Take a look at this amazing display of student-created art …

120 students from the eight schools in the conference brought their two best works to this regional art show and competition, held at Parkrose High School in April.

Story and photos By David F. Ashton
What a surprise and delight it was to walk through the Northwest Oregon Conference Art show, held earlier in April at Parkrose High School. The art on display ranged from very good – to WOW!

Mark Warner, the Parkrose High art teacher who instructs students in pottery, ceramics, and sculpture told us about the event.

“Fifteen students, from each of the eight schools in our conference, brought their best works to the show,” Warner told us.  “Throughout the day, both our students and our visitors attended workshops and artists’ talks.”

The art on display was judged by three professional artists, the students’ peers, and by teachers, he added. “Take a look around. You’ll be impressed.”

Cesar Pina shows us his ceramic ghost character.

Great Cesar’s ghost
You’ve read about Parkrose High senior, and art genius, Cesar Pina, before, at East Portland News; we weren’t surprised to find him in the show.

“I’m holding my little ghost ceramic character,” Pina said. “This is our first project of the year, and I wanted to do something challenging. With Halloween coming up, I decided on this figure.”

Pina said this figurine wasn’t spun on a potter’s wheel.  “The basic shape is created on a core of newspaper; it needs to be hollow so it doesn’t explode in the kiln. I softened the edges, and created the shape. The newspaper burns out of the center of the figure when it is fired in the kiln. I coated it with a white, translucent glaze to give it a ghostly effect.”

We wish Pina well; he said he hopes to study animation in California; perhaps at Cal Arts.

Photographer Forest Feazle, Parkrose High sophomore, shows off his work.

Makes art with camera and lens
It’s true; we focused on local talent at our visit. Another artist with whom we spoke was Parkrose High sophomore Forest Feazle.

“I’ve tried to draw and paint – I have the artistic vision, but it just doesn’t work for me,” Feazle explained. “I started out just taking my parents’ little point-and-shoot camera on my walks at night. I took really grainy looking photographs of people and things in my neighborhood. I just got my first SLR from my aunt.”

Feazle had praise for his photography instructor, Patrick Smith, a professional photographer from the City of Maywood Park. “He has the best quality any teacher can have: He answers questions. I’m free to ask a question like ‘What would you do to achieve this kind of effect?’  He’ll answer the question, and then explain what’s behind the answer, so you understand the answer. A lot of people can do something well they can’t explain it; Mr. Smith really explains it well.”

Freshman Hayden Sexsmith shows us his captivating work of art.

We found nascent artist Hayden Sexsmith, a freshman at Parkrose High School, to be a man of few words. We did find his sculpture fascinating.

We asked what inspired his figurine entitled, “Hit the Nail on the Head”. “I don’t know. The idea came into my head,” Sexsmith said.

Art professionals Pat Boas and Dylan Morgan judge the works on display during the show and competition.

Judges: ‘Pretty amazing’
One of the judges at the show, Pat Boas, an art professor at Portland State University, took a moment to comment on what she’d seen.

“I think the show is pretty amazing,” Boas began. “There is a great array of really wonderful work here. It is very evident that these artists are inching toward both creativity and technical skill. Both the student artists – and their art teachers – are to be applauded.”

Another judge, Dylan Morgan, Gallery Manager at the Museum of Contemporary Craft agreed, “The show is great. I remember being in a similar type of show when I was in high school. It’s exciting to see so many different and unique ways of using the different media. It’s an impressive display of artwork.”

Mark Warner, the Parkrose High art teacher instructor of pottery, ceramics, and sculpture, answers questions during the art show.

‘Raises the bar’ for students
Warner told us he, too, was impressed by the art coming from students at the conference schools, which include Wilsonville, Parkrose, Century, Sherwood, Glencoe, St. Helens, Hillsboro, and Liberty.

“This event is important because it raises the bar for the students,” explained Warner.

“While a student might be the ‘hot shot’ in their class, they get to witness the quality of work put out by other students in our region.  It’s also great for the art teachers as well. It pushes us to help the students create even better works.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Since January, folks from all walks of life have been giving their input on how the quality of life in outer East Portland can be improved. Has it been worthwhile? See what some committee members are saying …

Nick Sauvie, executive director of ROSE Community Development Corporation, and Mike Van Der Veen, associate pastor of Parklane Community Church, talk over the progress made by the East Portland Action Plan Committee.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
To find how the East Portland Action Plan committee was coming along – after meeting for three months – we checked in at their open house, held earlier this month at the East Portland Community Center.

“At this point in the development of the Action Plan,” said committee member Mike Van Der Veen, associate pastor of Parklane Community Church in the Centennial neighborhood, “we have selected some near-term actions. We’re formulating how to implement those actions. And, we’re discussing and brainstorming mid-and long-range actions that can address livability issues in Northeast Portland.”

Asked why he was interested in participating, Van Der Veen replied, “I’m very much interested in community-building actions. East Portland is made up of ethnic, religious, socioeconomic, and geographic communities – like a quilt that is poorly sewn together. We have beautifully sewn squares, but they’re not well connected together. I think community building can help to stitch those together.”

