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
See how this program, taught by cops in uniform, gives kids the skills they need to avoid getting into tobacco, drugs, and gangs‚
Two of the many students giving a presentation about how they learned to avoid tobacco, drugs, and gangs through the Parkrose Middle School G.R.E.A.T. program were Mickenin Sprague and Michelle Pham.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We all know Parkrose has many “great” students. But, not long ago, an entire auditorium full of Parkrose Middle School students was honored as being “G.R.E.A.T.” students.
“The objective of the Gang Resistance Education And Training program,” explained coordinator and Portland Police Bureau Officer Michael Paresa, “is giving students life skills that help immunize them against youth violence, delinquency, and gang involvement.”
Paresa added, “The program also works as an effective bridge between police and the community’s youth, allowing relationships to be forged that extend outward from the school into your own neighborhood.”
Aimed at middle school students
“Trained, uniformed police officers present the G.R.E.A.T. Program in middle school classrooms across Portland,” Paresa explained. “Officers present the 13 week program, using a wide range of activities, that result in the necessary life skills, a sense of competency, usefulness, and personal empowerment needed to avoid involvement in youth violence and criminal activity.”
Prizes and pizza party
It isn’t all teaching and learning. We were invited to the “graduation” at Parkrose Middle School. There, students — representing all of the school’s classes — presented skits, poems, readings, and posters, illustrating what they had learned.
Sergeant Larry Graham (far left) congratulates the GREAT program participants. Outstanding students from each class are shown holding a gift from the program — a boom-box music system.
After the student presentations, long time G.R.E.A.T. instructor, Sgt. Larry Graham, addressed the students and teachers.
“I appreciate the support we get from the Portland Police Bureau that operates this program. But most of all, I thank the staff at the school. You welcome us here year after year. You’re here to help us with your classes. You make this possible,” Graham said with gratitude.
Addressing the students, Graham added, “We didn’t tell you drugs and gangs are ‘bad’ ‚Äì you came to that decision on your own. We gave you skills: how to say no, how to make decision, how to plan out life events. You will keep this up on your own. I thank you all for participating. No one is graduating this program without participating. You earned it.”
While all of the kids received a certificate of completion, top students in each class were given a boom-box music system.
Officer Michael Paresa, program coordinator, and Joann Alminiana, program administrator, dishing out pizza to 6th grade graduates of the G.R.E.A.T. program.
With their official certificate of graduation, a new philosophical outlook towards police in mind, and the tools needed to resist gang pressure, these 257 “GREAT” kids then enjoyed a pizza party.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Instead of complaining about shabbiness at your local public school, see how volunteers have pitched in at this outer East Portland high school – and how you, too, can help on August 25th…
They’re never too young to help: Claudia and Jonathan, Samantha and Blue McAbee, helping clean up the Marshall Campus.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although school isn’t in session, more than a dozen volunteers spend a summery July Saturday morning sprucing up the Marshall Campus in Lents.
“We’ve heard that many people have a negative impression of Marshall Campus,” says Aaron Betcher, a AmeriCorps community resource developer at the school, as he trims branches by the front door.
Trimming bushes are AmeriCorps workers Aaron Betcher, Rebecca Leimert, Lauren Audick.
“Some people even say Marshall seems like a scary place,” continues Betcher. “It’s a bad rap. We’re holding community events, like our clean-up day today, to show a more realistic image of the school.”
The AmeriCorps worker says this is the first year they’ve been helping at Marshall Campus. “Part of what we’re doing is increasing parent and community engagement with the school.”
Tiffany Pham helps Tammy Pham and Terri Pham sign up for service at Marshall Campus.
Volunteers from SOLV and Hands-On Portland – some from as far as Hillsboro – work at clipping, raking, painting and beautifying the campus.
The 12-member Portland AmeriCorps team, serving schools at SUN sites across Portland, helped plan the event, Betcher says.
Amanda Keppeler and Lawrence Palmer clean the entry of the campus.
Your turn to help …
On August 25th, Portland Public Schools and SOLV are enlisting volunteers to do grounds work at schools across the city, as part of Community Care Day – from 9 a.m. to noon.
