See why this argument led to a single-car accident, which led to the arrest of the passenger who reportedly pulled a knife on the car’s driver, while passing through the Lents neighborhood …
The car hit the lamp pole with such force, it snapped off the fixture as it charged up the embankment.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This accident is an object lesson on why couples shouldn’t argue while driving – especially if one of them has potential anger-management issues.
A police officer observed a Ford Taurus heading northbound on Interstate 205 as it passed through the Lents Neighborhood on the afternoon of November 13.
Suddenly, the car swerved off the freeway – as we gathered from the police radio calls – snapped off an aluminum light pole, and ploughed up the embankment almost to the top. From there, it rolled back down, then down across the freeway, ending up in the center emergency strip.
Looking at the embankment from the side, the tire tracks – and the downed lamp pole – tell part of this little domestic story.
Stunned-but-alert drivers who witnessed the event managed to miss the careening car, so no other vehicles became involved in the incident.
Said to threaten driver with a knife
“Apparently 28-year-old Sean Smith was the passenger in the car, which was being driven by his 22-year-old former girlfriend,” Portland Police Bureau’s spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schmautz informed us, adding dryly, “It appears as if they had prior domestic violence issues.”
While they were driving northbound on the freeway, passing the SE Foster Road interchange, Schmautz added, Smith allegedly threatened the driver with a knife.
“Smith reportedly grabbed the [car’s steering] wheel and turned it enough so that the car hit the pole and continued up the embankment. Officers on patrol in the area saw the accident and stopped to assist,” Schmautz said.
The driver was not injured. Smith was accompanied to Adventist Medical Center by a police officer for evaluation. “Smith was charged with one count each of Assault in the Second Degree, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Reckless Endangering, and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree,” reeled off Schmautz.
There appears to be no hope of a romantic reconciliation in this one.
Traffic creeps by the spot where the car came to rest in the center of the freeway where officers investigate the incident.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
If you haven’t walked through a “Clown Garage Sale” – you’ve missed an interesting experience. The clowns didn’t buy squirting lapel flowers with their proceeds – find out about the virtuous charity they were supporting instead …
Physical comedian, clown, and street performer Angel Ocasio juggles an armful of merchandise with which he says he’s willing to part.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
At the bazaar held at Portland Habilitation in outer NE Portland, one almost expected to see a real elephant – not a white one – as the annual Clown and Street Performer’s Garage Sale got underway on November 8.
Looking around the room, we saw tables laden with red rubber noses, trick flowers clown costumes and makeup, magic props, and juggling apparatus.
But more entertaining than the merchandise were the individuals offering them for sale.
You might recognize the event’s organizer, Angel Ocasio – he heads the Portland Rose Festival’s Clown Character Corps. “There is a lot of wonderful stuff here. We’ve had many new performers come and get good buys on all kinds of props,” he said.
Albert Alter, an SE Portland resident, demonstrates (and reluctantly offers for sale) his valuable merchandise at the clowns’ bazaar.
Another well-known physical comedian and circus-arts teacher, Albert Alter, said he wasn’t sure if he’d sold more items than he’d purchased. “It a way, it’s like a swap meet. One performer’s discards are another’s delights,” Alter said.
This bizarre bazaar had a special purpose, Ocasio said. “Our table sales are donated to a group called Clowns Without Borders. They provide laughter to relieve the suffering of all people, especially children, who live in areas of crisis – including refugee camps, conflict zones, and territories in situations of emergency.”
The group sponsors professional entertainers to travel and bring cheer, contemporary clown/circus oriented performances, and workshops into communities “so that they can celebrate together, and forget for a moment the tensions that darken their daily lives,” Ocasio said.
- For more information about Clowns Without Borders, CLICK HERE.
- To learn more about the wacky world of Angel Ocasio, CLICK HERE.
- And, to discover the physical comedy of Albert Alter, CLICK HERE.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
No, they didn’t vandalize it! See why Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish and Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen – and 40 other volunteers – worked to spruce up a school they’d never before visited …
Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish says volunteering helps him stay connected with the community he serves.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A volunteerism match-making service is taking steps toward providing more services in outer East Portland, we learned on November 15 – when we visited a “Paint with the Commissioners Party” at Jason Lee Elementary School, on NE 92nd Avenue near Rocky Butte.
