Don’t expect it to last for very long, however. Learn when the heat wave will end, take a look at our “temperature survey” – and get tips on buying a window air conditioner, right here …

Temperatures in outer East Portland – measured two spots along SE Division Street: 96 degrees at Bank of the West at SE 82nd Ave. of Roses; and 97 degrees at Division Station at SE 122nd Ave.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It sure is hard to believe that temperatures would actually top 90 degrees on May 16 – but anyone out experiencing weather in the greater Portland knows that it was sizzling hot today.

Record-breaking heat
“There is a heat advisory posted until 8:00 p.m. this evening,” commented meteorologist Tiffani Brown, with the National Weather Service.

Brown said that, typically, we could expect a temperature spike into the lower 80s. “But today, we’re registering 93 degrees – we’ve broken the record high of 88 degrees set at Portland International Airport in 1982.”

The reason for this, Brown explained, is a weather pattern with an upper level ridge of high pressure sitting over the area. “Down near the surface, we have a thermally-induced low pressure area. Because of this, we lose the influence of the cooler marine air west of the Cascades.”

Some students swelter
We did a quick check of area schools – all were still in session, even though few of them are air conditioned. As we drove past, we saw shades drawn down, windows open and fans in doorways.

“The nice thing about being in a newer facility,” commented Roy Reynolds, principal at Parkrose High School, “is our complex is air conditioned. We didn’t notice the heat at our school.”

One cool job: Standard TV & Appliance’s Keith Figueroa shows off some of the air conditioners their customers are buying.

Record heat boosts air conditioner sales
“As you’d guess,” Keith Figueroa, sales manager, Standard TV & Appliance on SE 82nd Ave., told us, “we’ve sold four times the normal amount of air conditioners we’d typically sell. And, we haven’t even got to the busy part of the day yet. People will be stopping in after work.”

When shopping for an install-it-yourself window or portable air conditioner, “The number one to look for is energy efficiency,” Figueroa informed us.  “We have a unit that sells for $99. But for $20 more, you get one that is not only more energy efficient, but also is a much quieter unit. And, the more efficient units have computerized displays allowing you to program the exact temperature you want.”

Even though this heat wave will soon be over, now is still a good time to buy, Figueroa stated. “The hot days bring in customers – but when it’s hot, muggy and humid all night long – and you can’t sleep very well – that’s when the demand goes up and stores tend to sell out their inventories.”

Expect ‘typical’ weather soon
“It’s going to be pretty warm on Saturday,” said the weather bureau’s Brown. “We’re expecting mid to upper 80s. It will cool off soon as the high pressure ridge moves east. Then, we’ll be back to our normal springtime weather patterns.”

Brown declined to predict the weather for the Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade in June.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

This was the second year for the “82nd Avenue of Roses Parade” – take a look at our photo album of this great community event …

Members of the famous “Get a Life Marching Band” warm up (and it was cold!) for their march in the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Second Annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade has the distinction of being the earliest civic pride procession this year, as it took to the streets on April 19.

“This year, there were more parade entries,” said parade organizer Ken Turner, president of 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association. “This, being our second parade, generated a lot more interest in both the neighborhood and business communities.”

Ken Turner, chief organizer of the parade and president of 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, is on the run, checking to make sure entries are ready to roll as they stage in the Eastport Plaza parking lot.

Mike Haldecker and Lauren Kuhn, both volunteers from Portland Community College, close a side street before the parade begins.

“The most rewarding aspect,” continued Turner “is the acceptance of the parade by the business and neighborhood community. Not much attention has been drawn to the positive improvements along this avenue. This event showcases the good things that are happening on the east side.”

Turner said that one of the significant challenges for him, and for the core dozen volunteers who worked on the event for eleven months leading up to the parade, was to make sure the parade represented the large collection of communities along the route.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1442’s Color Guard leads the parade.

“Another indication of its success this year was the higher number of volunteers we had,” related Turner. More than 85 people pitched in on the day of event – and throughout the year – to make it happen, he said. “This is a way of showing acceptance of this event.”

Participation, he added, wasn’t limited to neighbor volunteers. “City, county, and state agencies that have a connection with – or responsibility for – 82nd Avenue have been really supportive of our event.”

Following the Title Banner, many community, civic, business and governmental groups march in this second annual parade.

Asked about highlights, Turner observed that the “Get a Life Band” was an incredible addition to the parade. “They love to entertain and make people laugh.” After the parade, the band gave a concert Eastport Plaza – complete with majorettes dancing to the beat of lively music.

“It’s going to grow to becoming a major eastside tradition,” Turner predicted. Volunteers are already hard at work on the third annual edition – it’s scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2009.

