With national restaurant chains coming and going, find out why families, sports clubs, and groups keep Pizza Baron going …

The bad weather didn’t keep this hearty group of businesspeople from having a good time. Catch up right here on what’s happening with this group…

Music provided by the Parkrose High School Debonaires is a tradition at the Parkrose Business Association’s year-end event.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Members of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) honored several of their own for their outstanding work and participation during 2008, celebrated at a holiday event, and were filled in on the state of their organization, at their December and January meetings.

This year, PBA members held their holiday event on December 13. As has been the tradition, the Parkrose High Debonairs serenaded members and guests during the no-host cocktail reception in the atrium of the Holiday Inn Airport.

No one went away hungry – diners agreed the food was delicious and plentiful.

Before they sat down for a gourmet buffet dinner in the Salon, members bid on a variety of services and items offered in a silent auction. The auction brought in a total of $1,314.

PBA Awards presented
Following the dinner, several members were presented with awards to recognize their service to the organization during the year.

LeeAnn Bruner of LA Signs accepts a special award from Marcia Lee, outgoing Parkrose Festival & Cruise-in chair.

Marsha Lee presents David Ableidinger of Parkrose hardware his own Festival trophy award.

After seven years of working with the Parkrose Cruise-in – and last year’s Festival – Marsha Lee announced that she was stepping down as the event’s chairperson.

Before she did so, Lee took time to honor two individuals who she said were “an integral part of the event for each of the seven years.”  First, LeeAnn Bruner of LA Signs was called forward, and then David Ableidinger of Parkrose Hardware.  Both were presented special awards.

President’s Awards
Next up was PBA’s outgoing president, Michael Taylor, who gave two special awards to members whom he said “stepped up and did even more than they were asked to” for the association and at their sponsored events.

2008 PBA President Michael Taylor of ACE Academy presents Terry Brier of Davey Organicare the President’s Award.

Michael Taylor presents Joe Dowd of Junk Away Hauling the President’s Award.

2008 Artie Johnson Award

Last year’s Artie Johnson Award winner, Marcia Lee, introduces the 2008 awardee, Wayne Stoll of Argay Square/Century Associates.

Marsha Lee stepped up and announced that Wayne Stoll, with Argay Square/Century Associates, would be named as the 2008 Artie Johnson Award winner. “The Artie Johnson Award symbolizes selfless dedication and a high level of dedication to the organization,” Lee said.

For the first time that many could recall, Stoll was speechless. Regaining his composure, he told the group that the lady for whom the award is named meant a great deal to him when he first joined the PBA, and until her passing.

“Wayne, this organization appreciates all that you do,” Lee said, “just as you appreciated those same qualities that you found in Artie.”

Karl Lind Award

Michael Taylor presents Rex Hollingsworth the 2008 Karl Lind Award.

As is the organization’s tradition, the 2008 Karl Lind Award was presented by the previous year’s recipient, Michael Taylor.

The Karl F. Lind Award is given to a member of the community who has given countless hours of volunteer time, is known for personal integrity, and has become an integral part of the Parkrose community.

Taylor called up Rex Hollingsworth, with Rex Heating and Air Conditioning, saying, “Rex has been a tremendous supporter in the Parkrose community. His contributions toward our foundation’s scholarships include sponsoring the Parkrose Festival, and the Cruise-in for many years – providing money, time, and energy, and helping out in so many ways.”

As Hollingsworth received his award, he announced that he would again be the Event Sponsor for the 2009 Parkrose Festival.  His wife, Debbie, won the 50/50 drawing, and proved to be as generous as her husband; she donated her winnings to the Parkrose Foundations Scholarship Program.

Outgoing PBA VP Michael Taylor gets the President’s Gavel award from past president, Mark Eves.

New PBA president named
PBA Past President Mark Eves, of Eves & Wade LLP, called up Michael Taylor. He reminded the group that 2008 started with Michael Taylor as the PBA’s Vice President, but he was asked to take on presidential duties soon after the year began.

“Mike, you’ve fulfilled the duties of the office of President most admirably. We thank you,” Eves said as he gave Taylor the Outgoing President’s Gavel award.

Michael Taylor welcomes the organization’s president for 2009, Wayne Stoll.

With that, Michael Taylor announced that Wayne Stoll would return as the PBA president for 2009.

“It is an honor to represent – and, honestly, to brag about – the PBA to City officials, and folks from other business associations,” Stoll said. “It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of people like four-time PBA president Bob Brown. The fact that members stay, and are willing to be president more than one time, shows that there are some good vibes going on here.”

Introducing the 2009 PBA officers: President Wayne Stoll, Century Associates; VP David Walmer, Quality Inns & Suites; Secretary Mary Brown, Bob Brown Tires; and, Treasurer Marsha Lee, Copy Express.

Guests are welcome at the PBA
Come meet the members at their next meeting. It’s is on February 19 at 11:30 a.m. at their new location, Holiday Inn Airport, 8439 NE Columbia Boulevard (in the hotel building, around the back at the Flirt’s entrance – not the Convention Center next door). For more information, see their web site: www.parkrosebusiness.org.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Officials don’t know why this suspected gang member allegedly whipped out his pistol and started shooting at the AM/PM Mini-Mart on SE Holgate Boulevard. But, find out what police did about it – and what steps they’re taking to halt gang violence …

After unsuccessfully negotiating the purchase of a cigar at this ARCO AM/PM Mini-market, witnesses say the shooter headed north [toward the camera] and opened fire at a vehicle parked in an auto repair shop’s driveway.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Even the sound of a truck backfiring makes folks throughout outer East Portland duck for cover, as gang member gunplay increases.

On January 14 – this time, in the Lents area – gunfire broke out, as a suspected gang member opened fire at the intersection of SE Holgate Boulevard and SE 92nd Avenue.

“The suspect had gone into the market,” Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us. “When he came out of the market, it appears as if shots were fired. Because of the close proximity to the store, there is surveillance video of the crime occurring.”

Shooting shatters innocent’s window
According to the office manager at R-Boes Automotive repair shop across Holgate from the AM/PM market, a car pulled into their lot around 2:15 p.m. “The car just sat there. Then we heard gunshots, and saw a man running toward us (north) shooting at the car; maybe a half-dozen shots.”

Apparently the gunman’s aim wasn’t good; his target vehicle escaped without damage, she said.

However, a Lexus SUV driven by Maria Swearingen – she was heading westbound on SE Holgate Boulevard, approaching the 92nd Avenue intersection – was hit by at least two bullets that shattered the vehicle’s rear window. “She wasn’t involved in any way with the suspect or his intended target,” Schmautz noted. “She was caught in the cross-fire.”

Traffic along SE 92nd Ave, along Lents Park, was shut down for the afternoon and most of the evening until police convinced the suspect to surrender.

Vigilant citizens finger suspect
“Our mechanics saw the shooting and took off after the guy,” R-Boes’ office manager told us. One hopped into his car to follow [the shooter], and the other ran after him on foot as he ran [east on Holgate then south] on the trail along the freeway. [The mechanics] told police which house he went into.”

The description the mechanics gave the police, and surveillance video footage from the AM/PM market, helped police quickly identify the subject who witnesses said ran into a residence on SE Pardee Street, just a block east of from Lents Park.

Police block off SE Pardee St., just east of SE 92nd Avenue across from Lents Park, where they believe the suspected gangster gunman who shot up an innocent driver’s car is holed up.

Subject unwilling to give up
We asked Schmautz why the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) was called out to the scene.

