A couple of weeks ago, you heard about the suspected crook that cops chased away from the 82nd Ave. MAX station – now learn the REST of the story …

Police closed off this street along which the suspected MAX station drug dealer ran, after he dodged through the Elmer’s Restaurant parking lot. He gave the cops the slip not once, but twice!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While their efforts often don’t make headlines or the evening news, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers – from the precincts, and those specifically assigned to TriMet – wage a daily battle against crime along the steel-railed highway called MAX Light Rail.

It’s so easy for thugs and drug pushers to hop on and off the MAX trains. But many of the stations, like the MAX stop at NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, are difficult to police. It is set down, away from street, accessible only by stairs and an elevator.

About 6:30 p.m. on May 14, PPB Transit Division officers spotted a familiar-looking character, and kept an eye on him.

“Officers developed probable cause to arrest an individual,” police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us that evening. “It looked to them like he was engaging in drug trafficking activity.”

When officers started closing in on him, the suspect dashed off, and a foot pursuit began. “They try to catch the guy as he ran into the through Elmer’s Restaurant parking lot; then into the [nearby neighborhood] blocks west of 82nd Ave.,” confirmed Schmautz.

Searching the blocks west of NE 82nd Avenue of Roses near NE Multnomah Street, the police came close to nabbing the suspected drug-dealing runner; but he slipped away.

Tries to hide in the neighborhood

A search by officers – and a K-9 unit – couldn’t locate the suspect in the area where they thought he might be hiding.

“Then, a citizen in one of the homes within the perimeter realized there was a stranger in his house, and confronted the suspect,” Schmautz told us as the situation was unfolding that evening. “It startled the suspect as much as the neighbor – and the suspect took off again, heading westbound.”

Police dogs were soon hot on the suspect’s trail; the chase led to a home on NE 78th Avenue.

With the potential for a hostage situation on their hands, the SERT unit is activated, and takes a position near the home where they think the suspect may be holed up.

SERT unit activated
“We had information from neighbors that there was someone home,” Schmautz said. “We didn’t want to take any chances, in case this turned into a potential hostage situation; the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) was activated.”

After a couple of tense hours of waiting, police learned that the suspect had again fled; the SERT officers disbanded.

Police get their man
“Officers knew the man they were chasing as 35-year-old Detrick Griggs,” Schmautz said. “Our bureau’s Drug & Vice Division (DVD) officers helped track him down.”

Police say this man, Detrick Griggs, was the suspect who ran – but, from our cops, he couldn’t hide for long.

Two days later, on May 16, they located Griggs. “Again, he ran from officers and there was a little foot pursuit with him. A K-9 police dog persuaded him to give up,” added Schmautz. “He was taken into custody on the 4800 block of N. Williams Avenue.”

Griggs probably won’t be riding the rails soon; records show he was arrested for Trespass, Escape, Failure to Appear, Resisting Arrest – and he also had an outstanding warrant. In addition, he had failed to register as a sex offender.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Take a look, and discover the creativity and artistry demonstrated by these talented kids …

Friends, family members, folks from the community – and members of the DDS School Board all came by to take a look at this outstanding art show.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The quality of artistic work on display in the breezeway at the David Douglas School District office was stunning, as we sauntered among the displays on May 15.

“Welcome to our annual student art show,” greeted Gayla Buyukas, one of seven art teachers at David Douglas High School.

“The art on display is created from all of our students, from ninth grade to seniors,” Buyukas explained. “The forms of art range from painting and drawing to ceramics, jewelry and metals, calligraphy, crafts, glasswork.

David Douglas High art teacher Gayla Buyukas shows us a decorated brass box, created by student Celeste Hunter as part of the “Heroes Project”.

Heroes Project highlighted
Buyukas took us over to a locked glass case in which very small, delicate pieces – such as jewelry and memory boxes – were ensconced. “This case contains some of the works of art students created for what we call the ‘Heroes Project’.”

Students were asked to identify people – either folks they know, or personalities in popular culture – who are important to them, she said. “It could also be a philosophical concept in which they believe. Then, they design and create symbolic piece that represents that person or idea.”

As an example, Buyukas pointed out a small, elegant brass box. “This work was done by a junior, and near-4.0 student – Celeste Hunter. It represents her family; each side depicts one of her relatives who symbolize the story of her African-American tradition.”

