If your vehicle is still in your driveway tomorrow morning, it could be because these two hard-working officers put away the crooks that were stealing cars in your area last year …

Flanking Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer are East Precinct Achievement Medal winners Officer Phillip Ken and Officer Scott McCollister.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
In early 2007, auto theft was at an all time high in outer East Portland.

Portland Police East Precinct Officers Scott McCollister and Phillip Kent decided to put a stop to the thieving. And, just a few days ago, in a ceremony at the David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center – they were awarded for doing just that.

Catching car crooks – part time
Between their calls for service, McCollister and Kent started working on vehicle theft cases. They ran down leads and talked to victims and witnesses.

Attempting follow-up and surveillance in their “downtime” proved to be a difficult task, so the officers developed a plan to work a “mini-auto-theft detail” within the precinct.

Detail puts breaks on thefts
In May 2007, the two began working the East Precinct Auto Theft Detail full time. Their work to combat auto theft made a significant impact. At the time, auto theft in East Precinct was 41% higher than the corresponding period in the previous year. By December of 2007, the auto theft rate for East Precinct had dropped by 8%.

During their time in the detail, Officers McCollister and Kent recovered 153 stolen vehicles, and made 41 arrests for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle/Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle. They also arrested 51 other people on warrants or other charges, and recovered two guns.

In recognition of their leadership, and commitment to reducing auto theft crimes, Officer Scott McCollister and Officer Phillip Kent were awarded the Portland Police Bureau Achievement Medal at the ceremony.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you haven’t discovered this public park in outer East Portland, learn why it’s unique in the region …

Friends of Portland Memory Garden board members LuAnn Cook, Edie Polson, Julie Brown, Patty Cassidy (president), Nancy Chapman, and Eunice Noell-Waggoner pause for this photo during their recent open house event.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
It’s not easy to spot the Portland Memory Garden, located on the east end of Ed Benedict Park, as one drives eastbound on SE Powell Boulevard past SE 104th Avenue. But, this park is unique in the greater Portland area – both in its design and its purpose.

“This garden is a very special place,” explained Patty Cassidy, President of Friends of Portland Memory Garden, “in that it was specifically designed to be a place where Alzheimer’s patients and people under memory care – and their caregivers – can come and get some respite.”

Cassidy said this public garden is a Portland Parks & Recreation facility, built with special design features to accommodate people with memory issues. “For example, the garden is designed in a circular pattern, so people can’t get lost. The Gateway building, when you walk in, is a way-finding point that can be easily seen from anywhere within the garden.”

This sign marks the entrance of the Portland Memory Garden, located on SE 104th Avenue, just south of SE Powell Boulevard.

A four-season garden
The garden, Cassidy told us, was started it in 1998, and was completed in 2001.

“This is a four-season garden,” Cassidy continued. “Every season, every day of the year, there are wonderful botanical features here to be experienced. Even in the darkest days of January, you can see twigs budding, greens sprouting, and even see some plants that are in bloom. We made this a garden that has rich and lush horticultural features.”

She pointed out “old-fashioned” perennials and annuals like roses and hydrangeas, carefully planted and tended in the park. “Many of these plants bring back pleasant memories for the patients who visit.”

Provides positive sensory experiences
More that just being a pretty place to visit, Cassidy added that the garden provides therapeutic value for people experiencing memory loss.

“It seems that most people have a ‘hired-wired connection’ to nature,” said the association president. “People do better when they’re in nature, and when they’re around natural things in the world. It gives people who were gardeners a space where they can enjoy the greenery, even if they can no longer handle the actual gardening work. It provides people with that kind of emotional and psychological support and comfort.”

Cassidy should know – she’s a professional horticultural therapy specialist, who got her required practicum clinical hours by helping to develop the garden!  Now, in addition to being the president of the Garden’s Friends group, she continues to help with events.

The Portland Memory Garden is designed as an enclosed circle, with features enabling people of all physical abilities to enjoy the safe, non-toxic greenery planted there.

Unique design welcomes all
Showing us how the raised flower beds gradually slope up, Cassidy said that this design allows people of all physical abilities to sit on the edge and admire the natural setting, or to do a little gardening.

“This has been designed to be a place that is ‘sensory’. We want people to be able to touch the plants and earth. We want visitors easily to see and smell the garden. The seating is such that you can sit anywhere and be close to the plants.”

Sandy Morehouse, with Rosewood Specialty Care in Hillsboro, talks with Helaine Gross, a horticultural therapy expert, at a “nature station” in the garden.

Caregivers laud park
Visiting the Garden when we toured the facility was Sandy Morehouse, who is with Rosewood Specialty Care in Hillsboro. For the patients with whom she works, she said, a visit to the park is well worth the drive.

“Being outside in the beauty of nature is calming and peaceful – especially for the residents with whom I work,” Morehouse said. “You can sit, and do absolutely nothing, and have an absolutely wonderful experience here.”

Kathy Schwabe, activity director at Pacific Gardens, talks with Lynn Wagner, a horticultural therapy student at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Pacific Gardens, the facility at which Kathy Schwabe is the activity director, is much closer – out on NE 172nd Avenue – and she also appreciates this garden.