“At first, the suspect was being loud-hailed by officers,” replied Schmautz. “He didn’t respond to any of the loud-hails. We think the presence of additional equipment and the SERT officers coming into the area got him to change his mind, after he understand that the police were not leaving until he surrendered.”

Finally the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Anthony Dwaine Bell, gave up and came out without further incident.

Finally, the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Anthony Dwaine Bell, gave up without further incident.

SE 92nd Avenue remained closed into the evening hours, as detectives and members of the Gang Enforcement Unit obtained a search warrant.

The following day, we learned that Bell was charged with one count of Attempted Aggravated Murder, two counts of Attempted Aggravated Murder, and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. “Investigators believe that there is a direct connection between this incident and recent shootings in both Portland [during a funeral service] and [New Year’s Eve shootings in] Gresham,” Schmautz added.

Commissioner of Police, Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman announces “Operation Cool Down” – his plan to crack down on gang violence.

Commissioner calls for a ‘Gang Cool-down’
In response to the upswing of gang violence, Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, now in charge of the Police Bureau, announced a mission called “Operation Cool Down” to “focus resources and enforcement on individuals and neighborhoods affected by gang violence”.

At a press conference at Portland City Hall on January 16, Saltzman presented plans to coordinate efforts of the Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, and the United State Attorney’s Office.

Increasing the contact among gang members and police officers will help reduce gang violence, says Portland Police Bureau chief Rosie Sizer. She’s flanked by City of Gresham Mayor Shane T. Bemis and Commissioner Saltzman.

The Portland Police Bureau’s Chief Rosie Sizer said that police efforts in recent years have reduced gang activity. “As it was reduced, there was less of a day-to-day contact between patrol officers and gang members.  That is no longer going to be the case.”

Each police precinct, including East Precinct, she added, will put on officers who can identify gang activity initially. “Then, through in-service training over the next few months, gang unit officers and members of the HotSpot Action Team will teach street officers how to identify gang members, where they’re active, and whether that they may be carrying guns. The overall organizational capacity is going to be enhanced.”

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs listens to the presentation at City Hall before explaining how the two-officer patrol plan has already resulted in arrests.

Two-officer cars target gangsters
After the press conference, we asked Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs to strip away the political rhetoric, and explain how this plan will be executed.

“I’ve told all of my lieutenants on all three shifts to send out as many two-person cars out as possible,” Crebs told us in the Portland City Hall chambers. “The job of these two-person cars is to be looking for potential gang activity and known gang members.”

When officers double up, Crebs explained, they can stop and approach individuals immediately without having to call – and wait – for a backup officer to arrive on scene.

“Officers are looking for specific behaviors, not individuals,” Crebs said. “We want officers to start engaging people and talking to them.”

Plan pays off immediately
“Last night, officers in a two-person patrol car saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation and pulled them over,” the commander said. “In the course of the stop, they ended up recovering two guns and arresting three gang-associated gang individuals. This is just the first step, but it’s an important one.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Officials aren’t talking about the circumstances, but some
speculate the elderly man suffers from dementia …

The report of a double shooting – and a victim inside a home – bring a substantial police response to this Woodstock neighborhood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Many neighbors along SE 42nd Avenue, in the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood just a few blocks north of former Mayor Tom Potter’s residence, were surprised by a massive police response as patrol cars converged at the corner of SE Cora Street before 8:00 a.m. on January 16.

In the driveway of the modest home, snuggled into the hillside on the northeast corner of the intersection, officers found 49-year-old Mark Myers with a gunshot wound to the stomach. He told police he was shot by his adoptive father, 92-year-old John Wesley Myers.

Officers measure and check over the crime scene, marked out by red tape.

Traffic was halted throughout the morning while detectives examine the crime scene.

Special Emergency Reaction Team officers were activated, because officers learned that a second victim was still inside the home, along with her 12-year-old son and the suspect.

“After loud-hailing, the suspect he did come out and talk with officers,” said police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz at the scene. A neighbor said the elderly Myers looked unsteady as he stood in his bathrobe talking to officers and later walked away with them.

“Officers entered the residence and found a second victim who appeared to have a very serious wound, shot in the head,” Schmautz reported. “A Rottweiler dog was standing guard on the couch, as if protecting a female gunshot victim.”

Because the dog wouldn’t budge, and victim, identified as 43-year-old Kim Macintosh, appeared “gravely injured”, Schmautz said an officer made the decision to shoot the dog. Both gunshot victims were transported to Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital where Myers now in serious condition.

Kim Macintosh died a week later, on January 23, from injuries she sustained in the shooting.

In the driveway, marked off by red police tape, officers found one of the victims suffering from a chest gunshot wound.

The two shooting victims are the adopted children of John Myers, and the victims are brother and sister, police detectives said. Neighbors suggested that Macintosh was acting as the primary caregiver for the elderly Myers.

Detectives processing the crime scene had not determined a motive for the crime as of the time we spoke with Schmautz. “John Myers has been charged with two counts of Attempted Murder, and was lodged into the Justice Center Jail.” He was arraigned on January 20, but did not enter a plea, pending an evaluation.

Police arrested this man, John Wesley Myers, on two counts of Attempted Murder.

Relatives reportedly said John Myers had several shotguns in his home because he was an ardent bird hunter. Further, Mackintosh told them she believed that when her dad began showing symptoms of mental instability, she’d removed the ammunition from the home.

Mackintosh’s son, age 12, described as severely autistic, was found hiding in the home when police searched the house; he has been placed in temporary foster care.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Molly Dahl at (503) 823-0991 or Detective Rico Beniga at (503) 823-0692.

Sgt. Brian Schmautz talks with reporters about the double shooting after the victims were transported to OHSU for medical care.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If your idea of “art-in-the-open” differs from what’s thrown up by taggers, read this, and find out what you can do before – and after – your property is marked …

The City of Portland’s anti-graffiti guru, Marcia Dennis, tells why it’s important to remove markings as soon as possible – after you snap a photo.

Story by Watford Reed and David F. Ashton; David F. Ashton photos
If you wake up some morning and find your fence, wall, business establishment, or car is covered with grotesque caricatures or writing or just plain vandalism, you are not alone.

So said Marcia Dennis, coordinator of Portland’s struggle against graffiti, when she spoke to members of the Gateway Area Business Association at Midway Library on January 8.

“Two steps are needed to fight graffiti and its perpetrators,” she said, “take a picture of the mess, and then get rid of it.”

Dennis said that graffiti, by legal definition, is a crime of vandalism, pointing to ORS 164.383 and Portland City Code 14B.80. “It is the unauthorized application of markings on someone else’s property, that is, without the owner’s permission.”

Not child’s play
“Tagger” graffiti is the most prevalent type in Portland. “80-85% of all graffiti in Portland fits this description,” Dennis told the group. “It may be simple line-letters, or elaborate colorful designs, ‘pieces’ or ‘throw-ups’.”

Surprisingly, Dennis said most of the taggers arrested in Portland are not juveniles, as one might suspect. “Their median age is 20.” She added that taggers often travel or associate with a “crew”, whose members may all use the same signature, or “tag”,  plus their own “moniker”, and who hang out together.

A small percentage of graffiti is done by gangs who mark out their territory, Dennis says.

Gangs mark turf
Gang graffiti is growing in Portland, Dennis went on. “Citywide, it accounts for 13-15% of all graffiti-vandalism. In some neighborhoods, it is a much higher percentage of the graffiti.”

