Discover why a delightful aroma of wholesome, delicious food was wafting up from the farmhouse, at this unique outer East Portland institution …

Cook and instructor Katherine Deumling demonstrates how to chop vegetables – instead of fingers! – during her first class series at Zenger Farm.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Not content with simply being one of the few urban farms anywhere, and Portland’s only farm-based youth food education center, Zenger Farm has now branched out into offering classes for adults.

We met Katherine Deumling, a regional governor for Slow Food USA, at the remodeled farmhouse, while she was preparing for the first in a series of three cooking classes.

“We don’t have a fancy title for it; we’re calling it ‘Zenger Farm Cooking Classes’ – at which people can learn to cook delicious, quick, and nutritious meals from a well-stocked pantry.

“Ingredients for the meals are based on using seasonal produce, which is kind of a theme here at Zenger Farm,” Deumling told us. “It’s based on the concept of meat as a condiment, rather than a main course.”

Deumling, and her teaching assistant Cara Haskey, point out that learning a few skills helps one feel more confident, while working in the kitchen.

Skills build cooking confidence
The primary principle, the instructor said, is to teach techniques that help build the participants’ confidence that they can cook with what they have on hand, rather than relying on what they can make from a recipe.

“Many people look at a recipe and feel overwhelmed, because they must make a list, go shopping, then come back, to cook something,” instructed Deumling.  “I show how they can set up their kitchen and stock their pantry so that, on any given night, they can come home and make any of six meals from locally-produced food.  A meal that is both delicious and inexpensive.”

Deumling said she learned her culinary skills by “talking with lots of people” and doing a little restaurant cooking. “I’ve done a lot of ‘cooking on the fly’ as I’ve traveled around the world. I’m offering this class because I’ve found many people are afraid of cooking.  I hope this class meets the perceived need.”

Holding up one of her key ingredients, Deumling says olive oil adds to the flavor and texture of foods.

Chef shares real-world secrets
We asked Deumling to share a secret or two about preparing food.

“First, the most important lesson is to season the food. Use salt and olive oil liberally; and don’t worry about it. Good seasoning is the difference between mediocre cooking and delicious cooking.

“Secondly,” she continued, “be ready to make ingredient substitution. If you were going to use cabbage – and you don’t have any – give broccoli a try.

“Finally, free yourself from thinking of dinner as ‘meat, potatoes, and vegetable’. A good dinner could be just one big dish. Make it tasty – and it’s dinner.”

The Friends of Zenger Farm Executive Director, Jill Kuehler, spends a moment with chef Katherine Deumling and assistant Cara Haskey just as their first down-on-the-farm cooking class gets underway.

Class fully subscribed
Because of the space, and Deumling’s desire to have all of the participants actually cook instead of simply watch a lecture, she said they had to turn away quite a few people who wanted to sign up for the three-part class. “I guess you could say it’s a sign if success.”

It’s quite likely they’ll invite Deumling back, said Jill Kuehler, executive director of the Friends of Zenger Farm.

“While our organization has been primarily focused on youth education, since we were founded as an organization in 1999 – bringing about 3000 kids out of year – we’re starting to host adult education classes here,” Kuehler noted. “We also offer organic gardening classes, and will be adding classes in canning and preserving. We’ve even had food writing classes here. We’re venturing into a whole new area of adult education.”

To learn more about the mission, classes, and groups at Zenger Farm, visit their website by CLICKING HERE.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why more than one citizen fell prey to the silver-tongued promises of a man police say swindled at least 11 victims with two different scams, in this exclusive interview. What can you learn from this? Read this article now …

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officer Barbara Glass reviews some of the evidence she and her partner assembled, while tracking the activity of what they characterize as “a rather prolific ‘confidence man'”.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
As a cop who investigates identity theft and scams at the Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct command center, Officer Barbara Glass has seen more than her share of swindles, scams, and rip-offs perpetrated by Eastside crooks.

“I started working on the case when an officer came to me on February 24,” Glass began. “A woman said that a man offered to ‘do her taxes’ in her home for just $40.”

The victim waited for her tax refund – but it never came, Glass said. “When the victim checked to see about her tax refund, she learned it was electronically transferred into an account with which she wasn’t familiar.”

Glass said that when a confidence artist (commonly abbreviated as “con man”) works a scam, they usually don’t stop until they’re caught. “We were concerned that he’s doing this to other people. Channel 12 put out a ‘Most Wanted’ alert. We started getting calls the next day.”

Working two scams
In addition to allegedly stealing tax refunds, the man, identified as 30-year-old Gary Waite, was reportedly working another scam.

“We found four victims who have appeared to have been defrauded by a ‘Federal Grant Program’ he told victims he was facilitating,” Glass told us.

It seems that Waite allegedly told victims he’d “cut their bills in half” using a “special program” by analyzing all of their bills, and asking victims to pay him half of the monthly total. “In cash, of course,” Glass said. “He said the grant funds would pay the rest of the bills.”

When the victims’ next invoices arrived, they showed no funds were applied to the balances, the officer said. When victims tried to call Waite, they found that one of his phone lines was disconnected, and that his other line went to voice mail. Their calls were never returned.

“Dupes of the ‘Grant Program’ scam weren’t dumb people,” reported Glass. “One of them had lost her job and had two mortgages. She did a ‘trial run’ with Waite with one bill. When it worked out, she said she gave Waite more money – and the next month, she realized she’d been taken.”