Neighbors look at concepts the East Portland Action Plan committee has developed, and write comments for the committee’s review.

Van Der Veen noted that though many areas were annexed into the city, many long-term residents still don’t feel connected with city. “They still feel aggravation over how annexation happened. Short-term residents don’t really know any of this. We’re in an area of town feels they have the least amount of [government] representation.”

About the process, Van Der Veen said he thinks it’s being run well. “The Portland Planning Bureau is doing a good job. They provide a springboard of research and information regarding land use issues and other issues that are driving a lot of the questions – and are learning about issues about which they haven’t been asked.”

Robert liberty, District 6 Metro Counselor, and Jon Turino, Executive Director of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations, share their respective views of the committee’s progress.

Views from Metro and business representatives
“I’m here signaling my interest in this process,” Robert liberty, District 6 Metro Counselor, told us. “I want to make sure that there are resources coming in on a regional level, not just a city level – making sure outer East Portland can flourish. That’s a big job.”

One of the reasons Liberty is on the committee, he said, is how this region affects all of Portland. “It’s the location where two freeways cross, where two light rail lines cross, and it has a lot of advantages. But the last couple years it’s gotten more of the burdens of growth and fewer the benefits of growth.  That concerns me.  It’s very important that this part of this region succeed.”

As an example, Liberty pointed out that the Urban Growth Boundary was expanded about 10 years ago to include about 800 acres in North Bethany. “It’s smaller than the Gateway regional center. But to build the infrastructure will cost $.25 billion – $300,000 per acre. There is no plan to pay for the infrastructure and transportation improvements.  What does a quarter of a billion dollars deliver across East Portland? My point is, there’s a lot of indications that outer East Portland is a great place to invest some money.”

Speaking for himself as a committee member, Jon Turino, APNBA Executive Director, and told us he thought the Planning Bureau has done a “superb job” of bringing the community together.

“My only concern is whether there will be money to do anything with the plans that we’ve developed to this process. The Action Plan portends good things for outer east Portland businesses.”

East Portland liaison, Barry Manning, with the City of Portland Bureau of Planning talks about highlights of the Action Plan committees findings so far.

Midpoint progress report
At the open house, Barry Manning, East Portland liaison for the Bureau of Planning of the City of Portland, told us, “We’re about midway through the process.  We’ve been brainstorming actions on a broad array of topic areas.  Today we’re asking the public to weigh in and give us some sense of their priorities. We’d like to know what’s important to them, and what’s not.”

Manning said he thought the program was going well. “One of the things I’ve learned is that, although there are a lot of actions taking place in city and county bureaus, word about it often doesn’t get out well. And, we’re also getting good ideas from the public, about things we might look at that hadn’t occurred to us.”

East Portland Action Plan categories of actions now include:

• Parks, trails and open spaces;
• Natural areas and sustainability;
• Education;
• Transportation;
• Utilities and infrastructure;
• Housing;
• Public safety;
• A safety net and housing services;
• Community building strategies for action ideas and livability;
• Equity; and,
• Commercial areas and economic development.

“We are asking for continued citizen involvement,” Manning concluded. “They can follow the progress of the committee at our online web site.”

For more information regarding the East Portland Action Plan, CLICK HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Giant potholes in this unimproved road slowed their response slightly, but they didn’t let that stop them from arriving quickly …

By the time we arrived at this Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood home, Portland Fire & Rescue crews had put the fire out.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Fire trucks racing to the scene of a house fire on SE 117th Ave., just south of SE Reedway St. slowed to a crawl when the turned south from SE Harold Street.

“Can you believe these potholes?” remarked Battalion Chief Terry Munro, in charge of fighting the blaze.

Nevertheless, they arrived on scene just four minutes after the call came in and started fighting the fire in a single-story home.

“When we arrived there was fire showing through the walls,” Munro told us. “We first searched the home, and it was vacant.”

Potholes the size of small ponds slowed the arrival of the fire trucks – but not by much – it must have been a bumpy ride, however!

Firefighters first attacked the visible flames in the kitchen and bedroom of the house while other crew members took a look in the basement. They discovered that the upstairs fire was an extension from the basement.

“We fought the fire on both levels,” Monro commented as the 24 firefighers who responded started to pack up their gear.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Imagine being robbed while looking down the barrel of a gun – and then, imagine that the crook starts shooting and doesn’t stop. See why this bartender, to which it all happened, says he’s lucky to be alive …

Officials say that Soobie’s Bar & Grill at 333 SE 122nd Avenue is usually pretty quiet – but not on this night.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
April 12 was just another night at Soobie’s Bar & Grill for bartender James Bennett. Some customers were watching the topless dancers; others were playing the video lottery games.

One customer sat quietly at one of the video lottery machines for about 90 minutes. Then, a little after 10 p.m., he whipped out a pistol, marched up to the bar, and demanded all the money from the cash register.

“At the beginning of the robbery the suspect fired a single round,” reported Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “The suspect acted extremely aggressive, and continued to threaten the victim as he was attempting to give the suspect money from the cash register.”

