This guy traveled to the edge of Gresham hoping for some “afternoon delight”. He got some real “action” – but not the kind he was looking for …

After arranging for a sex session on the internet, a 39-year-old man got a lot more “action” than he bargained for – and got robbed by thugs in these apartments.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
He was envisioning a sexy encounter, as this fellow drove to the apartment building at 17223 Southeast Powell Blvd. just past noon on April 29.

The 39-year-old guy was probably hoping for some real excitement; after all, he’d arranged a sex-for-money rendezvous via the Internet.

Police aren’t saying who this Romeo is – but he turned from lover-boy into victim within moments after entering the apartment. Portland Police Bureau spokesperson, Officer Cathe Kent filled us in on what happened next.

“The victim arrived at Alicia Roach residence on SE Powell Blvd when two men, armed with a handgun and a baseball bat, confronted him,” reported Kent. “After threatening the victim, the suspects took victim’s money. During the encounter, one shot was discharged inside the apartment.”

Although shaken by be robbed at gun (and bat) point, the victim wasn’t injured; he fled and called police.

When gunshots are fired – and suspects are holed up – SERT members don’t take any chances. They bring out all of their protective gear.

Officers make sure no one gets in or out of these apartments while the investigation continues. The building – you can see just the edge of it – is directly behind the front apartment building.

SERT shuts down streets
Because a gun was fired, the bureau’s Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) arrived and the area around the apartment buildings was taped off – shutting down a 2-block area including the intersection of SE Powell Blvd. and SE 174th Ave.

It took hours to evacuate the area residents and contact witnesses. Eventually, investigators learned that the suspects were hiding in a neighboring apartment.

As the sun set on the edge of outer East Portland, SERT officers isolated the apartment and ordered the suspects out of the apartment. All three surrendered without incident.

• 25-year-old Antawan Simpkins was charged with two counts of Robbery in the First Degree and one count of Ex-con in Possession of a Firearm.
• 16-year-old Anthony Dondre Roach was charged with two counts of Robbery in the First Degree and one count of Menacing.
• 23-year-old Alicia Marie Roach was charged with one count of Robbery in the First Degree.

Fortunately, no additional shots were fired, and the situation ended without incident.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Ballots are out! While the questions were specific here – find out if the answers candidates for mayor and two City Counsel positions were equally forthcoming …

To read the full text – a complete transcription – and see the candidates’ exact answers, please CLICK HERE.

Story by Watford Reed; photos by David F. Ashton
Neglect, development, crowding in housing and unpaved roads were leading topics when 12 candidates for three city offices spoke at a candidates forum April 22 at Fir Crest School, on Southeast 112th Ave. and SE Market St.

The forum was sponsored by 21 neighborhood associations located in eastern and central northern Portland. About 60 men and women braved threatening weather to attend. The threats were fulfilled when a downpour made it hard to hear the speakers.

One theme the meeting was simmering resentment over annexation into Portland, coupled with the feeling that the area gets less than its share of attention.

Mayoral candidates spar

Portland mayoral candidate, Sho Dozono.

Leading off the forum, Sam Adams and Sho Dozono, the leading candidates for mayor, traded barbs in civil tones of voice. Adams criticized a Dozono for suggesting that Parkrose and David Douglas school systems joined Portland public schools. Adams said that Dozono did not ask Parkrose and David Douglas residents what they thought; but he wants to stress neighborhood individuality.

Dozono, wearing his trademark white tennis shoes, answered that he only said school district consolidation was “worth thinking about” and criticized Adams for backing a Couch-Burnside couplet while other activities need money.

Adams said central northeast and east Portland neighborhoods have been “ignored” by the city Council but they are getting money, at last, for transportation improvements.

Portland mayoral candidate, Sam Adams.

Dozono agreed that the area has been “neglected” and has been settled with density of buildings which residents do not like. He promised to send planners to talk with residents before areas are further developed.

Adams called for more police in the area, more money for transportation and said that the eastern area of town has had less than its share of revenues spent on it. He estimated that a fourth of the streets in the area have no sidewalks.

