Discover why this group was at a key site during the latest Johnson Creek Watershed-wide clean-up event …

Lisa Gunion-Rinker and Laurie Kendall volunteer to help clean up trash and clean out invasive plant species along Johnson Creek in inner SE Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For the Friends of Tideman-Johnson Park, the Johnson Creek Watershed-wide clean-up project on August 18 isn’t a one-time event.

“We will be doing projects like this every month,” says co-chair Lisa Gunion-Rinker, as she takes a break from pulling ivy off a tree. “We’ll also be doing native plantings in the park.”

Considerable work has been done to improve Tideman-Johnson Park, including covering a once-exposed major sewer line, adding a boardwalk, and restoring natural habitat. “But, I’m surprised how many people haven’t visited it.”

Gunion-Rinker tells us their group was awarded a stewardship grant from the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services as a part of the Greater Johnson Creek Watershed improvement program

Many volunteers pitch in
“For the area-wide event today,” says Gunion-Rinker, “We’ve partnered up with Portland Parks & Recreation, the Johnson Creek Watershed Council, and Precision Castparts. About 60 people came to our site, and we’re getting a whole bunch of work done.”

Sixty volunteers from several organizations, including PCC Structural, pitched in to preen the land near the creek.

We see workers pulling ivy off trees, chopping down blackberry bushes, and removing other non-native species. Other volunteers gather and haul out trash.

“Our monthly projects will keep our park a better one for people to enjoy, and to see the natural area as it should be,” says Gunion-Rinker. “We hope others will join us – usually on the last Saturday of the month.”

Serving themselves some great barbecue, prepared by Clay’s Smokehouse, are volunteers Wes and Wiley Wolfe, at the JCWS’s “Jammin’ for Salmon” event that followed the watershed-wide cleanup.

Where to access the park
This park runs along the Springwater Corridor. From Eastmoreland, you’ll find the entrance just south of SE Crystal Springs Blvd. at the end of SE 38th Ave. On the south side of the creek, enter from Springwater Corridor access parking lot on SE 45th Ave just off Johnson Creek Blvd.

“This park is in the Ardenwald-Johnson Creek Neighborhood Association area, but we also have volunteers from Woodstock, Eastmoreland, and Sellwood today,” adds Gunion-Rinker.

Check www.ardenwald.com to find the group’s activity dates. And, learn more about the Johnson Creek Watershed Council by visiting www.jcwc.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Read why the owner of this SE Portland railroad sees bright days ahead for rail transport – but a gloomy future for a transportation museum the City of Portland had promised to build 50 years ago …

Railroad historian and rail line owner, Dick Samuels, talks with his friend, retired engineer Jim Abney, before our “ride into history”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A few weeks ago, many people took note of the historic locomotives and rail cars running along the Oaks Bottom tracks.

According to railroad history buff Dick Samuels, these excursions were run for Lionel model train convention held in Portland, and a visiting group of “speeder” [a small, railroad four-person work car] enthusiasts.

Because it was built in 1952, rail buffs consider the Oregon Pacific Railroad Company’s 1202 “diesel electric” locomotive to be a relic. Bu, this fully-restored and rebuilt machine is its main engine to pull freight cars in and out of SE Portland every day.

“We also offered rides to the public to benefit the Pacific Railroad Preservation Assn., to publicize Portland’s trains, and remind people that we are here,” Samuels tells us at the association’s annual picnic held at Oaks Park. “To thank the volunteers, get to run the trains for themselves, today.”

Rail resurgence benefits inner SE Portland
The rails used in the demonstration rides between Oaks Park and East Portland Junction belongs to the Oregon Pacific Railroad Company – a real, working railroad company owned by Samuels. The “1202”, a diesel electric locomotive built in 1952, which powered some of the excursion rides, is the railroad’s “workday” engine.

“Inbound, we haul frozen food,” explains Samuels. “We handle about 90% of the frozen poultry that comes into Portland. We also carry coiled steel to a factory here. We ship out three to five carloads of frozen soup for institutions in the Midwest.”

