More than just being a good idea – see why, someday, because of this project, Johnson Creek may never again flood businesses and neighbors along SE Foster Road …

While talking with neighbors, Marie Johnson, the Johnson Creek Watershed Team coordinator for the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, answers questions about this project.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A couple of weeks ago, the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) gave folks a look at the “early design ideas” regarding the “East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project”.

“And, we’re here to get public input for these designs,” explained Marie Johnson, the Johnson Creek Watershed Team coordinator for BES.

Filling in the blanks
“We’re asking folks to look over our pre-design report and the technical memorandum that accompanies it,” Johnson told us at their Open House, held in the Lents Seventh-day Adventist church before the Lents Neighborhood Association meeting.

“We want to give people the opportunity to ask any questions as we prepare to move on. June 6 is the close of public comment,” added Johnson.

She pointed out that the design concepts for the project haven’t changed. Instead, the report explains the analysis they’ve done while working on this project designed to “absorb” storm-surge water levels in Johnson Creek after a heavy rainfall.

Johnson reminded us that SE Foster Road is heavily used – with about 25,000 trips a day. “That’s a lot of interrupted trips if it’s flooded.”

Part of Lents’ revitalization effort
This is important for quality of life, public safety, and economic development of Lents, stressed Johnson. “Here in Lents, the city and the community are working to revitalize the area. When there is frequent flooding, it’s difficult to get people to come to the area and seriously consider the investment necessary to bring good jobs to the area.”

Affected neighbors Chris and Karin Hassette look at the improvements the floodplain restoration project will bring.

Lents neighbors Chris and Karin Hassette were two of the folks who looked over the project’s documentation.

“I’m kind of excited that there’ll be some improvement,” Karin said.

Chris added, “I dread the construction phase. There’ll be a lot of big trucks and dust on our street, SE 110th Avenue, south of Foster Road. Although our house stayed dry the last time it flooded, there was as much as 16 inches of water covering the road, blocking our access in and out.”

These drawings show the two alternatives for the floodplain restoration project.

Time for your two cents
The project’s design approach will be decided this summer. Detailed design work will happen over the next year. Construction is planned for summer, 2010.

To get the facts, and chime in with your comments, CLICK HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Vehicle drivers are responsible for avoiding pedestrians. But sometimes – like in this case – pedestrians can’t be avoided; the results are tragic …

SE Powell Blvd., just west of SE 136th Ave., was shut down for hours while investigators process the scene where a pedestrian was struck and fatally injured by a car.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
What happened at 8:21 p.m. on May 15 was clear: a Cadillac, traveling east on SE Powell Blvd. near SE 136th Ave., struck a pedestrian with such force, it threw the victim about 60 feet.

“I don’t know why he just ran out into the street,” said Megan Davis who claimed to have witnessed the accident. “I don’t think the driver had time to do anything. I think he (the victim) just came out of the Double Dribble [Tavern].”

The victim was thrown about 60 feet after being struck by an oncoming car. On the left hand side of the photo, you can make out the victim’s hat; his shoes ended up next to the stopped white Cadillac.

Officers at the scene told us that the victim was still alive when medical attention arrived, but confided, “He didn’t look good.”

To get official information about this incident, we turned to Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz who said, “An intoxicated 49-year-old man ran into the path of the Cadillac. The pedestrian was transported to OHSU and died while receiving medical attention.”

No citations have been issued, Schmautz added.

An investigation by the Portland Police Bureau’s Fatal Accident Team concluded the victim ran into traffic, the driver that struck him was not ticketed or arrested.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

The “riot” that caused at least 100 law officers to converge on a facility out near the airport on early Sunday morning was not a Warner Pacific College party gone bad, as some local media reported. Get the true facts here …

We were held blocks away, as 70 police and sheriff patrol cars converged on NE 122nd Avenue and NE Whitaker Way.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It was 1:00 a.m. on May 11 that we heard the radio call, “All units available, come immediately to a facility at NE 122nd Avenue and NE Whitaker Way.”

It was as close to the cinematic cliche, “Calling all cars! Calling all cars!”, as we’ve ever heard while covering news in Portland.

