While songs by Trio Voronezh haven’t made it to the pop music charts here, see why these professional musicians received ovation after ovation at their outer East Portland appearance. If you missed them – you’ve got another chance to see them, FOR FREE, on October 20 …

Playing their traditional instruments, the members of Trio Voronezh create lively arrangements of “world music”, including classical compositions and folk tunes.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Two kinds of audience members filled in nearly every seat in the large community room at Midland Library a few weeks ago: fans of Trio Voronezh and curious music lovers.

Before the three musicians picked up their instruments – a domra, a double base balalaika, and a bayan – they spoke with us about themselves and their music.

“We play ‘world music’,” Valerie Petrukhian told us. “We play classical and Russian folk music. We play because this music is our life, our soul. I hope you enjoy it.”

Petrukhian said the group took the name of town where they met, Voronezh. “It’s about 300 miles south of Moscow.”

‘World music’ played by global travelers
We learned Trio Voronezh started their career 1993 playing in small concert halls in Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

They made their U.S. debut three years later at the Oregon Bach Festival. They’ve played to a national audience on National Public Radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion”. Now, this talented trio plays as featured artists with orchestras across the United States.

Vladimir Volokhin passionately plays his domra.

The artists; their instruments
Vladimir Volokhin plays the domra, a three-stringed, long-necked mandolin used as a solo instrument in Russia since the sixteenth century. Having played since the age of six, Volokhin was the 1986 Russian National Champion of the “All Russia Domra Competition”.

Valerie Petrukhin plays his double-bass balalaika like a guitar, but it sounds like a plucked string bass.

Playing a large, triangular three-stringed instrument – he referred to it as the “Russian national instrument” – is Valerie Petrukhin on the double-bass balalaika. He started playing the accordion at age six, and the balalaika when he was nineteen. He also has studied the piano and trombone.

Playing his bajan with his fingers, arm – and chin – is Sergei Teleshev.

The third member is Sergei Teleshev. On his lap is his bajan, a chromatic-button accordion with various registers. Unlike Western-style accordions, Delechev changes registers by depressing levers on the bajan with his chin. He, too started his musical education when six years old.

Standing room only
Before he introduced the group to the awaiting crowd, Multnomah County Library program specialist Sergei Kozlov told us, “There are a lot of Slavic people here. We invited these special guests for them. I think you’ll like it.”

The room was about three-quarters filled as Trio Voronezh began their performance.

The spirited sounds of these expert musicians emanated from the room enchanting library patrons – previously unaware of the concert – like a tune played by the pied piper. By the end of their third song, every seat was filled; there was standing room only.

The daughter and wife of the domra virtuoso, Aloyoln and Oksana Volokhin, proudly show (and sell) one of the group’s CD albums.

See them October 20
See and hear Trio Voronezh when they return to Midland Library from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 20. Come early – this show will “sell out”!

You’ll enjoy classical, Russian, European and American music. This program is made possible through the support of The Library Foundation. Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Midland Library is located at 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

And, if you miss this concert – one of the many free activities at your Midland Library – you can learn more about the group, or obtain one of their CD albums by visiting www.triovoronezh.com.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you haven’t participated in a “Plastics Round-up”, see why this volunteer activity is important for the environment – and also a great place to meet environmentally-concerned folks …

Bag man” and Sellwood resident Bill Steimer helps out the Plastics Round-up at Floyd Light Middle School in Hazelwood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Several times a year, Portland Master Recyclers hold “Plastics Round-ups” throughout the community.

At the Round-up at Floyd Light Middle School in Hazelwood, we were surprised and pleased to meet Bill Steimer, a Sellwood resident, helping out this outer East Portland event a couple of weeks ago.

“We moved to Portland a two of years ago,” Steimer says as we introduce ourselves. “These recycling events are a good way to meet a lot of nice people while we help the environment.”

Steimer tells us he grew up in the Midwest, and spent 30 years as an attorney in Charlotte, NC.

“We rented a house, our first year, to make sure we could spend a winter here, and found we could,” comments Steimer has he hauls another full bag of plastics to the pick-up point. “We bought a house in Sellwood; it’s a great community. Portland is so far ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to recycling. It is really fun to be a part of it.”

Master Recyclers, and Plastics Round-up coordinators Vanessa Herald and Dion Glisan help Harlan and Keigh Thomajan from Mt. Tabor.

