See how this big clean-up program took on an
even “greener” tinge this year …

Lines of trucks and cars await their turn to dump trash at the annual East Portland Neighborhood Organization Clean-up event.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
From the minute the event opened at 9 a.m. until it closed at 1 p.m., the (former) Albertson’s parking lot at NE 122nd Avenue & Halsey Street was filled with folks dumping trash and debris at the annual East Portland Neighborhood Organization (EPNO) Clean-up on May 10.

These neighbors weren’t littering – they were filling Dumpster after Dumpster with bulky waste, metal, yard debris, Styrofoam, and even appliances.

Earl Brant gives his donation to Ross Monn, Wilkes Community Group Chair and event volunteer. Even though Monn is moving to Washington State, he still pitched in and worked throughout this entire event.

Pitchin’ debris from her truck is Parkrose neighbor Trystan Askelson.

50 dumpsters filled
When we stopped by the event, it was almost closing time – and there was still a line of trucks and cars waiting to unload rubbish.

“We’re close to the successful conclusion of another EPNO Clean-up,” said Bonny McKnight, a volunteer, and Co-Chair of the Russell Neighborhood Association.

“It looks like we’ll use all of the 50 Dumpsters we ordered for the event,” stated McKnight. “About 35 volunteers offered their time today, plus many other folks who helped hand out fliers and help in other ways. Together, we’ve made our community a nicer place in which to live.”

Jim Blatt, from Wilkes Community Group, is one of 35 volunteers who helped at the event.

Promoted greater participation
In addition to publicizing the event in the local media, volunteers took fliers to every church and school within the area area.

“At the least,” McKnight told us, “folks learned that we do this every year and perhaps learned more about what Portland neighborhood associations do for them. We hope more people will choose to participate in their neighborhood organization.”

Instead of sending this computer monitor to the dump, Parkrose Heights volunteer Bill Midkiff sets it aside for dismantling and recycling.

Greening up the event
In addition to the yard debris and rubbish dumpsters, we noticed more recycling bins at the collection site.

“Everything we collect today is going to be recycled in some form,” McKnight said. “For example, bicycles that otherwise would become metal junk are being recycled this year. Instead of dumping computer monitors and televisions, they’ll be dismantled before they’re recycled. We’re doing everything we can to be environmentally conscious.”

Even the donations were recycled, we learned! “The donations that we get from this event are given back to the participating neighborhoods, so they can do more good work in their communities,” said McKnight.

Spencer Wessling, from the Russell Neighborhood, is stacking tires that will be recycled – instead of being dumped into a landfill.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Check out what went on at a community happening they’re now calling an outer East Portland tradition. And, we say goodbye to a great East Portland cop, Officer Hoover …

Several hundred Lents-area neighbors looked to be having a good time, while they learned about neighborhood resources, at the fourth annual Lents Resource Fair.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It wasn’t a school day, but the cafeteria at the Marshall High Campus on SE 91st Avenue was hopping on May 10, as the Portland Development Commission (PDC) hosted its fourth annual Lents Resource Fair.

Joleen Jensen-Classen, with Juan Carlos Ocaña, stands by, ready to serve a lunch of hot burritos and chips at the Resource Fair.

Informing neighbors
“The primary purpose of the fair is to provide information to the community about a variety of services and goods available to them in Lents, and in the greater Lents area,” is how Juan-Carlos Ocaña, a public participation coordinator at PDC, set the stage.

The Lents Urban Renewal team brought 40 government and nonprofit agencies together to set up exhibits and to talk with neighbors.

Jon Gail of the PDC neighborhood housing program discussed homeowners assistance.

Folks talked with representatives from the City of Portland, TriMet, Multnomah County, Holgate Library, the Lents International Farmer’s Market, and ROSE Community Development, to name just a few.

“The fair has grown into being an annual tradition,” Ocaña said. “It started as an opportunity to showcase the diversity of services available. Many people in the Lents area are struggling in the current economic conditions. It’s a good opportunity to show them different places where they can go for support.”

