Why has it taken a month to present the story about how street prostitutes are helped to escape ‘the life’? You may be as surprised as we are by the answer …
Under the Portland’s “Project 57”, when a street prostitute is arrested, they go to jail – but not for long. They stay only until their arraigned or bailed out.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although popular with affected residents and business owners, both Mayor Tom Potter and Commissioner Randy Leonard say the Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) and Drug-free Zone ordinances were ineffective and unfair.
“I haven’t been in favor of the ordinances,” Leonard tells us after the ordinances expired. “Even if they are constitutional, I don’t think they solve the problem. When we designate an area to be an exclusion zone, prostitutes move to another area.”
A better idea is to provide treatment, Leonard says. “Our Project 57, in which we rent 57 jail beds from the county to hold chronic offenders, has reduced recidivism among the top 300 repeat offenders by 71%.
Project 57 primer
“Project 57” was established to keep crime offenders, who pose the greatest threat to public safety, in jail.
Prior to Project 57, those arrested, were given citations-in-lieu of custody (not unlike a traffic ticket), released, and then expected to appear voluntarily for their scheduled court appearances.
A disproportionate percentage of those arrested failed to show up in court for their arraignment. The benefit of the new program, officials say, is that under Project 57, those arrested stay in jail until they are “recoged” (released on their own recognizance), or bailed out (by a bail bondsman) of jail.
Also, as a joint Portland/Multnomah County “Quick Facts” report, dated June 2007, says, “those who actually appear in Court for their arraignment have a greater likelihood of making subsequent appearances to complete adjudication of their charges and begin benefiting from whatever rehab services that may be available within the court system.”
While treatment while in jail may help prostitutes change their lives, they often are back on the street within 24 hours.
A third benefit, the report says, that “Immediate incarceration upon arrest, even for short periods of time, creates a disruption in an offender’s criminal behavior that COULD deter the arrestee from future criminal activity.”
Little jail time served
Because it is judges who sentence those who are arrested to jail, not the police, the police say street-level prostitutes spend very little time in jail when they are arrested.
“Anyone arrested [for a Project 57 offence] is taken to the Portland Justice Center for booking,” says Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs. “They are ‘in jail’ as long as it takes them to be booked, and make bail. If they can’t make bail, they are held until their arraignment. Practically speaking, it can be from about eight hours to a couple of days before they are released.”
Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler agrees that specific treatment for prostitutes is a good idea.
In search of treatment
Multnomah County – not the City of Portland – is in charge of administering all treatment and rehabilitation programs.
Before a recent public meeting, we ask Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler if the county provides rehabilitation or treatment services for prostitutes.
“As far as I know,” Wheeler says, “there are no services specifically targeted toward prostitutes for alcohol and drug treatment. This is a serious issue; it seems like a gap in the services we provide to the community.”
We suggest that many prostituted women have “pimp problems” that overshadow their drug problems.
“I couldn’t agree with you more,” Wheeler responds. “For a long time, we’ve looked at prostitution solely as a public safety issue. There is no question in my mind that people engaged in prostitution are also victims in their own way. There is an affirmative obligation for the community to reach out to them and help them see a better way.”
Multnomah County Mental Health and Addiction Services Division director Karl Brimner says his department is looking into what services may be provided for prostitutes.
Top treatment director speaks
Chair Wheeler suggests we contact the Multnomah County Mental Health and Addiction Services Division to learn more. After a telephone introduction, the division’s director, Karl Brimner, M.Ed., agrees to meet with us.
“Since we’ve talked on the phone, I’ve talked with my staff,” begins Brimner. “The county certainly offers mental health services to everyone. Adults, kids, families, whatever the need may be.
“When we are talking about situations related to prostitution, there are a number of variables into why women are involved. And, it is predominantly women who are involved.”
The division director says that when women call in and ask about something more specific than just some of the mental health services, they are directed to agencies – some not funded by the county – that provide services to individuals who may be involved sexual situations, including prostitution.
Little treatment while in jail
We ask if inmates are required to undergo any kind of treatment while in jail.
Brimner replies, “There may be some treatment available for people while they’re in jail, but most of the programs are after the discharge. It might be outpatient services or residential services.”
He adds that judges frequently make this treatment a condition of release, particularly if they are going on probation.
We ask, “When women who are convicted of prostitution go to jail, they are typically in the grips of their pimp. How might we help them break that control – break the cycle?”
Brimner replies, “It does get back to similar areas to domestic violence; the cycles that occur there in unhealthy relationships. Where domestic violence is part of the problem, there are services available.
“If a woman has been arrested for prostitution and has identified some areas, like domestic violence, or alcohol and drugs, or wants to see a mental health counselor – these can all be conditions of release as well. This would help the person deal with the problem, so they’re not recycling back into the criminal justice system.”
County treatment division director Karl Brimner says there is little treatment – of any kind – available to jailed drug addicts or prostitutes.
Hard questions; few answers
We learn there isn’t a specific program in which a judge can say, “As part of your conditions of release, you will take and complete the prostitution aversion program”.