“I’m glad it’s close by,” exclaimed Schwabe. “We’re an Alzheimers and dementia care community, and this is a safe place for us, because we can shut the gate and our residents are protected, as they stroll through the garden. Our residents can’t get lost or wander off.”

Enjoys putting feet in the grass
Schwabe was talking with Lynn Wagner, a horticultural therapy student at Good Samaritan Hospital, when we met them. Wagner added, “Another reason it’s safe is that none of the plants or materials in the garden are toxic. It’s a safe wonderful environment.”

In the center of the circular park is a large, round area of well-tended lawn. “We’ve had many residents who just lie down in the grass and enjoy the sunshine,” Schwabe reminisced. “Sometimes, we all take our shoes off. And, we’ve found that patients in wheelchairs enjoy being taken over into the grass, so they can dangle their feet in the soft, lush green grass of summer.”

One of the garden’s volunteers, Elaine Hesselman, fills the air with beautiful music, as she plays the harp for visitors.

Labor of love for many volunteers
After soaking up the bucolic atmosphere, the Friends group president told us that the garden is maintained with 95% volunteer effort. “There’re only eight hours a month of paid gardening by Portland Parks – they help us with heavy hauling and lawn mowing,” observed Cassidy. “We maintain the beds, and do all the pruning and padding and deadheading. This is a very hands-on groomed facility. I’d say there are about 50 volunteer-hours spent here every month, among all of our garden teams.”

Volunteers also help stage events and enrichment activities – for free – on an on-call basis, Cassidy mentioned. “All the facilities need to do is just transport their patients here.”

Learn more here
If you’d like to learn more – or perhaps volunteer – at the Portland Memory Garden, call the organization at (503) 239-9174.

Or, see a map and learn more. Visit the Portland Parks & Recreation web site, CLICK HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

It’s genuine slice of Americana!
See why this community chooses to hold a parade
on Independence Day – and why …

Dillon “Spiderman” McCarthy is revving up his car, while Princess Kaylien Knecht gets ready to walk, in the City of Maywood Park’s July 4th Parade.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For the tenth consecutive year, folks in the City of Maywood Park – located just northeast of the intersection of I-205 and I-84 – chose to celebrate Independence Day with a city-wide parade.

As the parade throng was forming, we spoke with the small city’s Mayor, Mark Hardie, who told us, “We enjoy celebrating freedom and the greatness of America here in our community.”

The parade, Hardie said, helps bring the community together. “Our neighborhood and city is all about families, and the parade is a family event. In it you’ll see kids, grandparents, dogs, and a World War II veteran who’s lived here for 55 years. The whole purpose of this is to get together and get to know our neighbors.”

Residents of the City of Maywood Park gather for their traditional annual community photograph, taken by resident and professional photographer Patrick Smith.

And they’re off! Marching to “Stars and Stripes Forever” – played over the PA system of a Multnomah County Sheriff’s patrol car – the celebrants take to the streets. On the right side of the photo, photog Smith is still up on the ladder!

“It looks like we’ll have about 150 folks in the parade today – we’ll probably have more watching from their front yards than we have marching,” Hardie observed.

The entire parade route took the revelers on a 12-block stroll through the wooded streets of their community. The parade ended up where it started, in the northwest corner of the city.

By the time the marching (actually, strolling) group returned, the order of the participants has scrambled – and no one seems to mind. Some participants dropped out along the route; others joined in, and finished the parade.

Byron Perry provides the motive force for the only float in this year’s parade …

… and we see Francesca Perry walking along side as Aidan Perry and Stella the Dog have the seats of honor as the stars-and-stripes decorated float — that their dad, Bryan is powering — cruises down the street.

The city’s Mayor, Mark Hardie, marches in the annual parade.

Says they’ll maintain their independence
After the parade, neighbors gathered at the park along side their main street – and about 250 folks tucked into a hosted barbeque. “It’s a fun, safe-and-sane way of celebrating the holiday,” noted Hardie.

We asked the mayor if there was any talk in Maywood Park City Council meetings about giving up cityhood and joining the City of Portland.

Hardie thought for a moment, smiled, and replied, “Not as long as I’m alive! Part of the independence we’re celebrating today is having our own city here in East Multnomah County. We’re very happy to be our own little city.”

Arnold Mutz, a World War II veteran – and 50-year resident of the City of Maywood Park – rides in the parade in full dress uniform.

In the parade, we are greeted by Jann Churchill and her four-legged friends, Winston and Yolsi.

Bringing up the rear are Portland Fire & Rescue’s Truck 2 and Engine 12.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why ROSE Community Development is getting ready to pitch a plan to the PDC for developing the Lents Little League baseball field – and what neighbors say they really want built there …

Joseph Readdy, of SERA architects, listens, while ROSE Community Development Corp. executive director Nick Sauvie sets the stage for the workshop at Wattles Boys & Girls Club.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
City officials have talked about the redevelopment of the Lents Neighborhood area for years. Yet, the large parcel of land at the corner of SE 92nd Avenue at SE Harold Street – currently home to the Lents Little League – remains undeveloped.

This Spring, ROSE Community Development Corporation (ROSE) held two workshops regarding the potential development of this property.

Using drawings like these, neighbors shared their ideas regarding how best the Lents Little League field can be developed. The red block is the area to be developed.

