Cop coverage gets stretched very thin in outer East Portland:
Read crime prevention tips … and learn how to get a booklet that will reduce your chances of being a crime victim …
Crime Prevention Coordinator Rosanne Lee gives valuable tips on home and vehicle safety to Russell Neighborhood Association members, co-chaired by Bonny McKnight.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
More than likely, you – or someone you know – has been a victim of crime.
“You can blame it on the city, or the police department,” began East Portland Crime Prevention Coordinator Rosanne Lee, as she laid out the facts-of-safety to 21 neighbors in Russell, a northeast neighborhood on July 20. “But the fact is, you have to take some responsibility for your own safety.”
Police coverage stretched thin
“The East Precinct of the Portland Police Bureau is short-handed this year. Our police commander and staff work hard to make sure everything is covered,” Lee explained. “But, this very evening, your district [specific area of outer East Portland] almost didn’t get staffed. If there is a major situation, or multiple emergencies, your neighborhood could be without police coverage. Multnomah County has very few deputies available to help with calls.”
Steps toward safety
Lee said that forming a “Neighborhood Watch” program on your street is a good first step. “All you have to do is get your neighbors together, and we’ll train you how to set up and run your Watch program.”
When you see crime happening, or notice a fire, or know someone is in physical danger from someone else, call 9-1-1 for help, she advised. Otherwise, use the non-emergency number, (503) 823-3333.
“The 9-1-1 operators work hard to help you. Just give them the facts. As you speak, they are entering information; it goes immediately to the dispatchers.”
The more accurate and timely information you give them, Lee added, the better. If a vehicle is involved in the crime, get a good description. “Instead of just saying they left in a car, tell the operator it is a red minivan with body damage on the left side, or a loud muffler. Note the direction they went as they left the area. An officer may be able to intercept them.”
“Also, look carefully at what the person is wearing. Look for tattoos or other features like hair and shoes. They may be able to change their shirt; they probably won’t change their shoes!”
Safer parks
Attendees who live near parks asked for advice for keeping these public spaces safer. “The first step is to read and know the park rules. If you see a violation, call the non-emergency number and report it.”
Lee also urged them to consider forming a park foot patrol. “This takes a bit of training for your safety. It’s a good idea to form partner teams. Also, take a dog with you. We’re seeing a growing number of foot patrols.” Some people neighborhood associations have banded together, she added, to gain a large enough pool of volunteers for such patrols.
Car prowls
The main reason neighbors’ vehicles get broken into, Lee explained, is that people continue to leave items of value right in plain view. “Leave a ‘clean’ car. A laptop computer, even a few music CDs visible inside are enough to entice a criminal to smash in a window and grab what they can.”
Lee told the story of a street nearby plagued by car prowls. “A drug-affected young man broke into cars around his Mom’s house. One night, He cut himself on broken glass and left a trail of blood back to his home. It made him easy to catch.” While petty crooks often escape jail time, this one didn’t. “Because neighbors showed at each hearing, he eventually pleaded guilty to 24 charges and went to jail.”
Graffiti
“If you see this kind of vandalism happening, call 9-1-1,” Lee advised. After the fact, you should still report gang graffiti. “The key to controlling graffiti is persistence. If you paint it out often enough, they will go somewhere else.”
Light the night
“Darkness is the criminal’s friend”, the crime prevention expert told her audience. “Outdoor lighting makes your home – and street – much less criminal-friendly.”
Her suggestion: “While it isn’t a well-publicized program, you can get lighting installed in public places.” City officials examine crime statistics and look at the physical location, she said. “If officials agree there is a problem, and affected neighbors can come up with $350, the city will install a street light.”
Do-it-yourself home security program
“The best way to protect yourself,” Lee concluded, “is to complete a ‘Home Security Survey’, based on a document prepared by the police department. What you discover in and around your own home may surprise you.”
Lee suggested inviting a trusted friend or neighbor to help with your security survey. “Using the booklet, they may well see things you don’t.”
The booklet, “Home and Vehicle Security”, a comprehensive guide to increased safety, is available free online. You can find it at the city’s web site. The direct link is: www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=31554 .