From interviews we’ve had with organizations now disbanded, we tell Brimner it seems unlikely that a prostituted woman will take action to seek help.
Because most prostituted women are enmeshed in their domestic situation, we continue, they’re too afraid, or too strung out on drugs or alcohol, to call and ask for help.
We add that professionals have told us that jailing prostitutes may help them escape “the life” – not as punishment, but giving them a “time out” to think about their lives and situations. Jail gets them away from their pimp, drug dealer or both.
We get to our question: “How can we connect prostituted persons with helpful programs – when they are in jail – to give them the opportunity to make a choice without pressure from their pimp?”
“That is a good point, David,” Brimner responds. “One of the things we’ve talked about, among our staff members in the last few days, is that I want to make sure the folks in jail who deal with mental health issues are aware of the programs that are available. A woman serving some jail time has the opportunity to think about potential options and get the support to do that.
“We know that when folks are leaving the jail setting it isn’t always easy for them to pick up the phone and make the call for help. If there could be some kind of intervention as part of the discharge process it would be important. Or, maybe providing available service contact information would be helpful where appropriate.”
Good help is hard to find
In closing, Brimner gives us a list of three organizations that work with prostituted women.
“One is New Options for Women. It is counseling and assistance services for women and girls involved in a variety of aspects of the industry, including prostitution.”
When we called New Options, we learn the program lost its funding from Multnomah County during the summer, and has disbanded.
“Another is called Rehab Sisters,” Brimner states. “It is involved in counseling and support for those who work in the ‘sex industry’.”
Rehab Sisters’ telephone number has been disconnected; there is no new number. Through extensive Internet and directory searches, we find no listing for this organization.
“The third is Sex Worker Outreach, run through the Portland Women’s Crisis Helpline.”
When we contacted them, we’re told that they don’t operate a rehabilitation program; they run a crisis-referral service. However, the person in charge Sex Worker Outreach has not returned our calls.
Taking on the responsibility; putting it nowhere
While PFZ and DFZ ordinances put a bandage on the neighborhood-impacting symptoms of the problem by allowing police to exclude street sex vendors – we agree that the laws do not solve the problem.
We agree that taking habitual offenders off the street and jailing them under Program 57 is a good idea – but police say they’re back on the street as soon as they make bail or are arraigned.
And, we certainly agree that court-mandated treatment is a necessary step to help prostituted women change their lives.
County Chair Ted Wheeler told us, “As you point out, a number of those women don’t want to be that life. Some of them are being held in that field against their will. The threat of physical violence – we know that; that is factually the case. From my prospective, this is a vulnerable population we should be targeting to help.”
But, with the both the City and County turning their pocketbooks inside-out, showing they have limited resources; it appears as if help won’t be coming anytime soon.
No customer diversion programs
Perhaps you’ll recall how a “john” told officers he picked up the prostitute so they could “go have a taco together.” Intent is difficult to prove; it is extraordinarily difficult for cops to catch street sex “in the act”. Thus, most “johns” – the customers of prostitution – are never prosecuted.
Until they closed two years ago, the Lola Greene Baldwin Foundation ran court-mandated educational programs for “johns”. They, too, lost their county and state funding.
As their co-founder, Joseph Parker, told us in a 2005 interview, “Johns are addicted to using prostituted women to fulfill their fantasies. It is less about the sex act – but much more about having absolute power and control over another human being.”
It’s up to you
Sadly, this tragic problem is “out of sight; out of mind” for most Portland residents – they simply don’t care.
But, for the neighbors who go on their daily “used condom and needle patrol” missions; shoo their children away from the front windows of their homes; and, feel unsafe on their own street as “johns” and “hookers” conduct their business as usual, the quality of life in “their Portland” continues to sink.
Until the citizens of Portland tire of the vice that grips outer East Portland neighborhoods along NE Sandy Boulevard, and along 82nd Avenue of Roses, and elect leaders who feel their discontent, street prostitution will flourish.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
How the blaze got started remains a mystery. But, see how fast action by our firefighters limited damage to this adult entertainment establishment on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses …
It took only minutes to put of the fire – but the circumstances sure made firefighters wonder how and why it started.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Thanksgiving Day evening, things heated up a bit too much at “The G-Spot” adult establishment at 3400 NE 82nd Avenue of Roses. Firefighters were called to put out a blaze in the house-turned-business.
By the time we arrive at 7:52 p.m., 82nd Avenue of Roses is closed to traffic; fire engines from stations 2, 12, 19 and 28 – plus a paramedic unit and command vehicles from Districts 3 and 4 are scattered across the usually busy street.
It didn’t take firefighters long to put out flames; damage was limited to the business’s front parlor.
Stepping around a fire engine, we see firefighters coming in and out of the charred front door of the business – an established listed as both a book shop and lingerie store.
“It was a ‘room and contents’ fire,” Battalion Chief of District 4, Ed Fitzgerald, tells us. “No one was present. The fire was in the front room. Our crews got water on it quickly.”