Not PDC meetings
First and foremost, stressed ROSE’s executive director Nick Sauvie, when we talked with him at their “Field of Dreams” workshops held at the Wattles Boys & Girls Club, was that:

• The “Field of Dreams” Workshops were not Portland Development Commission (PDC)-sponsored events; and,
• ROSE has not been selected as the development team.

Preparing to present
After the workshops, we asked Sauvie to explain what ROSE was doing, regarding this site.

“The PDC intends to begin a process to select a developer for the site later this year,” Sauvie began. “The first workshop was used to get general input from community members about the site, neighborhood context, and urban design issues. The second workshop took that input and started to incorporate it into design ideas.”

Their organization, Sauvie explained, was created out of the efforts of Southeast Portland people who take the needs and desires for improving the community seriously. “That’s why were went the extra mile and held these workshops early in our process.”

Curt Schultz, principal, SERA architects, leads a group discussion about ideas already gathered regarding the site’s potential development.

New to commercial development
Because ROSE has a solid track record with Lents-area residential development projects, we asked Sauvie if he sees potential challenges.

“One thing that will be new for us,” Sauvie responded, “if we do this project, is that it will have significant commercial component to it. Our mission is building the neighborhood and strengthening its economy. The commercial development is part of the project, and will be our first large venture in economic development.”

Ideas and comments
We asked Sauvie to “boil down” all of the comments and suggestions they heard during the workshops and share ideas he thought were significant. He shared six of them with us.

• There is support for a mixed-use development that will make the Lents Town Center a livelier place, and provide more destinations, such as restaurants and cafes.
• The residential component should include both homeownership and rental, for a mix of incomes and household types.
• Provide a permanent home for the Lents International Farmers Market.
• Many people would like to see a grocery store somewhere in the Town Center.
• He would like to see local businesses and services emphasized, not chain stores.

He added that public spaces should be well conceived and maintained.

At another table, Joseph Readdy, SERA architects, makes sure he understands a neighbor’s idea for the site.

Next steps
“It’s very early really in the process,” stated Sauvie. “The PDC has not yet issued their Request for Proposal. Hopefully that’ll happen sometime this summer. As a best guess, the PDC might receive proposals and make decisions sometime before the end of the year.”

We later learned that the PDC officials say they will issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit proposals from development teams no earlier than summer 2008. The RFQ process is intended to generate interest from many development teams, all of whom will be rated competitively. Any questions about the RFQ process should be directed to Justin Douglas, (503) 823-4579, or douglasj@pdc.us.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Want to see how outer East Portland neighbors are planning to turn 35 acres of freeway-locked land into a nature park? We’ll tell you about it here and show you where to see their presentation for yourself …

Gill Williams, landscape architect, David Evans and Associates, shows the supporters of the Gateway Green Initiative slides of a document the firm hopes will persuade several governmental entities to be favorably inclined toward this project.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Hopefully, when you’re driving along the freeway in outer East Portland, you been watching traffic – and not ogling the strip of land running along side Interstate 205 from the Gateway Transit Center north to Rocky Butte.

But, if neighbors and parks supporters have their way, this hidden property might become an accessible, 35-acre nature area called “Gateway Green”.

A couple of weeks ago, we met with supporters of the initiative, as they prepared to unveil their proposal in a presentation at Adventist Medical Center.

“We’re presenting the final vision for Gateway Green Initiative,” reported Gill Williams, landscape architect, David Evans and Associates. “This is more of a ‘vision document’ than a promotional piece. It portrays the idea behind the vision, and the rationale for it as well.”

Ted Gilbert, Karla Keller and Linda Robinson look at the draft plan for the Gateway Green.

The presentation, made into a 27-page report, states the purpose of the initiative succinctly: “To transform an underutilized property into a regional asset that provides open space and recreational opportunities, while demonstrating Portland’s and Oregon’s commitment to sustainability.”

The document will help the initiative’s advocacy groups share their vision, and garner support among officials in the Portland Development Commission, Portland Parks & Recreation, and especially the Oregon Department of Transportation – they own the property.

Many folks on board
“There are a lot of biking and recreational groups that are interested in seeing this developed,” Williams noted. “There are individuals like Linda Robinson, a good advocate for open space and parks.” He added that developer Ted Gilbert – a noted Gateway booster – is also enthusiastic about the project’s potential.”

Moving into Phase II
“We’re in the initial phase of preparing this initiative,” Gilbert commented. “We’re looking at a five to 10 year – or beyond – timeline for implementation of some of the bigger elements. There are some pretty substantial monetary commitments required.  Within the first two to five years, there’s real potential for actually seeing some development.”

Take a look:
The Gateway Green Initiative appears to be a well thought-out plan. If you’re interested, take a look. Just CLICK HERE to see a PDF of the document they’ve created.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Members of this fifth-grade class wrote it, acted in it – and even took their show downtown. Find out why …

Kevin Muir, the director of the “Hot Dog Musical Theater Company” – and a Lent School fifth grade teacher – welcomes guests to a performance of his class’s play, “EarthAlerth!”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Fifth-graders aren’t known for having long attention spans. But, Kevin Muir, a Lent School fifth grade teacher, said “pre-production” for the musical play we were about to see began on “the first day of school”.

