We’ve told you before about the ACE Academy –
now see the instructors in action, as school
gets underway at this unique educational facility.
Students become familiar with their “school away from school” as the ACE Academy begins, at the Willamette Carpenter’s Training Center NE 158th Avenue in Northeast Portland.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although Portland hadn’t seen a new charter school open in years, the Academy of Architecture, Construction & Engineering – known as ACE Academy – opened its doors this month.
(To learn the background of this school, see our past articles. CLICK HERE)
“We have about 144 students enrolled in the program this year,” reported the school’s director, Michael Taylor, when we visited the facility earlier this month. “When they’re here, they are typically divided up into ‘anchor teams’ of about 15 students each – much like a home room, back at their high school.”
ACE Academy instructor Marjan Rotting takes the students on a tour of the facility. Along the way, the students were asked to sketch in details and architectural features of the building.
Initially, the program will introduce students to design and building industry occupations, Taylor revealed. “Our five ACE educators integrate academics into a technical curriculum.”
To do this, the teachers went “back to school” during the summer months, learning and developing a “credit by proficiency” approach to education, he added.
Currently the school’s juniors and seniors who have expressed an interest in careers in architecture, construction, and engineering also attend general education at their “home schools” in Parkrose, Gresham-Barlow, Centennial, Centennial Learning Center, Reynolds and Sandy.
Each of the students is assigned a computer on which to work. Breanna Huffman and Jacob Billingsley try out their new computers in the class.
For more information, visit their web their web site by CLICKING HERE.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Take a look at the photos – if you know this jerk and
anonymously turn him in – you’ll net a cool $1,000 …
Do you know this guy? Help put him behind bars.
By David F. Ashton
We’ve kicked back a few with friends at the Ace Tavern, a friendly neighborhood bar at 8868 Northeast Sandy Boulevard.
But on Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at 1:58 a.m. a “last-call customer” decided to use the Ace’s cash register as his personal ATM.
“The suspect, armed with a knife, entered the tavern through the rear entrance and immediately went into the bathroom,” police spokesperson, Catherine Kent told us.
The barkeep was getting ready to close for the evening.
“The suspect, armed with a knife, approached her and demanded money from the till. The suspect took the money and left on foot eastbound on NE Prescott Street,” Kent said.
Here’s a profile of Mr. Cool – great hat, eh? He didn’t know – or didn’t care – if he was caught on camera. Let’s get this creep out of the neighborhood.
He’s probably a local. The suspect is described as a white male, in his 40’s, 5’7″ to 5’10” tall, shoulder-length blond hair, brown eyes, and mustache. He was wearing a light -colored or faded hat, a gray “Cowboys” sweatshirt, and blue jeans.
Here’s what to do …
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to a resolution in this case, and you remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-HELP (4357).
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
We braved downtown traffic to bring you this story.
Come on! Take a look …
SE Portland’s Patrick Horsley says he hasn’t been to an art fair in 25 years, but is happy to be at twelfth annual Art In The Pearl, the Pearl District’s annual Labor Day weekend arts festival.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although SE Portland potter Patrick Horsley hasn’t exhibited his works at a public show for 25 years, he put some of them on display at the twelfth annual “Art in the Pearl”, the Pearl District’s annual Labor Day weekend arts festival.
Horsley explained he’s usually too busy working as a professional artist who creates bowls, envelopes, slips – and teapots – that are sold in galleries, and used by commercial interior decorators.
“It’s a great job,” said Horsley. “I’ve been doing this for about 40 years and I love doing it. It’s a great job.”
The brilliant hues of blue don’t come from cobalt, as many visitors were guessing – the bluish color comes after a copper glaze has been fired.
The vivid colors of his works, and the unique shapes, stopped visitors in their tracks as Horsley talked about his art. “My work is strongly influenced by architecture, both primitive and contemporary. I base the work on the idea of the container vessel, and at times utilitarian forms – such as tea pots and lidded jars.”
So well known is he for his teapots, he often departs his studio – located next to his SE Portland residence – to offer seminars on the topic elsewhere. In late September, for example, he’ll be teaching a two-day, hands-on class in Las Vegas called “Tea Bowls & Teapots”.
If you’re interested in learning more about this artist and his work, see his web site: www.PatrickHorsley.com.
Puttering around Art in the Pearl …
This budding potter is Annika Baglien.
Thousands viewed the work of 100 artists during the three-day art fest.
This family said they were happy to find art on which they could sit and rest.
No one went hungry! Lots of great food was available at the event.