Our 82nd Ave. of Roses Parade Photo Album

The Madison High School Drum Corps.

Richard Kiely of Home Run Graphics was one of the core volunteers who worked throughout the year to promote the parade – and co-sponsored the great “Get a Life Marching Band” along with Eastport Plaza.

Playing as they pass, the “Get a Life Marching Band” is a highlight of this year’s parade.

Animated veggies from the Lents Farmer’s Market remind us that the fresh food season is just around the corner. The Montavilla and new Parkrose markets also had entries into the parade.

East Portland Chamber of Commerce president Rich Sorem of Stewart & Tunno Insurance Agency and chamber VP, Pam Olson, Farmer’s Insurance, extend their greetings on behalf of the organization.

A parade favorite is the Dragon Dancers in the parade.

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs cruises up the avenue.

The parade comes to an end – but look for it again on Saturday, April 25, 2009.

Ready to have even more fun, members of the “Get a Life Marching Band” reassemble at Eastport Plaza and play an impromptu concert for their sponsors, Eastport Plaza and Home Run Graphics.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See how successful the ‘Every Family Reads’ event at Midland Library was this year – and discover their motives behind running this program …

Pat Mora (center), featured author of the 2008 “Every Family Reads” program, reads to the children from the book she wrote and now has donated to the Portland library system, entitled, “Yum! ¡Mmm! ¡Qué Rico! America’s Sproutings”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We’ve brought you stories about a wide variety activities that take place at your Midland Library. Now we can tell you about a special event that took place not long ago which actually featured – reading!

“Thanks for coming to our 2008 ‘Every Family Reads’ day at Midland,” welcomed Branch Manager Javier Gutierrez.

The event, Gutierrez explained, is sponsored by the American Library Association, and is called Day of the Children. “It’s all about early literacy, and promoting literacy with an intergenerational, intercultural event.”

7-year-old Liezie Lopez gets her own copy of “Yum! ¡Mmm! ¡Qué Rico! America’s Sproutings”.

Author donates 10,000 books
As we spoke, noted children’s author Pat Mora was on stage at the west end of the library’s grand atrium interacting with kids.

“She’s a writer of many children’s books and poems,” explained Gutierrez. “Even more, she’s the sponsor of our ‘Every Family Reads’ program. To help promote reading she donated her book, ‘Yum! ¡Mmm! ¡Qué Rico! America’s Sproutings’ to support our effort.”

In support of the multicultural program, the author and the library first translated the book into Spanish. “We have about 10,000 copies of this bilingual book; and we’re the only library system that offers it.”

The library manager said when a child comes in – and the parent signs a pledge that they will read with them – the youngster gets a copy of this colorful book.

Rita Jimenez, Multnomah County Manager of Libraries with Javier Gutierrez, manager of Midland Library, holding copies of the book they’re giving to kids to promote reading.

Serving a multicultural community
At the event, we met Rita Jimenez, the Multnomah County Manager of Libraries. “This program – and the book – is a wonderful gift in our community. We’re doing our best to serve the part of our community which communicates and reads in many different languages, including Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Vietnamese.  This is a great celebration for everyone.”

Promoting early literacy
In addition to the author’s interactive reading, the library’s large meeting room was turned into a craft workshop, that day. Kids were also treated to snacks and treats. And, there were regular “story-times” held throughout the day.

“The bottom line is,” underscored Gutierrez, “that this event is important to our core mission of promoting literacy, and the importance of parents reading to their children. My big thing is this: It’s hard to ‘teach an old dog new tricks’; that’s why we teach them as pups!”

Kids have fun with crafts at the celebration.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

The victim’s car was damaged so badly; rescuers had to use the “jaws of life” to free her. The young man accused of causing the wreck says he’s not guilty. Read this story, and see what you think …

The first responders on scene couldn’t get the victim out – but the crew from PF&R Truck 2 popped the door quickly – just before we arrived on scene – using the “Hurst Tools” their rig always carries. The two tools are on the ground, on the right side of this photo.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Just after high noon on Wednesday, May 7, a car hurtles south on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, down the hill from Madison High School. It nears the intersection at NE Tillamook Street, and doesn’t show signs of slowing.

Another car, driving on eastbound of NE Tillamook Street, along the Banfield complex, enters the intersection. It is broadsided, in what cops call a “T-bone” crash, and momentum carries it to the southeast corner of the intersection, up the curb, and into a tree and street lamp post.

Before firefighters remove the victim from the vehicle, they make sure she is stabilized.

Rapid emergency response
On the police radio, we hear Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Truck 12 being dispatched to the wreck. “It looks pretty bad,” a dispatcher’s voice crackles on the radio.

