East PDX News

Parking lot mishap ends with oddly parked car

You’ve seen stories about vehicles crashing into stores and restaurants around the great Portland area. This one ended up simply strangely parked …

How did this car end up like this? It wasn’t that driver accidentally backed down over the sidewalk.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For reasons unknown, an increasing number of Portland-area drivers lately have accidentally smashed their vehicles into stores, beauty salons, and restaurants.

Westmoreland has not escaped the havoc.

The QFC Market on S.E. Milwaukie Avenue was undamaged by a “runaway car” on Thursday, December 11th. Witnesses said a white car rapidly accelerated in the rear parking lot, threaded itself between a tree and steel fence, and became stuck on a 45º angle between the lot and the street.

Surprising but true: cops say a slip of the foot resulted in this car’s unusual placement.

A Portland Police Bureau Officer reported, “About 4 pm, the lady driving the car said she was pulling into a parking space at the Westmoreland QFC store. Either her foot slipped off the brake pedal, or she hit the accelerator. The car was propelled up the embankment.”

No injuries or serious damage – except to the shrubbery, the officer said.

Thousands of bikers again amass in SE Portland, taking toys to ill tots

This massive throng of leather-clad Harley and big-bike riders didn’t come to rumble. Discover why they gathered, by the thousands, for this annual “ride” …

Hidden just below the heads and shoulders of these folks are thousands of gleaming motorcycles, ready to be ridden from SE Portland up to “Pill Hill” during the 28th Annual ABATE Toy Ride.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Earlier than expected, on the bright and clear morning of December 6, motorcyclists started filing into the TriMet bus facility on SE 17th Avenue, just north of SE Holgate Boulevard. Most of them were dressed in leather garb; some were decked out in Santa suits, as they descended on the Brooklyn neighborhood by the hundreds.

Even though the 29th Annual Toy Run benefiting Shriners Hospital for Children wasn’t scheduled to depart for “Pill Hill” until 12:30 p.m., the massive, two-block-long bus parking lot was filled to overflowing with motorcycles, dirt bikes – and even motor scooters – by 10:00 a.m. Bikes soon lined SE 17th Avenue, spilling into the neighborhood streets for blocks around.

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officer Michael Gallagher and his wife Rebecca say being part of “Toy Run” has been a very rewarding experience.

Shows positive attitude of most bikers
“Mostly when you hear about motorcycle riders, it’s negative; bad news,” said one of the participants, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officer Michael Gallagher. He’s a district officer who also heads an East Portland Police Cadets program – not a motorcycle cop.

“There’s a huge community made up of many clubs like the one I belong to – Rose City HOGs – made up of good people, who do positive things for the community,” Gallagher observed, while sitting on his Harley with his wife, Rebecca, waiting for the ride to begin.

“I like to ride; it’s a real ‘de-stressor’ for me,” Gallagher said. “And being part of this event today is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.”

Some bikers weren’t satisfied bringing one toy – this couple brought an entire trailer full of ’em.

Brings tears to a mother’s eyes
All along the route, Gallagher said people stop their cars to get out and wave, give the massive group of riders the “thumbs-up”, and cheer them on.

The image that stuck in his mind, Gallagher related, was “When we got up to the hospital, the son of a rider hopped off the motorcycle while his dad stopped briefly to give a sick youngster in a wheelchair a big teddy bear. Tears filled the eyes of the patient’s mother. It makes you feel pretty good.”

Helping to pack a TriMet bus stuffed with toys donated by the bikers, Harry Bede, Chairman-elect of Portland Shrine Hospital for Children, who says of the event, “It’s awesome!”

Largest Toy Ride ever
Harry Bede, Chairman-elect of Portland Shrine Hospital for Children, was smiling ear to ear as he helped stuff a TriMet bus floor-to-ceiling full of toys and plush stuffed animals.

“I’ve been involved with this event for five years,” Bede said. “The turnout today is impressive – in fact, incredible!”

The Shriners are “in the business of helping kids, and helping kids be healed,” explained Bede. “This event puts a lot of smiles on kids’ faces, and that’s the important thing.”

The final tally: 6,453 motorcycles rode in the event, and they brought 12,000 toys to needy kids.

“We offer our most sincere thanks to the A.B.A.T.E. of Oregon, Inc. and all of the organizations that help us bring health and healing to children without cost to their families,” said Bede – his voice nearly drowned out by the sound of thousands of motorcycles starting up for the day’s ride.

There’s no way to describe the feeling that the low rumble of thousands of motorcycles – and a few motor scooters – create inside a bystander as they head north along SE 17th Avenue in the Brooklyn neighborhood, en route to Doernbecher’s Children’s Hospital at Oregon Health Sciences University.

Chamber members awarded, get tech-savvy, help community and hold Turkey Bowl

Here’s what’s been happening with members of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce. Discover why you should check out this energetic group of East Portland business people …

Mayor-elect Sam Adams tells folks, who packed into the Portland Council Chambers, why he’s about to present the Spirit of Portland award to Richard Kiely, president of Home Run Graphics and member of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Kiely awarded for demonstrating Spirit of Portland
We were thrilled to see Richard Kiely, owner of Home Run Graphics and East Portland Chamber of Commerce (EPCC) booster given the Small Business Spirit of Portland Award by Mayor-elect Sam Adams in the Portland City Council chambers on December 11.

Kiely has supported the Chamber’s major events, like the annual Golf Tournament, by providing a brand-new car for a duffer who is lucky enough to hit a hole-in-one. CLICK HERE to read about this year’s EPCC Golf Tournament.