Not all of the art demonstrations were dainty. These blacksmiths attracted a crowd as they hammered iron into both utilitarian and artistic objects.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
If you didn’t make it to this community fair and music festival a couple of weeks ago, see what you missed, right here …
Alex Hall, a Parkrose High sophomore and “PDX Teen Idol” finalist, performs at a summertime music festival and community fair held at Mt. Scott Park.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A new event this summer was a festival featuring family activities focusing on the arts and entertainment at Mt. Scott Park.
We came to see Parkrose High School’s Alex Hall, a “PDX Teen Idol” finalist, perform as part of the day-long show a few weeks ago.
“I’ve had a lot of fun performing this summer with the Teen Idol finalists,” Hall told us. The already-accomplished vocalist is a sophomore this year, and will continue her musical education as a member of the school’s Treble Choir and A-Cappella Choir.
Scotty Fairchild, the garden steward at Leach Botanical Garden, offers advice, tells people about gardening, and sells plants at the event.
Elizabeth Phan, Christina Armstrong, and Julia Karell share information about the Multnomah County Library system – specifically, Holgate Library – with visitors to the event.
The event showcased neighborhood diversity and featured social-service resources available to residents in the Mt. Scott-Arleta, Brentwood-Darlington, and Foster-Powell neighborhoods.
Many of Portland’s city bureaus were represented, as were local businesses and fraternal organizations. Wrapping up the day was a concert by the Oregon Symphony.
These musicians – from the new “Six-String Central School of Music” opening in the former Day Music building of SE Foster Boulevard – played and sang the blues convincingly. Surprisingly, they are all between 13 and 16 years of age!
A wide variety of community and commercial exhibitors provided information for folks coming to the park.
“I hope they do this again next year,” said John Wilkins. “The park is the perfect place for this kind of event.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
If you wondered why NE Glisan Street was shut down most of Sunday morning – it ended OK, except for dozens of golfers who missed their tee-time …
Numerous Glendoveer Golf Course duffers and path hikers discovered their Sunday morning recreation would be delayed until nearly noon, as the police SERT crew coaxed a released felon out of a home directly across from the Ringside Restaurant.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A 5:30 a.m. “domestic violence” call reporting an inebriated felon, on post-prison release supervision, claiming to be armed with a pistol, was enough cause to rally the Portland Police Bureau’s Special Emergency Response Team on September 14.
The first police officers to arrive on-scene at the single-family dwelling in the 14200 block of NE Glisan Street were able to get the home’s occupants safely out of harm’s way.
Then, the waiting began.
Police negotiators work with the telephone company to prevent other calls from reaching the holed-up troublemaker, and to try to get him to surrender.
Calls don’t coax him out
“Because this isn’t a hostage situation,” police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us on-scene, “we’re trying to talk him into surrendering.”
Because the man, identified as 31-year-old Garvin Franklin, was on post-prison supervision for felony assault, Schmautz said officers weren’t going to take any unnecessary chances by rushing into the modest Hazelwood Neighborhood home.
Occupants of the house in which Franklin barricaded himself are safely removed from the house under siege.
Friends and relatives were calling Franklin on his cell phone, suggesting that he surrender, Schmautz reported. He didn’t heed their advice.
“We were able to isolate his phone so that he can only speak with us,” Schmautz explained. “It’s often better for him to listen to the one voice – our negotiator – without the distraction of other people giving him input.”
News crew members s look for evidence that Franklin has surrendered as reported.
‘Attention-getting device’ deployed
About 9:30 a.m., we heard a loud explosion come from the home, just out of our view.
“He has refused contact with us for some time now,” Schmautz said. “We’ve been loud-hailing him, trying unsuccessfully to get him to come out. So, we deployed an ‘attention-getting device’ in the yard to let him know that we were still here – we’re not going away – and we encourage him to continue having a conversation with us.”
The subject, 31-year-old Garvin Franklin, appears to enjoy his brief notoriety, as he smiles and makes faces out the back of the police cruiser.
Patience pays off
About 10:30 a.m., Franklin surrendered peacefully.
Schmautz came back and reported to the gaggle of news-gatherers, “We’re now in the process of securing the home. We’ll then open up the golf course, the walking trails and the road. Then, we’ll do a very thorough search of the home.”
Because police had waited patiently, no one was injured – and the home wasn’t damaged during the standoff.
“Other than a lot of upset golfers who missed their tee-time, everything’s peaceful here now at Glendoveer,” Schmautz concluded.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Learn why Asian folks came from all over the greater Portland area to celebrate this ancient Chinese celebration …
Performers from the Northwest Lion Dance Association usher in the good times at the 9th annual Mid-Autumn Festival.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the largest Mid-Autumn Festivals – also known as the Moon Festival, a popular East Asian tradition of Chinese origin — didn’t take place in downtown Portland. Instead, nearly 3,000 people did come to celebrate their second-favorite holiday in outer East Portland, on S.E. 82nd, on September 13.