Dozono promised to appoint a liaison on the mayor’s staff to eastern Portland, crack down on gangs and work with neighborhood associations.

In answer to a question, Dozono criticized overcrowding in the area and building too many apartment houses.

“We need to stop destroying the environment for which you came,” Dozono said.

Adams recommended bringing business to an 80-acre tract still unoccupied, “managing growth with services” and “protecting neighborhoods”.

Admas decried and in balance between wage levels and housing costs, as well as a lack of parks.

Dozono called for focus on affordable housing without crowding and urged, “No more skinny houses”.

Ready to speak up are Portland City Council Position #1 candidates Jeff Bissonnette, Mike Fahey, Amanda Fritz, Charles Lewis and Chris Smith get ready to answer neighbor’s questions.

Portland City Council Position #1 Candidates

Portland City Council Position #1 candidate Jeff Bissonnette.

When the time came for candidates who desire Sam Adams seat on the Portland City Council, Jeff Bissonnette said he is for better employment, better environment and has been an advocate for ratepayers on the state’s Citizens Utility Board.

Candidate Mike Fahey said that as state representative, he fostered a measure — which passed — require notification of nearby residents before land is rezoned. When he lived elsewhere, he recalled, he chose to leave his family home because land next door was rezoned to permit a high-rise building.

Portland City Council Position #1 candidate Mike Fahey.

Fahey also said he is “not an advocate” for increasing the city’s population by 170,000 as foreseen by many.

“We need to bring up the quality of life for those who are here now,” he declared it makes no sense he added to move people into already overburdened areas.

Amanda Fritz called herself a “cheerleader for education” and urged better protection of trees and a change in the building code to protect houses and outlaw the building of a high-rise structure next to a small house. “We need to protect houses from developers,” she said.

Portland City Council Position #1 candidate Amanda Fritz.

Fritz also called for attention to “flag lots” — which have a narrow strip easement alongside an existing house and a large house or apartment building is constructed behind it.

Bissonnette promised to have a field office in eastern Portland if he is elected and to order each of his bureaus to name an advocate for the area.

In answer to a question, but said her neighborhood was annexed to Portland in 1959 and many roads are still unpaved.

Portland City Council Position #1 candidate Charles Lewis.

Candidate Charles Lewis said when he started his campaign, he did it by filling in potholes in streets near his house because the city didn’t do it. Louis declared, “it is absolutely outrageous to funnel money into downtown” when the city has hundreds of miles of unpaid roads.

Fahey declared residents should have the right to seek damages for the loss of value of their property when density increases.

He also said he has “no problem” with freezing taxes for elderly residents.

Charles Lewis said the city “needs somebody on the council who cares about the little guy.”  Further, he declared, something is wrong “when the city Council spends money for condominiums Wall Street’s are not paid.”

He told of his efforts to get available city helped to start a small business. In the end he had to do it himself, he recalled

To upgrade employment in the area, Fahey urged apprenticeships taught by unions, community colleges, and the new Ace Academy. He said he thought it was unfortunate that Portland Public Schools turned down the charter school concept for construction trades.

Speaking about increased personal safety, Fritz called for television cameras to monitor all MAX stations. Only a third of all the stations now have them, she said.

Likewise, more police should be assigned to keep outsiders from making trouble at Max stops, she added.

Portland City Council Position #1 candidate Chris Smith.

Chris Smith called for more attention to neighborhood needs and wishes; and, less emphasis on building downtown.

Smith advocated for the “Safe, Sound, and Green Streets initiative”. While he praised the construction of the MAX Green Line down I-205, he added, “Unfortunately, the rail has absorbed a lot of the additional service hour resources for transit.  We need to find another funding source to bring on more bus capacity and I will work very hard on that.”

Speaking about the effects of increased density in outer East Portland, Smith said, “It is better to build entirely new, very dense neighborhoods like the Pearl District, than it is to shoehorn density into existing neighborhoods.”

Portland City Council Position #2 Candidates

After answering questions at the Forum, Portland City Council Position #2 candidates Nick Fish, Ed Garren, Fred Stewart and Jim Middaugh pause for a photo.

