Street-sex Update: Is the city’s ‘permanent solution’ for street-level prostitution going to work? See why it looks like it’ll take more than cops on patrol to solve the problem. And, Discover the role of DAs, judges, and a new treatment program play …
After being cornered in the restroom of a retail store a couple of weeks ago, this woman, accused of being involved in prostitution, tries to talk her way to freedom – but the officer taking her into custody isn’t buying her story. While prostitution is on the decline – it’s far from gone on the Avenue.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) task force dedicated to reducing street-level prostitution has indeed eliminated the blatant, flamboyant street-sex vendors along 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Sandy Boulevard, as last week’s story showed – it’s certainly far from being eliminated from outer East Portland.
Before reading our update on actions being taken to curb street-level prostitution – at the source – you may want to read our previous stories regarding:
- Summertime anti-prostitution missions, CLICK HERE.
- The September 15 anti-prostitution Summit, CLICK HERE.
- The September 30 march on 82nd Ave., CLICK HERE
- The Second anti-prostitution “Take Back 82nd” Summit on October 7, CLICK HERE.
At this September press conference, Portland Mayor Tom Potter said the Prostitution-free Zone ordinance would not be reinstated; instead, it would be replaced with a new, comprehensive plan that included treatment for re-offending prostitutes.
‘Zones’ eliminated in 2007
For several years, the law enforcement and judicial system has “winked” at prostitution, as if it were considered a low level crime.
As the quality of life problems that prostitution brought started spilling into neighborhoods, the City of Portland responded with “Drug- and Prostitution-free Zone” ordinances, in which individuals alleged to be involved in street-sex transactions could be “excluded” – that is, prevented, under threat of going to jail for violation, from hanging out along 82nd Avenue or NE Sandy Boulevard – without a good reason.
In late 2007, the Portland City Council chose to allow the ordinances to expire – saying the council believed them to be racially discriminatory. However, that conclusion was based ONLY on information gathered about the Drug-free Zone ordinance, and ONLY in downtown’s Old Town. For about a year, cops were without a valuable tool they used to remove frequent suspected prostitutes from outer East Portland.
Then, on September 11, Mayor Tom Potter held a press conference at the Montavilla Community Center during which he vowed to curb street prostitution – a problem that had grown into being “intolerable”. CLICK HERE to read this EastPDXNews article.
Justin Cutler, Montavilla Neighborhood Association Vice Chair, welcomed neighbors to the second “Take Back 82nd Avenue” Town Hall meeting.
Neighborhood chair commends efforts
A few weeks ago, we checked in with Justin Cutler, chair of the Montavilla Neighborhood Association, and the person who facilitated the October 7 “Take Back 82nd Summit” to see if all of the publicity surrounding the issue had helped their cause.
“Overall, I feel as citizens we’ve made a difference. We have been working with Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman to form an oversight committee, and I’ve been to Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) meetings,” Cutler told us.
“It is our job a citizens to encourage public officials to make things happen,” Cutler continued. “We need to take ownership for our part – calling police when we see activity, being involved in the neighborhood association, and participating in foot patrols.”
Vigilant police efforts reduce prostitution
From mid-August through the first of December, officers had arrested 226 people suspected of engaging in prostitution activities. But, as we found on a recent ride-along with an anti-prostitution mission, the “johns” (customers) have kept cruising the streets looking for prostitutes – who themselves are willing to face another arrest – to service them.
As we drove back to the police station, our contact for the mission, East Precinct’s Sgt. David Golliday, explained, “What we want to do is get the prostitutes on probation, so we can use that to get them involved in social services. Soon, we should have sufficient bed space to get them off the street and help them learn life skills – so they can stay off the street and learn a normal lifestyle, or get back to one.”
Golliday reminded us that, as evidenced during our ride-along, the bureau is still providing aggressive enforcement. “And, with the District Attorney’s Office working diligently on these cases, and the judges accepting the DA’s request of putting these women on probation status – plus the social services aspect – it should really help reduce prostitution.”
J. R. Ujifusa, Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney and Asst. DA Jenna Plank speak plainly about the new way the City and County plan to combat street-level prostitution.
DAs explain how ‘new system’ works
From what we’ve gathered from our investigation, a person suspected of being involved in the act of prostitution (either the prostitute, or the john) is arrested. The suspected individual is tried in court, and perhaps is convicted. If the same individual is arrested, tried, and convicted a second time, they then may be sanctioned or treated.
“Prostitution cases can be problematic,” Multnomah County Asst. DA Jenna Plank told a group of citizens wanting to learn how Portland and the County propose to deal with prostitution. “We take all prosecutable cases sent from [anti-prostitution] missions run by the police department.”
“So, this ‘new process’ relies on judges to take these cases seriously?” we ask.
“The best practices are [for the police] to run a solid mission, using whatever laws or ordinances that are in effect,” Plank replied. “This helps us build our best cases. Another thing that will help us put more pressure on the judges to help – both through public comment, and Judicial Watch” – so they know that the community is suffering because of this issue.”
Plank continued that, if judges perceive prostitution as a true public issue, they will respond appropriately. “I will be honest and say it might be rocky at first,” Plank continued, “because it is new and different. Yet, it’s very similar to the Prostitution-Free Zone ordinances. It’s not like we’re starting from ground zero. But, realistically, not all judges will do what we ask.”
Spinning a judicial ‘revolving-door’?
