This apartment building has seen more that its share of fire, neighbors say.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The sound of smashing glass awoke Parkrose resident Ted Wentz in the wee hours of April 9. “Transients use our street to go between The Grotto and NE Sandy Blvd. I thought they were breaking beer bottles in the street again.”

But when Wentz looked out the window, he saw the four-plex apartment building at 4415 NE 88th Avenue ablaze.

“Flames were coming up from the lower level, and the smoke and fire was just shooting up over the balcony – just like a giant barbecue or bonfire,” exclaimed eyewitness Wentz. “I grabbed the phone and called 9-1-1. They kept asking for the address; I gave them mine and told them ‘It’s right across the street, about a block from your fire station [#12] just south on Sandy Boulevard’.”

After he hung up, Wentz said he ran across the street. “I saw the garage next to the neighbor’s house, directly across the street from me, starting to smoke because of the heat. I hooked up her garden hose and started spraying water on her garage.” His effort kept the fire at bay until firefighters arrived.

Official records show the first call reporting the fire came in 2:37 am; Engine 12 pulled up at 2:40 am. “When firefighters arrived, they reported fire coming from the doors, windows, and the roof of the building,” confirmed Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt.

Crewmembers from PF&R Station 12 – here, from the next day’s shift – examine the fire damage, and take note of the work their fellow firefighters did 12 hours earlier.

Resident rouses occupants
Wentz said he saw someone rousting the residents, making sure everyone was out of the house. “I understand he was visiting his son, and is a sheriff somewhere; he must have dressed quickly.”

Oswalt said that as firefighters made a quick attack on the fire, other crewmembers searched for trapped victims. “Reports from occupants that all of the residents were accounted for allowed firefighters to concentrate their efforts on limiting the fire’s spread.”

As the firefighters were getting their hoses ready, Wentz recalled that a resident yelled, “There’s a propane tank on the side of the building!” Firefighters grabbed it and moved it out of harm’s way.

“The flames were just amazing,” Wentz said. “When they cut into the roof, flames shot out. Somehow the flames got all the way from the lower level into the upper unit, and all the way out the roof.”

Oswalt commented, “The fire found its way into the attic; a tough place to fight a fire. Firefighters cut holes in the roof to douse the fire from above; others worked in the apartments below, by pulling the sheet-rock ceilings down to give access to the underside of the roof structure.”

Dog makes a break for it
In the early moments of the conflagration, Wentz said, the occupants of the unit above burning apartment were trying to coax their dog from its kennel. “But, as soon as they opened the door that leads to the stairs, the dog took off and ran south toward The Grotto. She and her boyfriend ran after the dog and found it. They asked us to keep the dog in our fenced back yard until things calmed down.”

The blaze was so intense, it took a full half hour for firefighters to get it under control.

All of this damage; all of this loss was caused by a careless discarded cigarette, officials say.

Third fire at structure
This is not the first fire at this location, Wentz told us. “When they were building it, somebody lit the Porta-Potty on fire.”

The next fire occurred, he said, “When a girl, living in the lower, north unit, got a smoking can or ashes too close to the side of the building. It lit the apartment’s siding on fire.”

This time, according to PF&R’s Oswalt, “Fire Investigators have determined that the fire was accidentally caused by ‘improper disposal of a cigarette’. One of the occupants had discarded a cigarette into a cardboard box, which ignited and spread to a sofa, and then to the structure.”

As a result of the fire, Oswalt told us, two of the units suffered heavy damage from the fire and smoke, and the other two units were moderately damaged. “Firefighters used plastic sheeting to cover the belongings in the units, in an attempt to limit the damage to the occupants’ possessions.”

Red Cross to the rescue
The Oregon Trail Chapter of The Red Cross sent four volunteers to the scene. Because there were a total of eleven displaced residents, workers set up a temporary emergency reception center at the nearby Howard Johnson Hotel to assist the occupants.

“I saw the Red Cross come here, and found out that they were helping these people with a place to stay, some clothing, and food for a few days,” commented Wentz. “That’s really great; I didn’t know they did that. I might just be giving them a donation.”

• Find out more about the Oregon Red Cross by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

Lesson to be learned
Never missing an opportunity to provide fire education, Oswalt commented, “All smoking material should be disposed of in a non-combustible container, preferably metal, with a tight-fitting lid. Residue from ashtrays should also be disposed of in a metal container with a tight- fitting lid.”

There were no reported injuries. The monetary damage estimate is unavailable at this time.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Can the areas along the MAX Light Rail line turn into “active station communities” as the City hopes? See how their planning project is going …

Participants at the Station Community Plan meeting listen as Alan Snook, transportation planning consultant with DKS Associates, explains why active station communities are important to urban development in outer East Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Citizens interested in how the areas around the outer East Portland MAX Light Rail line have been working with the Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability to create active station communities.

“This means creating the possibility for a wide range of housing, retail, services and job opportunities, immediately available within a pedestrian-friendly, 20-minute walk of MAX stations,” explained the program leader, Tom Armstrong.

The community input they’ve received over the past year, Armstrong told us, has resulted in a set of proposed long-range planning actions for each of the station communities being studied – from Gateway east to the Portland City line at 162nd Avenue Station. These “planning actions” include those dealing with land use, urban form/building design, and transportation.

Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability project leader, Tom Armstrong, responds to questions about the new plans posed by neighbors.

Connecting neighborhoods with MAX
“From what I’ve heard today,” Armstrong told us after the meeting, “one of the primary concerns is about local street connections. We need to figure out ways to help property owners pave local streets and put in sidewalks, off the main arterials.”

As the economy tightens, Armstrong said neighbors at the March 14 event told him that fewer homeowners can afford to make these improvements on their own. “We need to figure out how the city can leverage money to help improve those connections.”

Concerns about crime
An issue that has surfaced at all of these meetings is the fear of criminal activity aboard the MAX trains and the in the areas surrounding the stations.

“We’ve been trying to use what planning tools we have available,” Armstrong said, “in terms of the built environment, trying to provide a community where there are more eyes on the street – such as an increased number of shops and cafés. The question we’re asking is, ‘How can we create these kinds of community places in these locations?'”

Pointing out where he lives, near the 162nd MAX Station, to Portland Bureau of Planning East Portland liaison, Barry Manning, neighbor Don Good, tells about his concern about crime – as do Jeanne Good and Bob Sale.

