Neighbors in the Centennial and Glenfair neighborhoods aren’t getting mad about crime – they’re taking action against it. Learn about the steps they’re taking …

Harry Jackson, Mayor Tom Potter’s Office; Nicole Robbins, Asst. DA; Lonny Roberts, County Commissioner; Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs; Captain Tim Girkman, Gresham Police Department; and East Crime Prevention Specialists Teri Poppino and Rosanne Lee. Glenfair’s Donn-Lynn Kublick is introducing the panel.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Organizers didn’t say it was the alleged baseball bat beating of 71-year-old Laurie Chilcote by 15 year-old Abel Antonio Chavez-Garcia that pressed them into action.

But the incident was still fresh on the minds of citizens who filtered in to the November 13 Neighborhood Crime Summit co-sponsored by the Centennial Community Association and by the Glenfair Neighborhood Association.

Glenfair Neighborhood Association chair, Donn-Lynn Kublick, says rocks smashing her house’s windows led her to become more involved.

Rocks through her windows
The new chair of Glenfair’s association, Donn-Lynn Kublick, began the meeting by telling the group – which numbered more than 100 citizens – why she decided to get involved.

“I’ve had rocks thrown through my front and back windows,” said Kublick. “Another time, in my front yard, I heard someone yelling, ‘Don’t pull out the gun.’ I hit the deck and grabbed the cat. Yet another time, I got a call at 4:30 in the morning; a neighbor is telling me people were going into my back yard. It is scary. My stories are just a little of what has been going on in the area.”

Kublick introduced the panel, saying they were there to inform and educate neighbors and regarding how they can make their neighborhoods calm and safe.

“I have one more thing,” Kublick added. “Next door, my neighbors came here from Bosnia. They told me stories about how dangerous it was to live in their home country. After living here seven years, they moved last month. They said it was too dangerous in this area. That really tells a story.

“I know that, as neighbors, if we stick together, take suggestions from our crime reduction professionals, we can be safe here.”

Setting the stage
Providing further context for the meeting, organizer Ron Clemenson, vice chair of the Centennial Community Association, thanked Parklane Christian Church for hosting the event.

“We’ve had meetings [regarding crime and drugs] here in the past. We talked about crime. We all have our stories; we all have our reasons for being here.”

The problem doesn’t stem from lack of police concern, added Clemenson. “The problem is, our police aren’t getting the support they need. And people who are causing problems and continue on the road to crime; so often, they don’t go to jail.

“My comment is this: we don’t want to become like a little Los Angeles. I’m afraid we’re progressing toward that.”

Commander Michael Crebs, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct, speaks of his bureau’s efforts to reduce crime. PLEASE SEE THE END OF THIS REPORT to learn the about crime statistics along the MAX line.

The police report
The first speaker was Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs.

“Authorized staffing is 136 officers in the patrol division. We’re at 105 officers; we can’t find officers to fill the positions. This is a nationwide problem. People don’t want to work nights, be put in dangerous situations, and sometimes, get spit upon.

“We need your help. During the day we have 12 officers on patrol, 16 during the afternoon, and about 11 working overnight. Even if we can’t get to you right away, every call is registered. Our staffing is determined by the number of calls for service we get.”

Asked about the demise of Prostitution-free and Drug-free Zones ordinances, Crebs commented, “This doesn’t mean we will stop enforcing the law. We identify chronic offenders, and they are booked into jail. A small handful of people are doing most of the crimes.”

Regarding incidents along the MAX line, especially at the 162nd Avenue station, Crebs told the group, “During the late summer, we had a lot of crime going there: Shootings, rock throwing, and fights. We’re working with the Gresham Police Department to saturate the area with law enforcement officers.

“MAX doesn’t cause crime; but some criminals do ride MAX. We’re working to stop the crime they commit. And, We are working to have landlords evict people who are causing the problems. Evicting one bad tenant out of one complex can help.”

Gresham Police Department’s Captain Tim Girkman says they want their MAX crime-reduction missions to be more than a “feel-good” effort.

Gresham police join the effort
Staffing problems also plague the Gresham Police Department, reported Captain Tim Girkman of that bureau.

“We have 120 sworn positions – this is about 1.2 officers per thousand population. It is the lowest ratio of any city our size in the state. And, not all of those positions are currently filled.”

On any given day, Girkman added, their department takes about 120 calls for service. “We have 23 officers working hard day in and day out. We want to provide satisfactory service.”

Regarding the crime at the 162nd Avenue MAX station, Girkman said, “We don’t want this to be a temporary ‘feel good’ mission. Our commitment is to make this a permanent commitment to service. Bad guys say that they don’t like hanging out there anymore because there is too many police there.”

In addition to having Gresham Police officers riding MAX, Girkman stated their department was working with East Precinct to develop an “Action Team” plan made of officers from both agencies.