Muir, himself, is a product of Portland-area education. He graduated from Woodstock Elementary, Meriwether Lewis Middle, and Cleveland High School. “I was a lot of theatrical productions at school.”

Thinking they won a trip to Bermuda, Melani Norell, Betsy Rivera, Miguel Navarro and Alfredo Galindo-Lopez wonder why the resort to which they’ve been invited is just a poorly-painted set. Their host (from Pluto), Alan Morales (far right), tells the students of their impending fate.

Providing ‘meaningful experiences’
Throughout the year, in addition to reading, writing, and arithmetic lessons, the 24 members of his class came up with the storyline, wrote the play and songs, and choreographed the staging, Muir told us.

“The work is extremely meaningful and engaging,” Muir said. “We have five main characters, but also involved are set designers, electricians, custom designers, stage managers, public relations, historians, lighting designers, and the band.”

The best way they can think of to face being conscripted to perform in an off-planet circus is – a song and dance number!

It’s show time … on Pluto!

About the story …
“EARTHALERTH!” is a fanciful story about a handful of Earth kids who are tricked into traveling to the planet Pluto to be Cirque du Pluto Theater Company show named … “EARTHALERTH!”.

On Pluto, kids rehearse their roles in this show that “showcases” all that is wonderful and weird about their home planet, Earth. But, the evil villain, The Bananjelar (he looks remarkably like an adult-human sized banana), attacks the troupe – before leaving to destroy Earth.

Images of Earth are featured in the Cirque du Pluto Theater Company show called “EARTHALERTH!”.

The kids race back to Earth, and in a mighty (funny) battle with The Bananjelar, they save their planet – and learn that Bananjelar is really a misunderstood fruit.

The greater themes of common sense and courage and strength are woven through the play; all these are qualities that Muir said he hopes to instill in his students.

The Earth kids confront The Bananjelar.

Before we saw the show, on May 28, the production company headed downtown to perform their outer-space adventure at the Winningstad Theater. We took in a later presentation at Lent School.

Serving diverse students
After the hour-long energetic and fast-paced show, Muir said he enjoys teaching at Lent School, located in one of the oldest and most diverse neighborhoods in the city.

“I’m determined not to let the children’s demographics inhibit their ability to learn,” stated Muir. “This hands-on model of learning is both engaging and stimulating to students. Too often, education lacks a connection with the community; through this play, my students are able to work with individuals and groups from beyond the school, and then take their product out to the world. To me, that is the essence of a meaningful education.”

What play will be created by his next fifth-grade class?

“We’ll all find out in September,” Muir said. “Check in with us next school year.”

Back on Earth, The Bananjelar chills out, and the kids decide he’s not so bad after all!

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams hasn’t missed a Midway Business Association open house. See what he had to say at the latest one …

“Mmmm, good pizza,” says Mayor-elect and Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams, at the Midway Business Association open house.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A hearty band of business people in the southern portion of outer East Portland created the Midway Business Association with a mission: to encourage folks to buy locally, and improve the livability of their neighborhoods.

Every year, the organization hosts an open house and pizza luncheon at Bill Dayton’s Pizza Baron restaurant, as an outreach to business people and neighborhood leaders. And, every year, first a candidate, then a Portland City Commissioner, and now Mayor-elect Sam Adams has attended the event.

Working the room, Sam Adams meets new member Kyle Ziegler, owner of Carrie B’s Dance Shop, located in the Midway Shopping Center, as East Portland Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs chair Ken Turner looks on.

“I’m pleased to say I’ve been every event since the inception of the organization,” Adams said as he talked briefly to the forty business people in attendance. “I look forward to coming back in the coming months and having a substantive discussion about how city government can be a partner with you.”

Adams congratulated the association for “doing a fantastic job here. The results are noticeable.  I know that folks are going through tough times with this recession; I know people don’t have as much money to spend. Hang in there, and together we’ll pull ourselves out of this and enjoy better days ahead.”

Recognizing the current downturn in business, Sam Adams urges business people to work together toward better days.

Adams added that he was glad that the City government finally “came to its senses” and provided the umbrella organization for business groups, the Alliance of Neighborhood Business Associations (APNBA) with funding and full time staff members. Pointing out the APNBA’s Executive Director, Jon Turino, Adams added, “We’re making sure Jon has the resources necessary to help business associations grow.”

Heading off to another meeting, Adams took a couple of slices with him and promised, “I’ll be back to visit with you again.”

Midway Business Association president Bill Dayton reminded those present that, by working together, outer East Portland business people and neighbors can have a greater voice in local, regional and event state-level government.

“If we keep working together, we can improve the lives of everyone here in outer East Portland,” Dayton said.

Association President Bill Dayton, talks informally about the benefits of mutual association.

Next meeting is July 8
If you have business interests in this part of town, come learn all about this new business group dedicated to helping neighbors and businesses improve the southern end of Outer East Portland.

This month: David Edwards, speaking about keeping your business safe in troubled times. Remember, visitors ARE welcome, and the presentation is free (but you pay for your own lunch). The meeting runs from 11:45 AM until 1 PM at Bill Dayton’s PIZZA BARON Restaurant on SE 122nd Avenue, just south of Division Street. For more information, go to www.midwayba.com.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out where this year’s Portland Habitat for Humanity “Building Blitz” took place – and why families appreciate the new homes …

Maria Eby of Portland Habitat for Humanity, new homeowner Juana Nene, and Habitat for Humanity board member Susie Vischer here pause for a moment, as the 2008 Building Blitz is in full swing.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
What was only a vacant lot a few weeks ago is now a small development of single-family houses occupied by their new owners – not renters.

