Are these open-houses “trial balloons” – or is the city really serious about “laying down tracks” out in the ‘burbs? Take a look, and decide for yourself …

Folks came from miles around to learn how, when, and why streetcar lines might be built as far out of downtown as Parkrose.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
If the City of Portland names a road a “streetcar corridor”, will citizens desire it?

This is the question being asked at a trio of open house sessions being held around the Portland area. The first one took place at Parkrose High School’s Community Room on October 29.

Developing a method of analysis
“This is the Portland Streetcar System Plan project open house,” says Patrick Sweeney, a senior transit planner with the Portland Office of Transportation (PDOT).

“Streetcars are an important initiative for PDOT and Transportation Commissioner Adams,” Sweeny begins. “One of the things we’d like to accomplish with the streetcar commission plan is to have a method for analyzing expansion of the City of Portland streetcar system.”

Answering questions about the project is PDOT Senior Transit Planner Patrick Sweeney.

Dealing with growth with increased density
The reason for considering adding streetcars, Sweeny tells us, is to set up a strategy to deal with increased population growth over the next 20 years.

“We’re expecting the Portland metro area’s population to grow to over one million people by 2025,” adds Sweeny, “A third of that, being absorbed by the City of Portland. The idea is to see if we can develop a network of high-density, high-quality street corridors that are attractive for people to live in. It could be a way to accommodate some of that growth, and preserve single-family neighborhoods from some of the infill pressures they are feeling right now.”

Commissioner’s objectives
Although we didn’t have the opportunity to speak with Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams at this open house, signs posted in the room stated his objectives for the project:

Streetcar corridors must:

1. Be a viable transit option with adequate ridership;
2. Have redevelopment potential;
3. Have community support to make the changes necessary for a successful streetcar corridor.

Questions streetcars over more busses
“In East County and outer East Portland, I think they’re putting the cart before the horse,” comments NE Portland neighbor Jim Howell, as he looks at the plan maps.

“I think we need better bus service out here. Especially better crosstown bus service. We have people stuffed on the 82nd Avenue of Roses busses – there isn’t enough capacity for them. That is what should be done.”

No doubt about it, adds Powell, public transit is needed. “But there has to be more investment in service, not just capital projects. I think they’re looking for projects they can ‘cut the ribbon for’ when it’s opened – and providing better bus service isn’t ‘sexy’.”

Kefia and Dustin Micheletti imagine what it would be like if they could ride streetcars all over Portland – especially to work.

Couple desires streetcars
“We live in NE Portland, remarks Kefia Micheletti, as she and husband Dustin look at the charts and maps on display.

“I’ve started working out here at Parkrose High School. It would be nice if I could get to work on public transportation instead of driving a one-person car to school. That’s why I’m most interested.”

Dustin adds, “It is really important to help keep the growth of Portland do-able for everybody. To have everybody in cars isn’t going to work, if we keep attracting people.”

What do you think?
If you missed the open house, you can still get a look at the preliminary “Portland Streetcar System Plan” being proposed by PDOT.

It’s on their PDOT pages of the City of Portland website under Planning and Projects and look for Streetcar System Plan.

Or, CLICK HERE to be linked directly with the PDF document at their site. Note: This document requires that you have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer (download it at www.adobe.com).

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

You’ll never guess how far away these nature-minded, energetic gals came to help spruce up this inner SE Portland natural park …

Terry Toedtemeier, volunteer and a homeowner near the park, gives the entrance a chain-saw manicure. “The brush trim is overdue!”

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The natural ravine along the Springwater Trail called Tideman-Johnson Park has come a long way since neighbors have adopted the area.

As we walk south on SE 37th Avenue from SE Tenino Street in late October and look down the hill, we’re surprised to see a large group of young ladies, rakes and shovels in hand, preening the hillside.

On the way down the steep access road, one of the workers explains, “This is what we like to do.”

Brittnee Gillson, a senior, and Allie Rastetter, were two of the many Lakeridge High School cheerleaders volunteering in October to help spruce up Tideman-Johnson Park.

She introduces herself as Allie Rastetter a senior Lakeridge High School Cheerleader. “We like to help our community. It seemed like a good idea for us to work together as a team. This is doing something we love.”

Marianne Colgrove, one of the Friends of Tideman-Johnson Park, is pleased with the progress. The Ardenwald-Johnson Creek Neighborhood Association got a Community Watershed Stewardship Grant to help take care of this park, she reminds us.

Lots of help showed up – including the cheerleading squad from Lakeridge High School in Lake Oswego.

“We’re working with Mart Hughes of Portland Parks and Recreation,” Colgrove says. “Along with the Lakeridge Cheerleaders, we have neighborhood volunteers pulling ivy and spreading mulch. We’ll come back and plant in these areas in the winter and spring.”

Although Tideman-Johnson is categorized as a “natural park”, Calgrove says, “Most of what is growing here isn’t natural at all. It is invasive weeds and plants that don’t belong here. We’re working to restore the area to a natural state.”

Samantha Weinstein and Lindsay Mayer say they love working in nature.

How did they snag these energetic cheerleaders from Lake Oswego?