He also made a pitch to Gresham residents, he added, “When you look over proposed police funding levies, look at the wide range of positives that will come out of it. We want to be the kind of police force you want and need.”

Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts told the group that the entire justice system – from corrections to prosecution – needs to be better supported.

Roberts expresses County’s view
Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts lauded the efforts of the police bureaus.

He added, “But County corrections needs be studied. When you put someone in jail, they have to go somewhere, and have to be supervised by someone. We are currently 95 corrections officers short.”

Roberts added, “We’ve got to back the District Attorney’s office, courts, and others in the justice system to get better public safety. We suffer, out on the east side, because of the Portland’s gentrification. Urban renewal has caused a large migration of people into East County. And, some bad folks move on out along with the good people.”

Roberts went on, saying that tax abatements granted by the city reduce funding the county gets to provide justice services. “And, Wapato is still closed. We have to open the jail so we don’t keep having to matrix out prisoners.

“The basis of a lot of the crimes is drugs,” Roberts went on. “When the state legislature made cold pills hard to get, it cut down on meth labs. But, it certainly didn’t stop meth addiction. The traffic from the southern border — 80% comes from Mexico – more than fills the need.

“We calculate that meth-caused problems cost every household about $300 a year. But what you can’t put a price on is the cost of a man being hit in the head with a baseball bat.”

Harry Jackson, a recently retired Portland Police Bureau lieutenant, says accountability – by both parents and kids – will reduce gang-related problems in outer East Portland.

Retired officer blames lack of accountability
Retired Portland Police Bureau lieutenant Harry Jackson was next to speak. He currently works on gang-related issues out of Mayor Tom Potter’s office.

“I deal with youth violence. After 30 years of law enforcement, it seems that youth problems are getting worse. It isn’t just formal gangs. We see groups of kids coming from games and parties who ‘text message’ and get into trouble. It takes a lot of [law enforcement] personnel to deal with 500 kids who simply won’t go home after an event.”

The problem stems from a lack of parental accountability, Jackson told the group.

“Not only do we need to get our young people to be accountable for their behavior, we need to have parents take responsibility – and be accountable – for the actions of their kids. Parents must know where their kids are; they must make sure their kids are in school – and home after curfew.”

The answer is for parents to be involved with their children – not just “talk at them”, Jackson added.

East Portland Crime prevention Coordinator, Teri Poppino, says working with landlords in the area to bring in better tenants will help reduce problems in the 162nd Avenue and E. Burnside Street area.

Helping landlords reduce and prevent crime
Crime prevention coordinator, Teri Poppino spoke regarding the work she’s done helping property owners and managers densely populated in the 162nd Avenue and E. Burnside Street area.

“When you have densely populated areas where people are ‘warehoused’, they get cranky. There is not enough space in this area for families.”

Poppino said that a meeting two weeks before, among nine property managers and justice system representatives, was a good start. “We suggest they tighten up their background checks, make ‘watertight’ rental agreements, and enforce them, to get rid of people causing problems.”

In general, Poppino suggested neighbors form Neighborhood Watch groups. “Criminals feel safer when they believe no one is watching them. Check the street now and then; if something doesn’t look ‘normal’, call 911 and report it.”

Changing MAX platforms could lower crime
East Portland’s other crime prevention coordinator, Rosanne Lee, said she is working with TriMet regarding the design of the stations, including improved lighting and landscaping.

“Although [TriMet officials] haven’t committed to them, we came up with a list of changes, including keeping shrubbery low, trimming tree branches, and perhaps removing some walls that limit visibility.”

The new I-205 MAX stations will be transparent and less hospitable to loitering, Lee added.

Ron Clemenson, vice chair of the Centennial Community Association, leads the question-and-answer session.

Questions and answers
What followed was a question-and-answer session during which individuals shared their experiences and asked questions of panel, led by Ron Clemenson.

A neighbor asked Nicole Robbins, East Portland Assistant District Attorney, how more criminals could be sent to jail.

Robbins responded, “In order to prosecute, we need to have victims and witnesses willing come to court to testify. Cases get ‘set over’, and this means they must come back again. It can take from three months to a year for a case to track through the system.

“If you want results, you have to be willing to testify – which means that if you witness a crime, you must to leave your telephone number so we can contact you. Criminals learn that most people won’t testify; all that happens to them is that they get displaced for a couple of hours. You have to be willing to get involved, if you want to solve the problem.”

MAX line crime rate skyrocketing? Actually, no …
At this meeting, we asked Commander Crebs if the rate of violent crime has taken a dramatic upturn along the MAX line. “That’s a good question. Let’s get the statistics.”

A week later, we joined Crebs at East Precinct to look at the numbers and graphs that represent how much voilent crime has taken place near the MAX line in outer East Portland.