As we head toward the scene, we hear, “This is going to be a pin-in situation.” This means a vehicle is so badly damaged, the PF&R crew can’t reach the accident victim using the hardened-steel pry-bars all of the rigs carry. “It looks like the victim is doing OK, but we can’t get her out,” a firefighter reports on the radio.

“Truck 2 has been dispatched and is on the way,” radios back the 9-1-1 Center operator. This is good news for the victim – Truck 2 is one of the rigs that carries the “Hurst Tool” – also known as the “Jaws of Life”. It’s a hydraulic machine that can snip through the metal frame of a vehicle. With another attachment, it can spread metal pieces – like the car door and door frame – apart quickly, with thousand of pounds of pressure.

After using one of two Hurst Tool attachments, a firefighter carries it back to the truck.

Victim released in minutes
By the time we arrive on scene, we hear the Hurst Tool power pack running – and the distinctive “pop” of a door being pried off the vehicle. In the hands of skilled PF&R firefighters, the Hurst Tool has done its job.

Firefighters first prepare the victim for transport to a hospital; then carefully ease the victim from her vehicle, place her on a gurney, and lift her into an ambulance bound for the hospital – and a medical evaluation.

A Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officer points out how the “side curtain airbags” had popped open – perhaps saving the victim’s life.

Police officers say this car was originally heading the opposite way on NE 82nd Ave. of Roses – it spun around after t-boning other car in the intersection

Driver claims innocence
A 19-year-old man – he says he’s the driver of the car that struck the cross-bound vehicle – tells us his story. “I was just driving down 82nd Avenue and I went to a green light. As I was going through [the intersection at NE Tillamook Street], this car pulled out and I hit the car on the side. It pulled out in front of me.”

After taking statements from witnesses to the wreck, a police officer disagrees with the young man’s assessment of the situation.

“I took witness statements that say the young man, driving the green car, ran a red light,” says as she continues writing her official report. “When he ran the red light, he side struck the silver car as it traveled eastward, through the intersection on Tillamook Street, on a green light.”

Both police officers and firefighters agreed that this driver wouldn’t be going to the hospital had the driver of the other car stopped for the red light.

Take time to stop
A PF&R lieutenant from Station 2 talks with us – off the record – and says, “I’m glad the victim’s car had the new side-wall airbags. It may have saved her life. I’m glad there wasn’t any trauma injury here today – but I sure can’t understand why people are in too great a hurry to stop for red lights.”

Because this wreck isn’t categorized as a “trauma crash” – the PPB’s Crash Team isn’t called to scene – according to current city policy, there won’t be an official investigation.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Although it’s a little early for fresh crops to be on sale, see how the market is gearing up to provide fresh foods to outer NE Portland folks all summer long …

Amber Stensen, helping out selling fresh asparagus, rhubarb, radishes, and potatoes, for a Parkrose Farmer’s Market vendor, “The Farm”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While nothing can replace nostalgic feeling of stepping into Rossi Farm’s barn-like fresh food market, folks in outer NE Portland can still shop for fresh produce – on Saturdays, at the new Parkrose Farmer’s Market.

“It’s important to keep a connection between growers and consumers,” commented Steve Voorhees, the market’s manager when we spoke with him on the grand opening day, May 3.

Greeting us from his family’s mobile food business, Parkrose Farmer’s Market Manager Steve Voorhees says he’s enthusiastic about the season ahead.

Great grand opening
“Today is our grand opening, and it’s looking great. The turnout is good, the weather is cooperating, the crowds are coming through, and the vendors are happy,” Voorhees said.

There were 35 vendors on opening day. “This is our minimum number of vendors,” explained Voorhees. As the season goes on, and more produce becomes available, we’ll be filled to the quarters.”

Linda Robinson is getting a hot, grilled sausage from Shorty Bingham at the Fetzer’s German Sausage booth.

It’s great to see our friend Charles Maes, with Canby Asparagus Farm, at the new Parkrose farmers market. They make really great Mexican food with – and without – asparagus!

Freshly prepared foods available
Many of the vendors were selling prepared foods. From elephant ears, to sausages, to kettle corn – visitors seemed happy to sample their products as they strolled down the aisles.

The market will also feature a limited number local artisans and crafters throughout the season, we were told. “And, we’ve lined up entertainment every week,” said Voorhees.

Everyone is welcome at the market, we learned. However, the organizers ask that people not bring their dogs. “Because of issues with sanitation and insurance, we don’t allow dogs. But we do love dogs – one of our vendors sells custom made doggie treats.”

Entertaining the crowd, on opening day, is the group Jazz Express. They’re also pitching their special fundraising show – teaming up with the Parkrose High choirs on May 18 at Parkrose United Methodist Church, 1111 NE Knott Street. Hear a great program of music for just $5 bucks starting at 2:00 p.m.