“I think the Parks Bureau is well connected,” Colgrove says with a knowing smile. “Their volunteer coordinator works with a lot of schools and community groups to provide volunteer opportunities for their participants. The ladies are all getting community service credit for being here today.”

Get dirty; dig in!
You can help improve this great little park in Ardenwald by volunteering on the fourth Saturday of each month, except Thanksgiving weekend. “We’re moving that work date back to December 1st,” Calgrove says.

For more information, check the neighborhood’s web site: www.ardenwald.org.

-5 Here’s the location of the park.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

As the federally-run emergency exercise was winding down, see how these volunteers tested their readiness to deal with a wide-spread disaster …

NET volunteers Mary Owings and Carol Moseley check in with team members in the field during the exercise.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In a disaster that affects the greater Portland metropolitan area, police, fire and other professional emergency responders will be taxed to the utmost.

If bridges are down, roads are torn up and communications are interrupted, it might take days – not hours – for them to arrive in some parts of Portland.

Who will be there to help?

Most likely, the first emergency help you’ll see will be an orange-vested volunteer from your local Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET).

Testing readiness
“This is our first involvement with the city-wide exercise of a disaster,” reports Mary Owings, NET volunteer. “We serve a northeast section of outer East Portland. We have NET volunteers with us from Parkrose; and we’re working with Portland Fire & Rescue’s Station 7.”

Owings tells us that duties are divided up among volunteers, just as they are in the professional emergency service bureaus. One person checks in volunteers, others check out equipment, provide radio contact, and supervise the activity of the exercise – or, activity during a real emergency.

Peter Deyoe, team leader of Net 7 talks with Johanna Juhnke and Ryan Sprague after they return from their mission.

Mission: Information
We talk with one of East Precinct’s two Crime Prevention Specialists, Teri Poppino, at the exercise held at the East Portland Community Center on October 20.

“Today, I am the operations chief,” explains Poppino. “When volunteers come in, I make the assignments. Today, our mission is disseminating information into the neighborhood. We are handing out leaflets that tell how to ‘shelter in place’ during a chemical or radioactive emergency; and another providing crime prevention resources.”

Poppino says team members are also taking a survey among neighbors to learn if they have been trained by NET, have CPR or emergency skills, or speak another language and would be willing to translate during an emergency.

Loves helping; finds areas for improvement
NET volunteer Johanna Juhnke shakes off the rain as she comes back into the “command center”.

“Several of the neighbors we contacted said they were surprised that we came by,” Juhnke tells us. “They told us they were glad to get the information and to learn that neighbors were looking after them.

Why does she do this?”

“I love helping other people,” replies Jhunke. “I like to give back to the community. And, from helping with this exercise today, I see that we can improve our communications if there is a city-wide emergency. It’s good to get the kinks out before a real emergency hits us.”

You, too, can be a local hero! Your first step in getting involved is to visit www.pdxprepared.net.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Working to build citizen consensus for highway road improvements, street safety additions and increased bicycle – and a taxation system to pay for it – find out plan Sam Adams and Ted Wheeler are presenting …

Judith Huck, owner of Classique Floors, takes a look at the exhibits on display at an outer East Portland Safe & Sound Green Streets meeting.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The tempo for promoting the new street repair and safety improvement plan is quickening. In the three weeks between the end of their second and the beginning of their third wave of transportation town hall meetings, PDOT’s boss, Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams, is adding a new presenting partner, Multnomah County Chair, Ted Wheeler.

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams talks with Patty Freeman about safety issues along her SE Portland street.

Says open houses used to gain local input
“We’ve invited people to put sticky notes on the project boards and maps, commenting on the projects and funding alternatives we’re considering,” Adams says. “Nobody knows safety issues of their neighborhoods better than the folks who live there.”

Jeff Cropp writes a comment at the SE Transportation Open House.

Outer East Portland folks say …
We find a wide variety of comments are written at the outer East Portland open house. They are listed, in their entirety, at the end of this article.

City/County program preview
We previewed the “Safe, Sound and Green Streets” program being put on Adams and Wheeler during their first co-presentation at Madison High School, on 82nd Avenue of Roses, on October 16.

Starting the third round of transportation open houses, Portland Commissioner Sam Adams confers with Multnomah County Commissioner Ted Wheeler before their joint presentation.

At this, the third series of transportation town hall meetings has on display maps, charts and graphs representing the program’s benefits.

With the aid of a 90-slide presentation, Adams and Wheeler throw the spotlight on Portland’s worst transportation problems – crumbling bridges, poor street condition, high-accident intersections and car vs. bicyclist conflicts.

Speaking about the county’s responsibility for bridge repair and maintenance, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler tells the group, “Ahead of all other county transportation issues is dealing with the Sellwood Bridge. It is at a crisis point. That bridge has a rating of ‘2’ on a federal sufficiency scale of 100. We need to completely rehabilitate or replace that span.”

They also pitch a plan that makes for what they call the $12.6 Million yearly “funding gap” to remedy the city’s transportation ills.

The plan they’re trying out on folks is a tax package that includes:

• City street safety and maintenance fee of $4.50 per month;
• Gas tax at $0.03 per gallon; and,
• County vehicle registration fee and/or general obligation bond.