Students tell about their works
Many of the works of art we saw in the gallery looked as if they were painted by professional artists. We enjoyed talking to several of the student artists about their projects.

Freshman Ricky Adams, with his portrait of actor McCauley Calkins.

A freshman, Ricky Adams, presented a pencil drawing of child actor McCauley Calkins. The photorealistic drawing clearly captured the image of the youthful actor starring in the “Home Alone” series of motion pictures. “It’s fun to learn about art,” Adams said. “I’m glad to have my drawing in the show.”

Lupe Diaz, 9th Grade, shows off her treasure boxes.

Another ninth grader, Lupe Diaz, showed us her “treasure boxes”, made for an art class. “I picked up colors that I liked and put them all together, and made patterns,” she commented.

This portrait of Snoop Dogg was drawn – in pencil – by junior Juan Diaz.

Juan Diaz, a DDHS junior, presented his drawing of rap artist Snoop Dogg. “It’s a drawing in pencil. The challenging thing is to get the dark and light shading contrast just right when you’re doing a pencil illustration.” Diaz added that he planned to pursue a career in art.

Bruce Ross, a senior, says he enjoys creating art in different media.

“The best thing about the show is that it means I’m about to graduate,” quipped a senior, Bruce Ross. “I’m known for my calligraphy; I won a blue ribbon for a work at last year’s Oregon State Fair. With calligraphy, you can express a concept by using both words and artistic style.”

But the work Ross chose to show us was a ceramic dish. “With ceramics, you can create a lot of texture.” The talented young man said he planned to attend the Art Institute of Portland, and go into art direction and graphic design as a career.

The artists who designed and created theses fused glass artworks weren’t around, but they did produce some beautiful pieces.

Showcasing school’s talent
The show was substantial; the works of nearly 800 students are represented in it.

“It’s one of the rare times when students can actually showcase their pieces before the school and their family and members of the community,” commented Buyukas. “In addition to students, parents, and community members, our school district’s board members also get the opportunity to look at what our kids have done during the year.”

We were delighted to have had the opportunity to be among those enjoying these works of art, created by outer East Portland students.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

… At least on opening day! Even though our County Commissioners want NOTHING to do with it, see how volunteers and Oaks Amusement Park are keeping this century-old tradition going …

Haylie Graham, visiting Multnomah County Fair from Troutdale, has fun feeding the sheep at the free petting zoo.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With gas prices shooting past $4 a gallon, many folks decided to have a “day-vacation” close to home, during the Memorial Day weekend. Folks even came out and had fun, sometimes dodging raindrops on the last two days of the event.

“We’re thrilled that we can provide a place for families to go,” said Mary Beth Coffey, Senior Manager of historic Oaks Amusement Park. “We’re seeing a very high turnout this year.”

In the Oregon Dairy Women booth is Heidi Larson, the 2008 Dairy Princess Ambassador; and, Deanna Lenire, 2008 Columbia County Dairy Ambassador serving the thousands of folks coming to the Multnomah County Fair.

In times of economic uncertainty, Coffey said, the amusement park and County Fair make a great combination. “With free parking, and free admission to the park and the fair, it’s a great value. And, there are a lot of free activities: Humphreys Farmyard Frolics are back, with their magic shows and activities for kids; so is the petting zoo.”

As we walked through the park, we find some other traditional County Fair activities.

Pat Swonger, superintendent of the Floral Department holds her cup for which she won the “Best Tea Cup” award; fair helper and consummate backyard gardener, Larry Smith, shows off one of his entries “Best of Fair Herbs”.

Craft and produce exhibits flourish
In the Dance Pavilion, handcrafts, homemade foods, and plants were judged and put on display.

Pat Swonger, superintendent of the Floral Department, said she was surprised by this year’s large number of entries. “There were hundreds, even though we’ve had a peculiar spring so far.”

Perennial entrant, and winner of ribbons at all of the area fairs, Larry Smith, had items on display and also helped with the setup. “This year’s weather has been odd. Just after I finished planting my radishes, it snowed,” he commented.

ARBA certified rabbit judge George Germaine is evaluating an English lop-ear. “Obviously, the breed is known for its large ears.”

