East PDX News

Break-dancers battle in Parkrose

Check out the energy at this event, where the only “rumble” were the bass notes blasting out of loudspeakers, as dancers acrobatically swiveled, spun and did handstands …

Break-dancers from miles around show their moves in this unique dance contest they call a “battle”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The name of the event itself, “Arcane Arts 2: The Apocalypse“, sounds like an invitation to a gang fight. But this “battle”, as participants call it, is actually a rather civilized dance contest.

“We held our first event if the kind last year,” says a Portland Parks & Recreation employee Trevor Todd, manager of the Parkrose SUN Community School. “Over 400 showed up, and it became an ‘instant’ annual event. This year we’ve got a crowd of nearly 600.”

Nearly 600 break-dance affictionados enjoy the heavy beat and light-on-the-feet moves of the battling dancers.

In “break-dance battle” competition, we learn, competing teams, or “crews”, of five members each take turns demonstrating their acrobatic hip-hop dance steps that include handstands, cartwheels, spins, and squat-steps reminiscent of traditional Russian dancing.

“They’re battling for a $500 grand prize,” Todd says. “We’ve got local break-dance and music celebrities judging the crews’ performances. DJ Sugarman, DJ from Arizona, is mixing the music.”

Parkrose joins the dance battle circuit
For some time, other battles have been hosted at colleges, such as Portland State University and Reed College, Todd tells us. “We’re becoming a break-dancing hub out here.”

In addition to checking out the newest and most creative dance steps, people who attend this event also consider it a social venue, Todd explains. “They wouldn’t call it ‘networking’, but that’s what it is for them. They get to see what moves the other teams have put together.”

The dancers put their heart, soul, and all of their bodies into their performances, Todd continues. “They definitely they blow off some steam in the process; they call it a ‘battle’ for good reason.”

MC Robert Moore, credited with bringing the dance competition to Parkrose, announces the next crews up to “battle”.

Crediting the Parkrose SUN Community School instructor – and tonight’s Master of Ceremonies – Robert Moore with creating this event at Parkrose High, Todd explains, “He’s brought everything together for this battle, from getting the judges, to the DJ, to printing and distributing the fliers.”

Under Moore’s tutelage, between 30 and 50 of kids and young adults gather at Parkrose High to practice their steps – and learn new ones – three times each week. “The sessions draw from not only Parkrose, but also David Douglas, Centennial, Reynolds, Madison and Benson High Schools,” reports Todd.

One of Skoolie B’s “Mini Bs” – a seven-year-old from his class at Mt. Scott Community Center – impresses the crowd.

Mini-Bees bust a move
This enthusiastic crowd of hip-hop dance aficionados loudly laud dance moves that can only be described as acrobatic – they twist, turn, and jump as the dancers each take their turn.

But the crowd doesn’t reserve cheers for only a few participants. When the 6- and 7-year olds from the class at Mt. Scott Community Center led by “Skoolie B” take the floor, they shout their approval for the youngsters’ dance antics.

Instead of hogging the spotlight, Skoolie B leads off with a couple of steps, and lets his “Mini-Bs” take over.

Skoolie B, also known as Marko Bome, says he’s happy to see his Mini Bs so well received. “We’re from inner SE Portland, you know, Brooklyn and Richmond and those neighborhoods. I have about 30 kids that come to the class. They work hard; they deserve to show their stuff here.”

While enthusiastic about the music and dance, the crowd at the “Arcane Arts 2: The Apocalypse” battle is mellow.

Says dance keeps one grounded
A graduate of Cleveland High School, Bome says, of the art form: “It’s true freedom of expression. It keeps you grounded, keeps your body up, and makes you feel good about yourself. And, it keeps you out of trouble.”

Looking over the crowd, gathered around center court at the Parkrose High gym, Bome adds, “Look at all these people here, there are no problems; everyone’s having a great time.”

Even if you can’t dance a step, Natalie Caminiti and Gina Richardson can help you look cool with one of these limited-edition T-Shirts they’re selling.

The winner is …
The “Massive Knuckle Force” crew won the team prize. We’re told they are a “super-group” recently formed from members of Massive Monkees (Seattle, 2004 World B-Boy Champions) and Knucklehead Zoo (Las Vegas) and other crews. They beat “The Freshest Kids” in the finals.

“Kareem”, a member of Massive Knuckle Force, won the individual prize.

If you are interested in getting involved, contact Trevor Todd, Parkrose SUN Community School, at (503) 408-2640.

Students find ‘ACE’ deals winning hand in construction trades

Whether they’re interested in architecture, construction, or engineering – see why this new charter school is attracting the interest of students across East Multnomah County …

Prospective ACE Academy students take a look around one of the facilities that will participate in the new school’s program.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There hasn’t been a new charter school established in Multnomah County for quite some time. But the ACE Academy has been attracting the interest of high-school age students, even though it won’t open until autumn, 2008.

Parents and students are getting a sneak-peak at one of the training facilities that will be used, and learn about the program, at a series of “information nights” run by the new school’s staff.

Michael Taylor tells why the ACE Academy “model of education” is great for students considering going into architecture, construction, and engineering careers.

“They’re getting to experience an overview of our program,” stated one of the school’s directors, Michael Taylor. “They’re looking at what they’re going to learn and how the topics will be taught. In our case, both of these models are unique. And, they hear about the advantages of going to school with us, as opposed to a more traditional school.”