“Welcome to our 2008 Home Building Blitz,” we were greeted Maria Eby, Portland Habitat for Humanity Marketing and Special Events Manager. We were on the building site at SE Ogden Street, just west of SE 82nd Avenue of Roses.

This “blitz”, Eby said, was the local manifestation of an international event created by Habitat for Humanity. “We’re building five homes in seven days, with the help of five professional homebuilders. At the same time, other groups around the country will build a total of 263 homes. This means that, nationally, more than 1,000 people will be moving out of substandard housing into their new home.”

Construction workers and tradesmen of all kinds swarm over the East Portland building site.

Not a handout
The potential homeowners who come into the Habitat for Humanity program are currently living in substandard housing conditions, Eby said. “We give people who earn lower incomes the chance to become first-time homeowners.”

But, this program isn’t a form of welfare, she added. “This is absolutely not a handout; it’s actually a hand up,” explained Eby.

First, the participants must qualify, meaning they must have steady employment and good credit. “Once they are accepted into the program, they put in 500 hours of ‘sweat equity’ or community service on habitat projects. Then, they buy the home from us, with a ‘0% interest’ mortgage,” Eby continued.

Geoff Schumacher of Schumacher Custom Homes confers with furnace specialist Brad Bassitt, with Bassitt Heating, about the placement of ductwork in the new Habitat for Humanity home they’re building.

Pro builders volunteer services
Five teams of building contractors raced through the week to finish their assigned home on time.

One of the builders, Geoff Schumacher of Schumacher Custom Homes, took a moment to tell us why he was involved in the project. “We heard about the Blitz in ’06 – we took a look, and saw it as a great project, and wanted to get involved,” he said.

Schumacher said he was happy to be able to give back to the community. “And, the part I like best about my job – on an everyday basis – is handing the keys over to the new homeowner.”

What a difference a week makes! Just seven days later, these homes are finished, and ready for their new owners to move in.

Payments recycle into new houses
Because their mortgage payments are a maximum of 30% of the family’s income, Eby said, the housing is affordable. 100% of their mortgage payment on their house goes toward the equity – and it’s usually less than their rent payment had been. “They’re able to create a future for themselves that they’ve never been able to create before.”

Participants’ mortgage payments go into a rotating fund at Habitat for Humanity, allowing the organization to fund the building of more new homes, Eby explained.

Looks forward to spacious quarters
New homeowner Juana Nene took a break from working on her house. “Today I’m very nervous and excited. My sons have come today to work on my new house. It seems almost impossible; now I have a better future, and more room. Mucho moi bien.”

Juana Nene accepts the keys to her family’s new home from Sam Portesi of Buena Vista Custom Homes.

Seven days later …
A week later, we stopped back in at the site to see the dedication ceremony. One by one, the families came up and received keys to their new homes from the builder who coordinated its construction.

When it came time for Juana Nene to take the keys from Sam Portesi of Buena Vista Custom Homes, she asked that a prepared statement be read, because she was too nervous to speak:

“Even though we waited a few years, it’s been worth the wait. Thank you to all the companies and workers who donated their time and material to construct my house. This house was motivation for my son, José, to graduate from high school. Thank you very much. I really don’t have enough words to say thank you, and God bless you.”

Mt. Hood and Portland Habitat for Humanity merged
Then, few days ago, the organization announced that Portland Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Hood Habitat for Humanity have joined forces to become a single, larger, and more-effective organization.  This newly formed affiliate, “Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East”, will serve the cities of Portland and Gresham, including all of Multnomah County and North Clackamas County.

Judith Huck, President of Classique Floors and previously board chair of Mt. Hood Habitat for Humanity, will serve as chair of the newly formed affiliate.

Find out more about this great organization by visiting www.pdxhabitat.org.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

We caught members of the American Legion Auxiliary #1 in the act of providing the unrestrained hospitality denied to sailors visiting downtown. Check out this exclusive story …

Bob White, 2nd Vice President of American Legion Post #1 (seated), and Cheryl Fulton, member of American Legion Auxiliary #1 (standing, being hugged), welcome sailors to their Post, during the Rose Festival’s Fleet Week.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
At last! One of the secret stories of the just-completed 2008 Portland Rose Festival can now be told.

Since 1924, the Portland Rose Festival has welcomed sailors from all countries to the annual event. That’s no secret.

Although the naval fleets have shrunk in size – and many ships have grown too large to navigate the Willamette River – four US Navy ships, five US Coast Guard vessels, and sailors from other ships tied up to the seawall, all were downtown during “fleet week”, and offered Portlanders tours of their ships.

Military support organizations operated a “hospitality center” for visiting sailors located at a SW Front Street hotel. But, and here’s something you probably haven’t heard – that facility was purchased and remodeled last year, and the new owners made it clear that their new highbrow clientele wouldn’t appreciate military folks on their property. Portland’s hospitality hung in the balance.

Volunteer grillmaster at the American Legion Post #1, Grant Talmadge, tends the hot dogs.

