This massive throng of leather-clad Harley and big-bike riders didn’t come to rumble. Discover why they gathered, by the thousands, for this annual “ride” …

Hidden just below the heads and shoulders of these folks are thousands of gleaming motorcycles, ready to be ridden from SE Portland up to “Pill Hill” during the 28th Annual ABATE Toy Ride.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Earlier than expected, on the bright and clear morning of December 6, motorcyclists started filing into the TriMet bus facility on SE 17th Avenue, just north of SE Holgate Boulevard. Most of them were dressed in leather garb; some were decked out in Santa suits, as they descended on the Brooklyn neighborhood by the hundreds.

Even though the 29th Annual Toy Run benefiting Shriners Hospital for Children wasn’t scheduled to depart for “Pill Hill” until 12:30 p.m., the massive, two-block-long bus parking lot was filled to overflowing with motorcycles, dirt bikes – and even motor scooters – by 10:00 a.m. Bikes soon lined SE 17th Avenue, spilling into the neighborhood streets for blocks around.

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officer Michael Gallagher and his wife Rebecca say being part of “Toy Run” has been a very rewarding experience.

Shows positive attitude of most bikers
“Mostly when you hear about motorcycle riders, it’s negative; bad news,” said one of the participants, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officer Michael Gallagher. He’s a district officer who also heads an East Portland Police Cadets program – not a motorcycle cop.

“There’s a huge community made up of many clubs like the one I belong to – Rose City HOGs – made up of good people, who do positive things for the community,” Gallagher observed, while sitting on his Harley with his wife, Rebecca, waiting for the ride to begin.

“I like to ride; it’s a real ‘de-stressor’ for me,” Gallagher said. “And being part of this event today is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.”

Some bikers weren’t satisfied bringing one toy – this couple brought an entire trailer full of ’em.

Brings tears to a mother’s eyes
All along the route, Gallagher said people stop their cars to get out and wave, give the massive group of riders the “thumbs-up”, and cheer them on.

The image that stuck in his mind, Gallagher related, was “When we got up to the hospital, the son of a rider hopped off the motorcycle while his dad stopped briefly to give a sick youngster in a wheelchair a big teddy bear. Tears filled the eyes of the patient’s mother. It makes you feel pretty good.”

Helping to pack a TriMet bus stuffed with toys donated by the bikers, Harry Bede, Chairman-elect of Portland Shrine Hospital for Children, who says of the event, “It’s awesome!”

Largest Toy Ride ever
Harry Bede, Chairman-elect of Portland Shrine Hospital for Children, was smiling ear to ear as he helped stuff a TriMet bus floor-to-ceiling full of toys and plush stuffed animals.

“I’ve been involved with this event for five years,” Bede said. “The turnout today is impressive – in fact, incredible!”

The Shriners are “in the business of helping kids, and helping kids be healed,” explained Bede. “This event puts a lot of smiles on kids’ faces, and that’s the important thing.”

The final tally: 6,453 motorcycles rode in the event, and they brought 12,000 toys to needy kids.

“We offer our most sincere thanks to the A.B.A.T.E. of Oregon, Inc. and all of the organizations that help us bring health and healing to children without cost to their families,” said Bede – his voice nearly drowned out by the sound of thousands of motorcycles starting up for the day’s ride.

There’s no way to describe the feeling that the low rumble of thousands of motorcycles – and a few motor scooters – create inside a bystander as they head north along SE 17th Avenue in the Brooklyn neighborhood, en route to Doernbecher’s Children’s Hospital at Oregon Health Sciences University.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

You’ve seen stories about vehicles crashing into stores and restaurants around the great Portland area. This one ended up simply strangely parked …

How did this car end up like this? It wasn’t that driver accidentally backed down over the sidewalk.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For reasons unknown, an increasing number of Portland-area drivers lately have accidentally smashed their vehicles into stores, beauty salons, and restaurants.

Westmoreland has not escaped the havoc.

The QFC Market on S.E. Milwaukie Avenue was undamaged by a “runaway car” on Thursday, December 11th. Witnesses said a white car rapidly accelerated in the rear parking lot, threaded itself between a tree and steel fence, and became stuck on a 45º angle between the lot and the street.

Surprising but true: cops say a slip of the foot resulted in this car’s unusual placement.

A Portland Police Bureau Officer reported, “About 4 pm, the lady driving the car said she was pulling into a parking space at the Westmoreland QFC store. Either her foot slipped off the brake pedal, or she hit the accelerator. The car was propelled up the embankment.”

No injuries or serious damage – except to the shrubbery, the officer said.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Although Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer had just been invited to speak about her bureau’s budget – neighbors spent most of that meeting grilling homicide detectives about the trio of murders in November. See what Sizer revealed about police cutbacks in our future …

The vice chair of the Centennial Community Association, Ron Clemenson, says the trio of murders has neighbors on edge.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
At the East Precinct Citizens Advisory Forum on December 2, Ronald Clemenson, Vice Chair of the Centennial Community Association, didn’t mince words as he summed up the feelings expressed by many of the 80 neighbors packed into the room.

“We are very concerned about what’s going on in the neighborhood,” Clemenson said. “We’ve had three homicides in three weeks, within six blocks of one another. This is not good. A lot of people are worried, in our neighborhood. That’s why we’re here at this meeting.”

