Is outer Sandy Blvd. jinxed? Discover what authorities say is behind the recent rash of vehicle collisions plaguing NE Sandy Blvd. in the Wilkes neighborhood‚

The eastbound commute for the driver of this Dodge Intrepid along NE Sandy Blvd., just east of NE 152nd Ave., ended abruptly when another driver crossed across the center line and hit him head-on.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This week alone, two grinding smash-ups have totaled five vehicles on outer NE Sandy Blvd., shutting down one or both lanes of this busy street for hours.

Surprisingly, neither of these accidents induced trauma injuries.

Drivers walk away from head-on collision
Just after the morning rush hour on July 30, a westbound brown Buick crossed over the center line of NE Sandy Blvd., near NE 152nd Ave. It struck a Dodge Intrepid head-on.

Officers say the driver of this Buick caused the head-on collision‚ but wasn’t ticketed.

While officers on scene said that the driver of Buick caused the head-on collision, the accident wasn’t investigated, nor the driver ticketed‚ because there were no resulting trauma injuries.

“The officers on scene helped the drivers exchange information,” said Sgt. Brian Schmautz, police spokesman. “No citations were issued.”

Tailgater ticketed
Two days later, a mid-afternoon pile-up occurred on the same road, about 500 feet west of NE 148 Ave.

An officer takes down information while investigating a wreck officials say was caused by the driver of the Dodge Dakota following too closely to the now-demolished Toyota.

About 3:00 p.m. on August 1, a gold Dodge Dakota plowed into blue Toyota‚ ramming it into a rusty Mazda MPV van‚ which bumped into a black Hyundai Veracruz.

The driver of the Hyundai, the fourth vehicle in this crash‚ the one least damaged‚ told us, “Traffic slowed down for the red light. I heard a big crash behind me. I drove forward as far as I could without hitting the car in front of me. But I still got bumped. I’m OK, but the elderly driver of the blue car [Toyota] was taken to the hospital.”

Doug Smith says he was walking to pick up his mail at the senior living development on Sandy Blvd. “I don’t know why I looked up, but I saw the gold SUV drive right into the little blue car. It was going fast. I’m surprised it didn’t kill the driver.”

After being hit by the Toyota, this minivan had to be towed. “I don’t know what we’ll do,” the driver tells us.

The driver of the crumpled Toyota, 82-year-old Eldon Richmond, was taken to the hospital for observation and released.

52-year-old Lonnie Kute, driver of the Dodge Dakota responsible for chain-reaction pile-up, was cited for following too close, Schmautz reported.

Not paying attention
Outer NE Sandy Blvd. is straight, flat and has good sight-lines. The weather was clear and the road was dry on both days. We asked cops at the scene at both wrecks if outer NE Sandy Blvd. was jinxed.

“No, I don’t think that’s the case,” a Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officer told us. “I think people who frequently drive Sandy Blvd. out here are so familiar with it, they just don’t pay attention. All it takes is a few second of inattention to get into a wreck.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why you can forget about TV‚ and join in one of the many “National Night out against Crime” events‚ across East Portland on August 7‚

East Portland Crime Reduction Specialist Rosanne Lee and Wilkes Community Group Chair Ross Monn discuss plans for National Night Out, this year on August 7.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It is time, once again, for “National Night out against Crime” (NNO) celebrations all across East Portland.

Held the first Tuesday of August, this year’s events do take place mostly on August 7. We say “mostly”, because some groups hold their events on the weekend before the “official” date.

NNO was created to heighten community awareness of crime and drug prevention; to generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and to send a message to crooks that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against their criminal activity.

Why National Night Out is important
We ask Teri Poppino, one of two Crime Prevention Coordinators (along with her partner, Rosanne Lee) for East Portland, why “National Night out against Crime” is important.

“This is the time of year when neighbors can celebrate their community and neighborhoods,” Poppino begins. “Also, this event symbolizes community members taking a stand against crime‚ saying publicly that they, not criminals, are in charge of their block, their neighborhood, and their city.”