Railroads are seeing a real resurgence, Samuels comments. “With fuel costs going up, and people more concerned about the environment, it makes sense. It isn’t the fastest form of freight transportation, but it is the most efficient.”

Samuels says his rail line, run with the help of his family members, keeps hundreds semi-trucks off SE Portland streets every month.

“As long as people keep eating, and needing goods, we’ll keep moving it by rail,” says Samuels with a smile.

Portland Transportation Museum 50 years overdue
While the future of his Milwaukie-based railroad looks bright, Samuels says he’s glum about the prospects for preserving the history of rail transportation in the Pacific Northwest.

“We’ve been looking at a home for Portland’s historic trolleys, railroad cars, and rail memorabilia south of Oaks Bottom. 50 years ago, Portland’s city leaders promised to build a transportation museum there. They haven’t kept their promise,”

Samuels points to the three cabooses and other older rail units on the tracks. “They need a place to live. We’ve been giving [Portland] the chance to fulfill this promise, at no cost to the public. We’re willing to do a straight trade – the right-of-way they need to complete the Springwater Trail, in exchange for access to site of the one-time Sellwood dump. We don’t even need to own the property; just the right to use it for its intended purpose.”

Changing the subject, Samuels asks if we’d like to ride in the 1202’s cab, while volunteer engineer Jim Abney (retired after 40 years of being full-time engineer) takes guests for a ride.

Jim Abney, a retired engineer, says he loves his volunteer engineer duties. “Go fishing? I’d rather drive a train any day.”

We readily agree, climb into the cab and step into living history. “You’re in good hands,” says Samuels with a smile, and hops off the train. The locomotive roars to life, and off, riding through history along Oaks Bottom, toward Portland.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Find out which outer East Portland park is next to get a “skatepark”, and how you can have a say in how it’s built, here …

After demonstrating some gnarly moves at the Glenhaven Skatepark on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, Rocco Caravelli, says he never tires of skateboarding. “It’s great to have this skatepark close to my house in Montavilla. If it weren’t here, I’d probably be sitting at home watching TV.”

Story and photos by David “Grinder” Ashton
The high-flying skateboard and bike riders of “Dew Action Sports Tour” have now left town, but their sponsor, Vans – a maker of sneakers and sportswear – has again left a permanent mark on Portland.

No, it wasn’t graffiti or damaged benches they left behind.

For the third year in a row, Vans presented to Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) a big cash contribution for its skatepark project.

“We want to do more than just hold a commercial event and leave town,” Vans’ spokesman, Chris Oberholser told us on August 14. “We want to put our name on something that lasts. PP&R has put together a tremendous program to build skateparks, with the recognition that these parks are integral to the wellness of the community. It provides things for kids to do.”

Vans’ representative, Chris Oberholser, presents a check for $10,000 to Mayor Tom Potter, as Wade Martin, President of the Dew Tour, looks on. Check out the mayor’s cool, checked Vans shoes!

The event was held at outer East Portland’s first skatepark, Glenhaven, just north of Madison High School. “We’re proud to have had a part in building this skatepark by giving $10,000 donations for the last two years. And, we’re pleased to provide another $10,000 donation this year that will help build the Ed Benedict Park Skate Plaza, to be opened in the next year.”

More skateboarders than baseball players
At the event, Mayor Tom Potter greeted us and pointed to his checked sneakers. “They’re from Vans,” he chuckled. “It’s too beautiful a day not to be outside; it’s great to chill out and relax here.”

As we watched kids swoop and glide around the Glenhaven Skatepark, Potter remarked, “In Portland, there are far more kids who skateboard than play baseball; yet, we have many more baseball diamonds than we have skateboard parks. We’re starting to change that.”

The mayor said this year’s donation was going to expand the Ed Benedict Park Skate Plaza, located in outer East Portland on SE Powell Blvd. at SE 98th Ave. “I’d like to see skateboard parks in every neighborhood of our beautiful city.”

Watching local skateboarder Matt Gabriel do some of his tricks in the Glenhaven Skatepark “peanut bowl” – a deep, swimming-pool looking structure, he gets applause from the crowd. Donations by Van’s in ’05 and ’06 helped finance this feature at the park.