We were both surprised to see, that in East Precinct, over the past five years until present, the rate of violent crime within a quarter-mile either side of the MAX line has remained relatively steady. In some areas, the crime rate has slightly decreased, in others it has slightly increased.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Because it went from wisps of smoke to a blazing inferno so quickly, see why neighbors say the residents are lucky to be alive …

Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters from four area stations rushed to the 6000 block of SE 122nd Avenue, and found flames leaping from the garage of this home.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It was late Saturday morning when Sherry Morgan looked out the window of her Powellhurst-Gilbert home on November 3.

“I saw smoke coming out of the neighbor’s house – a lot of it,” reports Morgan. “I thought someone might be using a fireplace. But when I looked out a minute later, there were big flames coming out of the side window of the garage.”

Through the thick smoke, Morgan tells us she saw firefighters arrive: “It seemed like they got here almost immediately; they started putting the fire out.”

Some firefighters attack the fire from inside the garage and carport.

Four-minute response saves house
District 4 Battalion Chief Todd Keathley says the call came in at 11:20 a.m. and the first crews arrived 11:24 a.m. “They found heavy fire in the garage; extending up into the attic.”

We see a crew working on the garage roof, cutting a good-sized hole. “They cut the hole to relieve some of the heat, and gain access to the fire. Other firefighters are inside, pulling parts of the ceiling down,” Keathley explains.

The Battalion Chief tells us that the main part of the house looks to be in pretty good shape, except for smoke damage. A call comes in, telling him that the carport has become unstable. Keathley orders firefighters off it.

Within an hour, firefighters from PF&R Station 7, 11, 31, and 32 are looking for smoldering embers, and starting to pack their gear.

Other firefighters climb on the roof of the garage, and open the roof to gain access to the fire.

Fire displaces four … and more …
The fire, which did moderate physical and extensive smoke damage to the private residence, displaced 4 adults, 4 grown dogs, 4 puppies, and numerous pet birds, reveals Thomas Traver of the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter.

“We’re helping the residents by providing assistance with food, clothing and temporary lodging. Red Cross Client Services caseworkers will continue to provide assistance and providing additional aid as needed,” Traver said.

Lights the fire
According to PF&R spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt, “An electric lamp without a shade was leaning against some hanging clothes. It started the fire.”

The loss arising from one hot light bulb left unsupervised is estimated at $135,000.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Last week, you read about sneak thieves who swiped the executive director’s credit cards – learn why we went back to Trillium Artists to check out their store …

Trillium Artisan April Alden shows one of her Rosewebs wallets made from recycled and reclaimed lawn furniture webbing. She’s also modeling a Liv & Lotus scarf, Stubborn necklace, and bracelet from Eye Pop Art.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It started as a “sewing circle” project for women working to escape domestic violence situations in 1999.

But, Trillium Artisans, On SE Foster Road just west of 92nd Avenue, has grown into an enterprise that empowers artisans and actively connects them to markets, says its executive director, Amanda McCloskey.

When we ask her to explain how this organization helps artists, she suggests we meet two members.

Transforming lawn furniture into billfolds
April Alden says she’s been involved in art all of her life. “But for the last year I’ve been with Trillium Artisans, and I’ve been treating my artwork more as a business than a hobby.”

Her brand is Rosewebs. She makes items made from recycled and reclaimed lawn furniture webbing.

“Always having a retail presence here in the store really helps,” says Alden as she shows us come of her goods. “If someone wants to see my products, I can tell them where they can see my products in person.” Alden says her web-made fashions can be found online at www.rosewebs.etsy.com.

But the best part for her, Alden comments, is being part of a supportive art community. “It inspires me to be around others who are also creating artwork. Sometimes this business can be discouraging. The workshops they hold for members have helped me. And, I get an honest critique of my work – feedback is very important.”

Turning art into income
More than being an “artists social club and school”, Trillium Artisans also provides business counseling.

“This has been huge for me,” adds Alden. “From them, I’ve learned how to turn my crafts into a real business. And, through the organization, I have merchant services, allowing me to be able to accept credit card payment at shows and fairs.”

Christine Claringbold, whose imprint is Eye Pop Art, shows one of her mandala bowls fashioned from a recycled vinyl phonograph record. The bracelet she models is one of her “Roman Record Cuffs”, also made from a recycled vinyl record.

Going for the record
Christine Claringbold, Eye Pop Art, says her first line of goods was the Mandala Record Bowl and clock, made from a recycled vinyl phonograph records, and then hand painted.

She agrees with Alden that the networking is an important benefit of being a Trillium Artisan. “I got the idea of making my Roman Record Cuff bracelets from a Trillium staff member. They’ve become my best selling item.”

It is one thing to make art, Claringbold tells us, but quite another to sell it. “We hear learn about art shows and other sales opportunities from each other. They help you develop your marketing outlets, like selling your goods in the Internet.” She says her web site is www.eyepopart.com.

“If you’re making crafts and art out of recycled and reclaimed materials, you should check them out,” Claringbold adds.

