General News & Features « East PDX News

Full-service ‘Justice Center’ for East County may become a reality

Will citizens of outer East Portland and East Multnomah County finally get something more than its current one-room leaky courthouse? Your comments will count: Read about an upcoming forum you should attend on February 8 ‚Ä¶

Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts has led a four-year effort to create a full-service Justice Center to serve the 200,000 citizens of East County.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
After years of wrangling ‚Äì and two “blue ribbon” committees’ recommendations ‚Äì building an East County facility to house courtrooms and other services is edging closer to becoming a reality.

“We’ve been at this for the past four years,” Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts tells us, as we visit the proposed site on SE Stark Street in Gresham. “Actually, the real movement, including our funding plan ‚Äì selling excess county property to pay for it ‚Äì has been going for the past three and a half years.”

More than meeting the mandate
Roberts reminded us that Multnomah County, by Oregon State law, is mandated to maintain a courthouse in Gresham. But, the current facility is a one-room courthouse on Powell Blvd. “It’s old; it leaks when it rains. It is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It may meet the requirement of the state law, but it certainly doesn’t meet the needs of the people of East County,” Roberts said.

The commissioner added, “We’re looking to serve over the over 200,000 people from 122nd Avenue out to the eastern edge of the county.”

Will give Rockwood an economic boost
The land for the Justice Center that’s been recommended, Roberts explained, is in Rockwood, at the former site of the Fred Meyer Home & Garden Store on SE Stark Street. “In addition to the convenience of providing county services, there is a strong indication that building this facility here will lower crime in the area. This is the kind of project the spurs other kinds of economic development in this area.”

Roberts continued, “We have a unique way of paying for it. This project won’t put the county into debt. We’ll have a building already paid for, that will give the community what it needs, in many ways.”

Commissioners vote for “full service” facility
On February 1, the County Commissioners agreed, in a unanimous vote, on the “full service” concept for an East County facility.

As described, the new facilities will be more than a courthouse. The “full service” Justice Center will:

House a courthouse with four courtrooms, and the space to build two more if needed;
Allow the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office finally to vacate the mold-ridden, leaky Hansen Building in which it now operates;
House the District Attorney’s office, as well as satellite offices for county agencies.

“There’s also a good possibility that Gresham Police will have a station located in the building,” said Roberts.

Be heard on February 8
Although the Rockwood site has been proposed, and has considerable backing, whether it will be built there or somewhere else is still up in the air. While many support the proposed Rockwood site, others are pushing locate it in downtown Gresham.

To get more input from citizens, Roberts said that he — in partnership with the Centennial Neighborhood Association — will hold a public meeting to present information and receive comments on the East County Justice Center.

Sheriff Bernie Giusto will be on hand, as will be representatives from the County Chair’s office.

The meeting will take place February 8, 2007, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Parklane Christian Reformed Church, 16001 SE Main St., in Gresham.

“Please come, and let us know what you think,” Roberts urged.

Full-service ‘Justice Center’ for East County may become a reality

Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts has led a four-year effort to create a full-service Justice Center to serve the 200,000 citizens of East County.

The commissioner added, “We’re looking to serve over the over 200,000 people from 122nd Avenue out to the eastern edge of the county.”

Commissioners vote for “full service” facility
On February 1, the County Commissioners agreed, in a unanimous vote, on the “full service” concept for an East County facility.

As described, the new facilities will be more than a courthouse. The “full service” Justice Center will:

House a courthouse with four courtrooms, and the space to build two more if needed;
Allow the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office finally to vacate the mold-ridden, leaky Hansen Building in which it now operates;
House the District Attorney’s office, as well as satellite offices for county agencies.

“There’s also a good possibility that Gresham Police will have a station located in the building,” said Roberts.

Sheriff Bernie Giusto will be on hand, as will be representatives from the County Chair’s office.

The meeting will take place February 8, 2007, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Parklane Christian Reformed Church, 16001 SE Main St., in Gresham.

“Please come, and let us know what you think,” Roberts urged.

Ruptured East County water main worries residents

Folks living on the eastern edge of Portland worried whether the water main break on NE 162nd Avenue would cause a sinkhole ‚Ä¶

We saw water gushing — not seeping — between cracks in the street and curb along NE 162nd Avenue for nearly a city block.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
So far this winter, the water supply system in East County hasn’t experienced the ruptured water mains and massive sinkholes we’ve seen in other parts of the metro area.

But, some residents along NE 162nd Avenue, just north of NE Glisan Street, wondered if it was their turn to see the pavement in front of their homes crumple and sag into the ground, on January 28.

Patrick Healy and his son Daniel Owen Healy first noticed the wet pavement ‚Äì on a very cold, windy dry evening in East County.

Patrick Healy says he, and his son, were working on a car when they noticed something odd. “About 8:30, my son said, ‘Dad, there’s water out in the center of the street’. It’s not raining, so I didn’t think anything about it. Then, I noticed the other side of the street was wet. Since then, it’s been progressing and getting bigger.”