Says skateparks build community
Ben Wixon has worked with PP&R to help build their skateboarding program for the last five years. He’s currently an instructor.

“Kids need an outlet for their energy,” explained Wixon. “They need a place to practice their craft. More importantly, skateparks provide a space for them to hang out. It is a place of community. Kids are getting a sense of ownership out of it by taking care of it.”

Wixon says he doesn’t think skateparks will end the skateboard damage done to public and private property, but adds, “It sure helps cut down on it [damage by grinding], to have fun and challenging places to skate.”

Vans made two other donations supporting PP&R’s skateparks in both 2005 and 2006. The support of Vans allowed for additional amenities at the recently opened Glenhaven skatepark – the “peanut bowl”, and the path linking the facility to Madison High School. This year’s contribution will allow for the skatepark at Ed Benedict to increase in size by 250 square feet.

Youngsters arrive from far and wide – not to see the Vans check presentation – but to get everything from shirts to shoes autographed by stars of the Dew Action Sports Tour.

Portland system first in nation
According to PP&R’s Sarah Schlosser-Moon, the Portland’s skatepark system is the first of its kind in the nation. “In 2003, PP&R began an intensive process of planning for network of skateparks,” she related. “Our committee has developed a vision for a skatepark system encompassing 19 skateparks with a variety of features aimed at meeting the diversity of needs of Portland’s actions sports enthusiasts.”

Help plan outer East Portland’s new skatepark
PP&R is holding a Public Open House & Workshop regarding the soon-to-be-constructed Ed Benedict Skate Plaza project. Come review their design ideas and provide input into Portland’s first skate plaza.

The meeting will be held on September 13 in the Earl Boyles Elementary School cafeteria at 10822 SE Bush St.; 1 block south of SE Powell Blvd. from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you’ve never heard of a “Relay for Life”, see why all who participate – or even visit – will never forget what they experienced, at this very special event  …

All night long, and into the following day, at least one team member was walking to raise money for cancer research and patient aid during the “Relay for Life”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
From telethons to footraces, many fundraising events have become media circuses – a spectacle that overshadows the mission of the organization.

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event called “Relay for Life”, which took place overnight from August 10 and 11 at Sellwood Riverfront Park.

Encampment supports participants
In the twilight, the park’s grassy lawn looked like a cross between a festival and a Scout’s campout. Tents were pitched; open-air encampments were set up. Food booths offered nourishment, ice cream – and rich, strong coffee. Live music played softly from a stage framed by the Willamette River.

Relay team members sat around a camplight, providing company and support for one another as they took turns walking the circular path around the park, fulfilling the donation pledges they’d solicited.

Candles light the way
The walkway was illuminated with candles in paper bags – they called them lumenaria. Many of the lumenaria were inscribed with names of individuals who have died of cancer.

Here, standing in the light of a camp lantern, are the American Cancer Society’s Mary James – and the volunteer Chair for Portland’s “Relay for Life”, Kathy Allworth.

“This event is held each year by groups around the world to support cancer research, advocacy, and patient aid,” the Portland event’s Chair, Kathy Allworth, told us.

Allworth says this is one of 4,800 Relays that celebrates survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remembers loved ones, and raises money for the fight against cancer.

“My personal connection is – well, my parents’ luminaria are right over here,” said Allworth, pointing to two flickering path side lanterns. “I lost my mom to cancer when she was 54; my dad to cancer when he was 75.”

First-time volunteer and food chair Gloria McAll says “This is an awesome event.” On the hill behind her, the word “HOPE” is spelled out with lumenaria.

Allworth said her employer, Fred Meyer, supports employees’ volunteer involvement. “The Relay for Life is something that – once you come here and see the event for yourself, once you walk the track, once you see all the lumenaria lit – you can’t help but pitch in.”

About 400 participated in the Portland event. “This is our third year. It’s gotten consistently bigger each year. Come join us!”

Throughout the night, Relay for Life participants walked the path to raise money for research that can lead to finding a cure for cancer.