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See why even Portland’s Mayor Tom Potter took time to be part of “A block party to end all block parties” ‚Ķ
The unofficial “Mayor of Montavilla”, Errol Carlson, is credited for being the spark plug who has turned up the excitement for this neighborhood event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This year marks the 100th year Montavilla has been incorporated as a part of Portland. As many as a thousand folks turned out for one of the largest ‚Äì and most lively ‚Äì block parties we’ve ever seen.
From a canine judging contest and race (the Pooch-a-Palooza), to hot dogs and ice cream treats, to live entertainment on the street — this July 15 event had a little something for everyone.
Neighbors said the energy to put this event together and run it comes from corner grocery shop keeper Errol Carlson. When we asked participants why they got involved, they ‚Äì to a one ‚Äì answered, “Errol signed me up!”
The main feature of the event, centered at SE 80th and SE Taylor Court, was the Montavilla Parade. At many parades, the entrants just cruise on by. But at this event Carlson stood in the street, and spent a moment or two with every one of the parade’s entrants. Everyone got to know the participant and discover why they were in the parade.
Enjoy our photo album of the event!
Look at all the neighbors, having a great time at the Montavilla Block Party!
Keeping cool on a warm day ‚Äì while helping provide some fun for neighbors ‚Äì is Elaine Hilbert in the Dunk Tank. Why is she doing this? “Errol signed me up!” Hibert said, as she went splashing into the tank ‚Ķ again.
As the parade gets underway, everyone looks for a good vantage point.
Riding in the parade is Portland Mayor Potter, along with honored Montavilla citizen Betty Dodge.
Two newly-crowned beauty queens added their glamour to the parade.
This horse, dressed up for the classy Montavilla Street Party, was wearing his fancy duds.
80th St Review doing “All That Jazz”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See how a church teamed up with community organizations to put on a fun fair for their neighbors …
The Flood family – Paul, Julie, Kelly, Katie and Timothy – say they came to the Pilgrim Community Festival in Lents because they only live a block away. They were busy making crafts.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
People looked like they were enjoying one of our nice June Saturdays at the Pilgrim Lutheran Church Third-annual Summer Festival.
“This year, we’re calling a Community Festival,” explains the church’s pastor, Jeanamarie Fiumefreddo. “We’ve added two sponsors: Rose Community Development and Active Living by Design, to help put on this festival.
This fair has both fun and free food! This is Jessica Fiumefreddo, serving guests lunch.
Fiumefreddo said this festival is important, “Because it helps neighbors get to know one another and build relationships. We build ‘community’ one relationship at a time. And, when we get to each other, we can better take ownership in our community whether we are renters or owners.”
Look for their Healthy Living in Lents festival planned for this Fall.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See how groups are working together to turn renters into homeowners – and why …
Mary Taylor, Bank of America, teaches prospective homeowners how to arrange their finances so they’ll qualify for a loan.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
One way to improve a neighborhood is to turn renters into homeowners, says Amie Diffenauer, of the Lents Homeownership Initiative in the Lents neighborhood.
To this end, the organization has developed a coalition of governmental and commercial interests to increase home ownership. Banks, mortgage companies, utilities, and a church are showing families how they can start putting their lodging budget into owning a home, instead of just paying rent.
On May 20, the group put on a successful “Home Buying Fair” that introduced attendees to lenders, real estate brokers, and governmental agencies.
Good credit a key to homeownership
But, part of their ongoing effort is to provide free classes that teach people more about consumer credit, so they can obtain a favorable mortgage.
In one class we audited, Bank of America’s Mary Taylor shared the “Four Cs of Credit”.
“The first ‘C‘ is for capital,” Taylor began. “What can you bring to the deal? You need to plan for a down payment, closing fees, closing costs, escrow impounds, and moving expenses.”
The next “C” stands for capacity, she continued. “Lenders look at your current income, income history, and future earning potential. They also look at your debts — like installment accounts, revolving charge accounts, and other monthly payments.”
Moving to the third “C“, the banker stressed the importance of having good credit. “It means, in a nutshell, that you have a history of paying your bills as agreed — regularly, and on time.”
The last “C” stands for collateral. “The lender looks at what they can use to reduce their liability in case a borrower doesn’t pay. The larger a down payment the homebuyer makes, the more collateral they give the lender, making them feel more secure — and potentially reducing your loan costs and interest rates.”
Learn how to become a home buyer!