“We’re here working with a great organization I love called ‘Hands On Greater Portland’,” explained Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, as he continued to apply masking tape along the top of the school’s main hallway. In his informal survey, the commissioner said none of the volunteers with whom he spoke had ever visited the school before, including himself.
“Most of the people came here to help spruce up the school; but some folks have taken the opportunity also to make Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen and me aware of their concerns,” Fish added.
“There are a lot of people out there that want to volunteer, and give back to their community, but they don’t know how to go about it,” explained Fish. “The beauty of ‘Hands On Greater Portland’ is that people can go online, find an event that suits them, sign on, show up, and get put to work for a few hours.”
Started by ‘do-gooders’
Fish introduced us to Andy Nelson, a founder of, and the executive director of, Hands On Greater Portland.
“We are a nonpartisan, non-ecumenical, nonprofit organization – just a bunch of do-gooders,” said Nelson with a smile. “There is no hidden agenda here.”
It started up about 12 years ago, with a circle of friends who wanted to work volunteering into their lives. “Now, we make 15,000 volunteer connections in partnership with 250 nonprofits throughout the area,” revealed Nelson.
The organization puts on about 100 volunteer projects over the metropolitan Portland area every month, he explained. “Volunteers search on our website for projects that are convenient for them, and which also meet their interests or fits their schedule.”
He went on to say that volunteers need only bring a willing spirit. “All of the tools and supplies are provided. It doesn’t take any special skills. We’re doing our best to eliminate barriers to volunteering.”
Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, and Mt. Hood Community College students Chelsey Lemire and Melissa Points, work with Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen, as they paint the hallways at Jason Lee Elementary School.
Increased East Portland focus
Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen put down a paint roller and joined the conversation. “We want to focus more on East Portland needs and projects. It’s one of the places where ‘Hands On Greater Portland’ has not been as active.”
Nelson added that educational and non-profit organizations in outer East Portland that need a helping hand should register at the website, to be considered for help with future projects.
“Nick Fish and I are planning to choose ‘Hands On with Commissioners’ events every other month, perhaps more often,” volunteered Cogen.
Fish added, “They make it so easy for citizens to help their communities; check out their website, and donate a few hours this weekend.”
How to take action
Sign up, and volunteer for a few hours – or donate to their cause by visiting the website of this 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Just CLICK HERE.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Although the purpose of the meeting was to focus on developing “quality places” near the City’s original East Portland light rail stations, the topic of public safety kept coming up. See how you still have time to comment, online, if you act now …
At one of the two mid-November workshops focusing on outer East Portland MAX stations, citizens were asked to look at displays depicting of each light rail station, to ask questions of officials, and make comments.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although the City of Portland’s newest light rail line won’t open until next year, the original MAX stations dotted across outer East Portland are passing their 25th year of operation.
On two evenings last week, members of Portland’s Bureau of Planning conducted “Outer East Portland East Portland Eastside MAX Station Communities Project Community Workshops” – part of a one-year study regarding the transit system.
Portland Bureau of Planning project leader, Tom Armstrong, talks about the information they’ve learned since starting the Outer East Portland East Portland Eastside MAX Station Communities Project about six months ago.
Seeks to improve station area development
“In this project, we’re looking at six of the Eastside MAX stations,” Tom Armstrong, the bureau’s project leader, told us at the November 13 meeting at Ventura Park School.
“We’re primarily focusing on how the areas around the MAX stations are growing and developing,” Armstrong continued. “What we want to do is improve the quality of the development, and the ‘quality of place’ around the stations. We’re also looking at ways to increase the safety and convenience for people to get to and from the stations.”
No condemnation to improved connectivity
After looking at the map of her neighborhood, one neighbor said she was alarmed that a new proposed street – or a path – ran across her yard.
“Are you here to tell us what you’re going to do; or, are you actually asking for real input in the process? If you’re really planning to for growth in my backyard, do you plant to talk with me about it before you do so?” the neighbor asked.
“We’re here, discussing it with you tonight,” replied Armstrong. “All we are showing on these maps is future street connections.”
He assured neighbors there would be no condemnation of property by the city for putting streets through people’s yards. “These connectivity improvements only occur when property is sold and redeveloped.”
‘Good development’ examples given
Another neighbor asked Armstrong to list examples of what the Planning Bureau would consider to be good, transit-oriented development along the MAX line.