NEXT WEEK: You’ll learn of Kiely’s accolades in a full article. The story will also feature East Portland’s Linda Robinson getting the “Independent Spirit” Award for her outer East Portland livability efforts and Portland Police Bureau’s Sgt. John Anderson and Officer Greg Baldwin receiving the “Community Policing” Award for their work building the new Parkrose Police Substation.

Scott Hendison of SearchCommander.com tells EPCC members how they can get better results from their web sites; and, outlines changes in the rapidly-changing world of Internet marketing.

Members get tech-savvy at networking meeting
Every Wednesday morning, EPCC members and guests gather at a different location to network and learn at their “Good Morning East Portland” sessions.

Often, members share their expertise with the group.

For example, Scott Hendison of SearchCommander.com hosted the event on December 3. In a few minutes, Hendison imparted valuable information, telling how Internet “search engines” work – and how to prosper from knowing how to optimize one’s website. He is in a position to know: Hendison has become a nationally-recognized expert in his field.

Before his formal program, Hendison told us, “The most important thing to know about search engine optimization is that things are changing in this area of technology; changing constantly and rapidly. Search engines like Google and YAHOO! are changing and adapting to what people are doing.”

He said that the search engine “rules of the game” are changing, in that they programmers who set up the rules are getting much stricter. They’re cracking down more on what is perceived to be ‘gaming the system’ to get a higher ranking than a site deserves.

When the business started years ago, he added, the algorithms used by different search engines were kept secret, but now, many people know how it works. “The search engine providers have become more and more sophisticated, changing their strategies almost daily.”

Learn more about Hendison by checking his website: CLICK HERE.

EPCC president Richard Sorem, welcomes guests to the opening of Santa’s Place – and where Santa was welcomed back to Eastport Plaza.

Chamber president introduces Santa’s Place
The East Portland Chamber members also participate in the community to help promote causes such as Santa’s Place – a community outreach program benefiting five agencies that help needy East Portland families.

We caught up with Chamber member Frank Ryan with NW Senior & Boomer News, Ken Turner, the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs director – and Chamber president Richard Sorem, a partner at Stewart & Tunno Insurance – as he introduced dignitaries at the opening of Santa’s Place. (Read how and why Santa Claus has returned full time, now through Christmas at Eastport Plaza by CLICKING HERE.)

EPCC Ambassadors Chair Holly Moss of The Bookkeeping Company gives away another door prize at the 2008 Turkey Bowl she organized, and is here, serving as Mistres of Ceremonies.

Famous ‘Turkey Bowl’ returns
No, Chamber members don’t bowl with real turkeys – it’s call the “Turkey Bowl” because it’s an event held near the Thanksgiving holiday!

More than 50 EPCC members, friends and guests took over about a third of the lanes at the AMC Bowl on SE 92nd Ave. a couple of weeks ago. “This isn’t a business meeting,” said organizer Holly Moss, “it’s all about having fun.”

The best way to show you how much fun this group has is in the photos that follow:

EPCC President Richard Sorem polishes his ball before going for another strike.

It looks like Sorem’s ball-polishing routine works – his group, “Team Stewart & Tunno Insurance” again won the first place trophy and prizes.

Kevin Minkoff, CPA (standing far right) and his group, “Team Not-Your-Ordinary-Bean-Counters” proudly display their 2nd Place ribbons and booty.

Yup! That’s Spirit of Portland winner Richard Kiely taking the “Best Game” award from Holly Moss.

Last meeting of the year: December 17
Plan now to get up a little early and come to the Chamber’s annual Holiday Celebration and Bazaar. Membership is NOT required to attend! It’s a good opportunity to meet these fine business folks.

By the way, this is your ONLY opportunity to by David F. Ashton’s famous “Macadamia Madness” chocolate confection (all of the proceeds go to the Salvation Army). It starts on Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. at Cherrywood Village, 1417 SE 107th Ave.

By the way, this will be their last meeting of the year. For more information, call (503) 788-8589 or CLICK HERE to visit their web site.

East Portland Action Plan to be considered by City Council – meeting in outer East Portland

Find out why everyone is talking about the special meeting to be held at Midland Library on December 17 – and why the East Portland Action Plan is unique, in and of itself …

The Bureau of Planning’s Barry Manning, East Portland District Planner, reviews the results and conclusions of the East Portland Action Plan Committee at this late-August Open House.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A big step toward outer East Portland’s gaining parity with other areas of the city may occur when the Portland City Council meets on Wednesday evening, December 17, at Midland Library on SE 122nd Ave.

The East Portland Action Plan has been a year in the making; we’ve followed the progress of this unique process:

To read how it started, CLICK HERE.
To learn how it progressed mid-year, CLICK HERE.
And to read about the committee’s wrap-up meeting, CLICK HERE.

Citizens express aspirations
The purpose of the East Portland Action Plan process was to create a “working document”, said the Bureau of Planning’s East Portland District Planner, Barry Manning, when we asked him to reflect on the year-long project. “It’s designed to look strategically at near-term opportunities to improve livability, as well as long-term strategies to address issues in outer East Portland.”

Manning said he felt that this process enabled the citizens in the area to express their aspirations about what could and should be done in outer East Portland – instead of merely being asked to sign off on a government-generated report. “This is a partnership model we expect to see emerging, in which citizens actively participate in solving community problems, instead of just leaving it all up to the government.”

Outer East Portland folks attend a meeting highlighting the actions resulting from East Portland Action Plan process.