We asked, “Because this new plan hinges upon successful prosecution – and the DA’s office has a finite budget – can your office keep this from becoming a judicial ‘revolving-door’ when your office runs out of money, or when judges turn offenders over to Community Court?”
Plank responded, “Yes, we think we can do it. Right now, if we are presented a case that is provable – or if we think we can prove it beyond a reasonable doubt – we will prosecute it. The only added burden for us, under this plan, is when it comes down to the probation/violation phase.”
If found guilty, said Plank, the DA’s office asks judge put the individual on probation with “geographic restriction”. “If the defendant goes into that [geographic] area, they will get arrested for violating their probation.”
But Plank added that they “can’t keep charged individuals in custody”. Many of the accused don’t make their court dates. “Lots of warrants go out. If you look at the back of their worksheet you’ll see that the time from their arrest till the time of conviction is about six months. So, for these six months, [the suspects] will be out, essentially freely doing what they want to do. They will not have geographical restrictions on them until their case is settled.”
Assistant DA Plank is showing a chart that illustrates how prostitution cases will flow through the justice system under the current arrangement.
Treatment can be two years away
To make sure we understand the situation, we asked, “So, an individual must be caught-in-the-act with prosecutable evidence, arrested, and be successfully prosecuted and convicted twice before they’re legible for geographic restriction sanctions – or a treatment program? This could take a couple of years, right?”
“That is correct,” Plank stated.
“The first time a person is arrested on a prostitution charge,” continued Plank, “the case may go to Community Court.” She said, from memory, that about 30% of defendants opt for Community Court. “This could make every first-time offender say they want to go to Community Court [and thus, this arrest would not count as a first conviction]. We don’t know; and, we won’t know until we get started.”
Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney J. R. Ujifusa chimed in, “Keep in mind that we had a similar amount of cases under the Prostitution-free Zone ordinance. The system is set up a handle higher amount of cases.”
Beth Glisczinski, Director of Adult and Youth Addiction Services at LifeWorks NW, and Kathleen Treb, Acting Director for Community Justice, Multnomah County of Community Justice, look over details of a in-patient prostitution treatment program, as its coordinator, East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs looks on.
Treatment program in development
At an early December meeting of the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council at East Precinct, Beth Glisczinski, the Director of Adult and Youth Addiction Services at LifeWorks NW, and Kathleen Treb, Acting Director for Community Justice, Multnomah County of Community Justice, attended with other committee members.
Talking about the treatment program for prostitutes, Glisczinski told us, “This is intended to be an intervention program for women who got in trouble with the law because of their prostitution-related activities.”
LifeWorks NW proposed a “truly integrated approach to meeting the needs of these women, addressing their mental health and addiction needs, and helping them rebuild a life – a life of recovery and stability and security,” Glisczinski said.
She added that her organization ran a similar program between 1997 and 2007. “It fell victim to budget cuts; it’s been inactive for about a year and a half.”
Their new program offers an “addiction component” and a “recovery mentor” process that were not in the original treatment program.
“A recovery mentor,” Glisczinski explained, “is someone who is been there, done that – and someone who is in recovery from chemical dependency or some other issue. We also require that they be in recovery from their involvement with the criminal justice system and are now turning their life around – and will provide their experience, insights and support the people are trying to do the same thing.”
We’ll bring you more details about this treatment program as they become available.
Members gather for a meeting of the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council at East Precinct the first week in December.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See what happened when these young craftsmen turned their attention to making toys for disadvantaged kids – instead of producing gifts for their own family and friends …
David Douglas High School instructor Jeff Reardon shows the process flow chart that he and his class members developed to help them successfully manufacture 100 wooden toys in a very short period of time.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the few high schools that haven’t axed classes in practical skills – such as woodworking and metal shop – is David Douglas High School.
“Our Woods Manufacturing Program is one of the school’s eight ‘Career Paths’ that are available,” said instructor Jeff Reardon as we met in his office overlooking the woodshop floor to get way from the noise made by saws, drills, and sanders, operated by students.
DDHS student Gerardo Ruiz cuts out wheels for toy trucks using a drill press.
Manufacturing opportunity appears
“I was looking for a manufacturing project for our students,” Reardon began. “The questions that come up are, ‘What do we make?’ and ‘Where do we get the materials?’ and “Who will the customer be?'”
These questions were answered by Gig Lewis, who is with the Guild of Oregon Woodworkers. Explained Reardon, “He asked if we’d like to be involved in a special project. They would provide the plans and material for the project.” The product turned out to be a toy truck.
Members of the Guild, Reardon noted, had been making hand-crafted wooden toys, destined for the Marine’s Toy-and-Joy drive, for three years. “We had six weeks to design a manufacturing process, and produce them.”
It takes teamwork, coordination, and good communications, documenting what is to be done to run a manufacturing operation, Reardon said. “We’ve created a list of the parts for our project, and a process. These are valuable skills to build high-quality products, whether you manufacturing in wood, metal, or plastics.
Students like Max Basarava discover and utilize methods for mass-producing toys –like sanding dozens of wheels at one time.
Experienced young woodworkers rise to challenge
Once they’d completed their production methods, the classmembers got to work. “These students have been in the program for two to three years; they know how to operate the woodworking equipment. What they’re learning is how to mass-produce a product – instead of making an individual project.”
The eleven students in Reardon’s class worked diligently to meet their goal of producing 100 finished units. “That’s quite a few – for example, they need to make 400 wooden wheels. And, there are 14 parts in each toy.”