“The Mid-Autumn Festival is traditionally celebrated outdoors, in mid- to late September,” explained the event’s coordinator, Nanette Tran. “Farmers celebrate the end of the summer harvesting season on this date.”
Thousands of visitors from all over the greater Portland area came to visit the Moon Festival at Eastport Plaza.
Event coordinator Nanette Tran, and main event sponsor, Charles Hui from the Portland Chinese Times, tell us the significance of their event.
This festival is nearly as important a holiday in the Chinese calendar as is the Chinese Lunar New Year, Tran noted. “It’s a legal holiday in many countries. Traditionally, family members and friends will gather to admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon, and eat moon cakes and pomeloes together.”
Although the Chinese are credited with starting this tradition 3,000 years ago, many East Asian cultures have adopted the festival to their traditions.
These young musicians from the Portland Cultural Center serenade visitors with melodies as classical as are their instruments.
Brings community together
Although few celebrants are farmers nowadays, explained Tran, “This event is significant in that it helps the Chinese community feel stronger and closer to one another. It is especially important that we include our children so they may learn our traditions.”
Events at the festival, held again this year at Eastport Plaza on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses, included Chinese folk dance, a children’s choir, martial arts demonstration and a concert by the cutest little kids expertly playing classical Chinese instruments.
Additionally, an “Asian & Pacific Islander Home Buying Fair” provided attendees with educational materials, exhibits and information.
Linda Leman, of Prudential NW Properties, talks up home-buying at the Asian & Pacific Islander Home Buying Fair, held in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Learn why officials say this dreadful driver shouldn’t have been driving at all – and, be amazed at the stupid thing she did after causing the wreck. The pictures tell this rather humorous story …
When we arrive on scene, this crumpled Acura is the only vehicle in sight. Fortunately, the driver wasn’t seriously injured.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The police radio reports a motor vehicle accident on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses about 1:00 p.m., as we’re covering other stories on September 13. We snap to attention when we hear the dispatcher add, “It’s a roll-over.”
When we pull up at the announced location of the wreck – NE 82nd Avenue and NE Tillamook Street – we find a silver Acura parked on the northbound side of the street. The looks as if a giant battering-ram demolished the rear end of the car.
However, the ambulance parked ahead of the disabled vehicle is just sitting there, apparently unused; the police cruiser parked behind the wreck is empty.
The culprit’s Chevy Blazer looks very much the worse for wear.
Having also heard report of a vehicle on its side near Madison High School, we venture north. Sure enough, there lies a “beached” blue-green Chevy Blazer, sans occupants, in the school’s lower parking lot entrance.
The only people we see at this location are crewmembers from Portland Fire & Rescue’s Truck 12, standing guard. They’re mum.
With no public safety officials on scene, we’re struggling to make sense of the facts at hand:
- Two vehicles are reportedly involved in a hit and run collision;
- One empty and crunched Acura at rests at NE Tillamook Street;
- Five blocks north, an unoccupied, rolled-over Chevy Blazer lies motionless across from NE Russell St.
Schmautz solves the mystery
We turn to Portland Police Bureau spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schmautz, asking for his help in solving this mysterious happenstance.
“The collision occurred at 1:03 pm at Northeast 82nd and Tillamook,” Schmautz tells us. “At the time of the collision, 65-year-old Jan Albrecht was northbound in her Acura on NE 82nd Avenue when she was hit from the rear by a Chevy Blazer driven by 45-year-old Betty Elaine Calvin.”
After the collision, Schmautz says Calvin fled the scene – with the rear bumper of Albrecht’s car still jammed into the front undercarriage of the Blazer.
Yes, that silver bumper – still wedged in the front of the Blazer – belongs to the Acura the vehicle ran into five blocks down the avenue.
Yes, the story gets even better …
“Calvin stopped a few blocks away, and attempted to remove the bumper,” Schmautz continues, suppressing a chuckle that sounds to be welling up inside him.
“Unfortunately, Calvin shifted her Blazer into ‘Reverse’ instead of ‘Park’.
“This slight error caused the Blazer to leave Calvin behind as it drove backwards across the roadway and flipped into the Madison High parking lot,” he concludes.
According to police records, Calvin was charged with:
- Hit and Run;
- Reckless Driving;
- Following to Close;
- Driving While Suspended; and,
- Driving Uninsured.