At one point, Bennett attempted to grab the suspect’s gun from his hand but was not successful.

“How he acted was absolutely insane,” Bennett said while he recovered from surgery at OHSU Hospital. “I just couldn’t believe what he was doing. He was pointing the gun in my face, and I could see him pulling on the trigger, over and over.”

Bennett was shot by the gun-waving thug five times before he fled the scene.

“Using surveillance video from the business, Robbery Detectives created still photos of the suspect and shared the photos within the law enforcement community,” said Schmautz. An officer recognized him.

Authorities say they suspect this man, Daniel Paul Nesta, as the person who shot – and kept shooting – the bartender at Soobie’s on Saturday night.

Three days later, Portland Police Bureau Robbery Detectives picked up 21-year-old Daniel Paul Nesta and charged him with one count each of Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Attempted Aggravated Murder.

It was later reported that a woman, who claimed to be the Nesta’s girlfriend, said this behavior was out of character for him.  She said he was a family man, and a cook who worked at the Rose Garden.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See which students they chose from the elementary schools – and why they were honored by this great fraternal organization …

To see why Raquel De Jesus, Tommy Thilavhanh, Rachel Billick-Smith, Andrew Hurt, Emma Brent, Victor Nguyen, Tatafu Moeaki, Ruth Gomez (in back), Jackob Ball (in back), and Morgaine Mingo-Midkiff were honored – read this story!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As they do every year, since 1992, the Parkrose Masonic Lodge #179, along with members of the Eastgate Masonic Lodge, were honoring outstanding students from each of the Parkrose elementary schools and the middle school earlier in April.

“The purpose of this program,” said Christos Efthimiadis, the lodge’s Worshipful Master, “is to recognize, with the help of the teacher and principal, the good work these students have done this year.”

The Parkrose Middle School Brass Ensemble opens the ceremony by playing classical musical selections.

Almost every seat in the hall was filled with parents, students, and teachers – all eager to recognize the young scholars selected by their teachers, peers, and school administration.

Prescott Elementary

Prescott Elementary School honors their Outstanding Boy Student, Andrew Hurt. Standing to our right is the Lodge’s Worshipful Master, Christos Efthimiadis; to his left is teacher Mary Brown, principal Michael Lopes and Parkrose Lodge’s Past Master James Akers.

Prescott Elementary School’s Principal, Michael Lopes, introduced teacher Mary Brown who spoke about the school’s Boy Honoree, Andrew Hurt.

“This awesome student, I am so very proud of him,” Brown began.

“One of the qualities that I love best about him is his wonderful sense of humor. I believe that Andrew is destined for great things. I’m happy to have Andrew is part of my life for the last two years. I will miss the smile that lights up his face,” Brown said.

With her family standing at her side, Prescott Elementary School honors their Outstanding Girl Student, Rachel Pillick-Smith.

Prescott Elementary teacher Stephaine McCain spoke about the girl she nominated for the award, Rachel Pillick-Smith, saying, “My first impression of her was that she is a great student and really quiet. But she showed me quickly that she has a real zeal for life.

“Rachel, overall, is an enthusiastic learner. But what really stands out is her absolute love of reading. Her teachers and fellow students say she’s outstanding. She’s caring and dedicated in her friendships; she’s a natural leader. She’s a great citizen and an exceptional student who daily influences the lives of students and teachers at Prescott Elementary School.”

Russell Academy

Russell Academy honors their Outstanding Boy Student, Tommy Thilavahn.

Russell Academy teacher Chris McMurray had the honor of introducing Tommy Thilavahn.

“I could go on about Tommy’s academic achievement and growth; and how exemplary a student he is. Instead, Tommy deserves my thanks for being such a great student,” said McMurray.

“As I think about what an exemplary and outstanding student is, I think about how well Tommy presents himself and how he carries himself in a professional manner. I think he is well on his way to great successes.”

Russell Academy honors their Outstanding Girl Student, Raquel De Jesus.

Raquel De Jesus was chosen to receive recognition from her substitute teacher, Russell Academy’s Paula Schultz, standing in for Jane O’Brien.

“When I’m a substitute teacher, Raquel comes flying at me with a big smile saying, ‘I’m so glad you’ll be my teacher today’,” Schultz began.

“One student wrote, ‘Make sure you say she’s a good friend to others’. Her influence goes beyond the classroom. She’s sometimes called upon to translate in Spanish. As a recess-buddy, she’s kind and compassionate. She works hard in and out of the classroom. I look forward to seeing how she will be an positive influence in the middle school. She is truly worthy of being called our Student of the Year.”

Sacramento Elementary School
Ms. Stevie Blakely, Sacramento Elementary School’s Principal, started the awards by saying how proud she is of her students and staff. Blakely introduced teacher Melissa Alexander, who selected Morgaine Mingo-Midkiff as their honoree.

Sacramento Elementary School honors their Outstanding Girl Student, Morgaine Mingo-Midkiff.

“Morgaine is intelligent and kind; she is mature beyond her years,” said Alexander.