Gang graffiti is the way gang members communicate with each other. Most of the gang graffiti currently seen in Portland is done by Hispanic or Latino/Latina gang members, or “wanna-be’s”. Dennis added that a growing number of gang-vandals are young females. And a growing number of individuals arrested for marking gang graffiti, she added, have been juveniles.

Report – Document – Remove
“Leaving graffiti up invites more such activity in the area,” Dennis explained. But, before it is painted or scrubbed off, she asked that citizens follow the three-step plan of reporting, documenting, and then removing.

Report graffiti by contacting:

• Portland Police Graffiti Hotline – 503-823-4824
• Police Non-Emergency – 503-823-3333 (weekends or Holidays)
• If you witness it occurring, call 9-1-1
• Online – www.portlandonline.com/oni – and select “Report a graffiti problem”

Take Photos and send to Graffiti Abatement:

• Digital photos (no larger than 1 MB, please) to:  mdennis@ci.portland.or.us
• Hard copies, or Photo CDs, by mail to: 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 110, Portland, OR 97204

Remove it:

• If it’s on your own property, paint it out, or check out a removal kit with solvent from one of nine Portland Fire & Rescue, namely – 3, 8, 13, 14, 18, 23, 25, 40 and 31. The kits contain solvent to be used to ‘wipe-off’ most kinds of graffiti.
• If you need free assistance, call 503-823-5860 to put in a request, if yours is owner-occupied residential property, non-profit, or small business location.
• Volunteer to remove from properties in the right-of-way: Go to the “Report a graffiti problem” webpage at www.portlandonline.com/oni ‘report a graffiti, and see sign-up sheets, and other information about volunteering to remove graffiti.
• Chronic locations – for your own property, contact your neighborhood Crime Prevention Coordinator for free assistance in ‘target-hardening’ techniques, i.e., tips to make your property more secure and less vulnerable to graffiti and other vandalism.

“When it comes to street signs, ‘stop’ signs, and other highway signage, please don’t clean them, report them,” urged Dennis. “That’s because most heavy-duty cleaning agents will strip the paint off these signs, damaging them further.”

Preventing graffiti
The best way to prevent graffiti is “don’t provide an inviting ‘canvas’ for taggers,” Dennis said. Covering walls with ivy, putting bushes with thorns at the base of walls, preventing taggers from climbing on buildings and keeping areas well-lit are all ways of making graffiti artists move on to a more inviting property.

Outgoing GABA president Alan Sanchez gets the coveted Rubber Chicken Award from board member, and the meeting’s host, Lee Powell of Farmer’s Insurance.

Meet the members
If you have a business, do business, or live in the Gateway area, come check out this organization. They meet the second Thursday of the month (February 12); networking starts at 11:30 AM. The meetings convene at Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave. For more information, go to www.gabanet.com.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why police detectives say that stealing a few bucks, under false pretences, really is more than a petty crime. Perhaps YOU can help …

Portland Police Bureau Southeast Precinct Detective Dan Andrew shows a “donation sheet” signed by victims of the suspect’s door-to-door solicitation fraud.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One might think that door-to-door solicitors asking for donations for non-existent causes constitute a pretty inconsequential scam. But, a Portland Police Bureau detective, building a case against one of these scam artists, said there is more to such a criminal enterprise than simply cheating citizens out of a few dollars on a false pretext.

Just after noon on December 28th, Eastmoreland neighbors called police when they suspected that band of door-to-door solicitors were fakes.

“Neighbors on SE Glenwood Street [in Eastmoreland] said three suspicious subjects were going door-to- door attempting to collect money for the Grant High School basketball program,” reported police spokesperson Officer Catherine Kent.

“They told officers that the suspects could not answer questions about the program, and appeared older than high school age,” continued Kent. “Officers arrived in the area and located a suspect in the area of SE 32nd Avenue and SE Tolman Street who matched the description they were given.”

Suspect is known to detectives
Although his accomplices were not located or identified, officers arrested 19-year-old Antone Marquece Foster, and charged him with Theft by Deception after he was identified by the victims, according to Kent.

“This isn’t his first time,” Portland Police Bureau Southeast Precinct Detective Dan Andrew told us. “Foster was arrested and charged for Theft in March, 2008, when he was canvassing neighborhoods in NE Portland, soliciting money for an AAU basketball tournament. He was arrested again in September of 2007 for soliciting funds in North Portland for the Jefferson High School basketball program. He wasn’t affiliated with any of these schools.”

Pot in his pocket
When he was arrested this time, Andrew said, Foster had $89 in his possession. “He also had three baggies of marijuana. So, if people believe that they were giving him money for a good cause, perhaps this money was simply used to supply himself and his crew with marijuana. We don’t think this is a good cause.”

The detective said fake solicitors tend to deter people from donating to legitimate charities. “They are selfish people who are denying other people the ability to receive charitable donations because neighbors have given to them, and because of their bad experience, may not then give to legitimate organizations.”

Prelude to other crimes
While not accusing Foster of other crimes, Detective Andrew said that this individual, on other occasions, printed fake “donation sheets” on which he collected information from unsuspecting neighbors – including personal information. “This could be used for identity fraud.”

Further, as with other scamming solicitors, these visits might have been a prelude to burglary. “It’s an easy way – a semi-legitimate-appearing way – for a criminal to case a house,” noted Andrew. “If no one is home, the residence might become a burglary target. Or, during warm weather, they may come in the screen door and grab a laptop computer or purse. They are specifically looking for ‘crimes of opportunity’.”

Help stop fake solicitors
Andrew advises not to give money to door-to-door solicitors. “Really think about someone who is at your door asking for a donation. If you give to a fraudulent solicitor, in a sense you’re helping to enable and perpetuate their criminal activity. It’s easy to check out legitimate charities using the Internet.”

If your area has an active Neighborhood Watch program, Andrew added, let your neighbors know you think a scam artist is working your street. “Get the best description you can of the person. Come out and see if there is a vehicle associated with the solicitors – and get the license plate. Don’t be afraid to walk out to the end of your walkway to see where he is going. If they see you’re paying such close of attention, though, they’ll probably move on. Then, call and report it to our non-emergency number, (503) 823-3333.”

Police say they suspect that this man, Antone Marquece Foster, keeps fleecing unwitting neighbors, and officers need the help of victims to make the theft charges stick. Foster was arrested in Eastmoreland, after neighbors suspected he was a fake and reported it.

Asks victims to come forward
Many victims give because they want to help the cause, reported Andrew. Others give because they are afraid of “brick through the window” retaliation. Nevertheless, the frauds add up to good money. A scam artist can take in $150 within an hour or two.

Andrew said that scam artists get more confident over time. Because scammers collected only a dollar here, or five dollars there, they figure they won’t get prosecuted, because people who’ve been cheated will not follow through with the charges.

“Right now, we’re ‘up to here’ with this kind of behavior,” affirmed Andrew. “We want to see that these people are prosecuted, but we need victims to come forward – even if they were only taken for a couple of dollars.”

If believe you’ve been a victim, call Detective Dan Andrew at (503) 823-5031.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Dreaming of motor boating to this Willamette River isle – to take family and friends for a delightful picnic ashore? Forget it! Find out why, before, during, and after restoration you can look at – but not touch – this City-owned 45-acre paradise …

David McAllister of Portland Parks & Recreation points out the Holgate Channel where they hope to create a “No Wake” zone.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
More than a year after Robert B. Pamplin Jr., owner of Ross Island Sand & Gravel Company and Community Newspapers, Inc., donated a 44.83 acres parcel of land on the north end of Ross Island to the City of Portland, plans for managing the property were announced in a Portland Parks & Recreation board meeting – held, of all places, on the west side in Multnomah Village.