“On the east side,” Armstrong responded, “the best example of success would be what’s happening around the Hollywood station. They’re building just off that station, and attracting new development there near the station, as well as on NE Sandy Boulevard.”
Development around outer East Portland MAX stations is challenging, says the Planning Bureau’s East Portland Liaison, Barry Manning.
The Planning Bureau’s East Portland Liaison, Barry Manning, added, “All of the East Portland MAX stations are really challenging. It’s difficult, because we’re dealing with infill development – there is an existing neighborhood context, and some level of density. Orenco Station is one to which people point as a model. But it was a green field before it was developed. We’re not dealing with that kind of situation.”
Manning pointed out that several of the Gresham-area stations show “pretty good development design” as well.
Each of the maps showed a circle drawn around the stations. “The radius is about a quarter mile,” explained Armstrong. “Between a quarter mile and a half mile [from the station], ridership drops off. That’s why we’re focusing on these areas, making them good, safe environments, so people will want to walk to the light rail stations and take MAX.”
Curbing freeloading riders
A neighbor asked, “What attempts are being made to curb the free ridership on MAX?”
Armstrong said, while he couldn’t speak for TriMet, the agency that runs Portland’s light rail, there was an announcement a few weeks ago about increasing the number of fare inspectors and security guards and the transit police on the system. “They also announced retrofitting and replacing the ticket machines, to give them better reliability.”
Manning added, “They’re talking about going to a new ticket machines – and a new style of tickets – next year when they open the Interstate 205 line. The tickets will be larger, sturdier, and credit card shaped.”
Crime and safety on MAX
“Can you give us any examples of safe, well-working MAX stations anywhere on the line on the west side or north side?” quizzed a neighbor.
“I understand your question,” Armstrong replied. “On the Eastside, we have what we have. The stations were built to state-of-the-art standards 25 years ago. Each new leg [of the light rail system] gets built a little differently. They’re trying to go back and retrofit the older stations with closed-circuit TV, and changing the shelter design.”
Outer East Portland neighbor Ralph Fullerton doesn’t mince words as he expresses his concern about crime in and around area light rail stations.
One of the 28 neighbors attending the meeting was Ralph Fullerton who spoke frankly about the crime issue. He said no station improvement plans will resonate with citizens until crime is reduced along the MAX lines. “It’s like you’re trying to make water run uphill. Nothing will change, until you solve that problem.”
A prime frustration with Fullerton, he told the group, is the methadone clinic at the NE 162nd Avenue and E. Burnside Street Station. “It used to be a Social Security Administration office; now it’s methadone clinic. I watch drugs being sold near the clinic every day.”
The audience erupted in spontaneous applause.
“It’s absolutely absurd that you would spend tens of millions of dollars creating the marvelous light rail system – and then give junkies a ‘quick pass’ to journey around our neighborhoods. You guys in the Bureau of Planning spend a lot of money – and I believe that you work really hard – but until you can reduce crime on the light rail system, you’re wasting money and wasting time.”
David Kelso, a developer with land near a MAX station says his investors are concerned about crime issues to the point that it hinders investment.
Says crime hinders redevelopment
Fullerton continued, saying he was sure that private developers wouldn’t put any money, “even 25-cents, into projects – until you stop thugs and hoods from walking on and going for a ride. It’s a big challenge to you guys.”
David Kelso agreed, saying he and his partners own 2½ acres near one of the light rail stations. “We have very feasible projects that pencil out from a financial standpoint to build – but it’s getting difficult to get investors to buy-in, because of the high crime in these areas.”
Tell it to the City Commissioners
Manning announced that the Portland City Council was meeting at Midland Library on December 17 to consider the East Portland Action Plan. “In our discussions, TriMet issues were certainly on the table. Come and give testimony – we hope it will be geared toward the Action Plan – but people from East Portland are welcome to come and talk to City Council about their hopes and aspirations, including crime and safety.”
Armstrong added, “When we wrap up this project next year, we’re going to have another City Council meeting, and we’re going to be making presentations. The message that you just delivered is a powerful message. They need to hear, ‘You know what? This redevelopment isn’t going to work unless you fix the crime problem’.”
Next steps
Armstrong said their staff would take the ideas and comments they’d gathered from this round of community meetings and begin to craft specific proposals for changes and improvement projects. “Tonight’s meeting was really to check in with people about the direction we’re going, before we get too far down the road. In this way we can make a mid-course corrections and refinements.”