A unique process in four ways
Manning agreed, when we suggested that the East Portland Action Plan (EPAP) appeared to be a novel approach to community problem-solving.

“It is a departure for Portland Planning Bureau,” Manning responded, “in that it’s not focused mainly on land use and development issues, and isn’t resulting in a regulatory implementation mechanism.” He clarified that this means the EPAP doesn’t create zone changes or new regulations, although the plan does identify the need for some changes in those areas.
“It’s also unique in that the EPAP committee included a mix of community representatives as well as elected officials, bureau/agency representatives, and non-profits,” Manning continued. “This mix is somewhat broader than in many planning processes.”
A third factor he pointed out was that the process had a significant amount of attention, leadership, and backing from elected officials; namely, Portland Mayor Tom Potter, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, METRO Councilor Robert Liberty, then-Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley, and former Portland Commissioner Erik Sten.
Except for the Cully-Concordia action plan, Manning added, “I am not aware of many other “action plan” type efforts undertaken in Portland recently. During the late ’70s and early ’80s, the Bureau of Planning and some non-profit organizations hosted similar, smaller efforts that were much more focused – although they did result in action agendas.”

Implementation Group sets action priorities
The first phase of the EPAP process concluded in late August, when the committee held a community meeting and open house to share its findings.

Some EPAP committee members – called the Implementation Group – continued meeting during the fall. In this second phase of the process, they identified and prioritized actions that they felt would best utilize the $500,000 budget allotted by the Portland City Council.

This smaller group identified a dozen feasible, ready-to-go actions to consider for the funding. In an October open house, community members weighed in on these priorities.

Manning asks citizens to review the East Portland Action Plan, then come to next week’s outer East Portland City Council meeting to show support.

Seven actions to receive funding

Providing “storefront improvement” matching grants for businesses on SE Division Street east of 122nd Avenue;
Hiring an “advocate” to implement East Portland projects and pursue grants;
Creating “safer routes to school” by improving pedestrian crossings at key locations on busy arterial streets;
Initiating planning for future improvements on SE Powell Boulevard;
Funding studies to create “Gateway Green,” a regional green space opportunity;
Initiating a Portland Plan pilot study to consider and improve land uses, access, and connections, and development design along SE 122nd Avenue between Division and Foster; and
Creating an EPAP grant fund to allow area organizations and groups to propose and initiate projects from the Action Plan.

December 17 will be the last evening Portland City Council meeting will Mayor Tom Potter will conduct before he leaves office on January 5.

City Council to consider adoption on December 17
Tom Potter will convene his last evening City Council meeting as Mayor at Midland Library at 805 SE 122nd Avenue on December 17, at 6:30 p.m., to consider adoption of the East Portland Action Plan.

Come and sign up to testify about the Action Plan, and share your ideas for improving East Portland! Multnomah County Midland Library is located at 805 SE 122nd Avenue. Before you go, check out the Action Plan at CLICKING HERE.

Joy of ‘rain gardens’ shared at Leach Botanical Gardens

The class learned how to turn a soggy yard into a place of beauty. Discover the benefits of rain gardens – and, learn the biggest mistake in planning one – right here …

Candace Stoughton, Low Impact Development Specialist from East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District, shares the joys of making and maintaining rain gardens, at this class held at Leach Botanical Garden.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The conference room at Leach Botanical Gardens was filled to capacity with folks ready to take the “Rain Gardens 101” class being offered by Candace Stoughton, Low Impact Development Specialist from East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD).

“You’ll be learning how to add a beautiful rain garden to your yard,” Stoughton began. You’ll learn how to assess your property for the best rain garden location and size, how to choose the right plants, and how to construct and maintain your rain garden.”

There are at least four good reasons to install rain gardens, Stoughton said. Rain gardens help to:

Reduce Combined Sewer Outflows – “With less rain runoff, it helps keep sewage from being dumped into streams.”
Provide a good environment for fish – “Good urban gardening helps promote and maintain healthy streams.”
Reduce taxes – “Rain gardens help reduce the need for new stormwater-handling infrastructure.”
Improve aesthetics – “These are much prettier than pipes and sewers – they help beautify your community.”

In her well-illustrated presentation, Candace Stoughton shows exactly how and why to install and use rain gardens.

Rain garden basics
By its design and subsequent plant selection, a rain garden takes advantage of rainfall and stormwater runoff. This kind of garden is designed to thrive with lots of moisture, and a high concentrations of nutrients.

While a rain garden may look like any other, below its surface it mimics the hydrologic action of a healthy forest – it “cleans” and reduces the rate that rain runoff penetrates into soil or an open area. The plans help reduce sediments, and also the nitrogen and phosphorus levels, in otherwise untreated stormwater.

Class members learned rain gardens can be either drained or self-contained. Both types of rain gardens are used to improve stormwater quality, reduce runoff volumes, and generally facilitate infiltration of cleaned water.

During the morning-long class, Stoughton used many illustrations that detail how to design and construct a rain garden – and how they look when completed.

Improper placement can cause flooding
Class members appeared to enjoy the many garden-planning ideas, suggestions and how-to instructions that Stoughton provided.

She helped would-be rain-gardeners to avoid pitfalls as well. “The biggest mistake: putting your rain garden too close to a building’s foundation,” warned Stoughton. “Water can seep from the rain garden into your basement or lower spaces. The minimum distance from a foundation should be at least six feet.”

Stoughton recounts the benefits rain gardens provide.

People attend for many reasons
After the class, we asked Stoughton what reasons people give for coming to her introductory class.