Nancy Hand talks with Portland Police Bureau Neighborhood Resource Officer William Hoover.

Goodbye, Officer Hoover
After his appearances at the event year after year, neighbors expected to see Portland Police Bureau Neighborhood Resource Officer William Hoover at the event.

For those who know Office Hoover – including us – seeing him this time was a bittersweet event. “It’s true; I am leaving the Bureau, and moving south.”

We asked Hoover if he wished to comment on this, his final public meeting.

“I spent my nine years in police work in this neighborhood and this police work for a reason: I think these are good hard-working people that deserve assistance.  I’ve done my best to help the good people of this neighborhood,” Hoover told us. “I will miss the people in this area a great deal, when I leave.”

Portland Fire & Rescue’s Station 11 C-Shift attend the event, along with Lt. Michael O’Keeffe, public education Officer and fire inspector. “We’re here helping out folks in the Lents neighborhood with fire safety education, and some fun games for the kids.”

Community-building affair
Another aspect of the occasion, Ocaña told us, is community building. “It’s a great opportunity for people in the neighborhood to get together to talk to other neighbors, talk to different service organizations, and also to enjoy a tasty meal and beverage.”

From what we saw, neighbors did have a good time – and learned – as they drifted by the exhibits, and munched on burritos.

Daniel Casey said he was enjoying his burrito. Actually, his exact comment was, “Mmmmm, this is yummy!”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

This event is truly “for the birds” – take a look and discover why …

Portland Audubon Society volunteer Virginia Ross shows off Jack, an American kestrel.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Hundreds of avian admirers once again flocked to Sellwood Park on a couple of Saturdays ago to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at a special event.

“Three partners put on the ‘Festival of the Birds’ to bring attention to the migratory birds that pass through here,” said Karen Munday, Urban Wildlife Specialist at the Portland Audubon Society. “U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the Audubon Society, and Portland Parks and Recreation all participate in this event.”

Karen Munday, Urban Wildlife Specialist at Portland Audubon Society, coordinates the festival.

On the intercontinental ‘freeway’ for birds
It’s important to pay attention to migratory birds that pass through Portland, Munday said, “Birds migrate from the northern regions down south, along the Pacific Flyway. Because Portland is a stop along their migratory path, we need to help protect the habitat they use, right here, in our own back yard.”

Visitors to the festival were treated to guided bird walks. On these walks, they learned that 200 different bird species can be found in the greater Portland area. They saw, with the help of their guides, wild bald eagles, great blue herons, osprey, and dozens of species of waterfowl and songbirds that make their homes in Oaks Bottom.

Telling visitors about Hazel, a northern spotted owl, is Audubon’s James Mier.

Meeting feathered friends
Along Sellwood Park’s western walkway, tented stations provided bird-related crafts for kids and information for adults.

“We’re encouraging people to protect urban habitat,” explained Munday. “And, we’re asking them to help make our area more bird-friendly by doing things like planting native plants in their backyards, and keeping cats indoors.”

Youngsters Dakota and Miller Heikes, and Chloe Hemelstrand, get to experience how birds eat.

Along the way, we met Jack. His handler, Virginia Ross, an Audubon Society volunteer, said Jack is an American kestrel, the smallest of the falcon family.

On the arm of another Audubon volunteer, James Mier, we were introduced to Hazel, a northern spotted owl. “She’s about five years old. Her injured wing was damaged; she can’t fly so she’s not releasable.”

Information specialist Nancy Pollot of the US Fish and Wildlife Service helps homeowners learn about the native plants and flowers most favored by migrating birds.

Improving avian habitat
Nancy Pollot, US Fish and Wildlife service, was visiting with those who stopped at her booth, teaching about plants favored by birds.

“This plant is a red osier dogwood,” informed Pollot. “Birds and butterflies love these; and they’re native to Oregon. They grow without much maintenance, and attract wildlife. It flowers in the spring, and by the end of summer, it grows little white berries that the birds like.”

A highlight of the festival was the release a rehabilitated Red-tailed Hawk back into the wild, Munday said. “The hawk was set free after nearly three months recovering from an illegal gunshot injury.”