He said the staff will work on recommendations, and bring back a report to the community by January or February.
Open for comment
The comment period remains open through next week. CLICK HERE to go directly to the bureau’s Outer East Portland East Portland Eastside MAX Station Communities Project web site.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Why did so many law-abiding citizens turn their weapons at this event? We’ve got the answer right here …
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Sgt. Tim Sessions checks out a gun being turned in at the Lents Neighborhood Association event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Lents Neighborhood Association, in cooperation with Ceasefire Oregon and the Portland Police Bureau, provided citizens the opportunity for citizens to turn in working handguns and rifles on November 1.
“I guess the word got out,” said Dewey Akers, the immediate past chair of the neighborhood association. “We had people coming here, from as far away as Canby and Gresham, from the hour we opened.”
Akers said that Ceasefire Oregon made a presentation to the neighborhood association, at which time they agreed to sponsor the turn-in program.
Gets guns off the street
In charge of the day’s program was Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Sgt. Tim Sessions, who talked with us about the event, as he made sure guns were made safe and ready for transport.
“The number one reason do this is to help keep us all safe,” Sessions began. “And, we encourage people who don’t want guns they inherited or have to bring them to events like these. It gives them a safe way to turn in a gun to be destroyed without any questions asked.”
Sessions said gun turn-ins help “keep us all safe” because, “When you think about it, if a person doesn’t know how to be responsible for a gun doesn’t know how to secure the weapon, there is the possibility of an accidental shooting. Add to that is the potential of a theft or burglary that can put the gun ‘on the street’, and in the wrong hands.”
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Cadets Houck and Cisneros help at the event.
Said most successful ever
“Ceasefire Oregon”, we were told, collects donations used to buy gift certificates which are then given to citizens who surrender a “workable firearm weapon”. At this event, each citizen turning in a working weapon received a $75 Fred Meyer certificate, with a maximum of two certificates for two guns turned in.
“We started out with 375 certificates, and gave out 100 IOUs after we ran out,” commented Akers. “I didn’t think anyone would leave their name and address on the envelope, but they did.”
We observed some citizens deciding to keep their gun after they learned the supply of gift certificates was exhausted.
534 guns were surrendered at the Lents turn-in; organizers said it was their most successful event ever.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News.
This fundraiser was successful – but, see why
they really need your help in the coming weeks …
Cassie Goulart, Chef Curt Martin, and Patricia Tarkington help serve up turkey dinners at the CherryBlossom Loaves & Fishes Center in an outer East Portland fundraiser.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There’s nothing better than a hot meal featuring roast turkey or ginger ham – served with potatoes, yams, and all the trimmings, on a cold, blustery day – to lift the spirits and cheer the soul.
That’s what visitors to the CherryBlossom Loaves & Fishes Center got, for a small donation, on November 2, when more than 200 diners attended the organization’s annual fundraising dinner at the East Portland Community Center.
Donated food and labor
“It’s our 11th year doing it here at the Center,” said Director Bennett Bailey when we stopped by to donate to the cause. “Because the food is donated, and volunteers help prepare and serve it, all of the money from our event goes directly into supporting our meals program.”
Even though Loaves and Fishes is a nonprofit agency serving seniors in need, less than 25% of their budget comes from public sources, Bailey reminded us. “So, in addition to our generous corporate and private sponsors, we’re left with a substantial amount of fundraising to do, to keep our centers going. This is one of our big fundraisers for the year – supporting the meals we serve both here at the center, and those we deliver to seniors at home.”
Bennett Bailey, director of the CherryBlossom Loaves & Fishes Center, serves guests at the annual Turkey Dinner benefit.
Nutritional support served with side order of kindness
The CherryBlossom Center is one of several Loaves & Fishes operations in the greater Portland area, but this one puts out about 600 meals per day. “Our service is important, because we provide about 60% of our home-bound clients’ daily nutrition,” Bailey said.
Almost as important as the food delivered, Bailey added, is the social interaction the delivery volunteers provide when they drop off meals. “When they talk with the senior for a moment, and give them a smile, they give the client a human connection with their community.”
Although they aren’t a full-service social service agency, volunteers also check on the seniors they visit. “They make sure their house is warm, and safe, and that the senior isn’t living in an unhealthy or dangerous environment,” Bailey added. “Occasionally they have found an at-risk senior unconscious on the floor. So, it’s not just the meal. It’s making sure that there is some social interaction, and finding out what their other needs are, other than the hot meal we bring every day.”