Amanda McCloskey, executive director at Trillium Artisans, models an earring and necklace set by Mel Stiles, Stubborn, and holds a Trillium Designs Catnip Slugs.

Marketplace for ‘green’ artisans
“Helping artisans market to customers looking for ‘green’ goods is the main thrust of our organization,” explains executive director Amanda McCloskey.

McCloskey says she’s not an artist – her training is in urban planning, with an emphasis in community development – tells us why Trillium Artisans attracted her.

“My mom started sewing potholders and selling them at the Eugene Saturday Market 30 years ago. She’s turned that into a viable business. She teaches quilting classes here and internationally, and designs her own line of fabrics. So, I’ve seen a ‘market vendor’ turn crafts into a viable business. That’s what we do here.”

“Catnip Slug” draws nationwide buyers
Walking over to a window display, McCloskey picks up a cellophane-wrapped product. “This is a Trillium Designs Catnip Slug. It’s one of our biggest sellers. Mud Bay Pet Supply – a natural products pet store chain in Washington – buys them by the carton. Our online sales of them are good; people from all over the country order them.”

The artists collective conceived the product, she reports, as a way to generate piecework income for artisans. “They’re made from recycled and reclaimed materials, and stuffed with organic catnip.”

Whether a “house brand” or an individual’s creation, all of the arts and crafts sold, McCloskey says, “reflect a commitment to sustainability: They are created with at least 50% recycled or reclaimed materials. And, they are priced to pay the artisan a living wage.”

Saturday sale supports artisans
On the way out, McCloskey asks us to mention that Saturday, November 10, is the date of their annual Holiday Sale.

“We’ve got earth-friendly, fair-traded, locally-handmade craft gifts that make great holiday presents. Meet the artisans, enjoy wine and goodies, and save 10% on your entire purchase. This special sale runs from 1 until 6 p.m.”

The gallery showroom is located at 9119 SE Foster Road, just west of SE 92nd Avenue. Call (503) 775-7993, or see them online at www.trilliumartisans.org for more details.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

While one con kept her distracted, another one swiped her credit cards and cash. Discover why the executive director of non-profit Trillium Artisans is “going public” with her alarming story …

Amanda McCloskey, executive director at Trillium Artisans on SE Foster Road, showing the purse a sneak thief rifled, says she’s sharing her story to try to keep others from being ripped off.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For eight years, the folks who run Trillium Artisans in Lents have given help to local artists.  In addition to running a collective sales showroom, they help artisans learn how market their earth-friendly crafts.

But on October 31st, a quartet of a different kind of artists – con artists – came in the store to rob the organization’s executive director, Amanda McCloskey – using cunning, not weapons.

Gaining access to the office
“About 3:30, four Hispanic young people, two women and two men, came into our showroom,” McCloskey begins. “They talked about buying gifts to take ‘back to Tijuana’.”

First one of the women, then the other, asked to use the shop’s rest room. “We’re very relaxed and trusting. I didn’t think anything of it.”

To reach the restroom, however, one must travel through the organization’s office, past McCloskey’s desk – and her purse.

The distraction ruse
One of the women lured McCloskey to a part of the showroom where she couldn’t see the back office. “She started asking me a lot of questions – some of them didn’t really make sense. But she kept my attention.”

They didn’t take her purse, McCloskey tells us; but the sneak thief carefully picked through it. “She didn’t take my cell phone that was right next to it. She did take my credit cards, AAA card, and an auto insurance card! I think she took $20.”

The quartet didn’t actually make a purchase. “Three of them drifted over to the shop door and signaled to the woman who kept me talking. She said, ‘Oh my, got to run!’ and they out they went.”

Takes immediate action
It was when McCloskey went grocery shopping two hours later that she discovered the theft.

“When I saw my cards were gone, I went straight to the bank to notify them, filed a police report, and immediately called the credit card companies. The fraud departments at both credit card companies were very helpful. They gave me purchase information. Some went through and I’ll have to contest; others were stopped.”

The thieves left the store approximately 3:45 p.m., reports McCloskey. “They rang up a huge purchase at 4:18 p.m. at the Clackamas ‘Target’ Store. Then, an hour later, the crooks stopped for refreshments at a nearby convenience store.

Gets second view of crooks on tape
McCloskey says the bank card fraud investigators gave her the telephone number of a 7-11 Store on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses and SE Flavel Street.

“I called the store owners; the managers said they had the thieves on tape. I called the police and we looked at the tape. The tape showed all four, still hanging out together. One of the credit cards didn’t go through; the second card went through and they looked all kind cool when it worked.

After working up a thirst after racking up hundreds of dollars on McCloskey’s stolen credit cards, the crooked quartet stopped in this 7-11 Store for refreshments – where they were caught on tape.

“That store owner also said that she thinks her husband might know someone who knows who they are, which more than likely means that they hang out around here.”