“She takes her education seriously. But she also has an appreciation for the simple and fun things in life, like wanting to dress up on Halloween or run around at recess. She has an innate passion for learning. In whatever she does in her life, I know that she’ll make a real difference.”

Sacramento Elementary School honors their Outstanding Boy Student, Victor Nguyen.

Teacher Brett Davidson had the pleasure of introducing Sacramento’s outstanding Boy student, Victor Nguyen. “Victor is dedicated and hard-working; he always seems to be doing the right thing.

“Math is Victor’s strong subject. He can correct me when I make mistakes, and does so well working out problems on the blackboard. He helps by translating for a student who is a newcomer to our country from Vietnam. Also, at recess, Victor is the unofficial leader in football touchdowns. Victor gives a full effort every day.”

Shaver Elementary School
Principal Cindy Bartman, from Shaver Elementary School, complemented her staff and students, and thanked the Parkrose Masons for their support.

Shaver Elementary School honors their Outstanding Boy Student, Jakob Ball.

Presenting honors to student Jakob Ball was his teacher, Peri Bauers, who said the decision to choose Jakob was a simple one.

“He’s very bright, kind, and trustworthy. He’s an excellent student in all areas, and excelled in all of the state tests. But more than this, he is a friend to all. Jakob goes out of his way to befriend those who others might ignore. He is our classroom student council representative this year. I thank Jakob for being a ‘teacher’s dream’, and a wonderful human being.”

Shaver Elementary School honors their Outstanding Girl Student, Ruth Gomez.

Ruth Gomez was selected by her teacher, Andrew Robinson.

“Some her achievements are these,” Robinson began. “She excelled in every one of her state exams. Ruth spends time as a mentor helping other students. She serves as a student council representative. She makes good use of her bilingual skills by translating instructions to other students in the class. What do I really think of Ruth? If it was possible to ‘buy stock’ in a student, I would buy as much as I could in Ruth Gomez.”

Parkrose Middle School
Parkrose Middle School’s Principal, Ana Gonzalez, welcomed parents, and honored students from her school.

Parkrose Middle School honors their Outstanding Boy Student, Tatafu Moeaki.

The teacher of student Tatafu Moeaki, Scott Ballou, said his student is easy to spot, “He stands, literally, head and shoulders above the other kids.

“Other kids like him; they want to be around him. He’s polite, respectful, and positive. It’s hard to catch him without a smile on his face. He works in the ‘snack shack’, where he’s always on time and ready to work. He works hard, and I’m glad that he’s a student with us.”

Parkrose Middle School honors their Outstanding Girl Student, Emma Brent.

The last honoree of the evening was Emma Brent. Glenda Dearinger, standing in for Emma’s teacher, began, “What a bunch of champions. Isn’t that neat?

“Instead of reading quotes the students and teachers gave me, I wrote down some of the words they used to describe Glenda. It sounds like a teacher’s wish list. These words are: Responsible, organized, cooperative, helpful, caring, eager-to-learn, positive attitude, self-confident, optimistic, cheerful – and the list goes on and on. Everyone enjoys being around Glenda. In class, students ask her for help. Her teacher said she’s also involved in virtually every sport. She’s a character – with real character – and a winner in all she does.”

In addition to the framed certificate presented to each of these students, each honored student’s name has been inscribed on a brass tag affixed to a permanent plaque that hangs in their respective schools.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Services

Try as they might to prevent it, cops are seeing more – as well as more serious and deadly – crime along the outer east side MAX corridor. Here’s the latest one …

Although the 148th Ave. MAX station was closed, the light rail train continued service along the outer east side route during the April 16 murder investigation.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The rate of violent crimes committed along outer East Portland’s MAX corridor seems to be accelerating.

Responding to a “shots fired” call at 8:22 pm on April 16, East Precinct officers rushed to the Hazelwood Station Apartments on April 16. The shooting resulted in a death.

Authorities aren’t saying whether or not the victim was a resident or visitor at the Hazelwood Station Apartments on the night he was killed.

When we arrived on-scene, the perimeter around the four-story apartment house, located on the north side of E. Burnside St. facing the MAX station, about a half a block west of NE 148th Avenue, was taped off, as homicide detectives swarmed the area looking for clues.

“Officers arrived and found the body of 22-year-old Christopher John Tillman in a hallway on the third floor of the apartment complex,” confirmed police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “The victim appeared to have been shot at least one time, and was deceased when officers arrived.”

Police say this man, Christopher John Tillman,
was identified as the shooting victim.

A man who claimed to live in the building said the victim was shot in the elevator, and crawled out to the commons area on the third floor.

Officials have remained tight-lipped about the case.

“An autopsy conducted by the Multnomah County Medical Examiner concluded that Tillman died of a single gunshot wound,” Schmautz told us.  “For investigative reasons, detectives are withholding more specific information about the shooting. Investigators have not developed any suspect information and are currently seeking anyone who may know the victim or had contact with the victim in the hours leading to his death.”

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

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Hosting their last “Candidate’s Forum” before the May Primary Election – read this and learn more about these folks who yearn to be our next Mayor …

As GABA president Alan Sanchez starts the meeting, the room fills quickly with those who want to meet the individuals, one of whom is most likely to become Portland’s next Mayor.