We ask Poppino how having a picnic or block party helps make a community safer.

“Neighbors who know one another tend to ‘look out’ for each other,” explains Poppino. “The act of getting together with your neighbors and meeting people you don’t know on your block indicates your commitment to community safety.”

Additionally, many of the larger gatherings feature visits by Portland Police Bureau officers, and crews from Portland Fire & Rescue. All registered events have public safety and crime prevention information packets available.

August 7‚ Outer East Portland National Night out against Crime Events

In addition to the following events, hosted by neighborhood organizations, many families are having their own smaller get-togethers. Food at these events is either free, or low-priced.

• Wilkes / Russell Neighbors Picnic will be at Wilkes Park, NE 154th just south of Sandy Blvd., starting at 5:30 p.m.
• Centennial Community Association & Harold Oliver SUN Schools’ Picnic will be at Harold Oliver Primary School, 15811 SE Main Street, starting at 5:30 PM.
• Parkrose Heights Assoc. of Neighbors’ Picnic will be at Knott Park, NE 112th & NE Sacramento, starting at 5:30 p.m.
• Argay Neighborhood Association’s Picnic is at Argay Park, NE 141st Avenue and Failing Street, running from 6:00‚ 8:30 p.m.
• Lents Neighborhood Association’s “Ice Cream Social” is at Lents Park, SE 91st & Foster, starting at 6:00 p.m.
• Mill Park Neighborhood Association is throwing a Block Party between SE 113 Ave. & 114th at SE Yamhill Street starting at 6:00 p.m.
• Woodland Park Neighborhood Association is holding a Block Party in the yard and driveway at the home at 1737 NE 101st Avenue, starting at 6:00 p.m.
• Madison South & Roseway Neighborhoods‚ For the first time ever, these two neighborhoods are getting together to sponsor their own National Night Out Against Crime. You’ll see your neighbors at Glenhaven Park at NE 82nd Avenue of Roses & NE Siskiyou Street, starting at 6:30 p.m. and running to 8:30 p.m.

“Whether you attend a small potluck dinner on your block, or a large neighborhood gathering,” says Poppino, “take this opportunity to join with neighbors across East Portland‚ and across the nation‚ to support crime prevention.”

Find your NNO Event here:
For our readers across the greater Portland area, click HERE to be taken to the Office of Neighborhood Involvement’s NNO web page. They have posted a complete listing of events in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Why do neighbors say they’re happy that this small house, just west of the Springwater Trail, was gutted by fire? Learn why, from our exclusive interviews‚

The fire burned so intensely, the interior of this bungalow was charred to the exterior walls.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Typically, people tell us they feel sad when they see a nearby home go up in flames, displacing the residents.

But neighbors of the home at 8740 SE Flavel Street say they’re overjoyed that the explosive blaze that started about 12:30 a.m. on July 26 burned so hot that it destroyed the front of the bungalow, and reduced the interior to cinders and ashes.

Neighbors say ‘good riddance’ to drug flophouse
Because those living near the burned home characterized the occupants as “violent participants in the hard-drug culture”, they ask their names not be used.

“Please don’t even say where our house is,” a lady begs us. “I’m still afraid of these people.”

Four different neighbors with whom we speak, during separate interviews, each tell us the house has been the center of drug activity for years.

“But ever since they [the current group] squatted on the property two months ago, it’s been really bad,” the most fearful neighbor relates. “They assaulted my pregnant daughter, kicked her in the stomach, and myself, and other people. They bashed my head on the concrete‚ all because we returned their dog. These are mean, vicious people.”

Neighbors‚ and official City of Portland housing inspection — say several people lived in the trailers parked behind the burned house we photographed from the Springwater Trail.

Lots of people, drugs
The official report says that two individuals safely escaped from the house.

When we check this fact, a man responds, “Two people? Heck, there were ten or twelve people living in there, all the time‚ and more, in the travel trailer behind the home.”