Mark Lear PDOT, director of Safe, Sound and Green Streets Project talks with Nancy Conwell at the outer East Portland meeting.

To verify the specifics, we spoke with Portland Office of Transportation’s Mark Lear, the director of the Safe, Sound and Green Streets (SS&GS) Project.

Lear confirmed that the city and county needs to generate a total revenue of 48.5 Million per year, for ten years, to meet its SS&GS goals.

Stakeholder group guides SS&GS
While the project’s literature and Adams frequently refer to the SS&GS “Stakeholder Group”, nowhere could we find information regarding this group.

“The group has grown to include 89 members,” explains Lear. “We’ve included everyone whom we think may have an interest.”

About half the members, Lear says, have a connection to business or commerce; and includes neighborhood business associations, trade groups, and those with an interest in retail traffic (like grocery stores) and freight movement.

About a quarter of the stakeholders is made up from of neighborhood association representatives. The final quarter, Lear describes as representatives of “transit users, bicycle groups, Elders in Action and pedestrian advocates.”

Greening of the project
Lear says PDOT has done significant citywide polling. “When we asked respondents about raising revenue, we found we’d have between five and nine percent greater support if the measures included ‘green elements, rewards or incentives’.”

One “green” element suggested is enhanced traffic-light timing systems designed to promote the smooth flow of traffic; thus reducing pollution and greenhouse gases. Another is increased promotion and construction of bicycle-designed routes.

Businesses located near a transit routes could get tax-reducing incentives by promote bicycle and public transit use for employees. Homeowners would save if only one car was registered to their household. “We would only move forward with incentives that have public support, and that can be easily and efficiently implemented,” Lear states.

Mark Lear PDOT, director of Safe, Sound and Green Streets Project talks with Naomi Tsurumi at the inner SE East Portland meeting.

Million$ for bike lanes?
Bicycle transportation advocates provide nearly half of the feedback noted in the second round of transportation town halls – including those in inner SE Portland – yet PDOT statistics show bike trips account for about five percent of total trips taken citywide

We ask Lear the question so many motorized-vehicle driving folks have asked us: “How are the SS&GS funds actually dedicated?

Lear breaks it down:

• 58% is dedicated to arterial street rehabilitation and traffic signal synchronization.
• 29% goes for Willamette River bridges including the local match to the Sellwood Bridge.
• 5% is for pedestrian and bike safety corridors. “On wet, dark and cold days, these corridors will run on streets with less traffic. We’ll have signalized intersections where bike riders would cross busy streets. We’re developing a network for bike riders to ride more safely.”
• 3% is earmarked for pedestrian safety improvements.
• 2% will be spent to reduce incidents at high-crash intersections.
• 1% is dedicated for the “Safe Routes to Schools” Program.

“The other two-percent is for tax collection fees,” Lear adds.

Hear and be heard
Officials haven’t said whether they’ll put the program – and the new taxes – up to a vote. But, you’re invited to see the presentation by Adams and Wheeler, ask questions of PDOT and county staff members, and sound off at transportation town hall meeting.

Come to Menlo Park Elementary School at 12900 NE Glisan St. on October 22 – or Sellwood Middle School on October 30 – from 7 to 9 p.m. to get your voice heard.

Or, for more information, see their web site at www.SafeandSoundStreets.com.

Outer East Portland residents “sound off” about “Safe and Sound Streets:

• You need to look at pedestrian and bike traffic, increasing on outer Foster Rd.
• At the 136th & Ramona school crossing, cars speed during school hours and when children are present. The street needs sidewalks to keep kids out of the street.
• NE Halsey & 126th needs help!

High-crash Intersections

• It is interesting that there are 22 [locations] east of 82nd, only 10 west of 82nd and just two west of the river.
• How to buses stopping in travel lanes contribute to or not contribute to high-crash intersections?
• Please paint tagging on bridge on NE 148th Ave. off Halsey, past Sumner Pl.
• Add stop signs to intersections that do not have any for N/S or E/W traffic.
• Cut back foliage so street signs and stop signs can easily be seen.

Family-friendly Pedestrian & Bicycle Routes

• Bicycle boulevards should be kept low-cost and simple—signs and paint—and paid for by bicyclists with a bicycle path.
• Please be more careful about where you put bike paths. When you have a path on I-205 do you really need one on narrow, high-traffic paths like 92nd?
• NE Glisan between 102nd and 122nd has heavy traffic and a speeding problem with no motorized transit for support.
• No more curb cuts for personal driveways.
• I’m concerned about bicycle safety at Holgate & 72nd/79th.
• Add grade separated bike lanes on busy streets that are traveled by bikes to access commercial and retail in the areas where street access is needed. An example is Foster & 92nd, 82nd & Powell, portions of 82nd near shopping and 122nd.
• Rafael and Halsey traffic is too fast.
• Please add pedestrian and bike crossing at 82nd & Raymond with clearly marked right of way lanes and activated signs.
• Pedestrian islands should not be coupled with bus stops if the buses stop in vehicle travel lanes to board passengers.
• Quit overcrowding our neighborhoods and our traffic problems will not be so bad.
• I love the idea of moving bicycles off the main streets. Let’s make it safe for bikes and pedestrians and keep traffic moving.
• Move bike and pedestrian crossing at 122nd & Foster. It impedes traffic.
• Safe bike routes would be awesome (on alternate side streets or corridors).
• I will never vote for even 1/10 of a cent tax to pay for anything Portland proposed. Quit wasting all our dollars and you will have plenty to take care of roads.
• Family-friendly streets need public restrooms.
• No bikes on any sidewalks.
• Make and enforce a $292-$500 fine for bikes on sidewalks.
• License and register all bikes and bicyclists, then use the money for bike boulevards and bike infrastructure.
• If we are to be a truly “green” city, then cars, not pedestrians & bicyclists should be limited to certain streets.