Story by Watford Reed; photos by David F. Ashton
The four candidates for Portland Mayor said each could do the job better than the current one, but agreed on little else in speeches before 60 members of the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) on April 10.

Although all mayoral candidates were invited to attend, four of them came to woo outer East Portland voters. The candidates gave their opening statements in the alphabetical order of their last names.

City of Portland mayoral candidate Sam Adams.

Commissioner Sam Adams said Portland’s “greatness” is not accessible to everyone in the city.

“I’m running to shake up the office of Mayor,” Adams declared.

He said 43% of all eighth-graders in Portland fail to graduate from high school and 21% of employees across the city earn “poverty wages”.

On the other hand, he said, he has won more money for Portland Street safety and has lowered business license fees for 9,000 small businesses.

He also warned, “We are not ready” for the 300,000 more residents expected to move into the city in the next few years.  He promised to “keep working for small businesses” if he is elected and will strive for “fair taxes”.  Some businesses in the city grossed more than $20 million a year, but pay no more in taxes than small firms, he charged.

City of Portland mayoral candidate Sho Dozono.

Sho Dozono, owner of a large Portland travel agency, told the listeners, “In the last 50 years, we have not elected a business person [as Mayor]” and “nobody on the [Portland City] Council now has ever had to meet a payroll”.

He called for better economic conditions and more accountability in city government.

Dozono said he has helped bring airlines and Asian companies to the city, and observed, “We need to recruit others”.

He said the city needs to be “competitive in the global economy”, and at the same time, keep middle-class housing – which he says is being squeezed out by apartment buildings. High among his interests, he listed our natural resources, education, and the global economy. He recommended bringing high-technology industry to the area.

City of Portland mayoral candidate Beryl McNair.

Beryl McNair said the “economy is sad” in northeastern and southeastern Portland.

She called for job fairs, workshops, more attention to education, and food for the hungry. She also urged integration across ethnic lines, and said the needs of all of Portland’s communities should be met.

City of Portland mayoral candidate Jeff Taylor.

Jeff Taylor said Portland “is not the city I grew up in, and not what it should be”.

He promised that if he is elected he will eliminate the business tax, will not raise the water bills, will hire more police, and set up an office to help small businesses.

Taylor said he has been a small businessman for 25 years and he would not seek new businesses for Portland – “I will help businesses that are already here”. He would like to see one worker added to the staff of every business already operating in Portland.

His proposal to end the business tax altogether drew fire from Adams – who said he has won lower taxes on small businesses. Adams said eliminating the tax altogether would wreak havoc with the city budget.

In keeping with GABA tradition, Sanchez presents a rubber chicken to Deena Jensen, who is with Evergreen Home Loans, in recognition for her efforts on behalf of the organization.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Passengers on the bus said they were alarmed, because their driver kept tailgating cars while driving the route. We’re not sure why it happened, but see what happens when a big bus rear-ends a Toyota …

This Toyota was southbound in slow traffic on SE 122nd Ave., until a TriMet bus slammed into it at SE Pine Street.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When calling in the details of a thee-vehicle collision about 1:45 p.m. on April 12, police at the scene told dispatchers that the bus driver said a car stopped suddenly in front of him.

Several other witnesses, including bus passengers, disagreed with the bus driver’s assessment of the situation.

One car absorbs impact
Looking at the wreckage at the intersection of SE 122nd Avenue, at SE Pine Street, we were amazed that no one was killed. Debris was widely scattered; the full-size TriMet bus had popped up over the sidewalk, and come to rest, high-sided in the side yard of the corner house.

As we looked at a demolished black Toyota Corolla with California plates, an East Precinct Portland Police Bureau officer on-scene confirmed the obvious, saying, “The bus failed to stop in time to avoid a collision.”

Both the driver of the Toyota – and that of the Isuzu Trooper in front of it –were being transported for hospital medical evaluation by ambulance, shortly after we arrived.

“My wife was driving the white Isuzu,” a man told us as he secured her personal belongings. “My wife said the guy in the car behind her must have had his foot really down on the brakes, because he didn’t hit my wife all that hard. His car absorbed most of the impact.”

After collapsing the back end of the Toyota, TriMet bus had enough momentum to high-side it in this neighbor’s yard. It took an industrial-sized wrecker to drag it free.

A wild bus ride
We came upon two individuals, Michael and Maria, who asked if we were a TriMet official.

“I don’t know why they’re ignoring us,” Michael said. “After the wreck, the bus driver told us to fill out this [incident] card and not leave the bus until we handed it back to him. I wasn’t going to give him the card, so we waited on the bus until now.”

With incident card still in hand, Maria read to us what she wrote:

“Prior to the accident I was very scared.  I was very concerned about the bus driver’s driving. He was tailgating and running a very close to the cars in front of us. I had an idea before the accident happened, it was going to happen. Then, all of a sudden, when the accident happened, he was too close, and there was nothing he could do. He slammed right into them. It’s very scary.”