“Most are gardeners, who want to learn the latest in gardening,” she said. “This is a new, hot, functional trend in gardening and protecting streams in our watershed.”

Others come, Stoughton confided, because a city or county government has required them to install a rain garden to help reduce stormwater runoff that would otherwise flow into the sewer system. “They leave the class thinking, ‘Now that I understand it, this makes so much sense’.”

Learn more …
Stoughton teaches “Rain Garden 101”, and shares her expertise in low-impact development methods that protect streams and rivers from urban storm water runoff in other classes and seminars throughout the year.

To find the location of her next class, e-mail her at candace@emswcd.org, or call (503) 935-5368. For more information about the East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District, check their web site by CLICKING HERE.

Alert cops spot ‘rolling stolen’ car near Woodstock

When he discovered he’d been spotted, the driver of the stolen car sped through three neighborhoods trying to make a getaway. See how far he got …

The driver of this stolen car stopped and calmly surrendered – but only after spike strips shredded the tires and a police SUV blocked his path.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Police officers on patrol learn to be multi-task; they listen for calls, respond to citizens who hail them, keep an eye out for suspicious activity – and in this case, spot a car reported stolen.

On December 2, Portland Police Bureau SE Precinct Officer Daniels thought he saw a car that matched the description of a vehicle stolen from southwest Portland on November 24. He checked the license plate; it was, indeed, the purloined car.

Minutes before 11:00 a.m., Daniels noticed the car in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood, just southeast of Woodstock, heading eastbound on SE Flavel Street near SE 60th Avenue.

An officer photographs the stolen car; the only damage appeared to be the flattened tires.

“The vehicle continued east,” said police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, “and turned north on SE 92nd Avenue.

“At SE 92nd and SE Woodstock Boulevard, officers threw a spike stick that punctured the driver’s-side tires on the vehicle.”

But the car didn’t stop – continuing past S.E. Holgate and Powell Boulevards, and S.E. Division – before finally grinding to a halt at S.E. Clay Street.

“The driver is being compliant,” we heard reported on the police radio. “He is lying down outside the vehicle.”

cop who took the lead in the chase, Officer Daniels, questions the passenger who was riding in the stolen car.

Schmautz said police took 32-year-old Joseph Dennis Cunningham into custody. Cunningham’s record shows he’s been suspected of robbery, forgery, and property crimes – but this adventure earned him these charges: Attempt to Elude, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Reckless Endangerment, Reckless Driving and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.

“It’s a good day,” Daniels said. “We have two in custody, (the driver and a passenger who was detained) and no one was hurt.”

Police say this man, 32-year-old Joseph Dennis Cunningham, finally gave up the chase after the tires were flattened with spike strips.

Neighbors get first look at new Powell Butte Reservoir building project

Installing another 50 million gallon reservoir, neighbors learn, means there’ll be a whole lot of diggin’ going on up there in 2009. Find out how this massive project will affect park users, neighbors – and traffic – in outer East Portland …

The Portland Water Bureau’s principal engineer and project manager for building Powell Butte Reservoir II, Teresa Elliott, outlines the project for neighbors.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The City of Portland is about to begin a $133 million construction project – building the second 50 million gallon reservoir on Powell Butte.

Building this massive water vault wasn’t a flash-in-the-pan idea from Portland Water Bureau (PWB) Commissioner Randy Leonard; in fact, it was specifically identified as a project long ago in the city’s 1987 Public Facility Plan.

Site for storing water
“Powell Butte was purchased in 1925 solely as the site for City of Portland water storage reservoirs,” stated PWB spokesperson, Jennie Day-Burget. “The first reservoir was built in 1980. It was established as a park in 1987, and first opened for public use in 1990. Under an existing Land Use Review Plan for Powell Butte, the Water Bureau must begin building a second reservoir on the site by 2013.”

About 31 people who attended the “Stakeholder and Public Meeting” in the Harold Oliver Middle School auditorium in the Centennial neighborhood on November 20 learned that the City started the land use process in 2003, and drew up plans for the project in 2005.

In June, Commissioner Leonard presented the final resolution to move forward with the project, and it was adopted.

Slated for a springtime start
“We’re here to learn what your interests are, and what your concerns are, as we move forward with the reservoir,” PWB’s principal engineer and project manager, Teresa Elliott, told the group, as she stood in front of pictorial graphs and charts lining the front of the room.

“Why now?” Elliott asked rhetorically. “We need to start now, to make sure we’ll meet a timetable for having all of Portland’s reservoirs closed. And, we’re trying to get it done [in accordance with the] 2013 land use requirement.”

The project manager said they expect to begin excavating in May or June, and will begin construction by May of 2010.

“In addition to building the second reservoir, we’ll also provide park improvements, build a maintenance yard, and provide permanent drainage,” Elliott explained. Park improvements, she added, include a new parking lot, improved restroom facilities, and an amphitheater. “There will be trails relocated to accommodate construction.”

Portland Park & Recreation’s Kathleen Muran says to expect park closures until the project has been completed in 2011 or 2012.

Parks envoy outlines challenges
“[Powell Butte] Park access will be a challenge during the construction,” admitted Portland Park & Recreation’s Kathleen Muran. “There’ll be a lot of restrictions around the construction areas. We don’t know how it will impact specific trails – but some will be closed. Visitors won’t have quite as full an experience at some times, due to the construction.”

Muran said that public safety is the water bureau’s first priority. “We’re keeping that in mind, as they work through the project. And, protecting natural resources is near and dear to our hearts.”