Bunnies on parade
Although cows and chickens weren’t judged at the fair, a substantial rabbit show, sanctioned by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, was underway when we visited on opening day.

“This is a ‘Double Crown’ event,” explained the rabbit show manager, Miriam Keyes. “This means each of the 300 rabbits is judged twice, by two different ARBA-certified judges.”

One of judges, George Germaine, traveled from Vader, Washington, to participate in the show. “The rabbits I see today are excellent,” remarked Germaine. “For a small show, there’s a lot of really nice rabbits here today. The good thing about a spring show is, because it’s been cooler, the rabbits have kept their coats, and they’re really in good condition.”

The Wiener Dog Races have become a favorite at the fair.

This year’s canine events expanded to include Fly-Ball, in which dogs demonstrate their agility and speed. And, how fast can a “wiener dog” run? Wiener Dog races were held several times during each of the three days of the fair.

Food and shopping opportunities abound
“In addition to all of the free entertainment for both kids and adults,” Coffey said, “we’re thrilled to have 61 vendors here this year.”

They’re being turned into ‘Toons! Hailey and Hanna Tolson get immortalized by caricature artist Mike Morley.

As we walked the midway, we could smell the savory foods of many nationalities and styles wafting through the air. Unlike some other fairs, the prices were reasonable – and several folks said the quality of the food exceeded their expectations.

As the unforecast sun shined on opening day, the line at the Oregon Dairy Women’s booth grew with folks lined up for ice cream treats. “Coming to fairs is our way of thanking people for buying Oregon-produced dairy foods,” explained Heidi Larson, 2008 Dairy Princess Ambassador.

In the amusement park, this little “easy rider” is Jadyn Smith – she traveled all the way from Hillsboro to attend the fair, her parents say.

If you missed it this year, circle Memorial Day weekend on your 2009 calendar, for the annual return of the volunteer-operated, nonprofit, Oaks-Park based Multnomah County Fair.

But, even without the fair, Oaks Amusement Park is a great family destination throughout the summer.

“Oaks Park has been making family fun for 103 years – it’s everybody’s park,” Coffey smiled.

OK, it wasn’t all sunshine and blue sky. The clouds opened up and it rained quite a bit on Sunday and Memorial Day! Still, many families came to visit.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Cops use the PIT technique to spin-out fleeing crooks – but learn what happens when a careless driver tags a delivery truck near Airport Way …

We don’t know why the driver didn’t make the eastbound Airport Way exit off I-205; we did see the results of her trying to pull back onto the freeway. At the bottom, you can see gouged earth where the truck hit after it got knocked off the freeway.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
All in all, 18-year-old Jake Council seems to be taking his harrowing experience rather well, as he sits on the back ledge of the delivery truck he was driving on around 9 a.m. on May 28.

“I was going [north] along on freeway, and just past the [eastbound] Airport Way exit, my truck started skidding out of control,” Council tells us. “That exit drops way down, you know. I tried to keep it under control, but I could see I was going over the top, down into the exit. I thought for sure the truck was going to roll, but it stopped on the other side of the ramp.”

Traffic backed up as tow trucks and rescue gear cleared the accident.

Indeed, the elevation drops off steeply at the exit; and we see where his truck’s tire marks end at the top – and begin again at the bottom of the drop off.

Even though it is well after the morning rush, traffic is backing up, as a towtruck removes a wrecked car from the freeway; the off ramp – where Council’s flying truck came to rest – is closed off.

This car won’t be driven on the freeway – or anywhere else – any time soon.

Executes the PIT maneuver
The official report says that the collision occurred at 9:03 am, when 19-year-old Olga Brichak swerved to attempt to take the Airport Way East exit northbound from I-205.

“The report says Brichak was past the exit when she attempted to merge onto Airport Way. When Brichak realized she could not take the exit, she was forced to re-merge with the freeway traffic,” police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz tells us.

As she did so, Schmautz says, Brichak inadvertently tapped the bumper of a truck Council was driving. “Officers are trained in the ‘Pursuit Intervention Technique’ – we call it the PIT maneuver. A rather small ‘tap’, if it’s in the right place, and send a large vehicle out of control.”

Brichak received a citation for Careless Driving.