Learn more about the American Cancer Society – and plan for your participation next year, by visiting www.cancer.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you’ve wondered why giant construction cranes are towering over the field next to Adventist Medical Center, just south of Mall 205 —  here’s the answer …

Adventist Medical Center’s Senior VP, Thomas Russell, sits with Judy Leach, Director of Marketing, upon the first steel column to be installed in the hospital’s new four-story 192,000 square foot structure.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Too often, worksites in outer East Portland are marred by gang graffiti.

But, at the construction site of Adventist Medical Center’s new wing and parking garage, the first steel beam to be erected on Monday bears inscriptions of hope, and dedication to serve and care.

“Our physicians and employees are really connected with our mission,” says the medical center’s senior vice president, Thomas Russell. “As we look at what they’ve written on this beam, we see that many people ask the Lord’s blessing on this project. When put in place, this beam will stand, literally, supporting our mission of providing excellent medical care.”

The new pavilion, Russell says, will increase the hospital’s emergency room capacity, add surgical suites, consolidate outpatient services and provide new center for cardiovascular care.

“We’re adding a parking garage with 403 spaces,” adds the medical center’s marketing director, Judy Leach, “making it easier for people using outpatient services to more easily access the clinics.”

The medical center’s $105 million building expansion is scheduled for completion in 2009.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you didn’t get to the dinner at New Copper Penny,
you’ll see right here how businesses and neighbors
came together that night to support great events
YOU can enjoy for FREE, starting on August 19 …

The neighbors and friends who came to the New Copper Penny’s Pantheon Hall to support Lents’ “Concerts in the Park” were treated to a three-course dinner, in exchange for their contribution to the cause.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The only “Summer Concerts in the Park” concert series east of S.E. 82nd Avenue of Roses, staged in the Lents Park gazebo, has become an August tradition. The first performance is traditionally held on Lents Founder’s Day.

But the music series, partially funded by neighborhood and business donations, was in jeopardy this year because of a dip in sponsor support.

Owners of the Lents restaurant and entertainment establishment “New Copper Penny”, John and Saki Tzantarmas, hosted the event held to support the Lents “Concerts in the Park” series.

New Copper Penny hosts dinner
To make up the shortfall in funding, neighbors turned to Saki and John Tzantarmas, owners of Lents’ famous restaurant and night club “New Copper Penny” for help. The Tzantarmas family offered to host a fundraising dinner.

“The idea was to raise funds for a good cause,” said John Tzantarmas, at the fundraising dinner hosted by his restaurant on August 2. “We’ve long been a part of the Lents community. We try to help out when we can. We think the ‘Concerts in the Park’ series is good, and we’re happy to support it.”

Dewey Akers, Chair Lents NA and Clint Lenard (Safety Chair) offering raffle tickets to Rachel and Chris Slottke.

Good turnout shows support
“In addition to raising money,” said the Lents Neighborhood chair, Dewey Akers, “we’re also able to publicly thank the businesses in our area who are sponsoring the Lents Summer Concerts in the Park program.”

Akers told us he thinks the concert series is important, because “it helps solidify the identity of our neighborhood. It celebrates the diversity of the neighborhood through having diverse music playing here. It is a free event for families who can enjoy.”

Long-time Lents boosters Judy and John Welch enjoy their roast baron of beef dinner at the fund-raising banquet.

An, another benefit of the event, Akers told us, is that it provided the opportunity for businesses and neighbors to get together and meet one another. “It reminds neighbors to support their local businesses.”

Finally, Akers had high praise for the New Copper Penny. “Saki is wonderful. They provide food for Founders Day, and now they’ve put on a good dinner – 100% of the proceeds will go to support our concert series. We really appreciate their participation.”

Nearly 120 neighbors enjoyed both food and a sense of community in the Pantheon Ballroom.

Lents Founders Day this weekend
The main Lents Founder’s Day celebration takes place on Sunday, August 19.

But Saturday is the day for the “Lents Softball Showdown”, pitting the “Lents Rebels” against the “Portland City Stickers”. It’s held on August 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Lents Little League field at S.E. 92nd Avenue and Harold Street.