East Portland American Legion steps up
The good reputation of the Rose City was rescued by the friendship of American Legion Post and Auxiliary #1 on SE 122nd Avenue in the Mill Park neighborhood. They’ve been hosting visiting military folks – including sailors during Fleet Week – for years, in tandem with the downtown location, and have even won awards for it.

This year, with the sudden absence of downtown hospitality, the organization stepped up its efforts, and in outer East Portland, catered the only party there was for visiting sailors.

Cheryl Fulton, a member of American Legion Auxiliary #1, told the story.

“For years, I was involved with the hospitality room for our visiting service people downtown during the Portland Rose Festival,” said Fulton. “We decided to create an activity on Rose Festival Saturday, because there were no other functions for them. Seven years ago, I suggested that we do a hamburger and hot dog barbecue party for them here at the Post.”

Helping to grill up some of the 450 hamburgers consumed during the Rose Festival hospitality mission are Don Mitchell and John Peterson.

Idea slowly builds
The first year, only six sailors accepted their invitation. “We wondered whether or not this was a good idea, but we’ve persisted over the years. Last year we hosted 209 visitors; with the lack of downtown hospitality – we’ll surpass that number this year,” related Fulton.

Bob White, the Post’s 2nd Vice President, said he’s in charge of the food logistics. “With the help of our shifts of volunteer cooks, and twenty Auxiliary members, we’ll be serving 400 hot dogs in 450 hamburgers today. It’s a lot of food, but it’s a great cause. We love having the Navy guys and gals come out.”

Reser’s Fine Foods donated salads to the project, Franz Bakery gave the Post bread and buns, and many members made special dishes at home and brought them in, Fulton added.

Spiriting sailors to SE 122nd Avenue
It’s a long way from Tom McCall Park to Mill Park, so the Post – with the help of Enterprise Car Rentals – ran two shuttle vans driven by a cadre of ten volunteer drivers, starting at noon and ending at 11 p.m.

“They sure put on a great party,” said Jack Morrison from the guided-missile frigate USS Gary. “Going out for drinks and dinner at a restaurant costs more than most sailors can afford. We all appreciate this American Legion Post for showing us the ‘real’ hospitality of Portland.”

Officials in the Navy appreciate the gesture of friendship; the Post has been officially recognized for their work by the U.S. Navy Third Fleet three years running.

Post Commander, Tom Fulton, arrives back at the Post after driving sailors from their ship to the party in Mill Park.

Paying it forward
As we were ready to leave for our next assignment, we met the Commander of the Post, Tom Fulton, who was coming in from driving a shuttle van run.

“When I was in the military, my superiors gave me a helping hand to make sure that I do well. When we help our servicemen enjoy their visit to Portland, they will, hopefully, remember our hospitality. Then, when they retire, perhaps they’ll ‘pay it forward’ by offering hospitality to those in active duty.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why the number of prostitutes working 82nd Avenue has skyrocketed. And, the tragic news is that even more of these “sex workers” aren’t even old enough to drive …

In outer East Portland, the prostitution trade isn’t plied in the dead of night. Working without fear, most prostitutes – like this woman, later arrested, and charged with soliciting prostitution – openly troll for customers in the light of day.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A couple of weeks ago, we told you how – even though it’s vastly understaffed – the Portland Police Bureau Drug & Vice Division (DVD) goes after the fifty or so local sex-for-sale pushers, commonly known as pimps.

We learned from Sgt. Doug Justice, the man who currently heads DVD, how their three-person “division” targets pimps who are promoting prostitution using underage girls.

“Even though we see it on the rise, we don’t have the manpower to go after street-level prostitution,” Justice added. “We leave that to the precincts.

Although a little blurry because this photo was taken at a great distance and through glass, the john looks jolly to be making a deal for a street-side sex act, just off SE 82nd Avenue of Roses. He didn’t look happy for long.

Local action heats up
On any afternoon or evening these days, along 82nd Avenue of Roses, it seems like we’re seeing more and more “girls on the stroll” – prostitutes, slowly walking along, or hanging out at bus stops as bus after bus rolls by.

“It’s not your imagination,” says Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officer Rich Steinbronn who, along with Officer Michael Gallagher and a team of cops, is working a prostitution mission. “Prostitution has been steadily increasing – and with nice weather, it’s really taken off. Typically they really don’t like working in the rain. But if they’re forced to, they’ll work in any kind of weather.”

It isn’t necessarily the way these prostitutes wear their hair, dress, or are made up that makes them stand out as being different from female pedestrians – as we learn from Gallagher, as we watch the action on 82nd Avenue, while hidden in an undercover police vehicle. “Normally, women who walk along a street don’t keep looking around trying to make eye contact with passing cars,” he says.

After the undercover officer gives the signal, she walks away and the “custody team” of uniformed officers rush the man about to be charged with soliciting prostitution.

Prostitution reduces ‘quality of life’
As we wait for officers and decoys to get into position, the officers candidly admit they’ll never put an end to street prostitution. “Street prostitution ‘imports crime’ – it brings individuals into a neighborhood for the purpose of committing an illegal act,” Gallagher says.