Clemenson has a demonstrated interest in outer East Portland public safety issues. He attends the monthly precinct forums, works diligently in his neighborhood association on livability issues – and, earlier this year, organized a Public Safety Forum attended by 120 concerned citizens.

During this meeting, a neighbor brought up that March 11 forum, at which a dozen Portland and Gresham city and Multnomah County elected and appointed officials testified how their combined efforts have reduced crime problems in the area – while citizens attending disagreed with the rosy picture the bureaucrats painted. (CLICK HERE to read our coverage of the Spring Public Safety Forum.)

November’s trio of murders

• On Friday, November 14, East Precinct officers found the lifeless body of 37-year-old Amatha Mendive behind a strip mall in the 16100 block of SE Stark Street. “Immediately upon arrival, officers observed signs of homicidal violence to the victim’s body, and called Homicide Detectives to conduct an investigation,” reported Portland Police Bureau’s Sgt. Brian Schmautz.
• Update: Suspects identified (see below) On Sunday, November 23, officers found the body of 35-year-old Abel Delgado-Morales inside an apartment in the 15800 block of SE Stark Street, after responding to a call of a reported shooting. An autopsy determined that the victim died of multiple gunshot wounds. “Based on information from witnesses, investigators believe the victim was at the residence visiting friends when a suspect or suspects arrived at the residence, confronted the victim, and shot him,” Schmautz noted.
• On Saturday, November 29, 54-year-old Roland Jackson Dir was found dead in a home in the 500 block of SE 155th Avenue. “The Multnomah County Medical Examiner determined that Dir died of Homicidal Violence,” Schmautz said. “For investigative reasons, detectives are withholding specific information about the cause of death.”

Anyone with information about any of these homicides is asked to call Detective Steve Ober at (503) 823-4033 or Detective Jim McCausland at (503) 823-0449.

Sergeant Rich Austria and Commander John Eckhart from the Portland Police Bureau Homicide Division talk about the three homicides in outer East Portland.

Neighborhood not a target
As the meeting began, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct Commander, Michael Crebs, introduced Chief Rosie Sizer. He then turned the program over to Sergeant Rich Austria, who was joined by Commander John Eckhart from the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Division.

“I know that there are concerns about the recent homicides that have occurred in the neighborhood,” Austria began. “There’s not a lot I can share about the investigation, for obvious reasons – but we don’t believe, based on information that we have, that [murderers] are targeting your neighborhood specifically.”

These homicides aren’t random acts of violence, Austria added.

No common suspects identified
Austria continued, saying he didn’t believe there was one common suspect associated with all three murders. “We have leads in all three investigations that we’re following.”

Unless there is an eyewitness to a murder, Austria detectives start by determining with whom victim was associated.

“In about 85% of homicides, victims know their suspects in some fashion,” the detective continued. “It could be by association – people they know who are prone to violence. Or, it is lifestyle-related – hanging out with people who are involved in crime, drugs, and prostitution, or are involved in domestic violence.”

Working from the victim “outward”, detectives talk with family members, friends and neighbors, building up a “picture” of the victim and their life.

“I come here to solicit your help,” requested Austria. “Share with us information; or call Crime Stoppers if you want to be anonymous.”

The Community Room at East Precinct was filled to overflowing as concerned citizens asked for answers regarding the serious crimes in their neighborhoods.

Questions and Answers

Q Are the murders gang related?

A “No, We don’t have history of [the victims] being involved in gangs. But there is a lot of gang activity in the area,” Austria replied.

Q A neighbor said his family lives within the “murder triangle” and he was concerned about unsupervised kids coming and going to school. “Are our kids safe?” he asked.

A “We don’t have any information that anyone is targeting children,” Austria said.

Q “Wouldn’t increased police presence deter people from committing serious crimes, like murders?” a neighbor asked.

A “Many murders, including at least one of these,” replied Austria, “occurred in a home or apartment. Even if police were patrolling every street, there would be no way for them to know what is happening inside homes.”

Centennial neighborhood landlord Moe Farhoud told detectives, Commander Crebs and Chief Rosie Sizer, “We need action, and we need it now.”

Apartment owner calls for action
“I own apartment complexes from 122nd Avenue out to 190th Avenue,” said Centennial neighborhood landlord Moe Farhoud, as he stood up to address the officials in the room.

“My tenants are calling my office and complaining. Some want to move out, others are concerned about being safe. We need action, and we need it now.”

Commander Crebs replied, “If your tenants, or anyone, sees suspicious activities, they need to call us. Also, check into our Enhanced Safety Properties program.”

Farhoud shot back, “Just talking doesn’t help. We need the Mayor here tonight. We need action. We need to do something.”

East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs responds to neighbors about their concerns regarding the murders by providing factual information.

“What kind of action?” asked Crebs.

Other landlords need to do their homework when it comes to accepting tenants, Farhoud replied. “We have vacancies; we turn down people who are no good. We need to enforce not renting to bad people.”

To this Crebs stated, “We can’t and don’t enforce who lives where.”

Complains of high density, low income housing
A woman spoke up, sharing her concern: “You, sir, have tenants who can move out. I own my house and I can’t move away. The way things are, I can’t even sell it. There is way too much low-income housing concentrated in the area.”