Four candidates for Erik Stin’s City Council seat were next to answer the neighbors’ questions regarding poor results of rapid growth in outer East Portland.

Portland City Council Position #2 candidate Nick Fish.

Nick Fish said small businesses should be given a boost. he called for “more flexible zoning” which will “respect the character of an area”. He also said a quota should be set on building permits.

Likewise, Fish said, the police anti-gaining force should be strengthened and more money should be allotted to sidewalks and similar improvements. “I also have serious reservations about spending $400 million on the Burnside-Couch couplet while there are so many unpaid roads in this area,” he went on.

Fish said he will recommend a moratorium on the development of “flag lots” until planners can propose ways to better handle them. He also called for City Council meetings to be held in the neighborhoods.

Portland City Council Position #2 candidate Ed Garren.

Ed Garren said that he fought successfully against Wal-Mart store on Hayden Island. He said he left his Florida home because of such development.

Garren charged, “City Hall is out of touch with the needs of people who work for a living.”  He said Portland is the “Green capital” of the United States and expressed hope that every house will eventually have solar panels for energy.

Portland City Council Position #2 candidate Jim Middaugh.

Jim Middaugh promised “for the first time to use money from downtown here [in central and outer East Portland], where it is needed.”

“We need to enforce existing regulations,” Middaugh commented, to prevent erosion and protect trees.” He said he has experience in protecting natural resources.

Middaugh promised more nonprofit housing and office to help the elderly get the benefits meant for them.

Portland City Council Position #2 candidate Fred Stewart.

In answer to a question, Fred Stewart said he is “not happy with the way we have approached growth and density.”  This issue, he said, should be handled on a citywide basis.”

Stewart proposed a tax on airplane arrivals and departures at Portland international Airport to pay for improving the infrastructure of eastern Portland.

Stewart estimated that a third of Portland folk who could qualify for home loans a year ago cannot qualify now.

Vote on May 20
One candidate for Adams presents seat, John Branum was inadvertently not invited to the forum in time for his participation.

David F. Ashton, the moderator at this forum, estimated that 200,000 people live in Central Northeast, and Outer East Portland. He urged “vote for a candidate of your own choosing, but vote.”

© 2008 East Portland News Service

Remember the “drive-through meth stop” on SE Division Street that was busted, closed, and all set to become a community center? See what challenges – including huge underground gas tanks – it still faces …

SE Uplift Chair Paul Leistner looks at the “Tabor Commons” roof that needs to be replaced.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
From the rooftop above to the tanks below, it’s going to take some doing before the former SE Division Street “Drive-thru Wake-up and Deli” is finally transformed into the Atkinson/Tabor Commons Community Center.

Still leading the transformational process is neighbor Paul Leistner, Chair of SE Uplift neighborhood coalition.

Leistner reminds us that the store’s former owner was arrested, and pled guilty to charges of supplying large quantities of pseudoephedrine to local meth labs. “The property was seized by the federal government. We worked with the federal government to get community ownership of this property.”

SE Uplift actually owns the land and building on behalf of the Mt. Tabor neighborhood Association, the South Tabor neighborhood Association, and the Atkinson PTA, Leistner noted. “We look forward to using the facility for classes, community meetings, and events – festivals and celebrations.”

But, before this former gas station, located across the street from Atkinson Elementary School, becomes a family-friendly center run by a nonprofit organization, it needs some work.

Replacing a 50-year-old roof
“We also just found out that we needed a new roof on the building,” Leistner revealed. “The metal roof is 50 years old; the project is going to be challenging. We wanted to do an eco-roof; this is our opportunity.”

Problem is, he said, eco-roofs are heavy. “We need to reinforce the building to be strong enough to carry the additional weight. We’re working with our volunteer engineers and advisory people to figure out what that would cost, and how we would do that.”

Leaking tanks pollute site
Additional bad news is that huge, leaking, steel gas tanks are buried under the property.

But there is some good news too – the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department has now awarded the project a $96,000 grant to clean up the contaminated land.

Clark Henry, manager of the “brownfield program” with the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, explained the situation.