Don Good, who said he’s a long-time resident near the 162nd MAX Station, said, “I’m really concerned about the crime element MAX brings into our area. It’s become one of the worst crime areas in the city of Portland.”

Asked of increased police patrols have helped, Good replied, “Every night, I hear police sirens. This goes on from midnight to four o’clock in the morning. It’s his crazy here. We actually have two bullet holes in our windows, one in the upstairs bathroom window, and one in the bedroom window. I don’t know what they can do, but they definitely need to clean this up.”

Comments are still welcome
Armstrong said the project is still in a public outreach phase. “We will take what we’ve learned today, and over the next few weeks, we refine our plan. We’ll be back in May with another round of public meetings.”

Get informed, or give our opinion at their web site by CLICKING HERE. If you have specific ideas or concerns, or need more information, contact Armstrong by email at tom.armstrong@ci.portland.or.us.

Whether you’re a biker – or a confirmed motorist – find out what the City’s Bureau of Transportation has in store …

Ellen Vanderslice, project manager for Portland’s Bicycle Master Plan Update, says she’s happy to see an increase in bike transportation usage.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although using bicycles as a primary mode of transportation is seldom seen in outer East Portland, Ellen Vanderslice, the project manager for the Bicycle Master Plan Update, told members of the Midway Business Association she’s hoping it more folks adopt this “healthier” way of getting around.

“Citywide, the number of people bicycling has gone up,” Vanderslice stated. “We’re looking for an increase in the number of bicyclists as time goes on, for two reasons. Part of it is, we want to make this an even more ‘green’ city – this will bring more tourism here. And it’s a healthy alternative to cars.”

Bike riders categorized
Studies show, Vanderslice related, that when it comes to bicycles, people fall into one of four categories:

• “No way, no how” – About one-third of Portland’s citizens will never mount a bike for fun or transportation.
• “Interested, but concerned” – About 60% of Portlanders say they like recreational riding, but say they “feel nervous” about riding for transportation. “These are the people we’re trying to reach,” Vanderslice said. “We’re working to provide ways to help them feel better about riding more.”
• “Enthused and confident” – About 7% of riders fall in this category; they are generally involved in bicycle-related projects.
• “Strong and fearless” – Only 1% of the bike riders are fully committed to bicycles as their only mode of individual transportation (in conjunction with mass transit).

About 60% of the trips taken are shorter than three miles, reported Vanderslice. “Not all trips can be done by bicycle, but perhaps many of them can. As our roads become more congested, going by bicycle will free up room for cars – and make our neighborhoods more livable.”

Bicycle improvement concepts
It will take a combination of efforts to get the “Interested, but concerned” to trade in their car for a bicycle.

“Part of this will be through adopting new transportation, parking, and lane policies,” Vanderslice explained. “New design guidelines will help create ‘low stress bikeways’ to encourage riding.”

One example is the “Advisory Bike Lane” – used where the roadway is narrow. “The street will be painted with broken lines [on the outside of driving lanes] to let car drivers know bikes are supposed to be riding there.”

Another concept, Vanderslice went on is the “Cycle Track”. Such a separated facility as this is already seen on NE Cully Boulevard. It is in the road, but separated from traffic by a low curb. Another is the “Buffered Bike Lane”, painted a little wider than the typical bike lane.

It is possible for people to do their grocery-shopping by bicycle, Vanderslice says.

Considering bike licensing
Asked how the city plans to fund these improvements, Vanderslice made an announcement that surprised many of the 16 people at the March 10 meeting.

“We’ve considered many options, and around the table, bicycle licensing is being considered as a viable option,” she said. “By implementing the low-cost bike lane treatments, we can increase the use of bicycle for shopping trips, as I do. It’s not easy [to go grocery shopping using a bicycle], but it is not impossible.”

Talks up combined open houses in May
Because of tight City budgets, Vanderslice said the Portland Bureau of Transportation will be presenting joint open house events featuring both the Bicycle Master Plan and the Portland Streetcar System Plan.

May 6 is the date for the outer East Portland event. It runs from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the David Douglas High School North Cafeteria  (1500 SE 130th Ave.) For more information, contact Ellen Vanderslice, project manager for the Bicycle Master Plan Update, at (503) 823-4638 or email her at ellen.vanderslice@pdxtrans.org.

The APNBA’s Jon Turino updates the organization’s progress.

APNBA update given
Jon Turino, the Executive Director of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations (APNBA), also stopped by the noontime meeting.

Turino said their next city-wide conference is scheduled for June 4. “There will be quick, 25 minute talks on a wide variety of topics that will help both business associations, and their business members, succeed.”

He also talked up the organization’s new web site that features an interactive, map-based directory of associations and local businesses. You can visit their website by CLICKING HERE.

Meet the members
If you own or manage a business in the southern portion of outer East Portland, stop in at April 14 meeting of the Midway Business Association.

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

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

How do you free a tree-trimmer – pinned by a branch 40′ above the ground? Very carefully! Read all about this rescue, which a trained expert called “scary” …

Before taking action, firefighters and members of PF&R’s Specialty Rescue team evaluate the condition of the arborist, and the overall situation.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As one who used to live on Mt. Hood and routinely cut his own firewood, Brentwood-Darlington resident Brandon Smyton said the two arborists cutting down trees behind the house across the street from his home, in the 5800 block of SE Tenino Street, caught his interest, as he was on his way to the store about 11:30 a.m.

“The sound of the chainsaw stopped,” Smyton told us. “I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but I gathered that their saw got pinched in the tree and it was no big deal. It sounded as if the man up in the tree was calmly talking to his partner on the ground, making a plan to get the stuck saw free.”

When he got returned from the shopping trip, Smyton said he found his street filled with Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) ladder trucks, and the PF&R Specialty Rescue van. “It was then that I realized the seriousness this of the situation.”

Technical Rescue Team members make sure the arborist is safely anchored to their fire truck’s extended ladder.

The rescue team rigs a come-along winch to lift the limb of the victim’s arm.

Large limb pins arborist
“When our firefighters arrived,” explained PF&R spokesman Lt. Damon Simmons, as we watched the rescue effort unfold, “they found that a large limb which the arborist was cutting fell, struck him in the shoulder, and pinned his harness and left arm to the tree.”