Jake Council says he tried to regain control of his delivery truck – as it flew over the embankment and landed 20 feet below on the Airport Way East offramp. You can clearly see where the front of the truck gouged out the hillside of the exit – stopping it and keeping it from rolling over.

Called ‘Careless Driving’
Portland Fire & Rescue workers on scene tell us they’re amazed that that Council’s truck didn’t roll. “But, there were no injuries,” confirmed one of the crew members.

“This could have been a deadly accident,” confided a police officer.

With his foot still in a walking cast, Council continues to sit on the back ledge of his flying truck and says, “Today was my first day back at work. Maybe I should have waited another day.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

It’s ore than your ordinary obedience school. See how this organization helps folks with a wide variety of disabilities have richer lives, thanks to their helpful pooch …

“Paws To Freedom” client Joanne Bryngelson says the organization has, with the help of her service dog Sadie, gotten her get out of the house and enjoying life again.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Owners bringing their dogs to the lower level of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on SE 39th Avenue aren’t coming to help correct Fido’s bad habits.

“Welcome to Paws to Freedom, Inc. a non-profit service dog team training, support, and education organization,” greeted Mara Windstar, the organization’s founder.

When we visited during an open house, not long ago, Windstar explained that “service dogs” assist individuals with disabilities. “Some people have visible disabilities; they use a wheelchair or move mobility device. Other people have ‘invisible disabilities’ like a psychiatric condition, diabetes, or a seizure disorder. The dogs are trained to have public access skills, as well as special skills needed by the client.”

Public access skills, she noted, are those that help the client move about in the outside world – like going to stores, or to work. “Dogs that can be trained to retrieve items, help with doors, and turn on flights. Specifically what they do all depends on their handler and the disabilities.”

Lifesaving skills learned
Some dogs, Windstar continued, can detect the seizure. “But all dogs can be trained for seizure response, whether or not they can detect it.  They can be trained to push a button that is to a telephone to call for help for example. Often they stay with the person; if the dog is right up against the person lying against them, they can help the length of the seizure become shorter.”

Other dogs can be trained to help owners with diabetes. “They can be trained to detect low blood sugar. This can be lifesaving for some people for people that have frequent or unexpected blood sugar drops.”

Trained 23 service dogs
Since Windstar started training her own service dog in 2001, she and her volunteers have by now worked with a total of 23 service dogs.

“We’ve learned that not all dogs are suited for the program. We’ve also learned that training is a big commitment. The handler must be willing to work the dog 24/7. One of my jobs is to figure out how the owner can have schedule training. It’s very different from pet dog training.”

Partners in training
At the open house, a client, Joanne Bryngelson, talked about the Paws to Freedom, Inc. program. She appeared to be calm and relaxed as she lauded the organization and its volunteers.

Speaking about the reason she sought a service dog, Bryngelson explained, “I have really high level anxiety and agoraphobia.”

It was her therapist, Bryngelson recalled, that told her about the organization.

“The biggest difference that Sadie, my service dog, makes in my life is that I can go out in public and enjoy myself. I’m here today and I’m talking to you, and I feel pretty calm. It’s amazing. It’s just really easy to stay inside, but it’s so destructive; I don’t want to spend the rest of my life indoors.”

On the way out, Windstar commented, “We are an all-volunteer program; we’ll do it because we love it. We’re committed to people being able to be more independent.”

Learn more about their program online by visiting: www.PawsToFreedom.org, or by calling 503-231-2555.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

“HOUSE RECYCLING” PROGRESS REPORT: We’re checking in again with Ms. Q-Renew as she continues her project of recycling an old, dilapidated house into a brand new home – located on the same lot …

The old house they dismantled on SE Rex Street had lath-and-plaster interior walls – they reused the lath to provide a “rain-screen” that provides an air space between the siding and the wall.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The house that Shannon Quimby — “Ms. Q-Renew” from HGTV — is building on SE Rex Street in Westmoreland is nearly finished.

“We tore down a house on the property,” Quimby reminds us when we visit.  “We’re infusing all the materials from the original house into our new one – and we’re doing it without a Dumpster.”

Old walls into new rain screen
“In older construction here in the Westmoreland area, many of the houses’ interiors featured lath and plaster,” says Quimby. “Lath is the thin wooden boards that made up the framework over which plaster was spread.”