Later that afternoon, the criminal quartet tried their luck at another Target store in Wilsonville. “The police have the tape from the 7-11 Store; they’re hoping to get pictures from the Target Stores, too,” McCloskey adds.

Be on the lookout
The suspects are Hispanic, their late teens or early twenties, all with dark brown/black hair with medium-to-light complexion.

The women are about 5’5″ tall, the two men a little taller. The speak English as a second language very fluently.

Advice for business people
“The police were sure that these four have done this before, and will keep doing it until their caught,” says McCloskey.

She asks out help by sharing these crime prevention tips – applicable to all kinds of businesses, not just retail:

• Don’t let customers you don’t know use your bathroom. “If I’d hadn’t allowed this, it would have stopped them right there. They would have left.”
• Don’t just hide your purse, lock it up. Sneak thieves often enter offices during break or lunch time, and quickly go through desk drawers looking for purses and wallets.
• If it happens to you, immediately call your credit card’s fraud hotlines. “Find out what the most recent activity was, and talk to the store owner [where the transaction was] to see if they have video tape or know the customers. The police were very grateful that I got the video tape for them.”

“These thieves aren’t selective,” muses McCloskey, who says she is recovering from cancer and so can only work part-time; “I don’t have much for them to steal. On the other hand, stealing from me is like stealing from your grandma. It’s that low.”

Support Trillium Artisans

On the way out, McCloskey asks us to mention that Saturday, November 10, is the date of their annual Holiday Sale.

“We’ve got earth-friendly, fair-traded, locally-handmade craft gifts that make great holiday presents. Meet the artisans, enjoy wine and goodies and save 10% on your entire purchase. This special sale runs from 1 until 6 p.m.”

The gallery showroom is located at 9119 SE Foster Road, just west of SE 92nd Avenue. Call (503) 775-7993 or see them online at www.trilliumartisans.org for more details.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Take a look at this little story and you’ll find another reason to thank a Portland firefighter next time you see one …

Although the grease fire was raging, firefighters were able to knock down the blaze quickly and limit the fire damage to the kitchen area.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It’s a cook’s worst nightmare – a grease fire out of control. On October 21, a resident at the home on the corner of SE Division Street and SE 130th Avenue found this out when he stepped away from the stove for a couple of minutes.

“I was cooking, and the fire started,” the gentleman told us. “I left French fries cooking on the stove; the oil started burning.”

The homeowner escaped without injury; he was alone in the house at the time. He said he’d like to leave the cooking to his wife, but she’s temporarily out of town attending school.

This fire was estimated to cause $75,000 worth of damage to the home.

Rapid response saves home
“Firefighters from Station 7 were dispatched at 4:43 p.m. and arrived at 4:47 p.m.,” Portland Fire & Rescue’s spokesman, Lt. Allen Oswalt told us. “Other units also came to make sure we had enough equipment and personnel on hand to knock down this fire.”

We asked how and why the fire started.

“Your stove is capable of bringing cooking oil to auto-ignition temperature,” explained Oswalt. “This means the oil will burst into flame with a spark or ignition source. If the oil boils over onto the flame, the temperature can be even lower.”

What lesson can be learned?

“Never put pots or pans on the stove – especially ones that contain cooking oil – and walk away. Your life, and the lives of your family, depends on it.”

Oswalt said investigators estimated the total loss at $75,000.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why failing to heed the “rules of the road” left this bicycle rider in very serious condition with a head injury, after he darted out in front of a car …

Portland Police Bureau Major Crash Team members piece together the accident, near Portland International Airport, that sent a man to the hospital with what officials call “a life-threatening head injury.”

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
An accident that seriously injured a bicyclist at 5:01 p.m. on October 18, on NE Marine Drive near Portland International Airport, shut down the area’s northernmost street for hours, while Major Crash Team members of Portland Police Bureau’s Traffic Division sorted out the details.

Paths cross with disastrous results
It was about 90 minutes before sunset, but the sky was dark with storm clouds. An automobile was traveling at the speed limit; a bicyclist was also westbound on the bike path that parallels the street.

Two witnesses at the scene say the 68-year-old bicyclist was traveling very quickly and didn’t not appear to slow down – or even hesitate – at the bicycle/pedestrian crosswalk stop sign. The bike rider darted southbound, into the path of the car, flipped off his bicycle, and smashed into the windshield of the car.

“The bicyclist was in a marked crosswalk, but failed to stop for a stop sign prior to crossing the street,” confirmed Portland Police Bureau spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schmautz.

Police say the bicyclist didn’t heed the stop sign; turning directly into the path of an oncoming car.

“The bicyclist, Robert Verrinder, was immediately taken into surgery at Emanuel Hospital with a life-threatening head injury. He remains in critical condition,” Schmautz added. “The motorist remained at the scene, and is cooperating with the investigation. Speed and impairment do not appear to be factors in the collision.”