Many people, from all over the East Portland area, came to the inner Safe and Sound Streets meetings

Bike Improvements

• Need police enforcement for pedestrian crossings (SE Belmont east of 26th and SE Stark).
• Motorists don’t look for pedestrians and only stop to be kind, not because it is required.
• Involve the media—video of motorists ignoring pedestrians and bicyclists.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

From the “Control Cell” at PDX, to a suburban hospital, to Portland’s 911 Center – and even to David Douglas High School – you’ll see exclusive photos and stories about the “TOPOFF 4” drill carried on across the greater Portland area, right here …

Getting a “peek behind the magic curtain”, we’re allowed to take a look at the “Venue Control Cell”, located in the main ballrooms at Portland Airport Sheraton Hotel.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For all of the publicity thrust upon the local media, most folks in the greater Portland area saw only brief snippets about the Department of Homeland Security’s largest disaster simulation exercise to date — “TOPOFF 4” — held in the metro area, during the week of October 15.

We went to a press briefing as the full-scale exercise began on Monday, and learned that three locations are involved in a single, overarching scenario taking place in Arizona, Guam, and Oregon.

We were issued an official TOPOFF 4 press credential, and learn that our ability to visit any of the events will be strictly controlled.

Jeremy Greenberg, the program manager with Department of Homeland Security, briefs the press on the day before the “bomb” explodes.

“The reason for doing this,” explained Jeremy Greenberg, the program manager with Department of Homeland Security, “is that it helps governments, at all levels, to prepare to respond to a single type of event.”

The “event” described by Greenberg was the explosion of a “dirty bomb” on the Steel Bridge in downtown Portland. Such a device, if detonated by terrorists, isn’t intended to do great physical damage – but instead, to spew a deadly cloud of radioactive material into the air. The actual “ground zero” for this exercise was moved to Portland International Raceway, where officials built a simulated Steel Bridge from scaffolding.

The three key concepts, said Greenberg, were “prevention, protection, and response recovery”. “During the day, we expect 4,500 participants playing, controlling and evaluating the exercise here in Portland. It runs 24-hours a day through Friday.”

From their hidden location, drill controllers purposely add in unexpected contingencies, to test the ability of agencies to respond to changing conditions.

Connections to East Portland
First, the “Venue Control Cell” – the hidden-away controllers who actually run TOPOFF 4 – was located in the grand ballroom at the Portland Airport Sheraton Hotel.

The room was lined with rows of conference tables, at which sat “event play controllers”, calling the shots during the exercise.

“These exercises are as realistic as we can possibility get,” said Greenberg, “whether manmade or natural. Having the opportunity to learn and evaluate our capabilities in peacetime is a phenomenal chance to see what works, what doesn’t and where we can correct ourselves.”

BOOM!
On October 16, all across Portland, in the scenario, the city reeled from the effects of a nuclear radiation-laced high explosive device detonation. City, county and federal agencies worked with frantic precision to deal with the physical damage – and more importantly – with the thousands of civilian causalities.

To those participating in the 2007 TopOff exercises, designed to test the area’s disaster response system, the simulated event was played out as if Portland were under attack by terrorist villains.

Wearing radiation-resistant protective garb are registered nurse Kate Arendt, James Sobocinski of Hospital Security, and emergency room technician Josh Spano. Their role is to evaluate “patients” as they come into Providence Milwaukie Hospital. The close-up shows Sobocinski holding his functional, 1950s era radiation detector.

Disaster radiates to SE Portland
Even though the bomb went off downtown, Milwaukie Providence hospital in Southeast was activated as a disaster medical response site.

“Any time there is a regional disaster, patients are disbursed so they can get prompt care,” explained Steven Fletcher, Community Relations manager with Providence Health and Services.

“The larger hospitals will get really busy and quickly fill up. They’ll triage patents, and disburse them to locations elsewhere, such as Providence Milwaukie, where they can receive immediate care.”

In the case of a widespread release of radioactive material, Fletcher added, citizens suffering ill effects from the blast site would be routed directly to the hospital. “We’re not a trauma center, but our fully-equipped emergency center can accept critically injured patents.”

This “patient” says she was in her house when the “bomb” went off. “I’m concerned about my dog. Can you help my dog?” They did.

Full emergency gear stored on site
The decontamination unit, medical ward tents, protective gear, and special emergency equipment used in this drill weren’t shipped in for this exercise, says Environmental Services Manager, Tina Seely a member of the hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Committee.

