See why you should make sure your home’s chimney is free of creosote build-up – even if you don’t have a fireplace …
The crew of Engine 23 attacks the fire started near the home’s furnace.
Story and Photos by David F. Ashton
Homeowners are cautioned to make sure that creosote – a thick, oily liquid that gradually coats the interior lining of flue pipes and chimneys – doesn’t build up in their fireplaces.
But, as occupants of a home just east of Cleveland High School, at 2920 SE Franklin Street, found out on Dec. 21 – this admonition also applies to furnace chimneys.
This fire could have been prevented, officials say, by keeping the chimney and furnace flue free of creosote buildup.
Fire smolders for hours
Officials say that one of the home’s occupants, Thomas Smith, told them he put about six gallons of #2 diesel fuel in the basement furnace tank about 10 o’clock that morning. Smith turned up the thermostat upstairs, and left about 20 minutes later.
When he returned home about eight hours later, he was confronted with a wall of thick, gray smoke when he opened the front door.
Neighbors told us they smelled smoke, and noticed thick, gray smoke coming out of the chimney, but didn’t investigate further.
Then, Smith reported, he went around the house to a door leading to the home’s basement, and said he noticed that the walls were scorched and smoke filled the basement. Minutes later, the fire “flashed over”, and fire erupted throughout the basement and came up the stairwell.
Had the fire call come in earlier, this house would have suffered much less extensive damage.
Firefighters navigate through thick smoke
“When Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 23 pulled up, at 7:20 p.m., the crew found thick, black smoke billowing out the front door of the two-story home,” Battalion Chief C1 Scott Beyers told us at the scene.
“That crew headed for the basement to attack the fire. The Truck 25 crew went to check for fire in the attic,” continued Beyers. “Then we had crews check for fire extension from the basement. There was an interior stairwell they opened at the top, to check the top part of the staircase.”
Firefighters reported that the blaze extended through the house by traveling up through a laundry chute. “The basement was divided up with shelving; it made it difficult for the firefighters to maneuver to the base of the fire.”
Ignition factor: Lack of maintenance
The fire inspector ascertained that the fire started in the flue of the home’s oil-fired boiler/heater unit. The inspector noted reported that the chimney and the flue were heavily caked with creosote buildup; the chimney clean-out was also full.
The loss was set at $90,000.00. While there weren’t any human injuries, a cat perished in the fire. The occupants were referred to the Red Cross for shelter.
Firefighters exit the house after putting out the fire that extended upward through the home by way of a laundry chute.
An ounce of prevention …
“A very hot fire in a well-working fireplace,” explained the fire bureau’s spokesman, Lt. Allen Oswalt, “can prevent creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire, because the continued heat output from the fire eventually warms up the lining of the chimney sufficiently to revaporize the deposited creosote.
“But many people don’t think about having their furnace’s flue and chimney cleaned. That maintenance could save your life.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See why you should make sure your home’s chimney is free of creosote build-up – even if you don’t have a fireplace …
The crew of Engine 23 attacks the fire started near the home’s furnace.
Story and Photos by David F. Ashton
Homeowners are cautioned to make sure that creosote – a thick, oily liquid that gradually coats the interior lining of flue pipes and chimneys – doesn’t build up in their fireplaces.
But, as occupants of a home just east of Cleveland High School, at 2920 SE Franklin Street, found out on Dec. 21 – this admonition also applies to furnace chimneys.
This fire could have been prevented, officials say, by keeping the chimney and furnace flue free of creosote buildup.
Fire smolders for hours
Officials say that one of the home’s occupants, Thomas Smith, told them he put about six gallons of #2 diesel fuel in the basement furnace tank about 10 o’clock that morning. Smith turned up the thermostat upstairs, and left about 20 minutes later.
When he returned home about eight hours later, he was confronted with a wall of thick, gray smoke when he opened the front door.
Neighbors told us they smelled smoke, and noticed thick, gray smoke coming out of the chimney, but didn’t investigate further.
Then, Smith reported, he went around the house to a door leading to the home’s basement, and said he noticed that the walls were scorched and smoke filled the basement. Minutes later, the fire “flashed over”, and fire erupted throughout the basement and came up the stairwell.
Had the fire call come in earlier, this house would have suffered much less extensive damage.