Crebs noted that the East Portland Action Plan is “looking at the problems created by high density” in the area.

Police Chief Rosie Sizer says her bureau’s budget may be cut – once again.

Chief warns of coming budget cuts
A neighbor complained that an officer told him only two police cruisers patrol his neighborhood. “I live in the middle of this, and I’m concerned.”

Chief Sizer stepped and said, “What I came to talk about was preempted by the importance of the recent homicides. Our bureau’s budget has a direct effect on the number of officers that are on the street – the budget issue is important.”

The police bureau has a $150 million budget, Sizer reported. “Yes, we are considered ‘expensive’. We respond to calls from you, restore order, and make investigations. And, we provide services to help prevent crime.”

Chief bemoans repeated cuts
Sizer shared that the Police Bureau’s budget was “repeatedly cut” during the 1990s, and again at the turn of the century. “We’re in another financial downturn. We’ve been asked to provide [the Portland City Council] with a 2% cut – that’s a $3.5 million reduction; and a 5% cut – a $7 million decrease.”

Within a community budget discussion on December 1, Sizer said citizens worked with representatives of the Police Bureau by ranking 100 police programs from most to least important. “We want to make sure we’re not cutting core, versus non-core, functions. We’re looking at how we can restructure. I don’t see we will emerge unscathed.”

Clemenson floats a petition
After the meeting, Clemenson said he was concerned – very concerned – about impending Police Bureau budget cuts. “Public safety is our number one priority; our number one consideration.”

Holding up a petition he’d circulated during the meeting bearing about 70 signatures, Clemenson said, “It’s addressed to Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, but it applies to all of the commissioners. We have to get the attention of the officials controlling the purse strings. We want our Police Bureau to be fully staffed; to do that, they need the support of the City Council.”

Update:
A Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge has issued arrest warrants for 21-year-old Cristobel Medrano-Alvarado and 21-year-old Jose Santiago Carvajal-Mota in connection with the shooting death of Delgado-Morales. The warrants charge both suspects with one count of Aggravated Murder. The suspects were identified through the ongoing investigation. Both suspects are considered armed and dangerous.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

The blast rocked the area; and a downed power line stalled firefighting efforts. Get the whole story, and exclusive photos, right here …

Portland Fire & Rescue crewmembers quickly knocked down the fire – once PGE cut the juice to a power line that hampered them after they arrived on-scene.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The blaze that burned out a duplex on SE 146th Ave., just behind the All Star Bingo hall and a half block south of SE Stark Street, at about 8:45 p.m. on November 2, was substantial. But what got the attention of neighbors was the initial blast, which rocked the neighborhood.

“I was watching a movie and heard an explosion,” said Jarred Hammersmith, who told us he lives a couple of houses south of the still-smoldering residence near which we were then standing. “It was a pretty big bang. My dad came running downstairs, and when we went outside we saw the fire and a lot of black smoke. The guy they took away to the ambulance wasn’t moving; he didn’t look very good.”

Steven Springsted said he was in the All Star Bingo building when the fire broke out nearby. “I ran into the house and didn’t see anyone, so I left. There were flames shooting out the window of the other part of the duplex.”

When we arrived on scene, paramedics were preparing to transport the victim to the hospital.

Tense moments for firefighters
“Two people were seen going back into the structure,” said Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt told us. “While firefighters attacked the fire, other crews searched for those who may be trapped inside. The individuals seen running into the building were entering the unburned side of the duplex, and escaped without injury.”

Firefighters also experienced anxious moments when they discovered a live power line hanging behind the duplex, Oswalt said. “Firefighters were warned to say away from the area for about 15 minutes until a PGE crew arrived and disconnected the power.”

The first crews arrived five minutes after the first alarm was sounded. Although the fire was substantial, PF&R crews knocked it down in minutes, and fully extinguished it about 25 minutes later.

Extensive damage and an injury
“One middle-aged male was treated on-scene for cuts and minor burns, and transported to a local hospital,” Oswalt reported.

One side of the duplex was extensively damaged by the blast and fire; the other side had some smoke damage. Initially, the damage estimate was $100,000.

“Fire Investigators are listing the cause of the fire as ‘undetermined, pending further investigation’,” Oswalt said.

The rapid response of PF&R crews kept the fire from consuming both units in the duplex, or spreading to apartments nearby.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Installing another 50 million gallon reservoir, neighbors learn, means there’ll be a whole lot of diggin’ going on up there in 2009. Find out how this massive project will affect park users, neighbors – and traffic – in outer East Portland …

The Portland Water Bureau’s principal engineer and project manager for building Powell Butte Reservoir II, Teresa Elliott, outlines the project for neighbors.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The City of Portland is about to begin a $133 million construction project – building the second 50 million gallon reservoir on Powell Butte.

Building this massive water vault wasn’t a flash-in-the-pan idea from Portland Water Bureau (PWB) Commissioner Randy Leonard; in fact, it was specifically identified as a project long ago in the city’s 1987 Public Facility Plan.