More than 200 diners tucked into a hot turkey dinner to support the efforts of their outer East Portland Loaves & Fishes Center.
Volunteers needed, especially during the holidays
We’re happy to report that this year’s Turkey Dinner Fundraiser was indeed a success – seeing an increase of about 50% over the previous year, we learned.
“We really appreciate the support of our community members. But now, especially during the Holidays when our regular volunteers take time off for their families, we need more volunteers in the kitchen and as drivers,” Bailey said.
If you can spare a couple of hours a week, brighten a senior’s life by helping out. Call Bailey at (503) 256-2381 to volunteer, or e-mail him at bbailey@lfcpdx.org.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
It is unclear why he stabbed his sister to death – especially because the two siblings lived in the same apartment complex. Here are the details of this sad and troubling story …
Both the accused and the victim of the sororicide lived in different units of this same apartment complex on SE Division Street.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Friends of 52-year-old Theresa Ann Rockwood were just concerned about her at first. When no one could reach her for a week, some went to check on her.
Her dog, which friends said she dearly loved, was unfed. Neighbors said her car, parked in the complex lot, hadn’t moved in seven days. It was suggested they call police and ask them to check with her brother, 54-year-old Joseph F. Rockwood, who also lived at Stonehenge Apartments in a different unit.
Police immediately suspect foul play
“Officers from East Precinct were dispatched for a ‘welfare check’ at Joseph Rockwood’s apartment at 11:39 a.m. on November 7,” reported the Portland Police Bureau spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schmautz.
“When Rockwood answered the door, they noted a strong odor of decomposition that led the officers to investigate further,” Schmautz told us. “They found his sister, Theresa, in Joseph’s bathroom with multiple stab wounds. He was arrested on probable cause of murder.”
The medical examiner confirmed the woman had met an untimely death, and then confirmed her identity with dental records.
Police suspect this man, 54-year-old Joseph F. Rockwood, stabbed his own sister to death.
Thought to be mentally ill
According to police records, Joseph Rockwood suffers from mental illness. What led up to the suspected murder, however, remains unclear.
Rockwood was arraigned on November 10 on one count of murder.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
What did Mayor-elect Sam Adams have to say about Portland’s economic outlook, at this meeting with businesspeople held east of the Willamette River? And what did they tell him? Learn all about it, and why it drew business people from all over East Portland, right here …
Before the meeting, Sam Adams listens to comments by John Perkins of the Hollywood Boosters.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it was a dreary fall morning, about 80 business people from all over Portland filtered into the Portland Community College Central Portland Workforce Training Center in Inner SE Portland early on November 7 for a “conversation” with Mayor-elect Sam Adams regarding the region’s economic outlook, and the Economic Stimulus Package being prepared by the City.
President of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations (APNBA), Jean Baker of the Division/Clinton Business Association, introduces the program.
Debbie Kitchin, with the Portland Small Business Alliance, introduces Mayor-elect Sam Adams.
Adams told the group he accepts the fact that the nation is in a depression, and thanked business leaders for gathering to talk about key issues.
“Portland city government is going to be cutting its budget,” Adams announced. “We face a shortfall created by reduced revenue and increased costs.” He said that his eleven years as Chief-of-Staff for former Mayor Vera Katz familiarized him with the process. “This is an exercise with which I have some experience.”
Portland Mayor-elect Sam Adams welcomes businesspeople to a conversation about improving Portland’s business climate.
Seeks to define prosperity
Adams decried the lack of interest in creating a durable economic plan for the City, telling how he’s sought to define economic success among all sectors of business and society.
“I think that we suffer mightily as a region, and as a community, when key partnership groups do not agree on what we mean by ‘business success’, and by what we mean by ‘personal and family prosperity’. Lacking that agreement means you get rather muddled economic development efforts.”
Mayor-elect Adams describes the current state of Portland’s economic condition.
Challenges faced in the business community
While the region has fared quite well in comparison to other areas so far, Adams said that, in the recent past, 26,000 living-wage jobs went unfilled. “Yet, we have 84 agencies in the region and spend $125 million a year to educate and train folks. That’s fairly mismatched.”