Geonard Castaneda, Kevin Orszulak, Mr. Reardon, and Anatoliy Pshenichnykh check the production schedule at the end of a class period.
Student volunteers pitch in
All David Douglas students are required to provide several hours of volunteer time, Reardon explained. To make sure that Santa’s bag wouldn’t be light by a few toys, Reardon said he asked teachers of other Career Pathways to ask their students to volunteer on the project.
“The response was great,” the instructor said. “Many of our volunteers, like those from the Arts and Communications group – your future reporters and editors, someday – had never done woodworking. They came in and sanded their hearts out. We could not have done it without them.”
On December 9, the class had their trucks finished and ready for delivery. Because of their efforts, 100 youngsters will be having fun with toys made for them by older kids, right here in outer East Portland.
Student project manager Chris Becker approves of the quality of this finished toy truck before it is packaged.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
If you haven’t noticed, this story is unfolding just outside your door – and been on TV for the past week. Here’s our take on the situation …
Sledding down this East Portland hill was occasionally interrupted by folks who had to get out in their trucks to drive around during the height of the snow storm.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We can’t ignore the weather – it interrupted Christmas plans for everyone in East Portland. Those that must work struggled to find a way to their place of employment. Schools, alternately open and closed as the weather changed by the hour, had to be maintained during the storm.
The snow was deep and beautiful, looking out behind the East Portland News and www.eastPDXnews.com international headquarters in SE Portland.
The East Portland News Cruiser remains under feet of snow and ice during the worst of the storm.
Snowiest of Decembers
This winter storm didn’t bring the coldest weather on record, according to Charles Dalton meteorologist intern at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service is located in outer East Portland on NE 122nd Avenue, just south of NE Airport Way.
“Typically, we see temperatures in the low- to mid-40s,” Dalton told us today. “We were 10º to 15º below normal – quite a way from breaking any records.”
But the snowstorm that started on December 19 is a record-breaker, Dalton added. “From the 19th through the 25th, this is pretty much a 40 year event. This has been our snowiest December on record. It really compares to the deepest snowfall on record – the storm in January 1950 with 42” measured at the airport.
Your editor discovers that the East Portland News Weather Deck is snowed in!
Along with a break in the weather on Christmas Eve day came shoppers – hoards of them – whether or not they were equipped to drive in winter weather conditions.
White Christmas after all
Mother Nature gave forecasters the Bronx-cheer on Christmas Day.
Instead of balmy temperatures and warm rain to scour out the snow and ice still clinging to Portland area streets as predicted, fringed Arctic wind swept south, and then west through the Columbia Gorge midday, changing the rain into final blast of snow and sleet.
What are the forecasters saying about this week’s upcoming weather? Regardless when you read this, you can always get the up-to-date forecast from the National Weather Service for outer East Portland by CLICKING HERE. Or, enter the Zip Code at the top of the page to see the 7-day forecast for any location in the country.
The day after Christmas, most major highways and freeways were drivable. Side streets remained almost impassable.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Look: The big winter blast won’t come in until the afternoon – come and help deliver some of the 556 Sunshine Division food boxes that need to get out …
Last year, there were plenty of volunteer drivers – this year – who knows? Just show up Saturday morning, December 20 and help! EastPDXnews file photo
Story and file photos by David F. Ashton
It’s a simple problem: Food boxes that provide needy families in outer East Portland are stacked up in the East Precinct garage; across the street from Floyd Light Middle School in Gateway. With the arrival of winter weather conditions, many people will stay home.
The Portland Police Bureau’s Sunshine Division depends on volunteers to deliver 556 boxes of food — each contains a complete dinner, including meat, bread and vegetables.
“If you have the appropriate vehicle to drive in inclement weather,” says Portland Police Bureau’s Officer Phil Kent of the Sunshine Division, “families across outer East Portland will sincerely appreciate the Christmas food box you’ll deliver.”
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Cadets load a truck with food boxes to be delivered to needy families in the area. EastPDXnews file photo
If few volunteer drivers show up, Kent says, those who come will be asked to deliver more boxes. “Our Cadets and street officers will pitch in as well. We’re hoping for a good turnout. No matter what, we will get the boxes delivered.”
Reservations are NOT required
Just show up at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20 at East Precinct, 737 SE 106th Ave., just south of SE Washington St. (across from Floyd Light Middle School and the East Portland Community Center).
Cue up in the community center parking lot – and the East Precinct Cadets will direct you into the parking structure and load your vehicle. You’ll be given a clear map showing where deliveries should be made.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See why more organizations – and more families – are taking advantage of this unique information exchange …
Hundreds of families come to learn about community resources at this year’s event held at the David Douglas Schools’ Fir Ridge Campus.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The 5th Annual East County Resource Fair – held at David Douglas School’s Fir Ridge Campus, the district’s alternative high school – has grown considerably since we first attend the event. When we walked in this year, we saw more than 70 government agencies, non-profit organizations, and small businesse, represented at tables set up throughout the commons area.
“It started as a way to bring resources to our students,” explained Elizabeth Sommo, School-to-Work and Volunteer Coordinator at the school. “Students, and more importantly, their families, learn what’s available in terms of social services, employment services, non-profit organizations, and businesses.”
Elizabeth Sommo, the event organizer, welcomes guests to the Resource Fair.
This year, the fair was designated as a district-wide event, Sommo said. “We’re inviting all families from outer East Portland and East County school districts to participate. The fair is also a great way to build more community spirit, and have a fun event for people to attend.