Park access to be limited
The park now has nine access points. But, during construction, most of them will be closed, except for the main entrance at SE 162nd Avenue off SE Powell Boulevard., Muran stated.

“Due to the intensity of the work, we will close the SE 162nd Avenue entrance to vehicular traffic,” added Elliott. “We don’t think it is safe to have park users driving up and down the [park access] road with [dump] trucks going each direction every two-to-four minutes.”

Bikes and pedestrians on designated paths will be allowed. “The Goldfinch Trial will be closed, and the Holgate Trail that shares access road will be fenced off, but there will be a temporary trail built next to the road,” Elliott continued.

Water bureau chief David Shaff spoke up, saying that vehicle access may be reopened at the end of every construction day “Like after 5 p.m. and until 10 p.m., or the summertime park closing hours.”

Stan Vande Bergh, PWB’s principal engineer, talks with a neighbor about traffic and noise impacts on the neighborhood.

Says topsoil to be reclaimed
Their first step will be to strip off three to five feet of topsoil and stockpile it to cover the project when it is finished, explained PWB principal engineer Stan Vande Bergh. It will be re-vegetated with native plants.

“Then we’ll start digging the hole in earnest,” Vande Bergh continued. “We don’t want to be working in [wintertime] muck and mud; we’d like to do the excavation starting in early spring.”

Digging a hole this size means they’ll be moving a LOT of the material Vande Bergh referred to as “Springwater Formation” – primarily, soil cobbled with round river rock and clay.

30,000 trucks on SE Division Street
It will take about 30,000 truckloads to remove the excavated material, said Vande Bergh. “Powell Boulevard can’t take the volume. It will probably go to a quarry on SE Division Street, either the one at SE 108th Avenue, or the one in Gresham.”

Asked if thousands of fully-loaded trucks will impact the streets, Elliott responded, “PDOT tells us these roads are designed to handle the load. The drivers are required to secure the loads. We will have a ‘wheel washer’ before trucks come off the site.”

Lynn Barlow, PP&R’s Natural Area Supervisor, City Nature East, shows where a temporary parking lot might be set up and access to the park permitted.

Dedicated to resolving problems
Neighbors peppered the project’s representatives with questions about noise, dust, hours of construction, and other concerns. The city officials answered the questions as best they could, considering that the final construction contracts had not yet been let.

Bureau chief Shaff then assured the group, “We realize these projects disrupt lives. We put a lot of time, energy and effort to help minimize the disruption. Hopefully, as at our other projects, you’ll be able to get a good response, so you won’t feel the need to call Commissioner Leonard with complaints.”

Tim Hall, the PWB Public Outreach Coordinator for the project, added that the bureau will post notices on a project web site, and install kiosks at all access points with PWB and Park information.

“Our outreach staff is available on a 24-hour/7-day-a-week basis. And, we’ll make regular reports to the affected neighborhood associations – we’ll meet with anyone who will invite us,” Hall assured.

When we checked, the bureau’s website had not yet been updated, but CLICK HERE to see PWB’s “Construction and Repair Projects” page that will direct you once they “construct” their page.

Explosion and blaze destroy Centennial neighborhood duplex

The blast rocked the area; and a downed power line stalled firefighting efforts. Get the whole story, and exclusive photos, right here …

Portland Fire & Rescue crewmembers quickly knocked down the fire – once PGE cut the juice to a power line that hampered them after they arrived on-scene.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The blaze that burned out a duplex on SE 146th Ave., just behind the All Star Bingo hall and a half block south of SE Stark Street, at about 8:45 p.m. on November 2, was substantial. But what got the attention of neighbors was the initial blast, which rocked the neighborhood.

“I was watching a movie and heard an explosion,” said Jarred Hammersmith, who told us he lives a couple of houses south of the still-smoldering residence near which we were then standing. “It was a pretty big bang. My dad came running downstairs, and when we went outside we saw the fire and a lot of black smoke. The guy they took away to the ambulance wasn’t moving; he didn’t look very good.”

Steven Springsted said he was in the All Star Bingo building when the fire broke out nearby. “I ran into the house and didn’t see anyone, so I left. There were flames shooting out the window of the other part of the duplex.”

When we arrived on scene, paramedics were preparing to transport the victim to the hospital.

Tense moments for firefighters
“Two people were seen going back into the structure,” said Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt told us. “While firefighters attacked the fire, other crews searched for those who may be trapped inside. The individuals seen running into the building were entering the unburned side of the duplex, and escaped without injury.”

Firefighters also experienced anxious moments when they discovered a live power line hanging behind the duplex, Oswalt said. “Firefighters were warned to say away from the area for about 15 minutes until a PGE crew arrived and disconnected the power.”

The first crews arrived five minutes after the first alarm was sounded. Although the fire was substantial, PF&R crews knocked it down in minutes, and fully extinguished it about 25 minutes later.

Extensive damage and an injury
“One middle-aged male was treated on-scene for cuts and minor burns, and transported to a local hospital,” Oswalt reported.

One side of the duplex was extensively damaged by the blast and fire; the other side had some smoke damage. Initially, the damage estimate was $100,000.

“Fire Investigators are listing the cause of the fire as ‘undetermined, pending further investigation’,” Oswalt said.

The rapid response of PF&R crews kept the fire from consuming both units in the duplex, or spreading to apartments nearby.