Keeps plastics out of the dumps
We check in with the event co-coordinators, Portland Master Recyclers volunteers Vanessa Herald and Dion Glisan.

“We do this because we don’t want people to throw away plastics,” explains Herald. “For the most part, plastics are recyclable. At most locations, folks can only recycle bottles with necks on them. But here, we collect plastics labeled #1 through #7, and plastic bags. We also recycle large plastic items like laundry baskets and old play equipment.”

The Plastics Round-up is a good way to reduce waste in the landfills, Glison adds. “Our landfills are filling up, and plastics don’t break down – even after hundreds of years. It’s great to give plastic items a second life as a new product.”

Don’t miss out on the fun! Go to www.masterrecycler.org to learn more about this great group of environmental-conscious volunteers.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Ending where they started, see where performers on the PDX Teen Idol tour closed out the season – and what’s next for this competition …

Portland’s 2007 Teen Idol, Jordan Thompson, takes the stage one last time at Oaks Park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It seemed fitting that the PDX Teen Idol Tour came to an end in the area of Portland that hosted the semi-finals and final competition – Southeast Portland.

After being narrowed to a field of ten singers, Jordan Thompson was named PDX Teen Idol this spring at Reed College. But that event didn’t mark the last performances of this talented group of young musicians.

“PDX Teen Idol finalists have been on tour this summer,” explains Portland Parks & Recreation SE Zone Manager Jeff Milkes. “They’ve done 15 shows at venues including ‘Movies in the Park’ and the Oregon State Fair.”

Jordan Thompson, with competition organizers Tami Milkes, son Maleia, and Jeff Milkes – and finalists Meagan Hope, Samantha Hooper, Calli-rae Erz, and Asha Bernard – plan their last show together.

At the conclusion of their summer concert tour, at Oaks Park, Milkes tells us that the tour gives the participants the opportunity to further hone their singing and performing skills. “They’ll become the ambassadors for next year’s competition.”

Auditions for 2008 PDX Teen Idol will begin at various locations all over the greater Portland area, beginning the first of February, Milkes adds – with the finals being scheduled for next May.

For more information, see www.myspace.com/pdxteenidol.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Why are there six (6) working doors on the set of “Lend Me A Tenor”, the American Classics Theater Festival’s offering by Mt. Hood Repertory Theater Company? Read on and find out why you should be buying tickets.

In the Main Theater at Mt. Hood Community College, Maggie (Eleanor Cohn-Eichner) is the girlfriend of Max (Kirk Mouser), who is the assistant to the manager of the opera company that finds itself suddenly without a star tenor in the hilarious Broadway comedy, “Lend Me A Tenor”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We’ll tell you about the six (6) doors on the set of “Lend Me A Tenor” in a moment. But, if you’re looking for a touching, thought-provoking show, read below and learn about their second production, “Sea Marks”.

“Lend Me A Tenor” a comedic farce

Farce: Circus, a charade, a mockery, a ridiculous situation.
Comedic Farce: A very, very funny play based on situational comedy.

Mt. Hood Rep’s Artistic Director, Tobias Andersen, told us he chose Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me A Tenor” because “this award-winning comedy is one of the funniest farces to play Broadway.”

We’ll miss seeing Andersen’s consummate acting skill on stage in this, the tenth anniversary season of the American Classics Theater, hosted by Mt. Hood Community College. But, he directs a top-notch cast through a laugh-out-loud funny, fast-paced show.

Julia, (MaryAnne Glazebrook) the chairman of the Opera Guild calls on Bellboy (Matt Preston) for a spot of tea with Saunders (Alan H. King), Maggie’s father, and General Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company.

Max finds out he must go on stage to stand-in for Tito Merelli, world-renowned tenor and expresses his terror to his boss, Saunders.

The story: As the Cleveland Grand Opera prepares for one of its biggest nights in history, world famous tenor Tito Merelli’s appearance on stage seems highly unlikely. But as we all know, the show must go on – under any circumstances, even if it means sending a replacement on stage: Max, a petrified-with-fright production assistant.

Diana (Beth McShane), an operatic soprano, makes Max an offer he, well, what do you think?

Wife Maria (Sarah Dresser) shares a moment with her husband, Tito Merelli (David Maier), the world-famous tenor known as “Il Stupendo”.