PP&R’s David McAllister talked about the progress they were making – and some of the challenges they face – in developing a Ross Island Management Plan.

City owns land, but not shoreline
McAllister noted that the donated land parcel excludes the shoreline on the east side of the island, along the Holgate Channel, facing Inner Southeast Portland. “Another 15 acres of island land in the area is to be negotiated in good faith in the future, but there’s no guarantee.”

The northern tip of the island is owned by the Port of Portland. Ross Island Sand & Gravel owns a southern portion, and the waters inside the lagoon are owned by the State of Oregon, and are open for public use.

Endowment helps restoration
Along with the donation agreement, Pamplin included a $100,000 endowment to help with the city’s efforts to complete major wildland reclamation work by 2013. The endowment also passes the obligation to meet the reclamation requirement on to the City of Portland.

“We’ve done a vegetation survey of the property,” McAllister said. “It is in severely degraded condition, and overrun with invasive species. In spite of its condition, it is being used by nesting birds.”

Dredge mining was discontinued in 2000, and an objective of the reclamation plan is to improve endangered species’ fish habitat, explained McAllister. “Fish can spend some time in the lagoon before they out-migrate.”

McAllister explains the bureau’s efforts to create a Ross Island Management Plan to the PP&R board members.

Four commitments outlined
The Parks official said they’ve developed four main commitments in the Ross Island Management Plan:

• Develop a habitat plan for City-owned property;
• Manage the island property as a natural area;
• Control the invasive species and restore habitat in the island; and
• Manage the habitat.

“We have no other total-water access parks,” McAllister mentioned. “The Parks Bureau didn’t own a boat; we had to buy one.”

Look, but don’t touch
If you’ve dreamed of motor boating to Ross Island to enjoying a picnic lunch, with the Portland skyline as your backdrop – this will never become a reality, we learned.

“A restriction [in the plan] is NO public use,” stated McAllister. “We want people to love the island, but not ‘love it to death’. But we are looking at ways of providing information access, in a limited way, for environmental education.”

This past October, the Parks Bureau started developing an agreement with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office to enforce the policy of keeping citizens from coming ashore on this City park. “We’re developing signs, to let people know it’s off limits.”

Motor boats to be banned
“We’re also working on a ‘No Wake’ proposal,” McAllister continued. “We want to reduce all of the high power watercraft in the Holgate Channel. This will reduce wildlife disturbance and soil erosion, and provide a pleasant place for people to recreate.”

In addition to the “No Wake” demarcation, the bureau hopes to enlist the aid of groups like Willamette Riverkeepers and the Portland Audubon Society to propose a ban of ALL motorized watercraft in the lagoon to the Oregon State Marine Board. Citizens will be allowed to “experience the lagoon” in a kayak or rowboat.

This map shows the portion of Ross Island now owned by the City of Portland that you may view – from shore – but not touch.

Short term steps
“We’re using the endowment to work with the Bureau of Environmental Services on a re-vegetation plan,” McAllister explained. “First, we’ll remove the invasive species. After a couple of years, we’ll replant the area with native plants, then make sure they take hold.”

The next step, he said, is to develop a management plan. “The plan will be created with pubic involvement, and will emphasize the visual nature of the island,” said McAllister. “We will develop was of providing access, but not like people may think. We will encourage participation, but without actually being on the site.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why “Mayor Sam” chose outer East Portland for his public swearing-in ceremony. Also, see our exclusive photos, and read the full text of Adams’ remarks, right here …

Parkrose School District Board Chair James Woods Ph.D. checks over his opening remarks, while superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray awaits the swearing-in ceremony for Sam Adams to begin, at the Parkrose High School Theater.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Perhaps you’ve seen the 60-second TV version of the story: At the Parkrose High School Theater, about 400 people gathered on January 5th to witness Sam Adams’ public Mayoral swearing-in ceremony.

But, there’s more to the story which you might find interesting: Why Parkrose High was chosen, and want was said at the occasion by its participants.

Superintendent on Adams ‘Education Cabinet’
We asked Parkrose School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray why she thought Parkrose was chosen as the location for this event.

“I think it came about because I am doing quite bit of work with the Mayor’s office, and will be part of his ‘education cabinet’. While he was preparing to take office, the superintendents of Portland area school districts met with him to talk about the things they think are important about improving education.”

Gray added that she feels thoroughly delighted and excited about the swearing-in ceremony being in Parkrose. “I feel honored and privileged.  I’m looking forward to working with Mayor Sam Adams in the months and years ahead.”

At the event on January 5, Parkrose High Principal Roy Reynolds commented, “There’s no better place that represents Portland than Parkrose. With the diversity here – the broad spectrum of students, and the community that we serve – Parkrose is Portland’s future.”

Dr. James Woods, Chair of the Parkrose School Board, introduces the event with theatrical allusions.

Introduction laced with theatrical allusions
The Chair of the Parkrose School Board, Dr. James Woods, revealed an irrepressible sense of humor as he began the program.

“This setting is truly appropriate, here in the theater,” Woods began. “While the ceremony won’t have the grandeur of being tapped on the shoulder with a sword, or being draped in ermine robes, it is the way we do things around here. In keeping with the theatrical motif, we’ll have a chorus out here in a moment. There will be some rote recitation, and if I know my politicians well enough, there will be a least one soliloquy.”

Woods identified several honored guests, beginning with former Mayor Vera Katz.  He also introduced the new slate of Portland City Commissioners: Nick Fish, Amanda Fritz, Randy Leonard, and Dan Saltzman.

The stage curtains open, and the Parkrose High Debonairs, under the direction of Lesley Bossert, sing the National Anthem.

Music and swearing
After the Parkrose High Debonairs sang the National Anthem, Woods introduced the Honorable Judge Jean Kerr Mauer.

Judge Mauer said it was an honor and a privilege for her to administer Sam Adams’ oath of office. “As we know, the public ceremony is an important part of what we ask of our public officials. It is an opportunity for the person who is assuming the office to declare publicly the vow – if you will, the oath – to uphold the law, and to refrain from personal interests. And it is important to all communities that that oath be taken publicly, in a public forum, and in front of members of the community that the public official serves.”

That Mayor Adams selected Parkrose High as the location for his public swearing-in, Mauer noted, “speaks volumes about the importance to him of children and education. Before we move forward with the oath, I like to ask Mayor Adams if he has anything to say at this time.”

Heeeeere’s Sam!
Officials on the stage, and people in the audience, looked around for Sam Adams – he was nowhere in sight. Nevertheless, they started applauding for him. Adams then walked out through the center of the closed curtains on the theater stage, and the applause grew even louder.

“I guess I’ve gotten so used to waiting to become mayor,” Adams quipped, “I was backstage wondering ‘How do I know when to come out?’  …There are a couple of things I need to do before I go any further.”

Mayor Adams gives Dr. Karen Fischer Gray a bouquet – and a hug – as he did with several other family members and dignitaries in the audience.

Brings bouquets to family and supporters
With an armload of floral bouquets, Adams strode down into the audience and gave flowers to his grandmother, to former Mayor Vera Katz, to Parkrose Schools Superintendent Gray, and to several other individuals.