“It’s a really great way for community entities to learn what’s going on in the school system, and for the school’s staff, students, and families to learn what’s available in the community.”
Arlene Kimura tells people why neighborhoods – and the EPNO neighborhood coalition – help make our city a better place in which to live.
One of the exhibitors at the fair was Hazelwood Neighborhood Association chair Arlene Kimura, who took charge of the East Portland Neighborhood Organization table.
“I’m here because our city’s neighborhoods are an important resource of which many people are not aware,” Kimura explained. “Some of these kids will eventually become our neighbors; they need to know why the neighborhoods are important, and how we help build stronger communities. They are our future citizens.”
Susan Palmer, of Multnomah County Health Department, School-based Health Clinics, tells parents how to access health care for kids.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See who was indicted for this outer East Portland New Years Eve murder …
Police cars swarmed the area of NE 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Thompson Street looking for the person responsible for a homicide.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
In a story we brought you a year ago (CLICK HERE to read it), 2007 ended with an outer East Portland homicide.
Officials say it isn’t clear why this man, 25-year-old Christopher Adam Monette, a resident of North Portland, was gunned down just minutes before 2008 began in outer Northeast Portland. (PPB photo)
“The investigation began on December 31, 2007, at approximately 11:48 pm, when officers responded to a disturbance call with possible shots fired in the 8400 block of NE Thompson Street,” Portland Police Bureau Public Information Officer Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us.
“Christopher Adam Monette was found deceased, and Homicide Detectives were called to the scene to initiate an investigation,” continued Schmautz. “A Multnomah County Grand Jury recently returned a murder indictment regarding this case.”
Officials say they suspect this man, 30-year-old Jerrin Lavazie Hickman, of committing the New Year’s Eve murder. (MCSO photo)
Suspect arrested in Kaiser
The US Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force hunted down the suspect in this murder case, 30-year-old Jerrin Lavazie Hickman, in Kaiser, near Salem, and arrested him on the outstanding warrant on December 8, Schmautz informed us.
For investigative reasons, detectives are withholding additional information in this ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Ken Whattam at (503) 823-0696 or Detective Rico Beniga at (503) 823-0692.
© 2008 David F Ashton ~ East Portland News
If you missed it – even though we told you it was coming – take a look, and see why people say this event rivaled the largest commercial gift shows in town …
Lena Whight talks with Jerilyn Walker, one of 97 vendors at this year’s David Douglas Bazaar.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Georgia Mayfield made it perfectly clear why she was Christmas shopping at the 12th annual David Douglas Holiday Bazaar: “Why fight traffic going out to the Expo Center, pay for parking and admission, and see the same old stuff, when I can come here and shop for free?”
Yes, the hallways and the north cafeteria were filled with 100 tables covered with all kinds of gifts presented by 97 vendors, as the event got underway on December 6.
“It is our largest fundraiser of the year,” explained Kari Deardorff, Parent Teacher Student Association President, at David Douglas High School.
In addition to table rentals, the “Jingle Bell Snack Shop” was open for breakfast and lunch throughout the day.
David Douglas High’s PTSA board members pause for a photo during their Holiday Bazaar: Shannon Pitts, Treasurer; Lisa Keefe, Secretary; Gena Andersen, Vice President; and Kari Deardorff, President.
Proceeds support scholarships
“All of the proceeds go to support the college scholarships our program, in which we give six $500 awards to graduating seniors,” Deardorff continued. “The primary criterion for being awarded a scholarship is volunteerism, because we are a volunteer-based organization.”
To compete, students write an essay that describes their school and community volunteer efforts while they attend David Douglas High; good grades do also factor into the decision.
Meet three artisans
John Swenson shows off his line of “Soft Swords”.
Looking for a way to roughhouse but not cause injury? DDHS student John Swenson said he has the answer: his product called “Soft Swords”.
“They are padded play-swords for children of all ages,” pitches Swenson. “It’s an idea that’s been around for a while; I just took it and made it better. The ones in the stores last for about 30 minutes – but these are sturdy.”
Amie Griggs with her “family of snowmen”. “I’ve been making them for about three years. People seem to like them, and I enjoy making them.”
Joy Ginocchio and Doug Smith have a colorful selection of tie-dyed shirts on display. “We make these ourselves. I used to make them back in the 1980s,” Smith said. “We started making and selling them again last year, at Estacada Grower’s Market.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Street-sex Update: See how consistent police presence, and neighbor participation, have reduced the number of street prostitutes working 82nd Avenue of Roses. But, read this and you’ll find prostitution hasn’t left the avenue completely …
Driven by a never-ending supply of customers – such as this fellow, suspected of soliciting prostitution, and being taken of to jail to be booked – street-level prostitution will continue, albeit at a reduced level, even with the efforts of police, neighbors, and the judicial system.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
All during the summer, blatant prostitution flourished along 82nd Avenue of Roses…until neighbors and business people made their voices heard – and demanded action.
Crime stats show improvement
The payoff: Gone are the gaudily-dressed women wearing outrageous makeup, strutting up and down 82nd Avenue in four-inch heels, arm-in-arm with their “pimp-daddy”.
Between mid-August and mid-October, officers arrested 148 individuals including 56 johns, 88 prostitutes, and one individual promoting prostitution activity, reported Portland Police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz.
When we talked with PPB East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs this week, he told us officers made 78 arrests during prostitution-related sweeps between mid-October and the first of December. “While our officers were observing prostitution-related activities and consequently spoke with arrested subjects, some of those arrested were picked up for outstanding warrants – not necessarily prostitution activities,” Crebs clarified.