This alleged “confidence man”, 30-year-old Gary Waite, is said to have talked at least eleven people out of hard-earned cash they needed to survive.

“He is a confidence man?” Glass responded to our obvious question. “Absolutely. Some people do gain the trust and confidence of others, in order to swindle them.”

Falls to a pizza delivery driver
On March 3, a pizza deliver driver who had seen Waite where he once lived, heard of his “most wanted” status, Glass revealed. “She was delivering a pizza to a guy named ‘Gary’ – and was surprised to see his domestic partner answer the door. The driver told her boyfriend who ended up calling 9-1-1. Officers got him to come to the door, and arrested him.”

Glass was called in to interview Waite; and the suspect consented to a search of the room he rented. “We found computers and credit card account information – where some of the stolen money was allegedly deposited. Tax-preparation forms led us to additional tax victims.”

So far, Glass said, as she looked through a binder of evidence, it appears Waite “took” six victims with the tax return scam, and another five with the fake grant program. “We may find more victims.”

Too good to be true? Don’t believe it!
Officials suspect that Waite had some tax preparation training or background. “Victims said he was very convincing; they believed him. He had an answer for everything.”

We asked Glass what can be learned from this case.

“First, like the old saying, ‘If is seems too good to be true, it probably is’,” Glass responded. “Think about it. Will a reputable tax preparer really come to your home and do your taxes for $40? Is there really a federal grant program that will pay off half your bills?”

Secondly, she continued, trust your “gut”. “If there is a little voice in the back of your head – trust it. I’ve talked to so many people who have been offered to become a ‘mystery shopper’ or get millions of dollars from people in Nigeria. If you’re approached, call us. That’s what we’re here for.”

So far, Waite has been charged with one count of Theft in the First Degree. More charges could follow.

Anyone with information concerning this case or arrested subject should contact Officer Barbara Glass at (503) 823-0287.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why this event grows in size and excitement every year – how you can be a part of it – and why you should mark your calendar NOW …

Getting ready for the 2009 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade are committee members (back row, left to right): Lt. Tom McGranahan, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct; Richard Kiley, Home Run Graphics; Paul Ellison, Bank of the West; Johnni Jones, volunteer coordinator; Gail Kiley, Brentwood Darlington Neighborhood Association; and Kevin Williams, Portland Bureau of transportation; (front row) Julie Wolleck, Portland Community College SE Center; Ken Turner, 82nd Ave of Roses Business Association; Arlene Kimura, Chair, Hazelwood Neighborhood Association; Kathryn Notson, South Tabor Neighborhood Association; Eilene Curtiss, Portland Rose Society; and Judy Welch, Lents Neighborhood Association.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It takes a lot of time and effort to put on a community event. The committee behind the 2009 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade started on working on this year’s edition – scheduled for Saturday, April 25 – last June!

“Because of the positive reception we’ve had from the communities we serve,” said Ken Turner, president of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, “we’re inspired to do even better. Every year, this event grows.”

The 2009 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade begins at Eastport Plaza, just north of SE Holgate Boulevard. It marches north on the Avenue of Roses, and disperses in the Montavilla Neighborhood area, Turner told us.

Portland Community College’s SE Center will host the Reviewing Stand and public announcement area, just north of SE Division Street.

More music, more fun
One of the highlights of this year’s parade will be the “One More Time Around Marching Band” – the world’s largest standing musical organization – regularly featured in Portland Rose Festival parades and events.

The parade’s Grand Marshal hasn’t yet been revealed. But we’re told you will see:

• Portland Rose Festival Court
• Royal Rosarians
• Portland Rose society
• Station 11 fire engine
• Rose City Corvette Car club
• Boys and Girls Club
• Madison High Drum Corps
• Color Guard
• Ronald McDonald
• Chuck-E Cheese

And, several other unique, colorful individuals and groups are said also to be making arrangements to march in this lively parade.

Events before and after – at the start and finish
Turner reported that there are several before- and after-parade events scheduled for Eastport Plaza and the Montavilla/South Tabor Business District, including a kids bicycle safety program and a bike rodeo.

“We have ton of other things happening to enhance the day of the Parade”, said Sadee Daniels, with Eastport Plaza. “There’ll be the Funtastic Carnival, Eastport Izzy’s Classic Car Cruise-in, pony rides, juggling clowns, stilt walkers, air brush face painting, a balloon shaper, and live music.”

Eastport Plaza’s Carnival Days will also feature booths for community service providers and civic groups.

Last year’s parade was lots of fun! Plan now to come to the 2009 edition on April 25!

Volunteers needed
If you’re not content to sit on the sidelines, watching a parade pass you by, consider volunteering on the day of the parade. “We need volunteers to help, by briefly closing off side streets as the parade passes, said Johnni Jones, the event’s volunteer coordinator. It’s easy – and you get to watch the parade! Contact her by e-mailing: johnni.jones@gmail.com.

Registration for the parade begins at 7:30, and closes off at 8:30 am; the parade begins promptly at 9 am, Turner promised. “Come out and enjoy the day, at this great family community event.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Daylight Savings Time is here again – see why your firefighters say “Change your clocks; check your fire alarm” on March 8 …

While at a training exercise (not a working fire), Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt here reminds us to check the battery in – or replace – smoke alarms in homes and businesses.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It doesn’t take much for a small fire to become a killing blaze. Even though Portland has the best firefighters in the nation, in our opinion, they say citizens should take steps to protect themselves and their families by making sure their home has working fire or smoke alarm systems.