Another witness says she saw “at least a dozen people scattering from the burning house like rats from a sinking ship”.

Neighbors say the occupants are squatters, ranging in age from mid 20s to the 40s.

“What kind of drugs?” a man says, repeating our question. “All kinds of drugs. I don’t think they were picky.”

The fearful neighbor says, “A lady got assaulted the day after we did. She came to my house. She was so high, she was ridiculous. She had a meth pipe in her pocket. She said she was there doing drugs all day; they sell drugs.”

Yet another neighbor notes, “This house is ‘conveniently located’ just west of the Springwater Trail. It was like a drive-up drug stop for druggies on bicycles.”

Police and city investigate complaints
City of Portland records show an “Occupied Building Nuisance and Complaint” was filed on July 9 for “Trash & Debris, Junk, Garbage”. The house was scheduled to re-inspect the residence on July 25, the day before the house caught fire.

On July 10, a “General Housing Complaint” was filed with the City of Portland. According to official records, the file reads:

“OCCUPIED TRAILERS IN THE BACKYARD, PITBULL IS SEEN ON PROPERTY. VISIBLE FROM STREET, 15 PEOPLE IN THE HOUSE AND ABOUT 2 PEOPLE IN EACH TRAILER.”

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Neighborhood Response Team Officer William Hoover confirmed that the now-destroyed house was the subject of police interest‚ over a period of time‚ for a number of reasons.

One neighbor says he walked through the charred ruins of this house. “It’s all gone now. They’ll have to tear it down,” reports.

Says children were taken from home
A man who says he lives “not far away” tells us DHS contacted him and asked him to take temporary custody of two children living in the house a few days before the fire. “Police have been here many times,” he adds.

“The police used to try hard to clean it up,” a witness volunteers, “but not so much lately. I think they changed the cops working in our area. We’re not sad to see them go. Hopefully, they’ll be out of the neighborhood now.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why Sheriff’s Deputies are are writing tickets on rivers all over Multnomah County‚

On hot, sunny days, the boat dock at Sellwood Riverfront Park is abuzz with boaters and swimmers.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As cool, wet June weather started to give way to hot July days‚ recreational watercraft suddenly appeared on our rivers in record numbers.

“This week is the start of our boating season,” says Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Sgt. Tim Lichatowich, as we step off the floating dock at Sellwood Riverfront Park an onto Sheriff’s Patrol boat “Freedom” in July 4.

In the cabin, we’re greeted by our captain, 14-year MCSO veteran Deputy Joe Graziano, who says he’s been “on and off river duty” for five years.

“This is the first major boating traffic we’ve had this year,” observes Lichatowich. “It seems that everyone pulled their boat, jet ski, or wave-runner out at the same time.”

This boater earned a violation citation issued by MCSO River Patrol Sgt. Tim Lichatowich for buzzing a boat dock at full power.

Ticketed for “buzzing the dock”
Minutes after we head north, toward downtown, Graziano flips on the lights and sirens and we head for an open-cabin outboard-powered boat.

“We’re seeing a lot of wake violations today,” explains Lichatowich. “We’ll be issuing a citation to this boater violating the ‘no-wake rule’. He was at full power less than 200 feet from the dock. We’re seeing a lot of that today.”

During their tour of duty so far today, Lichatowich says they’ve given out three warning tickets. “They all could have been tickets. I’m trying not to ruin people’s afternoon. But for gross violations, we have to issue a ticket.”

MCSO River Patrol Deputy Joe Graziano keeps an eye out for “deadheads”‚ logs floating just under the surface of the water‚ that can sink a boat or seriously injure a water-skier.

On the lookout for boozy boaters
After touring the Ross Island Lagoon, Graziano circles around near the dock at Sellwood Riverfront Park. “One concern is powered watercraft operating too fast near the dock,” says Lichatowich. “It’s not a swimming dock, but you can see swimming there on a hot day. It’s easy for folks in the water to be hit by a boat flying around there.”