Triple homicides top topic at outer East Portland police forum

Although Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer had just been invited to speak about her bureau’s budget – neighbors spent most of that meeting grilling homicide detectives about the trio of murders in November. See what Sizer revealed about police cutbacks in our future …

The vice chair of the Centennial Community Association, Ron Clemenson, says the trio of murders has neighbors on edge.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
At the East Precinct Citizens Advisory Forum on December 2, Ronald Clemenson, Vice Chair of the Centennial Community Association, didn’t mince words as he summed up the feelings expressed by many of the 80 neighbors packed into the room.

“We are very concerned about what’s going on in the neighborhood,” Clemenson said. “We’ve had three homicides in three weeks, within six blocks of one another. This is not good. A lot of people are worried, in our neighborhood. That’s why we’re here at this meeting.”

Clemenson has a demonstrated interest in outer East Portland public safety issues. He attends the monthly precinct forums, works diligently in his neighborhood association on livability issues – and, earlier this year, organized a Public Safety Forum attended by 120 concerned citizens.

During this meeting, a neighbor brought up that March 11 forum, at which a dozen Portland and Gresham city and Multnomah County elected and appointed officials testified how their combined efforts have reduced crime problems in the area – while citizens attending disagreed with the rosy picture the bureaucrats painted. (CLICK HERE to read our coverage of the Spring Public Safety Forum.)

November’s trio of murders

On Friday, November 14, East Precinct officers found the lifeless body of 37-year-old Amatha Mendive behind a strip mall in the 16100 block of SE Stark Street. “Immediately upon arrival, officers observed signs of homicidal violence to the victim’s body, and called Homicide Detectives to conduct an investigation,” reported Portland Police Bureau’s Sgt. Brian Schmautz.
Update: Suspects identified (see below) On Sunday, November 23, officers found the body of 35-year-old Abel Delgado-Morales inside an apartment in the 15800 block of SE Stark Street, after responding to a call of a reported shooting. An autopsy determined that the victim died of multiple gunshot wounds. “Based on information from witnesses, investigators believe the victim was at the residence visiting friends when a suspect or suspects arrived at the residence, confronted the victim, and shot him,” Schmautz noted.
On Saturday, November 29, 54-year-old Roland Jackson Dir was found dead in a home in the 500 block of SE 155th Avenue. “The Multnomah County Medical Examiner determined that Dir died of Homicidal Violence,” Schmautz said. “For investigative reasons, detectives are withholding specific information about the cause of death.”

Anyone with information about any of these homicides is asked to call Detective Steve Ober at (503) 823-4033 or Detective Jim McCausland at (503) 823-0449.

Sergeant Rich Austria and Commander John Eckhart from the Portland Police Bureau Homicide Division talk about the three homicides in outer East Portland.

Neighborhood not a target
As the meeting began, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct Commander, Michael Crebs, introduced Chief Rosie Sizer. He then turned the program over to Sergeant Rich Austria, who was joined by Commander John Eckhart from the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Division.

“I know that there are concerns about the recent homicides that have occurred in the neighborhood,” Austria began. “There’s not a lot I can share about the investigation, for obvious reasons – but we don’t believe, based on information that we have, that [murderers] are targeting your neighborhood specifically.”

These homicides aren’t random acts of violence, Austria added.

No common suspects identified
Austria continued, saying he didn’t believe there was one common suspect associated with all three murders. “We have leads in all three investigations that we’re following.”

Unless there is an eyewitness to a murder, Austria detectives start by determining with whom victim was associated.

“In about 85% of homicides, victims know their suspects in some fashion,” the detective continued. “It could be by association – people they know who are prone to violence. Or, it is lifestyle-related – hanging out with people who are involved in crime, drugs, and prostitution, or are involved in domestic violence.”

Working from the victim “outward”, detectives talk with family members, friends and neighbors, building up a “picture” of the victim and their life.

“I come here to solicit your help,” requested Austria. “Share with us information; or call Crime Stoppers if you want to be anonymous.”

The Community Room at East Precinct was filled to overflowing as concerned citizens asked for answers regarding the serious crimes in their neighborhoods.

Questions and Answers

Q Are the murders gang related?

A “No, We don’t have history of [the victims] being involved in gangs. But there is a lot of gang activity in the area,” Austria replied.

Q A neighbor said his family lives within the “murder triangle” and he was concerned about unsupervised kids coming and going to school. “Are our kids safe?” he asked.

A “We don’t have any information that anyone is targeting children,” Austria said.

Q “Wouldn’t increased police presence deter people from committing serious crimes, like murders?” a neighbor asked.

A “Many murders, including at least one of these,” replied Austria, “occurred in a home or apartment. Even if police were patrolling every street, there would be no way for them to know what is happening inside homes.”

Centennial neighborhood landlord Moe Farhoud told detectives, Commander Crebs and Chief Rosie Sizer, “We need action, and we need it now.”

Apartment owner calls for action
“I own apartment complexes from 122nd Avenue out to 190th Avenue,” said Centennial neighborhood landlord Moe Farhoud, as he stood up to address the officials in the room.

“My tenants are calling my office and complaining. Some want to move out, others are concerned about being safe. We need action, and we need it now.”

Commander Crebs replied, “If your tenants, or anyone, sees suspicious activities, they need to call us. Also, check into our Enhanced Safety Properties program.”

Farhoud shot back, “Just talking doesn’t help. We need the Mayor here tonight. We need action. We need to do something.”

East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs responds to neighbors about their concerns regarding the murders by providing factual information.

“What kind of action?” asked Crebs.

Other landlords need to do their homework when it comes to accepting tenants, Farhoud replied. “We have vacancies; we turn down people who are no good. We need to enforce not renting to bad people.”