You can learn more by contacting the Lents Homeownership Initiative by calling Amie Diffenauer at (503) 788-8052 x105.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See volunteers work, so others may have good, family housing they can afford …
Helping with the planting project are Mike Schmidt, Stanley Tools; Dave Winterling, Stanley Tools; Kris Cowan, Joe Kelley, volunteer on the site; and Todd Cleek, volunteer and member of the board of directors of the Kivel & Howard Law Firm.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
East on SE Stark, near the Gresham city border, another Habitat for Humanity development is about ready for happy families who got the opportunity to buy new, reduced-priced housing in outer East Portland.
At the site, Kris Cowan, construction supervisor for Mt. Hood Habitat for Humanity, told us, “We’re finishing a planting bed in the back of the development. We’re planting trees, bushes and installing retaining walls.”
Cowan explained that families work on their own development, and that of others, as a way of earning “sweat equity” in their new homes.
The new development is called Lillian’s Place, he said, a 16 unit development. The new owners decided to make one of the units a community center. “Intel donated a bunch of computers, so it will be a library/study for people here.”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See what folks in northeast Portland thought about their 10 minutes with Tom Potter …
Margaret Erickson, Marcy Emerson-Peters and Valerie Curry talk with Tom Potter at Beal St. NW.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
While many citizens of Portland question some of Mayor Tom Potter’s plans and programs, his “10 minutes with the Mayor” program continues to be a success.
After speaking with Mayor Potter on May 6, Valery Curry of Argay told us, “The fact we were able to get the Mayor’s ear on issues important to our residents is good. We talked about the deterioration of the neighborhood and the crime that’s moved in.
Asked about a specific issue, Curry said speeding on residential streets continues to be a problem. “For more than 10 years we’ve been trying to get help. Mayor Potter said he was surprised that PDOT has not been able to respond to this one single thing for us in a decade. He says he will take steps in that direction.”
Parkrose Neighborhood Association’s chair, Marcy Emerson-Peters, said the face-to-face meeting with the mayor enabled their group to express their issues. “I told him about our concerns about crime and prostitution on Sandy Blvd.”
She added that it isn’t just business people who want to clean up Sandy Blvd. “Neighbors both live and shop here. We’d like to see Parkrose re-established as a good area, so we can attract more quality businesses here.”
Did she feel listened to?
“The Mayor says he’ll talk the matter over with people in City Hall,” Emerson-Peters responded. “He’ll says he’ll take specific concerns to the appropriate bureaus and help find out information and resources we need.”
Business people speak out
Wayne Stoll, president of the Parkrose Business Association, also paid a visit to the Mayor at Beal St. NW (located at 10721 NE Sandy Blvd.). Stoll said he discussed a wide range of concerns, from street improvement to city zoning, with the mayor. “He seemed to listen. At least, we’re being heard.”Margaret Erickson, co-owner of Beal Street NW, the location of the May 6 event, was upbeat about her time with Tom.
“I enjoyed having ability to talk with him about things that are concerning us. He was very receptive. Best part was that he actually listened to what we had to say. He didn’t talk at us, he really listened, and his people took notes. I don’t think mayors normally do that kind of thing.”
Erickson said she told the mayor how businesses and neighbors were doing their best to help Parkrose be seen “in a little different light; that we’re a good area to come visit. My basic complaint was that there are a lot of people and businesses who, using their money and influence, can go to the planning commission and get things done. As a small business person, we don’t have that option.”
What the mayor says he learned
“What I get to hear,” Potter told us, “are things I never get to hear sitting at my desk downtown. On Sandy Blvd., some of the businesses out here are having problems. There is some prostitution and drug-dealing in the area. Traffic problems, like speeders: All of these things add up to making neighborhoods less livable.
“We record every issue described to us. We send these concerns along to every Portland City bureau, and ask them to respond to me ‚Äì not just the neighbors.”
Asked what surprised him that he heard at the meetings, the mayor said, “I’ve heard comments that some of the people down at City Hall have been rude. I’m checking in on this. We didn’t have any specific names today. But we will look into it. We’re trying to improve the “customer service” residents get from their city. You don’t achieve customer service with rude treatment.
“The upside is they are very pleased with the police, other than they say there are not enough officers out here. It was a good conversation.”