“Fires caused by an unattended candle, combustibles placed too close to a heater, or an electrical problem can cause a late-night fire,” said Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt. “Working smoke detectors give people the precious moments they need to escape the killing smoke and fumes produced by a fire before we arrive.”

It took only moments for a small fire to turn into a raging blaze, as we see at this training exercise. A working smoke detector is vital to allowing a timely escape.

Change your clocks, check your fire alarms
It has been a longstanding practice for the fire bureau to ask citizens to check their fire and smoke alarms when changing their clock to Daylight Savings Time. This year, that happens early on Sunday, March 8.

Oswalt reminded us that smoke alarm regulations in Oregon are more strict than in other states. “Since 1999, the law requires all ionization-only smoke alarms sold in the state to have a ‘hush’ feature; and if an ionization-only smoke alarm is also solely battery-powered, it must also come with a 10-year lithium battery.”

If your smoke alarm is nearing a decade old – or, if you can’t remember when it was installed – consider replacing the unit. “It you have a new model with the long-life lithium batteries, check it to make sure it’s still working,” Oswalt reminded.

Additional safety tips include:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, and outside each sleeping area
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older
• Hard-wired alarms should have battery back-ups
• Never disconnect or remove batteries from smoke alarms for other uses
• Make a home escape plan, and practice it

Oswalt concluded by saying, “Don’t be a victim. Working smoke detectors save lives.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why – and see what event the Gateway Area
Business Association plans for later this summer …

Members of the Gateway Area Business Association dine at their new location, Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes, on a meal prepared by Cherrywood Loaves & Fishes.

Story by Watford Reed and David F. Ashton, photos by David F. Ashton
One “first” after another, for the Gateway Area Business Association – when it held its first meeting at a new site on February 12 – Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes (OBRH), in the Gateway area.

At tables set in the OBRH Community Room, about 30 GABA members dined on clam chowder and gourmet sandwiches catered by the Cherrywood Loaves & Fishes. “All of the money we’re collecting for the lunches is donated to the Cherrywood Center,” explained GABA’s VP, Lee Powell, a Farmers Insurance agent.

Lee Powell, GABA’s vice president, surprised many when he announced the organization would not be mounting Fun-0-Rama festivities in May.

May 2009 Fun-0-Rama: CANCELLED
After the regular introductions and announcements, Powell surprised many of the gathered business people when he announced that the popular Gateway Fun-O-Rama Parade & Community Fair – typically held in May – has been suspended this year. “When our executive committee looked at the required tasks to be done, and the time lines, we realized we were too far behind to hold the Fun-0-Rama this year.”

Instead, he said, the organization would work to expand the National Night Out celebration program held at OBRH in the fall.  To avoid a potential conflict with the August 1 Parkrose Business Association Festival and Cruise-in, OBRH and GABA chose to host their event on Saturday, August 8.

OBRH executive director, Keith Milsark, tells how their organization is planning for growth in the older demographic.

OBRH prepares for ‘baby boom’
The main speaker at the meeting was Keith Milsark, who has been OBRH’s executive director since August 1.  With 73 million Americans in the “baby boom wave” about to break over American society, he said their organization is bracing for a “booming influx” of older folks who need good, affordable housing.

Milsark said he left a similar job at a retirement home at historic Williamsburg, Virginia. He told how moving his family across the country – as a middle aged adult – was a big job. He contrasted his experience with the work needed to move an elderly man or woman from their home into some type of senior-housing facility.

Milsark says his cross-country relocation made it easier to understand the difficulty the elderly have when considering moving from their home into a senior facility.

He also told the group of their board’s plans to expand OBRH. They purchased three nearby homes last summer, and are looking to acquire perhaps one more lot. He added that the homes will help elderly folk “bring home with you”, by allowing pets.

Meet the members on March 12
The Gateway Area Business Association next meets on March 12. Networking starts at 11:30 AM. This month, Dawn Rasmussen, Pathfinder Writing and Career Services will speak.

The Gateway Area Business Association next meets on March 12. Networking starts at 11:30 AM. This month, Dawn Rasmussen, Pathfinder Writing and Career Services will speak.

GABA meetings are now held at Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes, 1825 NE 108th Avenue (just north of NE Weidler Street, in the Community Room – just west from where NE Schuler Street dead-ends into 108th Avenue). They ask that you park on the street, not in the parking lots. For more information, see www.gabanet.com.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

What does the plan to collapse Portland’s five police
districts down to three mean to neighbors in East Portland?
Read on …

Regardless of where officers are headquartered, Chief Rosie Sizer insists, most officers will still patrol the districts they know.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the City of Portland struggles to balance its budget by requiring all Bureaus to make cuts of up to 5%, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) hasn’t been spared from the need for cost-cutting.

Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who is in charge of the Police Bureau, as well as Chief Rosie Sizer and Assistant Chief Brian Martinek, have been out pitching a “Precinct Restructuring Proposal” they say would cut $3,609,469 from their budget without taking cops off the street.

Their plan is to return to the pre-1994 three-precinct structure – by eliminating Southeast and North Precincts. All Portland police officers would then be headquartered at Central, East, or North Precinct offices.