The Sheriff’s patrol officers say they’re looking for people who are drinking. “The combination of alcohol and the hot sun slows the reactions and impairs decision-making for boat drivers,” Graziano says.

Lichatowich points out to us some people drinking on a boat tied to the dock. “We’ll check them later. It is not considered being ‘under operation’ if they’re docked.”

River Patrol officers warn that they’ve seen raw sewage flow out of this pipe, near Ross Island, even on hot, sunny days.

Hidden river hazards
“Especially for people waterskiing, watch out for ‘deadheads’ ‚Äì logs floating just below the water,” warns Graziano. “They’re dark, and it’s hard to see them. But if you hit one, it can sink your boat or cause serious injury to a skier. Make a couple of passes and check out the area before you ski.”

Another hidden hazard, Graziano says, is Willamette River water itself. He comments that he’s leery of water quality. “I’ve seen sewage flowing from the outfalls on a nice sunny day,” Graziano says pointing to the large, concrete pipe near Ross Island.

“It was a pretty murky brown, and we could smell it. There have been kayakers paddling in what amounts to raw sewage. I always wash my hands after I touch the water here.”

Safe boating suggestions

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol reminds boaters:

• Don’t drink and boat;
• Don’t overload your boat;
• Carry a cell phone in case of an emergency;
• Make sure your running lights work;
• Ensure children under 12 years wear a life jacket, and that there is a serviceable life jacket on board for everyone (and they suggest that all passengers wear their life jacket while on board a boat);
• Ensure all your required equipment is on board and in good working order;
• Be patient at boat launches (allow plenty of lead time to launch your boat);
• Keep a good look out for other boaters;
• Watch your wake around moorages and other small craft;
• Be courteous; and,
• If you don’t have a required boater education card, get one.

Because he wasn’t endangering anyone, this personal watercraft user was simply given a warning for traveling too fast through a no-wake zone.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Some drivers grumble about the camera systems that automatically generate traffic tickets for red-light-runners. Here’s another reason you’ll soon be seeing such systems in outer East Portland‚

Witnesses say the driver of this silver Mazda (foreground) blew through the red light at SE 103rd Avenue, and struck the green Toyota Camry with such impact, it was spun around facing west on SE Washington Street.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
According to Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division officials, automatic camera systems designed to catch motorists who speed through red lights will soon be installed in outer East Portland.

Between assignments, we heard a police radio call on July 21, saying a car was hit broadside at SE Washington St at SE 103rd Avenue. We drove over to take a look.

Witnesses told us they saw a silver Mazda, heading eastbound on SE Washington Street, shoot through the red light at SE 103rd Avenue at about 11:45 a.m.

“It looked like Mazda’s driver stepped on the gas,” reported Becky Holsted who said she was waiting for a bus as the event unfolded. “The silver car smacked right into the side of the Camry. It was going north on SE 103rd Avenue on a green light.”

Because one driver took a risk and blew a red light, another driver was sent to the hospital and his car was demolished. Police say this is a high price to pay for trying to arrive at your destination a few seconds earlier.

The T-boned Camry was hit so hard, it spun 90-degrees, coming to rest facing westbound in the eastbound lanes of SE Washington Street. The driver was injured; the side-impact victim was put on a backboard and rushed to Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

Cops say red-light cameras save lives
Preparing a story we’ll publishing soon about the new “red light cameras”, we spoke with Sergeant Dan Costello of the Portland Police Bureau’s Traffic Division.

“The most serious crashes that occur at intersections are caused by someone running a red light,” Costello told us. These ‘turning and angle crashes’ are 2.5 times more likely to result in serious injuries and fatalities than rear-end crashes. Adding more cameras will further decrease these types of crashes,” said Costello.

In this area of the Gateway district, Costello said the city in the process of installing the red-light camera systems at SE Stark St. at 99th Avenue (19 red light crashes in the past year) and at SE Stark Street at 102nd Avenuie (due to 44 red light crashes).