Because of the incline at the crosswalk, investigators believe the 30-year-old motorist may not have seen the bicyclist until he was directly in front of her.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why these hard-working law enforcement folks in green spend their free time bussing tables, pouring water, and delivering orders, at this Mall 205 area restaurant …

Mall 205 Red Robin customers Christopher, Sam and Kathy Calkins are welcomed by Dep. Jordan Philpot.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Last month, customers at the Mall 205 Red Robin Restaurant were treated to extra-special service by green-uniformed law enforcement personnel.

“We’re here to earn tips to support Special Olympics of Oregon,” explained Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Lt. Jason Gates.

Brad Bingham, GM Mall 205 Red Robin, Elyse Seisser, Red Robin server; Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department Dep. Jonathan Zwick; Dep. Joshua Zwick (brothers); and Dep. James Erickson — at Tip-A-Cop day, serving the families of sisters-in-law Melissa Baldwin and Valerie Harvey.

“Today, we have two teams here, each working four hour shifts. All of the donations we get are tax deductible,” Gates told us. “All of these deputies are volunteering their own time for this. Volunteerism is important to us at MCSO.”

Marilyn Davanzo and Joey Davanzo are served by MSCO Dep. James Erickson.

The restaurant’s manager, Brad Bingham, said that they love hosting this outer East Portland event. “We’re proud to be participating an event that gives so much back to the community. And, the deputies are surprisingly good workers!”

In his last act as Public Information Officer for MCSO (he’s going on to other duties), Lt. Jason Gates filled us in on the statistics: Twelve MCSO members volunteered during the 8 hour event; 246 patrons of Red Robin donated to the Special Olympics.

“In total,” he reported, “we raised $3,127.38 — an increase of about $500.00 over last year. We’re grateful for the opportunity to give back to our community.”

Deputies get their “marching orders” during the shift crew meeting led by Red Robin staff members. Check out those official law enforcement aprons!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

You can “take a bite of out crime” – and remain anonymous while you collect a $1,000 reward by turning in James Sean Carlson …

Police have issued a no-bail warrant for this guy, 41-year-old James Sean Carlson. He’s wanted for busting into homes in both inner and outer East Portland.

CRIME STOPPERS CASE # 07-35:
WANTED BURGLARY SUSPECT

The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers, is trying to find a wanted burglary suspect – and can help.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office has issued a no bail warrant for 41-year-old James Sean Carlson on one count of Burglary in the first degree.

Carlson was the subject of a January 2007 Crime Stopper case after fingerprints linked Carlson to several Alameda neighborhood residential burglaries that occurred in October 2006.

Carlson was eventually arrested, charged, and convicted of the Burglaries.   He was sentenced to probation and has recently failed to report to his probation officer and has violated the conditions of his probation.

Additionally, East Precinct Detectives have probable cause to arrest Carlson on at least five new burglaries committed in the east county area.

Carlson is described as a white male, 5″11 tall, 175-180 pounds, with short red hair and mustache, and blue eyes.  Carlson is listed as a Potential Armed Career Criminal, and is considered a heavy methamphetamine user.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and you remain anonymous.  Call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-HELP (4357) or 9-1-1 if the suspect’s you know where Carlson is hiding out.

Fore more information, call Portland Police Bureau Detective Dave Anderson at (503) 823-4822.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service.

Take a look and you’ll see why neighbors say this residential SE Portland street should be designated a “no passing zone” …

Police say the driver of this Acura shouldn’t even been on the road – his driver’s license is suspended!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
“We really need to make SE 136th Avenue between Holgate and Powell a no-passing zone,” comments neighbor Mary Walker, as she looks at the wreckage about to be towed from the street.

Walker says she heard the accident that sent both drivers to OHSU on October 5 at about 9:30 p.m. “I was in the kitchen. I heard this huge bang. I mean, it was a really big boom. I ran out and looked, and called 911. The police were here in two minutes.”

As she walked three doors down to look at the remains of an offset, head-on collision, Walker said the horn of one car was still blaring.

Walker, who is known to East Precinct cops – because she volunteers to restock their patrol cars’ trunks, several days a week – said there was another accident on her road earlier in the day. “This street gets a surprising amount of traffic. And, it seems people are always driving in a hurry; they pass cars when it isn’t safe.”

The Acura hit the Thunderbird with such force, it bent the frame.

Shouldn’t have been driving
According to Sgt. Brian Schmautz, spokesman for the Portland Police Bureau, 28-year-old Lay Nguyen was driving a gray 1991 Acura Intrepid northbound and was “stuck” in traffic. However, Nguyen shouldn’t have been behind the wheel at all – his driver’s license is suspended.

Nguyen whipped out of his lane, stepped on it, and smashed, almost head-on, in to 44-year-old Dean Roundy as he was driving south in his 1993 burgundy Ford Thunderbird just south of SE Francis Street.