We can only hope Calvin doesn’t have access to another vehicle …
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Discover what hundreds of neighbors learned when
they turned out for this “Town Hall” …
Panelists at the anti-prostitution Town Hall Summit include Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard; Jeri Williams, Neighborhood Coordinator, Office of Neighborhood Involvement, and a survivor of prostitution on 82nd Avenue; Bill Smith, Executive Director of Defenders USA, a group formed to help end demand for prostitution; Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputy Keith Bickford, Office Human Trafficking Coordinator; James Pond of Transitions Global; Lila Lee, Executive Director of Council for Prostitution Alternatives; Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs; and Ken Turner, president of 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The panelists said they were impressed by the size of the audience, and the level of interest these neighbors demonstrated, in combating street-sex for sale at a Town Hall Summit held at Vestal Elementary School on September 15.
A question that remains is whether or not the city’s leaders will impress the neighbors by taking action to back up their rhetoric.
Street prostitution runs rampant
The Portland City Council chose allow the Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) ordinance to expire on September 30, 2007.
Because of this decision, many residents and business owners along 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Sandy Boulevard contend – and some law enforcement officials agree – that street-level prostitution along “the strip” has gone from furtive to “in-your-face blatant”.
Mayor Potter pledges prostitution prosecution
After no less than three neighborhood groups have formed – joined by two business associations – to protest the increased crime which they say street prostitution has brought into their neighborhoods, and a reduced level of livability – Portland Mayor Tom Potter revealed a plan to combat street-sex for sale.
(Read all about it in this exclusive East PDX News article: CLICK HERE)
Setting the scene
Even though Vestal’s auditorium was hot and very poorly ventilated, about 275 people listened to eight panelists and then responded, during the 2½ meeting on the 15th.
“Thank you for coming out,” began Justin Cutler, Vice Chair of the Montavilla Neighborhood Association, as he set the tone for the meeting.
“And, thank you to those of you who brought awareness to this issue,” said Cutler. “On behalf of the neighbors in Montavilla, and all the neighbors from neighborhoods along 82nd Avenue, we hope to be respectful this evening, as we develop solutions that make 82nd Avenue a better place for everyone.”
Event organizer Dawn Rasmussen introduced the summit’s facilitator, Judith Mowry, and asked the panelists to introduce themselves.
In the audience, we spotted Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer, Carmen Rubio from Mayor Tom Potter’s office, and Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, while Multnomah County District Attorney Michael Schrunk stood in the back – and there were many police officers in attendance also.
Organizer Dawn Rasmussen thanks community members and government officials for coming to the Town Hall Summit.
Town Hall Summit to elicit questions and educate
“We’re all here because we’re concerned about our livability,” organizer Rasmussen stated. We’re not here to weigh one particular approach to combating prostitution over another. What we are doing is assessing ideas to combat the problem.”
“Street prostitution isn’t a problem until it moves into your neighborhood,” Rasmussen added. “But, it hits home when it happens in your front yard or down the block.
“Prostitution is a very complex problem, and has multiple layers,” continued Rasmussen. “It has been called the oldest profession, as we’ve heard before. The purpose of this meeting tonight is to get ideas out there, and educate ourselves.”
Former 82nd Avenue prostitute – now neighborhood advocate – Jeri Williams prepares to tell her story.
Recovered prostitute tells her story
The room grew silent as Jeri Williams, now a neighborhood coordinator at the City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement, told compellingly about being a survivor of prostitution on 82nd Avenue.
“People think prostitutes are women who enjoy being intimate with total strangers,” Williams began. “That’s not the way it works.”
Williams said prostitutes will tell people they are in control of their lives. “Some may be, but that wasn’t my situation. I had two babies at the time, one was two years old one was one year old. They were being watched over by a crack addict, the sister of my pimp. I had to bring back $300 a night, or not come back until dawn.
“When I got out [of prostitution], it was because I was stabbed and left for dead in 1989 by a drug addict who tried to rob me. I would not let him rob me, because I did want to get home and get beaten up by my pimp for not brining back money. He stabbed me in my back and arm; I carry the scars with me today. But I’m alive!”
Because she was able to get into rehabilitation programs, get therapy, and develop a “spiritual life”, Williams said she learned life skills that helped her get along in the world outside of street prostitution. She credited the Council of Prostitution Alternatives – a funded program at the time – for giving women the opportunity to change themselves.
“I became a community activist,” revealed Williams. “I’ve worked on issues such as transportation; I’ve beat up on corporate polluters; I’ve been a workers’ rights and domestic violence advocate. I’ve been able to do all these incredible, wonderful things.”
Williams then announced what we’d discovered while reporting this story in September, 2007: “I’ve been on the Web not been able to find any programs to help women escape from prostitution.”
Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard says he wants a program that “fixes the problem” instead of exporting prostitution to another part of Portland.
Commissioner Leonard speaks about the PFZ
Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard congratulated Williams on her accomplishments before saying why he voted to allow the PFZ ordinance to “sunset”.