With a smile, Mayor Potter turned away and said as he sat down at a table, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, David, I’m looking forward to having some great barbecue here at Beal Street NW.”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
What kind of trash? You name it! Read and learn why the Spring 2006 Neighborhood Cleanup helped make neighborhoods more livable …
Neighborhood volunteer Pat Castle “pitches in” by helping to unload some of the rubbish collected on May 6.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The park-and-ride lot on SE 122nd Ave. at Burnside St. looked like a yard sale gone wild on May 6, as communities making up the East Portland Neighborhood Office (EPNO) collected junked appliances and worn-out furniture, scrap metal, blown-out tires, and dumpsters full of yard debris.
The event “officially” started at 9 a.m., but cars and pickup trucks were lining up earlier than that.
Taking a break from his duties, John Welch and Bob Earnest of Hazelwood NA look over some of the trash and debris collected during the EPNO Spring Clean-Up.
“I’ve been doing this for the last three years,” said Lents resident and volunteer coordinator John Welch. “The turnout was down a little bit this time. It could be because several neighborhoods sponsored their own clean-up days.”
But, when we arrived before noon, we saw huge dumpsters, filled to the brim. “We’ve already hauled away two 40-yard dumpsters, and we’ve filled three more. We’ll probably end up filling 14 dumpsters this year,” Welch told us.
Many volunteers make the work light: Neighbors for most of the outer East Portland neighborhoods came to help citizens move their refuse into the waiting dumpsters.
Neighbors lend a hand
Helping unload the junky cargo were volunteers from nearly all of the thirteen neighborhoods in EPNO’s coalition. Rain or shine, these folks dedicate a day, spring and fall, to this project.
Adds quality of life
Asked why this effort was worth the work, Welch said, “It’s a good thing to help keep the neighborhood clean. It gives people the chance to get rid of their trash and refuse. This means junk and trash doesn’t get illegally dumped. It adds to the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”
Richard Bixby, executive director for EPNO gave special thanks, saying, “Our dedicated volunteers’ and sponsors’ support make this neighborhood effort possible. We also thank Metro, Portland Office of Sustainable Development, and Flannery’s Drop Box Service.”
Want to find out more about EPNO? See their web site at www.epno.org or call (503) 823-4525.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News Click Here to read more East Portland News
Nearly every bureau from the city and county set up an exhibit. Was this event a waste of time and money? See for yourself …
Dustin, Misty and Meg Steppers look at an aerial map of Lents to find their home, while visiting the Lents Resource Fair.
At his exhibit, Tim Liszt with PDC shows Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams crime mapping software, available online.
Sampling the food is Mary Davis (“Mmmmmm”), cooked by chef Kjeld Peterson
Story and photographs by David F. Ashton
That there wasn’t a parking spot available for blocks around Lent Elementary School in SE 97th Ave. on April 29 said something. A few people groused about having to walk some distance to the event, on this cool, sunny day.
But, tight parking was just one sign that the second-annual Lents Resource Fair was a success.
This Fair brings together representatives from PDC, city bureaus, elected officials and area non-profit organizations to celebrate the community and provide information on resources available to people who live, work and do business in Lents.
Long-time Lents neighborhood advocate, Judy Welch, checks neighbors into the Fair.
Ray Hites, helping out at an exhibit for the Lents Neighborhood Association.
“We heard about this event and it looked interesting,” says Lents neighbor, Misty Steppers. “We’ve only lived in the area for about a year. It was a good opportunity to make connections with community resources. It is also a good way to meet neighbors.”
“This Fair is good because it gets folks [from various city bureaus] downtown out into the community,” explains Byron Estes, Sr. Development Manager in charge of the Lents area at the Portland Development Commission. “It is about connecting all the resources of the City of Portland to people here in the Lents area.”
Andrew Abei of PDOT local improvement district administrator listened to neighbors complaints about area roads; Barry Manning, Portland Planning Bureau’s district liaison was on hand to share the bureau’s future vision of the city.People cruising the gymnasium full of tables got information regarding home ownership opportunities, park improvements, street repair, and the I-205 MAX light rail line that is planned to connect Lents to Gateway, Clackamas Town Center, and Downtown Portland.
The PDC-sponsored event each year brings out elected officials and representatives from Tri-Met and city bureaus including Environmental Services, Parks, Transportation and the Fire Bureau.