Commissioner Dan Saltzman tells neighbors why the redistricting program is important to meeting cost-reduction goals.

Saltzman tells of budget woes
“We need to balance the City’s budget by July 1st,” Saltzman told a group of East Portland neighbors at the East Precinct Citizen’s Advisory in early February. “The important thing is keeping cops on the street.”

Saltzman didn’t mince words when he talked about the City’s budget. “We’re facing tough times. The [Federal] Stimulus Package’s ‘COPS Program’, designed to put more cops on the street nationwide, won’t fund everything. We need to balance the City’s budget by July 1st. We’re looking citywide for cuts of from 2.5% and 5% in every bureau.”

Another real challenge to the public safety public safety system, Saltzman added, is on the county level. “Multnomah County is facing major cuts. They operate our jails, Parole and Probation offices, and fund the District Attorney’s offices. We’re in this together. As Chair of the Public Safely Coordinating Council, I can say that all of the right people are at the table. We’re seeking ways to continue public safety services in a more efficient manner.”

During his presentation Saltzman, the Police Bureau Commissioner, said he’d gone on patrol with officers several times. We asked him what impressed him the most.

“What impresses me most is how respectful officers are when they are dealing with the public,” Saltzman replied. “I’m also amazed at how many people drive around without driver’s licenses!”

This map is the clearest way to illustrate which districts – mostly falling along neighborhood boundary lines – will be moving to an expanded East Precinct.

The great 39th/60th Avenue divide
According to the proposal, there won’t be changes for any of the outer East Portland neighborhoods currently served by East Precinct.

All of the neighborhoods west of 82nd Avenue of Roses, currently in the Northeast and Southeast Precincts, will be headquartered at East Precinct, as will the more westerly neighborhoods of Woodstock, Brentwood-Darlington, and Foster-Powell – all of whose district patrol officers would move their lockers to East Portland’s Gateway district.

There will be a big change for some of the neighborhoods we cover in the Sellwood, Reed, Eastmoreland, Westmoreland, Brooklyn, and Creston-Kenilworth neighborhoods – their cops would headquarter at Central Precinct in downtown Portland.

Sizer says she expects most police officers to stay in their current patrol districts.

Chief expects no reduction in service
Speaking directly with Chief Sizer at a Southeast Portland meeting on February 11, we asked her if it will take officers covering neighborhoods now located farther from their precinct longer to respond to service calls, since they’d be stationed over the bridges at the downtown Justice Center location.

“It’s a common misconception the police officers operate like firefighters,” Sizer responded. “With firefighters, the closer you are to the fire station, the faster the response is more likely to be. Police officers operate very differently.”

But for cops, Sizer said, precincts are chiefly headquarters. “District patrol officers go to their precinct to change clothes and attend roll call. The overwhelming majority of their time is spent in their cars responding to community concerns, calls for service, and crime problems in the districts to which they are assigned.”

A patrol district is the area of the city that usually conforms to the boundaries of one or more neighborhoods.

The police chief said, under the new plan, district officers will likely stay in the same areas they’ve patrolled in the past.

“Officers have a lot of choice about the area in which they work,” Sizer explained. “My expectation is that most officers will want to patrol in their current districts. Our officers had developed partnerships with members of their community. They enjoy the appreciation their community shows for their work. That’s part of how you maintain consistency within a district – a good relationship with citizens and officers.”

Portland Police Bureau Assistant Chief Brian Martinek says they plan to keep an “active police presence” at the closed precincts.

Precinct buildings to be repurposed
According to Assistant Chief Brian Martinek, if the plan now under consideration is adopted, the Bureau’s Traffic and the Tactical Operations Divisions would move into the current Southeast Precinct building on E. Burnside. However, plans are afoot to keep a Neighborhood Contact Office open at that location as well.

“Community members will be able to talk to a police desk clerk, and access forms and information, during the same hours now available,” Martinek said. “We intend to have neighborhood and community meetings – such as the Bureau Advisory Group meetings – as we have in the past, in the same building.”

Should the restructuring plan be accepted, Precinct Commanders plan to visit individual neighborhoods affected by the change to answer any questions.

“If the Bureau chooses to keep me as East Precinct Commander,” assured Michael Crebs, “I promise to visit every neighborhood or group to introduce myself, and answer any questions they may have. The other commanders will do the same.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Plan now to see the comedic play upon which the
musical Hello, Dolly! was based …

As the stage crew finishes the set, David Douglas High theater instructor – and the play’s director – Michael Givler gives direction to student actors Sam De Roest, Marissa Hanson, Kathryn Martin, John Ellis, Corey Cedarleaf, Quinci Daoust (and below) Carson Cook and Josh McKinley.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton|
During our visit, both onstage and behind the scenes at the David Douglas Horner Performing Arts Center stage, theater manager Mark Taylor and 20 class students were busy putting the finishing touches the set of DDHS Theater Department’s upcoming production of Thornton Wilder’s classic comedy The Matchmaker.

It’s based on one-act farce first written in 1835 by forgotten playwright John Oxenford, and adapted by Thornton Wilder. It went on to be adapted into the Tony Award winning Broadway musical, “Hello, Dolly!”

“With all the grim news we see these days,” said the show’s director, Michael Givler, “we’re happy we can lighten the mood and send people home laughing, by putting on a play that’s been called ‘Loud, slapdash, and uproarious’.”