“I joined the Council when we overturned the Prostitution-free Zone ordinance last year,” Leonard stated. “Prostitution-free Zones and Drug free Zones don’t work.”
When asked by police officers why he would vote to remove “such a valuable law enforcement tool”, Leonard added, he asked officers to think of a way of fixing the problem, instead of moving it to another area of town.
Leonard points to success of Downtown program
Leonard said systematically arresting and prosecuting repeat offenders – and encouraging city agencies to shut down businesses that harbor criminal activity – gets to the root of the problem.
“The downtown crime rate has dropped 30 percent. Recidivism has dropped 71 per cent. I’ve asked for this approach to be brought out on 82nd Avenue,” Leonard declared. Due to increased police patrols, he added, “I’ve been on three ride-alongs [observation sessions] with police officers in the last three weeks. We didn’t see one prostitute on the street.”
Executive director of Defenders USA, Bill Smith, says it’s time for real men to figuratively stand up and shout at johns, “Don’t buy our girls!”
Crusader decries recruiting children into the sex trade
Next to speak was the executive director of Defenders USA, Bill Smith. Turning to Williams, he said, “On behalf of honest men, I apologized for what pimps and customers have done to you. ‘Shared Hope International’ and our group demand this activity be stopped.”
Saying his group defends women and children from sexual exploitation, Smith asserted, “If there wasn’t a buyer and there wasn’t a seller, there wouldn’t be victims.”
Citing fellow panelist James Pond, Smith said the average starting age of a prostituted person has gone down to between 12 and 14 years of age. “You wouldn’t let someone take a youngster from a shopping center and turn them into a prostitute. Why do we allow this to happen on our streets and in our schools? It’s time men stand up and say, ‘Don’t buy our girls!'”
Sheriff’s office targets juveniles
“Our Juvenile Justice System hasn’t done a very good job,” admitted Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Coordinator, Deputy Keith Bickford.
Saying prostitution is so widespread and pervasive, Bickford told the attendees the sheriff is focusing attention on children. “We’ve found the [prostitution] recruiting has been going on in our schools! We need better services, and educational efforts.”
Transitions Global founder, James Pond, says he’s concerned because eighty percent of prostitution takes place “off the street”.
Looks beyond street sex-for-sale
James Pond, who started fighting sexual exploitation in Cambodia, and is now taking his work worldwide, announced his organization’s new name: Transitions Global.
“We help build new lives for survivors of sex trafficking,” explained Pond. “We’re looking at this issue in terms of a holistic approach. 80 percent of prostitution is taking place off street.”
Their concern, Pond added is that prostitution along 82nd Avenue is “only a symptom of the greater needs of women and children who are being exploited.”
Seeks funding for prostitution treatment
Lila Lee, executive director of the Council for Prostitution Alternatives (CPA), stated that she’s working to provide prostitution treatment options in Portland.
“Takes a village to make a prostitute; and it takes a village to get a woman out of prostitution,” Lee paraphrased. “We are trying to get funding to restart the CPA program that helped Jeri get out [of prostitution].”
Lee claimed they are already working with 51 clients, with the help of organizations like Volunteers of America and Providence St. Vincent Hospital – which provide clothing, healthcare, and hygiene services.
“Very few of these women were not sexually or physically abused as children,” asserted Lee, “I had a friend whose mom who sold her to a heroin dealer when she was in second grade. My clients are suffering from addictions. 90 percent are homeless; 90 percent have ‘post-traumatic syndrome’.”
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs is in charge of implementing the law enforcement side of the City’s new anti-prostitution program.
Police commander explains new program
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs began by saying, “With all of this community support, I feel encouraged that we – in a joint effort of North, Northeast, and East Precinct – can clean up 82nd Avenue.”
Currently, Crebs explained, an individual charged with prostitution typically is sent to Community Court, gets a short jail stay, and is turned loose – with no probation – and allowed to “go about their business” after being released.
“Under our plan, the individual has the option to go to Community Court for the first offence,” Crebs elucidated. “The second time, they go to regular court. If they are found guilty or admit guilt, they will be put into a probation system.
“About 15 officers will be assigned as probation officers. They’ll actively look for people [who are breaking the terms of their probation by associating with johns, pimps or soliciting]. They’ll be rearrested, and put them in jail for minimum for 3 days – instead of being out and back on the street in about five hours, as with the current system.”
The President of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, Ken Turner, talks about the negative impacts on commerce and future development.
Prostitution hinders commerce
Ken Turner, President of 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, told the audience, “I’d like to say that I’m glad to be here. I’d like to – but this problem is very real; so I am glad to be here to share information with the community.”