Site for storing water
“Powell Butte was purchased in 1925 solely as the site for City of Portland water storage reservoirs,” stated PWB spokesperson, Jennie Day-Burget. “The first reservoir was built in 1980. It was established as a park in 1987, and first opened for public use in 1990. Under an existing Land Use Review Plan for Powell Butte, the Water Bureau must begin building a second reservoir on the site by 2013.”

About 31 people who attended the “Stakeholder and Public Meeting” in the Harold Oliver Middle School auditorium in the Centennial neighborhood on November 20 learned that the City started the land use process in 2003, and drew up plans for the project in 2005.

In June, Commissioner Leonard presented the final resolution to move forward with the project, and it was adopted.

Slated for a springtime start
“We’re here to learn what your interests are, and what your concerns are, as we move forward with the reservoir,” PWB’s principal engineer and project manager, Teresa Elliott, told the group, as she stood in front of pictorial graphs and charts lining the front of the room.

“Why now?” Elliott asked rhetorically. “We need to start now, to make sure we’ll meet a timetable for having all of Portland’s reservoirs closed. And, we’re trying to get it done [in accordance with the] 2013 land use requirement.”

The project manager said they expect to begin excavating in May or June, and will begin construction by May of 2010.

“In addition to building the second reservoir, we’ll also provide park improvements, build a maintenance yard, and provide permanent drainage,” Elliott explained. Park improvements, she added, include a new parking lot, improved restroom facilities, and an amphitheater. “There will be trails relocated to accommodate construction.”

Portland Park & Recreation’s Kathleen Muran says to expect park closures until the project has been completed in 2011 or 2012.

Parks envoy outlines challenges
“[Powell Butte] Park access will be a challenge during the construction,” admitted Portland Park & Recreation’s Kathleen Muran. “There’ll be a lot of restrictions around the construction areas. We don’t know how it will impact specific trails – but some will be closed. Visitors won’t have quite as full an experience at some times, due to the construction.”

Muran said that public safety is the water bureau’s first priority. “We’re keeping that in mind, as they work through the project. And, protecting natural resources is near and dear to our hearts.”

Park access to be limited
The park now has nine access points. But, during construction, most of them will be closed, except for the main entrance at SE 162nd Avenue off SE Powell Boulevard., Muran stated.

“Due to the intensity of the work, we will close the SE 162nd Avenue entrance to vehicular traffic,” added Elliott. “We don’t think it is safe to have park users driving up and down the [park access] road with [dump] trucks going each direction every two-to-four minutes.”

Bikes and pedestrians on designated paths will be allowed. “The Goldfinch Trial will be closed, and the Holgate Trail that shares access road will be fenced off, but there will be a temporary trail built next to the road,” Elliott continued.

Water bureau chief David Shaff spoke up, saying that vehicle access may be reopened at the end of every construction day “Like after 5 p.m. and until 10 p.m., or the summertime park closing hours.”

Stan Vande Bergh, PWB’s principal engineer, talks with a neighbor about traffic and noise impacts on the neighborhood.

Says topsoil to be reclaimed
Their first step will be to strip off three to five feet of topsoil and stockpile it to cover the project when it is finished, explained PWB principal engineer Stan Vande Bergh. It will be re-vegetated with native plants.

“Then we’ll start digging the hole in earnest,” Vande Bergh continued. “We don’t want to be working in [wintertime] muck and mud; we’d like to do the excavation starting in early spring.”

Digging a hole this size means they’ll be moving a LOT of the material Vande Bergh referred to as “Springwater Formation” – primarily, soil cobbled with round river rock and clay.

30,000 trucks on SE Division Street
It will take about 30,000 truckloads to remove the excavated material, said Vande Bergh. “Powell Boulevard can’t take the volume. It will probably go to a quarry on SE Division Street, either the one at SE 108th Avenue, or the one in Gresham.”

Asked if thousands of fully-loaded trucks will impact the streets, Elliott responded, “PDOT tells us these roads are designed to handle the load. The drivers are required to secure the loads. We will have a ‘wheel washer’ before trucks come off the site.”

Lynn Barlow, PP&R’s Natural Area Supervisor, City Nature East, shows where a temporary parking lot might be set up and access to the park permitted.

Dedicated to resolving problems
Neighbors peppered the project’s representatives with questions about noise, dust, hours of construction, and other concerns. The city officials answered the questions as best they could, considering that the final construction contracts had not yet been let.

Bureau chief Shaff then assured the group, “We realize these projects disrupt lives. We put a lot of time, energy and effort to help minimize the disruption. Hopefully, as at our other projects, you’ll be able to get a good response, so you won’t feel the need to call Commissioner Leonard with complaints.”

Tim Hall, the PWB Public Outreach Coordinator for the project, added that the bureau will post notices on a project web site, and install kiosks at all access points with PWB and Park information.

“Our outreach staff is available on a 24-hour/7-day-a-week basis. And, we’ll make regular reports to the affected neighborhood associations – we’ll meet with anyone who will invite us,” Hall assured.

When we checked, the bureau’s website had not yet been updated, but CLICK HERE to see PWB’s “Construction and Repair Projects” page that will direct you once they “construct” their page.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

When he discovered he’d been spotted, the driver of the stolen car sped through three neighborhoods trying to make a getaway. See how far he got …

The driver of this stolen car stopped and calmly surrendered – but only after spike strips shredded the tires and a police SUV blocked his path.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Police officers on patrol learn to be multi-task; they listen for calls, respond to citizens who hail them, keep an eye out for suspicious activity – and in this case, spot a car reported stolen.