Coloring handbags at the festival are Annecy Crabtree, Mira Henri, and Brandt Henri.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

“HOUSE RECYCLING” PROGRESS REPORT: We’re checking in again with Ms. Q-Renew as she continues her project of recycling an old, dilapidated house into a brand new home – located on the same lot …

The old house they dismantled on SE Rex Street had lath-and-plaster interior walls – they reused the lath to provide a “rain-screen” that provides an air space between the siding and the wall.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The house that Shannon Quimby — “Ms. Q-Renew” from HGTV — is building on SE Rex Street in Westmoreland is nearly finished.

“We tore down a house on the property,” Quimby reminds us when we visit.  “We’re infusing all the materials from the original house into our new one – and we’re doing it without a Dumpster.”

Old walls into new rain screen
“In older construction here in the Westmoreland area, many of the houses’ interiors featured lath and plaster,” says Quimby. “Lath is the thin wooden boards that made up the framework over which plaster was spread.”

Instead ripping it all out, they carefully salvaged the lath boards, she says. “It took me three days to pull out all the nails! They’re becoming a ‘rain-screen’.”

She explains that a rain screen goes between the outer siding and the inner portion of the house.  “If any water seeps into the siding, it’ll vaporize before it hits the side of the house, preventing mold and mildew. The materials cost me zero dollars.”

Even the rock wool insulation was reused – it insulates the new fireplace flue.

New life for old insulation
Walking over the fireplace, Quimby shows us a bag of rock wool salvaged from the old house.

“It’s a natural mineral, and was standard insulation back in the 1930s. It is a fire retardant. Instead of throwing it in the dump, we put it around our fireplace flue.”

“I’ve always wanted a tree house,” says Shannon Quimby. “We’re building one from framing scraps and dismantled wood from our old house, for our six-year-old.”

Yard gets a bonus house
The spunky Quimby can’t resist showing off a “bonus house” – a new tree house. “We’re building it using a combination of the leftover framing materials, and dismantled wood from our old house.  I always had a dream of having my own tree house.  Now our six-year-old son will be able to have his own tree house.”

This new insulation technique decreases foam waste by 80 percent, Quimby says, as Rian Schmidt from Northwest Foam Home injects insulation under the plastic sheeting that contains it.

Novel insulating technique cuts waste
We next climb upstairs and watch as wall insulation is being installed. “They’re using a new technique that it decreases their waste of foam by up to 80%. By tacking plastic on the frame, and not allowing the foam to expand past the plastic, they use much less foam. Because they’re dedicated to reducing waste, it’s a perfect match for us.”

Home Tour brings many guests
“The ‘Ultimate Open House Tour’ wrapped up a couple of weeks ago,” Quimby mentions. “I was both amazed and pleased that nearly 2,000 people came by to look at how we’re recycling a house.”

Quimby says if builders and remodelers adopt their “no waste” techniques, their clients would save money while they help the environment. “Over 60% of our landfills are filled with construction materials, waste, and byproducts. We want to help build a better future for our children.”

Want to learn more? Check her web site at www.shannonquimby.com.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

It’s ore than your ordinary obedience school. See how this organization helps folks with a wide variety of disabilities have richer lives, thanks to their helpful pooch …

“Paws To Freedom” client Joanne Bryngelson says the organization has, with the help of her service dog Sadie, gotten her get out of the house and enjoying life again.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Owners bringing their dogs to the lower level of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on SE 39th Avenue aren’t coming to help correct Fido’s bad habits.

“Welcome to Paws to Freedom, Inc. a non-profit service dog team training, support, and education organization,” greeted Mara Windstar, the organization’s founder.

When we visited during an open house, not long ago, Windstar explained that “service dogs” assist individuals with disabilities. “Some people have visible disabilities; they use a wheelchair or move mobility device. Other people have ‘invisible disabilities’ like a psychiatric condition, diabetes, or a seizure disorder. The dogs are trained to have public access skills, as well as special skills needed by the client.”

