerry Brown shows off one of the several cakes decorated for the Wilkes/Russell event.

Our next stop was up in the northeast corner of outer East Portland. Everyone, including your reporter, missed seeing Ross Monn, former Chair of Wilkes, because of his recent move to Spokane.

Bonny McKnight and Alice Blatt sign in guests at Wilkes/Russell National Night out.

Ice Cream scooper Steven Johnson keeps busy.

But, Kerry Brown and her band of volunteers came together to produce an Ice Cream & Cake Social. Their event included entertainment, gifts and games for their 200+ attendees.

Glenfair Neighborhood Association

Helen Beehler, Donna-Lynn Kublick and Betty Twiss serve pizza for their guests at Glenfair Park.

Again this year, neighbors hosted a pizza dinner in Glenfair Park. About 100 folks came by to mingle and enjoy their hospitality.

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Cadet Joseph Huff gives out “Honorary Cop Badge” stickers at the Glenfair event.

A “makeover” – done by a clown? “Pockets the Clown” (a.k.a. Patricia Bunnell) performs a makeup consultation for Genfair guest Rachelle Grant.

“We’re having a great time, out meeting our neighbors, and letting them know more about our neighborhood association,” said Donna-Lynn Kublick, Chair of the neighborhood association.

Woodland Park

Laura and Glen Heiner – and family – cook up a feast for their National Night Out luau in Woodland Park.

This event moved out of the Heiner family’s driveway – and took over a whole street in the Woodland Park Neighborhood.

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officer John Billard shows kids around his police car.

“We decided to have a luau this year,” said organizer Laura Heiner. “For us, the very best part of National Night Out is getting to know all of our neighbors. I have four kids, and I want to know who my neighbors are.”

Centennial Community Association

Centennial Community Association’s Patty Hicks and Tom Lewis get prize tickets ready for a give away.

More than 120 neighbors showed up at Parklane Park for a potluck dinner, prizes, and information during Centennial Community Association’s event.

Neighbors look at plans Portland Parks & Recreation is considering for further developing Parklane Park.

There were games for kids, face painting, and other activities. Many of the adults enjoyed talking with one another. But a real draw was a chance to see the comprehensive plans set out by the Parks Bureau for developing Parklane Park.

Glenfair’s Lifehouse Baptist Church

“The Haphazards” perform their positive brand of praise music at this community event.

“We’re part of the community,” said Pastor Dan Brown, “so we are participating in this community event.”

PPB Cadets Megan Anderson and Rae McKay help spread the word about community policing – while they enjoy freshly-made Strawberry Shortcake.

Plenty of kids’ games kept the young ones occupied and happily winning prizes, and adult volunteers grilled up hot dogs and other treats.

Argay Neighborhood Association

Portland Mayor Tom Potter is welcomed to the National Night Out event in Argay Park by association Chair Valerie Curry.

Our next stop was in the Argay Neighborhood. Their National Night Out event was already in full swing – and the “KoolTones”, in their sixth consecutive year entertaining there, was playing great classic rock and roll music for the appreciative crowd.

“Thanks to our 61 volunteers, we had a great event,” said Argay Neighborhood’s Chair, Valerie Curry. “We estimate about 500 people came out; Burgerville cooked 485 classic cheeseburgers at the event.”

Bringing the burgers is Rodica Pirv with Heavenly Cafe — and the association’s Transportation Committee Chair – one of more than sixty volunteers helping out at the event.

One of the guests, Portland Mayor Tom Potter, arrived while we were visiting. Potter told attendees, “I’ve been visiting NNO events, and this is the coolest place I’ve been all day. Congratulations on a great National Night Out. Remember to connect up with your neighbors. By working together you can help to keep your neighborhood safe.”

Miguel Ruiz gets a tour of Portland Fire &Rescue Truck 2 from Firefighter Matt Fullerton.

Curry told us an event of this size is only possible because so many individuals, organizations, and companies donate time and materials.

“Again, Shaver Elementary School Principal Cindy Bartman supervised children’s games with the help of SUN School Coordinator Helen Vank and other teachers and parents. Tina Scarborough and Dana McCray sat in the sun throughout the event selling food tickets,” Curry recounted. She also thanked Parkrose High School, Parkrose Hardware, Kyle Ziegler (CastleGate Realty), Jeff Reese’s Parkrose Chevron, and Target stores.

Mill Park Neighborhood Association

Todd Baker cooks up the food for 70 neighbors in Mill Park for their annual street party.

“I think the heat chased people off today,” commented Mill Park’s event organizer, Todd Baker. “The good thing about our event is that we get to know our neighbors. There are a lot of new neighbors in the area this year.”

Lents Neighborhood Association

At Lents Park, volunteers scoop up ice cream sundaes for visiting neighbors. Photo: Mackendree Thompson ROSE Community Development Corp.

For many years, the Lents Neighborhood Association has held an Ice Cream Sundae Social in Lents Park at their National Night Out event.

Portland Development Commission’s Lents Sr. Project Coordinator John Jansons and Housing Services Coordinator Javier Mena share information about area development.

Near the end of the evening, Karin Hanson, Lents organizer Judy Welch, and Mayor Tom Potter talk about the success of National Night Out programs.

According to organizer Judy Welch, they went through about 13 gallons of ice cream, and 400 Otter Pops, as about 250 people came to their event in Lents Park.

Thursday, August 7

Liesl Vistaunet, public relations and marketing director for Portland Adventist Academy, and Rosanne Lee, ONI Crime Prevention Specialist, greet neighbors at this NNO party.

“We’re having our second annual neighborhood block party, and we’re having lots of fun,” is what Liesl Vistaunet, public relations and marketing director for Portland Adventist Academy told us about their event.

Vistaunet said they were holding a block party to welcome neighbors to their campus. “Some people who have visited say they’ve lived here for 50 years, but never set foot on our campus.”

Mattison Bibb learns how to crawl under smoke to reach safety, with the help of Portland Fire & Rescue Fire Inspector Michael O’Keefe.

Christine Escalante and Katie Palumbo serve up flavored snow cones at the Portland Adventist Academy event.

Another reason for holding the event is that the Portland Adventist Academy is starting a building campaign. “Over the next ten years,” Vistaunet explained, “we’re rebuilding our school, on the same property. We want neighbors to know that we’ll be improving our campus – not putting in low-income housing units, or another strip mall shopping center.”

We’re looking forward to next year …
As the sun slowly sank into the western sky, so ended our National Night Out travels for 2008. Now, check our Community Calendar and make plans to attend your neighborhood’s association meeting next month!

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News