Noting that PF&R Engine 1 – a unit which typically only serves downtown Portland – was rolling up to the scene, Simmons commented, “This is our Specialty Rescue unit. These firefighters are trained for, and better equipped for, what we call a ‘high angle, technical rescue’, in which the victim is at least 30 feet in the air, and is hanging in the air unsupported.”

One of the firefighters instrumental in the rescue is Rich Chatman, a member of PF&R’s Technical Rescue Team, based at Station 1 in downtown Portland.

Crew carefully considers rescue options
Firefighter Rich Chatman, a Technical Rescue Team member, talked us through the rescue…

“We were concerned that if we did anything to move the top of the tree branch resting on his arm, it would shift the limb toward him, making the situation worse,” Chatman explained after the successful rescue. “We had to come up with a unique plan for securing the tree, securing victim, and then cutting his [safety harness] system that was holding him.”

After securing the victim with ropes, rescue team members used a small “come-along” winch between the trunk and the limb and free the arborist’s arm. “The tricky part was when we cut his restraint system, because that also was caught in the tree. I’d say it’s the scariest thing I’ve ever done.”

While some rescuers secure the treed arborist, others winch up the limb.

With his arm free, the arborist gets a footing on the fire department’s extension ladder.

While the team was making the plan and taking action to free him, the victim was conscious and lucid, Chatman commented. “He was a real trouper. He knew we were working as hard and as fast as we could, to free him.”

Victim descends ladder to safety
At about 1:00 p.m., many of those watching the rescue said they were surprised to see the arborist slowly climb down a tall ladder the firefighters secured to the tree. “We were going to lower him using a rope system,” Chatman said, “but he started climbing down as soon he could. But we had him supported all the way down.”

Freed from his predicament, the arborist makes his way down a ladder, with a firefighter at his side on a parallel ladder.

This view gives one a better idea of from high the victim was rescued.

-9 Firefighters and paramedics help the arborist at the ladder’s bottom.

Although the freed, unidentified arborist could walk on his own, AMR medics quickly got him to lie down on a gurney, and transported him to OHSU Hospital for evaluation and treatment.

As crewmembers started packing their equipment, and as Station Truck 25 was retracting its 100-foot ladder, we noticed the other arborist climbing back up the tree. “He’s going to retrieve the chain saw, isn’t he?” Smyton remarked.

With the victim safely on the way to the hospital, the arborist’s partner climbs back up the tree to retrieve his chainsaw.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Although the driver of the Jeep he smashed into was arrested for DUII, see why officials say the cyclist was responsible for his own demise …

Police say that the driver of the motorcycle was going too fast, lost control, and crashed into the Jeep on SE 28th Avenue in Eastmoreland on April 2nd.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It’s a sad, simple story: A motorcyclist and Jeep collide; the cyclist dies at the scene.

Just after 3:00 p.m. on April 2, witnesses said the driver of a white café-racer style motorcycle took off like a shot from the Reed neighborhood 7-11 convenience store on SE 28th Avenue at SE Steele, heading south.

After passing the west edge of Reed College and the Rhododendron Gardens, and making his way past the SE Woodstock Boulevard intersection, the biker picked up speed as he negotiated the twists and turns SE 28th Avenue makes as it snakes around the east margin of Eastmoreland Golf Course.

As he motored south, around the sweeping curve past SE Carlton Street, the biker failed to make the sharp right curve as the road heads west as Bybee Boulevard just after SE Tolman Street.

“When officers arrived, they found a 29-year-old man, the motorcycle operator, deceased at the scene,” reported police spokesperson Detective Mary Wheat.

Major Crash Team Investigators measure skid marks the motorcycle made just before it collided with the car just past SE Tolman Street.

The Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division’s Major Crash Team arrived on scene moments later, and quickly determined that the deceased biker, identified as 28-year-old Jeremy Lee Stamper, had lost control of his motorcycle, leaving skid marks into the oncoming lane of traffic

“Stamper was operating the motorcycle at a high rate of speed, and collided with a vehicle in the oncoming traffic,” Wheat said.

29-year-old Jeremy Lee Stamper was going too fast to make the curve, officials say, which is what directly led to his death.

After the collision, police arrested the driver of the jeep the cycle had struck, 25-year-old Justin Christopher Jones, for DUII – but said he was not at fault for the accident.

The driver of the vehicle with which Stamper collided was identified as 25-year-old Justin Christopher Jones. Reported Wheat, “Jones cooperated with police at the scene, but was taken into custody, and charged with one count of Driving Under the Influence.

“However, Major Crash Team Investigators determined that Jones was not responsible for the accident, and that Stamper had lost control of his motorcycle.”

This extemporaneous memorial by friends and family appeared in Stamper’s memory along the curb at the crash site.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why the citizens of Argay Terrace and Parkrose say they’re dismayed that their neighborhoods are being shuffled into to newly-created North Precinct …

Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer says that moving precinct boundary lines will probably not please some neighbors.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Last month, we brought you the story about how the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) was planning to collapse the current five precincts down to three. (CLICK HERE to read that article).

Most neighbors in outer East Portland didn’t take notice; the map clearly showed that all 13 neighborhoods in the East Portland Neighborhood Organization (EPNO) coalition – including Parkrose, Argay Terrace and Wilkes – would continue to be served from East Precinct.

However, after wrangling by some non-EPNO neighbors, such as those who live in Madison South, to stay in East Precinct, the boundary lines changed.

The TOP map, from released in February, shows Parkrose, Argay Terrace and Wilkes are all in East Precinct’s beige-colored boundary. The BOTTOM map – the current precinct configuration – now in yellow, indicates these three neighborhoods, will be patrolled by officers reporting to North Precinct.

Twice the distance from the precinct
Outer East Portland neighbors say they understand that police officers, unlike firefighters, patrol an assigned district – a subdivision of a precinct – and that they don’t sit around waiting for calls at the precinct office.

Yet, there is concern that the North Precinct Commander, in his office at 449 NE Emerson Street, will be commanding officers in communities spanning from St. Johns, east to the City of Gresham border.

Specifically, the distance from North Precinct to Bob Brown Tires on NE Sandy Blvd. is 7.05 miles, with an estimated travel time of 19 minutes. East Precinct’s headquarters is a mere 3.67 miles away from Brown’s store, an 11-minute trip.