“We’ve seen a decrease in prostitution-related activity on 82nd Avenue,” confirmed Crebs. “We’ve seen fewer arrests due to enforcement –and the weather. But, some are still out there.”
Although prostitution has declined, some alleged prostitutes – like this woman, being handcuffed by undercover officers – are still refusing to stop their street soliciting.
Still selling sex along the avenue
To get a feel for what’s happening now along 82nd Avenue, we rode along in an unmarked police cruiser with East Precinct’s Sgt. David Golliday – joining a team of police officers running an anti-prostitution mission, a couple of weeks ago.
At different times, Golliday said, he’s been working such missions over the last 4 ½ years.
Looking back over the summer months, Golliday said he’d witnessed the marked increase in street prostitution first-hand. “With that came more crime issues, livability issues, and more complaints from both neighbors and businesses. And, we’ve had more violence. We’ve had two alleged pimps killed – and prostitutes have been assaulted.”
Prostitution allegedly in progress
As “spotters” report known prostitutes on the police radio – and those behaving as if they are trying to pick up customers – we watched a fairly young woman, reportedly on the stroll, look around at passing cars.
She hopped into a late-model BMW, which ended up in a motel parking lot just south of SE Holgate Boulevard. She got out of the car and walked briskly toward the motel office. Instead of going in to rent a room, she broke out into a full run around the side of the building, southbound on the sidewalk.
With a $100 bill allegedly still in her pocket, this young woman didn’t rent a room at the hotel like she told her “friend” in the car she would – but instead ran next door into an auto parts store restroom, and started trying to change her appearance.
Takes the money and runs
The woman took no notice of the unmarked police car, and almost ran over our hood in the way to the auto parts store next door. Golliday followed her into the store; employees say she locked herself in the employee restroom. The sergeant tapped lightly on the restroom door and asks softly, “Hey, are you all right in there? We’re worried about you. Are you sure you’re OK? Please open the door.”
The young woman opened the door and looked very surprised to see Golliday.
The driver of the BMW told officers the fleeing woman was “a friend of his”. When the gravity of the situation became evident to the man, he was asked if the $100 bill found in the woman’s possession was his, he said that it was. He seemed surprised to learn that the woman had not gone into the hotel, but instead, took off running when she was out of his sight, and was caught trying to change her appearance.
The driver of this BMW lost more than his $100 – his car is now being towed because he was charged with soliciting prostitution.
Shows she “knows the system”
Until the woman suspected of soliciting prostitution – or, on this occasion, being a rip-off artist – could be transported in another squad car, she was temporarily seated in the back of Golliday’s vehicle.
At first, the woman spoke softly and sweetly, telling Golliday that “It was all a mistake” and she’d “never been involved in prostitution”. Her demeanor changed when the sergeant told her she’d been under surveillance and they’d seen the entire transaction.
“At least you can’t exclude me!” she shouted, her speech now loaded with expletives. “They’ve dumped the Prostitution-free Zone. I don’t care if you do take me to jail. I don’t care if you arrest me. Downtown (in the Justice Center), its book-and-release. I’ll be back out here working later tonight!” she shrieked.
Hopes City’s new treatment plan is successful
Asked if he felt discouraged because of the “revolving jail door” downtown, Golliday responded, “These missions, alone, are helping to reduce the problem.”
Referring to the City of Portland’s new plan to treat convicted prostitutes, the sergeant added, “What we want is get convicted prostitutes on probation, so we can use that to get them involved in social services programs. This program will have sufficient bed space to get them off the street and help them learn life skills so they can stay the street.”
If they choose not to participate, he added, they can be excluded from (high prostitution) areas without exception – meaning they can be arrested for merely strolling along 82nd Avenue.
“I think with aggressive enforcement, the District Attorney’s office working diligently on these cases, and the judges putting these women on probation status – plus the social services aspect – we could see street-level prostitution reduced significantly.”
In the next Street Sex Update:
We’ll question neighbors to see if the new program is really working. And, we’ll grill two Multnomah County District Attorneys regarding how this judicial strategy works.
Also, has the City actually followed up, and contracted for residential treatment for prostitutes?
Check back next week – you’ll get the answers, right here at, East Portland News.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Congratulations to ‘Spirit of Portland” award winners Linda Robinson, Richard Kiely, and Sgt. Anderson & Officer Baldwin! Find out why they were honored, right here …
The Portland City Council assembles, and Mayor Tom Potter (seated, center) prepares to give his opening remarks at the awards ceremony.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Portland City Council chambers were packed to overflowing on December 11 as the “Spirit of Portland Awards” ceremony got underway.
Starting off the program, Mayor Tom Potter told the throng, “This is a time when we gather to honor our communities and heroes; we call it the Portland of Spirit Awards. I’m glad you’ll be able to meet some absolutely wonderful honorees today.”
After he outlined how the program would proceed, Potter said, “This is a wonderful day at the Portland City Council; in fact, this is a wonderful day for Portland.”
Independent Spirit Award: Linda Robinson
-2 Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman presents Linda Robinson her Spirit of Portland Independent Spirit award.
Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman presented the award, saying:
“Linda Robinson is a retiree with more civic projects than you can imagine. Her passion for civic engagement developed when she began volunteering during a mid-life career change 20 years ago. Early experiences as a founding member of the Columbia Slough Watershed Council and her work with the “Naturescaping for Clean Rivers” program, demonstrated the importance of citizen involvement – and the earlier, the better. She advocates tirelessly for good process.