Michael confirmed, “Before the accident, she said ‘I don’t think we can stop; we’re not going to stop’. When she said it a third time, he (the bus driver) hit the brakes real hard, then took his foot off the bake and plowed right into the guy.”

Slow-going Saturday traffic
Two customers in the Tonkin Honda car lot across the street said they didn’t have a clear view of the accident, but confirmed that traffic had been stopped – backed up from a red light at SE Stark Street. Cars were starting to move slowly when the wreck occurred.

“It looked like the bus was going pretty fast, considering it was coming up to slow-moving traffic,” said another witness.

When we left the scene, Michael and Maria were still standing at the intersection, looking bewildered. “And worst of it is, they’re just leaving us here. What can we do?”

Because the collision wasn’t investigated, no tickets were issued and there was no official police report.

Accident not investigates
“The collision does not appear to have been investigated,” Sgt. Brian Schmautz, Portland Police Bureau spokesman, told us. “An officer filled out an exchange form and referred it TriMet Police.”

He did say the TriMet bus was driven by 51-year-old Uchenna Agum. Because the collision was not investigated, no citations were issued.

When we asked TriMet spokesperson Peggy LaPoint about the accident this week, she said “We have differing reports about the incident. We’re investigating the accident.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

While some other kids spent their spring vacation getting in trouble, see why these kids chose to work – really hard – to help improve their neighborhood …

Aimee Collier and Shannon Pyles help a disabled neighbor by carrying junk out of their yard.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It seems as if all some young kids can think about doing during spring vacation is getting drunk or stoned or partying during their break from school.

“I guess this is a little different,” Tray Michael, youth pastor at Eastside Foursquare Church in Parkrose. “We’re out serving the community.”

They call their annual project Urban Impact. “Every year, we get young people together for fellowship at our church, headquartered in the Quality Inn/Rodeway Inn Hotels our church operates. We go out for three days, into the community, and help out.”

They started by picking up trash, removing debris, and washing the stores’ windows in the Parkrose business district, along NE Sandy Blvd. from NE 97th Ave. up to NE 122nd Ave.

Then, the group of nearly 50 youths from Mount Olivet, New Hope, and New Wine Churches, a church from Salem, and the youth group from the Eastside Foursquare Church, headed into the Parkrose neighborhood.

With the help of ten adults, the hard-working youths quickly filled trucks with trash and debris collected from Parkrose neighborhood yards.

“As you can see, we’re going door-to-door, picking up trash and hauling away,” observed Michael. “We’re taking junk and trash out of their yards for free. We’re not proselytizing; we’re just lovin’ them. We’re saying, ‘Hey, we’re here in the neighborhood and volunteering our time to bless you with our help’.”

In addition to trash hauling, this crew of kids makes rakes leaves and trims plants for a disabled neighbor.

Scott Larkin, a Parkrose homeowner whose yard was being raked by the kids, said “It’s a blessing. They’re helping someone in desperate need. I have a back injury, so this really helps.”

We asked Larkin if the group tried to preach at him.

“No, they just helped us out of the kindness of their hearts,” replied Larkin.  “We’re very, very thankful for. It’s amazing to see youth, nowadays, getting out and doing something like this. These folks are a godsend.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Learn more about the all-new festival slated for August – and, why a faith group turned a drug-infested, crime-ridden flophouse into luxury accommodations – in this article …

Gail Bash holds the prototype of a new “street banner” that will adorn utility poles along NE Sandy Blvd. proclaiming the expanded Parkrose Festival & Cruise-in scheduled for August 2.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Taking a “field trip” away from their usual meeting place, Steamers Restaurant, members of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) held their March meeting a few blocks east, at the Quality Inn & Suites. Here are some of the highlights:

Estelle Fuller of Bob Brown Tires, and Denise Smoke of Bank of America, sample the delicious food provided by Quality Inn & Suites.

Old Cruise-in cancelled; new event announced
After dealing with a recent string of soggy June Saturdays the Portland Rose Festival Parkrose Cruise-in, the steering committee for the event has announced its demise.

But, in its place, they’re producing an entirely new event – in a new location – and, in a much more weather-friendly month: August.

“It is like we’re staring over,” said Michael Taylor, educational director of the newly-formed ACE Academy, and President of the PBA. “This change brings new challenges and opportunities. We’ll be bringing in new businesses to participate this summertime event.”

Taylor said the new event, called the Parkrose Festival & Cruise-in, is scheduled for Saturday, August 2. Instead of being on the Parkrose High School grounds, it will take place in “downtown” Parkrose on NE Sandy Boulevard – a state highway.

Festival on the boulevard
“Working in cooperation with Oregon Department of Transportation, and the Portland Police Bureau,” explained Taylor, “we’ll be shutting down half of NE Sandy Boulevard between NE 105th Avenue and NE 112th Avenue for the day, and into the evening.”

The event will start with the traditional pancake breakfast; vendors will be on hand to provide food at lunchtime, and “perhaps a beer garden and music festival in the evening, all in cooperation with local restaurants. All day long, there will be family events, in addition to a great cruise-in.”