“All of it was purchased through grants, and belongs to the hospital. The equipment is stored on-site. When a disaster with mass causalities happens, it is all right here – we’re ready to respond within hours.”

The temporary emergency ward fills with “patients” – some are considered acutely ill or injured; others are considered to be suffering from emotional distress, in the emergency scenario.

Lents emergency communication center activated
The following day, we’re permitted to visit the now-heavily-fortified Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC), located just east of the Tri-Met bus yard off SE Powell Boulevard, in the Lents Neighborhood.

We’re met at the door by BOEC’s public information officer, Todd DeWeese.

“It is business as usual on the 9-1-1 side,” DeWeese tells us, as a group of reporters crowd around. “We have real-world dispatching going and, at the same time, a smaller center dispatching for the TOPOFF 4 disaster simulation.”

Looking unruffled, DeWeese says BOEC “actually has the easiest part of the drill. We do this every day. Whether simulated or real – we’re trained to accurately take in information, then, dispatch the required services.

“TopOff is good practice. This helps locate the communication problem spots that might crop up during a real emergency situation. This brings all of the agencies involved – hundreds of them – together in this drill. We have different levels of decision-makers here, in this building,” DeWeese says.

Mayor Tom Potter sits in the BOEC Disaster Policy Council room, our first stop on the tour.

At different times during the exercise, the mayor, transportation director, fire chief, police chief, city attorney, and city auditor direct the handling of the disaster occupy the room.

The Emergency Communications Center is the information exchange center that POEM sets up to deal with large-scale, city-wide disasters.

Next, we tour the Emergency Communications Center.

Ordinarily, this large room is used as the training center for BOEC staffmembers. But, for the purposes of the TopOff exercise this week, it was the disaster drill’s main coordination center.

Portland Police Bureau’s spokesperson, Sgt. Brian Schmautz, confers with his counterparts in the Emergency Communications Center during the training exercise.

“This room is activated by POEM,” explained the bureau’s spokesman, Kerry Dugan. “All of the equipment used here is stored on-site, so it is ready to go. It takes about an hour to get it operational; it’s refined over time, based on the type of disaster or situation we face.”

Here in the Liaison Office, information officers for agencies help disseminate important information to the public.

Next, we walk downstairs to the Emergency Communications Liaison Office. It serves as an “information switchboard” during disasters.

“We have public information officers down in this room – it supports the upstairs communications room,” says Dugan. “We have liaisons here from transportation, the Oregon National Guard, Red Cross, NET teams – and amateur (“ham”) radio operator volunteers. If we need to reach someone at any agency or bureau, these people can get in touch with them quickly.

Having a blast at David Douglas High

Agencies involved in the David Douglas High event evaluate the mass-causality screening exercise held at the school.

On September 18, a mass-screening event takes place at David Douglas High School.

“It looked like a thousand people standing in line in a room – followed by a photo-opportunity featuring the Governor, Mayor, Defense Secretary Chertoff and other officials,” the school’s Principal, Randy Hutchinson, tells us when we arrived on scene.

“Here, we are set up to take care of 1,000 people who were exposed to a cloud of radioactive people who were exposed to a ‘dirty bomb’ explosion near downtown Portland,” said Hutchinson.

David Douglas High School principal Randy Hutchinson, here with some of the school’s 1,100 students who participated in the TOPOFF 4 mass-causality screening exercise.

These “patients” would have been indirectly contaminated – or thought they might be contaminated – and were directed to be checked at a processing center, that was set up in the school’s south cafeteria, he added.

The Principal says 1,100 students – about a third of the David Douglas High student body – participated in the drill. “All this, and we managed to educate the other two-thirds of our students.”

Many of David Douglas High’s Health Sciences Career Path students helped triage the participants. “Some of our kids also served as interpreters for a variety of languages that are spoken in this area,” added Hutchinson.

Says drill is worth the effort
Will the time, money and effort expended on this massive disaster drill pay off? The Portland-area officials with whom we spoke say it probably will.

Providence Milwaukie Hospital’s Fletcher reflected the sentiments we heard across East Portland: “This exercise is as good for us as it is for the federal, state, and local responding agencies.

“It helps us better prepare ourselves in case the unthinkable happens. We’re going to be reviewing this drill during the next few days. We’ll be finding out what we did right, and what we can do better at – so, if it happens in real life, we’ll be able to take care of our citizens.”

Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler had to “face the press” and report on how the “dirty bomb” was affecting county services – and his agencies’ response. He did very well, by the way …

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Why are there so many serious vehicle accidents along this avenue? See how this team of PDOT experts and neighbors are develop an action plan to make driving and walking safer …

Project manager Rich Newlands of PDOT’s Project Management Division shows a map indicating the “danger zones” along 82nd Avenue of Roses to the working committee.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A group of concerned citizens gathers in a classroom at Portland Community College SE Center every couple of weeks to discuss just one topic: Making 82nd Avenue of Roses a safer place to walk and drive.

Before the formal discussion, we have the opportunity to speak with our friend from PDOT, project manager Rich Newlands, with the bureau’s Project Management Division.