To register and for information on specific sites, go to the Web site www.pps.k12.or.us/depts/communications/news/ and click on “Community Care Day 2007”, or call Monica Kearsley of SOLV at 503-844-9571.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Instead of complaining about shabbiness at your local public school, see how volunteers have pitched in at this outer East Portland high school – and how you, too, can help on August 25th…
They’re never too young to help: Claudia and Jonathan, Samantha and Blue McAbee, helping clean up the Marshall Campus.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although school isn’t in session, more than a dozen volunteers spend a summery July Saturday morning sprucing up the Marshall Campus in Lents.
“We’ve heard that many people have a negative impression of Marshall Campus,” says Aaron Betcher, a AmeriCorps community resource developer at the school, as he trims branches by the front door.
Trimming bushes are AmeriCorps workers Aaron Betcher, Rebecca Leimert, Lauren Audick.
“Some people even say Marshall seems like a scary place,” continues Betcher. “It’s a bad rap. We’re holding community events, like our clean-up day today, to show a more realistic image of the school.”
The AmeriCorps worker says this is the first year they’ve been helping at Marshall Campus. “Part of what we’re doing is increasing parent and community engagement with the school.”
Tiffany Pham helps Tammy Pham and Terri Pham sign up for service at Marshall Campus.
Volunteers from SOLV and Hands-On Portland – some from as far as Hillsboro – work at clipping, raking, painting and beautifying the campus.
The 12-member Portland AmeriCorps team, serving schools at SUN sites across Portland, helped plan the event, Betcher says.
Amanda Keppeler and Lawrence Palmer clean the entry of the campus.
Your turn to help …
On August 25th, Portland Public Schools and SOLV are enlisting volunteers to do grounds work at schools across the city, as part of Community Care Day – from 9 a.m. to noon.
To register and for information on specific sites, go to the Web site www.pps.k12.or.us/depts/communications/news/ and click on “Community Care Day 2007”, or call Monica Kearsley of SOLV at 503-844-9571.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Opening November 29, see why, in addition to the story’s beloved main characters and great special effects, the scene-stealer is Dorothy’s dog, Toto! Take a look …
While her new friends in the Land of Oz have other desires, Dorothy (Tegan Tracy, in rehearsal, not yet costumed) and her aunt’s dog, Toto, say they just want to go home.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Want to start the season with a fun, family show? You don’t have to travel downtown Portland to see great theater – just head for David Douglas High School’s production of the Broadway Musical version of The Wizard of Oz, starting November 29.
“We have a great cast,” says the show’s director, Michael Givler. “This Broadway-style production, originally adapted for the Royal Shakespeare Company, brings a lively, fresh, and unique look to a classic childhood story.”
Well over 100 students are involved in this production, adds Givler. The cast features 56 actors, singers, and dancers. They’re musically accompanied by a full-staffed student orchestra.
The brain-deficient Scarecrow (Sam De Roest), the heart-lacking Tin Woodsman (Ada Chang), the homesick Dorothy (Tegan Tracy), and the Cowardly Lion (Robert Hill) find themselves bedeviled and in the clutches of a bad witch’s minions.
Fast paced and fun
As we watch a technical rehearsal, the dancers are working out the details of a number that will take place in the Emerald City – home of the great Wizard, Oz.
Next, thanks to the technical expertise of theater manager, Mark Taylor, and his student crew of 20 stage technicians, we watch witches fly – yes, actually fly – into a scene, trying to grab the central character, Dorothy, and her dog Toto.
David Douglas High School drama instruction, and the show’s director, (In a black shirt, third from the left) Michael Givler, coaches the actors in a scene from Wizard of Oz.
In many student productions of The Wizard of Oz, you’ll see Toto represented by a stuffed toy animal. But this show features a real Toto – the cutest little black terrier.
About the story
First published in 1900, L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz has been translated into more than 40 languages.
Dorothy, a young girl living on a Kansas farm with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em, is swept up in a tornado. She, her dog Toto, and the farmhouse itself crash-land in Munchkin Land – right smack on the Wicked Witch of the East.