Parkrose Business Association president, Wayne Stoll, says he’s dismayed to learn their area is scheduled to be shifted to North Precinct, after many of its members supplied labor, materials, and funds to create a modern, welcoming police contact station on NE Sandy Boulevard.

Parkrose businesses express concern
At their March 19 meeting, Parkrose Business Association President Wayne Stoll said the proposal to shift the precinct boundary lines was troubling.

Stoll read a letter to the City, and asked members to consider signing their names to it. The letter read:

Dear Mayor Sam Adams:
We are writing you today concerning the proposed consolidation of police precincts in the City of Portland.

For a long time, we in the Parkrose area felt neglected and under-patrolled by the Portland Police Bureau. During the last five years, we have seen that trend improve through the hard work of the fine officers, command staff, and folks at East Precinct.

Recently, a Community Policing Office opened on Sandy Boulevard, in the heart of Parkrose.  This happened due to the hard work of Commander Mike Krebs, Sergeant John Anderson, and Officer Greg Baldwin. East Portland citizens Joe Rossi, Rex Hollingsworth, and many other hard-working citizens volunteered for the project because they were concerned with livability in the Parkrose area.

Now, with a proposed realignment of the police precincts, this private-public partnership, successfully developed over many years, will be ripped apart if Parkrose becomes part of the new Northeast Precinct.

Parkrose, as a whole, wants to stay within the boundaries of East Precinct, and we ask your help in keeping us there. Please do not move us backward in time when people asked us, “Is Parkrose in the City of Portland?”

Earlier this year, Argay Neighborhood Association chair Valerie Curry presented PPB Chief Rosie Sizer with a mug their group had made for all officers and staff members at East Precinct.

Argay neighbors protest move
Earlier this year, the neighbors of Argay Terrace showed their appreciation for all of the officers and staff members at PPB East Precinct by presenting them deluxe, heavy-duty coffee mugs, emblazoned with their community association’s seal. (Read about it: CLICK HERE.)

Argay Neighborhood Association Chair Valerie Curry said their citizens were not at all pleased by being shifted into the new North Precinct.

“We are strongly urging that Argay remain in East Precinct,” Curry told us. “We’re concerned that our businesses and residents would not have the same response time from patrolling police if we were shifted to Northeast Precinct – located at approximately Killingsworth & MLK Boulevard.”

From a neighborhood-association perspective, Curry added, traveling to meetings at East Precinct takes less than 10 minutes. “This is important, because our 13 coalition neighborhoods share similar problems that we bring to Commander Crebs and his fine staff at Citizens Advisory Committee meetings.”

Curry said the three northern outer East Portland neighborhoods would be isolated – split off from the southern outer East Portland communities. “Realistically, what do our problems and needs have to do with communities such as Alberta and St. Johns?”

Speaking as a private citizen, Curry said she’s found the Portland Police officers and staff to be dedicated and resourceful. “But even this competent force can’t work magic, with the new North Precinct’s patrol area strung across many miles. I have little hope that Argay – with its considerable problems along NE Sandy Boulevard – could get quick police response to our calls for help.”

Chief Sizer comments, “I don’t think we’re going to be able to develop a map that is going to make everyone happy.”

Sizer responds to neighbors
On April 2, we had the opportunity to ask PPB Chief Sizer for her response to the concern expressed by these neighbors and business people.

“Our desire is to balance the workload between the precincts,” Sizer told us. “We have [created] over a dozen maps and plans to develop decent boundaries and a balanced workload.

“Part of the recommendation around that boundary came from our officers; about how they would get [help from other officers to provide] cover on calls. This was not a bureaucratic decision about where to draw the boundary line. It was about officers saying what was going to work, for them, in terms of getting help when they need it on the street.

“My strong feeling is that those officers, with whom the community has developed strong relationships – they’re still going to be working that area. I think that’s the most important thing.”

We asked Sizer to respond to the concerns expressed by northern outer East Portland folks.

“I think I just answered the question,” Sizer replied. “I don’t think we’re going to be able to develop a map that is going to make everyone happy. We do want to make it so that every community member is an equal chance to have good [police] service. We want to make sure officers can respond to calls in ways that they feel are safe.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why many people now say that the most creative artists have moved to East Portland. Meet six of them right here …

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The annual SE Area ARTWalk, founded by Rin Carroll Jackson in 2002, started with a small group of artists, and has continued to be organized by a dedicated group of artists and business owners.

“The idea was to reach out to artists in the area, help them make new connections and show their talents and skills in a small, neighborhood art tour,” she said. “The growth of the event has been astounding, and we are thankful for all the support we have received from neighborhood/business associations, local area residents, business owners, and art enthusiasts. Without the network of passionate community-members, the event would not be where it is today.”

The group’s volunteer publicity coordinator, Kathi Drummond of RedKat Imaging, helped us coordinate our tour – during which we met seven artists who work in a variety of media.

Dorothy Steele and P. Anna Johnson show off their porcelain and ceramic original containers.

Ross Island Pottery / Dorothy Steele Pottery
1100 SE Woodward Street

Being a full-time artist in the area since 1990, many people have met potter Dorothy Steele. She said that over the years she’s done “all kinds of art”, until she settled on creating porcelain, hand-built pottery with plant impressions and bright colors.

“I’ve always seen clay is very organic in itself,” Steele told us. “By putting impressions of plants in the clay, it makes it even more organic – it looks almost like fossils. My color combinations come from observing nature.”

Steele said she looks forward to the ARTwalk each year. “It brings a community together, and showcases our creative community here. But it’s also a showcase for all the artists in Southeast Portland.  It’s good exposure for people, general people in the community, to get to know the artist and that all this artwork is here.  It’s great exposure, and a great community event.”

P. Anna Johnson – Ceramics
Another artist showing in the same studio during our visit was P. Anna Johnson. “Actually, I’m one of the six people who work in this studio, and share the space.”

She describes her work as “sculptural and functional”, adding that she was attracted to the process of making stoneware ceramics because she thinks “in a three-dimensional way. Before I was a potter, I was a dancer. Many potters are also dancers.”

Find out more about the artisans here by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

Cheri Holly shows a ceramic vase. She first carved the bamboo scene with which it is decorated before imprinting it onto the vase.