Sunday’s Lents Founders’ Day Parade & Celebration kicks off with a grand parade at noon. The parade forms at SE 91st Avenue and Harold Street, at the Wattles Boys and Girls Club. The procession heads north, winding around Lents Park.

Come on into the park for FREE food, provided by the New Cooper Penny, after the parade. Experience the thrill of discovery at the hands-on Pioneer Living Exhibit and Displays.

Also, see the display of historic Lents photographs; take a shot at the free rock climbing wall; and browse the community information booths.

Then, at 2:00 p.m., enjoy the “Music in Lents Park Summer Series” – great music at the Lents Park Gazebo, located south of the baseball stadium on S.E. 92nd Avenue, south of SE Holgate Boulevard. Music by the Providence Stage Band highlights music from the swing and big-band era.

By the way, consider saying “thank you” by patronizing the sponsors of the concert series. They are New Copper Penny, Providence Portland Medical Center, Eastport Plaza Merchants, Lents Body Shop, Lansing Linoleum, Econolodge, Frank Bitar & Associates, Lents Neighborhood Association, Al’s Shoes and Boots, Kadel’s Auto Body, TriMet, Light Truck Parts and Thompson Auto Body.

Be sure to say hello, when we see you there!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

At their training yard, we saw linemen make their death-defying work look like an aerial ballet. Take a look at this unique competition …

Cliff Campbell Zeek McCarthy of Clark Public Utilities replace an insulator

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
People driving on east Powell Valley Road might have been puzzled when they saw workers racing up and down a forest of utility poles, hanging from bucket trucks, and doing maintenance work atop high-voltage lines.

What they were seeing wasn’t a power crisis – it was 14th Annual Pacific Northwest Lineman’s Rodeo. Considered one of the most challenging lineman’s rodeos in the country, this competition takes place each year – right here – on the outer east edge of Portland.

“This event gives linemen around the Northwest the chance to show off their skills,” explains event chair Rob Wales. “The teams also get bragging rights among one another, while they show people what they do every day as part of their job.”

Not all participants are linemen. The wife of a lineman, Becky Cersovski, learns how challenging it is to climb a wooden utility pole using boot spikes.

We watch an event in which the linemen change insulators that keep live power lines from shorting out on the utility poles. They work swiftly; the events are timed. “More than speed and agility,” commented Wales, “safety is the primary thing. Judges make sure all safety procedures are followed – it’s part of the grading system.”

Specifically, contestants are judged by the following criteria: Safety; work practice; neatness and ability; equipment handling – and timely competition of the event (that one is used only as a tie-breaker).

Waiting their turn, Portland General Electric linemen Ed Hatanpa, Josh Rinard, and Adam Blackwell get ready for their next event.

Event winners from this regional competition, Wales adds, will advance to the 24th Annual International Lineman’s Rodeo & Expo World Championships, later this year, in Overland Park, Kansas.

More than 80 linemen from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and other western states participated in the event. IBEW Local 125, IBEW Local 659, PGE, Pacific Power and Clark Public Utilities sponsored the event.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

While it isn’t the dreaded “avian flu”‚ the infiltration of this virus into an East Portland neighborhood has caused concern. Learn why, here‚

Senator Avel Gordly, host of the West Nile Virus educational forum, says she hopes all residents of Multnomah County will take the steps necessary to reduce risk of this bird-borne illness.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With all the publicity about the deadly “avian flu” coming to America, it’s not surprising that neighbors near NE 63rd Ave. and Sandy Blvd. were concerned about a dead bird that was found there on June 25.

The dead crow tested positive for West Nile Virus.

“This is the first time we’ve seen West Nile Virus (WNV) in Multnomah County this year,” stated Chris Wirth, Manager of Multnomah County’s Vector and Nuisance Control at an educational forum held on July 28, hosted by State Senator Avel Gordly.

This map shows where the dead, infected crow was found on June 25.

Joining Wirth and Gordly was Kari Lyons, Multnomah County Environmental Health Educator and Dave Houghton, Multnomah County Community Health Services Program Manager.

We learned that, in Multnomah County, the first case of WNV was found in 2006 in a bird in southeast Portland. Three additional cases were discovered last year, two in northeast Portland and one in Gresham.