“No matter how pressed for time you are, please stop for red lights,” commented the Portland City Commissioner in charge of PDOT, Sam Adams. “Gambling on saving a minute or two by running a red light could kill or seriously injure you and someone else. Red-light-running has very serious consequences.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Why do Multnomah County Jail inmates volunteer to strenuous work, in difficult conditions in hot weather? Find out why convicted crooks offer to help clean up their community right here‚

A county jail inmate helps the community by painting out graffiti on the columns under the Ross Island Bridge.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Anyone who has been along the Springwater Trail has seen the graffiti on the pillars and abutments under the Ross Island Bridge‚ just down from the homeless refuge, “the caves”, under S.E. McLoughlin Boulevard in the Brooklyn neighborhood.

“Graffiti is a precursor to other crimes,” says Multnomah Count Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Lt. Jason Gates. “It invites other inappropriate activities. By leaving graffiti up, it sends the message that community will tolerate crime. And, it takes away from the livability of the area.”

By organizing a graffiti paint-out crew, Gates explains, “We’re trying to send a message to the people who are committing these crimes that we’re reclaiming this area; we’re taking it back from them.”

Inmate Dwight Golden and MCSO Sgt. Tina Breiten prepare to lower more buckets of paint down to the worksite.

Crooks serve community
The volunteers painting out graffiti at this particular June 26 project aren’t from the neighborhoods or schools. They’re convicted criminals.

We learn from MCSO Sgt. Tina Breiten that not all county convicts are satisfied sitting out their sentence in their cell. Some inmates, like Dwight Golden, prefer to volunteer for work details‚ even when tasks are in hot, dirty, and difficult conditions.

Coming up for more paint supplies, Golden tells us, “I like being out here in the sun and fresh air. Panting out graffiti is good. It makes it look nicer. I’m glad to be on this work program today.”

Multiple benefits from inmate work program
Only non-violent offenders, Sgt. Breiten confirms, are allowed on the work details. “It gives them the opportunity to pay back to the community. It allows them to prepare to transition back into the public. Some of our inmates need to learn the most basic of job skills‚ like getting up in the morning and going to work.”

After scrambling down the steep bank, inmate Golden is ready to take more supplies down to the cleanup site under the Ross Island Bridge.

Both “good time” and “work time” cuts down the non-violent offender’s sentence, says Breiten. “This system gives us the opportunity to free up some jail beds for the hardened, violent criminals that come into the jail system.”

Inmate work crew projects also help reduce tensions inside the jail, adds Breiten. “Doing physical labor helps inmates to ‘work out tensions’ that otherwise build up when they’re just sitting, day in and day out, in the jail. Instead of thinking about their next crime, they’re thinking about becoming productive in our community.”

ODOT partnership
Portland’s spokesman for Oregon Department of Transportation, Dave Thompson, arrives on-site and tells us how the MCSO inmate crews helps the state highway agency: “When we can use inmate crews, it helps the workers, and improves the community at the same time. This is a great use of taxpayer money.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

In a moment of inattention, this trucker did more than just disrupt traffic on SE Powell Blvd.; he shut down a neighborhood’s water service for a day. See why he’s really in hot water now‚

Portland Water Bureau officials Mark Behnke and David Shaff update Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard on the progress of the water main repair on S.E. Powell Boulevard.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The newest swimming hole in SE Portland suddenly appeared on July 17‚ but it wasn’t at a community center. It was in the middle of on SE 64th Ave., just feet north of SE Powell Blvd.

Police officials say 62-year-old David Kipp backed the flatbed trailer of his semi-truck into a fire hydrant at 10:45 am that morning, snapping it off.

Soon, water from the 8″ water main below the street started bubbling up, rupturing the pavement and eventually creating a large‚ and deep‚ hole filled with churning muddy water.

When we arrive to inspect the damage, crews have already shut off the water and drained the hole. We see Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, who’s in charge of the Portland Water Bureau.