Firefighters navigate through thick smoke
“When Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 23 pulled up, at 7:20 p.m., the crew found thick, black smoke billowing out the front door of the two-story home,” Battalion Chief C1 Scott Beyers told us at the scene.
“That crew headed for the basement to attack the fire. The Truck 25 crew went to check for fire in the attic,” continued Beyers. “Then we had crews check for fire extension from the basement. There was an interior stairwell they opened at the top, to check the top part of the staircase.”
Firefighters reported that the blaze extended through the house by traveling up through a laundry chute. “The basement was divided up with shelving; it made it difficult for the firefighters to maneuver to the base of the fire.”
Ignition factor: Lack of maintenance
The fire inspector ascertained that the fire started in the flue of the home’s oil-fired boiler/heater unit. The inspector noted reported that the chimney and the flue were heavily caked with creosote buildup; the chimney clean-out was also full.
The loss was set at $90,000.00. While there weren’t any human injuries, a cat perished in the fire. The occupants were referred to the Red Cross for shelter.
Firefighters exit the house after putting out the fire that extended upward through the home by way of a laundry chute.
An ounce of prevention …
“A very hot fire in a well-working fireplace,” explained the fire bureau’s spokesman, Lt. Allen Oswalt, “can prevent creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire, because the continued heat output from the fire eventually warms up the lining of the chimney sufficiently to revaporize the deposited creosote.
“But many people don’t think about having their furnace’s flue and chimney cleaned. That maintenance could save your life.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See why officers say this “cop shop” will be more than just a report-writing station …
Officer Greg Baldwin, Dennis Adair, manager Parkrose Hardware, and Sgt. John Anderson here look at lighting improvements they’ll be making at the new Parkrose Police Contact Center.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Portland Police Bureau will soon have a new East Precinct Contact Center on NE Sandy Boulevard at NE 111th Avenue.
“Parkrose has traditionally been ignored by the city,” explains the project manager, Sgt. John Anderson. “Even with our enhanced patrols, there’s still a lot of crime, including drugs and prostitution. Increased police presence here would be a good deterrent.”
Some police substations, often referred to as “cop shops”, provide a place for district officers to relieve themselves, eat lunch – and write reports.
Adair and Anderson check out the front door, while identifying improvements they plan to make to the office space.
A community meeting place
“While it won’t be full-time staffed by officers,” Anderson says, “We want this to be a place where people can come and gather. It will be open to the public, so citizens can speak directly to an officer when they’re here.”
The sergeant says he plans to hold monthly events at the office. “We’ll talk about all kinds of public safety issues – including graffiti, identity theft, and elder abuse – in addition to working together to solve problems from drugs and prostitution.”
Special Parkrose phone hot-line
Anderson also plans to install a “Parkrose Crime Hotline” phone line for non-emergency problems. “Citizens can call and talk to a district officer right here. Officers will log the issues and problems which neighbors call in.”
Rossi family contributes community office
They were contacted by the Rossi family, Anderson tells us, and were offered the office space, “charging only a dollar per year. It’s a great deal for us and for the community”.
Although the space is in fairly good condition, police and community members will be sprucing up the office with new lighting, some fresh paint, and new carpeting.
In a few weeks, this office will become the newest East Portland police substation.
“We’re doing this on a tight budget,” reports Anderson, “so we’re accepting volunteer labor help and contributions of materials.”
Already, Parkrose Hardware has donated paint, hardware, and some electrical supplies.
“We look forward to having an open house in the spring,” Anderson says. “I hope the neighbors and businesses will come join us in making Parkrose a safer and more livable community.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See how, by acting on a hunch, this East Precinct police sergeant put the brakes on three gun-toting crooks. How did a standoff with one of the thugs end? Read this …
SE Powell Blvd. was closed from mid-afternoon until 10:30 p.m. as police and SERT officers tried to coax a suspected gunman out of a home he’d invaded.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Joey Conn walked in on three armed thugs committing a home-invasion robbery at his Centennial neighborhood house in the 2500 block of Southeast 168th Avenue, shortly after 3:00 p.m. on December 7.
This crime, which included Conn being pistol-whipped before the trio ran off, kicked off an eight-hour police action that closed SE Powell Blvd. from SE 112nd Avenue to SE 122nd Avenue.