The six (6) doors
Why are there six doors? The characters are coming and going with split-second timing and keep “missing” one another. Without the six doors, the play wouldn’t work!

We’re not going to give away the “curtain call” at the play’s conclusion. But from what we saw, this could be the most hilarious two minutes you’ll ever see on in a live stage production.

“Sea Marks”

In the Mt. Hood Community College Studio Theater, you’ll find the moving story of Colm (Patrick Wohlmut) a fisherman/poet as he meets pen-pal Timothea Styles (Amanda Soden) in the next step of their complex relationship in “Sea Marks”.

In the more intimate Studio Theater, associate artistic director, Trisha Pancio-Armour directs “Sea Marks.”

This is a tale of a simple fisherman who discovers a poetic inner voice when he begins writing to a publisher’s assistant he meets at a cousin’s wedding. But when she decides to publish his intimate letters about life on the sea as a book of poetry, he is made into an instant celebrity. Suddenly, their simple love affair becomes very complex.

When and where:

Mt. Hood Repertory Theater Company Presents
10th Annual American Classics Theatre Festival

MHCC Main Stage
“Lend Me A Tenor”
opens Friday, July 28, 2006 and runs through August 20

MHCC Studio Theatre
“Sea Marks”
opens Saturday, July 29, 2006 and runs through August 20

Friday and Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday Matinee performances at 2:00 p.m.

General Admission – $20.00, Seniors/Students $15.00
Festival Pass – $34.00 General Admission, $28.00 Seniors/Students

Mt. Hood Community College Theaters are located on SE 257th Ave (Kane Rd.); the driveway is south of SE Stark St. in Gresham. From I-84, take Exit 17 (Troutdale) and go east.

Information and tickets are available by calling The Rep at (503) 491-5950, on line at www.mthoodrep.org.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

Enjoy this outer East Portland Independence Day tradition by talking a look at these exclusive photos (and even a low-resolution movie!)‚

Photo story by David F. Ashton
This Independence Day parade isn’t the biggest in the nation. And, it takes place the day before the national holiday, July 3.

But talk with any of the participants in the East Portland Community Center’s annual parade‚ young or old‚ and they’ll tell you it’s the best.

We enjoy going to the parade, and sharing these photos with you,

David Sayre fuels up for the big parade with $1 hot dog served up at the East Portland Community Center.

Joey Nichols and Alyssa have fun working together to create haberdashery fit for an Independence Day celebration parade.

From infants in strollers, to senior citizens riding a golf cart, participants in the East Portland Community Center Parade line up in the parking lot.

Off they go! The route takes the marching throng from the community center, to Cherrywood Village two blocks away, and back again.

Honored members of American Legion Post #1 are the official Color Guard for the parade.

Although there wasn’t a marching band, live, lively music was provided courtesy of Haldeman’s Oom-pa Boys.

Wanna see the movie? It’s low resolution, but it gives you the feel of the event! To see it, CLICK HERE!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you missed it, a look at this story and you’ll see why you must come and check out the newest open-air market in outer East Portland next week

What does the Midway Business Association have to do with “Reptile-Man”, ice cream treats, and a lawyer? Take a look at this 3-in-1 story (with great photos) and find out …

At the Midland Library, the Oregon Reptile Man – Richard Ritchey – shows his alligator, which he says can tell if kids have been good – or bad. This young man one was deemed by the ‘gator to be “good”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The small-but-growing Midway Business Association, a group of business people in southern outer East Portland, does more than just promote their own enterprises – they also promote goodwill in the community.

For example, to support the summer reading program at Midland Library, they hosted an ice cream social, following an appearance by Oregon’s Reptile Man at the library.

You’ll learn more about the Midway Business Association later in this story. But first, Oregon’s Reptile Man …

Richard Ritchey’s Puff Adder takes a strike at him during the show.

Ritchey’s reptiles captivate kids
The reptiles Richard Ritchey brings to Midland Library are more than toads and tadpoles. They include rattlesnakes, a King Cobra, and a pet alligator that “pets” good little boys.

More than just showing off his pets, Ritchey tells the captivated kids about the reptiles, where they live, and how they behave in the wild.

“This snake gives birth to live babies – each is capable of killing prey on its first day in the world,” says Ritchey. “He’s very calm today.”

The snake coils and lunges for Ritchey. “That was a false strike. He had no intention of striking me – he just wanted to scare me. He did; he’s going back in his condo.”