While they didn’t find anyone in or around the building, the Battalion Chief says the sign was on – and the door was unlocked. Here the two Battalion Chiefs talk with a Portland Police Officer about the fire.
Prompt action saves building
The call came in at 7:33 p.m. and crews started dousing the flames at 7:38 p.m.
“We were more concerned about the upper story; the possibly of fire extending into the attic space,” says Fitzgerald. “But we’ve checked the building carefully. It’s all clear.”
We ask if anyone was injured, or was removed from the building
“Nobody is around,” Fitzgerald replies. “We did a complete search. No one was there; nobody was around [the structure].”
“So the business was closed?” we ask.
“We don’t know if the establishment was open or not; there wasn’t anyone around,” answers Fitzgerald. “The door was unlocked.”
We watch the firefighters wrap their hose lines in the near-freezing cold for a few minutes, as a Portland Fire & Rescue fire inspector suits up, grabs his gear, and heads into the building’s charred parlor.
In the near-freezing weather, firefighters clean their equipment, wrap their lines, and get ready for the next call.
Fire of human origin
We call Portland Fire & Rescue’s public information officer on duty, Kim Kosmas, for more information.
“The building loss is set at $100,000, content loss is listed at $50,000.”
Regarding the cause, Kosmas reports that the fire is still under investigation, but adds, “The report indicates that there was a human factor. Someone used a lighter to ignite some flexible plastic.”
The Portland Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief of District 3 calls for the fire inspector after the firefighters have removed their equipment and done the overhaul (looking for hot spots) from the fire.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
As it turns out, it wasn’t a calamity. But see how Gresham and Portland crews worked together to make sure a leaking railroad car didn’t turn into a catastrophe …
Traffic along NE Sandy Boulevard, from the eastern edge of Portland well into Gresham, was closed – and some areas were evacuated – while a leaking rail car was investigated by HAZMAT agencies from both Portland and Gresham.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The members of Portland Fire & Rescue’s and Gresham Fire Department’s HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials) Teams didn’t seem to notice the pelting rain, occasionally turning to sleet, when they were called out Sunday night, January 6.
The emergency radio calls indicated that a railroad tank car, traveling eastbound on the tracks that parallel NE Sandy Blvd., was leaking. The crew on a westbound train said they saw vapor coming from the tanker.
HAZMAT crews from both Portland and Gresham, working with officials from the railroad, developed a plan of action to determine the whether or not a tank car was leaking – and the potential hazard it might entail.
Portland and Gresham crews scramble
Because the potential hazardous materials spill was spotted in Portland about NE 158th Avenue – the train finally stopped in Gresham, just west of NE 182nd Avenue – HAZMAT crews from both cities rushed to the site.
For several hours, NE Sandy Blvd. was shut down, and bus service was rerouted. Boeing Aerospace workers waited at roadblocks to report for work, as the HAZMAT team members checked out the potential leak.
Crews get ready to sample materials they may find when they inspect the rail cars in question.
Running down the possibilities
Grant Coffey, HAZMAT Coordinator for the City of Portland, was on-scene taking charge of the event. He’s a good man for the job: Coffey came up through the ranks of Portland Fire & Rescue, led PF&R’s HAZMAT team for many years, and now teaches the subject at the college level.
“We’re checking the manifests for the cars,” Coffey told us. “The product in one of the cars is probably granulated powder. Another is plastic, and acrylic, in liquid form. It’s got a 30-day inhibitor, so it’s probably not going to be a problem – especially at this [low] temperature, even without the inhibitor.”
The concern then focused on just one of three tanker cars: “It’s filled with 183,000 pounds of phenol. That’s an organic solvent used in industry. This product gives off a white, maybe a pinkish, vapor.”
It’s not like chlorine gas, ammonia, phosgene, or chlorine, Coffey told us. “It’ll kill you if you fell in a pool of it, or ingested it. But it’s not extremely hazardous.”
After careful analysis, HAZMAT crews clear the incident.
Better to be safe …
While we were at the scene, the crews brought back the information that all was safe, and they started allowing workers to travel to their jobs, and traffic to resume, on NE Sandy Boulevard.
“Why all this response?” we asked.
“Better safe than sorry,” replied Coffey. “The idea is to take every precaution. If there were a hazardous situation, we need to be well on top it before anyone – or the environment – could be hurt.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Published March 24, 2006 ~ By David F. Ashton
Multnomah County Lonnie Roberts reads letters of support for equal school funding, as a “who‚Äôs who” of county education sits ready to lend their support at the March 22 gathering. David F. Ashton Photo
It looks like Multnomah County Commissioners Lisa Naito, Maria Rojo de Steffey, and Serena Cruz Walsh have gotten their way when it comes to funding schools with County I-Tax dollars. They voted to spend $6.4 million to help some schools – but not all of them – in East Portland. Their decision was to give $5.2 million to Portland Public Schools and the remainder to the Reynolds School District.