Public access skills, she noted, are those that help the client move about in the outside world – like going to stores, or to work. “Dogs that can be trained to retrieve items, help with doors, and turn on flights. Specifically what they do all depends on their handler and the disabilities.”

Lifesaving skills learned
Some dogs, Windstar continued, can detect the seizure. “But all dogs can be trained for seizure response, whether or not they can detect it.  They can be trained to push a button that is to a telephone to call for help for example. Often they stay with the person; if the dog is right up against the person lying against them, they can help the length of the seizure become shorter.”

Other dogs can be trained to help owners with diabetes. “They can be trained to detect low blood sugar. This can be lifesaving for some people for people that have frequent or unexpected blood sugar drops.”

Trained 23 service dogs
Since Windstar started training her own service dog in 2001, she and her volunteers have by now worked with a total of 23 service dogs.

“We’ve learned that not all dogs are suited for the program. We’ve also learned that training is a big commitment. The handler must be willing to work the dog 24/7. One of my jobs is to figure out how the owner can have schedule training. It’s very different from pet dog training.”

Partners in training
At the open house, a client, Joanne Bryngelson, talked about the Paws to Freedom, Inc. program. She appeared to be calm and relaxed as she lauded the organization and its volunteers.

Speaking about the reason she sought a service dog, Bryngelson explained, “I have really high level anxiety and agoraphobia.”

It was her therapist, Bryngelson recalled, that told her about the organization.

“The biggest difference that Sadie, my service dog, makes in my life is that I can go out in public and enjoy myself. I’m here today and I’m talking to you, and I feel pretty calm. It’s amazing. It’s just really easy to stay inside, but it’s so destructive; I don’t want to spend the rest of my life indoors.”

On the way out, Windstar commented, “We are an all-volunteer program; we’ll do it because we love it. We’re committed to people being able to be more independent.”

Learn more about their program online by visiting: www.PawsToFreedom.org, or by calling 503-231-2555.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

This annual service captures the spirit of this holiday weekend. Take a look and remember why call this holiday Memorial Day …

To start the service, the color guard from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 418 performs a flag ceremony.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
By modern-day standards, the event being held by Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes – just off NE Weidler St., in the Gateway District – might be considered to be quaint or nostalgic.

To those of us who attend today, May 23, it is a good reminder, as the Memorial Day holiday weekend gets underway.

When graced by moderate weather, they hold the entire service outside, near the flagpole. The service starts of with the Honor Guard from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 418 performing a flag ceremony. The “post the colors”, run the flag to half-mast as a bugler plays Taps, and run the flag up to the top of the pole once again.

Inverness Jail Chaplain Ted Wolcheck presents a Memorial Day message at Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes.

Due to the rain, the group retires to a meeting hall and listens as former military chaplain, Ted Wolcheck, and currently chaplain at Inverness Jail, delivers this heart-felt message:

“The first job I had when I arrived in Vietnam, so many years ago, was when 70 troopers from the [unit called the] Big Red One were ambushed and died. There was a big circle with the rifles with bayonets and boots in helmets of those who were killed. The thought that came to me was from Psalms 1:39:

‘Oh Lord you searched me and know me. You know what I said and when I rise. You perceive my thoughts from afar.’

“I think David, the Psalmist gives us an idea that we are thinking people, and appreciative people. We value life; we value service — yesterday and today.

“Today, we’ve stopped to recall what others have done for us. From the time of World War I, we have been involved in bringing hope to people who’ve been really brutalized and overrun by evil regimes. A society that is unable to accept this responsibility – to people who are suffering – is a cruel and inhuman society. This we are not.

“When America decides to help people in Europe, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Iraq or Afghanistan – it seems that public opinion sways us to selfish conclusions: that we must withdraw. But, even if our efforts only bring a glimpse of hope to the oppressed, we have acted in the spirit of our forefathers.

“The veterans, who have brought hope to others, will never be forgotten.

“When I first visited Normandy and walked through the American Cemetery there, I was overwhelmed, with pride, for America. Sometimes we fail to remember just what these special people have done for us.