Open every Saturday
The Parkrose Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday through the last week in October. The hours are from 8:30 am ’til 2 pm.

It’s located in the Parkrose High School west parking lot on NE Shaver Street, just west of NE 122 Avenue. To find out more CLICK HERE. Or contact Find out more at.  Or contact Steve Voorhees at (503) 890-7152 or by e-mailing him at Steve_Voorhees@q.com.

That’s “Freckles the Clown”, creating an artistic design on the face of visitor Markus Zimmer.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

We agree with Portland Commissioner Randy Leonard, who calls the May 6th Mt. Tabor reservoir vandalism “stupid”. See what it takes to clean it up – and get a unique view Reservoir 6 like few others have seen it  – from the bottom up …

Looking down the side, it’s easy to see where a vandal dumped latex paint down in North Reservoir 6 – and threw other trash into OUR drinking water.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On May 6, Portland Water Bureau (PWB) workers discovered a gallon milk jug containing latex paint, a vertical, orange construction barricade, a bundle of informational fliers and 5 tennis balls floating in its Mt. Tabor North Reservoir 6.

“The reservoir has been taken off-line and is no longer supplying area residents with water,” advised PWB spokesperson Jennie Day. “Customers are receiving their water directly off the conduit line from Bull Run.”

If you’ve walked around this reservoir, along SE 60th Avenue, a few blocks north of SE Division Street, you’ve probably seen the reservoir – it’s divided into two large “tanks” – with a “fountain” spray on the side that is in use.

Few people have seen the south basin of Mt. Tabor Reservoir 6 from 20 feet below the water line. Soon, as much as 40 million gallons of Bull Run water will be held here before it runs out to neighborhoods around Portland.

The south tank is used to store water for 6 months each year, and the north side stores water the other six months. Unfortunately the vandal polluted the north side – the tank currently in use.

Accelerates anjual cleaning
Because the south side hasn’t been used for months – it was scheduled to be cleaned in June – between 8 and 10 million gallons of water was drained “as quickly as possible” to get it ready for cleaning.

“We have to be careful how quickly we release water into the sewer system,” a PWB worker told us as they power-washed the southern basin. “If we just dumped the water, it would certainly cause a Combined Sewer Outfall into the Willamette River.”

Then, the worker said, the approximately 30 million gallons of water will be drained from the north side of the reservoir to make it ready for cleaning.

A PWB worker uses a jet of water – powered by gravity – to blast away a year’s worth of accumulated debris.

Blasting clean the big basin
It’s difficult to grasp the enormity of a tank designed to hold up to 40 million gallons of water – even when one is standing in the bottom of the basin!

With the permission of the foreman, we walked down the steep ramp that leads to the bottom of the southern basin and watched the crew of 7 workers as they sprayed down the concrete pool.

“We don’t need to use a powered pump power washer,” a worker told us as they wrangled a 1½” diameter “fire hose” on the floor of the reservoir. “Because of our gravity water-feed system, the water shooting out pushes back with about 80 pounds of pressure.”

These two adult PWP workers are dwarfed by the enormous size of the basin.

‘Just plain stupid’
Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, the commissioner in charge of the water bureau, talked with us on May 9 about the incident.

“This act is just plain stupid,” Leonard commented. “If it was done by kids, they were acting thoughtlessly. I can’t imagine adults throwing paint into our water system.

“You don’t have to tell responsible people not to throw things into our drinking water. For those who aren’t responsible, we will prosecute them to the full extent of the law. We have a pretty good track record of finding people who endanger our water supply system.”

Installing new surveillance systems
Leonard told us their video system provided images too poor to be useful in the case. “We’ve been planning to install new high-resolution, low-light-capable surveillance systems; it’s now been moved up to top priority.”

Apparently Leonard’s edict for action worked; during our visit to the reservoir, we noticed electricians installing new gear.

After workers clean out the basin, they’ll disinfect it before filling it with drinking water.

High cost of thoughtless action
“I believe the bureau’s administrator, David Shaff, says the expense to deal with quarantining and cleaning the reservoir is around $100,000,” reported Leonard. “It is a shame to think of all that great Bull Run water having to be flushed down the sewer. Someone knows something about this. We hope they do the right thing by coming forward.”

Anyone with any information is encouraged to call Water Bureau Security at (503) 823-6084.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Circle May 17 on your calendar! Why? They say this year’s parade and community fair will be better than ever …

At an organizing meeting on April 29, Gateway Area Business Association president Alan Sanchez outlines duties for various volunteers.