Adams also introduced his father, seated midway in the auditorium remarking, “He is shy”.

Judge Mauer administers the oath of the mayor’s office to Sam Adams.

Back on stage, Adams rejoined Judge Mauer, and took the oath of his new office.

He repeated after the judge, “I, Sam Adams, do solemnly affirm that I will support the constitutions of the United States and of the State of Oregon, the charter of the City of Portland and its laws; and will faithfully, honestly, and ethically perform my duties as Mayor of the City of Portland.

“I have no undisclosed financial interest in any business located in Portland, or having any contracts with the city. I hold no other office or position of profit, and I am not a member of any partisan political committee.”

Sam Adams addresses his first audience as Portland’s mayor.

The audience applauded enthusiastically as Portland Mayor Sam Adams turned to address the audience. He began his speech saying, “My name is Sam Adams, and I am thrilled to be your mayor. I thank the judge for swearing me in, and I thank the Parkrose Broncos for their excellent hospitality.”

Adams’ remarks, in their entirety, appear at the end of this article.

Reverend William Lupfer provides the convocation closing the event.

Channels power to Adams
Closing the formal program, Reverend William Lupfer asked that all audience members to put their hand on the shoulder the person next to them. “I realize it might be a little touchy-feely for some in this crowd, but we want to channel all of the energy in this room in towards Sam; please do what you do when you pray.

“Holy and life-giving Spirit, we ask your blessing and care upon Sam upon his person,” Lupfer began. “We know the only way that he can lead is with a healthy soul.  So we thank you for Sam; we ask you to strengthen him.”

In his prayer, Lupfer asked of those in City government that “… some of the rivalry and squabbling be relaxed a bit, [that] they may come together in an unusual and powerful way to be a symbol of how all people in Portland can come together.”

Former Portland Mayor Vera Katz enthusiastically answers questions posed by a television news reporter after the ceremony.

The Parkrose High stage fills with well-wishers who greet Mayor Adams.

Celebration, with punch and cookies
At the conclusion of the official ceremony, the stage curtains swept open, revealing tables laden with cookies, punch and coffee.

The Chair of Parkrose Neighborhood Association, Mary Walker, greets Sam Adams.

Parkrose Business Association board member Marsha Lee, of Copy Express, gets a hug from Portland’s new mayor.

Mayor Sam Adams’ remarks

Mayor Sam Adams addresses officials and citizens at his inauguration.

“What a glorious and quirky city we have. Where else can you buy a donut designed to look like ‘dirt’?  Or browse one of the world’s largest bookstores and then walk a couple of blocks to the world’s smallest park. There is a reason experts always seem to rank us so high. As the nation’s most livable city, the best city for seniors, the best city for walkers — a city known for its bikers and hikers; food and flowers; beer and bridges.

“The reason for all this is clear: That reason is you. Us. All of us. Because we have created this think-different, keep-it-real, improve-the-world kind of culture; a culture of sustainability, a culture you can’t find just anywhere else. It is the reason why Portland is a city we can love. And it’s those values that position us to thrive at this moment of transition and transformation.

“Portland has also become what it is, in part, because of our leaders. Like Mayor Tom Potter. He brought youth, immigrants, Portlanders of color into civic decision-making. Like Mayor Bud Clark.  He boosted the city’s rainy day fund from a few thousand dollars to $20 million. And like my dear friend, Mayor Vera Katz. She created beautiful Portland places like the esplanade that circles the Willamette. Thank you. We are better people and a better place because of you.

“And before I go further, I want to thank my family, like my brother and sisters, my Mom and Dad; my boyfriend, Peter; and all the friends who keep me grounded and accountable. I love you guys.

“It’s a new year, and now Portland has new leadership. The 2009 City Council brims with fresh ideas. Please stand up. Auditor Gary Blackmer; Commissioners Nick Fish, Amanda Fritz, Randy Leonard and Dan Saltzman: I am excited to work with you. We are a small team with big plans, a city council willing to take on smart but unconventional ideas that give Portland its standout innovations.  Also: Portland has strong bureau management and dedicated city workers. You will help us steer a constructive course.  I have a tremendous team: perhaps the best mayoral staff in public service today, anywhere. Will my team please stand up?

“Together – with all Portlanders – we will make the city even better. Because Portland is better together and because Portland belongs to all of us.

“We will do more than just push back on the problems that confront us.  Together, we will push ahead.  Our goals are tough but doable. Make Portland the greenest city on earth.  Stoke our capacity for creativity and groundbreaking innovation.  Brand and sell Portland-made products and services around the globe.  Find more of our people family-wage jobs and affordable housing.  Keep Portlanders safe.  And, regardless of neighborhood or race or household income, educate all of our kids to world-class standards.

“As mayor, I will take risks to innovate. I will be grateful to those who help.  If things don’t work out as expected, I will take responsibility for failures.  To those who disagree with me, let’s not be disagreeable.  I promise to listen to you. Your ideas may be better than mine and your participation makes us stronger.  Because Portland is better together.

“Our community, of course, has problems — big problems – and fixing them will be tough.  The work might go slow.  This will be frustrating, at times. But we need to recognize that our problems can also offer us opportunities.  One thing is absolutely certain: Despite the worst economic recession in 60 years bearing down on us, Portland cannot wait; the time to move is now.

“To set a standard of action, in coming weeks I will announce my plans for the first 100 days in office.  To set a standard of inclusion, I will soon announce my citizen mayoral cabinet members.

“In addition to supporting the work of my council colleagues, as mayor, my focus is on jobs, education and sustainable planning. Let’s talk about jobs first.

Jobs
“Almost three out of ten Portlanders are unemployed or make so little they can barely afford basic essentials like food.  This means the city needs more family-wage jobs. Good jobs that come from successful and ethical businesses.  The City Council will work to support such companies to open, expand and stay here.  And we have already started.

“The resurgent Portland Development Commission and Governor Ted Kulongoski last month helped us attract the proposed North American headquarters of Vestas Wind Systems. That’s 850 more jobs and a quarter of a billion dollars in a private-sector investment in Portland.  Now we need our legislature to approve the deal.

“To help businesses more immediately, the Portland City Council this month will unveil the city’s first local job creation and economic stimulus package.  I intend it to include scholarships so people recently laid off can get training at our Worksource Centers and community colleges.  Also, I want provisions in the stimulus package to give local companies – and companies that hire local workers – “buy local” preferences in awarded city contracts.

“To build our local economy on a firm foundation of accountability, we aim to integrate these and other efforts into an economic development plan.  And, as Mayor, I am putting out the city’s ‘welcome mat’ to businesses.

Schools
“Another area of focus for me is schools. Here’s one figure that scares me.  Count off four eighth graders. One. Two.  Three.  Four.  In Portland, chances are that two of them will drop out of high school.

“Making sure our children graduate high school is more than an ethical thing; it is a smart investment in our future prosperity.  Our economy hinges on an educated workforce.

“So, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler and I have created a new education improvement partnership with local school districts and local school foundations.  We are collecting the best ideas on how to reduce the dropout rate.  Here is one idea.  Studies show that 8th graders going on to 9th grade are more likely to excel academically if
they get workplace experience during their summer vacation.

“So let’s help our students get the experience they need.  Let’s create the Portland Youth Corps.  For the summer of 2009, just five months away, the Portland Youth Corp would need 250 adults to volunteer as coaches.  These coaches will partner with employers to welcome young people to the workplace. You will be asked.