Looking back a little later, Healy says he saw water coming up between the curb and the street. “The area where the water came up kept growing. We couldn’t find the number for the water company, so we called 9-1-1. They said calling this in was a good thing to do.”

Water streams up from the pavement
We arrive at 10:45 p.m. and find that water is not only coming up through the center of the street, but also burbling up where the roadway meets the curb for the length of a city block.

Officials and firefighters say they can’t do anything other than keep calling Rockwood Water District ‚Äì and keep people off the street in case it caves in.

A Gresham firefighter said when they drove into the parking lot off the street; they saw the water coming up turn from clear to murky brown. “We called the Rockwood Water District office,” said a firefighter, “but so far, we’ve only reached an answering machine.”

By 11:00 p.m., Gresham police officers had cordoned off the block, fearing the water might erode the soil under the roadway and create a sinkhole.

When we returned on January 30, crews had filled in the hole and were repaving NE 162nd Avenue.

Rockwood Water crews dug up the street the following day and repaired a water main line. “The main cracked all around a joint,” explained a worker at the site. “It happens this time of year.” But, no comment on why all the emergency responders got, when they called, was voice mail.

Railroad owner shares museum dreams with ‘Holiday Express’ riders

Read why SamTrak owner Dick Samuels persistently pursues building the transportation museum ‚Äì a facility promised to citizens by the city fathers more than fifty years ago ‚Ä¶

Jim Abney, engineer of the 440-ton Portland & Seattle #700 steam locomotive, walks near the drive wheels which spread the tracks apart, causing the “Holiday Express” excursions, after many successful trips, to be derailed for the season.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For neighbors along the ridge above Oaks Bottom, the holiday season had an old-time touch ‚Äì the sound of a giant steam engine chugging along, as it pulled the “Holiday Express” excursion train from Oaks Park to OMSI.

Brett Engel holds Madeleine as they travel through Oaks Bottom ‚Äì and “back in time” ‚Äì aboard the steam excursion train. “We wanted to ride on this train from Oregon’s history,” Brett said, “so we came here from Portland’s west side to enjoy the journey.”

All Aboard Portland’s Holiday Express
When we boarded the “Holiday Express” at Oaks Amusement Park on December 23, the journey was sold out, with only standing room available.

The conductor’s call, “All aboard!” cut through the stillness of the morning, enshrouded in soft, “Oregon rain” mist.

Steam hissed from the valves of the mighty 17-foot tall, nearly 1 million pound locomotive, which was festooned with a holiday wreath and decorative electrical lighting.

Releasing the brakes, pulling the “Johnson Bar”, and advancing the throttle, Jim Abney, engineer of Portland & Seattle’s #700 steam locomotive, caused its pistons to turn the massive steel drive wheels ‚Äì first slowly, then more rapidly. Soon, a platoon of passengers were whizzing northward through Oaks Bottom.

Dick Samuels, owner of the “SamTrak” railroad on which the Holiday Express runs, shares with riders his vision of creating a rail museum ‚Äì fulfilling a promise made to Portland citizens more than five decades ago.

Weighty engine spreads tracks
The holiday revelers, plied with sparkling cider, home-made chocolates, and apricot delights, didn’t know that this particular ride was about to come to an abrupt end.

A little more than two miles from the departure point; the train lurched and came to a sudden stop. The railroad ties, softened by heavy rains, had allowed the steel tracks to spread just enough to allow the mighty locomotive to drop between them.

Crew members check the track under the #700. They discover that the 440-ton weight of the locomotive, over the course of some fifty excursion trips, had weakened the rain-softened railroad ties, and the rails to spread. The behemoth engine simply sank down between the tracks.

“We made about fifty trips this year,” engineer Abney told us. “It looks like we’re done for the season.”

The man behind the track
Richard “Dick” Samuels owns the railroad along which the Holiday Express runs. His Oregon Pacific Railroad Company ‚Äì often referred to as “SamTrak” ‚Äì transports freight between Inner Southeast Portland and Milwaukie.

A few days after our abbreviated journey, Samuels told us about his business ‚Äì and his passion: A Portland railroad museum.

“We allow Oregon Rail Heritage Association (ORHA) to use our tracks as a fundraiser,” began Samuels. “Once we brought in our heavy equipment, it took about a half-hour to re-rail the train.”

He said the rail line was originally built to handle lightweight trolley cars, not freight. “We put in 400 new hardwood ties last year. We maintain the lines for our freight business.”

Rail Transportation Museum derailed
Samuels told us he’s a native (Milwaukie High School, class of ’62), and has always loved trains.

“Did you know that, in the 1950’s, railroads serving our area donated steam locomotives to the City of Portland, to be placed in a transportation museum to be built in Oaks Park?” He asked.

“We have two of only six large, operating steam locomotives in the world today ‚Äì and, fifty years later, they still don’t have a home.”

