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

Find out why the CEO of Adventist Medical Center – and his top managers – took a day “off work” to do manual labor …

Adventist Medical Center’s Pam Strachan, of the Pastoral Care Department, Deryl Jones, hospital president, and Ray Ammon, also from Pastoral Care, help “build community” by swinging hammers at Jubilee Commons, the Mt. Hood Habitat for Humanity development at 635 S.E. 197th Avenue on September 18.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Helping to create Jubilee Commons, Mt. Hood Habitat for Humanity’s biggest project to date, the leadership team from Adventist Medical Center (AMC) stepped away from their desks, put on jeans and work boots, and grabbed builders’ tools last week.

“At AMC, we talk about building a healthy community,” says marketing director Judy Leach. “This is a perfect opportunity to make a visible difference in our community and help fulfill our mission. Adventist Health will not only build a decent home for a family in need, but our group will also be creating a sustainable solution to poverty, and improving the lives of deserving families.”

As we watch volunteers climb ladders, walk scaffolding, and sheath a home, Leach tells us 20 executive staff members came out for the building project.

Jonathon Shorter, Director of AMC’s Hyperbaric and Wound Healing carries his share of the load at the Habitat for Humanity “build day”.

The development they’re helping to build, she says, is a 22 unit housing complex and community center that will house 44 adults and 56 children.

“Mt Hood Habitat for Humanity relies heavily on volunteer labor and community donations to build houses,” explains Leach. “Habitat provides a ‘hand up’ not a ‘hand out’.”

By this, she explains, Habitat families must contribute 500 hours of ‘sweat equity’ labor towards the building of their own home. Completed homes are sold at no profit to partner families, who pay an affordable, no-interest mortgage. Their mortgage payments are then used to build more Habitat homes.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

At a rally last week, orchestrated as well as any we’ve seen, Oregon State Representative Jeff Merkley kicked off his campaign to replace US Senator Gordon Smith. Look who showed up to cheer him on …

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams revs up crowd with the chant, “Who are we here for? Jeff!”

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This article is not an endorsement – we don’t endorse candidates.

But the fact that outer East Portland resident – and David Douglas Schools graduate – Jeff Merkley is running for the US Senate seat held by Republican Gordon Smith is genuine news.

Merkley’s campaign kick-off last week was smoothly timed and impeccably produced.

We arrived promptly at 5:00 p.m.; neither Merkley nor his touring motor coach was on site. After a local band played, local progressive politicians took the stage.

Warm-up speeches by fellow Oregon legislative Democrats Diane Rosenbaum and Chip Shields began the event.

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams whipped up the crowd with a responsive chant, “Who are we here for? Jeff! Who are we here for? Jeff!”

Adams continued, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to tell you why I’m supporting Jeff Merkley for Oregon US Senator. He is a decisive leader who will speak for this state with an authentic voice.”

Wild cheers went up from the throng that had gathered.

“The ‘G-Men’, George and Gordon, have taken us in the wrong direction. Gordon Smith votes with George Bush at almost every opportunity he has,” continued Adams. “Booooo! Jeff thinks for himself.”

Merkley’s campaign motor home rolls into view during former Governor Barbara Roberts’ speech.

Former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts followed Adams.

Roberts addressed the crowd, “Democrats, independents and enlightened Republicans, I have the opportunity to introduce to you the next United States Senator. The decisions American voters will make in 2008 will shape our country’s future. We need an authentic voice speaking for us in Washington D.C.”

Walking through the crowd, Merkley makes his way to the stage.

As he mounts the stage, Merkley goes for a big hug from Former Oregon Governor, Barbara Roberts.

On cue, a giant motor home, every inch covered in tastefully-done campaign graphics, pulled in the lot. To adulation of ardent supporters, Jeff Merkley walked from the motor home into the crowd; then to the raised platform from where he gave his first, official “stump speech”.

With his family behind him, Jeff Merkley delivers his first official campaign address to his supporters.

To read Merkley’s message, or view a video shot at this event, go to www.jeffmerkley.com.

Interested in what Gordon Smith has to say? Check his web site at www.gordonsmith.com.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Is it safe to cross? Although the bridge is rated a “2” on a federal sufficiency scale of “100” it could be years until it is replaced. We’ve got the scoop (and some neat photos) right here …

Under and around the girders, inspectors take a close look at the substructure of the Sellwood Bridge.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As you read in our article featuring Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler’s remarks last week – the Sellwood Bridge is one of his four top priorities.