Story by Watford Reed, photos by David F. Ashton
Planning for what some consider to be the biggest event of the year in outer East Portland – the Gateway Fun-o-Rama – was the main topic, when the Gateway Business Association met on May 8.

The 13th yearly Fun-o-Rama will begin May 16 with a golf tournament at the

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

GABA member Greg Zuffera helps Portland  Police Traffic Division Sergeant Robert Voepel hold a map – showing where volunteers will be stationed, during the May 17 Fun-O-Rama Parade.

Fun-O-Rama Parade
The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17.  It will form at the St. Therese Parish grounds on Northeast 132nd Avenue, head west along NE Halsey Street, and disband at northeast 105th Avenue.

At least three high school bands – Parkrose, David Douglas, and one from Vancouver, Washington – will march in the parade. The 2008 Portland Rose Festival princesses will ride in convertibles and greet the crowds along the route. And awards await the best groups participating in the parade.

Giant banners like this one – so big it took all of the GABA board members to hold it up – will welcome folks to the annual Gateway Fun-O-Rama celebration.

Community Fair follows parade
After the Fun-o-Rama Parade, the Community Fair at 111th Square will begin. The largest American flag in the area, measuring 25 feet wide, will be raised at noon by the Portland Police Bureau Honor Guard.

Then, visitors will be invited to browse 40 booths set up for individuals, companies, nonprofit organizations, and civic groups. Again this year, the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Cadets will be serving up hot, fresh fast food.

The Portland Rose Festival Princesses will entertain at the fair. Children will be delighted with free balloons, as well as the live Ronald McDonald music and comedy show, presented during the afternoon event.

Bicycle helmets will be provided for children, fitted by Cadets and Emanuel Hospital personnel. Although a five dollar donation is requested for the helmets, they will be given free to those who cannot afford the donation.

The Gateway “Citizen of the Year” – Superintendent Barbara Rommel, of the David Douglas School District – will be honored, and musicians from the school will perform.

The fair, which will end at 3 p.m., started with “six or eight families” in 1996, said Fred Sanchez, of Realty Brokers, one of the main sparkplugs of the organization.  By comparison, last year more than 2000 visitors came to the fair, he said.

Democratic candidate Jefferson Smith promotes his bid for a seat in the Oregon legislature.

Candidate Smith pitches
Also at the meeting, the only candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Oregon House from the district – Jefferson Smith – campaigned.

Smith inferentially joined a recent chorus of political voices which have said that eastern Portland is neglected.

Stressing the need for education, Smith said that, nationally, “the biggest thing to make kids safer” is to make sure that they can read when they are in the third grade.

The famous GABA Rubber Chicken award for service to the Gateway area  – presented by Gateway Keystone Kop Brad Sanchez – this month goes to “Not your ordinary bean-counter” (and GABA board member) Kevin Minkoff, CPA.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

The first performances of the school’s spring musical were met with enthusiasm. Take a look at this story and photo album and see why your family – even little kids – will enjoy this show …

Bagheera a wise black panther (Jacob Pratt) and the sleepy, easy-going Baloo the Bear (Steven Ennis) help Mowgli the human “cub” (Jacquelle Davis) learn the “Law of the Jungle” in their production of “The Jungle Book” that runs through May 17.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
At a time when the arts are struggling just to stay part of local schools’ curricula, Parkrose High has a vigorous and imaginative drama program, and one example of that is about to appear on stage – open to the public – and you are invited!

Audience members laughed and cheered Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783 at opening show of their production of “The Jungle Book”, this week.

“Am I a frog?” Mowgli wonders.

Featuring a cast of 41 student actors, singers and dancers – this lively, fast-paced show is unites songs, dance numbers, and audience interaction, and plays out in a colorful setting. Little kids will enjoy this show as much as adults.

“This isn’t the Disney cartoon version,” said Ms. Zena, theater instructor at Parkrose High. “In fact, this original adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Mowgli’ story, by Mila Johanson, is truer to the author’s original short stories. Although Kipling wrote the stories on which this show is based more than century ago, our production brings in modern elements that connect with today’s audiences.”

Are these hyenas laughing at Mowgli – or with her?

The story …
The Jungle Book follows the story of a child, Mowgli (played by Jacquelle Davis), who is raised in the jungles of India by Bagheera, a wise black panther (played by Jacob Pratt), and a sleepy, goofy bear named Baloo (played by Steven Ennis).

Mowgli runs away with a band of monkeys – only to be held captive by them. Will the cunning rock python Kaa (played by Vctoria Kerr) help rescue Mowgli? Will all of the animals in the jungle learn they are truly “brothers of one blood”? Come see this show and find out!