Cheri Holly – Ceramics
At her home on SE Tibbits Street

Next, we met a woman who says she uses here hands to both create – and heal. “My real job is being a registered nurse at St. Vincent Hospital,” confided Cheri Holly, while showing her ceramic artwork to visitors. “This is the other half of my job, and my being.”

Although Holly said she now enjoys making ceramics by hand, her artistic impulses started her out illustrating, drawing, and painting. “When I started getting back into art, as my kids got older, I was having a hard time doing the quality of work that I did when I was younger. I thought I’d do something completely different.”

One of her favorite techniques, Holly noted, is to first make artistic carvings in clay, bisque the carving, and then use that to make an imprint in ceramic piece.

The professional quality of Holly’s work belies the fact she started learning pottery only four years ago. “It took off, now I have my own studio and kiln in the basement.”

Amber Oxford’s fine art drawings and paintings are on display on the mantle, as she creates a living work of art on the face of Gretta Baker.

Amber Marie Studios – Figure and Body Art
Also showing her artwork in Holly’s home was artist – and body art painter – Amber Oxford.

“I create art on paper, canvas, wood, and on whatever I can find,” said Oxford “I even have a toilet seat that’s been decorated. I like finding things and repurposing them.”

While she talks, Oxford is panting a design on Gretta Baker’s face. “People are my favorite subjects and objects. I enjoy drawing and painting figure studies, and also like putting art on the body.”

Her kind of “body art” isn’t done with tattoos: “I have a real fear of needles.” And, she’s not the typical “face painter” who splashes on crude, cartoonish paint. “In 1999, I learned what we call ‘body art’ from a mentor – it’s fine art, integrated onto a human body.”

Her day job as a website and office administrator hasn’t deterred her creative passion. “I’ve been drawing as far back as I can remember. I used to trace images of my favorite cartoons on paper off of the TV screen. I’ve been a cartoonist for awhile, then a comic book artist – and I kept drawing people. I like having a little creativity in my days.”

To learn more, visit her website: CLICK HERE.

Photographer David Duck says he loves the experience of capturing outdoor images.

David Duck – Landscape Photography
At his home on SE Tibbetts Street

At this home, we met three artists – including the homeowner, David Duck, a landscape photographer.

“It started when my mom told me to take a hike!” Duck grinned. “I thought, while I’m out, I might as well take some photographs. Since then, photography is always given me a license to dawdle outdoors.”

Even though Duck said he enjoys travel, “You can explore new images in your backyard just as well as you can in a foreign country.”

Eschewing the relative ease of digital photography, Duck says, he prefers the “slow and deliberate” process of capturing an image using a medium-format camera – a Hasselblad, shooting Fuji transparency film. Using a digital process, he creates large-format images that are “painted by light” onto genuine photographic paper.

Photography is actually a sideline for him, Duck mentioned. Nowadays, he’s a family man who works as a property specialist at Portland’s VA Hospital. “But, I still really enjoy getting outdoors and finding new images.”

Learn more by visiting his website: CLICK HERE.

Stephanie Meredith displays some of her colorful, abstract oil-on-canvas paintings.

Stephanie Meredith – Oil on canvas
A professional artist for two years now, Stephanie Meredith said she started drawing as soon as she could “pick up a pencil”, because her mother was also an artist. “When I was in college at Santa Fe, New Mexico, I dabbled in sculpture – but it just wasn’t as natural for me.”

Meredith added that she’s developed two styles – depicting micro-objects, and abstracts.

“I create paintings of things so small, like pollen for example, that you can only see them through a microscope. I also do abstractions of my own designs. These are all bright, monochromatic works, painted three-dimensionally so that they seem to pop out of the painting.”

Her favorite of the process, Meredith added, is coming up with the concept for a new work. “I enjoy figuring out what I’m doing, and why I’m doing it. From there, it’s more of the craft of making it come out the way I’ve imagined it.”

See more of her work at her BlogSpot page: CLICK HERE.

Jewelry artist Wendy Price says she likes creating wearable art.

Wendy Price – Handcrafted jewelry
Creating “wearable art” is the craft pursued by jewelry artist Wendy Price.

“I learned to make jewelry, a craft I could do with my mom when I was a teenager,” Price said. “We took classes together.”

The beads that Price uses are typically made of hand-blown glass, not plastic. “I like to let the components – the jewelry and the beads – inspire me. I pick out the colors, textures, and chains I like, and work from there.”

A great deal of her jewelry, she told us, is created using sterling silver and semi-precious gems. “But, I’ll use almost any material, if it works in the jewelry I’m creating.”

You can contact her by e-mail at wendyscollon@comcast.net.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

And get timely tips from a ‘career expert’ about what it takes to get ahead in today’s troubled economy …

Bruce Altizer with Postal Annex, and GABA VP, Lee Powell, Farmer’s Insurance agent, pick up their lunch, catered by Cherryblossom Loaves & Fishes center.

By Watford Reed, photos by David F. Ashton
Who will be named Gateway’s “Citizen of the Year” is no longer a mystery; it was revealed during the March meeting of the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA).

Longtime Gateway booster Fred Sanchez said that he, and a committee comprised of school superintendents Barbara Rommel, with David Douglas Schools and Dr. Karen Fischer Gray with Parkrose Public schools – along with Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs and Midland Library manager Javier Gutierrez met early in March.

“I’m pleased to announce that our very own US Senator, Jeff Merkley, has been selected as the 2009 Gateway Citizen of the Year,” Sanchez stated.

GABA president, Ajnesh “AJ” Prasad, with Columbia State Bank, gives the club’s famed Rubber Chicken Award to Dawn Rasmussen of Pathfinder Career Services.

Helps get careers on track
Introducing the meeting’s speaker, Prasad told the group, “The ‘GABA Chicken’ spoke to me yesterday, he said that this month’s recipient should be Dawn Rasmussen.”

Employment security is a thing of the past, 45 GABA members learned from the president of Pathfinder Writing and Career Services, Dawn (Tryon) Rasmussen.

Continuing success in business is also dependent on drive and effort, she said at their March 12 meeting.

“Only employability – what you do better than someone else – wins jobs now,” Rasmussen explained. “Employability is based on providing high quality service to customers.”

This is true for people who own and manage businesses, she warned. “If your business doesn’t improve, you won’t get customers.”