Also present at the open houses are industry partners. On the night we visited, an architect and a contractor told why they love their professions – and answered questions.

Father and son, Foster and Caleb Thompson, tour a construction training facility after learning about the ACE Academy program.

Wants an early start
After the formal presentation, we spoke with Parkrose High School sophomore, Caleb Thompson. “I’m thinking about this for next year. I want to come here, because I like instruction. I work with my dad in construction all the time. It’ll be a good thing to start learning early.”

His father, Foster Thompson, said he liked the ACE Academy concept. “I think it’s an excellent idea that students spend some time in the trade and the rest of their time in their high school environment. If they learn a trade, from the ground up, while in high school, it would give them a boost getting a job later.”

At an ACE Academy information night, contractor Eric Jackson of Charter Construction, answers questions about the construction trade.

Two more nights next week
On February 11 and 14, ACE Academy is holding two more information nights for prospective students.

Parents and high school age students in East Multnomah County will discover how this school will help students excel in the fields of architecture, construction and engineering.

These open houses run from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 4222 NE 158th Ave., Portland, OR 97230. Call Michael Taylor at (503) 546-9928 for more information.

New Cruise-in venue and Farmer’s Market announced for Parkrose

Catch up on all of the new things happening in and around members of the Parkrose Business Association, right here …

Outgoing Parkrose Business Association president Mark W. Eves, of Eves & Wade LLP, welcomes this year’s president, Jon Turino, Farmer’s Insurance, to the podium at the organization’s January meeting at Steamer’s Restaurant & Lounge.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Membership growth, successful scholarship grants funding, a new venue for the Parkrose Cruise-in, the introduction of a new member – and a new outdoor market for the Parkrose area – highlighted the January meeting of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA).

At this luncheon meeting, held monthly at Steamer’s Restaurant & Lounge on NE Sandy Boulevard, just east of NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, was called to order by their newly-elected president, Jon Turino, Farmer’s Insurance.

Parkrose Farmer’s Market president, Steve Voorhees, is welcomed as a new member by Jon Turino.

Parkrose gains a new Farmer’s Market
According to a new member of the association, Steve Voorhees, president of the recently-established Parkrose Farmer’s Market, the first market day will be on May 3.

Because it will be held in the east parking lot of Parkrose High School, this will be a tobacco-free market – perhaps the first such in Portland. “In addition to locally-grown vegetables and fruits, we have had interest from meat, poultry, and lamb vendors,” said Voorhees.

Shoppers won’t find knick-knacks, or poor quality produce, Voorhees assured. “All of the vendors are being juried – that is, our board members must approve both the vendor, and their merchandise, for them to be in our market.” Their next jury session is 7:00 p.m. on March 6 at Portland Fire & Rescue Station #2 on NE 122nd Ave., just north of the train tracks along Sandy Boulevard.

Steve Voorhees tells the group he’d like to see produce shoppers who once shopped at Rossi Farms keep on spending their money in Parkrose – at the new farmer’s market.

No stranger to farmer’s markets, Voorhees told the group his family has been a vendor at the Gresham Farmer’s Market for 19 years. “My in-laws were one of the original Italian farmers in the area. We still farm three acres, by hand. We’ve seen what works, and what doesn’t, at a market.”

Voorhees said his family closed their farm stand “because the neighborhood has gotten too bad. It seemed too unsafe for the kids and Grandma to work our stand on NE Sandy Boulevard. When Rossi Farms closed, we decided to try and keep shoppers in Parkrose instead of traveling elsewhere to buy their fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Learn more from their web site; CLICK HERE; or e-mail Voorhees at steve_voorhees@q.com.

Revamped Cruise-in plans
The big news in Mark Eves’ “State of the PBA” address was regarding the organization’s annual event, the Parkrose Cruise-in.

“This event is in the process of being reinvented,” stated Eves. “Since its inception – thanks to our sponsors – the event has been successful. It has allowed us to grow from granting one $1,000 Parkrose High School senior scholarship, to five each year.”

Although the group has enjoyed being the only Portland Rose Festival event east of the I-205 freeway for many years, Eves went on, the event has been susceptible to unpredictable end-of-June weather.

“This year, we’re holding it the first week in August,” declared Eves. “And it will be staged in the middle of our business district. We want to celebrate our businesses and our community with the ‘2008 Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in’.”

In his “State of the PBA” talk, Mark Eves tells why planners forecast sunny weather for the 2008 Parkrose Cruise-in.

Shares benchmarks of success
“Today, the PBA and Parkrose Business Foundation (the nonprofit arm of the organization) is healthy and growing,” continued Eves. “Today, we have 90 members. We have very low turnover. And, I recommend we set a goal to increase to 150 members within three years.

“The PBA we has an excellent board of directors and officers who are committed using their experience and dedication to making our area a better place to do business and live.

“Our finances are in stable condition, with good cash reserves.

“Good monthly meetings are vital to our existence. With the continuing help of Kyle Ziegler, we will continue to have interesting and challenging speakers.

“And, want to recognize our committee for long-range planning; we call it our ‘Dream Team’. Chair Gale Bash and the committee are exploring new ideas and activities, including a crab feed, golf tournament, Texas Hold ’em tournament, a wine-tasting dinner, and a special calendar with photos from past and present.”