How much will Parkrose and David Douglas School Districts get? Nada. Nothing. Not one, thin dime. The Multnomah County Commissioners voted 3 to 2 on March 23. The two commissioners who “lost” were Roberts and Chair Linn.
The day before the vote, school superintendents from all over Multnomah County gathered at the David Douglas School District offices for a meeting they called, “Superintendents Speak Out!” A “who‚Äôs who” of education propionates turned out for the event.
David Douglas Schools superintendent Barbara Rommel talks with Dr. Thomas Hagerman, her counterpart in the Riverdale district. David F. Ashton Photo
David Douglas‚Äô superintendent Barbara Rommel told us, “We‚Äôre here today to emphasize the importance of parity in funding for any money available from Multnomah County to the schools. We need to give attention to all of the students, in all of our schools.”
Commissioner Lonnie Roberts and Gresham mayor Chuck Becker say the unequal distribution of Multnomah County education dollars is unfair. David F. Ashton Photo
“We want equity in school funding,” is what District 4 County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts told us in an exclusive interview. “Three of the county commissioners put forth a proposition that would leaving out David Douglas and Parkrose ‚Äì remember, these school districts are both in the City of Portland, as well as the county.”
While Roberts said he can‚Äôt speak for Commissioners Naito, Rojo de Steffey, nor Cruz Walsh, he said he was told that their formula was based on the giving the money to the districts with the greatest “needs”. “Either these two school systems really do have greater problems, or they haven‚Äôt managed their resources as well as the others.”
Roberts pointed out that David Douglas doesn‚Äôt serve wealthy neighborhoods. “77% of their students qualify for reduced or free lunches. We have the same situation in Centennial. In Parkrose, David Douglas and Centennial, 47 different languages or dialects are spoken at home. This cultural diversity presents an enormous challenge to develop programs that are designed to meet the needs of these students.”
The bottom line, Roberts added, is “we need to have equal funding.”
“Oregon PTA is very interested in school funding issues and fairness for all children. We are concerned about the fund distribution in Multnomah County,” is how Victoria Guillebeau, VP Leadership, Oregon PDA, put it to us. “Our children are our future. While I‚Äôm sure the Commissioners‚Äô hearts are in the right place, we want to make certain that all districts are treated fairly.”
Fred Sanchez, owner of Realty Brokers, was introduced to the group as also being the past president of the Gateway Area Business Association. “It is important that all of our kids get a fair share of educational funding. I‚Äôve come to speak so all of our kids get a good education.”
Michel Taylor, Superintendent of the Parkrose School District, speaks out regarding the funding situation he says is unfair to those gathered at the meeting — and Portland’s traditional media.
Superintendent of the Parkrose School District, Michel Taylor, said during the meeting how the I-Tax helped their district bring education up to “minimal levels”, providing students with a better education. He explained how they budgeted the money to stretch out the funding over time. the length of time “Then, without any conversation with our district, this [new plan that cuts their funds] determines we don’t have a need. There was no talk, no rationale presented. We have a grate deal of difficulty with that notion.”
To the surprise of some, Dr. Terry Kneisler, Reynolds School District superintendent ‚Äì the other district scheduled to get some county cash ‚Äì didn‚Äôt seem pleased. When asked if his district will accept the funding, he said “Yes. We have no choice.” He added that he told the commissioners it didn‚Äôt seem fair for the funding to go to some school districts, and not others. “The amount of money available to students should not change when they move across boundary lines. We appreciate the generosity, but we need a better way,”
Will there be a better way? We’ll see. Threats of lawsuits are flying – like by Ken Noah, superintendent of Gresham-Barlow Рto even things up.
?ì 2006 David F. Ashton – East PDX News
Published March 24, 2006 ~ By David F. Ashton
Multnomah County Lonnie Roberts reads letters of support for equal school funding, as a “who‚Äôs who” of county education sits ready to lend their support at the March 22 gathering. David F. Ashton Photo
It looks like Multnomah County Commissioners Lisa Naito, Maria Rojo de Steffey, and Serena Cruz Walsh have gotten their way when it comes to funding schools with County I-Tax dollars. They voted to spend $6.4 million to help some schools – but not all of them – in East Portland. Their decision was to give $5.2 million to Portland Public Schools and the remainder to the Reynolds School District.
How much will Parkrose and David Douglas School Districts get? Nada. Nothing. Not one, thin dime. The Multnomah County Commissioners voted 3 to 2 on March 23. The two commissioners who “lost” were Roberts and Chair Linn.
The day before the vote, school superintendents from all over Multnomah County gathered at the David Douglas School District offices for a meeting they called, “Superintendents Speak Out!” A “who‚Äôs who” of education propionates turned out for the event.
David Douglas Schools superintendent Barbara Rommel talks with Dr. Thomas Hagerman, her counterpart in the Riverdale district. David F. Ashton Photo
David Douglas‚Äô superintendent Barbara Rommel told us, “We‚Äôre here today to emphasize the importance of parity in funding for any money available from Multnomah County to the schools. We need to give attention to all of the students, in all of our schools.”