Kills birds, not people
West Nile Virus, we learned, is primarily a bird infection.

Humans can contract WNV if a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, then bites a human. “Birds cannot transmit the disease to humans, nor can it be transmitted through person-to-person contact,” said Wirth.

Information presented at the forum indicated that most people infected with WNV won’t have symptoms. Less than one percent of infected individuals will develop serious illnesses, such as meningitis or encephalitis. The infection is more serious for people over the age of 50, and perhaps also for people with suppressed immune systems.

Kari Lyons, Multnomah County Environmental Health Educator, State Senator Avel Gordly, Dave Houghton, Multnomah County Community Health Services Program Manager and Chris Wirth, Multnomah County Vector Control speak present a West Nile Virus educational forum.

Asks citizens for help
Dave Houghton said the county health department was working to reduce WNV, but needs the help of individuals.

According to Wirth, mosquitoes can breed in any standing water that lasts more than four days. Even a small bucket of standing water can become home to up to 1,000 mosquitoes.

“We’re working to keep mosquito populations down, reducing the likelihood they’ll be flying into our neighborhoods, back yards and parks,” Houghton said. “But we need your help, and that of all people in the county.”

Wirth listed what individuals can do to reduce the risk of WNV, and provided this list of prevention steps:

• Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.
• Make sure gutters drain well, change birdbath water at least weekly, and get rid of old tires or buckets in your yard;
• Avoid playing or working outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active;
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing when you are outdoors;
• Wear insect repellent, preferably one that contains DEET. Follow label directions when using any repellent, especially for children;
• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

Dead crow watch
Health officials are testing crows, jays, and magpies that have been dead for less than 24 hours. “If people find a dead bird and are concerned about what to do with it, they should call Multnomah County’s Health Department Vector and Nuisance Control at (503) 988-NILE,” Wirth instructed.

You can find additional information about West Nile virus in the internet by clicking HERE, or call the statewide toll-free information line at 1-866-703-4636.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Read why no one was upset by the woofs and purrs that occasionally interrupted this service at The Grotto‚

Becky Martin is holding her year-old pug, Allie, while Father Jack Topper anoints her pet during the Blessing of the Animals at The Grotto.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
At times, The Grotto sounded more like a kennel than a sanctuary on July 15 as hundreds of pet-lovers attended the annual “Blessing of the Animals”.

During the service, The Grotto’s executive director, Father Jack Topper, OSM, told those at the outdoor gathering, “Animals do something special for us; they make us a little more compassionate toward our fellow humans. Treat them with love; take care of them, so they will be happy and healthy. And, we know they will take care of us.”

“It isn’t a weasel,” says the owner. “It’s my ferret!”

Monastery’s pets
Before the service began, Topper reminded us that their order had two dogs that have since passed away. “We still have a couple of cats.”

Topper added that caring for pets gives him, and others in his order, a direct connection to this ceremony.

Cats aren’t excluded; Loren Butler holds out his malfie for a sprinkling.

This service, Topper told us, is important, because it reminds us of the value of our pets. “It helps is remember what companion animals do for us; the lessons they teach us. They bring us unconditional love, comfort, and joy. They don’t judge us. They’re always happy to see us. It is a blessing from God that we have these pets to take care of; and, another blessing, how they take care of us.”

This pooch patiently awaits his blessing at this decades-old annual service.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Learn how the dedicated efforts of neighborhood advocates and city officials are bringing amenities to residents of outer East Portland‚

Officials from Portland Parks & Recreation, the City of Portland, neighborhood leaders, facility architects, and the building contractor break the ground for the East Portland Community Center Aquatic Center.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The dust flew as shovels held by city officials and community representatives dug into the hard-packed dirt behind the East Portland Community Center on SE 106th Avenue, just south of Floyd Light Middle School.

Their attempt at excavation was symbolic‚ this July 3 event was the groundbreaking ceremony for the community center’s long-awaited new Aquatic Center.