Come join in
This friendly group meets at one of our favorite restaurants. You’re invited to come at 11:30 a.m. on April 21 and meet this group of fun, energized business people. You’ll get the best business lunch at town at Steamers Restaurant, 8303 NE Sandy Boulevard (just east of NE 82nd Avenue); NO reservations required. For more information on the PBA, CLICK HERE.

Water main break sinks repair crew’s rig

It didn’t swallow it up, but this sinkhole gave the crew a scare, as their truck started sliding down into the pavement. See exclusive photos here …

While the truck wasn’t buried, the crews had to scramble out, for fear it might disappear into a sinkhole. PWB photo

Story and some photos by David F. Ashton
The combination of cold weather, and old water main pipes, has caused water line ruptures across the city.

The event on January 30 gave Portland Water Bureau (PWB) workers a real scare, when they pulled up to see why water was gushing up from the pavement on SE 32nd Avenue, a block south of SE Powell Boulevard.

“As a crewmember backed his vehicle up to begin repair work,” says PWB spokesperson Jennie Day, “the ground caved in, taking the driver’s side of the vehicle with it.”

The driver emerged, unscathed, Day reports. “The vehicle, however, was not so lucky. It took two different tow trucks nearly two hours to pull it out of the sinkhole.”

Although it was damaged from the sinkhole episode, PWB workers kept the truck on-scene after it was pulled out of the street. “It’s got everything we need in it, and we had to get to work,” a crewmember explained.

Crew leaders believe that the integrity of the pavement was compromised when dirt under the street surface was washed away by gushing water from the break of an 8-inch water main. The crew had no way of knowing that the ground beneath the surface had given away.

Another “day at the office” for a Portland Water Bureau crew, as they repair not one, but two breaks in the water main. Yup, that’s the rescued truck in the background!

Residents on SE 32nd between Powell and Francis were without water service while crews repaired the line. Service was restored at 5 pm that afternoon, Day confirms.

Westmoreland “REX Project” recycles even the trees

TV star Shannon Quimby’s project to recycle an old home into a brand-new one even includes the landscaping. See what she’s doing with trees that are in the way of the new construction …

Shannon Quimby, the “Q-Renew” star from the HGTV network, stands by a camellia tree’s root ball before it is moved 22 feet northward. She says moving it fits with her “reuse everything” philosophy – and saves money as well.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Shannon Quimby, the “Q-Renew” gal seen on the Home & Garden TV Network is sticking with her publicized mission to reuse everything while rebuilding of her home at 2022 SE Rex Street in the Westmorland Neighborhood.

She calls it the “REX (Reuse Everything eXperiment) Project”.

“I said I was saving and reusing everything,” Quimby tells us, “and I am including the six mature camellias.”

With the help of a half-dozen workers – and a gigantic crane – she’s transplanting the trees, on site in different locations.

Trees aloft! A giant crane easily lifts the trees to be replanted in another part of the yard.

Massive move saves money
“Isn’t this costing you a fortune?” we ask.

Quimby replies, “Actually it’s saving me money. If I had to replace all of these trees, doing landscaping, and if I had purchased these trees, it would cost over $25,000. To dig the trees, ball the roots, and move them is going to cost about $10,000. So I’m way ahead of the game. And, these camellias have been here for years and years. So not only am I saving money, I’m saving part of the neighborhood.”

City arborists told Quimby that the holly tree on the property was on their nuisance list and she could chop it down. “We did. But, now we’re milling it into an interior exposed column in the new family room and dining room area.”

You can follow her adventure – recycling an entire house and yard, board by board – at her web site: www.ShannonQuimby.com.

It takes one huge crane to lift trees weighing thousands of pounds – but that expense is only half the price of buying replacement trees, Quimby says.

Lents folks optimistic about Johnson Creek flood-control plans

It’s called the “East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project”. Discover why citizens who live and work along outer SE Foster Rd. say they’re cautiously optimistic about the city’s effort to reduce flooding …

Many people turned out to learn more about the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project, and share their concerns

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Remember early December rainstorms that caused outer SE Foster Road to flood and close for two days?

This flooding in the Lents Neighborhood is a symptom of a long-standing problem which the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) staff is working to resolve.

On January 22, BES staffers held an open house to discuss their plan to reduce flooding – the plan is called the “East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project”.

Lents neighbor Joyce Beedle talks with Marie Johnson, BES Program Coordinator for the Johnson Creek Watershed Program.

Extra channel to absorb storm surges
“We’re here to share with people the initial design work done,” Marie Johnson, BES Coordinator, Johnson Creek Watershed Program, tells us. “This is a project that will be built south of SE Foster Road, between the former Freeway Lands Company site and about SE 112th Ave.”

Looking at a proposed design map, we see they propose to build a new channel that snakes around existing properties. We ask if this project will impinge on established neighbors.

“Our design ideas take advantage of BES-owned properties,” explains Johnson. “We’ll use them to the extent we can – with the budget we have. It’s always been our assumption in this part of the project that we are working on BES property we currently own.”

Johnson again asserts that this is an early design. “There’ll be a lot more work on it as we go along.”

Timetable spelled out
The design work will happen over the next year or so, Johnson informs us, and then will go into the permitting process. Actual construction is scheduled for year 2010.

Here’s the early design project drawing for the plan floated by BES that will add an extension to Johnson Creek that is designed to absorb the higher levels of water produced by major storms.