“In Portland, our fire hydrants don’t spout like a geyser when they’re hit,” Leonard tells us. Pointing to the hydrant, laying its side, he adds, “They’re made to break off cleanly, and a valve then shuts off the water.”

Fire hydrants, like this one, are designed to snap off cleanly and shut off a below-ground water valve. The system worked; but the stress of the impact broke the cast iron water main below the street.

But not this time. In this case, Leonard says, the team of water bureau responders told him the shock of the hydrant being struck on the surface transferred down to the cast-iron water main below, rupturing it.

“I didn’t come out to supervise, I love to learn how things work,” Leonard states. “I’m here to let the crew know I appreciate what they do. They aren’t going home tonight; they’ll stay here until the water is turned back on.”

The commissioner comments that the water bureau crews remind him of firefighters. “They respond fast, they are well trained to deal with these emergencies, and they are well equipped. They work under some really unpleasant conditions, to get the job done; and, they stay on the job, working continuously, until water service is restored.”

This Portland Water Bureau crew works into the night to repair the broken water main on Powell Boulevard caused by a careless driver clipping a fire hydrant.

More than the inconvenience this incident caused for the 29,000 motorists who drive on SE Powell Boulevard every day, and for the neighborhood that went without water for a day, the full financial consequences of this driver’s inattention are still being tallied up.

In addition to the ticket for “Careless Driving”, Leonard says the city will be sending the water main repair invoice to Kipp’s insurance company. “It’s going to be expensive, but the citizens shouldn’t be stuck with the bill.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Police confirm that the vehicle which killed the boy was driven by his 21-year-old sister; but officials say they’re still sorting out exactly what happened‚

Late into the evening investigators from city and county agencies work to figure out why a 7-year-old boy was killed on a residential street.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This case starts with a 5:00 p.m. call to 9-1-1, reporting that there is a fatal collision between pedestrian and vehicle in the 2700 block of SE 153rd Avenue, about a block south of SE Division Street, on July 12th.

Soon, Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division Major Crash Team investigators, the bureau’s Homicide Division, and an investigator with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Child Abuse team try, with limited success, to unravel how and why a 7-year-old boy is dead.

“Upon arrival, officers found a deceased boy, 7-year-old Denis Onofreychuk, in the driveway of a residence,” reports police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “Investigators believe the boy died after being hit by a car driven by his sister, 21-year-old Valentina Yarovenko.”

Initial statements by members of the family indicate that the collision occurred at, or near, the location where the child was found, says Schmautz. “Witness statements and physical evidence contradicted this information.”

At least one witness tells officers that the child was running next to, or perhaps hanging on, the car, as it was southbound on SE 153rd Avenue. Subsequent interviews with detectives, who use an interpreter for the interviews, help to bridge the perceived gap between the initial statements and the subsequent interviews.

On-scene, we attempt to interview several of the numerous people gathered nearby‚ but none of them will speak with us.

“At this time no one is in custody or being detained in connection with the investigation. An autopsy is scheduled, and detectives are continuing the investigation,” Schmautz adds.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

They say it looked like sticks of dynamite; read what authorities say they actually found in this home improvement store‚

As the crew of Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 12 prepares to leave, employees and shoppers head back into the Home Depot store on N.E. Glenn Widing Drive — after standing in the heat on Portland’s hottest July 10 in history.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Authorities speculate it was a prank that cleared the Home Depot store, just north of NE Airport Way, just after 4:00 p.m. on July 10.

But it wasn’t a laughing matter to the customers and employees of the store‚ made to wait outside, on the scorching parking lot pavement, for more than an hour‚ in 104 degree heat.

Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman John Hill said fire crews were initially sent out on a call about a fire in a bathroom. When they investigated, they found a “suspicious package there with, what looked like sticks of dynamite with fuses.”

After the bomb squad finds smoke bombs, not high explosives, police break down their safety perimeter around the store. In the background, workers take shelter from the blazing sun in the shadow of the closed CompUSA store.

