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

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.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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.

1. “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.
2. “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.”
3. 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.
4. 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.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News