The Mayor-elect pointed out that the City of Portland has revised its licensing fee structure, shifting some of the burden from small businesses to large firms, grossing more than $20 Million annually, which pay only $100 each year. He also announced the City is streamlining the license fee system, eliminating estimates, and going to an after-the-fact tax. “I’m apologizing to all of the accountants who will lose business from the simplification.”
Decries rampant poverty-level wages
While there is nothing wrong with service-wage jobs, Adams continued, he stated that 21% of Portlanders earn poverty-level wages – earning less than what is necessary to provide for their basic necessities. “Compared to the 9% who earn low wages in Seattle, we’re in lot more vulnerable a position.”
Speaking of his personal background, Adams said he is the son of a single mother who “got by on subsidized housing and government support. I came from a family who couldn’t always get a good job. So, although I have never owned or run a business, we come to similar points of passions from different paths.”
Nearly 100 businesspeople came to Inner SE Portland to hear about the City Council’s plans, and to give their own ideas for economic improvement.
Looks to better educational system
Adams said, as Mayor, a primary focus for him will be improving education. “47% of our eighth-graders do not graduate from high school. 47% of our eighth-graders drop out before they finish high school on a standard-length timeline. It’s no wonder we have a high percentage of people working at poverty wages.
“If you look at the data for our region, you’ll see they we’re a highly educated city, but we’re ‘importing’ most of the talent who work at high-end jobs.”
Working on an economic stimulus package
Being the Mayor-elect of just one city in the world economy, Adams said he had no illusions about our ability to change global economic trends.
“I’ve always wanted to have city government positioned to be less self-absorbed about the impact of a recession on its functions; and more externally focused [on] helping our businesses and workers through tough times.”
While Adams suggested that the term “stimulus package” has become tarnished because of current federal programs, he announced that the Portland City Council is developing a program to aid Portland businesses. “I’d like to see city government to be proactive, trying to locally forestall the worst impacts of a national recession. There are things that we can do to make things better on the local level.”
Specifically, Adams said they’ve requested funds for economic revitalization from the federal government. “We wanted to be first in line, so we submitted our request two weeks ago.”
Also, he said the City is “moving up” construction project start dates for which money has already been earmarked. “Say a project is three years out. Construction inflation is running 7% to 8%. We save money by beating inflation; and, because the construction industry is down right now, we’re getting more competitive prices for our projects.”
Other programs include fast-tracking housing projects, expanding the city’s property tax investment program, and a 12-point small business and start-up business program.
Adams listens to comments during the morning’s conversation.
Business leaders comment
Businesspeople at the meeting praised Adams for his past and present efforts – yet at the same time took the city to task on a variety of issues.
The praise was offered by past-President of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations (APNBA) Patrick Donaldson, who summarized the positive sentiments expressed by many at the forum: “You [Sam Adams] have under-promised and over-delivered. You are the voice of small business on the Portland City Council.”
But Donaldson warned that fees, fines, and permit costs can “whipsaw” small business owners into closing. He suggested the City carefully use incentive plans. “We’d all like to pay employees a good living wage. At the same time, remember that business owners themselves are struggling to earn a living wage and gain benefits for their own families.”
Adams listens to complaints and suggestions about the City’s management.
Complaints and suggestions aired
Answering a complaint regarding System Development Charges (SDC), used to pay for infrastructure improvements in conjunction with new development, Adams responded that Portland’s SDCs rank in the lower third nationally, and have not been increased.
Dan Yates commented, “I’d love to see the Portland Development Commission get out of the housing business. It’s supposed to be an economic development agency.”
Tony Fuentes suggested that a micro-loan program would help spur local growth. He also suggested creating a local “manufacturing brokerage program” that would help local manufacturers more easily connect with area suppliers.
School improvement suggestions
Returning to the City’s high-school drop out rate, Adams suggested businesses find ways to hire interns and provide summer jobs. “When I worked as a dishwasher, I realized I wanted to get better educated.”
The historic Mississippi Business District’s Bryan Steelman told of their youth employment program, funded by businesses, in which ten youths from charter schools worked summer jobs and paid internships.
Amy Salvador and Wayne Stoll, of Century Associates and the Parkrose Business Association, listen intently to the plan Adams outlines.
Wayne Stoll challenged other business districts to match what they do in Parkrose – giving five $1,000 sponsorships to seniors graduating high school.