But, a couple of Sundays ago, surprised motorists on both side of the Willamette River who wanted to make a crossing discovered they were in for a long detour. The Sellwood Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic while it underwent an announced major inspection.

We watched as a special rig was deployed to allow inspectors to take a close-up look at the bridge’s underside. Slowly, a hanging scaffold snaked its way between girders and struts.

Although it looks precarious, inspectors ride a specially-designed rig that permits them to safely look at the underside of the bridge.

Because of their closer-than-usual examination of the Sellwood Bridge throughout the day, inspectors were able to scrutinize less than half of the structure.

“They’ve completed just 40% of the inspection,” later reported Multnomah County public affairs office official, Michael Pullen. “Inspectors will return on Sunday, October 7, to complete the inspection. This time, they’ll come back with additional manpower.”

Low-scoring bridge
Having heard that the bridge rates a “2” on a federal scale of 100, we asked Pullen why such a poorly-rated structure was allowed to carry any traffic.

“The rating is called a Bridge Sufficiency Score,” Pullen explained. “This is a measure of both structural sufficiency and how well it meets traffic demands.”

Getting an up-close look, inspectors carefully examine rivets that hold the bridge together.

Double whammy drops score
The Sellwood Bridge, Pullen went on, scores poorly in both categories. “It gets a double whammy. First, it has structural problems. And also, it performs poorly for all five transpiration modes — pedestrians, bicycles, cars trucks, and busses.”

The reason the bridge is posted for a 10-ton weight limit, explained Pullen, is to keep it from deteriorating more quickly than it already is. “This doesn’t mean a 20 ton vehicle would collapse it. It means it has less capacity to carry heavy loads.”

Inspectors will be at it again – meaning the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic, on Sunday, Oct. 7.

Says bridge is safe
When we asked if the bridge was safe to cross, Pullen replied, “If the bridge was considered dangerous for the public to use, the county would close the bridge.”

So far, he added, inspectors haven’t detected any major problems “they didn’t know about. They are finding continuing deterioration”.

While the bridge will again be closed to vehicular traffic for the day on Sunday, October 7, the bridge sidewalk will remain open for bicyclists and pedestrians – although there could be short, intermittent delays for sidewalk users.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Did you know that Portland Metro Performing Arts dance troupe is celebrating its 30th season? Learn about their special fall performance, other classes available – and how your kids will benefit! …

Even tots like Chloe Jeanmarie can learn crafts, like how to make paper flowers, at PMPA. “It’s fun,” she says.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Not long ago, we stopped in to visit our friends at the Portland Metro Performing Arts (PMPA) Center, and to attend their Fall Open House.

“We’re happy families are coming by today,” said Executive Director Nancy Yeamans. “They’re learning about our programs and sampling our classes.”

This unique institution – located in the heart of the Gateway District – offers dance, music, theater, and visual arts classes – mostly for kids, but people of all ages are welcome to participate in some of their programs.

Dance company celebrates third decade
Yeamans told us enthusiastically about the PMPA dance company’s 30th anniversary season, now underway.

“At our Dance Mosaic concert in November, we’re doing two totally different programs,” Yeamans said. “We’re inviting alumnus dancers – many of them who now perform with major companies – to rejoin us for a homecoming.

At the Dance Mosaic shows, scheduled for Nov. 16 and 17, professional dance alumnus will join with the current company for solo and group performances. “Over the years, we’ve had 150 members in our dance company,” the executive director added.

The PMPA intermediate/advanced ballet class practices jumps, steps and routines, under the direction of teacher Christina Hintz.

Relevance of PMPA offerings
“Most schools don’t provide these programs, Yeamans told us. “Some schools have music or art instructors – but I can’t think of any with dance teachers. The kids are losing out if the parents can’t provide additional arts enrichment for their children.”

Art, she added, helps young people find their “voice”; that is, it helps them express what they feel. “This is especially important for young people. They often can’t express, in words, what they feel as they can with art. And, what we teach also helps students do better in math, sciences, and English, because it gives relevance to their school-day curriculum.”

Although PMPA classes have begun, students may still join classes on a space-available basis.