The sly rock python, Kaa (played by Vctoria Kerr) tells Mowgli it is safe to be around here – she only eats once a week. “It’s only been five days …”

An interactive show
During the performance, some folks watching the show said they were both surprised and delighted to see the characters go out into the theater and interact with the audience.

“This is a fun show, with original, catchy music – people will walk away singing songs. It’s very bright and upbeat, and has positive messages for people of every age,” Zena added.

The monkey tribe promises to make Mowgli their leader if she comes with them – but instead, they hold her prisoner.

The “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” production number showcases acrobatic dance steps by many cast members.

Show for all ages
The full-stage set is beautiful – transforming the Parkrose High School Theater into a jungle wonderland. It was built and decorated by 40 students working or theater operations manager Terry Franceschi. Lighting effects effectively highlight the story as it unfolds.

The live musical score, played under the baton of the school’s band instructor, Michael Tolon, helps move the story along. And, appropriately-chosen recorded music effectively punctuates a dance number featuring an awakening jungle lion.

“While it is a sophisticated production,” said Zena, “this truly is a show for the entire family. We hope our community will come out and have a wonderful time with our cast and crew.”

You’ll never see more jazzy frogs than these!

Runs through May 17
There is a special matinee performance on Saturday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. (no evening show on this date).

Or, plan to come early to get your tickets for the 7:00 p.m. curtain time on May 15, 16 or 17 for these evening performances.

The price is right; tickets at the door are: adults are $8; $5 for those 18 & under or 65+. It’s at the Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver St., near NE 122nd Avenue.

This colorfully staged production of a classic story has elements that appeal to audience members of all ages.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Officials say this stabbing wasn’t drug related; but sources tell us violence may escalate, as drug dealers – not gang members – fight to protect their distribution areas …

Portland Police Bureau detectives erected this tent at the murder site, while they investigate the stabbing death that took place here – near the dividing line between Multnomah and Clackamas Counties.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Just before 10 p.m. on May 8, two men get into a scuffle on SE Flavel Street, a block east of SE 82nd Avenue of Roses.

Angry words are exchanged – and, in full view passengers riding in a passing TriMet bus, one man attacks the other with a knife. A teenage girl tries to intervene and gets slashed, while trying to stop the knife-wielding suspect from stabbing the wounded man to death.

One man walks away from that fight; the other crumples to the street, dying.

Police detained a bus-load of witnesses for interviews following the stabbing.

“When officers arrived, they saw 28-year-old Jason Manuel Adams collapsed on the ground,” says Portland Police Bureau (PPB) spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “Officers called for an ambulance, but Adams died at the scene. A 17-year-old female was transported to Portland Adventist Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.”

Detectives and criminalists from the PPB’s Identification Division set up a tent over the dead man’s body, and spend several hours processing the scene and interviewing witnesses.

Police say they suspect that this man, 18-year-old Sean Michael Lagrew, stabbed Adams to death – even though a friend tried to stop him.

Schmautz tells us officers and detectives contacted several individuals in the area, including 18-year-old Sean Michael Lagrew. “An autopsy conducted by the Multnomah County Medical Examiner confirmed that Adams died of a stab wound. Detectives arrested Lagrew on one count of Felony Murder, and booked him into the Justice Center Jail.”

Bravado beef or turf war?
While at the scene just before midnight, we speak with a confidential source who suggests that this fight was the result of “turf war” among drug dealers in the area.

Saying that SE Flavel Street has become the dividing line for street-drug dealing territories, the source tells us, “I expected violence to erupt in this area. And, now it’s happened.”

We ask the source if this is gang-related. “No, it’s drug dealers protecting their sales area.”

Later, we ask Sgt. Schmautz if detectives had determined the reason for the confrontation.

“I don’t see anything in the suspect’s history dealing with drug trafficking,” replies Schmautz – adding that he can’t comment on what may, or may not, have been on the suspect’s record as a juvenile. “From what I understand from detectives, the fight was the result more from misplaced bravado than anything else.”

This investigation is continuing.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Take a look at our preview of this great show – many say it’s better than the cartoon version …

Rehearsing their parts for their production of “The Jungle Book” are Parkrose High student actors Jacob Pratt, Victoria Kerr, Steven Ennis and Jacquelle Davis. The show runs May 8th through the 17th.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
It’s Spring Musical time … and Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783 presents “The Jungle Book” starting this week.

This adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s “Mowgli” story, by Mila Johanson, is more true to the author’s original short stories written more than 100 years ago than was the 1960s Disney cartoon version by the same title.

Based on watching the cast rehearse their parts, we’ve seen that this will be a fun, fast-paced musical. It’s loaded with songs, dance numbers, audience interaction, a colorful setting and lots of family fun. Little kids will enjoy this show as much as adults.