Acting on a hunch, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Sgt. John Anderson (shown here previously speaking at a Parkrose Business Association meeting) said he was the first to spot the thug’s getaway car.
Sergeant spies get-away car
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct’s day sergeant, John Anderson, told us his role in this story. He said it started when he heard a radio dispatch call about the home invasion robbery.
“After you’ve been a cop for a while,” Anderson began, “you sometimes get a hunch about where to be.”
Anderson headed east on SE Powell Blvd., he continued, looking for the smaller, white Chevrolet identified in the dispatch call. “The license plate number stuck in my mind. The number on the plate reminded me of the name of a company with which I deal.”
Trapped on a dead-end street
When he saw a small, white car, Anderson related, he spied the plate – and it matched the description. “I made a hard U-turn and headed west. Fortunately a TriMet driver let me in. I followed the car, and turned south on SE 118th Avenue – it’s a short dead-end street.”
As he pulled up at the end of the road, the trio of suspects had abandoned the car with engine still running. “I saw two of them hike over the fence westbound. I radioed asking for more cars – and to come with their sirens on. Hearing the cars approaching often encourages [fleeing criminals] to give up.”
Makes a second, armed home invasion
But, almost immediately after the suspects split up and ran, the 911 Center received a call from an apartment a block away. The resident reported that someone had forced entry to his apartment and hit him with a gun.
During the struggle, a shot was fired. “Fortunately for that man,” Anderson said, “the gun jammed after the round went off.” The suspect then fled the apartment.
Within minutes, officers had two of the three suspected home invaders pinned down, waiting for police backup before taking them into custody.
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers stand back while SERT officers search in darkness – because of the early winter sunset – for the armed, accused criminals who didn’t ditch their guns.
Kicks in the door of a third residence
As patrol cars swooped into the area, folks from a house in the 11600 block of SE Powell Blvd. ran from their house.
“They told us that it sounded like someone kicked in the door leading to the washroom and basement of their house,” Anderson told us.
Officers secured the home and surrounded the yard. Anderson activated the bureau’s Special Emergency Response Team (SERT). “When we have a situation with armed individuals on the run, or in a standoff, barricaded in a home, the SERT team has the equipment and training to deal with it.”
The holed-up suspect then broke into the main part of the house, said Anderson. “It looks like he smoked some cigarettes and stole money from the house while he was in there, surrounded by police.”
Spreading out over a two-block area of Powellhurst-Gilbert, officers combed yards, outbuildings and brambles.
SERT combs blocks
Because there was talk that there were others involved and still on the loose, Anderson reported that the SERT officers made a careful, yard-by-yard search of two-block area.
“Using our night-vision scopes, I could see them moving through the area. At one point, they used a ladder to climb over brambles. Those are long blocks where Powell Court curves around. They searched every shed and thicket in the area.”
Holed-up suspect gives up
Because the suspect had invaded the house of innocent citizens, officers hesitated to shoot tear gas into the house.
“They set up a loud-hailing system and kept telling the guy to surrender,” continued Anderson. “Finally, a SERT officer shot a ‘SAGE’ round — a rubber baton – through the home’s front door window. The suspect gave up and was taken into custody about 10:20 pm.”
Police say they’ve charged (shown left to right) 28-year-old James Gerald Richardson, 20-year-old George Edward Rowe and 27-year-old Travis Edward Saltsman each with four counts of Robbery in the First Degree.
Three in custody
Police initially took 28-year-old James Gerald Richardson and 20-year-old George Edward Rowe into custody. Finally, after the hours-long standoff, they led 27-year-old Travis Edward Saltsman away. Three handguns were recovered.
“Thanks to good police work, Anderson said, “we contained the suspects in a relatively small area.”
We learned that a total of 67 officers were on-scene; the number grew to 120 when the SERT officers joined the mission.
“This was one of the more intense situations I’ve been in years,” Anderson concluded. “We’re not going to risk the public’s safety when we know there are three armed guys, on the run, forcing their way into houses.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
The young man’s mother says her son, the accused drunk driver, is “a good boy”. See why the bereaved family may hold a different opinion …
This broken sapling is the only reminder of the fatal accident – on this SE Stark Street sidewalk – that took the life of a pedestrian.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Nearly the whole night, on December 11, the 11200 block of SE Stark Street was closed, as the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team investigated a fatal collision between a Jeep and pedestrian.