On December 2, Portland Police Bureau SE Precinct Officer Daniels thought he saw a car that matched the description of a vehicle stolen from southwest Portland on November 24. He checked the license plate; it was, indeed, the purloined car.

Minutes before 11:00 a.m., Daniels noticed the car in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood, just southeast of Woodstock, heading eastbound on SE Flavel Street near SE 60th Avenue.

An officer photographs the stolen car; the only damage appeared to be the flattened tires.

“The vehicle continued east,” said police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, “and turned north on SE 92nd Avenue.

“At SE 92nd and SE Woodstock Boulevard, officers threw a spike stick that punctured the driver’s-side tires on the vehicle.”

But the car didn’t stop – continuing past S.E. Holgate and Powell Boulevards, and S.E. Division –  before finally grinding to a halt at S.E. Clay Street.

“The driver is being compliant,” we heard reported on the police radio. “He is lying down outside the vehicle.”

cop who took the lead in the chase, Officer Daniels, questions the passenger who was riding in the stolen car.

Schmautz said police took 32-year-old Joseph Dennis Cunningham into custody. Cunningham’s record shows he’s been suspected of robbery, forgery, and property crimes – but this adventure earned him these charges: Attempt to Elude, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Reckless Endangerment, Reckless Driving and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.

“It’s a good day,” Daniels said. “We have two in custody, (the driver and a passenger who was detained) and no one was hurt.”

Police say this man, 32-year-old Joseph Dennis Cunningham, finally gave up the chase after the tires were flattened with spike strips.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

The class learned how to turn a soggy yard into a place of beauty. Discover the benefits of rain gardens – and, learn the biggest mistake in planning one – right here …

Candace Stoughton, Low Impact Development Specialist from East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District, shares the joys of making and maintaining rain gardens, at this class held at Leach Botanical Garden.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The conference room at Leach Botanical Gardens was filled to capacity with folks ready to take the “Rain Gardens 101” class being offered by Candace Stoughton, Low Impact Development Specialist from East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD).

“You’ll be learning how to add a beautiful rain garden to your yard,” Stoughton began. You’ll learn how to assess your property for the best rain garden location and size, how to choose the right plants, and how to construct and maintain your rain garden.”

There are at least four good reasons to install rain gardens, Stoughton said. Rain gardens help to:

• Reduce Combined Sewer Outflows – “With less rain runoff, it helps keep sewage from being dumped into streams.”
• Provide a good environment for fish – “Good urban gardening helps promote and maintain healthy streams.”
• Reduce taxes – “Rain gardens help reduce the need for new stormwater-handling infrastructure.”
• Improve aesthetics – “These are much prettier than pipes and sewers – they help beautify your community.”

In her well-illustrated presentation, Candace Stoughton shows exactly how and why to install and use rain gardens.

Rain garden basics
By its design and subsequent plant selection, a rain garden takes advantage of rainfall and stormwater runoff. This kind of garden is designed to thrive with lots of moisture, and a high concentrations of nutrients.

While a rain garden may look like any other, below its surface it mimics the hydrologic action of a healthy forest – it “cleans” and reduces the rate that rain runoff penetrates into soil or an open area. The plans help reduce sediments, and also the nitrogen and phosphorus levels, in otherwise untreated stormwater.

Class members learned rain gardens can be either drained or self-contained. Both types of rain gardens are used to improve stormwater quality, reduce runoff volumes, and generally facilitate infiltration of cleaned water.

During the morning-long class, Stoughton used many illustrations that detail how to design and construct a rain garden – and how they look when completed.

Improper placement can cause flooding
Class members appeared to enjoy the many garden-planning ideas, suggestions and how-to instructions that Stoughton provided.

She helped would-be rain-gardeners to avoid pitfalls as well. “The biggest mistake: putting your rain garden too close to a building’s foundation,” warned Stoughton. “Water can seep from the rain garden into your basement or lower spaces. The minimum distance from a foundation should be at least six feet.”

Stoughton recounts the benefits rain gardens provide.

People attend for many reasons
After the class, we asked Stoughton what reasons people give for coming to her introductory class.

“Most are gardeners, who want to learn the latest in gardening,” she said. “This is a new, hot, functional trend in gardening and protecting streams in our watershed.”

Others come, Stoughton confided, because a city or county government has required them to install a rain garden to help reduce stormwater runoff that would otherwise flow into the sewer system. “They leave the class thinking, ‘Now that I understand it, this makes so much sense’.”

Learn more …
Stoughton teaches “Rain Garden 101”, and shares her expertise in low-impact development methods that protect streams and rivers from urban storm water runoff in other classes and seminars throughout the year.

To find the location of her next class, e-mail her at candace@emswcd.org, or call (503) 935-5368. For more information about the East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District, check their web site by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why this particular “tiny church” was the perfect venue for this special evening of cabaret entertainment …

Earlier in November, accordionist Kathy Fors, Barbara Bernstein on violin, singer Lisa Berksom Platt string bass player Jamie Leopold, as “Padam Padam” bring an evening of French cabaret music to the Oaks Pioneer Church.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although music frequently accompanies weddings and other social events held at historic Oaks Pioneer Church in Sellwood – built in 1851, and now perched on a grassy hillside within view of the Willamette River – it’s never been the venue for a concert.