From a business standpoint, Turner said prostitution is hurting the business community – both currently and in the future, as the City considers building a professional baseball stadium not far from 82nd Avenue in Lents.
“When I was out with members of our business association, visiting businesses along the avenue and sharing anti-crime information with them, business owners and managers agreed there was a real problem,” Turner recounted. “One even joked darkly, ‘Without all of the prostitutes and pimps, what would we do for customers these days?'”
Turner said he felt empathy for the prostituted women, “but I don’t don’t feel a bit sorry for the pimps and johns. They are hurting our community.”
We estimate about 275 people put up with the hot and stuffy auditorium to participate in the Town Hall Summit.
Question-and-answer session follows
During the remainder of the summit meeting, attendees wrote questions and comments on cards, sorted by the facilitators, and then put to the panel.
The questions illustrated varying levels of understanding about prostitution among the audience members.
Some asked about root causes – “why do married men go to prostitutes?” Others asked for more details about the program proposed to deal with the situation. A neighbor asked what they should do if an act of prostitution was taking place in front of their home. Another decried the lack of social services for prostituted persons.
Space prohibits us from recounting the dozens of questions, answers, and comments made during the 90-minute “forum” portion of the meeting. We suggest you attend the next Town Hall Summit planned for next month to hear more for yourself.
Organizer pleased with the meeting
After the meeting, Rasmussen told us she thought the Town Hall Summit went very well. “It was positive opportunity to get everyone ‘on the same page’. People educated themselves.”
In all, it was a “galvanizing event”, Rasmussen reflected. “The most important thing I took away from the event is seeing how much our neighbors care about their neighborhood, and their great capacity to care about others as human beings.
“At the base of the Burnside Bridge is a quote from Mayor Bud Clark,” she paraphrased, ‘The citizens and businesses are the fabric of our community’.”
Standing in the back of the Vestal Elementary School auditorium, Multnomah County District Attorney Michael Schrunk takes in the proceedings. He’s one of the officials we’ll be asking for comment on this new program.
Coming up next …
We’ll be talking with City and County leaders in an effort to determine their dedication to the effort to reduce street prostitution along 82nd Avenue of Roses, and we’ll report back to you.
Next Town Hall Summit is scheduled on October 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Portland Community College Southeast Center, on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses at SE Division Street.
Watford Reed contributed to this story.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
You haven’t missed them all! Look here and discover
the great line-up of acts you’ll see on Sunday …
Henry Weeks and Moggy Vanderkin play and sing Americana style music at the first Lents Music in the Park concert on September 7.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Carrying a folk-music theme, this Lents Music in the Park series is pleasing folks with top musicians.
This concert series runs through September. This year, it’s produced in cooperation with the Portland FolkMusic Society.
On September 7, folks who came by the Lents Park Gazebo (SE 92nd Avenue & Holgate Boulevard) at 3:00 p.m. were treated to an all-star lineup, including “River City Folk” radio show host and musician Tom May. Sharing the stage will be Mary Flower, considered one of the finest proponents of acoustic blues in the country; LynnAnn Hyde and Stu Kinzel, “guardians of traditional Acoustic Blues”; and the Ragtime music of Henry and Moggy.
Lents Neighborhood Association chair Dewey Akers introduces the concert series acts in Lents Park.
Still more great music to come
The series continues on Sunday, September 14 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Enjoy the sounds of Woody Guthrie Tribute Concert. Woody Guthrie lived in Lents while he wrote for the BPA in 1941. Also, enjoy The Wanderers – Murlin Allen, Ken Vigil, Joe Seamons; and Renegade Minstrels.
Follow the music to the Lents Park Gazebo, SE 92nd Ave & Holgate Blvd. this Sunday!
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See how, for the first time, kids in this outer East Portland neighborhood got free backpacks filled with school supplies …
Ricardo Becerril, senior project manager with LCG Pence Construction, shows all of the supplies their company stuffed into backpacks to be given to all Lent School students.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
You’ve seen stories telling how organizations have “adopted” schools, purchasing back-to-school supplies for students. But, until this year, Lent School has languished – no sponsors meant no backpacks.
Construction firm steps up
“This is the first year of a partnership between LCG Pence Construction and Lent School,” said Gayle Kellman, Executive Director of Schoolhouse Supplies, the nonprofit organization that coordinates the backpack giveaways.
“This is one of the highest-need schools in all of Portland Public Schools,” Kellman explained. “We have sought to find a sponsor year after year, but haven’t succeeded until LCG Pence stepped up. This is an extra exciting day for us. We hope to have this partnership continue year after year.”
Company connection with school
Surrounded by company staff members, Ricardo Becerril, senior project manager with LCG Pence Construction, was beaming with a big smile as he watched the young students file into the school’s auditorium.