We could clearly hear the rattle of his Western Diamondback before we could see the snake.

“Hear the rattle?” Ritchey asks before he carefully brings his Western Diamondback rattlesnake out of its box. “It senses heat. Over 1,000 people are bitten by rattlesnakes each year. Only two out of ten were ‘accidental’ bites; the other eight people bitten were trying to kill or capture the snake. If you see a snake, don’t run. Just turn around and walk away.”

Ritchey invites his young audience members to come pet his python. Surprisingly, many take him up on his offer.

Midway Business Association sponsors ice Cream Social

Talay and Lavonne Larson are two of a hundred kids (and adults) served ice cream by Midway Business Association’s Donna Dionne and other association members.

After Reptile Man’s program, Midway Business Association’s President, Donna Dionne, and treasurer, Tammy Williams, handed out ice cream cups in Midland Library’s lobby.

“More than operating businesses in the community,” says Dionne, “we want to actively help support our area. That’s why we volunteer to help with the library’s summer program and other area events.”

Free legal advice dispensed at Midway Business Association

Lawyer Scott Nielson helps business people get a better understanding of laws passed in Salem, and how it affects their businesses.

But, when not handing out ice cream at the library, the Midway Business Association gives a “voice” to people running businesses in the southern portion of outer East Portland.

What do they do at their monthly meetings?

For example, at the last meeting before summer vacation, members got their usual update of happenings at regional meetings and events. And, they heard from a guest speaker who spoke about how legislation and litigation affect business people in the area.

The guest speaker, Scott Nielson J.D., Attorney at Law, started by commending the organization for how effectively they’ve communicated their needs to city and county representatives.

Turning to the past state legislative session, Nielson covered the expansion of the Oregon Bottle Bill; and how legislators hotly debated the meaning of “bottled water”.

He told how those who purchase scrap metals must now start keeping accurate records of those from whom they buy; he went on to explain the implications of price increase limitations put on businesses, if a natural disaster causes an “abnormal disruption of the market” as certified by the Governor; and he related the new penalties in store for business owners who – even inadvertently, because of a computer security breach – disclose customer information.

Turning to personnel matters, Nielson covered new regulations that allow mothers to breastfeed on the job. He went on to tell how “family leave” now even extends to the care of grandparents, parents, and grandchildren – not simply direct family members. He also pointed out new regulations that require accommodation of workers’ religious garb and celebrations.

Nielson also answered questions on issues ranging from elder law to contracts.

Accounting to be demystified at next meeting
On Tuesday, September 11, come and meet with the members of the Midway Business Association.

Kevin Minkoff, CPA, will share the latest IRS rules, and give practical tips on how to tune up your bookkeeping procedures. Kevin – “not your ordinary bean-counter” – always gives an upbeat, lively, and informative presentation.

Visitors ARE welcome, and the presentation is free (but you must pay for your own lunch). Their meeting runs from 11:45 AM until 1 PM at Bill Dayton’s PIZZA BARON Restaurant on SE 122nd Ave., just south of Division St. For more information, go to www.midwayba.com.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Here’s your invitation to look in on the party thrown by, and for, volunteers who have worked for 25 years to make this unique outer East Portland park into a natural wonderland …

Leach Garden volunteer Ernie Francisco, tells executive director Karen Young how she recruited Bette Howard to help with the garden 25 years ago.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Leach Botanical Garden is the site of many events during the year. It’s often rented out for receptions, meetings and private parties.

But on August 25, the merriment was due to volunteers celebrating two and a half decades of service at this unique Portland park.

“Tonight, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the formation of Leach Garden Friends,” says Karen Young, executive director, as she welcomes us to the party, now in full sway.  “This is the group that got together and saved this garden.”

The property, located just south of SE Foster Road, on SE 122nd Avenue, was willed to the City of Portland by Mr. and Mrs Leach. “They had no heirs,” explains Young. “They wanted it to be used as a botanical garden and museum. If the city would not use it, it would go to the YMCA.”

Enjoying the evening during the 25th Anniversary “Leach Garden Friends” party are outer East Portland parks advocate Linda Robinson with Sharon and Andy Szolnoki.

“The garden wasn’t tended, and the property languished for several years,” continues Young. “A group got together and worked to save it; forming the Friends group in the process. They urged the city to support the Garden. The Parks Director at the time, Charles Jordan, listened to them. They put the organization together, and got it open to the public 25 years ago.”