Samuels explained that ORHA volunteers have lovingly restored and maintained these engines, but they have been left subject to the elements, vandals, and thieves. “The tweekers [methamphetamine addicts] break in and steal whatever brass and aluminum they can sell for scrap.”

Importance of rail history to Portland
Railroads, powered by steam locomotives, provided the transportation necessary to help the Pacific Northwest, and the greater Portland area, grow and mature.

“A rail transportation museum,” Samuels continued, “will allow future generations to see how people traveled. They’ll be able to touch the actual equipment that built our great country. It would be a terrible loss for Portland if we don’t fulfill our promise to build this museum.”

A Milwaukie native, Samuels says he’s doing everything he can to make sure the citizens of Portland get the railroad museum promised to them at Oaks Bottom over 50 years ago.

Samuels takes action
“We’ve offered METRO to swap some of our Sellwood right of way ‚Äì in exchange for land owned by the City of Portland. The Oaks Pioneer Transportation Museum will be built, through private donations, on this land.”

Samuels said he thought METRO was receptive to the idea, by which he would exchange land he owns at the south end of Sellwood, wanted by METRO to complete the “Sellwood Gap” of the Springwater Trail, for a lease on the unused, former dump site south of Oaks Bottom and across from Oaks Amusement Park.

“It is a ‘win-win’ kind of deal.”

Liberty weighs in
Although he said he couldn’t comment directly on the land-swap negotiations underway, District 6 Metro Counselor Robert Liberty told us, “This will make the Springwater Corridor trail a lot more usable and important.”

Liberty emphasized that every added transportation option takes some pressure off the crowded highways. “And, as we complete segments of the trails, we find trail use increases throughout all of the trail’s segments. The easier we make it for people to bike or walk, whether for transportation or pleasure, the better it is for our entire community.”

Pirate puppet show sparks young imaginations at library

See why tots were tittering at this Midland Library event ‚Ä¶

Young kids (and their parents) got a real treat as Penny’s Puppet Productions presented an original program at Midland Library.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Not all programs at Midland Library are strictly educational.

“As a former teacher,” says puppeteer Penny Walter, “I call my programs ‘edutainment’ ‚Äì a combination of education and entertainment. In this program we’ll have some fun, inspire the youngsters to use their imaginations, and develop early literacy.”

In the program, the main character, Tommy, wishes to become a pirate. His wish comes true when he happens upon a treasure map, Captain Long Johns, and Crackers the Bird.

During the adventure, Tommy discovers that being a pirate isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and discovers something even more important.

Puppeteer Penny presenting her original story, “My life as a Pirate”.

After the show, we learn that Walter’s one-woman puppet company specializes in presenting puppet shows, storytelling, and consulting.

To earn her Masters degree in Early Childhood Education, Walter’s Thesis was entitled “Teaching with Puppets”. She taught primary grades in Portland-area schools for three years, before following her dream of becoming a full time puppeteer and storyteller.

Want to learn more? Check her website: www.pennypuppets.com.

Commissioner Adams pitches budget proposals in Parkrose

Giving a novel twist to the City of Portland’s budgeting process, Commissioner Sam Adams talked with outer East Portland folks BEFORE the budget was set. Read this, and you’ll discover what he learned ¶

Saying he wanted to hear directly from outer East Portland citizens, Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams lets folks at the Parkrose forum speak their minds about roads, sewers, and the arts.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Most Portlanders complain that their government officials only listen to them after key decisions ‚Äì like budgeting ‚Äì have been made.

Not so with Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams.

Before the meeting, he told East Portland News Service, “I came here before I put together the budgets for the bureaus I oversee. The best time to get comment is before the budgets are finished, don’t you think?”

Folks from all over outer East Portland–about 60 in all–filled the Parkrose High School Community Room on January 4. Attendees identified themselves as being from the Parkrose, Argay, Hazelwood, Wilkes Community Group, Pleasant Valley, Lents, and Russell neighborhoods.

Meeting first of its kind
“As far as I know,” Adams began, “there hasn’t been a meeting like this held before. Outer East Portland is the newest part of the city. Many people here feel it has been treated with inequitably. I’m from North Portland, and I can tell you that people there don’t feel they’re getting fair share, either.”

Before the road, sewer and arts bureau chiefs made their presentation; Adams called for questions related to their services.

Show on the road(s)
After questions regarding transportation issues were recorded, Sue Keil, Director of Portland Office of Transportation, (PDOT) began her presentation. She detailed sources of the bureau’s revenues ‚Äì gas taxes and parking meter revenue. Then, Keil outlined projects being looked at for outer East Portland.

Sam Adams and PDOT’s Sue Keil take questions before talking about specific highway safety projects being considered for outer East Portland.

“Some of the most dangerous intersections are out here,” Keil told the audience. She said, statistically, the most deadly are at SE 96th Ave. at Foster Rd., SE Stark St. at 102nd Ave. and NE Glisan at the I-205 interchange.

“We’re considering installing ‘red-light cameras’. They don’t typically reduce the number of accidents. But they reduce the severity; especially for pedestrians,” Keil explained.