For more information, CLICK HERE to be taken to their web site. Or, call their office at (503) 408-0604.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how a new Portland Parks & Recreation Bureau project can reduce the damage that skateboarders cause to commercial and public spaces, by drawing them to a new skatepark planned for outer East Portland, designed with big-city challenges …

East Portland parks advocate, Linda Robinson, Mark Vanderzalm, skatepark design and construction consultant, and Mark Conahan,46-year-old skateboarder (and long time thrasher), look at the new “Skate Plaza” design – as Portland Parks & Recreation Program Manager, Rod Wojtanik, points out features.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Ed Benedict Park, located just east of I-205 on SE Powell Boulevard in the Lents Neighborhood, is the setting for Portland’s newest skatepark.

What’s a skatepark?

It’s a place specifically designed for riders of skateboards, street roller skaters, and BMX bike to have fun – away from city streets and public plazas.

“Portland Parks & Recreation isn’t building anything else that gets as much use as skateparks,” says the Parks Bureau Project Manager Rod Wojtanik, himself a Southeast resident. “These facilities serve a demographic we’ve not done a good job serving, unless the young people are in an organized sport.”

Play areas serve 2- to 8-year olds very well, explains Wojtanik. Soccer, baseball and football fields serve team sports players. Community centers feature basketball courts and swimming pools. “But none of these serve the young people who can’t find a place to skateboard and have planted themselves in front of the TV on the couch.”

25% of kids 14 to 16 years old say they like to ride a skateboard, Wojtanik continues. But, they don’t have safe alternatives to skating in the street or in public plazas. “Giving them a safe place skateboard meets a real recreation need.”

The plan for the proposed Skate Plaza mimics “skate-able surfaces” found in urban environments like benches, railings, and planter boxes.

Suburban ‘Plaza’ to feature urban skating features
Urban plazas are designed for pedestrians, not skateboarders, Wojtanik says; but because of these places have challenging and fun-to-skate surfaces, kids love to ride there. Skateboards ride, flip, and “grind” these surfaces – often to the dismay of city officials and property owners who must repair damage this play causes to railings, curbs, stairs, and planters.

The difference between a skatepark and a skate plaza, Wojtanik tells us, is the layout. Typically, skateparks have dramatic features like deep, swimming-pool like bowls, and are built into a relatively small area of land.

A skate plaza is more spread out. “It simulates an urban environment with stairs, railings and ledges. We’re creating an attraction for the skateboarding community designed to draw skaters away from public plazas to a place they can enjoy their kind of riding – without being arrested or fined.”

Unlike easily-damaged public and commercial areas, the surfaces in the skate plaza are specifically designed for skateboarding; planners say they’ll last indefinitely.

Ed Benedict Park was chosen because the site is large, has good visibility from the street, and has good access to public transportation. It is an area that is safe for children, Wojtanik says.

Bureau seeks public input
At a meeting held at Earl Boyles Elementary School – it borders Ed Benedict Park – planners showed off their skate plaza design and asked for input.

Skate plaza designers reveal that at least 70% of the skate park will have “street skating” features. The plaza will feature more vegetation than in the other skate parks, with numerous planter boxes – all with skateable surfaces.

Overall, indications from skateboarders show they favor the street skating theme of the new park. They suggest that “transitional skating” features (30% of the skate plaza) be kept at a scale that’s compatible with the streetscape theme.

Across-the-street neighbor Mitchel Odom, and his son Derek, look at plans for the new skate plaza – but Mitchel says the location raises some concerns.

Neighbors express concerns
A few non-skaters in the audience expressed concerns that the skate plaza is located on the north edge of the park, close to traffic on SE Powell Boulevard. The design team said they will use a variety of mechanisms, including vegetation and cables, to keep skateboarders from accidentally flying out into traffic – and, to keep out-of-control cars from careening into the skate plaza.

As across-the-street neighbor Mitchel Odom looked at the skate plaza’s design, he said that he’s concerned about the possibility of a “culture clash” at the park.

Urban skateboarders have their own culture, Odom said, as do teams of ethnic soccer players. “Soccer players don’t come to the park with skateboards. There is a lack of parking. Every day on Powell, there is a huge backup of traffic. It is a two-lane road. My major concern is the potential for a culture clash among users.”

Next steps
Wojtanik says the bureau is in the public design phase of the development process. If you missed the meeting on September 13, you can still comment by going online – promptly – and letting your concerns or comments be known.

To comment online, CLICK HERE. This link will take you directly to the comment area on PortlandOnline.com.

“When we solidify our design, we’ll get permits and begin construction. We should see skaters on the plaza by July of 2008,” predicted Wojtanik.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Is the “VisionPDX” plan YOUR vision? Learn where and when to voice your opinion …

Outer East Portland’s top cop, Michael Crebs, says citizens living east of 82nd Avenue of Roses should attend the city’s VisionPDX meeting to make sure their views are appropriately represented in the report.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
On Wednesday, September 19, at 6 PM the Portland City Council will be shown the results of the “VisionPDX” research study commissioned by Portland Mayor Tom Potter.