Since then, although it is owned by Portland Parks & Recreation, Leach Friends have continued to operate the property.

Guitarist Margaret Slovak shares her musical gift by providing an acoustical soundtrack for the evening’s festivities.

A well-attended gathering
The patio swirls with activity and pleasant conversation, accompanied by acoustical music by guitarist Margaret Slovak.

Graphic displays of Leach history and past and present volunteers line the walls of the main room. Guests graze on refreshments amidst good company, in a beautiful setting.

Garden volunteer Nick Gianopoulos serves fellow volunteer Gabriel Weiss, a mason who helped build the brick patio, a glass of wine.

One of the celebrants we meet is long-time Lents resident Ernie Francisco. “Charlene Holsworth, who has since passed away, visited every neighbor in the area and recruited me,” she tells us. “I recruited my friend here, Bette Howard. We still love working at the Garden.”

Looking ahead
“We’re working on a master plan for the Garden,” Young says. “We hope to take this to the Portland City Council by November. The plan will involve how the property will be interpreted – as a museum. Also the upper property – we have about ten additional acres to be developed. We are working on making decisions about how we will develop that.”

Volunteer George Taylor looks at the historical display posted in the Leach house.

Some the concepts under consideration include developing an education center and children’s garden, and more demonstration sites. Also, they are studying moving the entrance east to a spot near SE 122nd and Foster Road, to make it more accessible.

You can join the 300+ active volunteers at Leach Garden and help continue the legacy of this fine natural outer East Portland attraction. Contact the office by calling (503) 823-9503 or e-mailing info@leachgarden.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Some neighborhoods go all out for National Night Out. But the big event for this neighborhood is super-sized family picnic in the park. Take a look …

Volunteer Julie Neburka, here cutting the watermelon given out by the Woodstock Neighborhood Association.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Throughout Saturday, August 18, families from miles around filtered into Woodstock Park and joined the relaxed throng at the third annual Woodstock Neighborhood Picnic.

It wasn’t easy tracking down Ruthann Bedenkop, the event’s organizer. She was busy coordinating dozens of volunteers to make sure the picnic ran smoothly.

This duo from the Deviant Dance group performed with grace.

“This is the third year since we revived the picnic,” Bedenkop told us. “This year we received a small neighborhood grant to support it. We were able to reach out to underrepresented groups this year. And, we were able to get special acts in this year.”

The midway emptied into the performance area when “Captain Bogg and Salty’s Band” was on stage performing their show. We saw a lot of kids – and even some adults – singing along during several of their numbers. “They’re playing here courtesy of the Woodstock Library,” said Bedenkop. “We’re thankful for the library’s participation.”

In all, organizers estimate more than 1,500 people came to the picnic.

“Not only is this a fun, family event,” Bedenkop commented, “it’s a great way for organizations come together and share information about the services they offer. It builds community.”

Our 2007 Woodstock Neighborhood Picnic photo album

More than 1,500 people visited the midway, lined with booths for community services, businesses and non-profit organizations.

Elisha Hampton scampers up the Portland Parks & Recreation climbing wall.

Enjoying a slice of Roma’s Pizza is Brookelynne Ormsbee.

The Woodstock Community Center’s Tae Kwon Do class, lead by sixth-degree master Mr. Gary Wright, demonstrates their martial arts skills.

Writing your reporter’s first name (David) in Russian is Yaroslavna Kosmina; she’s representing the IRCO International Language Bank.

All day long, folks lined up for Otto’s Sausages, here being cooked up by David Braman.

Captain Bogg meets enchanted kids after their show.

This year’s Woodstock Picnic was sponsored by Safeway, BiMart, The UPS Store, John L. Scott Realtors, Southeast Uplift, City Sanitary and THE BEE.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

SEE UPDATES BELOW!
See what happens when a cop car – speeding to a call, apparently without flashing emergency lights or siren – blows through an intersection with a busy outer East Portland street at night …

Authorities say Gresham Police Officer Joshua Linstrom was driving the squad car that slammed into a minivan, killing one, on June 1.

Story and Photos by David F. Ashton
The stillness of a summer’s evening is often broken by the sound of cars racing on main highways in outer East Portland like NE Glisan St. But, the neighborhood in outer East Portland had quieted down by 9:25 p.m. on June 1.