Gives historical perspective on creek floods
Saying she’s witness to the history of the area, neighbor Joann Davis mentions that she grew up living close to Johnson Creek. “I now live within two blocks of where I grew up; my folks purchased in 1930 at SE 101st Avenue and SE Boise Street.”

While she doesn’t live directly on the creek, Davis says, “It affects my community. I remember when Johnson Creek used to flood much worse than it does now. A lot of the kids I went to school with were flooded out every year.”

Comparatively speaking, Davis goes on, “things now are very good. Flooding is just one of those things that happen. I think what BES is going to help. I’ve seen it help already.”

City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services engineer Dave Whitaker answers questions posed by Lents neighbor Ed Fitzgerald about the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project.

Thinks City takes it seriously
Lents neighbor Ed Fitzgerald says that, although he lives in the flood-prone area between SE 106th and 108th Avenues, south of SE Foster Road, “In the ’96 flood, we had a couple of inches of water in our house. We were indirectly affected by our last high-water episode. My house was okay, but I couldn’t get out for 12 to 15 hours, because Foster Road was flooded.”

Regarding the proposed solution, Fitzgerald comments, “I think they’re taking the flooding seriously. I’m not sure what the solution is, but they are looking at the problem. I’m interested in what they’re proposing, because their Brookside Project doesn’t seem designed to handle rain runoff like it is supposed to do.”

Expresses cost concerns
Wes Wolfe, a board member for the neighborhood association, says he’s just speaking for himself, and says, “I’m here because I’m real curious about the different proposed plans for this project. I don’t know what could go wrong with it; I think it may do the job. And it looks like they’ve learned from their other projects; I can see they’re getting better and better.”

A concern for one unidentified resident, who lives near SE 108th Avenue and Foster Road, is the cost. “It is expensive. It looks like there is a lot of overhead that is not construction costs.”

Shares her misgivings
Joyce Beedle, a long time Lents neighbor who lives within the floodplain area, says she thinks the finished project will be great.

But, “I have a couple misgivings. One is that I would like there to be more than 30 days for us to look at the plan and think about it, and come up with suggestions. It’s taken BES years to come this far, and 30 days seems a short response time.”

Another trepidation Beedle expresses is past communication problems with the BES. “We do have some history. Sometimes, we’ve had rapid response to our concerns; other times, things been pretty dismal. So my trepidation is, which way will this project go? We’ve talked about how desperately we want the BES to be responsible, accountable contractors.”

Nevertheless, adds Beedle, she’s hopeful: “Actually, really hopeful. We have really good communication going now. I’m looking forward to how cool it could make the neighborhood.”

“Can the City make water run uphill? Asks neighbor Chuck Glasco.

Questions water running uphill
“I know the City of Portland can do some wonderful things,” muses neighbor Chuck Glasco, “but I don’t think they can make water run uphill. It looks like the southern area of the project will turn into a pond, instead of emptying out where it ties into Johnson Creek.”

Glasco points out that the surface elevation at SE Foster Road is considerably higher than at the southern point of the proposed creek extension. “It looks like the elevation rise could be to 3 feet.”

We wanted to find the answer to Glasco’s interesting question, because we checked the topographical maps and what he said was true. But time ran out to learn the answer; the Lents Neighborhood Association’s meeting was starting in the same space.

Later, Scott Clement, BES Supervising Engineer went over the proposal with us and provided the answer.

“No, we can’t make water flow uphill,” comments Clement. “The general fall of the land in that area is, north to south, high to low. But the level of the creek doesn’t follow that topography. In this case, the fall of the creek is from east to west. Indeed, the water will be flowing downhill.”

BES to review citizen input
“We’ll take input from this meeting, and from the review of the pre-design reports, and consider that, in finishing the final design,” Johnson informs. “From there, we’ll hire a design firm that will go with a critique of the process and come up with a ‘30% design’. Then we’ll go back to the community and share the design of them. We’ll also think about construction impacts, and how we mitigate for those with the neighbors.”

Their web site isn’t up yet, Johnson says, but encourages people to call her at (503) 823-6199, or e-mail her at Marie.Johnson@bes.ci.portland.or.us, for more information.

Light-blowing driver totals out three vehicles

This driver must have been in a big hurry while traveling SE Holgate Blvd. in the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood …

Officials say the driver of this car jumped the green light and plowed into a pickup truck making a left turn on to SE 112th Ave.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Witnesses say they were astonished to see a car “not even slow down” as it headed westbound on SE Holgate Blvd on January 28 about 3:15 p.m.

“The blue car was going way too fast,” Estella Gomez tells us. “I was standing here, waiting for a bus, and the car looked like it didn’t even slow down a bit before it hit the truck.”

This 1/2-ton pickup truck was spun 90 degrees by the impact from the car that collided with it.

The driver the pickup truck says he was driving eastbound on SE Holgate St., and was about to turn left (north) on SE 112th Ave. As the traffic control signal at the intersection turned yellow the car in front of him made the left-hand turn and he followed it.

The impact drives the pickup truck into another car, stopped at the intersection, facing south, preparing to make a right-hand turn on to SE Holgate Blvd.

“I don’t even think the guy in the blue car slowed down a bit,” said the driver of the pickup truck. “It’s as if he didn’t have a red light or anything. He just plowed right into me.”

Even though the driver was stopped at the intersection, the accident destroyed her car.