After fighting their way through late-afternoon traffic, the Portland Police Bureau’s bomb squad investigated the potential bomb. Their conclusion: the sticks were, most likely, a commercial smoke bomb.

Officials say there was no danger of an explosion, and no one was hurt.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you missed this fun and informative event, see why you should plan to attend the East Precinct Open House next year‚

Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division officer Brian Hunzeker helps Lucas Lechuga Jr. try on a patrol motorcycle, with the support of his mom and dad, Tisha and Lukas.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Helping citizens connect with their law officers is the theme a yearly open house held by the Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct.

“We plan all kinds of activities to bring members of our community in to see our precinct,” explained Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs.

Martha, Carlos and Isabel Pagan meet Portland Police mount, Jack and his human partner, Mounted Officer Paka Searle.

Third-year Portland Police East Precinct Cadet, Ryan Mele, proves he’s the “Emeril” of the Open House BBQ grill. “I’m looking forward to law enforcement as a career. I don’t think there is any more satisfying job out there.”

Spencer Duncan gets final instructions from Officer Cox before he rides the bicycle safety training course called “Bike Rodeo”.

The open house was carnival of law enforcement attractions. In addition to opening their motor-home-like mobile precinct for inspection, mounted officers, members of the SERT team, the bomb squad with their remote-control robot and a bike safety rodeo were some of the hands-on exhibits available to the more than 500 visitors who came by on June 23.

The Portland Police East Precinct Cadets provided hospitality to everyone who visited‚ grilling up a complete BBQ lunch for more than 400 visitors.

“It is important to us that people can come out and see that their police are people, like everyone else,” Crebs told us. “When they come to our open house, people get to see what we’re doing with their tax dollar.”

K-9 Officer Shawn Gore, with his partner Eddie, talks with visitors Ryan McLaughlin and Ioanita Costache.

At the armaments table is SERT Officer Larry Wingfield, talking with Carl Fincher. “Very interesting to see the equipment our police uses in their work,” says Fincher.

The basis of “community policing” continued Crebs, is that the police and the people they serve work together as partners to reduce crime, as well as the fear of crime, where they live and work.

“If in individual feels comfortable talking to us, because we’ve already established a relationship, it help them feel like they can call and report a problem or crime, when that time comes,” the commander explained.

Loaded up with goodies after visiting the East Precinct Open House are Evan, Brandon, and Caleb, with their mom, Darlene Peterson.

East Portland Crime Reduction Specialist Rosanne Lee and Wilkes Community Group Chair Ross Monn discussed plans for National Night Out, this year on August 7.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Because Portland Fire & Rescue’s crew arrived within four minutes of the call, the house was saved. There’s an important lesson here‚

Firefighters used power saws to slice open garage doors, to gain access to the fire raging inside.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Dressing up in firefighting outfits, called “turnouts”, on a 90-degree day, makes for a warm afternoon.

But, the heat of the day doesn’t slow crews from Portland Fire & Rescue from preventing a home in outer SE Portland’s Centennial Neighborhood, on the 14300 block of SE Woodward Street, from burning down on July 5.

By the time we arrive on scene, the fire is out, although smoke and steam is still pouring out of the attached garage.

Looking at his MVT (mobile data terminal), Portland Fire & Rescue Deputy Fire Chief Mark Schmidt confirms crews arrived within four minutes of getting the call. “It came in at 1424 [2:24 p.m.], and the truck arrived on scene at 1428.”

We ask why the city’s Deputy Fire Chief is in command; usually a district Battalion Chief directs the crews.

“I was coming out to meet to the Gresham Chief,” Schmidt says. “I was only blocks away, and came over.”

Asked to comment about the fire, Schmidt tells us, “This is a house fire. Most of the loss is in the garage. Also, there’s quite a bit of smoke damage inside the house.”

Although it’s hot work, crews use heat-sensing cameras to check for any hot spots left in the garage.

Schmidt notes that a training crew from Station 2 was called in to do the overhaul [checking for hot spots and removing burned material]. “On a hot day like this, it helps to have extra crew on scene‚ they spell off each other. It’s hot work, especially wearing these turnouts.”