29-year-old Gresham Police Officer Joshua Linstrom, a member of the force for less than a year, responded to another officer’s call asking for help to catch “speed racers” in the area.

“The patrol vehicle was traveling North on NE 188th Ave.,” Sgt. Teddi Anderson Gresham Police spokesperson told us at the scene that night. “At NE Glisan St., the vehicle collided with a minivan. There were no fatalities.”

What Anderson didn’t know at the time, as she spoke with us that night, was that 29-year-old Marino Sanchez-Sanchez–one of the minivan’s three occupants riding in the back seat–had been pronounced dead at Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center.

Fatal crash investigators called in from the Portland Police Traffic Division heard from witnesses that the patrol car didn’t heed the stop sign at NE Glisan St. when it plowed into the side of a 1996 Dodge Caravan.

Riding in the back seat of the minivan when it was T-boned by a Gresham police car, Marino Sanchez-Sanchez was pronounced dead at Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center after the accident.

“There is a lot of racing here,” said resident Ron Skov at the scene, “but I didn’t hear any tonight. I heard a crash, went outside and saw a cop get out of his car. He limped over the minivan ‚Äì it was really crunched — and looked at the people inside.” The area quickly filled with police cars, Skov said, and they suggested he step back. “I did.”

“I didn’t hear any siren sound,” said neighbor Judy Nichols, “And after I heard the crash and ran out to see what happened, the cop car didn’t have its flashing red and blue lights on.”

Police haven’t commented on whether Linstrom was responding “Code 2”, with emergency lights on, or “Code 3”, with lights and sirens. According to Portland Police spokesperson, Sgt. Brian Schmautz, Oregon law requires emergency vehicle drivers to use warning lights and sirens when going through a stop sign or stop light.

The driver of the T-boned minivan, 33-year-old Diego D. Martinez of Portland, and his other passenger, Jose Luis Bahena, 37, of Vancouver, checked out of Legacy Emanuel Hospital two days later. They were said to be in relatively good condition. The survivors wondered aloud to reporters if the case would be hidden away, or if they would see justice as it was investigated.

Multnomah County senior deputy district attorney Chuck Sparks is investigating the case. It could be heard by a grand jury. The investigation could take weeks to wrap up, police and prosecutors.

UPDATE: Cop back on duty
Linstrom, returned to the Gresham Police force on July 17, but was assigned to a desk job. Officials say the officer may return to active patrol duty as soon as July 24.

UPDATE: Grand Jury: No criminal charges
On July 21, it took a Grand Jury panel four hours to return a “not true” bill for one charge of criminally negligent homicide and two counts of third-degree assault, against Linstrom.

In a press release, Chief of Gresham’s police bureau, Carla Piluso, said their organization will conduct their own investigation “‚Ķ to ensure that no policy, procedures or general orders of the Gresham Police Department have been violated.”

In numerous media interviews, friends of Marino Sanchez-Sanchez expressed their concern that there will be no justice because the driver who destroyed the minivan and took Sanchez-Sanchez live was a cop.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

Two were injured in the blaze that did $900,000 worth of damage; fire inspectors won’t say how this fire started ‚Ķ

Firefighters stayed at the two burned houses in the 3300 block of NE 72 Avenue worked long into the night making sure the fire that got into the walls and attics of both homes was completely put out.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It isn’t often firefighters are called to fight two house fires ‚Äì right next to one another ‚Äì at the same time. But that’s exactly what 80 firefighters did on the evening of October 22.

And, apparently, those living in the homes didn’t know about the blaze, until neighbors and firefighters told them to evacuate immediately.

Neighbors witness flames, hear explosions
Jenny Mitchell lives across the street from the most heavily-damaged house. She told East PDX News, “We saw the shed was on fire. It started the gray house on fire. It spread over to the white house.”

Soon, Mitchell said, the fire was roof high. “You could see flames in both houses. Then, there was fire coming out the roof of the gray house. The firefighters were here right away. It was pretty scary.”

John Andrews said he heard explosions or gunshots shortly after the fire started. Fire officials said the explosions were most likely due to aerosol cans exploding in the fire, and a propane tank that vented off pressure from the fire’s heat.

Concerned people were trapped inside
“We were concerned when we learned people were still in those houses when we arrived,” Portland Fire & Rescue 3rd Battalion Commander Jay Olson told us on scene. “Everyone got out, but one resident burned his hand. He was treated at the scene by an ambulance paramedic.”