The woman driving that car waiting at the light looked visibly shaken by the sudden collision that totaled her car. “When I close my eyes, all I can see is this big old pickup truck flying right at me and landing on my car’s hood.”

Police officials were unable to report whether or not a citation was issued. No traumatic injuries were reported in the three-car smash-up.

Neighbors gawk at housefire, as blaze fatally injures resident

Although other houses are close by, neighbors chose simply to gawk at the blaze, instead of calling 9-1-1. Their neglect, it appears, cost a human life. Read why you can’t blame the fire department for being late to this fire …

When the firefighters finally located it, far from where first reported, this house was blazing. Dick Harris, PF&R photo

Story and some photos by David F. Ashton
The early Sunday morning house fire – officials guess it started about 7:30 a.m. – was burning furiously. It was “fully involved”, as firefighters say, by the time they pulled up at 7:45 a.m.

Huge flames were belching out of the house at 4429 SE 65th Avenue, on the north side of SE Holgate Boulevard, two blocks from SE Foster Road, as crews quickly pulled hoses, set up ladders, and sprinted into action.

Two residents of the house escaped the inferno, but Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) firefighters located an unconscious occupant in a second floor bedroom next to the room engulfed with flames. The fire fighters rushed the victim to safety, for treatment by the ambulance crew on-scene – and after CPR, he was rushed to the Burn Center at Emanuel Hospital.

What the official PF&R photos don’t show are the neighbors standing around watching the fire – and no one calling 911 for help. Dick Harris, PF&R photo

Hidden spaces hinder quenching
“The attack on the fire was a challenge for crews,” reported PF&R spokesperson Kim Kosmas, “because the home had many hidden spaces in the walls and attic in which the fire spread. The fire burned most of the second floor, the attic, and later the kitchen, which was located on the first floor.”

The crews of seven fire engines and two trucks battled the blaze until past 9 a.m., Kosmas said, and kept on working, putting out hot spots, until early afternoon.

Wrong address delays response
Typically, fire crews arrive within minutes. Their timely response saves lives and reduces property damage.

In this case, Kosmos reported, a call to 9-1-1 said that the house was located at SE 61st Street at SE Holgate Boulevard. When crews arrived in the area, they found no fire; but after hunting around the neighborhood, they noticed smoke coming from SE 65th & SE Holgate.

We later checked in with PF&R Public Information Officer, Lt. Allen Oswalt, to find out what went wrong.

“The woman who called in the fire to the 9-1-1 Center was driving through the neighborhood,” said Oswalt. “She was unfamiliar with the area, and wasn’t sure of her location. Even though firefighters were directed to the wrong address, she did the right thing, and called.”

This fire left the house a total loss, injured two residents, and killed another.

Many cell phones to take photos, not call 9-1-1
When we visited the scene of the fire later in the week, the devastation was apparent. The entire back half of the residence gaped open, and burned timbers, walls, and furnishings were exposed to the elements.

We spoke with a neighbor who was also looking at the damage. He didn’t want to identify himself, but said, “It seems like the whole neighborhood was out watching the fire. One guy was videoing it; lots of cell phones were out – taking pictures.”

“Did you call 9-1-1?” we ask.

“No,” was the response. “I thought someone else did. It was a huge fire.”

Back at the office, we learned the man whom firefighters rescued, Bradley Holsclaw, age 28, died the following morning, according to the Multnomah County Medical Examiner.

We asked Lt. Oswalt if the preoccupation with photographing the fire – instead of calling it in – could have cost Holsclaw his life.

This rain-soaked makeshift lawn shrine is in memory of Bradley Holsclaw, the man who died in the fire.

“We’ll never know,” replied Oswalt, and he made this appeal: “Please, if you see a fire, don’t assume someone else is calling 9-1-1 for help. We don’t mind getting a dozen calls reporting a fire. We use information gathered from each call to help our crews prepare, en route, for what to expect – and to verify the exact location.”

While not an official finding, Oswalt said he understands there wasn’t a working smoke and fire detector in the house. “It’s a good idea to have two or more. They’re inexpensive, and they save lives.”

Marshall High scores big with new gym floor

EXN Exclusive! While still sturdy, this outer East Portland’s gymnasium floor was pitted, scarred, and warped. Find who paid to have the indoor sports flooring completely resurfaced … and why …

Portland Trail Blazers mascot Blaze clowns and whoops up the students and staff at Marshall Campus, as the new gym floor dedication begins.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Until this season, the caustic epithet “Jail Blazers” seemed appropriate for the professional basketball team whose members, for many years, could neither win games – nor stay out of trouble with the law.

But, capitalizing on their winning streak, the Portland Trail Blazers are building on their new winning ways outside the Rose Garden, with a community-service effort they call “Make it Better”.

Outer East Portland school benefits
On January 28, we’re attending a special rally at the 900-student Marshall Campus (formerly known as Marshall High School) on SE 91st Avenue, just east of Eastport Plaza.

“We are dedicating a newly-refinished gym floor,” beams Tom Hewitt, a teacher at Marshall High School attached to “BizTech Academy”. “It’s good to make a big difference for our kids and the community.”

The previous floor was warped, ugly-looking, and not very bright, says Hewitt. “Now this new floor surface has revived the kids both in PE classes and athletics. It’s always been a good, springy floor. They’ve just taken the floor down to the bare wood and refinished it. This is very cool.”

Asked what the Blazers have to do with it, Hewitt responds, “The Blazers had everything to do with it. They paid every penny to have the floor be refinished.”