Just after 11 p.m., 42-year-old Angela Buyas had been walking near her home, westbound on the sidewalk along SE Stark Street with another person. She never saw the out-of-control vehicle careening toward her from behind.
“Based on information learned during the investigation, officers believe that a Jeep was driving westbound on SE Stark St. at a high rate of speed,” reported Portland Police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “The driver lost control of his car and drove it up onto the sidewalk on the north side of the street.”
The individual with whom she was walking saw the Jeep at the last moment and jumped clear, but Buyas, a mother of three teenagers, was mowed down, investigators said.
The Jeep’s driver, 21-year-old Tareq Temple, “returned to the roadway and continued westbound for about a half block before stopping, then ran back to the scene. Temple remained there until officers arrived, and cooperated with the investigation,” Schmautz continued.
Temple was taken into custody and charged with one count each of DUII, Reckless Driving, and Manslaughter in the Second Degree.
“As you can imagine, the kids have been devastated by the news that their mom has been killed,” added Schmautz. “The victim’s children are being cared for by their grandmother.”
Police accuse 21-year-old Tareq Temple of killing a pedestrian with his Jeep as she walked along a sidewalk near her home.
Following Temple’s arraignment, his mother, Annette Moody, spoke briefly, saying “Please forgive my son, he’s a good boy.” She admonished the family of the slain mother to be strong, and added, “It was a terrible mistake.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Learn why the crew of Portland Fire & Rescue Station 30 proudly showed off their firehouse, and what the improvements mean to the community …
Portland Fire & Rescue firefighter Kyle MacLowry shows the engine to future firefighter Cooper White, being held by his mom, Tracy.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Rescuing and firefighting is a serious profession. Members of Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) are ready to save lives and put out fires at any time of any day.
But on November 27, the staff of PF&R Station 30, at 13313 NE San Rafael Street, couldn’t resist throwing a party to celebrate their firehouse’s reopening.
“After being closed for about 18 months,” says Captain Fred Ellison, “We want to celebrate our reopening.”
Ellison told us the station underwent a major remodeling. The building was made more structurally sound to resist the effects of earthquakes and other natural disasters. “Also, our living areas are more gender-friendly, providing private showers and rooms for our firefighters. Our giant dorm has been broken into very nicely-sized rooms.”
In addition to the new look inside the station, the firehouse got a new name –or, we should say, number. “We are the home of Engine 30, formerly known as Engine 43,” Ellison says. “We also house a call-back rig Engine 30R. It is fully prepared for greater-alarm fires. Crews can be called in to take it to a fire when needed. We have no ladder trucks here.”
An active member of many community organizations, Jon Turino Farmer’s Insurance agent, says he’s never been in a fire engine before. So, Captain Fred Ellison helps him climb into the driver’s seat. Ellison explains the function of the controls of Engine 30. Yes, the lights were flashing!
Ellison says he’s pleased with the community’s response to the open house.
“We’ve had a couple hundred visitors here today, including some school groups. Some retired firefighters came by to look over their old station,” Ellison reports. “Some of them told stories about life in the dorm, and commented on the change to having individual bedrooms. They said it looks like we’ll be comfortable here.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
While they couldn’t save the motor home, see how a snap decision of a Portland Fire & Rescue lieutenant saved the family’s home …
Using Compressed Air Foam to put out the hotspots, firefighters make sure the motor home fire is completely out.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The simple act of trying to start up a motor home could have ended up burning down the resident’s house and garage on Nov. 24.
“The owner told me the motor home had been sitting for quite a while,” reported Lt. Mark Lyons, Engine 25 as his crew continued to spray fire-extinguishing foam into the shell of the vehicle.
The lieutenant in charge of the effort added, “He said he started it up and saw some smoke. He saw the gas dripping from the gas line. A fire broke out. He went to get a fire extinguisher, and it didn’t put out the fire.”
So intense was the heat from the burning RV, the vinyl siding drips off the home next to it.
Called in as a vehicle fire
We learned from Battalion Chief, District #4, Mark Gift, that the call reporting the fire, in the 6500 block of SE 69th Ave., came in at 12:22 pm.
“When Engine 25 was enroute, they noticed a substantial column of smoke while they were still on heading south SE 52nd Ave., before they turned up Duke St.,” Gift told us. “It was originally dispatched as a vehicle fire; a motor home in a driveway adjacent to a house.”