“While Linda has had many volunteer interests (the airport, urban renewal, local elections, water quality, tree preservation, invasive species), her work has focused on parks. As a founding member of the East Portland Parks Coalition, she works knowledgeably and advocates effectively for East Portland Parks and open spaces. Also, she chairs the City Wide Parks Team, the Parks Committee for the Hazelwood Neighborhood Association, and the Parks Subcommittee for the Gateway Urban Renewal Area. She served on Metro’s Green spaces Policy Advisory Committee, and has committed countless hours to successful bond measure campaigns. She has served on numerous other park committees, including budget, master plan, ParkScan, and, skate park siting committees, and the Parks SDC Update Task Force. Linda is not just another meeting attendee; she takes initiative, accepts responsibility, and follows through.
“Community building is another focus for her – creating places and events that bring diverse groups together, such as Concerts at Ventura Park, and at the Hazelwood Hydro Park. Linda is also spearheading work on Gateway Green, which will provide much-needed green space, a re-branding tool, and a community gathering place for East Portland.”
Linda Robinson thanks her supporters, and pitches participation in her project committees.
Robinson thanked Saltzman, the City Council, and the committee, for the award. She then thanked her husband, David, for supporting her activities. “Anyone who wants to talk to me later about the Gateway Green project, or about Portland Parks – we’re always looking for people who are interested and want to be involved!”
When we caught up with Robinson later, she remarked, “You know, a person involved with Portland’s bicycle transportation planning did come up and talk to me about Gateway Green after the reception!” (To learn more about Gateway Green, CLICK HERE to read our article.)
Robinson said she had been nominated for the award in the past “But it came as a surprise when I got the e-mail notifying me that I won the award this year. It’s exciting. It’s good that people notice that one is trying to go good things.”
She added that being bestowed this award may help her draw attention to East Portland issues upon which she is working. “What I’ve learned is that it takes patience, persistence, and collaboration to get things done. You’ve got to keep at it.”
Small Business Award:
Richard Kiely, Home Run Graphics
Mayor-elect Sam Adams presents the Small Business Award to Richard Kiley, owner of Home Run Graphics.
“Richard Kiley, owner of Home Run Graphics, has volunteered his time, resources and skills to help build a stronger community in Southeast Portland,” said Mayor-elect Sam Adams as he presented the award. “He exemplifies business partnering with the local community to provide more livable and safer neighborhoods through public service, fun and entertainment.
“He and his company have been involved with numerous events, including the East Portland Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament; the Fun on Foster event; the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade; Montavilla International Days; and the Portland Teen Idol project that includes 350 teenagers from all over the city, and from varied cultural backgrounds. He shows his pride in all of them as if they were his own children.
“He stepped up and raised $1,000 for the inner East Portland Mount Hood Little League when their equipment was stolen and as a fundraiser for the Youth Missions at Faith Center Christian Church.
“Kiely is also well known for donating funds and time to produce the “Screen on the Green” movies in city parks that brought together 31,000 Portlanders to enjoy free entertainment in their own neighborhood.
“He regularly participates in park clean-ups in the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood, and was a key player – shovel in hand, with his wife Gail and other neighborhood leaders – in the building of Hazeltine Park for less than $26,000.
“Kiley believes in Portland and in his neighborhood. His unselfish contributions truly help make this city shine.”
Kiely accepts the award saying simply, “This is very nice.”
Kiely, who is, or has been, on numerous nonprofit organization boards, is also a past vice president of his neighborhood association.
After the ceremony, Kiely was beaming with an ear-to-ear smile and told us, “I’ve had an absolutely wonderful time participating in all of these activities. I didn’t realize how much time I put into community projects [until they were recounted here,] because I have so much fun doing it. Seeing people draw together as a community, it makes it all worthwhile.”
While he said he’s very pleased to be recognized for his efforts, Kiely added, “Seeing families and neighbors draw together as a community makes it all worthwhile.”
Community Policing Award:
Sergeant Jon Anderson and Officer Greg Baldwin
Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman congratulates the East Precinct Sergeant Anderson and Officer Baldwin for their work to establish a Parkrose substation.
“In the true spirit of community policing, Sergeant Jon Anderson and Officer Greg Baldwin saw a need, and they filled it,” said Commissioner Dan Saltzman as he gave them their awards. “They converted an empty office space into a neighborhood police contact office, where residents could meet with officers, find community resources, and provide a safe place for officers patrolling the area to eat lunch, read reports, and meet with neighbors.
“With the generosity of the Rossi family, who leases the space to the Portland Police Bureau for one dollar a year, the officers spent many months of off-duty time to transform the vacant space into a welcoming community contact office.
“Situated at Northeast Sandy Boulevard and NE 111th Avenue – in an area that has seen drugs, prostitution, and other illegal activity over the years – the office serves residents and businesses in special ways. First, the presence of more police officers stopping at the office has fostered a safe feeling in the community. Second, neighbors are becoming a part of the all-volunteer office staffed by Elders in Action, and become more involved in their community. And last, businesses have gotten involved by donating goods and services for the office renovation project.
“It is one of the Elders in Action volunteers put it so well, the new neighborhood contact office ‘it’s an opportunity to put a face on the badge’. Once fertile farmland, the Parkrose community has grown into a culturally rich and diverse community. With an investment of time and resources, and the gift of their collaboration, Sergeant Jon Anderson and Officer Greg Baldwin and created a legacy that will live on in this community for many years.”