Commissioner Lonnie Roberts and Gresham mayor Chuck Becker say the unequal distribution of Multnomah County education dollars is unfair. David F. Ashton Photo
“We want equity in school funding,” is what District 4 County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts told us in an exclusive interview. “Three of the county commissioners put forth a proposition that would leaving out David Douglas and Parkrose ‚Äì remember, these school districts are both in the City of Portland, as well as the county.”
While Roberts said he can‚Äôt speak for Commissioners Naito, Rojo de Steffey, nor Cruz Walsh, he said he was told that their formula was based on the giving the money to the districts with the greatest “needs”. “Either these two school systems really do have greater problems, or they haven‚Äôt managed their resources as well as the others.”
Roberts pointed out that David Douglas doesn‚Äôt serve wealthy neighborhoods. “77% of their students qualify for reduced or free lunches. We have the same situation in Centennial. In Parkrose, David Douglas and Centennial, 47 different languages or dialects are spoken at home. This cultural diversity presents an enormous challenge to develop programs that are designed to meet the needs of these students.”
The bottom line, Roberts added, is “we need to have equal funding.”
“Oregon PTA is very interested in school funding issues and fairness for all children. We are concerned about the fund distribution in Multnomah County,” is how Victoria Guillebeau, VP Leadership, Oregon PDA, put it to us. “Our children are our future. While I‚Äôm sure the Commissioners‚Äô hearts are in the right place, we want to make certain that all districts are treated fairly.”
Fred Sanchez, owner of Realty Brokers, was introduced to the group as also being the past president of the Gateway Area Business Association. “It is important that all of our kids get a fair share of educational funding. I‚Äôve come to speak so all of our kids get a good education.”
Michel Taylor, Superintendent of the Parkrose School District, speaks out regarding the funding situation he says is unfair to those gathered at the meeting — and Portland’s traditional media.
Superintendent of the Parkrose School District, Michel Taylor, said during the meeting how the I-Tax helped their district bring education up to “minimal levels”, providing students with a better education. He explained how they budgeted the money to stretch out the funding over time. the length of time “Then, without any conversation with our district, this [new plan that cuts their funds] determines we don’t have a need. There was no talk, no rationale presented. We have a grate deal of difficulty with that notion.”
To the surprise of some, Dr. Terry Kneisler, Reynolds School District superintendent ‚Äì the other district scheduled to get some county cash ‚Äì didn‚Äôt seem pleased. When asked if his district will accept the funding, he said “Yes. We have no choice.” He added that he told the commissioners it didn‚Äôt seem fair for the funding to go to some school districts, and not others. “The amount of money available to students should not change when they move across boundary lines. We appreciate the generosity, but we need a better way,”
Will there be a better way? We’ll see. Threats of lawsuits are flying – like by Ken Noah, superintendent of Gresham-Barlow Рto even things up.
?ì 2006 David F. Ashton – East PDX News
See the photos we took of this show, and you’ll be planning now to see this great Broadway musical, complete with 35 music-and-dance numbers, presented by the Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 next weekend …
Scenes from ‘Bye, Bye Birdie’ continuing this weekend at Parkrose High School.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
A full band, imaginative sets and staging, and a costumed cast of 30 make Bye, Bye Birdie’ a show the whole family can enjoy.
Even though the story is set back in the year is 1958, the theme of teenagers being smitten by a rock star, situations of family life, and romances keep the story relevant for today’s audiences.
The story is about a rock and roll superstar who is about to be drafted into the army. Birdie’s agent wants to cash in on new song, “One Last Kiss” by exposing it on live television — during which Burdie will give one lucky girl from his fan club a real “one last kiss”.
The rock star’s visit ‚Äì and attitude ‚Äì disrupt his agent’s life, that of the girl’s family ‚Äì and the entire town.
The show continues this weekend — but then, it’s gone!
The Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 presents “BYE BYE BIRDIE” on at 7:00 p.m. on November 16, 17 and 18.
It’s at the Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver Street (at the corner of SE 122nd Avenue). Tickets are only $8 for adults and $5 for students. Call (503) 408-2718 for tickets or more information.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
When a local talk show host hammered educators at Parkrose High School for‚Äîin effect ‚Äì cramming Al Gore’s ideology down the throats of students, we talked with Principal Roy Reynolds to see what was up ‚Ķ
Is this school a hotbed for political propaganda – or a place of rigorous education? It was difficult to tell if you listened to talk radio this week.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
The fact that Lars Larson dwells on a topic for two days doesn’t make his issue a news story. But when we got calls from parents about it, we thought we needed see what was happening.
The topic: Screenings of Al Gore’s motion picture, “An Inconvenient Truth” to students taking science classes at Parkrose High School.