“Schools make the American Dream possible.  We need our families and teachers to educate our students to first class standards so all our children can soar.  Yes, education costs money.  Ignorance costs more. Let’s invest now.

Sustainability
“My third priority is sustainability. Sustainability means meeting our needs without compromising our children’s ability to thrive.  It means economic, social and environmental justice.

“We all know which bad habits that contribute to this planet’s potential environmental doom. We rely on a dwindling supply of fossil fuels. Burning them, poisons our atmosphere. Our climate is changing faster than experts expected.

“Here’s a silver lining to this toxic cloud:  Portland is the ideal starting place for this nation to get serious about environmental sustainability.  We can show what’s possible, setting an example the rest of the world can follow.  And we can prove sustainability pays off.  Our economy benefits from an estimated $2.6 billion annual green dividend. Portlanders get money back into their pockets through the automobile miles not driven, worse congestion not experienced and pollution not breathed.  Our green dividend grew from public investments in transit and land-use planning.

“Portland may be the greenest city in the country.  That’s no longer good enough.  We aim to be the greenest city on earth. We can do this with thoughtful planning that integrates Portland’s value of sustainability into everything we do.  I want to see this philosophy put into action with the completion of the Portland Plan, a blueprint for the next 30 years.

“The Portland Plan will put density where density belongs and shape our city so that the necessities of a good life, like grocery stores, are a 20-minute walk from home.

“But we need more than planning.  We need more sustainable ‘doing’, too.

“So, I am thrilled today to join the Governor and the Oregon University System to announce the proposed Oregon Sustainability Center, to be located in the Portland State University district.  Governor Kulongoski has included $80 million of state bonds in his proposed budget to help pay for it.  Thank you, Governor.

“A green revolution is about to bloom across America.  Let’s make Portland the hub.

Better Together
“In closing, I want to repeat a quote that I used on the campaign trail: The Scottish writer Alasdair Gray once wrote, ‘Work as if we are living in the early days of a better nation.’

“To me, this means working with a young nation spirit of belonging to something you can believe in. Even in the toughest of times, Portlanders never let our “young nation” spirit die. At our best, Portlanders do more than just push back on problems.  We push ahead. If we can channel our collective energy for the common good, there’s no stopping us, no problem we can’t solve, no opportunity we cannot seize.

“In the coming days, the City Council will announce an initiative that will make it easier for Portlanders to pitch in. Imagine a Portland with more people like Matt Todd, a city maintenance worker I met in December during a late-night ride-a-long on a city plow.

“Matt volunteers as a groundskeeper for Jefferson High School.  Nobody asked him to, but every summer, he mows and edges the sports fields.  He keeps the school’s outdated irrigation system functioning.  He spends many, many hours making the fields look better. Matt has respect, appreciation and fulfillment that come with improving a piece of Portland.  Thank you, Matt.

“I will work hard as your mayor to make Portland even better. And I ask that you work at it, too: because Portland is better together, and the responsibility for its care belongs to all of us.

“We need everyone’s help to move Portland forward, so I will close by paraphrasing a hero of mine, Harvey Milk, a great city leader, “My name is Sam Adams, and I’m here to recruit you!”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Outgoing Portland Mayor Tom Potter didn’t get to take a dip, but come along on the sneak preview Portland Parks officials arranged him at the East Portland Community Center Aquatic Center …

Outgoing Portland Mayor Tom Potter is all smiles as he starts his tour of the soon-to-be-opened East Portland Community Center Aquatic Center.  The shark in the background is actually a little kid’s water slide.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Snow was blowing sideways when Mayor Tom Potter visited the East Portland Community Center Aquatic Center on December 19.

It wasn’t the celebration that Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) planned for neighbors and community leaders – but, because he was down to his last few days in office, they wanted to make sure Potter got a special sneak preview of the facility they said he helped to build.

Mayor Potter, PP&R project manager Richard Bosch, and PP&R’s director Zari Santner together tour the new East Portland natatorium.

Complete, after ten years
PP&R project manager Richard Bosch recounted the history of the soon-to-be-opened pool addition, as he and other officials walked Potter around the recently-completed section of the Community Center.

“The East Portland Community Center was completed in 1998,” Bosch began. “At that time, we had intended – we’d hoped – to build a swimming pool. In fact, a swimming pool design had been already committed to a schematic drawing.”

However, plans for the pool dried up when the Parks’ bond measure failed in 1998. And, the pool was again put off when a levy measure failed in May of 2002.

But, when the Parks bond measure was approved in November of 2002, the bureau dove into the project and started construction a year ago, Bosch said.

“We did not expect the prices of steel and concrete would go up so high,” PP&R’s director Zari Santner chimed in. “It was then we started to realize that we didn’t have enough money to complete the project. We’re grateful that the City Council authorized the funding to finish it.”

Even the wide-angle lens doesn’t fully capture the massive size of the new Aquatic Center.

Family-friendly features
As we walked into the 15,000 square foot “natatorium” (from the Latin cella natatoria, translating to “a swimming pool in its own building”), Abbe MacFarlane, the center’s director, pointed out the five family changing areas that are provided, in addition to men’s and women’s locker rooms. “These solve the changing-room problem that arises when a mother brings her sons, or a father brings his daughters, to enjoy the pool.”

This Aquatic Center isn’t simply one huge pool – it’s divided into two primary areas.

On the south end is a 2,886 square foot, 90,000 gallon, lap pool. To the north is the 4,500 square foot, 120,000 gallon, leisure pool.

Amenities in the leisure pool include a:

• 136 foot long water slide,
• 118 foot long “Current Channel”,
• Vortex whirlpool, 14′ diameter,
• Little Tot Slide (it’s the “Shark” in the pool’s northwest corner),
• Fireflies, and crown jets, and
• Hydrotherapy Bench

The east section of the leisure pool features the giant water slide (in the background) as well as the Vortex and Current Channel.

We asked Eric Ridenour from SERA Architects to describe the Current Channel and Vortex features in the leisure pool.

“These are the two concentric circles south of the water slide,” Ridenour pointed out. “The water swirls rapidly in the center Vortex; and then slows down to about five miles per hour in the Current Channel. One can float on the water and ride with the current, but it was primarily designed for people to walk against the current for exercise and to get physical therapy benefits.”

On such a cold, winter’s day, the 2,000 square foot hot-tub Spa looked inviting. About 17 people can enjoy the hot tub, Ridenour said.

Want to swim laps? A separate pool allows serious swimmers to exercise without having to dodge those who come to the pool for pleasure.

Accommodates all levels of ability
In the northwest corner, in the youngsters’ swimming area, is an unusual feature for a public pool – a ramp that gradually goes down from the side, through the top surface of the water, and down into the depths of the pool.

In both the leisure and lap pools, power-lift seats can be raised to the level of a wheelchair, which can then lower disabled swimmers into the water.

For high-spirited splashers, there’s a giant waterslide – the towering, zig-zagging structure dominating the building. And, those wanting to exercise by swimming strokes can do so undisturbed in the five-lane lap pool.

PP&R project manager Richard Bosch explains to Portland’s outgoing mayor Tom Potter how the pumps and filters in the equipment room keep the water safe and flowing.

Hidden systems revealed
Lisa Petterson, also with SERA Architects, pointed out that even the natatorium’s air-handling system was designed and built with subtleties.

“We didn’t want air blowing across people who are standing in the wading pool since that would make them feel chilled,” Petterson explained. “And, we still needed to have sufficient air-handling capabilities to remove moisture-laden air containing the sanitizing chlorine vapors. It’s quite an engineering feat.”