Instead ripping it all out, they carefully salvaged the lath boards, she says. “It took me three days to pull out all the nails! They’re becoming a ‘rain-screen’.”

She explains that a rain screen goes between the outer siding and the inner portion of the house.  “If any water seeps into the siding, it’ll vaporize before it hits the side of the house, preventing mold and mildew. The materials cost me zero dollars.”

Even the rock wool insulation was reused – it insulates the new fireplace flue.

New life for old insulation
Walking over the fireplace, Quimby shows us a bag of rock wool salvaged from the old house.

“It’s a natural mineral, and was standard insulation back in the 1930s. It is a fire retardant. Instead of throwing it in the dump, we put it around our fireplace flue.”

“I’ve always wanted a tree house,” says Shannon Quimby. “We’re building one from framing scraps and dismantled wood from our old house, for our six-year-old.”

Yard gets a bonus house
The spunky Quimby can’t resist showing off a “bonus house” – a new tree house. “We’re building it using a combination of the leftover framing materials, and dismantled wood from our old house.  I always had a dream of having my own tree house.  Now our six-year-old son will be able to have his own tree house.”

This new insulation technique decreases foam waste by 80 percent, Quimby says, as Rian Schmidt from Northwest Foam Home injects insulation under the plastic sheeting that contains it.

Novel insulating technique cuts waste
We next climb upstairs and watch as wall insulation is being installed. “They’re using a new technique that it decreases their waste of foam by up to 80%. By tacking plastic on the frame, and not allowing the foam to expand past the plastic, they use much less foam. Because they’re dedicated to reducing waste, it’s a perfect match for us.”

Home Tour brings many guests
“The ‘Ultimate Open House Tour’ wrapped up a couple of weeks ago,” Quimby mentions. “I was both amazed and pleased that nearly 2,000 people came by to look at how we’re recycling a house.”

Quimby says if builders and remodelers adopt their “no waste” techniques, their clients would save money while they help the environment. “Over 60% of our landfills are filled with construction materials, waste, and byproducts. We want to help build a better future for our children.”

Want to learn more? Check her web site at www.shannonquimby.com.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how this food festival helps unite the DDHS student body – and raise funds for student organizations – at the same time …

Most folks in outer East Portland occasionally need to go to the west side – and frequently use the Sellwood Bridge. Here’s what the County is doing to keep it intact …

Even with all of the “bridge closed” signs up, some drivers still acted surprised to find the Sellwood Bridge closed for inspection on May 18th.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While we were out reporting on this story on Sunday, May 18th, drivers who ignored the five “Sellwood Bridge Closed” signs posted starting from SE 17th Avenue westward rolled down their window and asked, “Why is it closed again?”

As we drew closer to the workers above and below the side-hanging gantry crane, we could see workers measuring and marking on the bridge.

We hiked down to the trail below, and observed two Multnomah County Bridge employees inspecting the aging structure inch by inch.

Using a specially designed rig, crews can inspect the sides and under deck areas of bridge from this moving platform.

“The purpose was to map the cracks into which epoxy will be injected in August,” we later learned from Multnomah County spokesman Michael Pullen.

“There are cracks, both in the concrete bridge deck and in the girders. Our workers were documenting the size of the cracks.”

It’s clear where concrete has broken off and the exposed steel rebar is rusting. Officials are more concerned, though, about rust weakening the internal structure which is hidden from view.

To be able to draw up a work contract, all of the cracks, Pullen said, must be identified and located.

“This is a low-cost, short-term measure to prolong the life of the bridge. The purpose of sealing the cracks is to keep water out. When water seeps in, it rusts the rebar. When the cracks are filled with epoxy, the experts say it will slow the bridge’s deterioration.”

A Multnomah County bridge maintenance worker measures and marks cracks to be injected with epoxy during a planned August closure.

In August, the Sellwood Bridge will be closed for two or three days and nights while the epoxy injection work is being done – so, expect a 10-mile detour looping around and over the Ross Island Bridge before Labor Day.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you didn’t get out to this amusing annual event, take a look at our photo album, as we recap their community funfest …

Here comes the parade! For nearly a full hour, neighbors enjoyed a color procession of bands, walking groups, and community floats.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The 13th annual Gateway Fun-O-Rama, put on by the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA), played out under summerlike skies on May 16 and 17.