“A ‘brownfield’ is a site that isn’t used, because the ground or buildings are contaminated,” said Henry. “We see this at old gas stations, dry cleaners, metal-plating facilities, and manufacturing sites.”

Remediation is a three-step process, Henry went on: “First, we gather an environmental history to let us know what the site’s use was. Next, we take soil and groundwater samples to evaluate the steps that are needed to meet DEQ’s environmental regulatory standards. Tests on this site revealed that while the soil is contaminated near the tanks, the contamination didn’t migrate across the street to the elementary school’s property.”

The final phase of remediation is removing the asphalt pavements, the tanks, and the contaminated soil.

Clark Henry, manager of the Brownfield program with BES, as well as Chris Breemer, senior project manager at GeoEngineers, and Paul Leistner look at the area on this community property where old leaking gasoline storage tanks will soon be dug up.

Excavation to start in June
At the site on Division Street, we also spoke with Chris Breemer, senior project manager at GeoEngineers. They’re the general contractors that will oversee the decontamination process.

“They’ve hired us to manage the removal of the underground storage tanks and remediation of the contaminated soil,” said Breemer. “We know that there are four gas takes in the ground; there may be a fifth one. We don’t know how far down we’ll actually dig until we actually get in there. The tanks are probably 10 to 12 feet deep.”

The contaminated dirt will be taken to a landfill in Hillsboro which is set up to manage petroleum-contaminated soil, Breemer noted. “The tanks will be recycled; they’re made of steel. If there are any fluids in the tanks, a lot of those can be recycled as well.”

Unique opportunity at hand
After beefing up the building, installing a new eco-roof, and taking out the tanks, volunteers still need to raise funding to renovate the building’s gutted interior.

We asked Leistner why he’s willing to work so hard to see this product through.

“It’s such a rare opportunity when people in the community can actually get control of a piece of commercial property,” Leistner replied. “It’s an opportunity, especially when it’s being turned from a blatant problem into a community facility that brings together two neighborhoods and a school. It could be a model for other communities to do something similar.”

Depending on the level of donations, as well as volunteer help, the community center could be open as soon as this summer, Leistner said.

To get involved, or learn more, contact Leistner at (503) 232-0010, or e-mail him at paulamy@teleport.com.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

How to improve a community? One new homeowner at a time they say. Discover who’s behind this unique real estate initiative …

LHI’s Amie Diffenauer and Christine Rhoney, SUN Site Manager at Kelly Elementary School, welcome folks to the third annual Lents Home Buying Fair.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For decades, the Lents Neighborhood – one of the oldest established communities in Portland – was looked down upon, because the streets were lined with shabby homes in various stages of disrepair. Renters who lived there didn’t care about the houses any more than the landlords did.

In 2005, a group made up of officials from government agencies, non-profit organizations, Realtors, lenders, and developers started the Lents Homeownership Initiative (LHI).

Volunteer Kristin McMillen helps sign in Tammie Travis and her kids, Sofia and Angelina.

“The benefit of encouraging people to ‘buy into’ the neighborhood – instead of renting,” said Amie Diffenauer, LHI Community Organizer, “is that once you start putting down your roots, you become more concerned about how your neighborhood looks; you’re more concerned with crime and other neighborhood issues.”

In this situation, one takes more ownership in his or her neighborhood, literally and figuratively, Diffenauer added, “because your assets are right there on the ground.”

Neighbor Patricia Cabrera talks Jill Kuehler, manager of the Lents International Farmers Market, scheduled to open on June 15 on SE Foster Road at SE 92nd Avenue. “We’ll have 20 vendors this year,” she says.

Added 200 new Lents homeowners
Many initiatives are long on talk and short on action. But by working together, the LHI partners have already helped over 200 families buy a home – usually it’s their first house – in the neighborhood.

“We’re helping dedicated, hard-working people of modest means get into nice, decent living spaces; these houses are real agreeable homes,” Diffenauer commented.

“LHI is important to our overall mission,” stated Nick Sauvie, Executive Director of ROSE Community Development, LHI’s parent organization. “ROSE stands for ‘Revitalizing Outer South East’. There are a lot of good things happening in Lents; there’s really a bright future here in so many ways.”