“We’re here to continue discussion with the community about this new tool we’re developing,” Newlands begins.

The “tool” to which Newlands refers is the “82nd Avenue of Roses Safety Corridor Action Plan”.

He says they’re borrowing a concept developed by ODOT to more quickly respond to safety issues on state highways; but it’s never before been used in the City of Portland.

“Typically, people are familiar with transportation projects where we’re looking at a lot of issues,” Newlands continues. “It takes a lot of time to identify the things we might want to accomplish through the planning process. Then, we need to find the money to implement them.”

Streamlining the process
This is different, the project manager explains. “We’re focusing on safety issues using the tools we know we can use, and which are readily available – and for which we have readily-identified funding. The idea is to make sure there is good consensus on the issues and identify the tools, so we can start implementing the programs in a relatively short period of time.”

James Chasse, representing Powellhurst Gilbert, and Kathryn Notson from South Tabor neighborhoods, together look over the issues and programs their PDOT representatives are proposing.

Pedestrian crossing example
“Surveys we’ve done in the last few months indicate public concern about pedestrian crossing safety. In response to this, we’d like to start constructing pedestrian refuge islands.”

Another rapid-response tactic is enhanced law enforcement, Newlands adds. “We can ask the Portland Police Bureau to reallocate their traffic enforcement in certain areas, for certain issues we deem to be important, which come out of this planning process.”

Gaining community consensus
While traffic planners believe they’ve identified important issues, “We want to make sure we have it right, as far as the community is concerned. We have data – like intersections with the highest incidents of crashes.

“But, we want to make sure the community feels we’re focusing our resources correctly, and using the correct tools,” says Newlands.

Next steps in the process
After stakeholders sign off on the issues and proposed solutions, their next step is to coordinate with all the agencies with whom they’ll work to implement the plan.

“We need to make sure they’re on-board,” concludes Newlands. “Then, when we take it for approval to the Portland City Council, we’ll be ready to go, upon approval. Early next year, we’ll go to city council. Shortly after, in the spring, you’ll start seeing the programs getting underway and being implemented.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

It looks like something you’d see in a National Geographic magazine! Take a look at the opening-day ceremonies …

In the center of the neatly-manicured grounds stands the temple, soon to be dedicated and put into use.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it covers a couple of acres, the newly completed Buddhist temple compound which officially opened in Southeast Portland at 8318 SE Harney Street isn’t easy to see from SE 82nd Avenue of Roses.

But, seeing so many vehicles parked on area streets for blocks around signaled that a major event was taking place here, just inside the southern border of the City of Portland.

Buddhist monks and dignitaries, some from as far away as California and Canada, came to attend the dedication ceremony.

We can’t tell you much of what was said during the ceremony on September 23; almost all of the formal proceedings were conducted in Vietnamese.

An interpreter told us that monks were bringing greetings from their temples from points in North America and around the world. They wished peace and long lives for the monks who are staying in the newly-completed monastery.

As the proceedings continued, the scent of a fresh vegetarian banquet being prepared filled the air.

Portland Mayor Tom Potter addresses the group, estimated at 1,500, during the formal dedication ceremony.

Portland’s mayor speaks
We did clearly understand, however, when Portland Mayor Tom Potter took the stage and addressed the gathering.

“This is a very special inauguration,” began Potter. “It is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to participate today. I thank the honorable Buddhist monk, Myhn Tin, and the other monks, and the Oregon Vietnamese Community Association, for including me in today’s celebration.

“On behalf of the City of Portland, the City of Roses, I want to congratulate the Buddhist community on this magnificent accomplishment. It never ceases to amaze me what can be built through the hard work and support of individuals and organizations in our community.

“This temple is truly a grand example of what can be accomplished when people come together. Events like this are important in promoting and facilitating the understanding of the rich and diverse cultures of this region.

“Oregon’s Vietnamese community is nearly 30,000 strong, with a significant number having chosen to make Portland their home. The Vietnamese community continues to make significant contributions to the culture, and the religious, political, and business life of the City of Portland. And, we are richer for it. You are a valuable part of our community. As your mayor, I’m privileged to celebrate with you today. Congratulations, and peace.”

The dedication, in pictures

Dancers begin the Lion Dance and Dragon Dance at the end of the formal ceremony, leading guests to the temple steps.

At the temple’s entrance, the crowd of celebrants pack tightly together, each trying to catch of glimpse of the ribbon cutting. Mayor Tom Potter can be seen in the distance.

Strings of firecrackers – thousands of firecrackers – are lit, as is their tradition, to frighten away malicious spirits.

A view inside the grand temple.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

It doesn’t come as a surprise to many that Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams is running for mayor. But you might be interested to see who introduced him at his kick off party …

Standing in the crowd, Sam Adams listens as Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard and County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey introduce him.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the most poorly-kept secrets in Portland politics was revealed on October 3, when Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams announced that he is running for the office of Mayor.

We wondered why the event was held in the relatively small pub at Roots Organic Brewing Company on SE 7th Avenue, just south of SE Hawthorne Boulevard — until the owner started off the proceedings by telling how Adams and Commissioner Randy Leonard had helped him cut through the city’s red tape to open his business.