Additionally, area non-profit groups participate, including Zenger Farms, Rose Community Development Corporation, Mt. Scott Community Center, Johnson Creek Watershed Council, Lents Neighborhood Association, and many more.
Maryanne Petioj is being fitted for a bike helmet, helped out by here dad, Ivan, and Charlie Van Domelen, Knights of Pythias. The Knights donated the helmets.And, kids seemed happy to learn about the Portland Fire Bureau through a variety of activities, to learn about watershed health through the Bureau of Environmental Services educator program, and to locate their homes using an interactive computer program.
Will there be a Lents Resource Fair next year? “You bet,” says Estes.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
The “dirty little secret” politicians hope you won’t learn –
and how you can become a better informed voter
By David F. Ashton
Do you know why some neighborhoods and business districts seem to get all the “goodies” while others suffer with so little?
One reason is that some areas vote; others don’t. It’s just that simple.
The city is divided up into “precincts”. Elected officials and bureau staff members can easily check to see in which precincts citizens register – and actually vote. Word is, they don’t much care whom voters elect nor for what they vote in or out.
Think your vote doesn’t count?
In outer East Portland, there are huge pockets of non-voters. Did you know that if everyone (who was qualified) to vote here did so – we could elect anyone to office, or pass or defeat any measure?
Please – register now. Vote in the May Primary Election.
Meet the candidates
The East Portland Neighborhoods, Central Northeast Neighbors, Avenue of Roses Business Association and East Portland Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring tow Candidate Fairs in early May for East Portland residents and business people. Come meet, and question, candidates for City of Portland, Multnomah County and Metro positions.
These Candidate Fairs are scheduled the week voters’ ballots will be mailed. Come meet the people you will be selecting for government roles that will impact you and those around you in East Portland.
Monday, May 1, 2006 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Parkrose High School Student Center
12003 NE Shaver St. (west of NE 122nd Ave. @ Shaver St.)
Featuring Multnomah County and METRO Candidates
Thursday, May 4, 2006 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fir Ridge High School Student Center
11215 SE Market St. (Corner of SE 112th Ave. @ Market St.)
Featuring Portland City Council Candidates, Positions 2 and 3
Questions from those attending will be added to questions from the event sponsors. Campaign information tables will be part of each event, as well as neighborhood association service information. Please use this opportunity to find out more abut these candidates before you send in your ballots. Thanks to Bonny McKnight and Aaron Minoo for coordinating these events.
Lents candidate “Open Mic”
Candidates for both seats on Portland’s City Council will get chance earn SE Portland votes at the Lents Candidate Forum to be held April 25th at the Kelly School Auditorium located at 9030 SE Cooper.
Each candidate will get the chance to share their own unique perspective and recommendation on such hot-button issues as education funding, local economies, and housing strategies. In addition, candidates will be dedicated equal time at the podium to recap why they are running and why you should vote for them.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with introductions at 7:15 p.m. There should be time for some post-forum mingling as well. This event is brought to you by the Lents Neighborhood Association and the Kelly SUN Community School. If you have particular questions you wish to be addressed at the forum, please e-mail them to deweyakers@comcast.net. Otherwise, for more info, call 503-869-6398. Voter registration cards will be available at the door.
?ì 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
The “dirty little secret” politicians hope you won’t learn ‚Äì and how you can become a better informed voter at these two Candidate Forums
By David F. Ashton
Do you know why some neighborhoods and business districts seem to get all the “goodies” while others suffer with so little?
One reason is that some areas vote; others don’t. It’s just that simple.
The city is divided up into “precincts”. Elected officials and bureau staff members can easily check to see in which precincts citizens register ‚Äì and actually vote. Word is, they don’t much care whom voters elect nor for what they vote in or out.
Think your vote doesn’t count?
In outer East Portland, there are huge pockets of non-voters. Did you know that if everyone (who was qualified) to vote here did so – we could elect anyone to office, or pass or defeat any measure?
Please – register now. Vote in the May Primary Election.
Meet the candidates
The East Portland Neighborhoods, Central Northeast Neighbors, Avenue of Roses Business Association and East Portland Chamber of Commerce sponsored two Candidate Fairs in early May for East Portland residents and business people. Those who came got to meet and hear from candidates for City of Portland, Multnomah County and Metro positions.