In all, PDOT plans to spend $250,000 to improve six outer East Portland intersections and roads.

Answering those who asked why more streets aren’t being paved and sidewalks installed, Adams told the group that PDOT prioritized available funds, focusing on the most dangerous intersections and roadways first. “Before now, the City Council has never invested this amount of money in intersections.”

Down the drain — or not — in outer East Portland
“We take care of everything that falls out of the sky, or gets flushed drown the drain,” is how Bureau of Environmental Services manager Dean Marriott described his department’s responsibility. “We have an operating budget of almost $100 million per year. Most of the cost goes into operating our two waste water plants and 95 pumping stations located throughout Portland.”

Portland Bureau of Environmental Services manager Dean Marriott explains his agency’s budget.

Many questions posed regarded why outer East Portland residents were forced to pay “storm water remediation” charges when their rainwater runoff never enters the sewer system. “We paid to have our sewers installed; why don’t people in old Portland have to pay to fix theirs?” a neighbor asked.

Adams responded that the city chose to operate as single sewer agency. “There are benefits of economy over time.”

Adams went on to explain that there are 9,000 rainwater injection systems, known as “sumps”, all across the city. He added that federal regulators are concerned that the city sumps aren’t protecting groundwater from polluted rain runoff.

Pressed for details, Adams explained, “We’re retrofitting some sumps to catch brake dust, asbestos, and oils from vehicles. When you filter a sump, you have to maintain it. A sedimentation trap collects the dirt, keeping it out of the sump; and the groundwater.”

The bottom line is, Adams stated, that if all of outer East Portland’s sumps have to be retrofitted to meet federal government standards the cost will be borne by all residents across the city.

Adams listens to a forum participant as he expresses his concern about sewer costs in outer East Portland.

Marriott said East Portland initiatives to be funded include protecting wellheads, installing “green streets” program as streets are improved, sewer improvements along SE 92nd Ave. and Powell Blvd., the Lents sewer extension, and an extensive project along Johnson Creek.

“How many times have you seen Johnson Creek flood this year?” Adams asked. “It hasn’t. The BES has recreated the creek watershed.”

Marriott added, “We can’t keep Johnson Creek from flooding, but we’ve worked hard to reduce flooding. And, with the help of a $3 million grant from FEMA, we can do more.”

Arts and Culture in East Portland
Eloise Damrosch, Executive Director of the Regional Arts & Culture Council, started her presentation by asking, “What would it be like if there weren’t arts in the parks and schools?”

Regional Arts & Culture Council executive director Eloise Damrosch listens to a neighbor’s concern about arts spending in East Portland.

Damrosch explained how the RACC advocates for state and federal funding, distributes information about project, art jobs and programs, and gives out grants for art projects.

A handout provided by Damrosch detailed sixteen grants for East Portland projects. Sadly, listings for “Public Art in East Portland” detailed only five projects, some of them more than a decade old.

Adams’ analysis
After letting the commissioner and his staff have a few days to digest the information gleaned from Parkrose forum, we contacted Adams to find what he, and his bureau directors, learned.

About PDOT, the commissioner commented, “The residents of East Portland share my concern about the safety of the roads that they and their families travel on. I was pleased we recognized some of the same critical intersections; but most importantly I was glad to see that so many neighbors were engaged in the process, and that they care about their neighborhoods enough to advocate for safe streets and improvement of our transportation assets.”

Asked his thoughts regarding BES, Adams told us, “The city has a lot of work to do to repair the hurt feelings in the wake of decade-old decisions about sewer services out in East Portland. Many residents east of 82nd Ave. don’t feel they were given a fair shake when they were annexed into Portland and our sewer system. It is important that elected officials like me are out in the community being held accountable for the decisions that we make that affect the lives of our residents. I was pleased that people care about storm water management, and could hear that joining the system is better for the whole.

We asked Adams, “What is the most important feedback you gained from attendees regarding the RACC budget and programs?”

Adams responded, “We need to get information out into the communities about grant opportunities, so all of our lives can be enriched by art and culture. A society that fails to invest in its arts is a culture fails to invest in its future. I hear clearly that there is more opportunity for RACC to make a difference in East Portland.”

Commissioner Sam Adams talks with a neighbor at his Budget Forum held in Parkrose.

Overall, we asked, what specific effect will this meeting have on the budget process?

“We’ll take the specific ideas and concerns proposed by residents, and try to decide which projects deserve the most review and attention, and how we can work them into our budget. Obviously, we will have to address sewer rates, as a specific big issue coming out of this meeting, when it comes to budget hearings.”

Finally, we asked the Commissioner how he feels about the outcomes of the Parkrose meeting:

“I feel good about a few things coming out of this meeting. I was glad to see so many residents attend. The strong turnout affirmed for me that these town hall meetings are a good means by which to get the community together.

“Also, I was heartened to learn that neighborhood safety was such a key issue for community members. I feel so strongly about resident safety. I’m glad I was able to convey my dedication to work with this community in making it as safe as we can.”