Story in a nutshell
The Jungle Book follows the story of a child, Mowgli (played by Jacquelle Davis), who is raised in the jungles of India by animals: Bagheera, a wise black panther (played by Jacob Pratt), and sleepy, goofy bear named Baloo (played by Steven Ennis).

Mowgli runs away with a band of monkeys – only to be held captive by them. Will the cunning rock python Kaa (played by Vctoria Kerr) help rescue Mowgli? Will all of the animals in the jungle learn — and act as if — they are truly “brothers of one blood”?

An interactive show
“Some the characters go out in the audience at different times, meeting and interacting with them,” said Ms. Zena, Parkrose High’s drama instructor.

“This is a fun show, with original, catchy music – people will walk away singing songs. It’s very bright and upbeat; it’s loaded with positive messages,” Zena added.

With lively songs, and spirited dance numbers, “The Jungle Book” will please all members of the family.

Show for all ages
The full-stage set is beautiful – the stage is transformed into a jungle wonderland. The scenery was built and decorated by students working under the direction of theater operations manager Terry Franceschi. Lighting changes effective depict changes in locations and time of day.

The live musical score, played under the baton of the school’s band instructor, Michael Tolon, helps move the story along. And, appropriately chosen recorded music effectively punctuates a dance number featuring an awakening jungle lion.

“While it is a sophisticated production,” said Zena, “This truly is a show for the entire family. We hope our community will come out and have a wonderful time with our cast and crew.”

Runs May 8 through May 17
Opening night is Thursday, May 8 and continues on May 9 with a 7:00 p.m. curtain time (please come early). and, there is a special matinee performance on Saturday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. (no evening show on that date).

If you can’t make it this week, plan to see the show May 15, 16 or 17 – these are all evening performances.

The price is right; tickets at the door are: adults are $8; $5 for those 18 & under or 65+. It’s at the Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver St., near NE 122nd Avenue.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Discover why two Portland pioneers time-traveled forward
a century to speak with school kids …

“Allow me to introduce myself! I’m Dr. Harry Lane, former Mayor of Portland. This is my good friend, Georgiana Pittock; she started the Portland Rose Society. Together, we started the Portland Rose Festival 101 years ago.”

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The 3rd grade students in Peggy Garcia’s class at Winterhaven Elementary School looked surprised to see two prominent characters for Portland’s past walk into their classroom.

It was like a history book came to life when Georgiana Pittock and Dr. Harry Lane strode in among the students, and stopping at a table set at the front of the room.

Angel Ocasio, special projects manager for the Portland Rose Festival Foundation, began the organization’s Living History Program in its SE Portland appearance, saying, “I know you’ve been studying about Portland history, and I brought two wonderful people with me. These are the people who made the Portland Rose Festival what it is today.”

Georgiana Pittock (Mary Hutchens) shows the 3rd graders her most prized possession, brought to Portland from her birthplace in Iowa, via the Oregon Trail.

The life and times of Mrs. Pittock
Dressed in her turn-of-the-twentieth-century clothing, Georgiana Pittock told the students how her family moved from Iowa to Portland.

She detailed her family’s arduous trip on the Oregon Trail. The youngsters sat in rapt attention as she told about the time she rode away from the wagon train, and was captured by a Native American tribe; and how she was returned to her family, unharmed, three days later.

As part of her presentation, Pittock showed the students examples of things they took with them on the trip, including preserves, seeds, and her dolly.

Later, as an adult, Pittock was credited with starting the Portland Rose Society.  This is the philanthropic group that still promotes the cultivation of roses throughout Portland.

Dr. Harry Lane (Dave Rianda) tells the Winterhaven students why he became a doctor, then Mayor of Portland, more than a century ago.

Father of the Rose Festival
Dr. Harry Lane, dressed as he would have been when he served as Mayor of Portland from 1905 to 1909, told the students about his youth.

Like Mrs. Pittock, Lane’s family moved to Portland when he was a boy.

Lane related how he became interested in studying medicine and becoming a physician. After starting his practice in New York, he returned to Oregon to run the state hospital, where he became known as a reformer.

This, he said, led to his being drafted into running for the office of Mayor.

How the Rose Festival was created
“1905, the Lewis and Clark Exposition was set up here, like a World’s Fair,” Lane recounted. “More than 1.5 million visitors came to Portland over a five-month period.”

At the end of the festival, Lane said the exposition’s trustees decided to gain publicity for Portland by calling it the “the Rose Capital of the World”. The plan began to gain traction: “We could invite people to come here in June of each year, and celebrate our roses. We could get them to forget about Los Angeles and Seattle, and come here to vacation!”

Working with Mrs. Pittock and volunteers from the Portland Rose Society, the Portland Rose Festival was created in 1907.