These Candidate Fairs were scheduled the week voters’ ballots were mailed.
Thanks to Bonny McKnight and Aaron Minoo for coordinating these events.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Neighbors who attend their association’s meetings learn what’s going on; how to solve problems on their block.
Jack Vahey, acting chair, Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association looks at the map with other neighbors as TriMet’s David Unsworth, Project Development Manager gives residents an update on the I-205 MAX line. He talked about the stations located in outer SE Portland and public art on display. David F. Ashton photo
By David F. Ashton
Some people complain about problems on their block, their area, neighborhood or the city in general. While all their whining might make them feel better, it certainly won’t solve any of their problems. Maybe they just like to gripe, eh?
Other folks take just 90 minutes, every now and then, to attend their neighborhood association’s meeting. They learn how to reduce crime, keep from being a victim of criminals, deal with trash in a neighbor’s yard, deal with a noisy tavern – and the list keeps going.
Another great whine is, “No one told me about the apartment project being built along my back yard …” Had they been involved in their neighborhood, they would have found out long before the three-story wall started to rise, blocking their view.
At the Centennial Neighborhood Association meeting in April, Crime Prevention Specialist Teri Poppino shares a wealth of neighborhood resources available to anyone who calls the “right” phone number – all of them found on an informative sheet she passed around. David F. Ashton photo
How? When? Where?
It costs nothing to attend these meetings. Some are held monthly; others bimonthly; others less frequently.
We make it a point to list your neighborhood’s meeting in our Calendar, because it is important. You’ll also find listings in printed newspapers like Mid County Memo and East County News.
?ì 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Noted restaurateur tells of her awareness mission at Parkrose Business Association
By David F. Ashton – April 2, 2006
She couldn’t help but noticing the young boys outside the porn shop on NE Sandy Blvd., said Eileen Stocker. “They were trying to see what was inside, behind the painted out windows.”
Seeing these kids, Stocker told us, fostered a question that kept running through her mind: “Should our kids be growing up in this kind of environment – believing that adult oriented stores and sex shops on every corner – is normal?”
Leah Sauer recipient Eileen Stocker shows her award to members of the Parkrose Business Association. David F. Ashton photo
Concerned about “Pornrose, OR”
It’s true. Drive through the Parkrose area – or any other main street in outer East Portland and you’ll see “lingerie modeling” parlors, adult merchandise stores and strip clubs on nearly every block. Some wags call the area “Pornrose”.
“I’ve been involved in lobbying City Hall to limit the number of these kinds of businesses that can be set up in a given neighborhood,” Stocker continued. “I’m not trying to eliminate them. We just think it is a good idea to limit their number. When goes out of business, new businesses can’t open.”
By resolution of the City Council, Stocker added, “they can limit the number of businesses in a given area, but they don’t want to. I don’t think they’re protecting citizens of Portland. Wouldn’t it be worth it to do a small [research] study [to measure the impact of adult businesses on neighborhoods]?”
Please, no shell game
“The people in Parkrose are so wonderful – both neighbors and regular business people. I love this area and want to protect it.
‚ÄúBut we don‚Äôt want to just shove [the sex trade] into another neighborhood. We don‚Äôt want another area to go through what Sandy Blvd has endured.”
Stoll, the Western ally
One of the people whose help Stocker enlisted was that of Hollywood booster, Helen Stoll. “Helen’s been trying to stop prostitution along Sandy Blvd. for many years. We’re looking for support through churches and local organizations. More people need to voice their concern,” Stocker said.
Stoll told Stocker about the Oregon Association of American Mothers*. “I spoke to them and asked for their help. They understood our situation and have helped.”
Apparently, the organization thought so highly of Stocker’s efforts, they gave her their Leah Sauer Award – an award named after the organization’s first “Mother of the Year”.
Take action
“The best thing you can do is write the mayor if you think the sex businesses should be limited in Portland. Don’t you think it makes sense for the city to, at least, look at the situation,” Stocker concluded.
* According to their web site, the Oregon Association of American Mothers is an organization of women and men, married and single, parents and grandparents, dedicated to preserving the moral and spiritual foundations of the family in America. At a time when the return of family values has become a national priority, American Mothers, Inc. responds educational, cultural, and spiritual programs for mothers of all ages.
?ì 2006, David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
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