Commissioner Leonard pulls no punches during Chamber address

Saying he “feels at home” in outer East Portland, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard pitches his “cell phone tax”, chides the PDC, and pumps the Water Bureau in his own unique way. Read here what he had to say ‚Ä¶

Never shy to speak his mind, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard did so frankly, before members of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce last month.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Catching up to date with the East Portland Chamber of Commerce, they’ve been providing networking opportunities for businesspeople, endorsed the “Small Business Bill of Rights”, and held conversations with public officials.

Randy Leonard speaks out
During the holiday season, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard spent the time with East Portland Chamber of Commerce members at their weekly morning networking event. He candidly talked about his pet projects and city issues affecting East Portland businesspeople.

“Not only do I live close by,” Leonard began, “I also feel close to this chamber because I work with Ken Turner (Government Affairs chair for the Chamber) on the Small Business Council ‚Äì they meet in my office downtown.”

Enthused about bio-diesel
“Our country has energy problems,” Leonard stated. “I believe bio-diesel can solve those problems.”

Having talked with Eastern Oregon farmers, the city councilman asserted that Portland is poised and positioned to be a major hub for bio-diesel production and distribution. “We have the waterways to bring crops here. A production facility would create new jobs in our region.”

Changes in city government
Turning to the city’s management, Leonard said there has been a big change in how since Tom Potter became mayor. “We have a better atmosphere at City Hall. We have vigorous discussion; not so much disagreements, but honest, open discussions.”

Digging into the PDC
“In the past few months, I’ve focused on Portland Development Commission,” Leonard told the group.

“The PDC provides assets for the city to improve economic wealth for Portland. But they’ve forgotten their mission; they’ve lost their way. It seems is if they’ve lost sight that the PDC is a taxpayer-funded origination.”

Leonard said he believes the City Council is split, three to two, regarding holding PDC more accountable.

He brought up the SW 3rd Ave. and Oak (former Portland Police Bureau headquarters) transaction. “The PDC paid more than appraised value for the property; and then sank $500,000 to remediate it. Then, they came up with an appraisal showing it was worth a negative 2.7 million. The auditor said the PDC appraisal was a sham.”

While staff members might not consider Leonard’s attention helpful, “I’m helping them be more transparent,” he added.

Commissioner Leonard spoke with pride about the “new service attitude” at the Portland Water Bureau.

Water Bureau pride
“I was assigned the Portland Water Bureau 18 moths ago,” Leonard continued. “It is a wonderful city agency. This bureau got hung with the computer billing system, but it wasn’t their mess. There is a renewed spirit of service there.”

The commissioner also talked about his “Hydro-Park” project. “There are many parcels of water bureau property that are large expanses. Starting in Hazelwood, we took the fences down; moved in the East Portland Neighborhood Office.” Instead maintaining unused space, Leonard said they’re in the process of turning other properties into parks, community gardens, and walking trails.

Against city license fee changes without ‘cell tax’
Leonard said he was in favor of eliminating the current Business License Fee tax altogether. This would be possible, he proposed, if the city instituted a tax on cellular telephone service.

“Look, everyone hates taxes,” Leonard confided. “But Vancouver levies a 6% cell phone tax ‚Äì Seattle’s tax is at 22%. The fairest tax is one that touches everybody. Absent a tax like this, I can’t begin to gift away parts of the city’s revenue.”

Comments on the City Charter Review
For months, a “blue-ribbon panel” has met, at the mayor’s request, to review the Portland City Charter and make recommendations.

Asked for his comment on the results of the review, Leonard responded, “What disturbs me most is the recommendations [which the review contains, to] totally recreate the city’s structure ‚Äì change the very nature of our city government. Yet, it leaves the PDC pretty much unchanged. It doesn’t make sense.”

Meet Portland’s new Business Program Coordinator on January 17
City Commissioner Erik Sten was originally scheduled to speak to the Chamber members on January 17 at The Heights At Columbia Knoll.

Instead, members will hear from Christopher Hartye. He joined the Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) as Business Program Coordinator on December 4th. Hartye is charged with working with business associations, chambers of commerce and other community-based organizations to provide a variety of services to the small business community, including technical assistance, leadership and organizational development training.

Plan now to meet Hartye, and the Chamber’s members, at their “Good Morning East Portland” networking meeting on January 17 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Meetings are free, and guests are welcome. The Heights At Columbia Knoll is located at 8320 NE Sandy Blvd. For more information, see www.EastPortlandChamber.com or call (503) 788-8589.

No winter snowstorm, but slick streets lead to East Portland wrecks

We call it “the blizzard that never came” ‚Äì but see why careless or unskillful drivers in the Wilkes area kept colliding with one another anyway ‚Ä¶

With sleet falling at the Portland Airport Sheraton Hotel the night before, covering cars with a blanket of white, we guessed a blizzard was on the way on January 11.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Gazing out the back window of our office, it looked as if January 11 would bring Portland the promised, hoped-for, dreaded major winter storm. Thick fluffy flakes fell, then stuck to trees, sidewalks, and vehicles.