“Next year, we’ll be swimming in the pool at this spot,” announced Portland Parks & Recreation director Zari Santner. “This project was a long time coming. It was challenging. But we had an incredibly dedicated group of people who made it happen.”

Two pools and play water slides will grace the new East Portland Community Center Aquatic Center.

Santner commended the efforts of 18-year outer East Portland resident, and pool activist, Michelle Winningham, for helping aid the process.

“I’ve been frustrated that when we try to go swimming at the David Douglas pool, or the Montavilla or Mt. Scott community centers; we get turned away because they were always full,” Winningham commented. “I got involved by lobbying Portland’s mayor and city council to fund this unmet need for a pool here.”

Minutes after the dignitaries and neighbors left the groundbreaking site, heavy equipment moved in and started excavating.
_____________________________________

Earl Boyles Park dedicated

1, 2, 3, CUT! — 4th & 5th graders from Earl Boyles Elementary School’s Summer Academy, and Portland Parks Commissioner Dan Saltzman, cut the ribbon that officially opened Earl Boyles Park.

Outer East Portland’s newest developed park is hidden away, just south of Earl Boyles Elementary School and Ron Russell Middle School.

“Although the park was substantially completed last November, we waited until the summertime to activate the water features,” explained George Lozovoy‚ project manager, designer, and landscape architect at Portland Parks & Recreation‚ at the “official” park opening.

This park, at SE 112th Avenue and Boise Street, said Lozovoy, was designed by neighbors and teachers to enhance the facilities already in place at the two David Douglas schools.

Barbara Rommel, Superintendent of David Douglas School District, said the park is a result of a good, connected effort between the parks and the school district. “This new park is important because, along with schools, it increases the livability of the community.”

Dignitaries on hand at the park’s dedication included Lents Neighborhood Association President Dewey Akers, Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, Barbara Rommel, superintendent of David Douglas School District (speaking), and Commissioner Berta Feran, Portland Development Commission.

Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman greeted us when he came by for the ribbon cutting.

“As you know, East Portland is considered to be ‘park deficient’. So it is a great day when we’re dedicating a new park in outer Southeast Portland. Our goal is to have a neighborhood park within a half-mile of every resident.”

The park’s $642,000 development cost was funded substantially with PDC funds from Lents Urban Renewal, Saltzman noted.

With temperatures climbing on July 9, many of the children present were waiting to try out the water features. “On a hot day like this, the water feature is a great neighborhood attraction. The path and the lighting make it a great park for everyone, and provides increase safety in and around the park,” Saltzman added.

A touch of the controller, and kids enjoy a cool play area during the hot summer months.

As soon as the ribbon surrounding the water play area was cut by the dignitaries on hand‚ and kids from the elementary school’s Summer Academy‚ Fresh, cold Bull Run water bubbled, sprayed, and showered dozens of kids, who were more than ready for some wet summer fun.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Discover why the city is spending $5 Million to “undo” a 1940s “creek improvement project” that experts say actually causes flooding and declining fish population, instead of preventing it‚

Bureau of Environmental Services director, Dean Marriott, pinpoints the built-up highlands which B.E.S. is now returning to wetlands.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Walking through a wooded area, just off the Springwater Trail near SE Foster Rd at SE 158th Ave., we hear the roar of heavy earth-moving equipment in the distance.

Bureau of Environmental Services director Dean Marriott is our guide, as we hike along Johnson Creek. “We’re walking into the Brownwood Site here along Johnson Creek. This represents the fourth restoration project we’ve embarked on,” he tells us.

“We’re undoing what was done in the 1940s,” Marriott explains, “in an effort to reduce flooding; WPA workers brought in a lot of fill material to straighten the creek. Their project made flooding worse.”

From creek to sluiceway‚ and back to creek
Fish don’t do well in rock-lined channel, Marriott comments. “When they altered the creek, they pushed it to the south in a rock-lined channel. It became a sluiceway, instead of a natural creek.

The new $5 Million restoration project, Marriott explains, will minimize future flooding. But more importantly, it will improve the health of the watershed, including fish habitat.