“Unlike a ‘john’ (customer) who sets up a ‘date’ (sex-for-money meeting) from a CraigsList ad in a motel room or apartment,” Steinbronn adds, “these johns will drive the prostitute around the corner and into the neighborhoods alongside 82nd Avenue. They’ll do it in a church parking lot, in front of a school, just along a side street. They leave behind used condoms.”

Beyond negative impacts on neighborhoods, the officers say they’ve seen an alarming rise in the number young girls – as young as 14 years of age – being pressured into prostitution.

Instead of having the illicit sexual thrills he’d expected, this alleged john is getting another kind of excitement – being arrested, booked, and taken to jail. If his wife or girl friend is on the car title, she will have to be present when the car is released from seizure, and that might be a little exciting too.

Taking johns to jail
With all of the team in place, we watch as this “female decoy mission” or “john mission” swings back into action.

We watch a female Portland Police Officer, dressed in very ordinary, casual clothing – not a flashy, attention-getting costume – slowly walk up and down 82nd Avenue. Unlike some street prostitutes we’ve observed, these female undercover officers don’t shout, wave, or point at passing cars.

Within minutes, though, we see the driver of a car on 82nd Avenue slow down and make eye contact with the undercover officer. The driver turns in a side street and slowly drives past the undercover vehicle, and then turns into a restaurant parking lot. He motions for the officer to walk over to him.

It doesn’t take long for the john to propose a sex act for a specific amount of money. The undercover officer makes an innocuous gesture that signals the “Custody Team” of uniformed officers to swoop in and make the arrest.

Although another john tried to speed away after being busted by an undercover cop, the custody team closed in on him before he could escape the long arm of the law.

As fast as they can book them
“It’s amazing how many guys go cruising 82nd Avenue looking for a prostitute,” Steinbronn says. “We would arrest many more johns during each mission, except for the time it takes for our custody team to process and transport each of these alleged prostitution customers to the Justice Center, and book them into jail.”

Eager prostitutes don’t heed cops
We noticed two females, dressed in inappropriately short skirts and low-cut blouses, wearing a great deal of makeup, and strolling along in shoes with heels so high that most women would consider wearing them “cruel and unusual punishment”. A man, dressed in prototypical zoot suit attire, walks with them.

The group seems oblivious to the police cars roaring by with emergency lights flashing as another john gets busted.

Officer Gallagher says he recognizes the trio from past prostitution missions. He radios to a marked patrol car and asks officers to move them down the avenue so they can continue working their mission.

In all, their team arrested seven johns in one day, and eleven the next.

Asked why half of their missions are focused on arresting johns, Steinbronn explains, “Without the demand created by the johns, there wouldn’t be the supply of prostitutes working the street.”

The prostitution mission custody team swoops in to take another alleged prostitute into custody.

Picking up prostitutes
After two days of working ‘female decoy’ missions, the team switches to a ‘male decoy’ operation.

Here’s how it works: A male Portland Police Officer, driving an ordinary looking car, cruises along 82nd Avenue of Roses, and slows down for women who make eye contact or motion to them. “If the gal gets into the car, they usually make the deal for a sex act in exchange for money while they drive back into the neighborhood,” Gallagher tells us.

“The girls working along here know that we’re doing missions,” Steinbronn says. “Still, they’ll open a stranger’s car door and hop in. Sometimes they will ask the officer to expose himself, or ask him to touch them, to prove he’s not a cop, before they’re willing to make or accept the proposition. We don’t do that; if they insist, we have no choice but to let them go.”

But from our observation, there is no shortage of street-level prostitutes willing to gamble about being busted along the avenue. 13 prostitutes are arrested one day, another 12 the next – again, as rapidly as the custody team can book and transport them to jail.

From far north along 82nd Avenue, down to the Clackamas County line where this alleged prostitute is arrested, cops find no shortage of sex for sale on the street.

Crime of little consequence
Their missions are focused on curbing prostitution along 82nd Avenue this time, Steinbronn comments. “We found very few prostitutes working NE Sandy Boulevard, in the Parkrose area. They’ve really congregated along the length of 82nd Avenue, from Sandy south to Clackamas County.”

We ask the officers why they think prostitution along 82nd Avenue of Roses is flourishing.

Choosing their words carefully, the officers say that since certain Portland City ordinances were allowed to end, the number of prostitutes working has increased, because there is little consequence if they’re arrested.

“Let me illustrate it like this,” Steinbronn explains. “We arrested a gal yesterday. She was taken into custody and to jail. And, we arrested the same gal again today, still wearing the exact same clothes she had on yesterday.”

When a custody team officer asked why she was back out on the street again, hopping – unknowingly – into another undercover police car, Steinbronn says the cop reported she said, “I need to turn two tricks [sex acts] today. I don’t worry about you guys. I’ll be out [of jail] in a couple of hours.”

Prostitution-free Zones said to be successful
While reinstating Prostitution-free Zones won’t “cure” street-level prostitution, everyone with whom we’ve spoken in law enforcement says they were a good “tool” to reduce the prevalence of street-sex sales activity.

We’re told that since cities in the Seattle region have stepped up anti-prostitution enforcement and instituted ordinances, their rates of prostitution have dropped – and prostitutes themselves report that they’ve traveled south to work the Portland street, because the demand is high and the penalties are low.