In the equipment room, hidden away some distance from the pools, Petterson pointed out the high-power pumps that drive the Vortex, Current Channel, slide jets, and sanitizing tanks. The automated sanitizing equipment keeps just enough disinfectant in the water to keep it safe, without over-chlorinating the water.

Mayor Potter eyes the Hot Tub
As the tour was winding down, Potter smiled and nodded his approval of the project. “I think this is wonderful,” he told us. “And, I think it’s long overdue for the people of outer East Portland. I know this place is going to be well-used. Children will love it, adults will love it, and senior citizens will love it.”

“If you had your swimming suit on today, where would you go first?” we asked Potter.

“The Vortex and Current Channel look really interesting to me,” Potter replied. “To be able to walk against it or ride around in it looks fun. And, especially seeing the snow blowing outside, I think I would take a nice long relaxing sit in the hot tub!”

Potter says the East Portland Community Center’s new Aquatic Center is “everyone’s legacy”.

Considers the pool “Potter’s legacy”
We asked Potter if new facility could be considered his legacy in outer East Portland.

“I think it’s everyone’s legacy,” Potter replied graciously. “In a sense, it’s [Parks Bureau] Commissioner Dan Saltzman’s legacy – and all of the people who believed in it, and worked hard to see this concept become a reality.”

Santner countered, “If it weren’t for Mayor Tom Potter, and his leadership convincing other City Counselors to provide the funds to build this pool, we could not have built it the way we needed to do it. He made this project a priority. That’s why we wanted to make sure that he saw it completed before he left office.”

Potter smiled, looked down and responded, “It’s really the community’s legacy; they’re the ones who said this is what they wanted. It took us 10 years to get around to doing it. I think it’s going to be well-used and enjoyed for years to come.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Don’t let cold winter weather rob you by stealing the heating energy from your home!  Find out about these FREE classes coming to outer East Portland right there …

Community Energy Project’s Weatherization Workshop Coordinator, Loni Silva, shows some of the simple, energy-saving products that can cut drafts and save money.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Folk all over East Portland are learning how to keep their home or apartment from getting cold and drafty when the winter winds blow at free classes offered by an independent, non-profit organization called Community Energy Project (CEP).

CEP’s Weatherization Workshop Coordinator, Loni Silva, was getting ready for a presentation in SE Portland last month when she told us about the 60 free, do-it-yourself oriented classes CEP offers during the winter months for renters and homeowners.

“These classes are important, now,” Silva began, “especially during this economic crisis when people are short on money. We show people many simple things they can do to reduce their energy bills at home. Using these tips, they can save money on utility bills and make their home or comfortable process.”

None of the projects they discuss requires a contractor, Silva added. “These are things that you can do yourself on a free Saturday to make yourself more comfortable.”

Hands-on classes
Some of the tips and techniques taught during their classes can be found on their Internet website, Silva said – but the classes provide hands-on, interactive demonstrations. “Instead of reading about it, people who come to our classes get to practice doing it – and go home feeling less intimidated by the tasks we teach.”

Some of the projects include:

• Putting weather-stripping on doors;
• Using energy-saving light bulbs;
• Installing gaskets on outside wall electrical outlets; and
• Wrapping hot water pipes with insulation.

Silva said the best energy-saving tip of all is to learn how to look for “energy leaks” that can be simply fixed – and not to put it off! “You don’t have to be handy. If you take one step today, you’ll start saving money, dollar by dollar, that adds up to real money over the course of the season.”

Calking can keep the winter’s wind a bay, Silva tells the class

Free materials for low-income attendees
The courses are free, and open to everyone, Silva mentioned. “And for people who are income qualified, they also get $150 in energy-saving materials to take home at the end of the class.” Watch for the announcements of future classes in the area.

Workshops come to outer East Portland
If you’re interested in staying warmer and saving money, call (503) 284-6827 x108 and register for one of these free classes in January:

• January 14 – 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm at Snow Cap, 17805 SE Stark St.
• January 21 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Lent School, 5105 SE 97th Ave
• January 27 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Alice Ott SUN School, 12500 SE Ramona St.

For more information, call (503) 284-6827, or visit their website by CLICKING HERE.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Why did folks from this outer East Portland neighborhood give coffee mugs to all the officers and workers in East Precinct? We’ve got the answer right here …

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs receives the first Argay coffee mug from Argay Neighborhood Association Chair Valerie Curry.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We wondered what was happening, when we saw Argay Neighborhood Association chair Valerie Curry getting a couple of East Precinct cops to help her carry large and obviously-heavy cardboard boxes into the police station.

During a break in last month’s East Precinct Citizen’s Advisory meeting, we found out, when Curry presented a wrapped gift to Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs. “Its our way of saying ‘Thank you for all you do’,” Curry told Crebs as they stood before nearly 80 people who were at the meeting.

Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer admires her new coffee mug.

Curry also gave a coffee mug to Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer. The chief politely thanked Curry as she examined the gift and noted the mugs were green, the official color of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department.

Curry informed Chief Sizer, “This is the official color of our neighborhood association – it’s called ‘Argay Green’!”

Upon closer inspection, we observed that the coffee cups feature the Argay Neighborhood Association logo on one side, and the Portland Police Bureau shield on the other.

These substantial coffee mugs are a token of appreciation from the Argay neighbors to their cops, according to their association’s chair.

Asked how the idea of making mugs for Crebs and Sizer came up, Curry told us, “We wanted to say thank you. There’s not enough public support in Portland for the police.”

Curry added, “The boxes we were carrying in are full of coffee mugs. We made up 144 cups, so all of the police officers and East Precinct workers could have one.”

Meet the Argay neighbors on January 20
If you live in the Argay Terrace area – it’s located east of Parkrose, and runs along the south bank of the Columbia River – consider coming to an association meeting and getting involved in reducing crime and improving livability.

Their General meeting is on January 20, and gets underway at 7:00 p.m. at the Portland Fire Station Training Center, 4800 NE 122nd Avenue. To see their website, CLICK HERE. Or, for more information, call (503) 256-5579 or e-mail to argayinfo@yahoo.com.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Everyone thought the flood in December, 2007, was bad – but take a look at what this week’s major rainstorm did to businesses – and even to a PGE Substation – on SE Foster Road …

Looking east on SE Foster Road from SE 101st Avenue, the water on the roadway gives a whole new meaning to the term “traffic island” – the Springwater Trail crossing is deep beneath flood water.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Thirteen months and six days have passed since Johnson Creek last flooded Lents area businesses and neighbors. (Read about last year’s flood by CLICKING HERE.)

The 2009 New Year’s Day rainstorm did more than dampen holiday plans – it caused land to slide and creeks to swell throughout the metropolitan Portland area.

And, the third “10-year storm” within the decade also caused Johnson Creek to rise more than four feet above its bank, flooding Lents-area residents and businesses.

James Thompson says this is the worst flooding he’s seen. The blue steel building behind him in the distance – across “Lake Foster Road” – is his business: Thompson Auto Body.

Business owners work through rain and darkness
“Homeowners say they’ve had more flooding today, from 103rd Avenue and 109th Avenue, than they did in 1996,” James Thompson, owner of Thompson Auto Body, told us. “Ten years ago, Johnson Creek didn’t flood like it does today – all of a sudden, they’re under water.”