Officer Greg Baldwin (left) thanks the greater Parkrose community for helping out with donations of material and labor.
After the awards, Baldwin told us, “The most important thing is to acknowledge the group effort that went into this project. The friendships that have developed between myself and the community mean a lot to me – these are lifelong relationships that have come about because of this project.”
In the upper City Council chamber, we spotted part of the East Portland cheering section: Arlene Kimura, Hazelwood Neighborhood Chair; Portland City Councilor-elect Amanda Fritz; community activist Mike Vander Veen; and the Chair of the Woodland Hills Neighborhood Association – as well as member of the Parkrose School District Board – Alesia Reese.
Congratulations to the Spirit of Award winners!
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See what we’ve found out about two homicides – in the Hazelwood and the Centennial neighborhoods. And, get the TRUE story about how the police bureau’s spokesman helped capture one of the suspected murderers …
Throughout the day, detectives carefully look for evidence at a house, here in the northeast corner of the Hazelwood neighborhood.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Some folks are calling December 15th “Bloody Monday”. Two individuals – one in a home in outer East Portland’s Hazelwood neighborhood, the other in a house trailer in the Centennial area –violently lost their lives.
Death in Hazelwood
A resident on NE 143rd Avenue, between E. Burnside and NE Glisan Streets, noticed his neighbor hadn’t been around, so he went over and checked to see how he was dong.
“8:12 am, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers were called to the 100 block of NE 143rd Avenue, after a man found the body of his neighbor,” reported the bureau’s Public Information Officer (PIO), Sergeant Brian Schmautz.
There was evidence of homicidal violence at the scene; Homicide Detectives were called to conduct an investigation,” Schmautz added.
His neighbor found this man, 67-year-old Howard Curtiss Olson, dead of ‘homicidal violence’ in his Hazelwood home.
“An autopsy, conducted by the Multnomah County Medical Examiner determined that Olson died of Homicidal Violence,” Schmautz told us the following day. “The victim has been identified as 67-year-old Howard Curtiss Olson. For investigative reasons, detectives are withholding specific information about the cause of death.”
As this investigation continues, you are asked to call Detective Steve Ober at (503) 823-4033 or Detective Jim McCausland at (503) 823-0449, if you have information about this case.
Suspected Centennial-area murderers nabbed
Here at Mobile Estates, in the Centennial neighborhood, the sound of gunshots prompt citizens to call police on what turned out to be a murder. The pickup truck seen exiting the park is NOT related to this case.
While officers were beginning to investigate the Hazelwood murder, at 9:26 am on December 15, someone heard shots ring out at about a mile to the south in the Centennial neighborhood.
When police arrived at the at the Mobile Estates trailer park in the 16700 block of SE Division Street, officers found the body of a deceased man in his mid to late forties.
Homicide Detectives were called to conduct an investigation, and witnesses described several people – and a car – they believed to be involved in the shooting.
Sgt. Brian Schmautz, here talking with reporters at a crime scene, earlier in the year.
PIO helps capture gun-toting suspect
Sgt. Schmautz told us that he was driving from the earlier homicide, and pulled up to the trailer park when officers noticed a vehicle that matched the description given by witnesses.
“One of the suspects jumped out of the car, and started running down the sidewalk,” related Schmautz. “He was seen carrying a gun. I was paralleling him, ready to help officers on scene set up a perimeter to contain the suspect.”
The suspect did a U-turn in the parking lot, trying to get away. “I could see him through the arborvitae, running right toward me. I waited until the suspect was 15 or 20 feet from me, and then stepped into his path,” Schnautz continued.
When the suspect saw Schmautz’s drawn service revolver, he stopped running. Another officer ran to join Schmautz and provide cover. “The suspect would not keep his hands up, and away from his body. I was concerned because he had been seen with a gun just a few minutes before.”
The covering officer handed Schmautz his Tazer – who used it. And shortly after being shocked, the suspect complied and gave up.
Not all of this story has been told correctly by others – but now, you know exactly how it happened that the Police Department’s spokesman became a key part of a story he was on scene to help reporters cover.
“Really, none of this is about me,” Schmautz said modestly. “I just did one little part. Officers were there before I arrived – and for hours after it happened – examining the crime scene and talking to people in the area. I happened to be in place a place where I could help out.”
This trio, nabbed by cops, includes 22-year-old Lindsey Michelle Criss, charged with one count of Aggravated Murder; and 33-year-old Jason Ray Jarrell and 40-year-old Verneal Jones, both charged with one count of Murder.
Police say this man, 48-year-old Joe Frank Cruz, was shot to death at the Mobile Estates trailer park.
Dies from gunshot wound
“The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s autopsy determined that the victim, 48-year-old Joe Frank Cruz, died from a gunshot wound,” Schmautz later stated. “For investigative reasons, investigators are withholding additional information in this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Brian Grose at (503) 823-0757, or Detective Bryan Steed at (503) 823-0395.”
Late in the afternoon, officers and detectives work the Division Street crime scene, using the Community Policing Mobile Precinct as their headquarters.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
What’s going on with the weather? Find out what the government’s meteorologist – located on NE 122nd Avenue – has to say. And, take a behind-the-scenes look at what school superintendents go through every morning when winter weather is uncertain …
Should school be open or not? That’s the question Parkrose Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray faces early in the day, on every stormy, winter morning.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While the TV meteorologists grin and giggle their way through winter weather forecasts, school superintendents fret and frown when icy winds bring the threat of snow and freezing rain to their districts.