One of the committee members who sifted through the thousands of survey reports was the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander, Michael Crebs. “I accepted the offer, approximately two years ago, to be on the committee.”

Asked about this volunteer assignment, Crebs stated, “Our sole goal was to develop a ‘vision’ for how our city should be in [the year] 2030, based on input from the community. We did not want it to the vision of the mayor or city council. We wanted it to be the vision of our community. I feel that we reached our goal.”

Urges hearing the plan – and being heard
When we enquired why outer East Portland folks should go to the meeting, Crebs told us, “At this meeting, the Mayor will present the final product. It is important for citizens to be there – especially people in outer East Portland – so they can let Mayor know, after hearing the report, whether or not to accept it.”

Portland City Hall is located in downtown Portland, at 1221 SW 4th Avenue. Be sure the use the 4th Avenue entrance – all others are permanently closed.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

There’s no question whether or not this creek, which runs from Gresham to the Willamette River, floods. But find out why some outer SE Portland residents are concerned about the city’s plans …

Dale Guldenzopf shows the group, gathered at an empty lot owned by the City of Portland in Lents, a floodplain map from the 1940s. “I live next door. I have to pay for flood insurance, but I’m not even in the floodplain,” Guldenzopf says.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The group that gathers in an empty lot owned by the City of Portland in Lents on SE 108th Avenue keeps growing, as a meeting called by the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) gets underway on August 23.

The meeting’s topic: The East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project.

BES Johnson Creek project manager Maggie Skenderian points out the location of the property on which this meeting is taking place in Lents.

“This project will reduce flood damage in Lents,” says the Johnson Creek project manager from BES, Maggie Skenderian, setting the stage for the meeting. “This project will add flood storage and habitat on BES property south of Foster Road, from 106th Avenue east to 110th Drive.”

Along these blocks, we learn, 75% of the property has been bought by the City of Portland. “We’ve received a $2.7 Million FEMA grant for this project; the City matching the grant with a $900,000 budget. The project is in the design phase, and construction is scheduled for summer of 2009.”

Flooding every ten years
As she starts the meeting, Skenderian says that Johnson Creek has major floods every ten years, and minor floods every other year.

“When we have a big event, the creek flows over the banks,” explains Skenderian. “The water doesn’t have places to go. We’re in the process if trying to identify what our potential opportunities and concerns are here, from the people who live in the immediate area.”

Civil engineer Eirik Schultz talks about options available to alleviate flooding events.

Stepping up to the maps, Eirik Schultz and Vigil Agrimis, say they come from a firm of civil engineers, landscape architects specializing in rivers, streams and wetlands.

“The Johnson Creek channel has moved over time,” Schultz begins. “At one time, it was over here,” he says, pointing to a map. “But, it might have been over here. We study its hydrology [from the Greek, “water knowledge”]; it migrates and adjusts itself, as it moves water and sediment.”

“Other streams,” Schultz goes on, “may feature a three to four foot wide channel at ordinary high water. During a yearly ‘channel-forming event’, it might widen to 20 feet. Its floodplain would be between 80 to 100 feet wide.

“However, Johnson Creek is a 30-foot wide channel with 12-14 foot vertical sides.

“It doesn’t access its floodplain until a ten year event,” explains Schultz. “When it does overflow its banks, the flooding is going to be very broad.”

Proposes flooding cures and obstacles
“When we connect a stream to the floodplain, it has somewhere to go when it overflows,” says the hydrologist. “We’ll attempt to lower the water surface elevation. At a 10-year event, you’ll see less flooding onto Foster Road. It will not stop flooding on the system, but there is nothing we could do to alleviate flooding from a major event.”

One way to deal with flooding is “storage” – but a dam is impractical on Johnson Creek.

“Another way to deal with it is ‘conveyance’. That is, moving water though the system more quickly. What we’re trying to do is find a balance of the two. We model solutions by considering what happens if we put in a channel here, or widen a channel there.”

But the main constraint on the design, Schultz concludes, is having to design the project around existing bridges, sewer lines, and property owners.

Joyce Beedle, who says she’s lived near the creek since 1984, raises concerns brought forward by neighbors.

Property owners’ concerns voiced
“We have several concerns about the project,” pipes up Joyce Beedle, a 20-year resident, and spokesperson for the Lents-area neighbors affected by the project.