As we break through to the work area, we see a massive earth-moving effort underway. “We’re taking about 150,000 cubic yards of dirt and fill out of the historic flood plain, and recreating the natural landscape,” explains Marriott. “We’re replicating what nature intended. We’re restoring the back channels, meanderings, and crookedness of the creek. When we’re done, next year, it will look just the way Mother Nature intended it to look.”

Specifically, Marriott goes on, the project restores natural terrain features. The water will slow down and have areas that can flood without doing any damage, and recharge the groundwater.

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams, and Lisa Libby of B.E.S., look at the creek restoration work done at the “Brownwood Site” in outer East Portland.

Walking Portland’s environmental talk
At the main work area, we meet Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams. “This is a major project to undo some anti-environmental work done by the WPA,” he confirms. “This is a major step forward; restoring the habitat for fish and wildlife, here on the East Powell Butte flood plain.”

Adams says that the $5 million cost of the project is well spent. “In spite of the fact that Portland has a ‘very green city’ self-identity, we still have major environmental issues to address‚ especially in this area of Portland. We still have two species of salmon that are endangered, because of the poor health of Johnson Creek.”

The commissioner says restoration projects like this are a “point of personal passion for me. I want to see Portland ‘walk its talk’ in terms of environmental responsibility.

“Beyond helping the environment, a practical benefit restoring the original ecosystem of the floodplain — above the more populated areas — is that it will prevent flooding in the commercial and residential districts downstream.”

J.C. Watershed Counsel grants $600,000
While touring the restoration site, we learn from the executive director of the Johnson creek Watershed Council, Michelle Bussard, that the group worked with the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board to develop a $600,000 fund for the project.

“This project really represents our values around the health and prosperity of our watershed. This is putting our money where our mouth is.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Will the blistering heat wave continue? Learn what the meteorologist for the National Weather Service‚ located on NE 122nd Ave.‚ predicts for the next few weeks, right here‚

A sign of the times: The Bank of the West sign, at SE 82nd Avenue of Roses and Division Street, indicates what everyone knows‚ it’s darn hot here!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On July 10, the expected cell phone text message from our brother arrives: “Hot enough for ya?”

We put this inane question to Kirk Kurchel, owner of Kurchel Heating and Air Conditioning, as he arrives at the Love Boutique on SE 122 Avenue to investigate why the novelty store’s air conditioning conked out. As he sets up his ladder, he remarks, “This weather makes me a very popular guy, it seems.”

“You think it’s hot out here‚  it’s hotter up there,” Kurchel tells us. In minutes, he climbs down the ladder and reports, “The AC unit isn’t getting power from PGE; one of the phases is out.” Store owner Donna Dionne tells us that PGE crews removed a barbecued squirrel from the transformer hours later; her air conditioner again quickly floods her store with cool comfort.

Beating the heat, kids in Powellhurst-Gilbert’s Raymond Park make good use of the water feature installed by Portland Parks & Recreation in 2005. A fully-dressed parent, sitting in the shade of nearby trees, says, “I’m about ready to join them!”

Las Vegas weather moves north
We ask Dan Keirns, meteorologist with the National Weather Service‚ located here in outer NE Portland‚ if Tuesday’s temperature record-breaking heat wave would continue.

“According to our records going back well over 100 years,” Keirns tells us, “at 102 degrees, we did set a new record high temperature for July 10.”

Our sweltering heat wave was due, Keirns informs us, to a large area mass of high pressure anchored over the Pacific Northwest. “Also, there was a condition we call a ‘heat low pressure’ that developed out of the Great Basin; this allowed us to share hot weather typical of Las Vegas. The pattern of high heat extended up into Canada.”

The sign at Division Crossing, on SE 122nd Avenue at Division Street, confirms our record-high temperatures.

As the weather system shifted, it allowed rain to move northward from the south coast, adds Keirns. “Our rain on July 12 was spotty; the most reported was a tenth of an inch. There were a few [storm] cells that made pretty good rain.”

‘Normal’ summer weather to resume
“The [hot weather] ridge is moving the east, and a trough of low pressure is moving in. We’ll be moving to more seasonal temperatures, around the 80 degree mark, throughout next week,” forecasts Keirns.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service