The Matchmaker is a story of mistaken identities, slapstick situation comedy, and manipulation and true love, Givler added.

Once again, theater-goers will be treated to lavish sets, professional lighting, and high production values, provided by the 14-member student crew.

Show opens March 5
Don’t be left out in the cold! Order your tickets for The Matchmaker today.

The show debuts at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.

The run continues on March 6 and 7; and returns on March 12, 13, and 14. Curtain for all performances is at 7:30pm.

Tickets are $5 for students and seniors; $7 for adults. The Box Office is open from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For mail-in order information, or for more information, call (503) 261-8270 during Box Office hours.

The David Douglas High School Howard Horner Performing Arts Center is located at 1400 SE 130th Avenue, between SE Division and Stark Streets.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Instead of just complaining about how City government may be wasting their tax dollars, see why about 100 people spent a Saturday morning talking turkey – and, what the Commissioners say they learned from the session, as they start making difficult decisions …

Andrew Scott, Budget Director with City of Portland’s Office of Budget & Finance, thanks citizens meeting at Floyd Light Middle School for their comments on the City’s budget.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Portland City Budget Forum held at Floyd Light Middle School on February 21 was different – and better – than similar sessions in past years, according to both the participants and the leaders who attended the four-hour meeting.

In the past, we’ve seen the halls filled with individuals representing narrow interest groups monopolizing the time and attention of the Portland City Commissioners and bureau chiefs as they advocated funding for their own programs’ needs.

Discussions and roundtables
At this City Budget Forum, citizens were quizzed using a hand-held, remote-control “clicker” – and the result of each vote was instantly displayed.

Folks sat down at a table to learn more about – and comment on – Portland bureaus and their budgets, then moved on to a second table.

Attendees were invited to talk with bureau representatives to learn more about the City’s main areas of service. Each service hosted a table; neighbors chose what each considered their two most important services areas’ tables at which to meet. Those tables were labeled:

• Culture & Arts
• Development Services & Permitting
• Fire & Rescue, Emergency Communication (9-1-1) and Emergency Management
• Housing
• Neighborhood Involvement, including Human Relations & Cable Access
• Parks & Recreation
• Planning & Sustainability
• Police
• Public Utilities (Sewer & Water services)
• Transportation.

Portland City Commissioners Randy Leonard, Nick Fish, and Amanda Fritz, along with Mayor Sam Adams, drifted among the tables, listening to comments made by participants, as they learned more about the programs operated by the bureaus, budgets, core missions, and community-need priority rankings.

After the visitations, representatives from each table summarized the top ideas and concerns that came from the discussions held there.

Dorothy Teeple votes her preferences using a “clicker” provided to each of the participants.

Voting results displayed instantaneously
Again, using their voting “clickers”, the participants anonymously recorded their demographic information:

• 70% were female and more than half 55 years of age and older;
• More than two-thirds were long-time Portland residents, living here 11 years or more; and,
• 72% were homeowners, and had obtained some advanced education.

We were encouraged to note that most of the participants did live in East Portland.

Most of the participants indicated that they thought their neighborhood – and the City of Portland in general – is a good place to live.

Asked for their opinion about “things in Portland” – 55% voted “Going in the Right Direction”, 17% indicated “On the Wrong Track” and 27% punched in “Not Sure”.

After each “vote”, the tabulated results for each question instantly shows up as a video projected slide, like this one.

When asked to name the single most important need in their neighborhood, the top three issues selected were:

• 18% voted to “Maintain neighborhood police patrols”;
• 18% voted to “Preserve recreation programs”; and,
• 17% voted to “Ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing”.

Commissioners’ comments
After it concluded, we asked each of the Portland City Commissioners what they’d learned from the Budget Forum.

In addition to monitoring the formal proceeding, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard listens to the concerns of a constituent.

“Today, I learned that people care a lot about city services,” said Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard. They care a lot about fire, police, and parks. We need to figure out a way to minimize impacts to the budgets for these bureaus.”

We asked Leonard, “Are these Budget Forums you’re holding around the city ‘window dressing’, or the real deal?”

Leonard replied, “This is real input; it’s the most important we get. Instead of hearing one group after another get up to testify about a special interest, with this method I get to go around, talk to people, and really hear what they think.”

Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz thanks participants, saying “Please continue to engage; we have some very difficult choices, in many ways no good choices to be made, in this current budget cycle.”

Portland’s freshman City Commissioner, Amanda Fritz, said she thought this kind of Budget Forum is the “real deal” in that “it helps us get a sense of community priorities”.

The commissioners have more input when it comes to the writing the questions asked of citizens, she opined. “But this is really helpful information. Even so, I think we can do better still, next year,” Fritz told us. “But the conversation really needs to start in July. Many of the bureaus have done an excellent job of including citizens throughout this process.”

We observed that Fritz had now gone from being a citizen and activist to being on “the other side”, and asked her to comment.

“The past 17 years I’ve come to budget forums, and organized citizens to come and lobby for various issues,” Fritz responded. “I’ve taught people how to ‘work the processes’. You now have someone in City Council who understands how the game is played – and how I feel it should be less of a game and more of a constructive exercise. I think we’ve made a very good start on that this year.”

Asked what she sees as the best hope for coming up with a satisfactory budget, Fritz said, “In all of the questions asked, there was nothing in there about the value of building community. I think [building community] is necessary to get us through this crisis – people stepping out to cover the gaps that are left when government cannot fund as much. That’s going to get us through this.”

Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, hears the concerns of a neighbor at the forum.

“To me, this is hugely helpful,” began Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish. “I’ll tell you why this Budget Forum is good. We get very constructive feedback on budget priorities. I’ve already gotten some ideas on how we can do some of the budget differently.”

Fish gave an example regarding senior recreation programs. “Many older adults have asked us not to cut senior programs. But one senior said we might consider raising certain [participant] fees a little, to keep from having to cut other programs all together.”

His response to the attendees: “Your time is very precious. Thank you for giving up a Saturday morning for helping us to do our job.  The feedback we’ve gotten from you will help us make smarter decisions.  So thank you.”

Portland Mayor Sam Adams thanks participants for spending their Saturday morning at the Budget Forum.

The Budget Forum process is “really helpful”, Mayor Sam Adams said.

“At this point in the process, there been no decisions made by counsel on what to say or what to cut. But, we have to make cuts. The input that we get from this Budget Forum, from East Portland people, is vital in helping us determine how to prioritize our budget.”

One thing that struck him, Adams said, was the need he’s seen expressed to maintain programs and services for the most vulnerable populations, such as seniors. “Those are, frankly, easy areas to cut, unless people turn out and say how these programs are a key part of their quality of life. We heard them loud and clear.”

The Portland City Budget process will continue through out the spring; the City’s fiscal year ends June 30.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out where to take your recycle-for-credit bottles and cans – and thereby help outer East Portland student programs …

The Parkrose High School Varsity Cheerleaders lend many helping hands to Dave Luce, the “Parkrose Can Man”, at their monthly can drive in February.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Having saved a big plastic bag full of deposit-return cans and bottles, we trekked to Parkrose Middle School on February 7 to drop them off at the monthly collection event put on by Dave Luce, the “Parkrose Can Man”.

The money collected from this first-Saturday-of-the-month can drive at Parkrose Middle school is evenly divided between the Parkrose Bronco Boosters, and the sports team or club that helps out, Luce reminded us.

Bottles and cans help fund programs
During the last school year, Luce and his student volunteers raised about $6,000 from the monthly can drives. “All folks have to do is bring us their returnable-for-credit cans and bottles. We do all of the sorting, and properly recycle their non-refundables, also,” he said.

He does this, Luce said, because his kids went to Parkrose Schools. “And, I’m retired and I don’t fish as much as I used to,” he says with a smile.

The Parkrose Can Man will come to your site to pick up the larger, hard-to-transport quantities of cans. Just give him a call!

Supports All-night Party
Some businesses and larger organizations let Luce post plastic barrels or drums, Luce said. “When the drums get filled, they give me a call and I come pick them up, and drop off a clean, empty barrel. These cans go to support the Parkrose Senior All-night Party.”

You can help
Drop off your cans on March 7 or April 4 at Parkrose Middle School (it’s on NE Shaver St., a block west of NE 122nd Ave.) – or give Dave Luce a call at (503) 255-3745 if you generate a substantial number of deposit-return cans and bottles at your home or business, and would like him to come pick them up.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Was there a disparaging word heard – about the plan, or about Portland’s Mayor – at the Portland City Council’s “road show” at Midland Library? Learn the answer, and see exclusive photos, right here …

Portland Mayor Sam Adams, flanked by Commissioners Amanda Fritz, Dan Saltzman and Randy Leonard listen to Portland Planning Bureau’s Barry Manning (far left) as they watch the PowerPoint presentation that details the East Portland Action Plan.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In an effort to deal with explosive growth, burgeoning schools, and a dearth of improvements to outer East Portland, the Portland City Council on Wednesday, February 18th, voted to approve funding to develop and begin implementation of the East Portland Action Plan (EPAP) in 2007.

In December, 2007, Mayor Tom Potter, State Representative Jeff Merkley, and Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler convened a committee comprised of neighborhood, business, government services, and faith representatives to “look strategically at short-term opportunities to improve livability, as well as long-term strategies to address some of the challenges facing East Portland,” as Barry Manning with the Portland’s Bureau of Planning put it.

Winter storm postpones meeting
The EPAP Committee wrapped up its meetings last fall. (See end of article for a list of links that detail the project’s process.)

The Portland City Council was to meet in outer East Portland in December to hear testimony and to vote whether or not to adopt their recommendations. A blizzard postponed that meeting until this week – on February 18.

The large assembly room at Midland Library on SE 122nd was filled to capacity as the session of the Portland City Council gets underway.

City Council meeting draws full house
It was standing-room-only at Midland Library’s large hall, as the crowd swelled to about 200 people – almost double the room’s stated capacity. Portland City Commissioners Randy Leonard, Amanda Fritz, Dan Saltzman, and Nick Fish joined Mayor Sam Adams in these makeshift Council Chambers.

Introduced by the Portland Planning Bureau’s Joe Zender, the Bureau’s East Portland liaison, Barry Manning, summarized the project – involving eighteen committee members from December 2007 to July 2008.

Members of the Portland City Council learn about EPAP’s seven actions.