Narrow streets, house design complicate efforts
“This narrow street was an issue,” Olson said, “Crews had to walk in, and carry gear from some distance.”

Firefighters quickly divided unto teams to attack the fires in both houses.

“Fire was running up between the interior and exterior walls of the homes,” Olson explained. “In older construction, houses can have several different attic spaces. It takes a personnel-intensive effort to cut open walls, and attack the fire on each floor of the home. We had crews working on the first and second floors, the attic, and another crew cutting open the roof.”

By cutting into the roof, firefighters were able to make sure the fire didn’t spread in the attic, while ventilating smoke from the structures.

It took the combined crews about 30 minutes to get the fires under control; but firefighters worked long into the night, making sure all the hot spots were quenched.

A spectator asked why firefighters had to cut open the roof. “If we hadn’t, fire would have run the entire length of the attics,” Olson said. “Crews did a very good job getting up on top and fighting fires in several different fire areas.”

Outside the homes, crews maintaining the water supply. Because of the size of the event, relief crews came to help out. “One firefighter was injured while working on the roof, and was treated at a local hospital. Our crews did a very good job here tonight,” Olson added.

At the scene, Battalion Commander Jay Olson told us the fires had made these homes unfit to occupy.

Seven left homeless
Olson said the damage to the homes left them uninhabitable. Three adults and two children were displaced from one home; two adults from the other. Red Cross was on hand to assist with clothing and housing.

At this time, the cause of the fire is under investigation.  Investigators did say the fire appeared to have started outside on the rear porch of the northern of the two homes. It could take days to pinpoint the cause.

As a side note, the fire bureau asked we remind readers they recommend storing propane tanks outside in a well ventilated area; never inside a shed, a garage, or inside a home.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

The fire burned so hot, the Coachman house trailer was quickly gutted even though firefighters arrived within three minutes of the call. See firefighters and rescue workers who saved the victim; learn why neighbors are puzzled …

A man, thought to have started the fire in the house trailer where he was living, is taken into custody by police when we arrived. He’s being checked over by a medic.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Tall Firs Mobile Court, on SE Division Street near SE 156th Avenue, is pretty quiet, residents say.

But, a fire ‚Äì officials aren’t commenting on whether or not the blaze was intentional ‚Äì causes a commotion the evening of January 28. The 9-1-1 dispatch we hear indicates a man called emergency operators and indicated he had set his house trailer on fire.

Greg Salby lives across the driveway from the smoldering Coachman house trailer. “The fire lit up the night,” he tells us, looking at the smoldering frame of what used to be a home.

“Flames were coming out the sides, windows, everywhere. It doesn’t seem like a trailer like that would have that much stuff inside that would burn.”

Twenty-one Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters fight a losing battle to save the mobile home; but they do keep other trailers and from catching fire.

According to Lt. Allen Oswalt, spokesperson for Portland Fire & Rescue, the $20,000 travel trailer, and its $10,000 worth of contents, were a total loss.

“We’re always concerned when a fire breaks out in a park,” Oswalt reported. “With narrow streets, and tightly-spaced units, a fire like this can easily spread ‚Äì especially when driven by the winds.”

Fire bureau records show that the call came in at 8:54 p.m.; firefighters were on scene at 8:57 p.m. ‚Äì the fire was out by 9:09 p.m. “In total, we had 21 fire fighters, 6 engines, and a rescue unit working this fire,” Oswalt says.

We asked how the fire started.

“The report says, ‘Form of heat was unknown’,” answers Oswalt.

Whether he’s a victim or perpetrator is still unknown. All medics comprehended is that they had a patient who needed to be rushed to the hospital.

The condition of the man who was in the trailer when the fire started rapidly deteriorates. After being stabilized by paramedics, he is soon on his way to Emanuel Hospital. He was admitted in “serious condition” according to officials.

Not much left of the travel trailer that was once a person’s home.

Asked about the man suspected of being involved in the blaze, Selby, a 25 year resident of the mobile home park answers, “I knew him a little. He seemed like a pretty nice guy. I wouldn’t think he’s the kind of person who would do something like this on purpose.”

Laws prohibit hospitals from releasing the name or condition of a patient. As of this time, the man injured in the fire hasn’t been charged with a crime.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service