“Nguyen was cited for Careless Driving and Driving While Suspended,” Schmutz states.

As we watched tow trucks jockeying to pick up the totaled-out vehicles, Walker says, “I hope the city will take a look at our street before someone gets killed.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Think street prostitution is a “victimless crime”? Ask what neighbors think, after they come back from their daily “condom and needle patrols” …

Street-level prostitution is still active in outer East Portland. After officers watch Loretta violating her exclusion order, attempting to flag down potential sex customers along NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, she is arrested.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Outer East Portland neighbors all along 82nd Avenue of Roses, and outer NE Sandy Blvd.,  say they are concerned that, come November 1, their streets will again teem with street-level prostitution. Women in “The Life” – the term prostitutes use when referring to their trade – are about about to get a “gift” from the City Fathers.

On October 30, City of Portland ordinances called Prostitution-free Zones (PFZ) and Drug-free Zones (DFZ) will expire. Hearings to continue or change these ordinances were dropped from the Portland City Council’s September 12 agenda without mention or comment.

“Exclusion zones” defined
To learn more about the PFZ and DFZ ordinances, we speak with Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs. He’s in charge of the cops that patrol Portland’s most prostitution-affected streets.

“It takes a lot of resources to catch people selling drugs or engaging in prostitution,” Crebs begins.

“Parts of 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Sandy Blvd. are designated as Prostitution-free Zones and Drug-free Zones. When officers see persons engaged in prostitution activities, they arrest them,” explains Crebs.

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs explains the “exclusion” ordinances.

“When we arrest them, we also give them an ‘exclusion’ that prohibits them from coming back to the zone for 90 days. These individuals can return to the area to deal with activities of life, like shopping, medical needs, or other legitimate activities.”

If cops catch “excluded” individuals in a PFZ or DFZ within 90 days, and they clearly are not engaged in a legitimate activity, the commander says, officers can arrest them for trespassing.

“It is proven that you have the ability [to exclude an individual], it diminishes the ability for these things to occur. It makes the area no longer conducive for their activity. Sometimes they stop it altogether, or do it far away.”

Neighbors speak out
Debbie Shelley is a Parkrose neighborhood resident who lives near NE 99th Avenue and Wygant Street.

“I used to think these gals getting picked up by cars were just getting a ride from a friend. But then, we watch them they drive into the neighborhood and stop on a side street,” Shelley tells us a recent neighborhood meeting.

“Used condoms, needles – we’ve found it all around our area, especially in the cemetery. It terrifies me to see this on the ground. There are kids in our neighborhood. What if they pick up a needle?”

Drug dealers can be excluded under the DFZ ordinance, also. “We’re getting a lot of drug traffic. I see cars coming down the street. They flash their headlights, and people come up to the car and they leave,” Shelley adds.

Her message to City Hall: “Please, keep the Prostitution-free Zones and Drug-free Zones!”

Portland Police Bureau Officer Mike Leisure and Mary Walker at the Parkrose NA meeting talk about prostitution.

Says homeowners also have rights
Mary Walker, board member Parkrose Neighborhood Association, adds, “We don’t want anyone’s rights to be violated – whether it is the prostitute, or the homeowners. The goal isn’t to throw prostitutes in jail. The goal is to find a solution. We’ve got to resolve to find a way to help prostitutes find a better way of life.”

Walker notes that nearly half of the cars picking up prostitutes in Parkrose bear Washington state license plates. “It would be great if we could find a way to work with Vancouver, Washington, police.”

If the PFZ is allowed to expire, Walker says, she’s concerned – because, “I think that the activity will increase. It won’t be in the shadows; we’ll be seeing it right in the heart of Parkrose.”

Lives in the “drop-off zone”
Madison South is the neighborhood along NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, near Madison High School. Their neighborhood association chair, Ruth Hander, tells us what she sees every day.

“I am in the ‘drop off’ zone,” Hander says. “Guys pick up the gals on 82nd Avenue, and drive into the neighborhood [for sex]. When they’re done, they drop the gal off, and they take off for 82nd Avenue, and away they go again.”

The problem with prostitution in the Madison South area, explains Hander, “is not only are we dealing with the prostitutes, but also with the drugs they bring with them. We appreciate all the drug and prostitution missions the police conduct, but there is only so much they can do.”

More than 100 Madison South residents have signed a letter to the Portland City Council requesting that PFZ and DFZ ordinances be kept on the books, Hander adds.

Notes declining property values
When an area is known for hosting prostitution and drug dealing – even if unwillingly – neighbors say the illegal activity imports crime into their communities.

Valerie Curry, president of Argay Neighborhood Association, tells us, “I’m not speaking for the association; I’m speaking as a very concerned neighbor.”

Curry calls street sex and drug dealing a “huge concern” because of the increased level of activity she, and neighbors, observe in their area.