The forecast of an icy storm closed down Portland Public and Parkrose schools. However, although the morning freeze made driving to work dicey, it certainly didn’t shut down outer East Portland.

Shortly after that “high energy snow event”, as weather forecasters called it, the sun broke through the clouds as we looked out our office window.

Parents with school-age children scrambled to find childcare for their kids. But, the kids didn’t seem to mind at all having the day off.

“This is great,” said Kevin, a Sacramento School student, trying to slide down a small slope dusted with heavy, wet snow.

While many schools closed for the day, like Parkrose Sacramento School, the dire predictions didn’t phase David Douglas schools — they were open for education.

Overall, accidents were few across outer East Portland. PDOT trucks worked through the night spreading de-icer and sand in many of the traditional slick spots.

Vehicles zoomed along NE 148th Avenue, oblivious to treacherous patches of ice on the roadway just east of Glendoveer.

The main trouble spot was NE 148th Avenue in the Wilkes neighborhood. The combination of tall trees, shading the road, and the curves along the east end of Glendoveer became the main trouble spot for the day.

Even though the roadway had been sanded, the icy conditions–combined with fast, perhaps careless driving–caused one accident after another during the morning hours.

Upset that we’d witnessed the aftermath of her SUV smacking into this parked car, the out-of-control driver demanded we not photograph her.

The driver of a massive SUV looked upset when we came upon the accident scene at which it looked like she careened into a parked car. She wouldn’t tell us her name, nor permit us to photograph her nor her vehicle. “I was only going the speed limit,” she protested. “They should know better! These people shouldn’t park cars along the street when it’s icy.”

Later in the day, just blocks away, another SUV slid on a patch of ice on NE Halsey St., near 146th Ave., jumped the curb. and rolled on its side.

Lessons to learn
On days when the temperature dips below the freezing point, expect icy conditions on some roads ‚Äì especially if the pavement is shaded by tall trees during the day and can’t dry out.

And, in the case of that anonymous lady mentioned earlier, best not to park on the street when she and her SUV are fish-tailing by!

Conservatives lambaste politicians at ‘Taxpayer Awards’ fete

See who was roasted and who was toasted, at the 3rd Annual “Taxpayer Academy Awards” program held in outer East Portland

Comedian Mike Jenkins was the sidekick this year for KPAM’s Victoria Taft as they presented the 3rd Annual “Taxpayer Academy Awards” program at the Portland Airport Sheraton Hotel.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Members and guests of the politically conservative, “less-government-is-better”, Oregon Executive Club are anything by stodgy.

On January 11, the club convened at the Portland Airport Sheraton Hotel for an evening of raucous fun, as they hosted their third annual “Taxpayer Academy Awards” program.

Don McIntire, president of the Oregon Executive Club, or “Chowder and Marching Society” as he calls it, introduces the evening’s program and presenters.

‘Awards’ based on research
The event’s sponsors, Oregon Executive Club and Taxpayer Association of Oregon, sent ballots out to 6,000 people. Respondents were asked to nominate candidates for awards such as Wiener Politician, Pork Barrel Project, and Bureaucratic Bungler.

Victoria Taft was on hand to MC the show, which was also broadcast, live, during her KPAM talk program. “We give out awards to those most deserving ‚Äì the biggest bungling politicians and decisions of the year,” Taft began.

“Look around,” Taft quipped, “Core members of the ‘vast right-wing conspiracy’ are here. There is a reason that Don McIntire’s phone number starts with ‘666’, people say.”

The onion-skin envelope please
Wiener Politician Award Winner went to [Oregon’s school] Superintendent Susan Castillo.
“With two days before school started, Castillo threatened to yank the funds for the approved charter school, the Oregon Connections Academy. This sent over 500 students and parents into chaos. Thanks to huge public support for the school and public pressure Castillo changed her mind.

Pork Barrel Project Winner was–hands down, we were told–Portland’s Ariel Tram.
“Lack of oversight caused costs to triple from $15 million to an astonishing $55 million.”

During a commercial break, 2006 Portland City Council candidate Dave Lister talked about his election try. He took jabs at Portland’s politicos and decisions. Judging by the response of his receptive audience, Lister landed several sound, comedic blows.

Bureaucratic Bungler Winner was the “Learn Less, Score High” Test.
“The federal government has faulted Oregon’s Dept. of Education for setting 3rd, 4th & 5th grade tests too low, which artificially raises Oregon’s test scores. Thousands of kids who passed [these tests] may not have passed after all.”

Golden Schnoz Award Winner was bestowed on Portland Why-Fi?
“Portland is getting into the private Wi-Fi broadband business by using as much as $16 million of taxpayers’ dollars to make a deal with a private company to provide free Wi-Fi service to the entire city.”

Victoria Taft gives a big build up to the next award winner.