An award-winning presentation
After the presentation, Ocasio told us the Living History Program witnessed by the Winterhaven School students was the idea of idea of Marilyn Clint, the associate Executive Director of the Portland Rose Festival. “Last year, to celebrate the festival’s centennial year, they thought it would be great to bring back some of the historical characters.”

At the end of their season last year, the International Festivals & Events Association recognized the Rose Festival Living History Program as both one of the best educational programs and also one of the best community outreach programs in the world.

The Portland Rose Festival runs from May 29 through June 8. For more information, see www.rosefestival.org

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Remember the “drive-through meth stop” on SE Division Street that was busted, closed, and all set to become a community center? See what challenges – including huge underground gas tanks – it still faces …

SE Uplift Chair Paul Leistner looks at the “Tabor Commons” roof that needs to be replaced.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
From the rooftop above to the tanks below, it’s going to take some doing before the former SE Division Street “Drive-thru Wake-up and Deli” is finally transformed into the Atkinson/Tabor Commons Community Center.

Still leading the transformational process is neighbor Paul Leistner, Chair of SE Uplift neighborhood coalition.

Leistner reminds us that the store’s former owner was arrested, and pled guilty to charges of supplying large quantities of pseudoephedrine to local meth labs. “The property was seized by the federal government. We worked with the federal government to get community ownership of this property.”

SE Uplift actually owns the land and building on behalf of the Mt. Tabor neighborhood Association, the South Tabor neighborhood Association, and the Atkinson PTA, Leistner noted. “We look forward to using the facility for classes, community meetings, and events – festivals and celebrations.”

But, before this former gas station, located across the street from Atkinson Elementary School, becomes a family-friendly center run by a nonprofit organization, it needs some work.

Replacing a 50-year-old roof
“We also just found out that we needed a new roof on the building,” Leistner revealed. “The metal roof is 50 years old; the project is going to be challenging. We wanted to do an eco-roof; this is our opportunity.”

Problem is, he said, eco-roofs are heavy. “We need to reinforce the building to be strong enough to carry the additional weight. We’re working with our volunteer engineers and advisory people to figure out what that would cost, and how we would do that.”

Leaking tanks pollute site
Additional bad news is that huge, leaking, steel gas tanks are buried under the property.

But there is some good news too – the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department has now awarded the project a $96,000 grant to clean up the contaminated land.

Clark Henry, manager of the “brownfield program” with the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, explained the situation.

“A ‘brownfield’ is a site that isn’t used, because the ground or buildings are contaminated,” said Henry. “We see this at old gas stations, dry cleaners, metal-plating facilities, and manufacturing sites.”

Remediation is a three-step process, Henry went on: “First, we gather an environmental history to let us know what the site’s use was. Next, we take soil and groundwater samples to evaluate the steps that are needed to meet DEQ’s environmental regulatory standards. Tests on this site revealed that while the soil is contaminated near the tanks, the contamination didn’t migrate across the street to the elementary school’s property.”

The final phase of remediation is removing the asphalt pavements, the tanks, and the contaminated soil.

Clark Henry, manager of the Brownfield program with BES, as well as Chris Breemer, senior project manager at GeoEngineers, and Paul Leistner look at the area on this community property where old leaking gasoline storage tanks will soon be dug up.

Excavation to start in June
At the site on Division Street, we also spoke with Chris Breemer, senior project manager at GeoEngineers. They’re the general contractors that will oversee the decontamination process.

“They’ve hired us to manage the removal of the underground storage tanks and remediation of the contaminated soil,” said Breemer. “We know that there are four gas takes in the ground; there may be a fifth one. We don’t know how far down we’ll actually dig until we actually get in there. The tanks are probably 10 to 12 feet deep.”

The contaminated dirt will be taken to a landfill in Hillsboro which is set up to manage petroleum-contaminated soil, Breemer noted. “The tanks will be recycled; they’re made of steel. If there are any fluids in the tanks, a lot of those can be recycled as well.”

Unique opportunity at hand
After beefing up the building, installing a new eco-roof, and taking out the tanks, volunteers still need to raise funding to renovate the building’s gutted interior.

We asked Leistner why he’s willing to work so hard to see this product through.

“It’s such a rare opportunity when people in the community can actually get control of a piece of commercial property,” Leistner replied. “It’s an opportunity, especially when it’s being turned from a blatant problem into a community facility that brings together two neighborhoods and a school. It could be a model for other communities to do something similar.”

Depending on the level of donations, as well as volunteer help, the community center could be open as soon as this summer, Leistner said.

To get involved, or learn more, contact Leistner at (503) 232-0010, or e-mail him at paulamy@teleport.com.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service