Some people say Al Gore produced the film “An Inconvenient Truth” to rally the world’s population to stop global warming. Others say it is merely his attempt to advance his political agenda, not provide a science lesson. (Publicity Photo)
Depending on one’s point of view, this movie is either brilliant reportage of critical scientific facts which reveal the nature of global warming and its imminent disastrous effects. Or, it is merely Al Gore’s method of putting forth his political agenda.
Science is less unanimous on the matter than the film may suggest.
For example, Dr. Robert C. Balling Jr., a professor in the climatology program at Arizona State University, specializing in climate change and the greenhouse effect, is one scientist who disputes some of the film’s facts, and conclusions.
See: http://www.tcsdaily.com/article.aspx?id=052406F.
The superintendent’s view
We asked Michael Taylor, Superintendent, Parkrose Public Schools, for his own view regarding the controversy.
“When our teachers create a lesson plan, they are tasked to focus on meeting the State standards, keeping in mind the ‘three R’s’ of Relevance, Rigor and Relationships. This motion picture is continuously in the media and newscasts, and playing at the movie house ‚Äì it is certainly relevant.”
Taylor said the school system doesn’t have an agenda nor point of view regarding the topic. “Once the students are engaged, we can ask questions of them, such as, ‘What are the basic assumptions that are made here?’ or ‘What are the actual facts that are presented here?’ Critical analysis, research and study are what make up a good part of the educational process.”
Principal Reynolds speaks
Parkrose High School principal Roy Reynolds spoke to us about his decision to allow the science department to show the film. He restated the importance of relevance, rigor, and relationships as we began our conversation.
“I was a teacher long before I was a principal,” Reynolds told us. “I found that controversial subjects that are covered widely by the media are often the most relevant to students. I see this film as a jumping-off point for research and discussion.”
Reynolds referred to the text of a letter he wrote to parents which reads:
“The purpose of the movie is to educate the public about the science behind global warming. While it is done by Al Gore, it has a largely non-partisan message (though he does make several references critiquing the Bush administration’s environmental policy).
“The movie will be shown to students enrolled in several of our science teachers’ classes. Because of the potential for controversy, I have reminded the teachers to follow Parkrose School District Policy, ‘Studying Controversial Issues.’ This Board Policy requires that teachers provide for impartiality and insure that all sides of an issue are presented fairly.”
The showing of this motion picture was part of a lesson plan, Reynolds said, “that will expose students to varying points of view.”
From Parkrose Public Schools’ policy manual:
STUDYING CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
Since our society is based on the free exchange of ideas and diversity of political and social thought, it shall be the policy of this district to encourage unbiased, unprejudiced and scientific study of controversial issues as they arise as part of school curriculum. A controversial issue may be defined as any topic or problem which society is in the process of debating on which there is honest disagreement.
Such issues arise when different interpretations are given to a particular set of circumstances.
The basic goal in studying controversial questions should be to enable the student to develop techniques for considering such questions; techniques which he/she will use habitually in later life. Learning situations shall provide opportunities for the development of clear thinking, balanced judgment, intelligent choices, informed opinion, an ability to differentiate fact from opinion and an understanding of propaganda devices. Questions treated should come within the range of the knowledge, maturity and competence of the students. Issues selected for study should be current, significant and of interest to the students.
The teacher is the most important member of the staff in the actual handling of controversial issues. The role of the teacher should be to reveal to students the processes used by the social scientist to identify, study and solve problems. The teacher shall avoid indoctrination in his/her own personal viewpoint and shall not attempt to control or limit the judgment of students. The selection of materials, guest speakers and classroom activities in general shall be done with studied impartiality for the purpose of fairly presenting all sides of an issue.
The administration of this policy in the district is the immediate responsibility of the building principal under the guidance of procedures established by the superintendent.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
In addition to their participation in the “Pennies for Patients” campaign, learn how these sincere, young Parkrose students also helped raise awareness of blood-related diseases ‚Ķ
Margaret Goff, 3rd Grade Teacher at Russell Academy, welcomes Eric Tweed, the campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. They stand before the school’s “Window of Pennies for Patients”; on their wrists are the society’s red “Relentless” bracelets.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On February 21, we were invited to a special, all-school assembly at Russell Academy of Academic Achievement in Parkrose.
“What’s so special about this assembly?” we ask third-grade teacher Margaret Goff.
“We’re having a celebration,” Goff beamed, “honoring the good work our students have done supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s ‘Pennies for Patients’ campaign. We’ve been doing a three-week fund-raising program, led by our Student Counsel.”
Connection with cancer
“I’ve had two students with leukemia, so this project touched home with me,” Goff said. “It grabbed me and pulled me.”
Goff’s enthusiasm fired up the school’s Student Council, which took on the project. “Every morning, using the school’s intercom, they gave facts about leukemia, lymphoma, and blood cancers to our students. They helped after school, every day, with the sales of bracelets and bears. And, they counted change every Friday,” the teacher reported.
Principal Jeff Rose asks his students to settle down – and within 30 seconds, you can hear a pin drop.
Drum roll, please
In some schools, quieting down kids in an all-school assembly can take a long time, plus quite a bit of effort by the teachers and aides.