A flying witch (not yet in costume, of course) grabs Dorothy, and tries to fly her away from her friends.
A good witch directs Dorothy and three new friends – a brainless Scarecrow, a heartsick Tin Woodsman, and a ‘fraidy-cat Cowardly Lion – to the City of Emeralds to ask the Wizard of Oz for help. How do they find their way? “Follow the yellow brick road!”
An entertainment bargain
The show opens on November 29 at 7:30 p.m.; and runs Nov. 30, December 1, 6, 7 and 8. And, there’s a special matinee performance on Sunday, December 2 at 2:30 p.m.
When word gets out about the excellence of this show, the later performances will most likely sell out. Buy your tickets now, and enjoy this great show.
Tickets for this full-evening show are just $10 for adults; $7 student/seniors. For ticket information, call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270 from 3 to 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays on school days, as well as
an hour before show times. Or, e-mail DDHSboxoffice@ddouglas.k12.or.us.
All performances are held at the Howard F. Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave. (between SE Stark St. and Division St.).
Expect great sets, professional lighting, and clear sound – twenty student technicians, directed by theater manager Mark Taylor (calling out cues in this photo), give the show a professional feel.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Find out how, within minutes, all of the eggs disappeared, one by one, at this city’s delightful home-spun event.
Placing some of the 3,000 Easter eggs prepared for the City of Maywood Park Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt on the “Big Kids’ Hill” at the April 15 event is volunteer Jason Troutman. David F. Ashton Photo
While nine-month-old Garrett Bertholf, isn’t quite old enough to gather Easter egg prizes, a visit with the Maywood Park Easter Bunny seems to be OK. David F. Ashton Photo
By David F. Ashton
Some people jokingly refer to the small City of Maywood Park, nestled between I-205 and NE 102nd Ave., as “Mayberry, USA”. The independent residents voted years ago to not become annexed by Portland ‚Äì specifically so that the area could retain its identity.
One of the two big annual events sponsored by Maywood Park is the Annual Easter Egg Hunt.
The EGGcitement begins as the kids rush to find goodies. David F. Ashton Photo
Gathering eggs, as fast as her little hands can pick them up, is Sage Lucas. David F. Ashton Photo
This time-honored tradition does more than give kids candy, said Patty Meighen, chair of the event. “This is a great way for our community to come together. Maywood is a unique community, in that we’re a city of our own. Our other big event which we hold each year is our July 4 parade and barbecue.”
She, and 30 of her neighbors stuffed about 3,000 plastic eggs with candy, small toys, and gold coins.
Camille Vushard is showing off her prized Easter eggs to her Grandma, Jan Rishel. David F. Ashton Photo
The pouring morning rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of parents and kids on April 15, as the kids scoured a neighbor’s yard and the city’s park hillside. Within minutes, the eggs were whisked away and opened. “We recycle our plastic eggs, and we’ll store them for next year,” explained Meighen. 
By finding plastic Easter eggs containing a Lucky Gold Coin, kids got to pick gift certificates for restaurants or other prizes. The winners were Lily Mitchell, Olivia Erickson, and Noella McQueen. David F. Ashton Phot
We asked Mayor Mark Hardy for a comment; he just smiled and told us to look at the excitement on the faces of the kids. “We do have a real sense of community in our city,” he said.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Find out how, within minutes, all of the eggs disappeared, one by one, at this city’s delightful home-spun event.
Placing some of the 3,000 Easter eggs prepared for the City of Maywood Park Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt on the “Big Kids’ Hill” at the April 15 event is volunteer Jason Troutman. David F. Ashton Photo
While nine-month-old Garrett Bertholf, isn’t quite old enough to gather Easter egg prizes, a visit with the Maywood Park Easter Bunny seems to be OK. David F. Ashton Photo
By David F. Ashton
Some people jokingly refer to the small City of Maywood Park, nestled between I-205 and NE 102nd Ave., as “Mayberry, USA”. The independent residents voted years ago to not become annexed by Portland ‚Äì specifically so that the area could retain its identity.
One of the two big annual events sponsored by Maywood Park is the Annual Easter Egg Hunt.