Just five minutes after the fire call comes in, Engine 25 rolled up to the scene.
“When they arrived, the found a motor home half involved [on fire],” said Gift. “The fire was significant enough that the house immediately to the north and the garage immediately to the west were exposed to high temperatures from the fire.”
Fast response, and a timely decision to call in more units, save this home from going up in smoke.
Lt. Lyons requested a residential fire response. “This gives us a total of four engines, a ladder truck and two battalion chiefs to fight the fire,” explained Gift.
We saw that the home’s vinyl siding has melted, oozing and dripping on the driveway from the fire’s intense heat. The front of the detached garage was smoking, as if about to catch fire.
Thanks to the precision teamwork of responding firefighters, the fuel-fed fire engulfing the blazing RV was quenched. “There was some damage to the exterior of the house and the face of the garage. But there were no exertions inside,” said Lyons. “But it looks like the motor home is pretty much a loss.”
No one was injured; loss estimates were not available.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Even though local meth labs are nearly a thing of the past – when you learn where this lab was located, you’ll be glad this ex-con is behind bars …
Behind these trees is the home where the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit deputies say they found pounds of expensive chemicals used specifically for making methamphetamine.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Because of legislation making pseudoephedrine-containing medications available only by prescription – and the steady flow of illicit drugs coming up from our southern border – home-based methamphetamine (meth) manufacturing labs around Portland are pretty much a thing of the past.
But, not entirely. Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Special Investigations Unit (SIU) deputies reported they seized the chemicals needed to run a large-scale meth lab in S.E. Portland just after noon on November 29.
The alleged drug lab, located in a home at 3622 SE 49th Ave., was a half-block east of Creston Elementary School. As we walked down the street near the house, we could clearly hear the laughter of children playing during recess.
To learn more about the bust, we spoke with the MCSO spokesman, Lt. Jason Gates. “We’ve seen a dramatic decrease in meth labs. In the past, we closed down as many as 40 a year; this is only the third lab we’ve uncovered this year. But, any lab – especially this close to a school – is a danger to the community.”
Suspected of running drug lab
Gates says the SIU had been conducting an ongoing, covert investigation regarding 55-year-old Ted Wayne Berardinelli, who they said has a history of being involved in clandestine drug labs.
“They applied for and were granted a search warrant,” continued Gates. “When they executed the search warrant, they discovered specific chemicals used for making meth. The lab wasn’t set up and operating, but they found finished methamphetamine.”
Signs posted on this house make it clear that this house contained the hazardous chemicals officers say are used to cook up batches of meth. The day after the raid, when these photos were taken, it appears as if someone tried to remove the stickers.
Pounds of illicit chemicals found
In addition to the street-ready meth, deputies also found a large quantity of chemicals that are typically used to manufacture meth, Gates said.
Specifically, deputies said they discovered 35 lbs. of elemental iodine and 6 lbs. of red phosphorous.
“The average citizen wouldn’t have a use for these chemicals at home – they are not cleaning or hobby materials,” Gates explained. “And, they’re expensive. Elemental iodine goes for $300 to $600 per pound on the black market. Red phosphorous sells for up to $600 per pound.”
The Multnomah County Drug Lab Response Team was called in to mitigate the hazards associated with the lab, and process the lab evidence for prosecution.
Sheriff’s deputies took 55-year-old Ted Wayne Berardinelli into custody. He now has five charges against him.
Ex-con with guns – and silencers
In addition to the meth and chemicals, deputies also reported finding a .38 caliber pistol, .22 caliber rifle with silencer, and a .22 caliber pistol with a silencer.
“It is illegal for an ex-con to have a weapon,” Gates commented. “And, gun silencers are illegal for anyone to possess.”
Berardinelli has been lodged in the Multnomah County Detention Center on the following charges:
- Manufacturing a controlled substance (meth) within 1000 feet of a school;
- Distribution of a controlled substance (meth) within 1000 feet of a school;
- Possession of a controlled substance (meth);
- Three counts of ex-con in possession of a firearm; and
- Two counts of unlawful possession of silencers.
“This event demonstrates that some meth labs still do exist in the community,” Gates concluded. “Citizens still should be diligent, and report behavior they suspect is associated with this activity.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
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