But, we’re always impressed with the decorum of the students at Russell Academy. Principal Jeff Rose asked for the young students’ attention ‚Äì and in less than 30 seconds, the gymnasium was whisper-quiet.
Student Council members for each of the Russell Academy classes stand before their peers as the tallies are revealed.
As the Student Council members stood before their peers, a very professional video presentation, made by school staff members, showed the tallies. The students:
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Purchased 285 $1.00 paper pennies,
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Are wearing 195 “Red Relentless” Bracelets,
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Gave new homes to 300 Plushland Bears and Dogs, and
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Brought in and counted $2,037.06 in loose change.
Russell Academy third-graders Derek Williams and Taylor May present their school’s really big check to Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Eric Tweed
A really BIG check
Presenting the check were third grade students Taylor May and Derek Williams.
“This was good, because it is helping people with cancer and leukemia so they can get better,” May said. “The best part is helping other people.”
With an unusually adult air, Williams added, “Some people have cancer. It isn’t their fault. It is good to help people feel better.”
All in all, the students’ Pennies for Patients campaign raised $5,257.02.
The jaw of Eric Tweed, campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, dropped a little, and a big smile came over his face. He exclaimed, “This has been great to see how you students have been real go-getters. I’m excited how to see how well you’ve done. On behalf of the Society, we thank you!”
You can find out more, or pitch in your support for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, by going to www.lls.org, or by calling (503) 245-9866.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
In addition to their participation in the “Pennies for Patients” campaign, learn how these sincere, young Parkrose students also helped raise awareness of blood-related diseases ‚Ķ
Margaret Goff, 3rd Grade Teacher at Russell Academy, welcomes Eric Tweed, the campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. They stand before the school’s “Window of Pennies for Patients”; on their wrists are the society’s red “Relentless” bracelets.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On February 21, we were invited to a special, all-school assembly at Russell Academy of Academic Achievement in Parkrose.
“What’s so special about this assembly?” we ask third-grade teacher Margaret Goff.
“We’re having a celebration,” Goff beamed, “honoring the good work our students have done supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s ‘Pennies for Patients’ campaign. We’ve been doing a three-week fund-raising program, led by our Student Counsel.”
Connection with cancer
“I’ve had two students with leukemia, so this project touched home with me,” Goff said. “It grabbed me and pulled me.”
Goff’s enthusiasm fired up the school’s Student Council, which took on the project. “Every morning, using the school’s intercom, they gave facts about leukemia, lymphoma, and blood cancers to our students. They helped after school, every day, with the sales of bracelets and bears. And, they counted change every Friday,” the teacher reported.
Principal Jeff Rose asks his students to settle down – and within 30 seconds, you can hear a pin drop.
Drum roll, please
In some schools, quieting down kids in an all-school assembly can take a long time, plus quite a bit of effort by the teachers and aides.
But, we’re always impressed with the decorum of the students at Russell Academy. Principal Jeff Rose asked for the young students’ attention ‚Äì and in less than 30 seconds, the gymnasium was whisper-quiet.
Student Council members for each of the Russell Academy classes stand before their peers as the tallies are revealed.
As the Student Council members stood before their peers, a very professional video presentation, made by school staff members, showed the tallies. The students:
-
Purchased 285 $1.00 paper pennies,
-
Are wearing 195 “Red Relentless” Bracelets,
-
Gave new homes to 300 Plushland Bears and Dogs, and
-
Brought in and counted $2,037.06 in loose change.
Russell Academy third-graders Derek Williams and Taylor May present their school’s really big check to Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Eric Tweed
A really BIG check
Presenting the check were third grade students Taylor May and Derek Williams.
“This was good, because it is helping people with cancer and leukemia so they can get better,” May said. “The best part is helping other people.”
With an unusually adult air, Williams added, “Some people have cancer. It isn’t their fault. It is good to help people feel better.”
All in all, the students’ Pennies for Patients campaign raised $5,257.02.
The jaw of Eric Tweed, campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, dropped a little, and a big smile came over his face. He exclaimed, “This has been great to see how you students have been real go-getters. I’m excited how to see how well you’ve done. On behalf of the Society, we thank you!”
You can find out more, or pitch in your support for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, by going to www.lls.org, or by calling (503) 245-9866.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
If you didn’t get to see it, you missed the funniest play about murder, ever. Take a look at these exclusive photos and you’ll find it hard to believe these actors are high school kids ‚Ķ 
Could it be that his home-made wine contains more than fermented grapes?
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Everything about Parkrose High Thespians’ production of Arsenic & Old Lace is outstanding.
From a very professional theatrical set, to the play’s presentation, these young actors truly bring this classic comedy to life.
Could these sweet, hospitable old ladies have really ‘done in’ a dozen lonely men?
About the play
Arsenic & Old Lace is a farce revolving around Mortimer Brewster, a theatre-loathing drama critic who must deal with his murderous family ‚Äì and the local police. Given his situation, he’s debating whether to go marry the woman he loves.