Promises to keep citizens informed
In conclusion, Adams promised that on November 19 the Portland City Council would be announcing a detailed plan for boosting the City’s economy.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
It’s time for the annual dance festival at Portland Metro Performing Arts. See what’s in store for you – at this great outer East Portland cultural event …
Metro Dancers (Back row) Emilie Larison, Sophie Gunz, Riley Willis, Julia Manning, Sarah Stanton, and (Front row) Beth Barnhart, Angelia Biornstad, Violet Lane-Ruckman, Michaela Martens, and Kylee Martens, rehearse a number from the Dance Mosaic show on November 22 called “Bluegrass”.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
If you haven’t been to a performance of the Portland Metro Performing Arts (PMPA) dance company called the Metro Dancers, your opportunity is coming up next week.
“We call the program ‘Dance Mosaic’, explained PMPA’s Director Nancy Yeamans, as we watched a group of young ladies rehearse a number from the show. “It’s an exciting repertory dance concert, featuring works ranging from classical ballet to cutting-edge modern.”
Guests artists to perform
Metro Dancers will be joined by guest companies Kinetic Images Dance Company, Western Oregon University Dancers, Anne Kemer Dance and Skylark Tappers, performing the works of dynamic choreographers.
“This program gives the guest artists the chance to be seen by our audience,” Yeamons told us. “And, they bring some of their audience to see what we are doing. There aren’t enough venues and events in Oregon for companies to be seen.”
Dinner helps raise funds
In addition to the afternoon and evening shows, PMPA is hosting an Italian dinner, the organization’s director said. “We’re hoping people will come to support our non-profit organization by joining us for the dinner we’ve scheduled between shows, whether or not they also come for a performance.”
It’s important for PMPA to continue because, as Yeaman’s pointed out, “We’re the only people who do what we do – provide education in dance, music, and theater, all under one roof. And, being a nonprofit organization, it means that every dollar we raise goes into our educational programs – and thus back into the community.”
Two shows on November 22
Showtimes are at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Saturday, November 22 at Portland Metro Performing Arts, 9933 SE Pine Street – just a couple of streets north of SE Stark Street.
Advance tickets are $15.00, or at the Door $18.00. The Italian Dinner featuring food from Pizza Baron, Olive Garden, Flying Pie Pizza, and Bridges Café, is on from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., and the modest charge is $10 for high school and adult; $5 for grade school kids, and $2.50 for preschoolers.
For tickets, call PMPA at (503) 408-0604.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
The City of Portland overlooked this rainy-weather trouble spot – discover why they may have caused the problem …
Long-time Lents Neighborhood resident Joyce Beedle put on her hip waders and cleared storm drains of debris she believes came from land owned by the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services. Hours later, it’s still draining!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We certainly didn’t get the hurricane-like conditions predicted by the forecasters on November 12 – but many of the outer East Portland streets that are prone to flooding were again underwater for hours.
Police simply closed SE 92nd Avenue, between SE Foster Road and SE Division Street – a perennial trouble spot.
Foster Road floods, but not Johnson Creek
We were surprised to learn that Johnson Creek was flowing well below flood stage, even with the heavy rainfall.
Yet, for hours, all lanes but one eastbound on SE Foster Road, just west of SE 111th Avenue, was flooded.
“This morning my son couldn’t bicycle safely to school, because all of the westbound lanes, the turning lane, and one of the eastbound lanes were completely underwater,” reported long-time Lents Neighborhood resident, Joyce Beedle.
Calls it a ‘predictable problem’
By the time we arrived, the water had receded, and only one westbound lane – and the bike lane – were underwater. That was thanks to the intrepid Beedle.
She said she put on her hip-waders, grabbed a pitchfork, and pulled leaves and grass out of the storm drain grates. “It was clear to me that the City of Portland wasn’t going to do it,” she explained.
The water from the leaf-and-grass choked storm drains backed up – and also flooded SE 111th Avenue.
The worst part, she added, is that this flooding was totally predictable – and not because of problems with Johnson Creek.
“Two days ago,” Beedle noted, “the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services mowed the property they own along Foster Road. The storm water drains were clogged with fresh grass clippings and leaves. There aren’t any trees or grass near the storm drains. I would prefer that they take care of the property in such a way that traffic is not impeded on SE Foster Road.”
So, if you drove along SE Foster Road on Wednesday, please know that it was a neighbor who helped drain the water from the street, and provided you with a safer trip!