Marshall Campus staff member and students sit on the newly-refinished gym floor is a symbol of the how businesses can help public schools provide a better education, Blazers officials say.

Calls project a ‘no-brainer’
“For us this project is kind of a no-brainer,” says Traci Rose, VP of Community Relations for the Portland Trail Blazers. “We’re involved in basketball, the school plays basketball – so we went ahead and refinished this floor for them.

“Just why is the Blazers organization doing this?” we ask.

“It’s true, the Portland Trail Blazers don’t play on this floor. But the kids who do play on this floor – they’re the next generation of our sports fans, and maybe athletes.”

More importantly, Rose adds, their organization is trying to encourage other, larger corporations and individuals to contribute to upgrading sports facilities at other high schools in Portland. “There is a lot of work that needs to be done to help bring these sports facilities up to par. If there is private funding, school district can concentrate its spending on programs to help improve academics.”

Blazers’ Tom Fletcher extols students to follow their lead and “make it better” in their communities.

Dedication a lively event
With the team’s mascot, Blaze, running into the bleachers and pumping up the crowd, the Trailblazers’ dedication ceremony looked more like a pep rally.

Starting the formal part of the program, Tom Fletcher, Community Relations for the Blazers, tells the students, “It is the goal of the Trail Blazers to excel on the [playing] floor. But also we want to do our best for our community, off the floor. This has always been a commitment in our organization through the years. But it’s even more of a commitment now.

“And, I encourage you to make a difference. And the best way to ‘make a difference’ is to ‘do good when nobody is looking’. Do something in your neighborhood to make something better there. If you do that, I guarantee the benefit will come back to you threefold.”

On had were former Portland Trail Blazers star players.

Presidential proclamation
The new Portland Trail Blazer’s president, Larry Miller, takes up the theme as he explains, “Being part of the community, it is important for the Blazers organization to give back any way we can. A few months back, we started this project, putting new basketball courts in Portland high schools. Were doing here today, dedicating this new floor, as part of our ‘Make it Better’ in Portland Public Schools.”

Stars, students and games
Tom Gilmore, Marshall Student, responds, “We’re really proud of our school. We’re presenting to a basketball that has been signed by all of our schools players.”

Past Blazer stars in attendance are introduced, the Blazers’ Cheer Leaders perform, and some of the students are chosen to participate in a “spin around and shoot a basket” game for prizes.

In all, this is a great day for a school, struggling to meet the needs of a lower income, diverse neighborhood.

On the way out, however, a staff member comments, “Now, if they could only find some money to fix the gym roof. It leaks in five places. I’d hate to see the floor ruined before summer.”

Chamber elects new officers, hears Merkley address

The East Portland Chamber of Commerce keeps going and growing. Read this, and see what this year’s leaders have in store …

Newly elected officers are (left to right): President, Richard Sorem, Stewart & Tunno Insurance; Vice President, Pam Olson, Farmers Insurance; Treasurer, Norm Rice, 1st Class Properties; and Secretary Jill Critchfield, Pacific HR.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The East Portland Chamber of Commerce was formed four years ago to serve the city’s large eastside area, home to approximately 14,000 businesses, with an annual payroll of nearly $520-million.

Most are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees each.

The Chamber’s new board members are: Casey Ryan, vice president, Riverview Community Bank; and Nancy Zuffrea, marketing director, ExecuTech Suites.

The organization’s new president this year is Richard Sorem, Stewart & Tunno Insurance, who explains, “The Chamber’s focus in 2008 is on helping our members grow, learn, and be heard – especially down at Portland City Hall and in County government.”

The group holds free Wednesday morning networking meetings at various locations each week. See our Community Calendar for the location of this week’s “Good Morning East Portland” session. “We also offer educational seminars, golf and bowling tournaments, social events, and opportunities for our members to give back to their community,” says Sorem.

Merkley addresses Chamber members

David Douglas Schools District Superintendent Barbara Rommel outlines a brief history of the District before introducing DDHS graduate, Oregon’s House Speaker, Jeff Merkley, at this Wednesday morning meeting held at the offices of DDS.

“I’m proud to be a product of David Douglas Schools,” begins Jeff Merkley, Speaker of Oregon’s House of Representatives, and candidate to be the Democratic Party nominee to run against US Senator Gordon Smith.

How did Merkley get his start in politics?

“When I was a high school junior here,” Merkley recalls, “I remember sitting in the library. A person came and asked me to sign his petition to run for SA president. I asked him to ‘treat the students right’ if he was elected. If he didn’t, I told him, I’d run against him. He just laughed at me. I marched down to the student office, got my petition forms, sighed up, and ran against him. I won the election.”

The frustration of the student body, he continues, led him to take action. “It changed my outlook on life. It has dominated my outlook on life since then. I want to dive in and do things better. From working in small villages, to the Pentagon, to running a small business, I have gained a lot of experience.”

Merkley expresses his admiration for businesspeople, saying, “I appreciate your sheer tenacity, your drive to make your businesses run. I congratulate you all for being active in government, and especially Ken Turner, for helping to drive the Small Business Bill of Rights through the Portland City Council.”

Jeff Merkley tells how the current State Legislature has improved the state’s financial footing, and has worked more cooperatively.

Talking about the last legislative session, Merkley characterizes it as “productive. Our committees worked hard to find solutions together.”