“I’m the chaplain at Inverness Jail. [As I say this] I am admitting that I am politically correct: Often, I reflect on just how sad it is for America to lose so many young men [in jail] to crime, drugs and other bad things. I believe if the draft were reinstated, many of these delinquents would’ve had a least two years of discipline to grow up as serve our great country.

Chaplain Wolcheck tells the gathering why he’s proud to be an American who is proud to have served his country in the Armed Forces.

“Every generation of Americans has to make their contribution to a greater America; and, to keep the flame of hope burning in our hearts. We are Americans, under God, who has blessed us with super abundance. The capacity to suffer for the sake of others is the measure of humanity.

“The true stars of our country are not in Hollywood. They are individuals who are serving their beloved country in the armed forces. For those who care for those who can’t win their own freedom, or take care of themselves, our history says we do so.

“I believe we need a new spelling of the word America. It is H-O-P-E.

“I salute all who gave their best to keep us free. God bless America.

Armed Forces veterans stand and are recognized for their contribution to freedom at the service.

After he concluded his talk, the chaplain asked all those who served in military service stand and be recognized. They were greeted with applause.

We wish you, our reader, a pleasant Memorial Day weekend.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you didn’t get out to this amusing annual event, take a look at our photo album, as we recap their community funfest …

Here comes the parade! For nearly a full hour, neighbors enjoyed a color procession of bands, walking groups, and community floats.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The 13th annual Gateway Fun-O-Rama, put on by the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA), played out under summerlike skies on May 16 and 17.

It started with a golf tournament at the Glendoveer Golf Course, and continued the next day with a parade down NE Halsey Street, followed by the Community Fair at 111th Square.

Judges and announcers for this year’s parade are: (back row) Annette Mattson, David Douglas School Board, Dr. Karen Fischer Gray, Superintendent, Parkrose School District; (front row); Becka Doyle, David Douglas High, Stacy Chao, David Douglas High, Tammy Vu, Parkrose High and Jacob Nall, St. Therese School.

Fun-O-Rama Parade
For years, the Fun-O-Rama Parade always seemed to take place under clouds threatening rain.

But on May 17, the sky was clear and the sun was hot, as the parade formed on the expansive grounds of St. Therese Parish grounds at NE 132nd Avenue. The procession then  headed west along NE Halsey Street, and disbanded at NE 105th Avenue.

This year’s parade featured the lively sounds and precision footwork of five marching bands – the most ever, in the parade’s history. The bands and drill teams from Parkrose High School, Parkrose Middle School, Ron Russell Middle School, Centennial High School, and Floyd Light Middle School performed well, to the delight of the crowd all along the route.

The 2008 Portland Rose Festival Princesses, and other dignitaries, rode in convertibles, and greeted the crowds along the route.

Other parade entries included those from businesses, faith groups, and service organizations – including the Al Kader Shiners’ Calliope and motorcade. Also marching was the fun-but-rowdy Parkrose Posse – and the bystanders enjoyed the antics of the crazy Gateway Keystone Kops. Many participants threw candy to watching kids as they went by.

Seems like all kids like stickers – especially when it’s an honorary badge, given by a kindly Portland cop.

Community Fair follows parade
After the Fun-o-Rama Parade, the crowd along the parade route followed the sound of calliope to the Community Fair at 111th Square. Kicking off the fair was the Portland Police Bureau Honor Guard, as they raised a huge American flag at noon.

Then, visitors perused 40 booths set up for individuals, companies, nonprofit organizations, and civic groups – as the band, “Vine Time”, played and sang a wide variety of original and popular songs.

Once again this year, the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Cadets were fundraising by serving hot, huge “Cadet Dog” wieners – as other Cadets fitted kids with low-cost bike helmets.

The Portland Rose Festival Princesses pitched their upcoming festival, and Ronald McDonald entertained the kids.

Alan Sanchez presented the Gateway Citizen of the Year memento to David Douglas School District superintendent, Barbara Rommel.