No homes or businesses were damaged due to the flooding.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Discover how and why these two SE Portland artists are giving this former gas station and coffee shop an entirely new – and delightful – appearance …
A board member of the non-profit Cafe au Play – located at Tabor Commons – Charles Heying prepares the exterior for painting.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The building on SE Division Street, across from Atkinson Elementary School, that started out as a gas station 50 years ago, and ended up being a coffee shop that was actually an illegal drug dispensary, is a step closer to becoming a community center.
The former “Drive-thru Wake-up and Deli” is getting an exterior makeover as part of its transformation into the Tabor Commons Community Center.
“When you drive past now, you’ll see a colorful design covering three walls of the building,” said Paul Leistner, a board member of the Southeast Uplift neighborhood coalition. “The public art is a combination of geometric elements with garden and bird motifs.”
Sees building as a canvas
The design was created by John Early and Laura Bender of Site Painters, a local firm that’s been doing murals and commissioned public artwork for 25 years. You’ve seen their work around town – at the former Nature’s Market on SE Division Street, for example.
“We live in the neighborhood, and have been following the progress of this project,” Early told us, while taking a brief break. “This nondescript little box of a building seemed like the perfect place for community art treatment.”
Grant funds local muralists
Early and Bender created a design, and then prepared a grant application to the Regional Arts and Culture Council’s neighborhood mural program.
“Thanks to the support of the community – and in-kind donations from companies like Powell Paint Company – we were awarded the grant. Volunteers prepared the exterior by sealing, sanding, and priming the surface.”
SE Portland residents, and professional mural painters, John Early and Laura Bender transform the former drug-dealing storefront into a work of public art.
Center to create a ‘sense of neighborhood’
“This is our neighborhood – we love this area,” smiled Bender, as the husband-and-wife duo mounted the scaffolding to continue their work. “I like the idea of helping to create art that promotes a sense of neighborhood.”
When they’ve completed their work, Early said, they’ll coat the exterior with an ultraviolet-shielding varnish that will also help fend off potential graffiti vandals.
Working to fulfill their goals
Leistner reminded us that the main goal for the project is to create a community gathering place. “One way the Tabor Commons is achieving this goal is through partnership with a local non-profit, Café au Play,” he said “They’ll create a family-and-community-friendly coffeehouse program to support children and families, by nurturing connections among caregivers and empowering people of all ages to see themselves as both givers and receivers of resources.”
Community members hope to finish the building and site renovation this winter.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Area residents were worried when reports of a teenage girl being raped surfaced last week; see how alert Portland Police Bureau officers got the man they say is the perpetrator …
Usually Lents Park is a place of fun and recreation for families. Neighbors started getting worried when they heard a girl had been raped here.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A broad daylight rape on October 20 left the residents who live around Lents Park – in the area of SE 92nd Avenue and SE Holgate Boulevard – feeling uneasy.
“We have some bad characters running through there,” said Lawrence Brookmeyer, a retired Lents neighborhood resident whose house overlooks the park. “I hope they catch the guy – we’ll all feel a lot better.”
Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us that, based on information from an interview with the teenage victim, detectives believe she was walking through the park and saw the suspect crouched against a tree. The victim approached the suspect to ask him a question. As she walked towards the suspect he stood up.
“As the suspect stood up,” Schmautz reported, “the victim observed that the suspect’s pants were partially open and his penis was exposed. Before the victim could escape, the suspect grabbed and sexually assaulted her. The victim physically resisted the suspect, who walked out of the area after completing the assault.”
Schmautz said the victim was able to give police a detailed description of the suspect, and helped the bureau’s sketch artist make a drawing of the suspect.
Police say they suspect this man, 26-year-old Andrea Tito Pascua, is the one who sexually assaulted the teenager in Lents Park.
Officer checks transient camps
East Precinct Officer Rian Hamby got on the case and checked several locations frequented by transients in southeast Portland. His work paid off; three days later, on October 23, Hamby found his man.
“In the area of SE 87th Avenue and SE Powell Boulevard, Hamby found and detained 26-year-old Andrea Tito Pascua,” Schmautz said. “Pascua was later positively identified as the suspect by the victim.”
Pascua was arrested and charged with one count of Sex Abuse in the First Degree and one count of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree in connection with the sexual assault in Lents Park, Schmautz stated.
This investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Mary Wheat at (503) 823-0885.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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