Bouquet presentations
Not all of the group’s awards were sarcastic. The group also gave out these honors:

Government Innovation Award Winner: Oregon Connections Academy
“This on-line virtual public charter school doubled enrollment in a single year, has successful test scores, and accomplished it at only 50% the cost of a standard Oregon public school.”

Finally, their Thomas Jefferson Award winners were Oregonians In Action activists Ross Day, Dave Hunnicutt, and Bill Moshofsky. “In a year when 80% of the state ballot measures failed, these guys successfully passed Measure 39 which protects landowners from unjust condemnations.”

Presidential Straw Poll Results
Among those surveyed, whom was the candidate of choice? The group’s Straw Poll picked former Speaker Newt Gingrich; he got 28% of the vote.

Former Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani pulled 22%; Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney came in third place with 14%.

Who was at the bottom? Tied for last place were Illinois Senator Barack Obama and New York State Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, each pulling just 3% of the straw vote.

County officials sworn in at Parkrose High

Read this story to learn the first words spoken by Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler to a reporter, as he vows not to neglect East Portland ‚Ä¶

Multnomah County Ted Wheeler, as he is sworn in by Tina Velasquez of SE Works. His wife and newborn child stand with him, at the podium at Parkrose High.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For the first time anyone can remember, newly elected and re-elected Multnomah County officials were sworn into office in outer East Portland.

Although there was little advance publicity, Parkrose High School was teeming with activity on January 2.

Well-wishers swirled throughout the Student Center, meeting and greeting Jeff Cogen, Multnomah County Commissioner, District 2; Bernie Giusto, Multnomah County Sheriff; LaVonne Griffin-Valade, Multnomah County Auditor; and, Ted Wheeler, Multnomah County Chair.

The swearing-in ceremony and reception began at 6:30 pm. In turn, four county officials were called to the podium to take the Multnomah County Oath of Service.

During the ceremony, Multnomah County Chair-elect, soon to be Chair Ted Wheeler reviews the notes for his prepared remarks while sitting with his wife and baby.

The former candidates thanked their supporters, related stories from their campaign, and promised to do their best for citizens of the county.

“This being my second time around, I get to offer a little advice,” quipped Sheriff Bernie Giusto, looking at the county’s new officers. “No matter what they tell you, this job isn’t really all that tough. I just make it look hard.”
County’s new boss speaks

After being sworn in, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler said during prepared remarks, “People in the nation have lost confidence to solve problems. Without public confidence, we cannot raise the public funds necessary to support our infrastructure. Nor can we build the partnerships we’re going to need in order to make healthier and more productive communities. These are the hard facts.

“From this moment on, I’m taking ownership and responsibilities for these problems and challenges. My administration will be about offering specific solutions, and the leadership and conviction to implement them.”

Wheeler admonished citizens to not merely observe county government in action, but instead to get involved in the myriad of volunteer activities available throughout the county.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the new county leaders ‚Äì Chair Ted Wheeler, Commissioner Jeff Cogen, Auditor LaVonne Griffin-Valade, and Sheriff Bernie Giusto ‚Äì share a light moment as they greet their electorate.

Chair’s first interview
Giving us his first interview as County Chair, we asked Wheeler why he selected Parkrose High School as the location for the ceremony.

“I thought it was very important that we pick a location that is central to the county,” Wheeler told us, “because there are people all throughout this county who are represented by the County Chair. I want to let people know I represent all of them.”

The new office-holders’ celebration included cake ‚Äì lots of cake!

We asked the new chair whether or not his representation will include the residents from Parkrose to Powell-Gilbert.

“I have spent enough time in outer East Portland,” he replied, “to know that people here feel neglected by local government. I’m going to make sure that, as we pursue policies, we’ll include input from people in East Portland.”

He paused for a moment, and added, “Quite frankly, I will be there personally in East Portland. They will not feel neglected under my administration.”

Multnomah County’s new boss greets well-wishers at the conclusion of the formal program.

Sellwood freedom advocate hosts ‘Bill of Rights’ party

Many people haven’t heard of, much less celebrate, “Bill of Rights Day”. See why freedom activist Renee Kimball took it upon herself to organize a party to celebrate the signing of the amendments to the US Constitution ‚Ä¶

Party organizer Renee Kimball reads the Bill of Rights to a crowd packed in the museum at “The Bomber” restaurant.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
American people live to celebrate all kinds of events. Sellwood resident Renee Kimball says she doesn’t understand why folks don’t observe Bill of Rights Day. But she’s determined to change that.

“This little-known holiday,” Kimball tells us, “commemorates the signing of the first Ten Amendments to the United States Constitution in 1791.”

We talk with Kimball at the Bill of Rights Day party she and her friends are throwing at The Bomber Restaurant’s “Wings of Freedom” aviation museum in Milwaukie on December 15. “It’s a fitting place, don’t you think?” she asks.

Most important to her, Kimball says, is that people understand that the Bill of Rights is the legal documentation that protects the freedoms and privileges enjoyed by United States citizens.