“I manage our school construction division,” Becerril said, “so this event is near and dear to me. We look for opportunities for our company and our employees, to not only work for schools and earn a profit from them – but also to give back to the school districts for which we work.”
Becerril reminded us that their company was chosen for the fire restoration project at the school about five years ago, as he showed us what was in the backpacks: Notebooks, folders, a pouch with pencils, pens, and markers – all the school supplies one would need to start the year as a young scholar.
Principal Linda Ralley says the value of this sponsor’s contribution can’t be overestimated.
Principal praises donation
Looking exuberant with joy was the school’s Principal, Linda Ralley.
“This wonderful business is showing it understands that children in schools are our future citizens,” lauded Ralley. “It shows they’re paying attention to families and youngsters here in the outer east Portland, who face rising costs for housing, fuel, food – and school supplies. We’re overjoyed!”
The value of this particular contribution by their new partner is about a $27,000, Ralley told us. “That is significant; the value can’t be overestimated. This is This is really, really terrific.”
Students express gratitude
As the kids settled down, Ralley began, “This is a special assembly. On the very first day of school, in the very first hour of school this year, we get to give you something. Every student is going to get a backpack, filled with supplies, to help you achieve. Let the volunteers from our sponsors, LCG Pence Construction, know you appreciate this gift.”
Enthusiastic applause spread across the gathered assembly. Row by row, students lined up and eagerly clutched their gift.
Lent School eighth-graders Audrey Sturgeon and Kayla Roysdon thank Ricardo Becerril for their backpacks and school supplies.
“Our school doesn’t have a lot of money for providing supplies,” said eighth-grader Audrey Sturgeon, “nor do many of our parents. I really appreciate the backpack.”
Her classmate, Kayla Roysdon, added, “It’s really great that a company would be so thoughtful as to donate these supplies. I definitely think it’ll help us out. Our parents won’t have to be stressed out about spending a lot of money on school supplies. I think it’s wonderful.”
You can help
“People can help Schoolhouse Supplies all year long by volunteering, donating school supplies and cash donations,” Kellman mentioned. “The best place to start is by visiting our web site.”
We’ll take you there! Simply CLICK HERE!
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See how members of the Gateway Area Business Association honored public safety workers and citizens killed in the 2001 terrorist attacks …
Standing before Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 30 are Third Battalion Chief Mark Gift; Station 30 firefighters Erin Spens, David Glenn, Matt Phillips and Lt. Steve Bregman on their way to the 9/11 memorial service held at 111th Square.
Story by Watford Reed with David F. Ashton; David F. Ashton photos
Beneath a gigantic American flag, members of the Gateway Area Business Association memorialized the 3,000 men and women killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
With them were representatives from Portland Fire & Rescue, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Portland Police Bureau; invited to remember the sacrifice of their fellow workers in rescue attempts at the World Trade Center buildings and at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.
A color guard made up of Gateway Keystone Kops and members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4248 hoist Old Glory into the summer sky.
Patricia Labat sings “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” as the flag at 111th Square is raised.
Bugler George Hager a member of VFW Post 2807 and at an associate member of the Submarine Veterans of World War II, plays taps as the flag is lowered to half staff in memory of the 9/11 dead.
The opening ceremony is punctuated by a gun salute by the Honor Guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Oregon Speaker of the House Jeff Merkley takes time from his political campaign to come by and honor the men and women who serve the community in their public safety positions.
Dining, interestingly enough, on Mexican-style of food of beans, rice and enchiladas, members of GABA introduced fire fighters, sheriff’s deputies and police officers, and praised their work for helping others.
With no other formal program, members lunched while GABA’s secretary, Fred Sanchez, the owner of 111th Square, interviewed members with a roving microphone.
Seated with Portland City Council candidate Amanda Fritz, Portland Police Bureau Officer Scott Robertson and Officer Rob Slyter are introduced by Joe Rossi.
Public safety representatives speak out
“It’s wonderful to be appreciated,” said Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs.
“It’s a good feeling to be appreciated by the community we serve,” added deputy Heidi Nelson of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s office.
Belatedly receiving their award from the May GABA Fun-O-Rama parade, representing the Multnomah County Sheriff’s office are Deputies Israel Chinn, Rachael Wheeler, Heidi Nelson and Steven Gilliam.
Brady Van Dyne, veteran of the Korean War and a member of the VFW honor group, said he felt honored to memorialized the lost of September 11 and implied that it is ahead of honoring one of his veteran comrades.
“It’s good to take time to remember those we’ve lost and appreciate the freedoms we have,” said Battalion Chief Mark Gift.