As some of the firefighters paused to guzzle a bottle of water, no one complains. “We’re happy to serve,” one said, sweat pouring off his brow. “We saved a house today.”

The homeowner, Paula Farris, praised the bureau’s response. “We have a wonderful fire department. They arrived quickly and saved the house. Everyone was OK.”

A Portland Fire & Rescue training crew joins regular firefighters, spelling them off on this hot, July afternoon.

Lighter’s flick ignites blaze
Portland Fire & Rescue’s Lt. Doug Jones later tells us that fire investigators reported: “An 18 year old male was working in the garage working on motorcycle or vehicle. There was an open container of flammable liquid. He lit a [cigarette] lighter, or was using the flame from a lighter, and that accidentally ignited the vapors. He received minor injuries to his leg, but was treated on-scene.”

Jones adds, “We’re glad no one was seriously injured. But people have to use common sense with fire and open flame, when working with flammable fluids.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Two accidents, only 17 hours apart, take a life, in one case‚ and “totals” two vehicles, sending occupants to the hospital, in another,

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Traffic was shut down at the intersection of SE 122nd Avenue and SE Stark Street twice, in less than 24 hours, due to car crashes.

Deadly hit-and-run
July 4, about 10:35 pm, East Precinct officers respond to a pedestrian- involved hit and run accident, near the intersection of SE 122nd and SE Stark.

“A citizen apparently saw the collision, and followed the suspect until officers could stop him and take him into custody,” Portland Police Bureau’s spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schmautz, tells us. “Officers located a critically injured male; he was transported to OHSU.”

Police say Florentino Garcia struck a pedestrian in the intersection on July 4.

Investigators believe, Schmautz informs us, that 59-year-old Florentino Garcia was driving a Ford pickup westbound on SE Stark Street when he hit a man, identified as 44-year-old Dannie Price. They believe Price was crossing northbound across SE Stark Street in the crosswalk.

Dannie Price died of injuries sustained in this Independence Day accident.

“Based on witness information,” Schmautz continues, “investigators believe Garcia, the driver, had a green light at the time of the collision.”

Officials say Garcia was booked on one count of DUII, one count of Reckless Driving, and one count of Assault in the Third Degree. The suspect was booked before the victim died. “The case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s office, which may ask jurors to consider raising the assault charge to a manslaughter charge at grand jury. Alcohol consumption will be a factor in the decision-making process regarding both the suspect and victim,” adds Schmautz.

17 hours later‚
At 3:18 p.m. on July 5, on SE Stark only 50 feet west of SE 122nd, a two-car collision ultimately sends two people to the hospital.

Within minutes of the smashup, Portland Fire & Rescue Truck 45 arrives on-scene. Fire and Rescue workers help remove the injured passengers from the two cars; they prepare the patients for transport to Mt. Hood Medical Center for evaluation.

Police say the this accident victim was in the car that pulled out into traffic and caused the wreck.

Again, Sgt. Brian Schmautz fills in the details: “18-year-old Shauna Leistiko was exiting the Burgerville parking lot [on the northwest corner of the intersection].”

Schmautz confirms what an eyewitness at the scene, Allen, tells us: “The Chevy Cavalier came out of the parking lot, looking like she was going eastbound on SE Stark Street. She drove right in front of a car coming westbound. It was quite a smash,” the witness says.

This accident victim came from the Camry. The vehicle was hit so hard, it knocked it south, across three lanes of traffic and into a tree on the south side of the road, authorities say.

Leistiko’s Cavalier collided with a Camry driven by 73-year-old Constance Haynes, Schmautz says.

While no tickets were issued, Schmautz tells us, Haynes had the right of way. “Two people went to the hospital for trauma injuries. Two cars are wrecked. The lesson is simple: Look before you enter the street.”

Police say this accident is the result of one driver not yielding the right of way to traffic already traveling along the street.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service