Citizen of the Year
The Gateway “Citizen of the Year” – Superintendent Barbara Rommel, of the David Douglas School District – was honored with a plaque.

After receiving the award, Rommel told us, “I feel honored to be chosen; this organization does so much to benefit the community.”

Our Fun-O-Rama Photo Album

The Al Kader Calliope and honor guard entertain with music and performance motorcycle drill team riding.

“Will you applaud if I do a cartwheel?” asked Jefferson Smith, a candidate for state legislature. He did – and the crowd went wild with applause.

Saturday night fun; and, law and order – Parkrose Posse style!

The Floyd Light Middle School Band and Drill Team was one of five great marching bands that played in the parade.

Those crazy Gateway Keystone Kops hammed it up along the parade route.

Raising the 25′ American flag were members of the Portland Police Bureau and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.

Michelle Frazier, a Portland Police Bureau Cadet, served hot dogs.

Lents neighborhood volunteer Judy Welch was greeted by Mayor-elect Sam Adams at the Community Fair.

Jessie Holwege looked on as her son, Hayden, got fitted with a bike helmet by Portland Police Bureau Cadet Jordan Houck.

Richard Bixby with the East Portland Neighborhood Organization gave out resource literature at their booth.

Vine Time Band from Parkrose United Methodist played a variety of original and positive music.

The blazing sun that drove temperatures to record levels also thinned the crowd – but many folks stayed the afternoon in the shade of exhibitor’s canopies.

Meet the members
If you’re interested in finding out more about GABA, they meet next on June 12 at JJ North’s Buffet, 10520 NE Halsey Street. Their web site: www.gabanet.com.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Most folks in outer East Portland occasionally need to go to the west side – and frequently use the Sellwood Bridge. Here’s what the County is doing to keep it intact …

Even with all of the “bridge closed” signs up, some drivers still acted surprised to find the Sellwood Bridge closed for inspection on May 18th.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While we were out reporting on this story on Sunday, May 18th, drivers who ignored the five “Sellwood Bridge Closed” signs posted starting from SE 17th Avenue westward rolled down their window and asked, “Why is it closed again?”

As we drew closer to the workers above and below the side-hanging gantry crane, we could see workers measuring and marking on the bridge.

We hiked down to the trail below, and observed two Multnomah County Bridge employees inspecting the aging structure inch by inch.

Using a specially designed rig, crews can inspect the sides and under deck areas of bridge from this moving platform.

“The purpose was to map the cracks into which epoxy will be injected in August,” we later learned from Multnomah County spokesman Michael Pullen.

“There are cracks, both in the concrete bridge deck and in the girders. Our workers were documenting the size of the cracks.”

It’s clear where concrete has broken off and the exposed steel rebar is rusting. Officials are more concerned, though, about rust weakening the internal structure which is hidden from view.

To be able to draw up a work contract, all of the cracks, Pullen said, must be identified and located.

“This is a low-cost, short-term measure to prolong the life of the bridge. The purpose of sealing the cracks is to keep water out. When water seeps in, it rusts the rebar. When the cracks are filled with epoxy, the experts say it will slow the bridge’s deterioration.”

A Multnomah County bridge maintenance worker measures and marks cracks to be injected with epoxy during a planned August closure.

In August, the Sellwood Bridge will be closed for two or three days and nights while the epoxy injection work is being done – so, expect a 10-mile detour looping around and over the Ross Island Bridge before Labor Day.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See how this food festival helps unite the DDHS student body – and raise funds for student organizations – at the same time …

Don’t expect it to last for very long, however. Learn when the heat wave will end, take a look at our “temperature survey” – and get tips on buying a window air conditioner, right here …

Temperatures in outer East Portland – measured two spots along SE Division Street: 96 degrees at Bank of the West at SE 82nd Ave. of Roses; and 97 degrees at Division Station at SE 122nd Ave.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It sure is hard to believe that temperatures would actually top 90 degrees on May 16 – but anyone out experiencing weather in the greater Portland knows that it was sizzling hot today.

Record-breaking heat
“There is a heat advisory posted until 8:00 p.m. this evening,” commented meteorologist Tiffani Brown, with the National Weather Service.