The EGGcitement begins as the kids rush to find goodies. David F. Ashton Photo
Gathering eggs, as fast as her little hands can pick them up, is Sage Lucas. David F. Ashton Photo
This time-honored tradition does more than give kids candy, said Patty Meighen, chair of the event. “This is a great way for our community to come together. Maywood is a unique community, in that we’re a city of our own. Our other big event which we hold each year is our July 4 parade and barbecue.”
She, and 30 of her neighbors stuffed about 3,000 plastic eggs with candy, small toys, and gold coins.
Camille Vushard is showing off her prized Easter eggs to her Grandma, Jan Rishel. David F. Ashton Photo
The pouring morning rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of parents and kids on April 15, as the kids scoured a neighbor’s yard and the city’s park hillside. Within minutes, the eggs were whisked away and opened. “We recycle our plastic eggs, and we’ll store them for next year,” explained Meighen.
By finding plastic Easter eggs containing a Lucky Gold Coin, kids got to pick gift certificates for restaurants or other prizes. The winners were Lily Mitchell, Olivia Erickson, and Noella McQueen. David F. Ashton Phot
We asked Mayor Mark Hardy for a comment; he just smiled and told us to look at the excitement on the faces of the kids. “We do have a real sense of community in our city,” he said.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
When it is finished, creators of Parkrose Labyrinth hope neighbors will come, and get lost‚ in thought!‚ as they walk the serpentine path. See the dedication and groundbreaking ceremony right here‚
With shovels in hand, ready to break the ground for the Parkrose Labyrinth are Dominique Blanchard, Kerina Blanchard, Michael Schilling, Sterling Arkills, Isaac Song and Elizabeth Walker.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For as long as anyone can remember, the lawn in the far southwest corner of Parkrose High School’s property has been inaccessible. A galvanized steel cyclone fence has been the dividing line between the neighborhood and the school.
At the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Parkrose Labyrinth a couple of weeks ago, we talked with high school principal Roy Reynolds.
Parkrose High students, faculty and community members gather for a brief but poignant dedication ceremony for the new Parkrose Labyrinth.
“It is important that we’re connecting with the community by doing all kinds of projects all over the school and grounds. Each of these projects‚ like this one‚ has a way of growing, creating stronger community bonds throughout the school.”
Because the labyrinth will be a highly visible project, Reynolds said he hopes to see members of the community using it. “This is a space for thinking, meditating, and hopefully creating further connections between themselves and the school.”
Sharon DeWitt, the Parkrose High staff member who proposed the project, Dominique Blanchard, and Isaac Song share their thoughts about the new Parkrose Labyrinth at the dedication ceremony.
Parkrose High School student Isaac Song performed as the master of ceremonies, welcoming the guests to the dedication ceremony on April 21.
Another student, Dominique Blanchard, read a poem by Cesar Pina entitled “Direction“:
We see or view the word “direction” as a place on a map or a navigational device, when in fact, it is much more.
A “direction” is the will to carry on, proceed, overcome the obstacles that exist between one’s goal.
The path to one’s goal may seem tricky, curvy, swirly; yet determination is what drives us to the center of our destination.
A direction may be, in fact, four points: Whether the points be cardinal, symbolical, or spiritual‚ it really doesn’t matter.
If there is something about the word “direction” that all of us can agree with, it is this: No matter what path you take, no matter how hard it may be, no matter the challenges‚ you will eventually find yourself reflecting on the path taken, in the very end.
The school’s groundskeeper, Sharon DeWitt proposed the labyrinth.
“The labyrinth is an ancient symbol,” DeWitt told the group. “The oldest examples are found in art, dating back 3000 years. They are found in all cultures and religions, and in locations all over the world. It is a winding path that moves back and fourth into the center. Path labyrinths can be seen as a journey of life. We all enter at the same way, travel through time, and our lives take twists and turns. In the past ten years, labyrinths have increased in popularity in schools, hospitals, churches, prisons, retreat centers, and parks. When our labyrinth is completed, we will register it with the Labyrinth Society.”
DeWitt continued, “We have a really busy chaotic life. No one seems to know how to take time to be quiet. By having this labyrinth here, people can come and take a few minutes for themselves.”