A job-seeker should think of an interesting field – something he or she enjoys doing – when thinking of a second, or third career, Rasmussen continued.

Rasmussen shares success secrets, such as what’s necessary to be successful when conducting a job search.

Three successful job search factors
Finding work, she explained, is like a three-legged stool. First, one must provide professional appearing credentials – a resume – that clearly shows how an applicant stands out among, potentially hundreds, of other applicants. Secondly, in this age of specialization, an applicant must have a clear idea of who their “audience” is, namely, the person doing the hiring.

“The third ‘leg’ is networking skills – who he or she knows, both in professional and personal life.” Rasmussen estimated that 70% of workers find jobs by networking. And by knowing the “right places” to look is of the utmost importance.

These principals apply to owners of small business “who do everything” when it comes to attracting and keeping customers.

“Everybody responds to positive personality,” she noted, “including skills in leadership, generosity, willingness to help others, and enjoying work. And, people respond to sincerity. People remember positive contacts.”

In conclusion, Rasmussen said everyone involved in business should have a “mission statement” and know how to reach goals.  “Build up your profile,” she ended. “You must be the best at what you do – then, be able to communicate this well with others.”

Learn more about Rasmussen’s Pathfinder Writing and Career Services by visiting her website: CLICK HERE.

GABA president, AJ Prasad says that their August 8, National Night Out for Safety celebration, co-hosted with Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes, will be the venue for this year’s Gateway Fun-O-Rama.

Meet the GABA members
On April 9, the Gateway Area Business Association general membership meeting – running from 11:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. will be held at “111th SQUARE”, NE Halsey St. at NE 111th Avenue. It will feature tours and give-a-ways from Realty Brokers, Postal Place, 111th Square Fitness and Therapy, Jaskic Insurance and Hair Oui Are. For more information, visit their website by CLICKING HERE.

David F. Ashton contributed to this report.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Will slowing down Oregon’s citizen ‘initiative process’ by an additional two years for ‘thoughtful deliberation’ really build better laws? See why both Republicans and Democrats say ‘yes, it will’ and ‘no, it won’t’ …

Executive Club’s leader, Don McIntire, introduces the program’s panel: Independent Dan Meek, Oregon Senator Frank Morse, imitative attorney Ross Day, and Oregon House Representative Larry Galizio.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A bill that would substantially change Oregon’s Citizen Initiative process was introduced, discussed, and debated on March 4 at the monthly meeting of the Executive Club at the Airport Shilo Inn before a packed, standing-room-only house.

Oregon Senator Frank Morse, and Oregon Representative Larry Galizio pitched the merits of the bill they are co-sponsoring, Senate Joint Resolution 11. (To read a PDF document introducing SJR 11 for yourself, CLICK HERE.) Attorneys Dan Meek and Ross Day told why they opposed the bill.

Don McIntire introduces the panel and outline’s the topic of discussion.

Calls it a ‘radical reform’ in the citizen-initiative process
The Executive Club’s “Interim President for Life”, Don McIntire, set the stage for the discussion by characterizing SJR 11 a radical reform of the Oregon initiative system.

The bill proposes a state constitutional amendment, McIntire said, that would alter the initiative process by requiring that any initiative, with enough signatures to make the ballot, would be held until it was reviewed in a regular session of the State legislature.

As part of the review, the initiative would be put to an “advisory vote” by State legislators; the Secretary of State would post the results of the vote.

“As a practical matter, the law would delay initiatives by an additional two years before it came up for a vote of the people,” McIntire noted. “There is no doubt, also, that this measure would enable the legislature to create competing measures if they so choose.”

Oregon Senator Frank Morse advocates for letting initiative measures “season” before going on the ballot.

Morse likens process to sausage-making in Salem
Oregon Senator Frank Morse, a Republican from Albany, began, “Otto von Bismarck the Prime Minister of Prussia said laws and sausages are the two things you do not want to see being made. Initiatives are often criticized for their complexity or bad drafting.  That’s one reason we offer for slowing down the process and inserting an additional 24 month delay.”

Morse said one of the reasons for slowing down the initiative process is because of the financial impacts many measures have on the State budget. “Measures represented 50% of the spending increase from 1989 to 2007,” Morse noted as he reminded attendees that more citizen-lead initiatives have been passed in Oregon than any other state.

Nevertheless, Morse stated he had no interest in denying citizen’s access to the legislative process. “We want to create a more informed process, so voters will have a better depth of understanding on what they are voting about – including the fiscal impacts. Sometimes it takes more than a biennium for [an initiative measure] to ‘season’ before it becomes law.”

Attorney Dan Meek says citizens sponsor initiatives on issues the State legislators avoid.

Meek says measure will causes an ‘unnecessary delay’
Attorney Dan Meek – some say he knows more about citizen intuitive than anyone – said he opposes SJR 11 because “it slows down the process for no good reason”.

“It imposes a two-year delay on an initiative after it is certified to going to the ballot,” Meek began. “I don’t see a reason to delay. After a citizen puts forth the effort to put a timely measure on the ballot, it is ‘shut down’ for 28 months; it’s subjected to an unbinding ‘straw vote’, and opponents get unlimited space [in the Voter’s Guide] to argue against it.”

Meek opined that the only reason citizens spend the time, money, and effort to put initiatives on the ballot is that “it permits people of Oregon to vote on issues the State legislators will not address, or oppose.”

He also decried that the Oregon Attorney General will write citizen-initiative ballot measure titles and descriptions. “The proponents should write the ballot title and description with no review. And, let’s apply this to the legislature-sponsored bills as well.”

Oregon Rep. Larry Galizio tells why he thinks SJR 11 will “add transparency” to the initiative process.

New process will ‘increase transparency’, postulates Galizio
Oregon Rep. Larry Galizio, a Democrat from Tigard, began, “When I was walking in, I heard one guest say [this measure] will eliminate the petition system. I can say that this not the goal of this legislation.”

During the deliberative discussion, Galizio said anyone, including the bill’s chief petitioners, can testify, and maybe answer some difficult questions of significance and conceptualize the intent of the initiative. The purpose is to increase the deliberative discussion and provide more accountability. This does not take place in the status quo, I would argue.”

The “status quo”, Galizio argued, works for “wealthy people and unions and out-of-state interests. The [labor] unions have figured out how to ‘play defense’ well; and make effective arguments against bills they don’t favor.”