Perhaps when the makeup of Portland’s city government changes in the new year, city leaders will once again revisit the Prostitution-free Zone ordinance. If they want to hear it, Portland’s own police officers will tell them that the zones really do help reduce the sex – openly for sale – on outer East Portland streets.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you couldn’t come by, take a look at the fun we all had as outer East Portland neighbors gathered for the tradition of celebrating the 4th of July on July 3rd …

The parade is the big feature of the day – but many festivities lead up to the event.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Perhaps only in outer East Portland does the community turn out to celebrate Independence Day on July 3rd!

Nevertheless, nearly 300 kids and adults showed up this year at the East Portland Community Center for the day-early star-spangled event.

East Portland Community Center recreation coordinator and parade director Molly King, working with Asst. Building Director Ali Rice, plan their parade strategy – with the help of Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division Sgt. Robert Voepel.

“It’s a great community event that is fun for everyone,” East Portland Community Center recreation coordinator, and parade director, Molly King, said of the event. “And, we do have a beautiful day to celebrate!”

King said this week’s event marked the 11th year of holding the parade. “Both the event, and the number of people who come, have grown over the years,” Kin said. “It started out being just being a parade that marches down to CherryWood Village and back. Now, we have all kinds of pre-parade activities.”

Mia Pinzelik is focusing all of her attention on climbing the rock wall.

Brian Baker helps his daughter Mari make crafts.

The community center staff was busy at a table providing craft fun that kids love. From face painting, to flag making and tattoos, kids and their parents all looked as if they truly enjoyed the sunny outdoor event.

Brian Baker and his daughter Mari said they were there for the first time. “It’s fun and really festive,” Baker told us. “It seems like there a lot of people here having fun.”

The community center’s hot dog chef (and recreation leader) is Bob Calhoun.

Giant, plump $1 hot dogs rolled on the grill – and were snapped up by the hungry crowd. Those wanting a lighter snack made their way to the popcorn tent.

“We’ve expanded our community information booth this year,” commented King. “But it looks like bringing in the rock-climbing wall was a great addition.”

About 11:30 a.m., the parade formed behind the Portland Police Bureau Color Guard and moved out along SE 106th Avenue – and the tradition was again underway.

On the parade route …

Leading off the parade are member of the Portland Police Bureau’s Color Guard Officer Jerry Higginbotham, who works in the Chief’s office; SE Precinct  Officer Tom Rhodes and East Precinct Officers Jennifer Hertzler and Rob Brown. Following them is Portland Police Highland Guard Piper Erin Anderson says he doubles as an East Precinct officer on his “days off”.

First President of Cherrywood Village, Elaine Burns, rides in the Yellow Corvette. I’m in my 10th year at Cherrywood.

Some come in costume – other kids just like walking in the parade.

This event appeals both to the young – and the young at heart! Outer East Portland residents Red DeMars, Solveig Johdahl and Lynn Simmons have come out to enjoy the parade.

Portland Parks & Recreation spokesperson Beth Sorenson, hands out cool treats after the march.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

While most kids flock to the Internet, you might be surprised to see how some young people choose to communicate the old-fashioned way – on paper …

Nicole Georges, a confirmed ‘zine publisher, shows some of her work at the Woodstock Branch Library class.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Many young people are drawn toward Internet communications, with websites slicked up with modern computer technology. Yet, other kids are drawn toward a quainter form of publications. They call their printed publications ‘zines – short for magazines.

At Woodstock Branch Library, ‘zine expert Nicole Georges is holding a class.

“We’re learning about how to make our own ‘zine,” Georges tells us.

She says a ‘zine is a self-made publication. It is usually created by an individual, but sometimes is produced by a group.

They rarely make a profit, she says, “The key is passion. ‘Zines are created and produced purely out of passion for a particular topic. The subject matter can be about anything.”

In addition to sharing how-to tips, Georges brought supplies and many samples to share with the class.

Physically Georges tells us, they can take a variety of forms. Sample ‘zines she shows the class range from very simple looking pamphlets, to sophisticated, full-color artist’s books.

Although young, Georges says she learned how to make ‘zines 14 years ago. “I’ve learned how to create and distribute them through trial and error.” Today she teaches a five-step method for creating a ‘zine.

Here’s how to make a Zine:

• Write – “It all starts off with writing. What are your ideas? What can you write passionately about?” she asks the class. When writing a ‘zine, she suggests thinking about what images could go with the text.
• Illustrate – “Draw, take photos, or use historical photos to illustrate your ‘zine. But be sure to make sure you have permission to use others’ images,” Georges instructs.
• Layout – Make a mock-up of the ‘zine before you do your final artwork, she recommends.
• Duplicate – Copy your pages, fold them into a ‘zine and staple.
• Distribute – “Your most immediate audience is your friends. But, now there are plenty of places that offer ‘zines for sale. Check out the ‘zine website,” explains Georges.

“The best, and most important part of ‘zines – is you!” says Georges.

Don’t judge – write!
When we ask for her most important advice she gives to students, Georges thinks for a moment and says, “Most important thing is for students is to write for themselves and express themselves as much as possible. Don’t be afraid of doing it. Don’t be objective or inhibited. Write how you feel.

“The best part of ‘zines is … you!”

See her website at www.nicolejgeorges.com or see the group site, www.iprc.org

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service