The idea, Taylor said, is to pull traffic into the downtown Parkrose area without shutting down the street. “This is a great opportunity to showcase our business center here in Parkrose, and enrich an event that has been very successful.”

Pastor, and manager of Quality Inn Suites and Rodeway Inn, David Walmer, tells why they transformed the rundown hotel they now own.

From flophouse to first class hotel
Hosting the meeting was Quality Inn Suites and Rodeway Inn on NE Sandy Boulevard, located almost directly over the I-205 freeway.

This lodging is unusual, members learned from its manager, David Walmer –  because it is now owned by a church.

“When the Eastside Foursquare Church took over the property,” Walmer began, “the police called the hotels (they’re co-located on the same piece of land) the biggest crack house in Portland. The cops joked that they’d let us know which rooms they were busting so we could rent them out again that evening.”

During the two-year, $7.7 Million renovation, starting in June 2004, their business dropped by half, revealed Walmer. “We turned away the hotel’s former ‘cash-paying, no-ID, no-tell’ customers. But, we kept working at it, and transformed one of the community’s largest ‘problem properties’ into a first-class lodging. Our business is growing by at least 30% per year.”

Church means business
“Many faith groups and churches want to help their community,” Walmer went on, “but because they’re small, they lack the resources to do so.

Walmer says that, instead of “begging for money”, faith groups should find practical ways to fund their missions through running legitimate businesses.

“Most churches complain they need more money. But, most churches are notoriously bad at business. They want to challenge societal problems like prostitution and homelessness, but don’t have the money. Businesses know how to make money. They can teach the churches how to make money – instead of begging for it. The self-funding model allows a church to make a substantial difference in their community.”

Walmer summarized, “We’ve looked to government to solve problems. But government can’t drive the agenda. Churches can’t do it alone, they don’t have the resources. But a partnership of government, business, and faith community can transform an area.”

In closing, Walmer expressed his concern about the still-vacant former Parkrose Glass building – almost directly across the street from their facility. “The owner has been actively marketing it to the ‘adult’ [sex] industry. While perfectly legal, we’d prefer to have a business or community project in the building across the street. We don’t need another strip club here.”

Denise Smoke tells why she loves working for Bank of America, during her PBA Member Moment.

Member Moment features Smoke
The featured PBA member this month was the Parkrose branch of Bank of America – represented cheerfully by Denise Smoke.

“14 years ago, I joined the bank, worked hard and eventually became assistant manager,” Smoke stated. “This bank has given me what I need for my family and my career. And we have great services for our customers, including a mortgage product.”

She applauded the bank’s willingness to let her volunteer at her daughter’s school and help out with community projects. “Check out our banking products. I’m so proud to be part of the bank, and part of the PBA.”

PBA’s “new” president, Michael Taylor (standing), gives outgoing exec, Jon Turino, (seated, right side of photo next to past PBA president Mark Eves) some good-nature ribbing about his two-month stint.

President’s farewell
PBA’s “new” president, Michael Taylor, thanked Jon Turino – he was president for two months before being drafted to be the Executive Director of the Alliance of Portland Area Business Associations (APNBA) – and thanked Turino for his support of the organization.

Meet the PBA members
You’ll always find smiling faces greeting you at the Parkrose Business Association. While they take their commitment to their community – they sponsor thousands of dollars in scholarships each year – they love having fun.

Come on by on Thursday, April 17 and meet this group of fun, energized business people. You’ll get the best business lunch at town at Steamers Restaurant & Lounge, 8303 NE Sandy Blvd. (east of NE 82nd Ave.); reservations are NOT required. For more information, see their newly-updated web site by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover why you should pull up a chair for this fun, free event that celebrates one of Portland’s most well-known highways …

Again this year, Dragon and Lion Dancers will entertain and enchant people along the parade route.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The first annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade was a success, by every measure. Since then, the volunteers who put on this event have been working diligently to prepare for this year’s street pageant – next week, on April 19.

Seeing a parade marching along this storied highway took many by surprise last year. With more publicity, and greater participation from neighborhood and business groups, this parade this year should be a fun event for everyone.

A year in the making
Plans are underway for an even more colorful and exciting event for 2008, according to its organizer, and long-time East Portland booster, Ken Turner.

“We’re looking forward to a great event,” Turner predicted when we caught up with him at a meeting of the organizing volunteers. “It looks like we’ll have 40 entries, including floats, and walking entries from neighborhood and business associations, service organizations, car clubs, and farmers markets.”

Unlike a neighborhood parade, Turner said this event required a great deal of advance planning. “One reason is that we’re shutting down a State Highway for two hours. But, Oregon Department of Transportation, the Portland Office of Transportation, Portland Police Bureau, and other agencies have helped and supported our efforts.”

The Madison South, Brentwood Darlington, and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood Associations, along with the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, are providing the volunteers to produce this neighborhood spectacle.

Members of the Madison High School Drum Corps will keep the parade stepping along at a lively pace.