The other problem with the “status quo” Galizio is that “The media have failed to cover politics in a meaningful kind of way. For a lot of busy people, the media is focused on selling ads; the focus is on sensationalism. People see a lot of ads, but don’t hear much public discourse.”

Because the State legislature may start meeting annually, Galizio said there might not be a two-year delay if this measure passes.

“I think what [SJR 11] does, is that it errs on the side of more transparency, greater deliberative discussion, and more discourse. If you think your idea is good enough and it will withstand that kind of rigorous analysis, then I think you’ll like this concept.”

Point by point, public action attorney Ross Day refutes the reasons he’s heard that SJR 11 will help the citizen initiative process.

Day blasts bill into night
Ross Day, a public action attorney with “Oregonians in Action”, and also a new organization, “Common sense for Oregon”, said he was skeptical that the intent of Oregon’s legislature was to aid the citizen initiative process.

“I have to be honest with you,” Day began, “With all due respect to the Senator, if what we’re talking about transparency – what the Democrats did with Measure 49 is a crime. It’s hard to believe that [SJR 11] is somehow going to create more transparency. The ballot titles for Measure 50 and Measure 57 – they were anything but transparent.”

Day schooled the crowd, pointing out that Oregon’s citizen initiative system is established in Article 4 of the Oregon Constitution.

“It is very unique, because the very first section of Article 4 delineates legislature’s power,” Day educated. “Half of it is given to the legislature; half of it belongs to the people. It’s a shared power. One side is not supposed to trump the other.”

Regarding the fiscal impacts of citizen-based initiatives, Day stated pointedly, “So, Senator Morris, when you say 50% of the increase [in State spending] is based on initiatives, this means that 50% of the spending increases was because of the legislature. There was this thing called SIM and CAM that wasn’t an initiative – there’s a lot of that kind of spending and they came out of the legislature – that aren’t exactly the results of a very deliberative legislation.”

That initiatives will be improved if delayed in the legislature is a “laughable” concept, Day continued. “To suggest that somehow the ‘fountain of knowledge’ comes from the legislature, and that somehow the ‘great unwashed masses’ are unable to draft a measure, doesn’t fly with me either.”

Agreeing that Oregon has an active initiative system, Day pointed out, “It’s true. To date, there have been more citizen petitions in Oregon than any other state. But also keep in mind that Oregon has the second oldest citizen petition system in the country.” Early in Oregon’s statehood, he noted, “one year, we had 36 measures on the ballot. Let’s put things in their proper context and perspective.”

Day said he also disagreed that the wealthy and out-of-state interests have somehow hijacked Oregon’s initiative system: “Here’s the reason why [petitioners seek outside funding]: in 2000, $250,000 put four measures on the ballot. Last year, it took $400,000 to put one measure on the ballot. The regulations and restrictions that the Legislature has placed on citizen petitioners have driven up the cost.”

Group meets monthly
When asked about his own organization, Don McIntire described the Executive Club this way: “This isn’t a group of activists, but instead, a group where many activists gather to celebrate the principles of limited government. We refer to ourselves as a society established on, and devoted to, free minds and free markets; dedicated to the principles of limited government as envisioned by our nation’s founders.”

They meet the first Wednesday of each month for dinner at 6:00 p.m. at the Airport Shilo Inn on NE Sandy Boulevard on East Airport Way, 2 blocks east of I-205. “An open mind is helpful; reservations are not necessary”.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why this internationally-known recording artist makes
an annual pilgrimage to Parkrose High School …

When nearby young ladies saw us about to snap a candid photo of Michael Allen Harrison talking with a Parkrose High student in the Choir Room, seven additional gals glided into the frame.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
December’s wild and wooly weather shuttered an annual holiday event – internationally-known composer and recording artist Michael Allen Harrison’s annual concert.

Not to be denied the opportunity; Harrison made time in his schedule to attend the “Music in our School’s” winter concert on March 16.

“Coming back to Parkrose is part of the fabric of my life,” Harrison, one of Parkrose High’s most illustrious alums told us. “It’s part of my deal. It’s my hometown here; it’s a valued tradition with me.”

The Parkrose Honor Choir performs at the Parkrose High Theater.

First on the program was the Parkrose Honor Choir, drawn from Prescott, Russell, Sacramento, and Shaver Elementary schools. They sang two numbers, Everybody say Peace and I’ll make a Difference.

The Parkrose High School Treble Choir sings Lullay Alleluia.

Heaven Somewhere is being performed by the Parkrose High School A-Choir.

When Michael Allen Harrison sits down to play, the auditorium grows silent.

Harrison began by playing two of his own compositions, and then chatted with the audience.

He reminisced about going to school in Parkrose; this subject led him into presenting a novelty number, in which he demonstrated how he creates music, based on a single phrase of notes.

As always, the performance finished up with the return of the Honor Choir; they sang Follow the Drinking Gourd with Harrison.

“Even though it was delayed since December, we raised about $2,000 to help support our programs,” said choir director Lesley Bossert. “We really appreciate Michael Allen Harrison’s support of our musical program. Our students are deeply affected by his support and care about our musical program. He really connects with our musicians.”

You can learn more about Michael Allen Harrison by visiting his website: CLICK HERE.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

It’s one of the worst single-car wrecks we’ve seen. Find out what happened, as told by an eye-witness who saw the incident unfold …

The car hit this wooden pole with such force, it snapped like a twig at ground level.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
“SE 162 Avenue is like a speedway,” said Centennial Neighborhood resident Vera Andersen, as she watched police investigating a car wreck across the intersection at SE Taggert Street. “Because it’s smooth and wide between SE Powell Boulevard and SE Division Street, people drive way too fast along here all of the time.”

Andersen shook her head as she walked away from the scene on March 22, after taking a final look at the destroyed car, clipped utility pole, and torn-up yard.

Although injured, both the driver and passenger of this car survived the smash-up.

Eyewitness to disaster
Scott Beach told us it was raining heavily, a little after 1:00 p.m., as he was driving north on SE 162nd Avenue from SE Powell Boulevard, headed toward SE Division Street.

“I was driving in the inside, or ‘fast’ lane,” Beach began, “doing about 40 or 45 mph. A car passed me in the ‘slow lane’ doing, I’d estimate, between 60 and 80 mph. He passed me like I was standing still.