Parkrose Neighborhood Chair Marcy Emerson-Peters, grant committee and school board member Alicia Reece and East Portland Neighborhood Office administrator Richard Bixby participate in the dedication.
“I’m here as the chair of the East Portland Parks Coalition, a member of East Portland Neighborhood Grant Selection Committee which approved the grant for this project,” said Alicia Reece. “The contemplative nature of this site is important, because it gives both students and members of the community the opportunity to gather and be together.”
Parkrose Neighborhood Association chair Marcy Emerson-Peters commented, “This project is the realization of a vision. And, here in Parkrose, we’re creating a vision for our community. Here, neighbors will be able to do cloud-watching, think, and play.”
Given the word to begin, the young people dig in, breaking the ground for this groundbreaking Parkrose Project.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See what neighbors learned about public safety, the future of Powell Butte, and the long-awaited East County Justice Center, at this special meeting‚
Centennial Community Association welcomes Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, Portland Fire & Bureau’s Chief Dave Sprando, and Gresham Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klum, to their first-of-summer meeting.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It has become a tradition for the Centennial Community Association to invite city and county officials to the June meeting they hold at the Mobile Estates community room on SE Division Street.
This year, some 50 citizens came to hear the distinguished panel, which featured Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, Chief Dave Sprando from Portland Fire & Bureau, and Gresham’s Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klum.
Roberts discusses County issues
“To fill you in on the Justice Center,” began Lonnie Roberts, “Under state law East County must have a courthouse. And, it has to be located within the City of Gresham. We do have a one-room courthouse; the ceiling leaks, and it violates the Disabilities Act.”
Roberts promoted the idea of building a long-delayed “Justice Center” that would include four courtrooms, offices for the District Attorney, other services, and a holding cell.
Lonnie Roberts talks about opening the Wapato Jail‚ and talks about the slow progress getting the new Justice Center project going.
“We started by considering 50 sites; my choice has been the Rockwood site at SE 190th Avenue and Stark Street. It meets the qualifications, including being within 800 feet of mass transit. And, I’d like to see it built by the time I get out of office next year.”
The funds to build the EC Justice Center would come from selling off some of the county’s “surplus” property, as well as the “sick” Hansen Building, housing the Sheriff’s office at SE 122nd Avenue at Glisan Street.
Sings the Wapato blues
Asked about the new-but-unused Wapato Jail, Roberts recalled, “Citizens voted to build it in 1996. In 2002, we opened it, then closed it‚ within a half hour. We have a $59 Million jail we spend $30,000 a month to keep in mothballs. When we took the key, the clock started running on the guarantee. That clock has expired. We’ll now have to eat any deficiencies we find when we do actually open it.
The commissioner said Clark County will rent 150 beds if it is opened. “Commissioner Wheeler says, although Multnomah County is experiencing a $25 Million shortfall, we will open it.”
Using part of Wapato to treat drug-addicted criminals makes financial sense, Roberts added. “We’re spending $300 per year, per household, for theft, damage, and problems caused by drug addicts in the community. The criminals know there is no room in jail. I’d like to send a message to drug dealers that we now have ‘a room for them’ at the jail.”
Randy Leonard talks about the changes on Powell Butte and public safety issues.
Leonard on Powell Butte
Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard ‚Äì head of the Portland Water Bureau (PWB)‚ talked about plans for Powell Butte.
“All Portland water goes through Powell Butte,” Leonard began. “Portland Parks has been taking care of Powell Butte; but PWB is taking over the management of the top area. We’re replacing the decrepit mobile home there with a log cabin; it’s more fitting for the area. We’re hiring a full-time person to be the caretaker. And, we’re focusing on the trail, and making it one of the best parks it can be. It has astounding views of the area around us.”
Reducing drug crime
Turning to drug-related crime, Leonard continued, “Two years ago, I helped get the city to fund 57 beds, to have city jail beds and to provide $500,000 for drug treatment for prisoners. When we look at the arrest statistics of our ‘top 300 offenders’, the number of arrests has dropped 71%. Having these jail beds is money well spent.”
Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Dave Sprando and Gresham Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klum agree that the new staffing plan for Fire Station 45 will provide more effective response. Ron Clemenson, vice-chair for the association, acts as moderator for the meeting.
Outer East Portland fire & rescue issues
Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Dave Sprando once again commended Centennial neighbors for lobbying for funding to keep Station 45‚ located near the Gresham city line‚ in service.
This fire station is unique, in that it is shared by both Gresham and Portland fire crews.
“July 1, we will switch crews, and Portland will be moving in,” Sprando said. “We were successful in getting funding to get a different staffing model for Station 45. Instead of switching crews every few months, we have three crews each working 24 hours. Portland will take two shifts, and Gresham will take one shift. I don’t know where else this is done.”
Gresham Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klum agreed, saying, “Sprando didn’t want me to tell you this, but if you look from Sacramento to Seattle, the three busiest [fire & rescue] stations are here in Portland‚ and Station 45 is one of these. Firefighters like to get to know their area, schools and facilities. This plan of co-locating will help. We’ll have better consistency with this new staffing plan. We appreciate the support to the Gresham Council.”
Councilors call for more mental health care
Asked to comment on the state of mental health care in the community, Leonard commented, “There is a real connection between being mentally ill and drug abuse. This is a challenge; cities and counties don’t have the money to fund mental health care. The police have to deal with individuals who are acting out. It is hard to deal with, when we have a lack of resources.”
Roberts said a countywide public safety study is being considered. “We need to train public safety officers to recognize when individuals have problems. Early treatment is the least expensive way to go. Prevention is a lot cheaper than dealing with problems.”
Meet your neighbors
On July 9, if you live in the area served by the Centennial Community Association, come by their meeting. Topics to be discussed are the Centennial Graffiti Cleanup on July 14th, planned development for four duplexes on 14639 SE Rhine, and their enlarged National Night out Picnic with SUN Schools on August 7th. Please note that this meeting, at 7:00 PM, is at their new “summertime” location: Parklane Christian Reformed Church, 16001 SE Main St.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Find out what neighborhood leaders say about the new Southeast Uplift’s plan for the coming year‚ and how they introduced the new board to neighbors‚
SEUL’s chair, Paul Leistner, Mt. Tabor neighborhood, and executive director Cece Hughley Noel say they are enthusiastic about the organization’s prospects this year, at their early July ice cream social.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The organization serving many inner and outer SE Portland Neighborhoods, Southeast Uplift (SEUL), shared hot news‚ and cool treats‚ at an “Ice Cream Social” on July 2.
Upon exiting their executive committee meeting, Paul Leistner, Mt. Tabor Neighborhood representative, and the reelected SEUL chair, told us he’s pleased with coalition’s progress.
“We have wonderful momentum here at Southeast Uplift,” enthused Leistner. “There is a lot of good energy here. We’re looking for ways to expand the impact of neighborhood and other community groups, giving a greater voice to individuals concerned about local decision-making.”
Allowing citizens greater input into governmental affairs is important, added Leistner, because, “This is a time of great change here in Portland. Neighbors need to be heard.”
Coalition runs on budget
SEUL’s executive director, Cece Hughley Noel, said that she felt encouraged by the meeting. “This has been a good year. We were able to come in under budget. We’re running a leaner, more efficient office.
We passed a realistic budget for the coming year, and reorganized our programs to better serve our neighborhoods.”
About the organization’s new executive committee, Hughley Noel commented, “We had good feedback from our leadership. And, we’re really glad to have the continuity of executive leadership on the board.”
Kristen Wiener, SEUL staffer, serves up ice cream to John Rechlein, newly-elected secretary of the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association
Executive Committee introduced at Ice Cream Social
“We organized this Ice Cream Social to provide an opportunity for the newly-elected neighborhood officers to be able to meet each other, the board, the staff and neighbors,” explained Hughley Noel. It’s great to see we have business district leaders here as well.”
The current executive committee for SEUL consists of: Chair Paul Leistner, Vice Chair Marianne Colgrove, Treasurer Kurt Krause, Secretary Michelle Isbell, and, Past Chair Linda Nettekoven.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
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