About the state’s economic outlook, he remarks, “We haven’t slid into a recession yet, but other states are.”

He states that the new “Rainy Day Fund” has boosted Oregon’s bond rating, even though “the national debt has doubled in the last seven years. Everything, including education, is getting squeezed. Much of the interest on our nations’ debt is held by Chinese lenders. I don’t want my tax dollars going to China.”

Regarding education, the Speaker says, “I’m concerned about educational funding, especially higher education. A first-tier economy in Oregon requires providing first-rate education.”

About the “special emergency session” held this month, Merkley said, “A Citizens Advisory Council requested that we hold an emergency session.” He was unavailable to answer questions regarding that advisory group.

Merkley answers questions put to him by members of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce.

Merkley answers questions raised by chamber members

Q “We’re all busy. What is the way for busy people to stay informed about local and state politics?”

A “Read the newspaper, listen to public radio and watch news, like on KGW-TV. For businesses, check with your trade association. Call, or meet with, your state representatives. If you can’t visit them, write or send an e-mail. I do put out an electronic newsletter to keep people informed.”

Q Regarding the “special emergency Oregon Legislative session”, a member asks, “It’s been said that government that is best governs least. What is this ‘special session’ going to cost the taxpayers?”

A “Jefferson said the best government is local government. It costs us about $10,000 per day to hold a session. Marginal costs are about the same. There is the increased per diem. When I came to legislature there was 24-hour pubic notice. We’re going to post a week out the bills taken up by the House. You get a lot better oversight when you utilize citizens in the process.

“Our hope in the special session will be adding more Oregon State Police Troopers to intercept drugs, like methamphetamine, coming in from the South. We’re holding this thought in mind: ‘How can we keep the problem-solving mentality?’ We will only be dealing with committee recommended bills.”

Q “In regard to you running for your party’s US Senate seat nomination: People have become polarized. There is gridlock. What would you do as a US Senator to reduce that phenomenon?”

A “We were able to overcome this by acting more inclusively. This means recognizing the minority party members on the committees; requiring they sit together, not on opposite ends of the table, for example.

“I can’t write the rules for how the Senate behaves. But years ago, [members of our US Legislature] went through wars and depressions together. Regardless [of their political party] they were on the same team. We have to figure out how to get out of Iraq; how to balance the budget; how to reduce the ‘carbon load’ off the world’s ecology. I will bring the philosophy of cooperation. I’m hoping leaders around the country will see more collaboration, rather than keep using a burnt-earth strategy for negotiations.”

Q “Why can’t [the City of Portland] adopt an attitude of commons-sense spending? I’m seeing trams built; and trolley car lines and other wasteful projects being built. Shouldn’t we spend money to help revitalize business so people can get good jobs and revitalize their lives?”

A “I don’t follow the city budget closely. Common sense budgeting makes sense. Downtown has added a number of features to strengthen the City’s inner core. I’m concerned that there may be an over-concentration of poverty and in outer East Portland. We need to engage Portland better.”

Q Judith Huck, Classique Floors asks, “How do we go about that? I see gentrification of inner Portland. Now, schools out here are underfunded. We need to support our schools here; now that so many of the poor have moved out here.”

A “We need to be more engaged with City politics. We need to get City Council meetings out here. The more engagement with the city, the more results we’re going to get.”

For more information regarding the East Portland Chamber of Commerce, see their web site, CLICK HERE.

Winter ‘Fix-it Fair’ breaks 20-year attendance records

If you missed the event, see why so many people
came to this year’s event, held in Lents …

Jill Kolek of Portland’s Office of Sustainable Development, with Fix-it Fair staff members Wing Brabowski, Genevieve Joplin, Yvonne Garcia, and Ishah Ahumada. All, here, are welcoming folks to the fair.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After 20 years of City of Portland sponsored “Fix-it Fairs”, one might think folks in East Portland might have tired, a bit, of the familiar event.

Not so, says the event’s organizer, from the City of Portland’s Office of Sustainable Development, Jill Kolek. “We have had a record number of visitors. We’ll see more than 800 participants today at our 21st annual Fix-it Fair. Our daycare room has filled up several times today.”

Parking was tight around Lent School on SE 97th Avenue, between SE Harold Street and SE Holgate Boulevard on January 12 – another testiment to the Fair’s success.

“The Fix-it Fair is important,” Kolek says, “because it makes great community resources available to all these folks.”

In addition to the 45 vendor booths set up in the school’s gym, two dozen classes about efficient water use, energy efficiency, the dangers of lead in the home, remodeling, gardening, recycling, and other topics are presented throughout the day.

“The whole idea,” adds Kolek, is to help direct neighbors to community resources that help them both conserve the environment – and also their money.”

Fix-it Fair photo album

Caron Kepic, Madine Lutes, Jimi Johnson talk with Rex Hollingsworth (Rex Heating & Air Conditioning) and Dave Lutes, at the Multnomah County Weatherization Program table. Hollingsworth is holding a cracked furnace heat-exchanger which allows carbon monoxide to leak into the airflow of the furnace. “It’s both inefficient and dangerous,” Hollingsworth says.

Caran Goodall, Master Recycler, at the “Remodel It Green” table, speaking with visitor James Graham. Graham commented, “The exhibits and information are really good. I’m glad I came.”