More music, more fun
This year, the parade will feature the antics of the “Get-a-Life Marching Band”. This group of marching musicians is an offshoot of the “One More Time Around Again Marching Band”, famous for their annual Portland Rose Festival appearances. After the parade, about 11 a.m., the band will proceed to Eastport Plaza for a free concert.

You’ll see the USS Enterprise cruise down 82nd Avenue of Roses, courtesy of the US Navy . . . Be delighted by the color and pageantry of the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dancers . . . Tap your toes to the syncopated rhythms of Madison High School Drum Corps . . . Be greeted by the Royal Rosarians . . . And, see honor paid to our flag and servicemen and women by the color guard from Veterans of Foreign Wars #1.

“And there’s a good chance you’ll see some of Portland’s and Multnomah County’s leading politicians and candidates in the parade,” Turner hinted.

Starts at 9 am
The April 19 parade steps out onto SE 82nd Avenue of Roses from Eastport Plaza at 9:00 a.m. sharp. The parade will proceed north to SE Yamhill Street, and into the Montavilla Neighborhood.

Volunteers are needed
Many volunteers are needed on the day of the parade. “There isn’t heavy lifting involved,” said volunteer coordinator, Johnni Beth Jones. “And, the time commitment is small. We need adults willing to be ‘street closure guards’ on the morning of the parade.”

Contact Jones at johnni.jones@gmail.com; she asks that you list “Parade Volunteer” in the subject line of your e-mail, so she’ll spot it right away.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Why did hundreds of people navigate their way to a hidden industrial complex in Lents in April? Learn about this outer East Portland event here …

Major, Marlene Azar’s Moluccan Cockatoo, shows off for guests at the spring Bird Festival.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Twice each year, on a Saturday, a long line of vehicles can be seen turning north on SE 111th Avenue, off SE Foster Road, in Lents – and driving into an industrial park.

Although the long blue steel building says Quality Cage Company on it, on these weekends folks are coming to see birds, not the small animal and avian cages this local manufacturer makes and ships all over the world.

The company’s manager, Guy Cone, makes a new feathered friend during the event.

“It’s become more difficult for bird breeders to find places to gather for a bird event,” said the company’s manager, Guy Cone. “In 2005, these local breeders asked if we could hold a one-day event at our plant. We did, and that was the start of the Bird Festivals.”

Labor of love
To create space for the Bird Festivals, Cone’s crew clears out the warehouse portion of their building, using fork lifts to stuff all of their raw products and inventory into the rafters and move it over to the manufacturing floor. This creates a clean well-lit space large enough to allow 25 breeders to showcase their finest birds.

“We have to shut down manufacturing for a couple of days to accommodate the Bird Festival,” Cone noted. “But, to see the smiles on the faces of our guests and breeders makes it all worthwhile.”

With the cloth drape sidewalls in place, the warehouse is transformed into an avian wonderland.

Best birds in the Pacific Northwest
Visitors – nearly 700 of them – came to the April 5 Bird Festival. Some of those who come bring along their families, just to look at the wide variety of birds on display at this fun, free event.

When visitors enter, they’re greeted by sound of chirps, squeaks, and squawks made by hundreds of birds on display. Most visitors don’t know they’re in a space that’s usually a warehouse; colorful cloth trade show curtains around the room’s perimeter transform the space an avian wonderland.

While some folks come to gawk, most of the guests come because they’re interested in buying a bird – or two. They’ve learned this is a good place to go bird shopping; feathered friends from small tweetie-birds – to the largest varieties – are on display. The “serious shoppers” arrive before the doors open at 10 a.m., to be assured of having the best selection.

“There isn’t any other bird event this spring between Seattle and San Francisco,” remarked Jack Sutton. “I’m looking for a particular breed of finches; there’s a great selection here. It’s well worth the drive up from Albany to this show.”

An event guest “test-handles” a bird that may become part of the family.

Matching birds with owners
Marko Juarez from Gresham brought his family to the event; they looked at colorful smaller birds, he told us. “All of the breeders are so friendly and happy to tell us about their birds. You learn all kinds of things here you’d never learn by going to a big pet store.”

It’s true; we learned that some of the larger, more intelligent bird breeds can outlive their owners – and require a great deal of care and attention. Many smaller birds are colorful, provide good company, and require only a minimum of care.

Event supports youth sports
Providing hot lunches for the bird breeders and guests were volunteers from TNT Softball, a David Douglas baseball league. Located just across way in a building west of the festival, these dedicated workers cooked up sizzling chili cheeseburgers and hot dogs all day. The funds they raised help support youth sports in outer East Portland.

And, “The Bird Nerd”, Deborah Velardi, was also on hand, dispensing advice on birds – and providing grooming services onsite.

Birds, birds and more birds! The Bird Festival is the only regularly-scheduled bird event of its kind in the region.

Festival returns in October
By the time we visited Quality Cage Company a couple of days later to talk with the staff about this unique event, the Bird Festival space was once again a very industrial-looking warehouse, filled with cages, sheet metal and supplies.

From what we learned, the Bird Festival will return to outer East Portland the first Saturday in October. For more information – or to see photos of the event, CLICK HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service