It started with a golf tournament at the Glendoveer Golf Course, and continued the next day with a parade down NE Halsey Street, followed by the Community Fair at 111th Square.

Judges and announcers for this year’s parade are: (back row) Annette Mattson, David Douglas School Board, Dr. Karen Fischer Gray, Superintendent, Parkrose School District; (front row); Becka Doyle, David Douglas High, Stacy Chao, David Douglas High, Tammy Vu, Parkrose High and Jacob Nall, St. Therese School.

Fun-O-Rama Parade
For years, the Fun-O-Rama Parade always seemed to take place under clouds threatening rain.

But on May 17, the sky was clear and the sun was hot, as the parade formed on the expansive grounds of St. Therese Parish grounds at NE 132nd Avenue. The procession then  headed west along NE Halsey Street, and disbanded at NE 105th Avenue.

This year’s parade featured the lively sounds and precision footwork of five marching bands – the most ever, in the parade’s history. The bands and drill teams from Parkrose High School, Parkrose Middle School, Ron Russell Middle School, Centennial High School, and Floyd Light Middle School performed well, to the delight of the crowd all along the route.

The 2008 Portland Rose Festival Princesses, and other dignitaries, rode in convertibles, and greeted the crowds along the route.

Other parade entries included those from businesses, faith groups, and service organizations – including the Al Kader Shiners’ Calliope and motorcade. Also marching was the fun-but-rowdy Parkrose Posse – and the bystanders enjoyed the antics of the crazy Gateway Keystone Kops. Many participants threw candy to watching kids as they went by.

Seems like all kids like stickers – especially when it’s an honorary badge, given by a kindly Portland cop.

Community Fair follows parade
After the Fun-o-Rama Parade, the crowd along the parade route followed the sound of calliope to the Community Fair at 111th Square. Kicking off the fair was the Portland Police Bureau Honor Guard, as they raised a huge American flag at noon.

Then, visitors perused 40 booths set up for individuals, companies, nonprofit organizations, and civic groups – as the band, “Vine Time”, played and sang a wide variety of original and popular songs.

Once again this year, the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Cadets were fundraising by serving hot, huge “Cadet Dog” wieners – as other Cadets fitted kids with low-cost bike helmets.

The Portland Rose Festival Princesses pitched their upcoming festival, and Ronald McDonald entertained the kids.

Alan Sanchez presented the Gateway Citizen of the Year memento to David Douglas School District superintendent, Barbara Rommel.

Citizen of the Year
The Gateway “Citizen of the Year” – Superintendent Barbara Rommel, of the David Douglas School District – was honored with a plaque.

After receiving the award, Rommel told us, “I feel honored to be chosen; this organization does so much to benefit the community.”

Our Fun-O-Rama Photo Album

The Al Kader Calliope and honor guard entertain with music and performance motorcycle drill team riding.

“Will you applaud if I do a cartwheel?” asked Jefferson Smith, a candidate for state legislature. He did – and the crowd went wild with applause.

Saturday night fun; and, law and order – Parkrose Posse style!

The Floyd Light Middle School Band and Drill Team was one of five great marching bands that played in the parade.

Those crazy Gateway Keystone Kops hammed it up along the parade route.

Raising the 25′ American flag were members of the Portland Police Bureau and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.

Michelle Frazier, a Portland Police Bureau Cadet, served hot dogs.

Lents neighborhood volunteer Judy Welch was greeted by Mayor-elect Sam Adams at the Community Fair.

Jessie Holwege looked on as her son, Hayden, got fitted with a bike helmet by Portland Police Bureau Cadet Jordan Houck.

Richard Bixby with the East Portland Neighborhood Organization gave out resource literature at their booth.

Vine Time Band from Parkrose United Methodist played a variety of original and positive music.

The blazing sun that drove temperatures to record levels also thinned the crowd – but many folks stayed the afternoon in the shade of exhibitor’s canopies.