The driver swerved in front of Beach, “Then, it was like he was trying to turn right into a driveway or onto Taggert Street. He went sideways and into the telephone pole; then into yard over there. I though he’d hit the house.”

Gives good medical advice
Beach said he stopped in the left-hand turn lane on 162nd Avenue. “When I got out, family members or friends were hollering for me to help them pull them out of the car. I told them no, you need to leave them in the car. I’d noticed electrical wires hanging down into the water.”

Trying to help the situation, Beach said he directed traffic around the wreck until Portland Fire & Rescue and police officers arrived.

“It took them a while to get them out of the car; they both went to the hospital,” recalled Beach. “They look pretty banged up. The driver was conscious but the passenger was kind of twitching like he was of out of it.”

SE 162nd Ave. was closed for much of the day as the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team investigate the wreck.

Although Beach recalled the younger of the two men he saw in the car being the driver, Portland Police Bureau’s Public Information Officer Detective Mary Wheat told us, “The driver of the vehicle has been identified as 23-year old George Pitsul. The passenger in the vehicle is a 16-year old juvenile male; we’re not releasing his name due to his age.”

Police say this man, 23-year old George Pitsul, was arrested and charged with three separate counts, all stemming from this accident.

Both occupants of the vehicle were hospitalized for several days, Wheat said. “Investigators believe that speed was a factor in this incident and do not believe any alcohol was involved.”

On Friday, March 27th, Pitsul was arrested on one count of Assault in the Third Degree, one count of Reckless Driving, and one count of Recklessly Endangering Another Person.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

While cuts to Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office may reduce jail space and curtail drug dealer busts – find out what a reduction in patrol services to the City of Maywood Park would mean to its citizens …

Outside the Multnomah County budget hearings, members of the Multnomah County Corrections Deputies Association voice their concerns about potential cuts to the public safety budget.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler convened the Public Safety Budget Forum on March 16, every seat in the Commissioner’s Boardroom was filled, and people were standing five deep in the back of the room.

Some citizens, like Erica Martin, a Sumner Neighborhood resident and AmeriCorps volunteer at Parkrose High School, were concerned about specific public safety programs on the chopping block. She told us she was advocating for the “Restorative Justice” at the meeting.

But for the City of Maywood Park’s Mayor, Mark Hardie, the stakes were much higher. Landlocked within Portland’s borders – located immediately northeast of the Interstate 205 and Interstate 84 junction – this small, residential community relies on the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office for policing and crime control.

Moments before he addresses the forum, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler awaits his introduction.

Wheeler provides context for discussion
After noting the remarkable turnout for a budget meeting, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler began, “Here’s the context: This is a very challenging year. This is a difficult time for everyone in this room. Families are really struggling, trying to agree on how to make ends meet – how to pay the rent, make our payments, school payments. Government is also trying to make the bottom line work out.

“For Multnomah County, this is probably our toughest budget year ever. We are looking at approximately a $45 million budget shortfall over the next two years. On top of that we are looking at an additional $10 Million to $20 Million shortfall as result of State cuts.”

The Multnomah County Commissioner’s Boardroom was filled to overflowing as the Public Safety Budget Forum began.

Wheeler pointed out the obvious, saying all present were indicating their concern about public safety. “I want to assure you that this Board of County Commissioners shares that desire to have a safe public.”

But when it comes staving off cuts in the public safety budget, Wheeler stated flatly, “That is not an option. It’s not that helpful in terms of helping us balance our [budgetary] decisions. Where the real leadership comes is in terms of helping us prioritize.”

Wheeler itemized the County’s efforts to increase revenue, and noted that some services – such as library system funding, approved by a bond measure – take a portion of their budget. “In addition to public safety … we are statutorily required to provide services [such as] running elections, maintaining roads and bridge infrastructure, health services, and animal services.”

Mark Hardie, Mayor of the City of Maywood Park, listens to the presentations made by Chair Wheeler and county staff members.

Potential impacts to the City of Maywood Park
During this meeting, the county’s budget process was described in detail, the attendees were led through some budgeting exercises, and citizens had the opportunity to speak with county officials and commissioners.

After the forum, we asked Mark Hardie, Mayor of the City of Maywood Park, what he thought of the event. He told us that the meeting was nothing like anything he’d ever seen. “I felt like he was respectful of the process; it was a positive way to get everybody’s opinion.”

Hardie said the proposed cuts would be devastating to everyone in Multnomah County, not just to the citizens of Maywood Park.

“I can’t imagine losing the only drug team in the County – their Special Investigations Unit works up to 400 mid-level drug cases a year,” noted Hardie. “The proliferation of drug trafficking and crimes associated with it will only add to our troubles, and cause further deterioration to all of our neighborhoods.

“The cuts to the Warrant Strike Team,” he continued, “will leave an additional 100 felons loose on the street every year.

“And, taking away our Child Abuse Team affects the most vulnerable members of our society. Then, there is the loss of the Gang Task Force to be considered, and a reduction of jail beds. The cuts have no social boundaries; they affect the rich and the poor, and take away the one thing that everyone wants – to feel safe in their home.”

Peter Ozanne, the county’s chief depuity operating officer, refers to a chart given out that details Multnomah County’s role in the Public Safety system.

One of the most importing thoughts that Hardie said he took away from the meeting was that “No one part of the Public Safety System can stand alone. There is no need for jails if we don’t have prosecutors; there’s no need for prosecutors if we don’t have deputies to make arrests.”

Considering all safety options
In terms of what budget cuts mean to the residents of the City of Maywood Park – because Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Deputies patrol their streets – Hardie said, “We are, of course, very concerned about any cuts to Public Safety, and especially to the Sheriff’s Office.”

If Maywood Park’s level of service were reduced, Hardie said, “As a City, we would explore every possible option: From creating a gated community; to negotiating supplemental police contracts; to exercising our second amendment rights. The single most important job of government is keeping its citizens safe.”

In closing, we asked Hardie of he felt his concerns had been “heard”, or merely “listened to”.

“Only time will tell,” replied Hardie. “I do believe the Commissioners have been sincere in all of the conversations I have had with them.”

Leaders and residents of the City of Maywood Park – seen here lining up for their 2008 Annual July 4th Community Parade – wonder if their idyllic town will become the target of criminals if Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office patrols are reduced.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News