Nancy Weber, on behalf of the Oregon Construction Contractors Board, leads a seminar called “How to avoid mistakes when hiring a contractor”. How many mistakes can there be? Quite a few, it turns out. Weber handed out a thick booklet illustrating many disastrous outcomes.

Burgerville employees coming from all four outer East Portland restaurants are fixing some of the 1,000 cheeseburgers they’re handing out – for free – at the Fix-it Fair. Jerry Otto, manager of the Burgerville at SE 122 Avenue & SE Stark Street explains, “Company-wide, we’re all about sustainability – helping the environment and giving back to our community.”

The 21st Annual Fix-It Fair season was sponsored by The City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development, as well as by Burgerville, Energy Trust of Oregon, Pacific Power, Portland General Electric, Portland Development Commission, and The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services.

Two fires on two Fridays teach two lessons

Most fires can be avoided, Portland Fire & Rescue officials say.
See the devastating results of two such blazes …

After knocking down the fire, Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters move inside on the 10400 block of NE Morris St. to finish extinguishing the blaze that stared in the front-room.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The stillness of the frigid night in Parkrose Heights was shattered late Friday night, January 18, by the sound of wailing and whooping sirens and flashing emergency lights a little after midnight.

Trucks and engines from Portland Fire & Rescue Stations 12, 2, 7, and 30 were racing to a house fire the 10400 block of NE Morris Street. “The fire was ripping so strongly,” a firefighter on the first-arriving truck told us, “you could see it lighting up the sky from NE 102nd Avenue.”

Firefighters, dressed in their heavy turnouts, haul saws up to the roof to cut holes for ventilation and to put out fire that extended to the attic.

Fire lights the sky
Portland Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief C4, Jay Olson, agreed, “The fire was going pretty good. I’m sure the firefighters saw it from a long way away. The front part of the house was fully involved in flames upon arrival. The firefighters quickly knocked down the fire.”

Flames from the front of the house traveled to the back of the home, Olson told us on scene. “The smoke traveled throughout the entire structure.”

This fire presented a challenge Olson added. “Firefighters had to cut in to the roof, tear down ceilings, and go through walls to extinguish the fire.” Firefighters tended the ruins of the house until 5:30 a.m.

Fortunately, fire crews discovered all the occupants had escaped with their dog, said the Battalion Chief.

Although firefighters arrived minutes, one look at this photograph will show how intensely the fire ripped through this Parkrose Heights home.

Escapes midnight blaze
We approached people standing on the curb across from the smoldering home; firefighters suggested they were the neighbors who called in the alarm. We asked what they saw when the called in the alarm.

“Ah, well, actually, it’s our house,” said Josh Schrader. “We haven’t been living here all that long.”

Schrader continued, “My dog woke me up. It let me know there was something going on in the living room. As I was making my way down the stairs I could smell something burning. I got to the living room and I could see that stuff we had in the living room was on fire. I turned around and got everyone out.”

Firefighters pull down the ceiling to make sure all of the fire has been completely extinguished.

The homeowner paused to look for their kitten, and said he couldn’t find it. “I didn’t think we had much time.” Schrader gestured to the woman wrapped in a blanket standing next to him. “Me and her, we made it out with what were wearing.”

Although we didn’t press Schrader, he volunteered, “One good thing is all my fishing gear is in the trailer in the driveway! It’s OK.”

Although the fire was put out quickly, crews remained on the scene looking for flair-ups until 5:30 that morning.

Lessons to be learned
Fire Investigators could not determine if there was a working Smoke Alarm in the home. The cause of the fire was a malfunctioning baseboard heater, which ignited nearby combustible materials.

About this fire, Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman Lt. Dave Centers asked us to remind readers: “Always give any heater or heating device (including hot water heaters) at least 16 to 18 inches of clearance. Do not store or pile combustible materials (paper, clothing, wood, etc.) in these spaces.”

Friday Fire #2

As the other crews pull up, they find the fire was put out quickly by the crew of Truck 11.

A week later, on Friday January 25 – the report of another house fire, in outer East Portland, came in at 1:21 p.m. One minute after the call came in, Portland Fire & Rescue Truck 11 pulled up to the burning home in the 5100 block of SE 85th Avenue, a couple of blocks south of Eastport Plaza.

Pumping water directly from the tank in their engine, the Truck 11 crew rushed in and attacked the fire.

This is the charred room the firefighters saw when the looked in the window.

With minutes, units from Stations 25, 19, and 29 joined their comrades – but the fire was already out, and the damage was done.

The house didn’t look damaged when we arrived. “It looks like a bedroom fire,” said Battalion Chief C3, Pat Davies.

The firefighters removed a burned door and some charred furniture as they “overhauled” [looking for embers and removing burnt material] the bedroom. Burned material is at the feet of the firefighters.

A gentleman talking with fire officials at the home stopped and told us his daughter lived at the house. “I think my granddaughter was playing with matches or a lighter in the bedroom.”

“Damage was extensive enough, to force the two adults and three kids to be displaced from the home,” reported Portland Fire & Rescue spokesperson Kim Kosmas. “The investigator determined that the fire was started by a youth playing with a lighter.”

A Portland Fire & Rescue fire inspector talks with a gentleman who identified himself as the father of the one of the residents of the house.

Lesson to be learned
“Kids are fascinated by fire,” Kosmas told us. “Parents must teach their children that fire is a powerful, destructive force. And, it helps to keep lighters and matches out the reach of small children.”