Standing on a chair at one end of the below-street-grade-pub, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard gave the “warm up introduction”. Packed so tightly was the crowd, we couldn’t get around the corner to snap a photo of Leonard speaking!

“I have the pleasure of sitting next to this man (pointing to Adams) on the Portland City Council,” Leonard began. “Sam Adams has spunk. He has conviction. I admire elected officials who have conviction, because having conviction isn’t always how you keep your job. “Conviction is doing what you think is right when others don’t support it. Sam, I really appreciate that about you.”

Stepping up after the introductions, Sam Adams acknowledges his sister and mother (in the background).

The crowd’s cheer was deafening.

“We have a lot to do,” Leonard continued. “We have grown tremendously since Vera Katz was mayor. We have taken up issues we’ve needed to, under Mayor Tom Potter. In many ways, we’ve prepared a road map to move forward. The city must move forward. My energy and commitment – and I’m [also] speaking for Commissioner Erik Sten who could not be here – my energy and commitment is to help elect Sam Adams as Mayor of Portland. He is the guy that is going to lead the city to a place in which all of us will be proud to live.”

Adams addresses the public, for the first time, as a mayoral candidate.

Next up was Multnomah County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey. She kept her remarks brief:

“A number of years ago when Sam was running for Portland City Council, I had the honor of introducing him at an event. The words I used were, ‘Hi, I’m Maria Maria Rojo de Steffey and I’m not running for City Council. But my good friend Sam Adams is.’ So, tonight I’d like to say, ‘Hi, I’m Maria Rojo de Steffey and I’m not running for Mayor, my good friend, Sam Adams, is.’ Thank you.”

The crowd applauded and cheered as Adams mounted the chair so he could be seen by those in attendance. He acknowledged his mother and sister, who came for the event.

Adams waves to a crowd of well-wishers at his campaign’s kick-off event.

“I’m running because I’m willing to face the tough problems that face our city,” Adams announced to the throng of cheering supporters. “We must protect what we love about our city; we must be willing to have the courage to change those things that need to be changed. We need to have a mayor with insight and experience to know the difference, and the tenacity to get the job done.”

Because no other well-known candidate has yet thrown a hat into the ring, some speculate Sam Adams may be strolling through – not running – the coming race to be Portland’s next Mayor.

Did we mention that the room was crowded?

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

How many hippies can you crowd into Sellwood Riverfront Park? Take a look; you’ll see what happened at this year’s location of this annual cannabis fest …

You see listings for the Ladybug Theater every month in our Community Calendar. See some of the treasures sold in this most unusual yard sale …

Buying pieces of Portland theatrical history, Ladybug Theater garage sale patrons Stacey and Jon Maurer, from the Richmond neighborhood, hold “Uncle Sam” and “Tom Thumb”. Troupe founder, Michele Earley, is also selling them “The Bald Guy” – and Janell Collier, a Ladybug actress for 26 years, holds the show signs.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
In an effort to clean out the Ladybug Theater warehouse, founder and impresario Michele Earley held a “garage sale” to make room for new theatrical materials in late September.

As customers browsed through old Ladybug Theater costumes, props, set furnishings, and puppets, at the sale in Ladd’s Addition, Earley told us, “The proceeds will benefit our 40-year-old children’s theater troupe.”

You and your young ones can enjoy Ladybug Theater presentations at Sellwood’s SMILE Station. Check our Community Calendar for times and dates.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you believe outer East Portland issues are getting lost in City and County bureaucracy, learn about this opportunity to meet directly with Mayor Tom Potter and Chair Ted Potter to hatch strategies to improve livability east of 82nd Avenue of Roses …

City of Portland Planning Bureau’s Barry Manning, the East Portland Liaison, says the “Action Plan” is an effort improve livability – both long and short term.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
When it was announced that the City of Portland and Multnomah County were putting together an “East Portland Action Plan and Committee”, we called the coordinator, City of Portland Planning Bureau’s Barry Manning, the East Portland Liaison, to ask about it.

Specifically, we asked Manning, in light of “visionPDX”, and the planning of town halls for transportation and other topics, why we need yet another committee…?

“Here is the chance for members of the outer East Portland community to work with elected officials, and agency staff, on actions that can help shape the future and livability of outer East Portland,” Manning told us.

The committee, Manning went on, will look at both long- and short-term actions, programs, and improvements. “The city of Portland has a small budget allocation to address some short-term actions this year. The community will identify the ones that are most pressing. In the long term, it is an opportunity for the community to air concerns and set priorities.”

Because this committee meets with both City of Portland and Multnomah County officials, Manning added, “This is an opportunity to coordinate programs from various agencies to work together, to benefit neighbors in outer East Portland.”

Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler and Portland Mayor Tom Potter say the new process will help improve the livability of outer East Portland by coordinating agency efforts.