Event has special meaning for a firefighter
“This date, today, has tremendous significance for firefighters,” Portland Fire & Rescue Lt. Steve Bregman of Station 30 told us.
“We lost 343 fellow firefighters at the trade centers in New York City. And today, we think of all of those working in public safety – all willing to risk their lives. On this day, we also remember the civilians that died at the Trade Center Towers, in Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon.”
Lowering his eyes, and his voice, Bregman continued, “On a personal note, I lost a cousin at the Towers. It hits home both professionally and personally to me. Thus, this event here today is well taken. We appreciate being able to partake with the community, be involved in this memorial and interacting with people the people we serve.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See why many folks came for the party –
and stayed to see the game …
He’s the “Parkrose Can Man” – he runs returnable container drives that support Parkrose school activities the first Saturday morning of each month at Parkrose Middle School. It’s Dave Luce, who prepares to enjoy the buffet dinner served at the Tailgate Party.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
School spirit was running high on September 5 at Parkrose High School, before the Parkrose Bronco’s football team took on their first opponents of the year.
In addition to family and friends supporting the team’s first outing, about 100 community members and school district supporters also gathered near the athletic field for the annual “Tailgate Dinner.”
Jon Taylor, Parkrose High’s offensive coordinator for the Broncos football team, enjoys the evening with event organizer Mary Larson, Principal Roy Reynolds, and District Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray.
“Each year, we sell tickets to this fund raiser at our annual education foundation auction,” explained event coordinator Mary Larson.
“The district office administrators sponsor this evening’s event. The money we raise goes directly to Parkrose Education Foundation,” Larson continued. “The funds help supplement supplies, services, and programs for the district.”
For example, the foundation, we learned, has purchased playground equipment and Parkrose Middle School band instruments. “We’re estimating that were serving a hundred people tonight, and will raise about $2,500,” she added.
Jeff Vigue and Julie Frangipani from Chartwell School Dining Services do a masterful job grilling up steaks and chicken. Asked how where he trained to be a chef, Vigue smiled and replied, “Actually, I’m the sales account representative.”
Gourmet three-course dinner served
The meal, laid out buffet style, was a complete dinner – not just weenies, nachos and popcorn. Under canopies, guests sat at cloth-covered tables decorated in the school’s colors.
The feast started off with a platter of grilled vegetables and fresh green salad. The entrees were freshly-barbequed lean, tender, and perfectly-cooked steak and succulent chicken, accompanied by freshly-mashed potatoes and fresh corn-on-the-cob. Large slices of strawberry-covered cheesecake wrapped up the meal.
Everyone with whom we spoke characterized the repast as delightfully toothsome, and gave kudos to the foodservice staff and volunteer servers.
The Parkrose High Cheer Squad teaches folks at the Tailgate Dinner a traditional cheer.
Connecting with the community
The high school’s Principal, Roy Reynolds, smiled as he looked over the lively setting.
“It’s important that this event raises money for a good cause. But that’s secondary to providing a connection between our schools and our community and extended communities,” commented Reynolds.
Kathy Keim-Robinson, director of student services at the Parkrose School District, helps Dr. Gray sell Score Pool slots.
Calls football a ‘marquee sport’
“I’m absolutely delighted to see the support we’re getting this year,” Parkrose School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray told us, sitting down for a moment after she finished selling mid- and end-game score pool raffle.
“I love seeing so many people wearing their green Parkrose T-shirts, learning a cheer from the Parkrose Cheer Squad, and meeting guests from our opposing team from The Dalles. Our players and coaches look sharp in their uniforms – its like were serious and were ready to win.”
The Broncos get last minute instructions from their coaches before the game.
Ready, HIKE! The Broncos defend on a second down.
The Parkrose Cheer Squad works up the fans in the stands.
Gray said she’s encouraged the school to build their football program. “There are two main ‘marquee sports’ – football and basketball. People love to go to football games; it brings them together, and promotes a culture of working together.”
The energy these activities can engender in a community can’t be underestimated, Gray added. “It’s more than the sport itself; it’s more than the score. But, winning would be great!”
Broncos footballers put the big hustle on the visiting team from The Dalles.
Perhaps next game …
By game time, fans started filling the grandstand, as the Parkrose High Band played rousing tunes. The Cheer Squad changed, danced, and one young squad member demonstrated this athletic prowess by doing backward handsprings the length of the stadium.
As the sun lowered in the sky, giving Mt. Hood an alpenglow in the distance, the non-conference game against The Dalles High School team kicked off.
Although Parkrose High put up a valiant effort, they were bested by the visitors 32 to 6. Why not check in, under the Friday night lights, and cheer on this hardworking team next week?
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
click here to subscribe