Gabriela Straczek of Washington Mutual with a potential homeowner, Jennifer Merrill-Sordelet.

One-stop home-buying help
Potential Lents Neighborhood homebuyers can take classes on building their credit, learning how to apply for a loan, and mastering the home-buying process. Another way LHI reaches out to the community is through their annual springtime Home Buying Fair.

Although this year April 12 was a beautiful spring day – tempting for recreation and getting out of town – more than 550 people came to the third Lents Home Buying Fair, Diffenauer told us after the event. “The fair proves there are many people dreaming of owning their own home, and are willing to spend part of a beautiful day to get information on how to make this dream a reality.”

In addition to the workshops and seminars – presented in five languages – held throughout the event, representatives from participating lenders, builders, mortgage and title companies, and home insurance agents were on hand, making the fair a one-stop source for home-buying help.

David Wright gets road safety information from Sharon White, City of Portland Office of Transportation.

SUN School partner
“The best thing about this event,” said Christine Rhoney, SUN Site manager at Kelly Elementary School, host and partner in the event, “is being able to bring people together.”

Rhoney told us that their “SUN School”, a school-oriented program of Portland Impact, “works to help people become more successful. It’s about providing information, education, and support, to help people through different stages of life; to help get them where they want ago. We co-coordinate and co-host this event with LHI, because it truly matches our mission.”

Representatives on hand from partnering lenders, builders, mortgage and title companies, and home insurance agents help folks attending the fair get all the information the need about buying a new home.

Says event is empowering
One of the participants, Jennifer Merrill-Sordelet, said her family is trying to buy a new home. “I love the neighborhood; this area really is being revitalized.”

Showing us the big stack of information she carried, Merrill-Sordelet said she appreciated the workshops on how to get a loan, down payment assistance, and all the different opportunities for assistance with down payments.

“I really feel empowered,” Merrill-Sordelet added. “I found out that I can qualify for one of the assistance programs. It’s exciting to think how great it would be to buy a house, instead of throwing money away on rent.”

The Manager of Burgerville #41, Joe Tharp, Asst. Manager Dan Hathaway, and co-worker Stori Coy prepare some of the 500 hamburgers served at the fair.

500 burgers to go
After fueling renters’ appetites to become homeowners, Burgerville grilled up burgers to feed the crowd.

“We’re invested deeply in communities and schools,” said Joe Tharp, manager of Burgerville #41 at SE 92nd Avenue and SE Powell Boulevard. “We partner with LHI as part of our community service. We’re building lifelong relationships here in the community, as well.”

The winners are …
“As part of our Home Buyer’s Fair,” Diffenauer mentioned, “we hold a drawing that awards a $4,000 down payment assistance grant. This year, we drew three finalist’s names: Angela Oswalt, Nathaneual Miller, and Amelia Sanchez. The grant will go to the first finalist who’s ready to purchase a home.”

Is this a sign pointing to a new home in your future in Lents? Check in with LHI and find out!

If you’re interesting in learning more about LHI, CLICK HERE, or call Amie Diffenauer at (503) 788-8052 ext. 105, or e-mail amie@rosecdc.org.

Fair sponsors were: Portland Development Commission, Bureau of Housing and Community Development, Umpqua Bank, HOST Development, Fred Meyer, Burgerville, Unitus Community Credit Union, Bank of America, US Bank, Oregon Housing and Community Services, Washington Mutual, and Wells Fargo.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cesar Pina shows us his ceramic ghost character.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Freshman Hayden Sexsmith shows us his captivating work of art.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prescott Elementary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russell Academy

Russell Academy honors their Outstanding Boy Student, Tommy Thilavahn.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ruth Gomez was selected by her teacher, Andrew Robinson.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Officials have remained tight-lipped about the case.

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

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

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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

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

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

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

City of Portland mayoral candidate Sam Adams.

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

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

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

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

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

City of Portland mayoral candidate Sho Dozono.

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

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

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

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

City of Portland mayoral candidate Beryl McNair.

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

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

City of Portland mayoral candidate Jeff Taylor.

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

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

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

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

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

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service