“I’ve been told it’s been their dream to host live music here,” said composer, and musician with the group “Padam Padam”, Barbara Bernstein, “it’s never happened until tonight.”

Bernstein, nationally known as a radio documentary producer and locally as a talk show radio host, told us she lives just around the corner and has walked three different dogs of hers past the church and down to the trail below. “I always thought this would be a really sweet place to play.”

Barbara Bernstein says each member of the group adds to the diversity of the music they perform.

Group has Inner SE Portland ties
Although the group has performed together for only about three years, it has gained a national reputation. And three of the four current members of Padam Padam are, or have been, East Portland residents.

The group’s accordionist, Kathy Fors, lives the Brooklyn neighborhood. The utility player, Jamie Leopold, featured on keyboard, string bass and guitar, grew up in Buckman, and now lives in Irvington. “Our vocalist, Lisa Berksom Platt, lives in the West Hills,” quipped Bernstein, “but we forgive her for that!”

While Barbara Bernstein plays, Lisa Berksom Platt sings the song for which their group is named, “Padam Padam”.

Performing songs of passion, with passion
“Padam, Padam”, which roughly translated means “the sound of the clock in the little French salon”, is the title of a sad, haunting song written and performed by a famous French cabaret singer who performed from the 1930s to 1960s, Edith Piaf.

“It’s one of our main songs,” Bernstein explained. “It’s fitting for us, because we perform songs of passion, in a European cabaret style. We mix in tangos, Mexican and klezmer music with our original songs.”

Picking up her guitar, Barbara Bernstein and Lisa Berksom Platt sing one of Bernstein’s original songs.

Essence from another universe
The group agreed that on “bad days”, playing music feels like a mechanical job. “But when we’re playing together, especially with a good group like this, it’s like we merge into a single soul,” rhapsodized Bernstein. “It’s like you’re channeling the music from someplace else; someplace special.”

But it’s not magic, she continued – there is lot of work involved, and the group puts in quite a bit of rehearsal time and “wood-shedding”. “But when things are working; the harmonies are right, and you’re locked in rhythmically and in phrasing, it feels like it’s an essence from another universe that’s landed here.”

Indeed, at the Oaks Pioneer Church, November 7 must have been one of those “good nights” – the music of Padam Padam was harmonious and soulful, and enchanted the audience well into the evening hours.

Hear some of their music, and learn more about the group, by visiting their web site by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

We don’t have the official word, but see why witnesses and neighbors say this horrendous collision is just one of many – and, why those involved were lucky to walk away from this wreck …

Portland Police Bureau Officer Michael Gallagher inspects the Toyota Highlander, now parked in a neighbor’s yard, after it blew through a stop sign and smashed into another car.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The night before Thanksgiving Day, folks in Pleasant Valley expected a quiet evening as they got ready for the festive occasion the next day.

The peace was shattered, for folks living near the intersection of SE Flavel Street and SE 112th Avenue, about 10:00 pm on November 26, by a grinding crash that startled – but didn’t surprise – neighbors.

Here’s how a Cadillac STS sedan looks in the showroom …

… and here’s the victim’s model just after being hit by an SUV.

Vehicles spin and fly down street
From what we were told, we gathered that a Toyota Highlander SUV with three youthful occupants was traveling at a fairly high rate of speed, on residential Southeast Flavel Street, approaching the intersection with SE 112th Avenue.

The SUV did not stop for the stop sign, we were told. As it entered the intersection it collided with a northbound Cadillac STS sedan.

The momentum of the spinning Highlander, after it hit the Caddy, mowed down the steel street signpost, then bent over a steel cyclone fence pole embedded in concrete, and came to rest next to a tree – only feet from a house on the southwest corner of the intersection.

The Cadillac ground to a stop – its front end shredded –a quarter of a block west of the intersection. The driver, a 45-year-old man, looked dazed as he stood and spoke with paramedics and police officers.

-4 The Highlander came to a stop – after it smacked into this tree.

Debris from the wreck littered a block of this Pleasant Valley neighborhood street.

Says driver was ‘acting stupid’
Young people – and at least one parent – were huddled at the back of an ambulance. Paramedics were called, because airbags were deployed on both vehicles. Occupants of both vehicles complained of chest pains and other minor injuries. But no one was transported to the hospital by ambulance.

At the scene, a young man, standing with his father, looked wobbly and shaken. He told us he had been riding in the Highlander’s back seat. “She was just acting stupid” when collision occurred, he said, apparently referring to the driver. “I feel scared; I hurt a little and am shook up; I’m surprised I can walk.” He said he was wearing his seatbelt added, “I am sure glad that I was.”

A frequent-collision zone
While police and firefighters inspected the crash zone, just west of the intersection, neighbors told us they are concerned because they say accidents frequently occur at this intersection.

“There needs to be a yellow flashing light at the intersection,” neighbor Debbie Weiss told us as she looked at the wreckage strewn along the length of the block. “There are too many accidents, too many injuries, and too much property damage. We’ve been asking for a flashing yellow light, but instead, the put up an intersection sign down the hill.”