“The ‘we’ I’m referring to are the families who live on 106th 108th and 110th. We’ve gotten together three times now, in the past couple of weeks,” Beedle states, holding a sheaf of notes. “We came up with what we call crucial facts, concerns during construction, after completion, and ‘loose ends’ questions.”

Her list of “critical items” include:
1. “That, in this [BES/FEMA program], there be no means of forcing the current residents out. There is no provision for condemnation.”

Almost a third of the people in the affected area, Beedle estimates, are second or third-generation residents, who plan to pass their property to their next generation.

“There are a fair number of us who have lived here for 20 years or more. The shortest duration is a resident who has been here for eight years,” she adds.

2. “This plan should include maximizing the use of Brookside [a nearby site already completed] as a ‘preamble’ to the work done further west at this new site.”

The reason stated is that this nearby existing site, upstream on Johnson Creek, has been improved for a long enough time that experts should “know what it does, what does not do, and what it could do better.”

3. “This project makes the area a better place to live, instead of degrading this portion of the neighborhood.”

Describing the Brookside project as looking “delightful”, Beedle says that neighbors don’t want the city to construct an ill-planned, “accidental floodplain restoration project”.

4. “Keep in mind that properties on SE 106th Avenue are on septic systems; not city sewer.”

The concern is that, whatever water is traveling through or being stored on BES property in a high water event, will be contaminated by the septic systems. High water may back up septic systems into homes.

5.  “The gravel base on the [unpaved] roads will be destroyed by heavy truck traffic.”

To this, Skenderian states the City of Portland will not be paving the three gravel roads during or after construction.

6.  “We will be holding the City of Portland, represented by BES, as accountable for hiring and responsibly supervising the contractors.”

The concern, Beedle relates, is that contractors won’t be mindful of property owned by neighbors during the construction project.

When Skenderian asks if there are other concerns, longtime area resident Ernie Francisco states she’s concerned that trees will be removed from city property during the project.

“The BES and the City must obtain permits to remove trees, just like any landowner,” Skenderian responds.

This illustration shows areas affected by the City’s proposed project.

Resident questions floodplain maps
Clipping up a map of the Lents Johnson Creek Floodplain from the 1940s, homeowner Dale Guldenzopf proclaims, “The family has been living here since 1929. I’ve been coming to this house for 57 years. This house never flooded. The site flooded, but not the house.”

The site to which Guldenzopf refers is one lot north of the city-owned land at which the meeting is taking place. “I live next door. I have to pay for flood insurance, but I’m not even in the floodplain,” Guldenzopf says.

When he steps to the back of the meeting, we ask Guldenzopf what he thinks of the project, based on what he’s seen.

“If they administer it just right, it will be fine,” he replies. “But I’m a little concerned that they might buy up some of the property and develop it. This is valuable land.”

For more information, or to be put on a meeting notification list, neighbors are being asked to contact Marie Johnson at BES by calling (503) 823-6199, or e-mailing Marie.Johnson@bes.ci.portland.or.us.

We’ll keep you up to date as this story – and project – continues to develop.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Along with crafts and games, see how these campers are helping to beautify this portion of the Springwater Trail …

members of the YMCA “Eastside Breakaways” day-camp – Ian Pradham and Andy Tucker, Eric Thompson, and Audrey Ferguson – pitch in at Beggars Tick.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Along with their other camp activities, kids who go to the YMCA “Eastside Breakaways” day-camp learn community service.

We catch up with them as they are spreading mulch and cleaning paths at Beggars Tick, on SE 111th Avenue, just north of SE Foster Road, along the Springwater Trail.

“Part of our job is to help these kids as develop human beings,” says camp counselor Andy Tucker. “And part of growing into being a good citizen is learning to participate in community service. It is also about learning what is going on at this wildlife refuge – the plant life and other stuff they’re doing here.”

As the sixth through eight grade students toil away, Metro Park ranger Don Bee looks on and comments, “We take care of a lot of parklands. Whenever we can get volunteers to help us, it really makes a difference. These kids are doing a great job.”

Here, wheeling in mulch is camper Eric Thompson.

The mulching, Bee says, helps control weed growth, and retains moisture for the native plants, helping them do better against the invasive species of grasses.

What do the kids think?

“I’m used to doing yard work like this,” says volunteer Eric Thompson. “We’re helping out here; you can see that we’re doing helps. It’s fun to be of service.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service