To this Crebs stated, “We can’t and don’t enforce who lives where.”

Complains of high density, low income housing
A woman spoke up, sharing her concern: “You, sir, have tenants who can move out. I own my house and I can’t move away. The way things are, I can’t even sell it. There is way too much low-income housing concentrated in the area.”

Crebs noted that the East Portland Action Plan is “looking at the problems created by high density” in the area.

Police Chief Rosie Sizer says her bureau’s budget may be cut – once again.

Chief warns of coming budget cuts
A neighbor complained that an officer told him only two police cruisers patrol his neighborhood. “I live in the middle of this, and I’m concerned.”

Chief Sizer stepped and said, “What I came to talk about was preempted by the importance of the recent homicides. Our bureau’s budget has a direct effect on the number of officers that are on the street – the budget issue is important.”

The police bureau has a $150 million budget, Sizer reported. “Yes, we are considered ‘expensive’. We respond to calls from you, restore order, and make investigations. And, we provide services to help prevent crime.”

Chief bemoans repeated cuts
Sizer shared that the Police Bureau’s budget was “repeatedly cut” during the 1990s, and again at the turn of the century. “We’re in another financial downturn. We’ve been asked to provide [the Portland City Council] with a 2% cut – that’s a $3.5 million reduction; and a 5% cut – a $7 million decrease.”

Within a community budget discussion on December 1, Sizer said citizens worked with representatives of the Police Bureau by ranking 100 police programs from most to least important. “We want to make sure we’re not cutting core, versus non-core, functions. We’re looking at how we can restructure. I don’t see we will emerge unscathed.”

Clemenson floats a petition
After the meeting, Clemenson said he was concerned – very concerned – about impending Police Bureau budget cuts. “Public safety is our number one priority; our number one consideration.”

Holding up a petition he’d circulated during the meeting bearing about 70 signatures, Clemenson said, “It’s addressed to Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, but it applies to all of the commissioners. We have to get the attention of the officials controlling the purse strings. We want our Police Bureau to be fully staffed; to do that, they need the support of the City Council.”

Update:
A Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge has issued arrest warrants for 21-year-old Cristobel Medrano-Alvarado and 21-year-old Jose Santiago Carvajal-Mota in connection with the shooting death of Delgado-Morales. The warrants charge both suspects with one count of Aggravated Murder. The suspects were identified through the ongoing investigation. Both suspects are considered armed and dangerous.

Sellwood residents perform at Oaks Pioneer Church

See why this particular “tiny church” was the perfect venue for this special evening of cabaret entertainment …

Earlier in November, accordionist Kathy Fors, Barbara Bernstein on violin, singer Lisa Berksom Platt string bass player Jamie Leopold, as “Padam Padam” bring an evening of French cabaret music to the Oaks Pioneer Church.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although music frequently accompanies weddings and other social events held at historic Oaks Pioneer Church in Sellwood – built in 1851, and now perched on a grassy hillside within view of the Willamette River – it’s never been the venue for a concert.

“I’ve been told it’s been their dream to host live music here,” said composer, and musician with the group “Padam Padam”, Barbara Bernstein, “it’s never happened until tonight.”

Bernstein, nationally known as a radio documentary producer and locally as a talk show radio host, told us she lives just around the corner and has walked three different dogs of hers past the church and down to the trail below. “I always thought this would be a really sweet place to play.”

Barbara Bernstein says each member of the group adds to the diversity of the music they perform.

Group has Inner SE Portland ties
Although the group has performed together for only about three years, it has gained a national reputation. And three of the four current members of Padam Padam are, or have been, East Portland residents.

The group’s accordionist, Kathy Fors, lives the Brooklyn neighborhood. The utility player, Jamie Leopold, featured on keyboard, string bass and guitar, grew up in Buckman, and now lives in Irvington. “Our vocalist, Lisa Berksom Platt, lives in the West Hills,” quipped Bernstein, “but we forgive her for that!”

While Barbara Bernstein plays, Lisa Berksom Platt sings the song for which their group is named, “Padam Padam”.

Performing songs of passion, with passion
“Padam, Padam”, which roughly translated means “the sound of the clock in the little French salon”, is the title of a sad, haunting song written and performed by a famous French cabaret singer who performed from the 1930s to 1960s, Edith Piaf.

“It’s one of our main songs,” Bernstein explained. “It’s fitting for us, because we perform songs of passion, in a European cabaret style. We mix in tangos, Mexican and klezmer music with our original songs.”

Picking up her guitar, Barbara Bernstein and Lisa Berksom Platt sing one of Bernstein’s original songs.

Essence from another universe
The group agreed that on “bad days”, playing music feels like a mechanical job. “But when we’re playing together, especially with a good group like this, it’s like we merge into a single soul,” rhapsodized Bernstein. “It’s like you’re channeling the music from someplace else; someplace special.”

But it’s not magic, she continued – there is lot of work involved, and the group puts in quite a bit of rehearsal time and “wood-shedding”. “But when things are working; the harmonies are right, and you’re locked in rhythmically and in phrasing, it feels like it’s an essence from another universe that’s landed here.”

Indeed, at the Oaks Pioneer Church, November 7 must have been one of those “good nights” – the music of Padam Padam was harmonious and soulful, and enchanted the audience well into the evening hours.

Hear some of their music, and learn more about the group, by visiting their web site by CLICKING HERE.