After being checked out by paramedics, occupants of the Highlander wait with a parent as the tow truck arrives to remove the totaled vehicles.

Portland Police Bureau Sergeant Brian Schmautz told us that, because of the holiday weekend, information hadn’t come to the PPB Records Division indicating whether or not the 18-year-old driver of the Highlander was ticketed in the smashup. We’ll update this story when the records become available.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Take a photo with Santa (and share your secret wish list with him), become a ‘toy tester’, enjoy stories and games at Eastport Plaza for free – and have the opportunity to support five good causes at the same time …

Officer Phillip Kent, Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division; Major Curt Loberger, US Marine Corps; Santa; Jillian Glazer, Trillium Family Services; Barbara Sloan, Salvation Army; and Dean Johnston, Portland Fire & Rescue Toy and Joy Makers spend a few minutes with Santa.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For the first time since the old Eastport Plaza Mall building was torn down, Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming back to spend a full month at the shopping center’s new Christmas attraction, called “Santa’s Place”.

Eastport Plaza’s Dianne Gill introduces Santa’s Place to the community.

A whole holiday experience
“Santa’s Place is where kids can experience the joy of Christmas through music and activities,” said the shopping center’s general manager, Dianne Gill, at the preview on November 24.

Santa’s throne, completely refurbished for this event, is the original chair built for Eastport Plaza when it first opened in 1960, Gill pointed out. At Santa’s Place, visitors will find:

• Christmas crafts;
• Coloring contest;
• Holiday movies & popcorn;
• A kid’s holiday library and story-telling room;
• A Santa’s Workshop toy-testing area; and
• Santa’ throne room and Mrs. Claus.

A nexus for community charities
“We’ve created Santa’s Place as a way to help build community here in East Portland,” Gill said. “The economy is making it more difficult for many people to enjoy the holidays this year. Admission to Santa’s Place is free, but for those who can, we ask folks who can to give a donation, drop off canned or packaged food – or new, unwrapped toys – to share with families who are facing hard economic times.”

Donations will stay in East Portland, Gill added, and will be distributed by five community partners.

Aid organizations say need is greater than ever
“This year, we’re seeing a lot more need in the community,” said Dean Johnson, chair of Portland Fire & Rescue’s Toy & Joy Makers – one of five charities supported by the month-long event.

Dean Johnson, of Portland Fire & Rescue’s Toy & Joy Makers.

“We really appreciate the support of the community – especially in light of the unfortunate circumstances at our Toy And Joy building over the last few weeks,” Johnson added. “With your support – by bringing one or more new, unwrapped toys to Santa’s Place – you’ll help this holiday season be a bit brighter for many youngsters.”

Captain Barbara Sloan, of Salvation Army Metro Portland.

Salvation Army Metro Portland’s Captain Barbara Sloan said, “The number of people who are asking for assistance is up by 50%, and 15% of them have never asked us for help in the past.”

In addition to Santa’s Place, the Salvation Army’s “Angel Trees” are also located in US Bank, Rent-a-Center, Wherehouse Music, and Century 21 Cinema at Eastport Plaza. “People pick an angel decoration off the tree, and donate money at the checkout stand. We use this money to buy toys for kids who really need them.”

Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division’s Officer Philip Kent.

Visitors will find Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division barrels at Santa’s Place and other stores in the shopping center. “Last year, we set a record for the number of families we served,” reported Officer Philip Kent, “This year, we’re serving at least 25% more families every month, and our donations are down by 15%. We appreciate any help feeding Portland’s families in need.”

Jillian Glasier, from Trillium Family Services.

Jillian Glasier, from Trillium Family Services, told how, locally, donations benefit the Parry Center children with mental and behavioral health problems. “This time of year, it can be really hard for kids who are in our residential programs, away from their homes, families and friends. We appreciate the support we’ll get from Santa’s Place – and that we’ll be able to bring the children here for their own very special time – and a visit with Santa.”

Major Curt Loberger US Marine Corps added that the effort will aid their Toys-for-Tots program. “We’ve done this for many years – and we distribute toys in the areas where we collect them,” he said.

Bring your camera
In addition to the children’s activities, Gill said, they’re running a coloring contest, and a drawing for adults to win a dinner for four.

“The best part is that it’s all free,” Gill said. “Be sure to bring your camera, and take photos of your kids with Santa.”

Santa’s Place is open Mondays thru Saturdays from now through December 24 mornings from 11AM to 3 PM and evenings from 4 PM – 7 PM. Please note: children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; please plan to stay and enjoy the experience with your youngsters.

Eastport Plaza is located at 4000 SE 82nd Avenue of Roses. Call (503) 771-3817 for more information or see www.eastportplaza.com for more information.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you own birds or small animals – and want to ‘buy local’ this year – discover why this outer East Portland manufacturer has developed dedicated fans who love their products …

Pam Domine, general manager and Jon Reinmann, production manager at Lents-based “Quality Cage Company” and their crew turn customers into fans by making safer, stronger homes for small animals and birds.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
These days, it seems like few products are actually made in the United States – much less in Oregon – and especially in Portland.