“In addition to the level of prostitution and drug activity we’re seeing,” Curry continues, “some folks are reporting prostitutes screaming, as their pimps beat them up.”

While unsavory individuals allegedly are moving into Argay apartment complexes, residents are moving out.

“We’re losing some of our good, stable, long-term neighbors because of this activity. They say, ‘We don’t want our children seeing prostitution and drug dealing as a normal way of life’. We have drivers, stoned out of their minds, coming to have sex with prostitutes. We see drug deals every night at NE 131st and NE Sandy Blvd.”

Not only does it affect the quality of life in Argay, Curry adds, “This criminal activity is reducing the value of our homes. It is devastating to our community. For the mayor to just let it [the ordinances] drop, and expire, is unacceptable.”

Next week
Is “street sex” truly as rampant as neighbors claim? Is this problem being blown out of proportion?

See what we learn when we ride along with police officers in Street Sex: Part 2 – Prostitution flourishes in outer East Portland.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why this outer East Portland accident shook up witnesses who saw it happen – and the condition of the injured woman.
Please note, some photos may be too graphic for some readers  …

Police officers take measurements at the scene where a 78-year-old wheelchair-bound woman was struck by a truck.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Just after 3 p.m. on Friday, September 21, pedestrian and vehicular traffic is slowing down as the afternoon rush is starting up at the busy intersection of SE 82nd Ave. of Roses and SE Holgate Blvd., near Eastport Plaza.

“I looked up and saw an old woman, riding in an electric wheelchair, start to cross the street [going north on 82nd Ave, crossing Holgate]. This big truck was turning left and hit her,” says eyewitness Lilana Longoria.

Taking a closer look at the mangled power wheelchair, officers gather information to make their report.

Other witnesses collaborate her story, and say the 18-wheeler was turning left – on a green arrow – from southbound 82nd Ave., heading east on SE Holgate Blvd. The front, passenger side of the truck cab strikes the powered wheelchair and starts dragging it and its occupant eastward.

“People are rushing up to the truck and pounding on the window, screaming and shouting, ‘Stop! Stop!‘ But by then, the truck dragged her quite a ways.”

Heavy Friday afternoon traffic came to a standstill as this busy intersection became a police investigation scene.

Looking at the accident scene, we surmise that fender of the semi cab dragged the wheelchair about 30 feet. Within minutes, we are told, an ambulance rushed the victim away to get medical care.

Portland Police Bureau spokesman, Brian Schmautz, says 78-year-old Ursala Knierim was operating the electric wheelchair. The truck that struck her was driven by 60-year-old Randall Bubb.

Officials say, as bad as this accident was, the victim’s injures did not take her life.

“No citations have been issued at this time and Knierim’s injuries do not appear to be life threatening,” Schmautz reports.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

It wasn’t bad enough that this guy, arrested for being “deep in his cups”, drove like a dolt – see what happened when he broadsided an innocent victim …

While paramedics and firefighters stabilize a passenger riding in the car said to be the cause of the wreck, a police officer talks with 32-year-old Leroy Burke Hartley before arresting him for DUII.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This wreck, on September 10, wasn’t an “accident”. It didn’t have anything to do with the sun being in the driver’s eyes as he headed westbound, down the hill on SE Holgate Boulevard from SE 28th Avenue. At 9:20 p.m., the sun had long been set.

“The car shot down the hill, like it was trying race the car beside it,” says witness Peter Hacker. “But the other [westbound] car clearly wasn’t racing; the driver turned off on SE 27th to get away from him. The guy driving the Camaro was driving like a total jerk.”

By the time the Camaro approached the intersection at SE 26th Avenue, other witnesses say the speeding car was fishtailing as it careened westward.

Witnesses say the victim could talk with paramedics as they were preparing her to be transported to the hospital, but she was bleeding from the forehead.

Either the driver of the Washington-plated Camaro didn’t see that the he was approaching a red light, or he was going too fast to stop to avoid cross traffic in the intersection.

In what multiple witnesses call a “grinding crash”, the Camaro plowed into the driver’s side, rear door of a red Chevrolet legally passing southbound through the intersection.

The t-bone collision spun the Chevrolet with such force, it rotated the car 90 degrees, before slamming it into a steel utility pole – caving in the side of the vehicle.

The Camaro ground to a stop about 1/2 block west of the intersection, straddling the two eastbound lanes of SE Holgate Boulevard.

Within minutes, Portland Fire & Rescue’s Engine 23 arrived on scene, and firefighters stabilized the injured persons in both cars.

Looking at the victim’s car, it’s easy to understand why witnesses say it’s a miracle the driver survived the crash.

“Looking at her car, I was surprised the woman who got hit could still talk to the rescuers,” Hacker said. “She had a cut on her forehead, but seemed to be talking OK.”

According to Portland Police Bureau spokesperson, Cathe Kent, police arrested 32-year-old Leroy Burke Hartley, charged with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. Hartley was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service