‘Groundwater 101’ gives insight to water resource ‘down under’

For many days this past month, we were drinking water out of the ground – not from Bull Run. Learn what students in this class learned about keeping our water safe and wholesome …

“Groundwater 101” classmates start the session by guessing how much of various sources of water are used by drinking – by humans around the world.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The fact it was a cold, foggy Saturday morning didn’t dampen the spirits of a classroom full of folks eager to explore the mysteries and intricacies of Portland’s groundwater system.

“The class is called ‘Groundwater 101’,” explained Briggy Thomas, Education Program Manager at Portland Water Bureau (PWB). “It’s sponsored by the Portland Water Bureau and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council. We teach groundwater basics, including local geology, hydrogeology, what role groundwater plays in Portland’s drinking water system, and what we are doing to protect this important resource.”

PWB Educational Program Manager Briggy Thomas reveals the results of the water survey.

Groundwater used this month
Highlighting the importance of this resource was that, for nearly two weeks this month – including the November 15 class date – the drinking water for the entire Portland metro area was being pumped out of the Columbia South Shore Well Field.

“We had to use the groundwater supply for longer than usual,” the class professor, PWB groundwater specialist, Randy Albright, told us before he began his program. “The heavy rains caused a ‘turbidity event’ in the Bull Run Reservoir. Because we have an unfiltered drinking water system, we use our backup source until the water clears.”

Albright added that this groundwater also provides seasonal argumentation during the dry summer months. “It is the water supply right underneath our feet. It’s important that people know that what we choose to do on the surface of the land can affect our drinking water below us.”

Randy Albright, PWB groundwater specialist, explains that the water being used at this city-sponsored class came right out of the ground beneath their feet.

Safeguarding our water
During the class, attendees learned that water is drawn from 25 wells in four aquifers spread over an eleven square mile area that includes lands in Portland, Gresham and Fairview.

More importantly, Albright told the class why they shouldn’t dump used or leftover toxic chemicals – like weed killers, pesticides, paint, thinners, strippers, wood preservatives, furniture polish, cleaners, or motor oil – onto the ground or into the storm drains. “It percolates into the ground, and finds its way into our groundwater.”

Because potential pollutants “percolate” down through the soil, Albright warns against dumping toxic chemicals and motor oil on the ground or into storm drains.

In addition to the information provided in the NECA-IBEW Electrical Center classroom, the group took a “field trip” to the wellfield, located almost directly across the street.

By the end of the session, those who took the class agreed they understood the water in the ground below their feet in a whole new light.

To learn more about protecting Portland’s groundwater system, see the City’s web site by CLICKING HERE.

If you are interested in learning more free classes and field trips presented by the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, CLICK HERE.

Every gift tells a story, at outer East Portland’s Trillium Artisans

If you haven’t visited this unique gift store – in which all items are handcrafted by local artists – discover, here, five reasons why you might want to add them to your shopping route this holiday season …

Christine Claringbold, executive director of Trillium Artisans, shows off one of her one-of-a-kind bowls – made from recycled vinyl phonograph records – that she sells at her web site. CLICK HERE to visit her online store, Eye Pop Art.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It’s always a pleasure to revisit Trillium Artisans – a unique gift store in the Lents Neighborhood.

“We have really cool stuff here,” Trillium’s executive director, Christine Claringbold, told us. “Every item has an interesting story behind it. Nothing is mass-produced; all items contain at least 50% recycled material.”

Artists learn business skills, not crafts
Trillium is a nonprofit organization that supports local craftspeople, Claringbold said. “We support low-income artisans by helping them build small businesses of their own.”

In addition to offering a storefront, she said the organization also provides classes and seminars at the building. But instead of teaching arts-and-crafts, the visiting instructors show members how to start, build, and operate businesses. “Accountants, lawyers and Internet experts help us learn how to increase our incomes, and not make costly business mistakes,” Claringbold added.

East Portland artists Lee Meredith, Amanda Siska, Kori Giudici and Megan Klepp show their hand-made gift items they offer for sale at Trillium Artisans and online at their web sites. Learn about them below …

Unique art by unique artisans
When we visited the storefront a few days ago, we met four of the 40+ artisans associated with Trillium, including:

Lee Meredith – Also known as “Leethal” (her company’s name), said she’s a knit designer obsessed with yarn, thrift store scrounging, and color. She unravels tossed sweaters, uses custom, natural dyes on the reclaimed yarn, and puts together kits with knitting patterns. CLICK HERE to visit her online store.
Amanda Siska – She calls here company Bread and Badger. Siska engraves glass with a dental drill, and says it’s her way of bringing fun, iconic imagery into everyone’s home. CLICK HERE to visit her online store.
Kori Giudici – The story is that she started Flipside after a she received many compliments and inquiries about a hat she made as a birthday gift. Check them out; CLICK HERE to visit her online store.
Megan Klepp – This artisan said her company, Ta-Dah, creates art from scrap, recycled, and found objects – especially those made of glass. In the photo above, she holds a marble-encrusted bowling ball. CLICK HERE to visit her online store.

You’ll see why many folks plan a trip to Trillium Artisans on SE Foster Road, just west of SE 92nd Avenue, to find that “something special” for folks on their gift list.

All kinds of art
“When you visit our store, you’ll see jewelry made from vinyl records, purses made from old neckties, magnets made from bottle caps, and scarves made from old sweaters,” Claringbold beamed.

One thing is for sure – we observed, from looking around the store, that the gift you purchased here will always be unique and original.

Trillium Artisans is located at 9119 SE Foster Road – this is on the north side, just west of SE 92nd Avenue. For more information, go to their web site by CLICKING HERE.