Meet the members
If you’re interested in finding out more about GABA, they meet next on June 12 at JJ North’s Buffet, 10520 NE Halsey Street. Their web site: www.gabanet.com.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

This annual service captures the spirit of this holiday weekend. Take a look and remember why call this holiday Memorial Day …

To start the service, the color guard from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 418 performs a flag ceremony.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
By modern-day standards, the event being held by Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes – just off NE Weidler St., in the Gateway District – might be considered to be quaint or nostalgic.

To those of us who attend today, May 23, it is a good reminder, as the Memorial Day holiday weekend gets underway.

When graced by moderate weather, they hold the entire service outside, near the flagpole. The service starts of with the Honor Guard from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 418 performing a flag ceremony. The “post the colors”, run the flag to half-mast as a bugler plays Taps, and run the flag up to the top of the pole once again.

Inverness Jail Chaplain Ted Wolcheck presents a Memorial Day message at Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes.

Due to the rain, the group retires to a meeting hall and listens as former military chaplain, Ted Wolcheck, and currently chaplain at Inverness Jail, delivers this heart-felt message:

“The first job I had when I arrived in Vietnam, so many years ago, was when 70 troopers from the [unit called the] Big Red One were ambushed and died. There was a big circle with the rifles with bayonets and boots in helmets of those who were killed. The thought that came to me was from Psalms 1:39:

‘Oh Lord you searched me and know me. You know what I said and when I rise. You perceive my thoughts from afar.’

“I think David, the Psalmist gives us an idea that we are thinking people, and appreciative people. We value life; we value service — yesterday and today.

“Today, we’ve stopped to recall what others have done for us. From the time of World War I, we have been involved in bringing hope to people who’ve been really brutalized and overrun by evil regimes. A society that is unable to accept this responsibility – to people who are suffering – is a cruel and inhuman society. This we are not.

“When America decides to help people in Europe, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Iraq or Afghanistan – it seems that public opinion sways us to selfish conclusions: that we must withdraw. But, even if our efforts only bring a glimpse of hope to the oppressed, we have acted in the spirit of our forefathers.

“The veterans, who have brought hope to others, will never be forgotten.

“When I first visited Normandy and walked through the American Cemetery there, I was overwhelmed, with pride, for America. Sometimes we fail to remember just what these special people have done for us.

“I’m the chaplain at Inverness Jail. [As I say this] I am admitting that I am politically correct: Often, I reflect on just how sad it is for America to lose so many young men [in jail] to crime, drugs and other bad things. I believe if the draft were reinstated, many of these delinquents would’ve had a least two years of discipline to grow up as serve our great country.

Chaplain Wolcheck tells the gathering why he’s proud to be an American who is proud to have served his country in the Armed Forces.

“Every generation of Americans has to make their contribution to a greater America; and, to keep the flame of hope burning in our hearts. We are Americans, under God, who has blessed us with super abundance. The capacity to suffer for the sake of others is the measure of humanity.

“The true stars of our country are not in Hollywood. They are individuals who are serving their beloved country in the armed forces. For those who care for those who can’t win their own freedom, or take care of themselves, our history says we do so.

“I believe we need a new spelling of the word America. It is H-O-P-E.

“I salute all who gave their best to keep us free. God bless America.

Armed Forces veterans stand and are recognized for their contribution to freedom at the service.

After he concluded his talk, the chaplain asked all those who served in military service stand and be recognized. They were greeted with applause.

We wish you, our reader, a pleasant Memorial Day weekend.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why two city bureaus teamed up to hold an open house – and learn what you can expect about development along our Light Rail lines …

About 100 neighbors came – to contemplate plans for further development along the Eastside MAX light rail line – at this open house, held at the Glenhaven Building.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the eastside MAX celebrates about 25 years of operation, city officials are working to plan how areas around the light rail line should be further developed in the future.

To this end, the Portland Office of Transportation (PDOT) and the Bureau of Planning held a joint open house a couple of weeks ago to roll out the “Eastside MAX Station Communities Project”.

The stated goal of the project is to “To create active Station communities where a wide range of housing, retail, services, and job opportunities are immediately available within a pedestrian-friendly, 20-minute walk of six, [outer East Portland] MAX light rail stations.”

City planner Tom Armstrong, with the City of Portland’s Bureau of planning, listens to neighbors’ comments at the Eastside MAX Station Communities Project’s kick-off open house.