Mortimer: “My aunts are doing ‚Ķ WHAT?”
His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to “helping out” lonely old men.
It also includes a brother who believes he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and digs locks for the Panama Canal in their home’s cellar–and a criminally murderous brother who has received plastic surgery from his alcoholic accomplice, “Dr. Einstein”, to conceal his identity.
Brother Johnny comes home. But…is this a good thing?
Final show was March 3
People who went had a great time at this play! More from our Arsenic & Old Lace photo album
It’s a standoff. What to do now?
All is happy in the Brewster household.
But, the aunties can’t seem to keep from going back to their old ways ‚Ķ
Good show! Well done! Bravo!
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
This show is guaranteed to chase the wet winter blues away! Take a look, and see why you should be buying your ticket for this show, opening March 9th …
David Douglas Theater Department works on the parts in this play, “See How They Run”. It’s loaded with multiple mistaken identities, gaffes, and well-timed comedic confusion.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
The line, “See how they run”, originally drawn from the nursery rhyme about the “three blind mice” is best known in popular culture today from The Beatles’ use of it in two of their songs, “I am the Walrus” and “Lady Madonna”.
But perhaps Paul McCartney and John Lennon used this phrase in the songs not because of the children’s rhyme, but because they enjoyed the comedic confusion that reigns in this 1945 farce by Philip King. It’s marked with screwball situations and humor.
The play’s storyline
Set in the 1940’s, the quiet house of a British minister is turned upside down by four mistaken identities, two impostors, an escaped spy, and one train- wreck of confusion after another.
But the plot doesn’t stop there. The closet is filled with surprises and prisoners. The town busybody is found inebriated, out of control, and in the most embarrassing of situations.
The dizzying pace of the plot culminates in a roundabout chase through the middle of a polite conversation between a new house guest and hostess who maintains impossible appearances.
David Douglas Theater Department’s Michael Givler goes over rehearsal notes with the cast.
Staging provides intimate setting
Because all of the play’s madcap action takes place in one “house”, Theater Manager Mark Taylor and his student staff built the set out, away from the fixed stage. This moves the action up close to the audience.
Order tickets today
See How They Run opens on Friday night, March 9, and Saturday, March 10. It continues the following weekend, on March 15, 16, and 17.
Showtimes for all performances are at 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful Howard Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave., Portland, OR 97233.
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Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults.
For ticket information, call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Some arms were twisted, but no one needed a “license to kill” to pull in big bucks to boost this great, inner SE Portland high school’s activities. Look: you might see Mr. Bond in the background‚
“Place your bets,” calls roulette croupier Ryan McKenzie, as he spins the ball for high rollers Marilyn McKenzie, Colleen Beckmeyer, and Marla Fuller.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With the tinkle of cocktail glasses, the sound of the ball spinning in the roulette wheel, and folks dressed formally, you’d have expected to see Agent 007 slip into the Cleveland High School Annual Auction at any moment.
Sporting the theme “007 ‚Äì License to Spend”, this sold-out event, hosting 400 guests, is part party, and part fund-raising event.
“The money we raise,” organizer Corrie Dawn Greiling-Fritsch tells us, “is spent on all sorts of things: books, computers and technology.”
Leigh Nunez checks Sara Kirschenbaum in for her night of fun and food.
According to organizer Greiling-Fritsch, the silent and live auction’s two paddle bids will go to the school’s foundation and for educational technology. “The balance of the funds is spent all throughout the school for things like sports uniforms, text books, everything under the school that it needs.”
Organizer Corrie Dawn Greiling-Fritsch is ready for a big evening helping big spenders‚ with the help of volunteers like Jasmine Fritsch, here working at an auction computer station.
As attendees glide past the silent auction tables, the cool jazz sounds of the band “Groover Cleveland” play in the background.
“It is a fun event,” says Greiling-Fritsch. “There is a lot of camaraderie. We keep the ticket prices reasonable, so it’s not just the elite who can attend. The fact that all of the people in the school and the community come together to support education is a phenomenally good thing. They’re spending their money on our kids.”
Ready to enjoy a fine dinner, served in the historic Oaks Park Pavilion, are Sandy and Terry Brown, and David and Teresa Coiteux.
This event, Cleveland High’s largest fundraiser of the year, raised $100,000 for academics, the performing arts, and athletics.
“It looks like this event is another huge success,” exclaims Greiling-Fritsch. “Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s auction. From committee members, to donors, to bidders ‚Äì we couldn’t do it without you!”
Cleveland High Auction Photo Album
This accomplished jazz duo, known as “Groover Cleveland”, Charlie Stanford and Grant Richards supply mellow music while attendees write down their bids during the silent auction and hors d’voures.
Linda Golaszewski and David Summers are checking the silent auction bid sheets to make sure someone else doesn’t win their treasures.
Chris Sheik, auctioneer, starts a friendly bidding rivalry and runs up the donations benefiting CHS students.
The banner about the buffet says it all!
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
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