Topics open for discussion include:

• Business Enhancement: Identify strategies for improving the business climate in East Portland, focusing on specific strategies for different areas.
• Schools, Families, Housing:  Develop a partnership and specific strategies with school districts serving East Portland to address school facilities’ overcrowding.
• Community Safety: Develop partnerships to intensify the city’s public safety and social services responses.
• Community Organizing: Develop and fund methods to improve public participation, and to broaden the base of community involvement in East Portland.
• Transportation Needs: Refine transportation priorities for East Portland, and explore budget proposals necessary to fund them.
• Land Use Planning: Explore and implement land use code changes to address infill development issues, and lay the groundwork for longer range planning.

While the committee meeting schedule is still being formulated, Manning said it is expected to meet monthly from October 2007 to about May 2008, with subcommittees that may meet more frequently.

Don’t complain! Get involved!
Apply now; they’re looking to hear from potential participants by October 12.

For an application, CLICK HERE. Then, click on the “East Portland Action Plan” link.

“Call me at (503) 823-7965 if you have questions about this effort or the committee or process,” said Manning. “We’re putting together a group that includes State Representative Jeff Merkley. We envision the committee as a mix of community members, elected officials, and agency representatives working together on problem-solving and improvement strategies for East Portland.”

Or, come to the Midland Business Association meeting on October 9 and talk with Barry Manning in person. They meet at 11:45 at PIZZA BARON on SE 122nd Avenue, just south of SE Division Street.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Is the Rossi family working with developers? Will the farm be turned into a shopping center or low-income housing? Will Rossi Farms continue to host community events? Find out the truth right here …

Joe Rossi, enjoying a fresh, crisp apple at Rossi Farms “Movie Night” in September, says his family plans to continue hosting community events on their property.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A week after the Barn Bash in July, the daily Portland paper ran a story about the Rossi family and the demise of family farms in the area.

However, this article posed more questions than it answered. Over time, the unanswered questions become “facts” in the minds of readers.

Joe Rossi spoke with us this week, talking about the farm, his family, and their plans for the future.

Regarding his father – Aldo – and their family, Joe said he doesn’t think it appropriate to share with the public intimate details about the decisions his family has been making – and will be making. “Our family is very close. We talk things over, and share responsibilities for caring for our parents and each other.”

Because they’ve long been involved with community events, many people think of the Rossi family as a “public community corporation”. In fact, however, Rossi Farms is a family-owned business. “I appreciate the fact that people have an interest in our family. We’re still dedicated to serving the community in many ways,” Joe commented.

No development planned for Rossi Farms
We talked about a rumor that has been circulating throughout outer East Portland that the Rossi family is keeping silent because they plan to build a shopping center, business park, or a large housing development on Rossi Farms land.

“It’s not true,” Joe told us. “We’re not even talking to a developer. It hasn’t even been brought up in the family.”

He went on to explain, “My brother, Nick, is a Realtor. He has a sign in the corner of our property that advertises a townhouse development, already built, on NE Sandy Boulevard in Parkrose. I think that some people don’t carefully read the sign, and think we’re developing the farm.  It only takes one person to start a rumor.”

Irrepressible Parkrose volunteer Mark Gardner steams fresh corn-on-the-cob for the Movie Night at Rossi Farms.

Community service continues
Reports in other news sources hint that Rossi Farm has seen its “last Barn Dance”.

“It’s not true,” Joe said. “We’re already planning the next Barn Bash in July, 2008.”

The Barn Bash, he continued, has grown to include many sponsors in the greater Portland area. “I started the Barn Bash with a couple of my friends several years ago, but now, ‘The Posse’ is comprised of about 30 volunteers who are dedicated to raise money for youth activities in Parkrose.”

On September 15, we stopped by their Movie Night. Families streamed on to the Rossi Farms property from the surrounding neighborhoods. Although it was only promoted locally, about 500 folks showed up for the event.

At the event, everyone was treated to free corn on the cob, watermelon, apples, and 25-cent hot dogs. “I love these events where families can have a good time without having to spend a lot of money.”

Ready to serve hot dogs is volunteer Christina Bruck.

The weather was perfect for this outdoor event. After volunteers dished up the food and families enjoyed their dinner, the movie began on the outdoor screen.

“The best part for me,” said Joe, “is watching everyone have fun – and getting to work with our great volunteers.”

The ghosts, ghouls, and goblins again return to The Haunted Ghost Town in October.

Ghost town returns to the farm
Rossi’s Haunted Ghost Town – a production featuring scary, realistic sets, and scores of actors – returns this year, running the last two weekends in October.

“This annual even is the Parkrose High School Senior All-night Party’s big fundraiser,” Joe said.

The Haunted Ghost Town will again feature ghosts of the Wild West, dancing ghouls, the cornstalk maze, haunted mine, and lots of other surprises. Their motto is, “Don’t touch anything – and usually, nothing will touch you!”

If you’re brave enough to venture through the corncob maze, be prepared meet some real, live spooks!

While there are hair-raising scares around every corner, the cast and crew run a toned-down version of the event for the younger kids during the first half-hour, starting at 6:00 p.m.

To help families make an evening of it, refreshments are plentiful, and inexpensively priced. Tickets are $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids under 12.

The Haunted Ghost Town will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 19, 20, 21 and 26, 27 and 28 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Rossi Farms is located at 3839 NE 122nd Avenue, just south of NE Shaver Street.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service