Cars, cars, and more patrol cars – with lights and sirens on – screamed past us on NE 122nd Avenue, where we had halted, just north of the railroad overpass.

‘Near riot conditions’
“East Precinct officers responded to 12245 NE Whitaker Way regarding a loud party,” explained Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz. When officers pulled up, Schmautz said, they saw fights both inside and outside the party, and numerous intoxicated people including several who were minors. The manager of the party agreed to work with officers to shut the party down.

“As officers were telling people to leave, some people became hostile towards the police,” Schmautz continued. “Supervisors called for all available cover, and teams of officers attempted to break up fights. Some individuals agreed to leave, but others began throwing bottles and large cans of beer at the police.”

By the time we arrived in the area, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputies, Portland Police Bureau patrol cars from all precincts, and even a car from the Milwaukie Police Department, were responding to the call.

When we asked how many officers converged on the scene of what radio calls described as “riot conditions”, Schmautz told us that, because of the early morning hour of the disturbance, “I am unable to determine the exact number of officers that arrived at the scene, but there were about 70 officers working, at the time East Precinct officers asked for more backup.”

Officials at Warner Pacific College forwarded this invitation to the party that ended up as a drunken brawl not connected with their school.

Claims it was a Warner Pacific College party
Once the crowd dispersed, Schmautz added, the organizers told officers that they rented the basketball court for a graduation party for Warner Pacific students. “They said they tried to provide security and check bags, but some people entered through the side doors and organizers became overwhelmed. Organizers also said they tried to break up fights before officers arrived.”

“We’ve investigated the claim made to police that this event was associated with Warner Pacific College,” said Andria Cook, the school’s VP for Institutional Advancement. “This was not an official function of the college. It was neither sanctioned nor supported by the college.”

Police gave college officials the names of the party-gone-bad’s organizers. “We’ve checked,” Cook told us in an interview this week, “and those individuals were not – and never have been – students here. Those arrested were not, nor have ever been, Warner Pacific students.”

Distant connection to the college
We asked Cook if any of the college’s students had attended the party.

“From what we’ve found out, a very few of our students attended the party. They left before anything happened,” stated Cook.

“One of the organizers mentioned the college’s name. We found that one of our students’ cousins was helping out with the party. The connection to the college was that distant.”

Does this look like a recreational facility to you? Yet, tenants in this building confirmed there is a for-rent basketball court in the back building – behind the razor wire-topped fence.

Looking for the scene
We went back in the daytime, the following day, to survey the scene. We couldn’t find a commercial gymnasium.

We did locate the street address where Sgt. Schmautz said the near-riot took place. Several smaller office buildings fronted larger warehouse buildings in a back lot. The back warehouse area, identified as Alpine Courier Inc., was gated, with razor wire at the top.

A woman who works in an office in the front of the complex said that there is a separate basketball court facility in the back of the property that is rented out.

The woman, who declined to be identified, said she’s frequently seen a number of kids in the facility. “In fact my nephew had a party there once. It was clean and nice, and we didn’t think there’d be any problem. But this – it seems frightening.”

The following individuals were arrested by police in connection with this “riot”:

• 20 -year old Ramon Dimas-Ambriz for Riot, Disorderly Conduct, and Attempted Assault in the Fourth Degree.
• 22-year-old Alonzo Dupree for Riot, Disorderly Conduct, and Interfering with a Police Officer.
• 18-year-old Dominique Durisko-Caoile for Disorderly Conduct, Interfering with a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest.
• 20-year-old Fred Marlow for Disorderly Conduct, and Interfering with a Police Officer.
• 20-year-old Walteron Coxeff for Interfering with a Police Officer.
• 17-year-old Sheqouya Payton-Simmons for Riot, Disorderly Conduct, Interfering with a Police Officer, and Resisting Arrest.
• 19-year-old Vincent Green for Disorderly Conduct, and Interfering with a Police Officer.

“No one was seriously injured, and other than a deployment of pepper spray, officers did not use any lethal or other non-letal forms of restraint,” Schmautz said.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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