Dr. Karen Fischer Gray, Superintendent of the Parkrose School District, told us what she’s been going through, when we visited her on December 18 at the district office. On this morning, Parkrose schools were open and running – even though a blizzard hit during the morning hours – and, blanketed the neighborhood with three inches of snow.
“At my home this morning – and I live within my school district – we had clear streets, there was no snow on the grass,” Gray said. “By the time I got to work, it started snowing.”
Up early on ‘snow’ days
On that morning, Gray said she was up at 4:45 a.m. “All of the school superintendents talk among themselves during weather like this. We are not making [school closure] decisions in a vacuum. My first call was to Bob McKean, Superintendent of the Centennial School District. In many cases, we make a uniform decision.”
Also that morning, Gray was checking in with her district’s maintenance and transportation supervisors. “They were out at 4 a.m. checking the streets of Parkrose, trying to see what the weather conditions were. They were perfect; it was 35° and no snow.”
On NE Sacramento Street, just outside Sacramento Elementary School, the wind was blowing in a blizzard of snow – but it, like all Parkrose area schools, were open for the day on December 18. By noon, most of the snow melted and the roads were fairly clear.
Says ‘Safety First’
When making decisions about whether or not to cancel a day of schooling, safety comes first, Gray told us. “Nothing else comes close to assuring the safety of our students. If we can get students safely to school, we know that they’ll be safe here. We don’t take any foreseeable chances – and we do this to the best of our ability.”
While student safety is paramount, Gray went on, it’s not like there isn’t a price to pay for “snow days off” during the school year.
“We are required to have 405 hours of education for kindergarten students; 810 hours grades one through three; 900 hours of instruction for grades four through eight; and 990 hours of instruction for high school students,” the superintendent explained.
Balancing educational hours – and budget dollars
“The law allows us only 14 hours of closure due to ‘severe weather’ that does not count against these instructional hours,” said Gray. “So far, we are within our hours. If we have any more weather closures, we may add the days onto the end of the school year. It’s not just about hours; it’s about high-quality instruction. That’s a conversation we will have to have our school board.”
And, a “snow day off” isn’t without monetary cost to the district, either, we learned.
“During bad weather days, we still have to heat and maintain our facilities, and pay our staff,” explained Gray. “There is no financial saving when we close our schools; without a doubt, we do take a hit. Money still has to go out.”
Looking like a Currier & Ives painting, NE 112th Avenue in Parkrose is covered in snow.
Meteorologist explains winter storms
Although many don’t know it, the Portland office for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service is located in outer East Portland on NE 122nd Avenue, just south of NE Airport Way.
NOAA meteorologist, Tiffani Brown, talked with us about our wacky weather. “Over the past week we had a couple of good storms. Last weekend we had a good arctic blast bringing cool temperatures to outer East Portland.”
The reason for the continuing snow, sleet and cold rain is: “We can’t get rid of the low-level cold air,” Brown commented. “So, as different weather systems come through our area, we have snow, or a combination of snow and rain.”
Because outer East Portland is relatively low-lying and flat, here we’ve seen less snow and freezing rain than the West Hills, the meteorologist added.
East Portland resident Jill Budde says she loves snow days!
A white Christmas?
As it stands – subject to change, of course – Brown said that while we can expect a harsh snow-filled weekend, a warming trend will then come into the area, with a 40º high temperature on Christmas Day – and good ole’ fashioned Oregon rain.
Regardless when you read this, you can always get the up-to-date forecast from the National Weather Service for outer East Portland by CLICKING HERE. Or, enter the Zip Code at the top of the page to see the 7-day forecast for any location in the country.
PDOT gears up a weekend of bad winter weather
A City of Portland truck, equipped with plow and sander, clears the intersection of SE 122nd Avenue and SE Division Street.
Portland Bureau of Transportation spokesperson Cheryl Kuck said their crews have been working hard since Sunday morning, December 14 – and are using the comparatively mild conditions at week’s end to rest up and prepare for what’s next.
“The City is scheduled to return to ‘full callout status’ on Saturday evening to respond to the next storm front predicted to hit the region later Saturday,” stated Kuck. “Temperatures will be dropping well below freezing on Sunday, with hazardous road conditions possibly continuing until mid-week.”
Although road conditions were relatively good Friday, Kuck advised that any sudden drop in temperature will make wet roads slick. “Slushy snow will turn to ice, making conditions hazardous. There is a big difference between 33 degrees and 31 degrees in terms of road conditions, and Sunday could bring temperatures in the 20s and teens.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
“The Portland City Council meeting for tonight (December 17th) has been officially canceled due to expected weather conditions,” stated Portland Bureau of Planning’s Senior Planner Barry Manning.
The 6:30 p.m. meeting to consider the East Portland Action Plan at Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Avenue has been postponed until after the start of the New Year, Manning said.
By the way, if you were planning to testify at the Thursday, December 18, 2:00 p.m. session of the Portland City Council – stay home. It’s been cancelled as well.
Chain up or get ticketed!
Writing of bad weather, Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz asked us to remind readers that the Police Bureau will conduct enforcement if surface streets or freeways in the City of Portland are closed to vehicles without chains or traction devices.
“Last weekend, several people ignored warnings and drove without proper equipment,” Schmautz said. “This increases the risk to all road users. Please plan ahead if you intend to travel in inclement weather.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Click Here to read more East Portland News
click here to subscribe