Brown said that, typically, we could expect a temperature spike into the lower 80s. “But today, we’re registering 93 degrees – we’ve broken the record high of 88 degrees set at Portland International Airport in 1982.”

The reason for this, Brown explained, is a weather pattern with an upper level ridge of high pressure sitting over the area. “Down near the surface, we have a thermally-induced low pressure area. Because of this, we lose the influence of the cooler marine air west of the Cascades.”

Some students swelter
We did a quick check of area schools – all were still in session, even though few of them are air conditioned. As we drove past, we saw shades drawn down, windows open and fans in doorways.

“The nice thing about being in a newer facility,” commented Roy Reynolds, principal at Parkrose High School, “is our complex is air conditioned. We didn’t notice the heat at our school.”

One cool job: Standard TV & Appliance’s Keith Figueroa shows off some of the air conditioners their customers are buying.

Record heat boosts air conditioner sales
“As you’d guess,” Keith Figueroa, sales manager, Standard TV & Appliance on SE 82nd Ave., told us, “we’ve sold four times the normal amount of air conditioners we’d typically sell. And, we haven’t even got to the busy part of the day yet. People will be stopping in after work.”

When shopping for an install-it-yourself window or portable air conditioner, “The number one to look for is energy efficiency,” Figueroa informed us.  “We have a unit that sells for $99. But for $20 more, you get one that is not only more energy efficient, but also is a much quieter unit. And, the more efficient units have computerized displays allowing you to program the exact temperature you want.”

Even though this heat wave will soon be over, now is still a good time to buy, Figueroa stated. “The hot days bring in customers – but when it’s hot, muggy and humid all night long – and you can’t sleep very well – that’s when the demand goes up and stores tend to sell out their inventories.”

Expect ‘typical’ weather soon
“It’s going to be pretty warm on Saturday,” said the weather bureau’s Brown. “We’re expecting mid to upper 80s. It will cool off soon as the high pressure ridge moves east. Then, we’ll be back to our normal springtime weather patterns.”

Brown declined to predict the weather for the Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade in June.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

The “riot” that caused at least 100 law officers to converge on a facility out near the airport on early Sunday morning was not a Warner Pacific College party gone bad, as some local media reported. Get the true facts here …

We were held blocks away, as 70 police and sheriff patrol cars converged on NE 122nd Avenue and NE Whitaker Way.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It was 1:00 a.m. on May 11 that we heard the radio call, “All units available, come immediately to a facility at NE 122nd Avenue and NE Whitaker Way.”

It was as close to the cinematic cliche, “Calling all cars! Calling all cars!”, as we’ve ever heard while covering news in Portland.

Cars, cars, and more patrol cars – with lights and sirens on – screamed past us on NE 122nd Avenue, where we had halted, just north of the railroad overpass.

‘Near riot conditions’
“East Precinct officers responded to 12245 NE Whitaker Way regarding a loud party,” explained Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz. When officers pulled up, Schmautz said, they saw fights both inside and outside the party, and numerous intoxicated people including several who were minors. The manager of the party agreed to work with officers to shut the party down.

“As officers were telling people to leave, some people became hostile towards the police,” Schmautz continued. “Supervisors called for all available cover, and teams of officers attempted to break up fights. Some individuals agreed to leave, but others began throwing bottles and large cans of beer at the police.”

By the time we arrived in the area, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputies, Portland Police Bureau patrol cars from all precincts, and even a car from the Milwaukie Police Department, were responding to the call.

When we asked how many officers converged on the scene of what radio calls described as “riot conditions”, Schmautz told us that, because of the early morning hour of the disturbance, “I am unable to determine the exact number of officers that arrived at the scene, but there were about 70 officers working, at the time East Precinct officers asked for more backup.”

Officials at Warner Pacific College forwarded this invitation to the party that ended up as a drunken brawl not connected with their school.