Thompson said his business has been at its current location, 10310 SE Foster Road, for 18 years. “Back in 1996, we moved everything up about a foot. And, we equipped the shop so we can lift cars high above the water level, and move our equipment quickly. With all the snow, and then the prediction of rain, we saw [a flood] coming.”

To this end, Thompson said they didn’t schedule any new auto body jobs, and started preparing for the storm. “We’ve now got about 6 inches of water in our building. With the water receding the way it is, we’ll probably come out OK, after we clean up the mess.  So, while we’re losing business, at this point, everything is ‘golden’ for me.”

Business loads up and moves, overnight
As in last year’s storm, Gary Sargent’s business – Sargent’s Motor Sports – is almost directly across the street from Thompson’s, at 10207 SE Foster Road.

Looking at his business, inundated by two to three feet of muddy water, Sargent moaned, “Another winter, and another flood. What a way to start out the year.”

Sargent said he got a call from staff members at the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services warning him about the impending flood. Throughout the day, and into the night, he and his staff and friends loaded their entire inventory of motorcycles, ATVs, shop equipment, and parts into semi trailers and trucks.

“We took everything that was within four feet of the floor. When the water goes down, we’ll have a big cleanup ahead of us – again.”

Muddy water, now about three feet deep, separates Gary Sargent from his business on SE Foster Road.

Owner blames ‘land filling fairies’
Sargent said appreciates the work the City of Portland has done to help reduce flooding along Johnson Creek. But, he again brought up the Freeway Land Company area of infill he says was never approved – yet still remains high above the creek’s flood stage.

“According to the last Army Corps of Engineers study, [Freeway Land’s] storage of ‘recyclable materials’ is where the water used to pond and flow,” Sargent maintained. “It seems that the ‘land filling fairies’ magically filled the property, so it is out of the 100 year flood plain.”

The City has a plan to work with homeowners along SE Foster Road, Sargent added. “I’m told that Mayor Sam Adams informed them that the only way that they can make their water retention pond work properly is to take all of their land and houses. I hope the city makes these people whole.”

Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Johnson Creek Watershed Manager, Maggie Skenderian, stays in touch with her coworkers, as they evaluate the current flooding conditions in Lents.

City monitors flooding
We caught up with Maggie Skenderian, Johnson Creek Watershed Manager for the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, at SE 111th Avenue, north of SE Foster Road.

“I can’t say the water level is record-setting,” Skenderian told us, “but this is a major flood event. It peaked out at 14.69 feet around nine o’clock this morning (January 2nd).”

The next reading taken at their Sycamore station showed that the creek had dropped to 14.64 feet. Skenderian told us that Johnson Creek’s bank is at 10 feet; and “overflow” occurs when it reaches 11 feet. “At 14 feet and above, we consider this to be a major flood – one of the top 10 or 15 events that we’ve measured at the creek.”

More water than ‘Restoration project’ could handle
We asked what impact the East Lents Flood Plain Restoration Project would have had during the current flood, if the construction work had been completed.

“This is not that kind of an event,” Skenderian replied. “At best, it will mitigate the flood events that happen every 10 years. I have a feeling this amount rainfall would’ve overflowed that ‘bathtub’ by a long shot. Mother Nature always has her way – we’ve already spent $30 million on our Johnson Creek restoration projects.”

(CLICK HERE to read our article about the progress of the East Lents Flood Plain Restoration Project.)

Jackson Green, his friends and neighbors fill sandbags at SE 111th Avenue and SE Harold Street. “We’re hoping to keep water from flooding our home, east of this location and SE 115th Avenue. Our next-door neighbors’ houses are already flooded,” he said. “We hope we can put around enough sandbags to prevent our home from flooding as well.”

City official comments on Freeway Land infill
We asked Skenderian if the infill on Freeway Land property contributed to the 2009 flood – and, if anything is being done to remove that landfill which some people call “unauthorized”.

“This area has been a flood plain since the [prehistoric] Missoula Floods,” replied Skenderian. “Folks are looking for someone, or something, to blame – and that ‘fill’ has been there well over a decade. This is the reality of the situation: This is a flood plain fed by a creek that overflows. It floods a lot. The money it would cost to remove that fill from Freeway Lands is astronomical. This is not to say it is impossible to be done someday – but we’re talking millions and millions of dollars to remove it.”

Skenderian recalls that the Schweitzer Project at SE 159th Avenue near SE Foster Road cost more than $5 million, and involved removing about 140,000 cubic yards of fill along Johnson Creek’s bank. She estimated the Freeway Land fill to be 10 times that size; and added that the land in question is private property.

“I know everyone wants to point fingers and try to find out who they can get to take responsibility for the flooding,” Skenderian concluded. “The truth of the matter is, people should live and work outside of a flood plain. This area has had a very long history of flooding – long before anyone could fill in at the Freeway Land property.  This is not to say that that fill does not make matters worse, or that nothing can be done about it to remove it.”

This now-flooded Portland General Electric electrical substation on SE Foster Road was taken off-line until the flood water recede and the equipment can be serviced.

Electrical substation flooded
Sargent and Thompson pointed out that the Portland General Electric (PGE) substation near both of their businesses was also flooded.

We asked a PGE worker if this assertion was true, as he climbed into a large dump truck towing an industrial-strength vacuum system.

“We had between 2 and 2½ feet in the main control building at the Foster Road Substation,” he said. “We got to our dispatcher about 2 a.m. this morning to let them know we were losing the battle.  So we had to cut power off at the station.”

-7 PGE crews will use the vacuum towed behind their truck to start cleaning out their substation’s control room as soon as the water recedes.

PGE’s Public Information Officer, Steve Corson, confirmed the story. “Two feeders [major distribution lines] coming to the substation that supplies about 3,200 customers were affected. Power went out about 5:00 a.m., and was restored at 8:20 a.m.”

The power grid system is designed to provide flexibility when things affect a substation, noted Corson. “It is handled, in part, through our downtown control center – but a lineman has to switches in the field.”

The water was deep at the intersection of SE Foster Road and SE 111th Avenue – and was closed to traffic most of the day.

Neighbor praises BES warning
Long time Lents area Johnson Creek activist Joyce Beedle, a homeowner at SE 108th and Foster Road, called to say that her home was still above water.

“We owe a big thank you to BES and Mayor Sam Adams. On New Year’s Morning, they called to say that the National Weather Service was predicting a flood so we could do what is necessary to protect ourselves. We weren’t at home, and thus, weren’t aware that the creek was on the rise. We came home and sandbagged our place.”

Most of her other neighbors are sitting high and dry, but some of their outbuildings have been flooded, Beedle reported. “We don’t expect the City to come and take care of us individually; I found this worthy of praise.”

Rain not record-breaking
Dan Keirns a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said total rainfall was 3.04 inches as measured at the airport. (However, a Southeast gauge measured 3.83 inches over the first two days of the New Year.)

“This was a good heavy rain, but not nearly a record,” Keirns said. “It was a record for a January 2nd, breaking the record previous record recorded in 1987 by .10″. But it isn’t unusual to get heavy rains this time of year.”

Keirns said things would dry out over the weekend. “We’re expecting another system to come in Sunday night or Monday, and will bring about half as much this storm.

“However, we could get hammered again next week,” he forecasted.

Get the latest weather forecast from the experts!
Regardless when you read this, you can always get the up-to-date forecast from the National Weather Service for outer East Portland by CLICKING HERE. Or, enter the Zip Code at the top of the page to see the 7-day forecast for any location in the country.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News