But, for more than 30 years, a manufacturer located in the Lents Neighborhood has been quietly making a name for itself by making first-rate cages for small animals and birds: Quality Cage Company. Every product they make – from raw materials to finished product – is manufactured by local employees in outer East Portland; and these are shipped worldwide.

Makes superior products locally
Not long ago, we met a customer, Corey O’Connor, who said he drove an hour to pick up some Superior Rabbit Homes from the firm. “Some cages for sale in pet stores are dangerous, right out of the box; they have dangerous sharp edges that cut both people and animals,” O’Connor asserted. “Like many other 4-H families, we’ve got kids caring for rabbits. I don’t worry about the kids getting stabbed or cut by sharp edges with a Quality Cage.”

Makes pet homes, not cages
Instead of cutting corners to make products cheaper, the company has strived to manufacture first-rate products. “Whether it’s a rat, hamster – or a chinchilla – our customers are looking for safer, stronger, multi-level homes for their pets,” said the company’s general manager, Pam Domine. “We use designs and manufacturing techniques that promote a long, healthy life for the family’s pets.”

Because of their attention to detail, Quality Cage Company has become the nation’s #1 manufacturer of chinchilla homes and accessories. The design allows it to be folded nearly flat for shipping, and yet expand into a sturdy “Chinchilla Mansion” after being delivered to the customer’s home.

This rabbit show – many entrants are involved in 4-H clubs from Eugene north to Centralia – was held in the company’s warehouse on November 15.

Company hosts rabbit shows
With fewer counties and other municipalities supporting groups like 4-H, young rabbit breeding enthusiasts found they were no longer welcome at county fairs – and couldn’t afford to rent facilities in which to hold their shows.

To help them out, Quality Cage Company closes down for regular business, clears out their heated, well-lit warehouse, and welcomes breeders to hold their rabbit shows.

“It’s great that Quality Cage helps out by providing space for shows like this,” Vern Palmblad, an American Rabbit Breeder’s Association judge for 30 years, said while judging a Triple-Crown Mini Rex (a type of rabbit) show at the company. “It shows they really know and care about rabbit breeders. The young people can learn so much by attending a show like this one.”

The company maintains a factory showroom at 5942 SE 111th Ave. – one long block north of SE Foster Road. You can reach them at (503) 762-2607 or www.qualitycage.com.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you haven’t visited this unique gift store – in which all items are handcrafted by local artists – discover, here, five reasons why you might want to add them to your shopping route this holiday season …

Christine Claringbold, executive director of Trillium Artisans, shows off one of her one-of-a-kind bowls – made from recycled vinyl phonograph records – that she sells at her web site. CLICK HERE to visit her online store, Eye Pop Art.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It’s always a pleasure to revisit Trillium Artisans – a unique gift store in the Lents Neighborhood.

“We have really cool stuff here,” Trillium’s executive director, Christine Claringbold, told us. “Every item has an interesting story behind it. Nothing is mass-produced; all items contain at least 50% recycled material.”

Artists learn business skills, not crafts
Trillium is a nonprofit organization that supports local craftspeople, Claringbold said. “We support low-income artisans by helping them build small businesses of their own.”

In addition to offering a storefront, she said the organization also provides classes and seminars at the building. But instead of teaching arts-and-crafts, the visiting instructors show members how to start, build, and operate businesses. “Accountants, lawyers and Internet experts help us learn how to increase our incomes, and not make costly business mistakes,” Claringbold added.

East Portland artists Lee Meredith, Amanda Siska, Kori Giudici and Megan Klepp show their hand-made gift items they offer for sale at Trillium Artisans and online at their web sites. Learn about them below …

Unique art by unique artisans
When we visited the storefront a few days ago, we met four of the 40+ artisans associated with Trillium, including:

• Lee Meredith – Also known as “Leethal” (her company’s name), said she’s a knit designer obsessed with yarn, thrift store scrounging, and color. She unravels tossed sweaters, uses custom, natural dyes on the reclaimed yarn, and puts together kits with knitting patterns. CLICK HERE to visit her online store.
• Amanda Siska – She calls here company Bread and Badger. Siska engraves glass with a dental drill, and says it’s her way of bringing fun, iconic imagery into everyone’s home. CLICK HERE to visit her online store.
• Kori Giudici – The story is that she started Flipside after a she received many compliments and inquiries about a hat she made as a birthday gift. Check them out; CLICK HERE to visit her online store.
• Megan Klepp – This artisan said her company, Ta-Dah, creates art from scrap, recycled, and found objects – especially those made of glass. In the photo above, she holds a marble-encrusted bowling ball. CLICK HERE to visit her online store.

You’ll see why many folks plan a trip to Trillium Artisans on SE Foster Road, just west of SE 92nd Avenue, to find that “something special” for folks on their gift list.

All kinds of art
“When you visit our store, you’ll see jewelry made from vinyl records, purses made from old neckties, magnets made from bottle caps, and scarves made from old sweaters,” Claringbold beamed.

One thing is for sure – we observed, from looking around the store, that the gift you purchased here will always be unique and original.

Trillium Artisans is located at 9119 SE Foster Road – this is on the north side, just west of SE 92nd Avenue. For more information, go to their web site by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News