Manning told how the committee selected seven “actions”, from an initial list of 160, for funding, specifically:

1. Providing “storefront improvement” matching grants for businesses on SE Division Street, east of 122nd Avenue;
2. Hiring an “advocate” to implement East Portland projects and pursue grants;
3. Creating “safer routes to school” by improving pedestrian crossings at key locations on busy arterial streets;
4. Initiating planning for future improvements on SE Powell Boulevard;
5. Funding studies to create “Gateway Green,” a regional green space opportunity;
6. Initiating a Portland Plan pilot study to consider and improve land uses, access, and connections, and development design along SE 122nd Avenue between Division and Foster; and,
7. Creating an EPAP Grant Fund, to allow area organizations and groups to propose and initiate projects from the Action Plan.

US Senator Jeff Merkley joins Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler at the table as testimony begins.

Dozen line up to testify
Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler began by jesting, “I urge you to adopt the plan. There is only one exit from this room, and it is located behind me.”

Wheeler commended the committee for the “considerable time and energy” spent on this process. “It is about more than issues and problems. It is really about community and pride. One after another, [outer East Portland] neighbors said there is no other part of town in which they’d live.”

The County Chair said that story of outer East Portland has been one of long-standing negligence and inequity. “When these neighborhoods were annexed into the city, relatively low levels [of attention were paid to] transportation, jobs, green space, educational outcomes and public safety. That hasn’t changed much. Yet, East Portland is unique in this region.”

The EPAP Committee, Wheeler added, “took these issues and made them opportunities; and they’re working to make them into realities. This is, without question, the best example of civic engagement I’ve seen.”

Senator Merkley’s surprise appearance
Many in the room were surprised and pleased to see another convener of the project, newly-minted US Senator Jeff Merkley, come to testify.

“I grew up just eight blocks from here,” Merkley began. “It was only with some frustration that [this area] was annexed into the City. Annexation seemed to be more about pulling taxpayers into the district than giving them full recognition as citizens of the city.”

Portland’s planners, the Senator added, seem to find it difficult to see beyond 82nd Avenue. “This conversation has changed the tenor of the relationship among [outer East Portland residents] and the Portland City Council. I praise the people who have invested so much energy in this program … and I second Chair Wheeler’s recommendation that it be adopted.”

Portland Commissioner Nick Fish thanked Merkley, noting, “It is rare for a US Senator to testify before the City Council.”

Testifying on behalf of education and better regional planning are of Parkrose School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray and Metro Counselor Robert Liberty.

More committee members chime in
Dr. Karen Fischer Gray, Superintendent of Parkrose School District, praised the plan’s recommendation to hire a staff member to make sure the plan is implemented and to help locate leveraged support. “I also want to speak for education. Each East Portland school district has special things to offer. We also have tremendous diversity and poverty. We need your continued support of our educational system.”

The Oregon House Representative for District 47, Jefferson Smith, quipped with self-effacing humor, “While Oregon got a great, new US Senator in Jeff Merkley, my district ended up with me.”

Smith advocated for better low-income housing planning and improved MAX light rail safety in outer East Portland. “From 82nd Avenue east, this area has had the greatest opportunity to fail; it now has the greatest opportunity to succeed.”

Portland’s commissioners and mayor listen as Hazelwood Neighborhood Chair Arlene Kimura testifies.

Hazelwood Neighborhood Chair Arlene Kimura said she was glad to find “people as passionate about our area” as she is. “Community building happens when a group of people engages in an activity. Hopefully, the results of this will be inclusive of everyone; we’re working to include those who don’t speak English as their primary language.”

Nick Sauvie, executive director of ROSE Community Development Corp., made a literary allusion: “Portland is the ‘Tale of Two Cities’. In our case, it’s the areas east and west of 82nd Avenue.” He pointed out the City auditors found that outer East Portland’s residents give livability low marks in terms of parks and housing by all measures. “As a multi-family housing developer, I didn’t always agree with other committee members; but we did agree that housing zoning needs to be reconsidered.”

Jim Chasse speaks up for better zoning, streets and “Safe routes to School on behalf of Portland’s largest neighborhood, Powellhurst-Gilbert; and, the APNBA’s Jon Turino says he favors the proposed business upgrades.

Jon Turino, the Executive Director of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations (APNBA), advocated in favor of the plan’s business renewal project along outer SE Division Street.

Longtime Parkrose School Board member Katie Larsell noted, “We are Portland. Equity is about making positive connections. And, a sense of being cut off comes when there isn’t equity. Thank you for holding the meeting here, thanks to Sam [Adams] and Ted [Wheeler] for being sworn in on the East Side – helping to make concrete connections. If the connections [among outer East Portland citizens and City Hall] are there, the equity will come.”

Barry Manning gets his just disserts, a home made berry pie delivered by Mary Wallker.

As Larsell’s time ran out, she thanked Barry Manning and his staff for their efforts, while Mary Walker presented the planner with a homemade berry pie. “Take this back down to City Hall. It will help them remember that we want our part of the pie.”

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs said, “I’d like to ask for a lot more cops, but I’m advocating for the neighborhoods. Enhanced sidewalks, streets, lighting, and storefronts will make the area more attractive to pedestrians and shoppers. More ‘eyes on the street’ will help reduce crime.”

Crebs also advocated for better residential construction. “It breaks my heart to see dirt roads and so few sidewalks here.”

When the role is called, each Portland City Council member congratulates and commends the EPAP committee and staff members before voting “aye”.

Finally, the vote
Time came for the long-awaited City Council vote. Starting with Amanda Fritz, each of the Portland City Commissioners commended the EPAP Committee members, conveners, and staff for their diligent actions.