Claims it was a Warner Pacific College party
Once the crowd dispersed, Schmautz added, the organizers told officers that they rented the basketball court for a graduation party for Warner Pacific students. “They said they tried to provide security and check bags, but some people entered through the side doors and organizers became overwhelmed. Organizers also said they tried to break up fights before officers arrived.”

“We’ve investigated the claim made to police that this event was associated with Warner Pacific College,” said Andria Cook, the school’s VP for Institutional Advancement. “This was not an official function of the college. It was neither sanctioned nor supported by the college.”

Police gave college officials the names of the party-gone-bad’s organizers. “We’ve checked,” Cook told us in an interview this week, “and those individuals were not – and never have been – students here. Those arrested were not, nor have ever been, Warner Pacific students.”

Distant connection to the college
We asked Cook if any of the college’s students had attended the party.

“From what we’ve found out, a very few of our students attended the party. They left before anything happened,” stated Cook.

“One of the organizers mentioned the college’s name. We found that one of our students’ cousins was helping out with the party. The connection to the college was that distant.”

Does this look like a recreational facility to you? Yet, tenants in this building confirmed there is a for-rent basketball court in the back building – behind the razor wire-topped fence.

Looking for the scene
We went back in the daytime, the following day, to survey the scene. We couldn’t find a commercial gymnasium.

We did locate the street address where Sgt. Schmautz said the near-riot took place. Several smaller office buildings fronted larger warehouse buildings in a back lot. The back warehouse area, identified as Alpine Courier Inc., was gated, with razor wire at the top.

A woman who works in an office in the front of the complex said that there is a separate basketball court facility in the back of the property that is rented out.

The woman, who declined to be identified, said she’s frequently seen a number of kids in the facility. “In fact my nephew had a party there once. It was clean and nice, and we didn’t think there’d be any problem. But this – it seems frightening.”

The following individuals were arrested by police in connection with this “riot”:

• 20 -year old Ramon Dimas-Ambriz for Riot, Disorderly Conduct, and Attempted Assault in the Fourth Degree.
• 22-year-old Alonzo Dupree for Riot, Disorderly Conduct, and Interfering with a Police Officer.
• 18-year-old Dominique Durisko-Caoile for Disorderly Conduct, Interfering with a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest.
• 20-year-old Fred Marlow for Disorderly Conduct, and Interfering with a Police Officer.
• 20-year-old Walteron Coxeff for Interfering with a Police Officer.
• 17-year-old Sheqouya Payton-Simmons for Riot, Disorderly Conduct, Interfering with a Police Officer, and Resisting Arrest.
• 19-year-old Vincent Green for Disorderly Conduct, and Interfering with a Police Officer.

“No one was seriously injured, and other than a deployment of pepper spray, officers did not use any lethal or other non-letal forms of restraint,” Schmautz said.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Vehicle drivers are responsible for avoiding pedestrians. But sometimes – like in this case – pedestrians can’t be avoided; the results are tragic …

SE Powell Blvd., just west of SE 136th Ave., was shut down for hours while investigators process the scene where a pedestrian was struck and fatally injured by a car.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
What happened at 8:21 p.m. on May 15 was clear: a Cadillac, traveling east on SE Powell Blvd. near SE 136th Ave., struck a pedestrian with such force, it threw the victim about 60 feet.

“I don’t know why he just ran out into the street,” said Megan Davis who claimed to have witnessed the accident. “I don’t think the driver had time to do anything. I think he (the victim) just came out of the Double Dribble [Tavern].”

The victim was thrown about 60 feet after being struck by an oncoming car. On the left hand side of the photo, you can make out the victim’s hat; his shoes ended up next to the stopped white Cadillac.

Officers at the scene told us that the victim was still alive when medical attention arrived, but confided, “He didn’t look good.”

To get official information about this incident, we turned to Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz who said, “An intoxicated 49-year-old man ran into the path of the Cadillac. The pedestrian was transported to OHSU and died while receiving medical attention.”

No citations have been issued, Schmautz added.

An investigation by the Portland Police Bureau’s Fatal Accident Team concluded the victim ran into traffic, the driver that struck him was not ticketed or arrested.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News