Kickoff of long-term project
“We’re in the early stages of our process,” commented Tom Armstrong, a city planner with the Portland Bureau of Planning. “This open house is the kickoff public meeting. We’ve done our policy and inventory work; we know what we can see on the maps. Now, we’re learning from neighbors what their day-to-day experiences are and what their ideas are for these station communities.”

Asked why they were teaming up with PDOT, Armstrong explained, “We learned long ago that it is best to do land use and transportation planning together. We do it simultaneously so all the pieces fit together. We also saw this as a real opportunity to look at how we can encourage more ridership through the MAX transit centers. And, we’re also looking at what’s going on in the neighborhoods, and see how we can support development to make [these areas near the MAX centers] better places.”

PDOT planner, Stuart Gwin, points out features near one of the eastside MAX Stations.

Developing compatibility plans
Stuart Gwin, a planner with PDOT, spoke with us about the project from the City’s transportation perspective.

“We’re here looking for ways to make the surrounding community more compatible with light rail,” Gwin began. “This means we would like to enhance the pedestrians’ connections to the Light Rail Station. Every transit trip starts as a pedestrian. You don’t drive your car onto the train.”

In the future, Gwin said, they hope to create Station-area communities – areas within a half-mile of the Light Rail line – into locations where citizens can take care of all their daily needs without the use of a vehicle.

Richard Glenn fills out a questionnaire at the open house. “I think there’s a lot that we can do to have better planning and an overall goal, instead of it being haphazard,” he told us.

No cars needed
“We look to some point in the future,” forecast Gwin, “When you will come home from work via Light Rail, and walk to your home or apartment. Then, if you need to go shopping or access services, you can easily walk to get what you need without having to reach for your car keys and drive.”

We turn to Armstrong and ask, “Do you really see a world without personal vehicles?”

“Times are changing,” he replied. “It’s becoming more expensive to drive. And there are a lot of serious environmental consequences to driving. If we can think about our communities as being multipurpose, as they were 50 years ago, we really reduce the need for people to drive to get around.”

A one-year process
The planners noted that they are under contract with the state to complete this project by April, 2009. “The work product will be a series of actions that the city Council and Mayor can evaluate and implement. Some of them probably have high prices. We need to start the dialogue with the Mayor and City Council.”

Chris Yake, on the project’s consulting team, writes comments. If you didn’t attend and voice your opinions, you can go online and make comments.

Your input is welcomed
If you couldn’t make it to the open house, you may check in the progress of the Eastside MAX Station Communities Project by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton  ~ East Portland News

He drank, drove recklessly, wrecked his car, and got a trip to the hospital. You won’t believe what happened to the car he hit …

The fancy wheels and low-profile tires on this Mitsubishi won’t be going ’round and ’round – perhaps ever again – after its accused drunken driver flipped it, on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The party ended on Sunday, May 11, at precisely 9:26 pm, for a man police identified as 35-year-old Rogers Miranda.

The youthful-looking driver of the Kia SUV which Miranda hit filled us in, from his own point of view: “We were sitting in the [northbound] left-turn lane on 82nd, waiting for the green light, to turn [west] on NE Fremont Street. This car came through the intersection of really fast, hit me, and rolled over.”

It appears as if Miranda’s 1998 Mitsubishi – seen here with its doors pried open, so he and his passenger could get out – won’t be speeding around outer East Portland anymore.

Pried out with rescue tools
“We pulled up we had one car on its top,” reported Portland Fire & Rescue’s Lt. Erik Oatfield, attached to Station 12. “There were two people inside, unable to get out of their seat belts. Both of them were hanging from their seat belts.”

The doors were jammed, Oatfield said, so the crews used a Hurst Tool [“Jaws of Life”] to pop one door open, and a Halligan [steel pry-bar] to open the other. Both occupants were transported by ambulance for medical evaluation, he added.

We were surprised at how little apparent damage the Kia suffered when it was hit. The inset shows the bent wheel.

Victims walk away
The Kia SUV seemed to sustain little damage in the collision – although the front driver-side tire was pushed in at a 45° angle, making the vehicle undrivable. All of its occupants walked away the wreck.

As for the driver of the car that hit the Kia, “Miranda was charged with DUII and Reckless Driving,” said Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, after looking at the official reports.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News