The voting roll was called; with five “ayes” the East Portland Action Plan was passed.

Internet Links
We at eastPDXnews have long been following the progress of this unique process….

• To read how it started, CLICK HERE.
• To learn how it progressed mid-year, CLICK HERE.
• And to read about the committee’s wrap-up meeting, CLICK HERE.

To see the City’s official East Portland Action Plan website, CLICK HERE

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Take a look and see what you can learn at the outer East Portland working farm and food education center …

Zenger Farm’s Community Involvement Coordinator, Prairie Hale, takes to the streets in the Lents Neighborhood handing out leaflets promoting their new classes with help from volunteer Jon Wagner, and Hazelwood Neighborhood’s Arlene Kimura.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For years, we’ve brought you stories about Zenger Farm. It’s a unique, working urban farm on SE Foster Road that promotes sustainable food practices, kids’ education, environmental stewardship, and community and economic advancement.

When we saw their community involvement director, Prairie Hale, distributing flyers in the Lents Neighborhood, we stopped to find out more about their current mission.

More than kids’ classes
“We want everyone in the neighborhood to know about Zenger Farm and how we are a great resource, right here in their neighborhood,” Hale told us. “We have people coming from all over the city to participate in our programs and would like more people from outer East Portland to check out what we offer.”

One of the volunteers handing out flyers was Arlene Kimura, the chair of the Hazelwood Neighborhood Association, a few miles to the north of the farm. “Zenger Farm is a great resource for our community,” she told us. “I’m helping out because I want to encourage more connections between neighbors and the farm. And, it’s a wonderful day to get out and get some exercise!”

Zenger Farm, located on SE Foster Road at SE 117th Ave. provides food education for thousands of kids every year.

Back at the farm …
Jill Kuehler – you’ve seen here at East Portland News as the director of the Lents International Farmer’s Market – has also become the executive director of Friends of Zenger Farm, the nonprofit organization that supports the farm’s activities.

“It’s true; we’re offering some great new adult classes in organic gardening and farming, fruit tree pruning and keeping your own worm bin for composting,” Kuehler told us as they prepared for a class in the farm house educational center.

“These classes are open to everyone and residents of the Lents and Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhoods qualify for a 15% discount,” she added. “We always keep a scholarship spots available in each of our classes for those who cannot afford it.”

Connecting people with their food
Zenger Farm is important, Kuehler said, because it helps adults and children stay connected two where their food comes from and how it grows.

“Individuals, and as many as 3,000 Portland-area students attend our educational programs,” Kuehler noted. “We’re always ready to make new friends.”

Cooking class starts next week
Now is a good time to pre-register for the new Zenger Farm Cooking Classes that start on February 26.

Learn to cook delicious, quick and nutritious meals from a well-stocked pantry! Katherine Deumling, regional governor for Slow Food USA, is leading this three-week series on concepts, techniques and easy combinations to cook with what you have on hand. Classes will be interactive and include hands-on participation and demonstration.

“They’ll serve a full meal and copies of recipes and additional materials are included,” noted Kuehler. “The class is appropriate for a wide range of experience levels.”

The class objectives include learning how to stock your pantry for quick, everyday meals, becoming comfortable cooking without specific recipes, creating vegetable/grain/legume-based meals with meat used as a condiment, and using in-season produce year-round.

Classes will be held at Zenger Farm on February 26, March 5, and March 12 from 6 until 8:30pm. The cost is $140 for the three-part series.

Limited scholarship spots are available – contact Prairie Hale at (503) 282-4245 for a scholarship application.

To register e-mail contact Katherine Deumling at deumling@easystreet.net.

To find out more, visit the Zenger Farm website by CLICKING HERE.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover why teachers say that teaching kids how to play chess pays big dividends in the classroom …

Parkrose Middle School students Daniel Lillard and Cameron Davison play a practice game of chess during the “Chess for Success” tournament held at their school.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Unlike in sports, where size and strength count most, winning at the game of chess doesn’t require any special physical or mental skill – it takes concentration, plus the will to succeed.

That’s why an organization called “Chess for Success” supports kids’ chess clubs in more than 70 Title I schools in the area.

Kids compete for state-level contest play
On February 7, kids from all over outer East Portland made their way to Parkrose Middle School to participate in the Chess for Success regional tournament.

At the start of the tourney, as many as 150 students sat nearly motionless, as they focused on their game.

The event’s host, Parkrose Middle School math teacher and chess club sponsor Greg Nakashima, said “The tournament has five games, and winners play winners. Players who win every game qualify to move up to the state tournament.”

Parkrose Middle School math teacher – and chess club sponsor – Greg Nakashima welcomes youngsters from 25 schools to the Chess for Success tournament.

Chess teaches kids critical thinking
Some 25 kids regularly attend his Chess for Success club, said Nakashima. “It’s worthwhile, because it teaches young people critical thinking, and to think ahead. As they mature, they’ll be better equipped to think about the consequences of their decisions.”

During his club sessions, Nakashima told us the students usually start by learning and practicing a series of moves. “When we start playing games, there is no talking unless it relates specifically to that game. In addition to learning chess moves, they have also learned to sit still, concentrate, and focus.”

In the  schools they support, Chess for Success is open to any kids who want to join, we learned from the organization’s executive directory Julie Young.

To learn more, CLICK HERE to visit their website.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News