“There is big difference between a constitutional republic and a democracy,” Kimball explains. “Hitler and Mussolini were elected by democracies. The word ‘democracy’ isn’t in the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, nor Bill of Rights. It was not by accident our nation’s founders specifically created a constitutional republic.”

The year before, Kimball says, she celebrated the day by reading the Bill of Rights and handing out copies of the U.S. Constitution in a corner of Pioneer Memorial Square in downtown Portland.

“It occurred to me that people were more interested in enjoying their freedoms than learning how to protect them,” says Kimball. “So I decided to make a bigger deal out of it this year.”

Gordon Leitch tells the Bill of Rights Day celebrants the historical importance of the document.

Freedom fest at The Bomber
More than 50 people attended this year’s Bill of Rights Day party, the first event of its kind ever held in Oregon.

During the opening social hour, freedom revelers enjoyed a beautiful spread of finger food, talked, and explored the museum’s exhibits.

Then, the gathering sat to hear Gordon Leitch present a short history of the Bill of Rights. Kimball read the Bill of Rights to an attentive audience.

We rubbed our eyes to make sure we weren’t seeing ghosts, as Benjamin Franklin gets ready to step off the pages of history and into the celebration.

A special “mystery guest speaker” scheduled to close the ceremony was Ben Franklin himself, well portrayed by Steve Jordan, impersonator extraordinaire.

Plans are in place, Kimball tells us, to repeat and enlarge the celebration next year. For more information or to be invited next year, contact Kimball at 503-238-6973 or Renee@EnufWaste.com.

Requiem for an Eastmoreland Sequoia

After growing for 85 years in Southeast Portland, the removal of this Giant Sequoia was not easy task ‚Ä¶

For longer than eight decades, this Giant Sequoia has been an Eastmoreland landmark.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Dying trees having to be removed aren’t much of a story. But when building contractor Michael Harding alerted us that a Giant Sequoia was about to be removed, we took a look.

“Marian Bowman and her family moved here for over two decades ago,” Harding told us. But she wasn’t home today: “She couldn’t stay here and watch her favorite tree being cut down.”

Harding said the homeowner had spent thousands of dollars over the years in an attempt to save the tree. But, both the city and neighbors were concerned because branches kept falling off and showing other signs of disease.

Next door neighbor Candace Primack and her daughter Rachel say they’re sad to see the giant tree removed.

Concerned about the tree toppling
“We could see the base of the giant tree from our window,” said next-door-neighbor Candace Primack. “I remember how fun it was to look out and see the huge trunk, covered with snow in the winter, or surrounded with plants in the summer. It’s something you’d expect to see in a forest.”

But, more and more, the limbs were dying, Primack stated. And it’s started to lean ‚Äì toward their home ‚Äì markedly over the past two years. “Especially during a wind storm, it was a real concern. As large as it was, if it fell over, it would crush our house.”

Having lived there for 12 years, Primack said she and her family were sad to see the tree go. “It is a historical part of the neighborhood.”

“The owner told me many times that the bought the home mostly because of the tree. I know she loved it and is heartbroken that it has to come down. It makes me sad for her that it will be gone,” the neighbor commented to us, as she watched workers saw off the Giant Sequoia’s remaining branches.

Arborist Tim Beiswanger (standing) works out a strategy for removing the tree safely with the massive crane’s operator.

Huge crane removes Giant Sequoia ‚Äì in sections
“This Giant Sequoia used to be 180 feet tall,” said Tim Beiswanger, a “high climber”, in charge of safely removing the tree.

About 85 years ago, Beiswanger said, a botanist came up from California and brought Sequoia starts with him. “He’s the reason there are Giant Sequoias around here.”

Beiswanger agreed it’s sad to see any old-growth tree removed. “But I do get a kick out of doing high climbing. It’s quite a view up there. I can see downtown Portland, Mt. Hood, and Mount St. Helens from the top.”

The arborist explained that the Sequoia has been dying slowly, from the top down. “Now that it has started to lean over, it’s time to remove it before it causes serious damage.”

A huge crane on a massive truck rumbled through the neighborhood. It took hours for the operators to set stabilizing jacks, put on the counterweights, and prepare for the lift.

After part of the trunk was hooked onto the crane’s lift line, the arborist cut off a section.

Beiswanger scampered up the tree’s towering trunk and set the choker — a loop that secured the tree to the crane’s lift line. He a chain-sawed portion off the tree, and the crane lifted it, then deposited it in the bed of a waiting truck.

The immensity of the tree came into focus, as portions were lowered into a truck.

Within a few hours, the Sequoia was standing there no more. We were told the last section lifted out weighed in excess of 14,000 pounds.

Rings on the section close to the base of the trunk indicate rapid growth for most of its life in Eastmoreland.

Looking at the rings, Beiswanger pointed out that the tree grew about an inch in diameter every year for decades. “It still was growing about a half-inch a year.”

The tree will live on, as art, the arborist said; the wood is destined for a decorative carver located just south of Oregon City on Highway 99E.