You have seen our stories about the September start-of-school program by the same name – we were surprised to see this holiday “Shop-with-a-Cop” version. See why 38 kids’ Christmas was a little brighter …

This crowd of happy Fred Meyer Gateway shoppers are about to go on a shopping spree, with Portland Police Bureau officers as their personal shopping assistants.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When Portland Police Bureau officers converged on the Gateway Fred Meyer store just before Christmas, they weren’t carrying handcuffs or Tazers – instead, they had gift cards in hand!

Troy Harding, store director Gateway Fred Meyer, explained, “38 needy kids are here, shopping for clothing and other things they need, thanks to the Portland Police Bureau’s Sunshine Division, and other sponsors.”

Harding said Fred Meyer participates in the event “Because we are a part of the community. We want to be able to help where we can. And, because our store provides one-stop shopping, they can get anything they need right here.”

Portland Police Bureau chief Rosie Sizer takes charge of a shopping cart as she and Cody Mode, an 8th grader at Alice Ott Middle School, head into the store.

We learned that this is called the “Izzy’s Kids Holiday Event”, named in honor of Isabell Hoyt, a longtime Sunshine Division volunteer with a particular concern for the welfare of Portland’s children.

This program permits Portland Police officers to identify school-age children whose families cannot afford to outfit them with essential new school clothes.

With gift card in hand Chief Sizer and Cody shop for warm, winter clothing – and a couple of cool T-shirts.

“I really enjoy participating in this, as well as our Fall Shop-with-a-Cop event,” Sizer told us. “Kids not only get new school clothes, but also get to make a positive, personal connection with law enforcement officers.”

After the shopping spree, the kids attended an ice cream feast at the nearby Fir Ridge Campus of David Douglas High Schools.

The event was sponsored by Sunshine Division in partnership with the Portland Police Bureau, Fred Meyer, and Commerce Bank.

Formerly a lieutenant at East Precinct, Captain Chris Uehara, now at Family Services Division, helps a youngster pick out the perfect “hoodie” jacket.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

They’re not concerned about how district resources are shifted around – but these neighbors say they’ll fight to stay part of East Precinct. You might want to attend this January 15 meeting, too …

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs says Madison South has a “model relationship” with the precinct.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In an effort to improve police response times and improve service, Portland Police Bureau’s chief, Rosie Sizer, has put together a committee to look at redistricting within police precincts, and changing some precinct boundaries.

And, when one looks at a map illustrating police precinct boundary lines, one might well wonder why the Hollywood community is actually in East Precinct. Most East Precinct neighborhoods are along 82nd Avenue of Roses, and eastward to the Gresham city line.

Examining culture and demographics
We talked with Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs, to better understand this effort.

“They put together a committee to examine the culture and demographics in the city,” Crebs told us. “We’ve found that some district [patrol areas within a precinct] officers were really busy. Officers are running from call, to call, to call. This means a slower response time within their area.”

Other districts, Crebs added, have lower calls for service. “The idea is to move some district boundaries to allow for faster response time, and allow officers more time for neighborhood crime problem-solving.”

Ruth Hander, Chair of the Madison South Neighborhood Association, organized East Precinct’s “Ice Cream Cops” outreach program this summer with Sergeant (now Lieutenant) Timothy Sessions.

Says Madison South should stay in East Precinct
The Madison South neighborhood lies along the western edge of NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, north of Montavilla. Along with the Hollywood area, Sizer’s committee has indicated they might be moved into the jurisdiction of Northeast Precinct.

“A lot of us don’t like this idea,” Ruth Hander, Chair of the  Madison South Neighborhood Association, told us when we talked with her. “We’re physically closer to East Precinct and have a high degree of involvement with the precinct, its officers, and its commander.”

Hander pointed that East Precinct’s Block Captain Coordinator is a Madison South resident. “I’m one of East Precinct’s ‘trunk ladies’. We volunteer to restock the trunks of the precinct’s patrol cars, making sure they have all necessary supplies at all times.”

Additionally, Hander pointed out that members from her neighborhood have gone before the Portland City Council to advocate for funding, and they take an active part in outreach programs.

“If they’re looking for a model of ‘community policing’, you won’t find this concept more strongly than right here,” Hander added. “We don’t have that many calls – I think, about 4% [of the precinct’s call load]. Why change it? We’re very much connected with East Precinct.”

Calls it a ‘model relationship’
Commander Crebs said that his officers have a great relationship with the citizens of the Hollywood area.

But, he agreed with Hander’s assessment of police relations between East Precinct and Madison South, adding, “We have a model relationship with this neighborhood. Between the officers and the citizens, there is none better.”

Here’s a look at the northern portion of East Precinct’s territory. PPB graphic enhanced by EastPDXnews.com

Precinct redistricting meetings
There are several upcoming opportunities to view proposed boundary changes, learn about redistricting recommendations, and provide feedback.

East Precinct (First of two)
Jan. 15, 2008 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Banfield Corporate Office, 8000 NE Tillamook
Information: 503-823-4800

Southeast Precinct
Jan. 22, 2008 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
SE Precinct Community Room
4735 E. Burnside
Information: 503-823-2143

East Precinct (Second of two)
Feb. 26, 2008 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Banfield Corporate Office
8000 NE Tillamook
Information: 503-823-4800

“Come and let your voice by heard by the Chief of Police,” Crebs said. “This process will change the precinct. If you live in Hollywood or Madison South, come let your voice be heard. Chief Sizer needs good input to be able to make the best decision on behalf of the citizens.”

Hander added, “If you want to keep the great officers you see right now, come to the meeting and speak up.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Although this particular investigation isn’t over yet, keep in mind three important driving tips – of which you’ll be reminded, by reading this article …

Picture a 12-year-old boy walking toward us within the crosswalk – when suddenly he’s hit so hard by a westbound car that his head cracks the windshield. It happened, right here, on January 9th.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Dark mornings, foggy windshields, and distracted drivers can turn an average morning’s commute into a tragic situation.

Anyone who frequently travels on SE Stark and crosses SE 108th Avenue – that’s where SE Washington Street splits off, heading westbound – has seen the well-marked pedestrian crosswalk at that intersection. Other alert drivers will have noted that Floyd Light Middle School’s parking lot starts just south of the intersection.

Split second of inattention nearly claims a kid’s life
That crosswalk was the scene of a heartrending, avoidable accident early on Wednesday, January 9.

About 7:30 a.m., a 12-year-old student at Floyd Light Middle School was heading to school. As he stepped into the crosswalk, walking south, toward his school, one westbound car stopped for him – as required by law.

But another driver, identified by police investigators as 63-year-old Dinh Van Mai, was also heading west, driving a 1990 Toyota.

He didn’t stop.

“The window in Mai’s car was fogged over,” Sgt. Brian Schmautz, Portland Police Bureau’s spokesman, told us. “The driver hadn’t taken the time to clear the fog off of his windshield. He was wiping it off at the time of the incident.”

Witnesses said the boy’s head cracked Mai’s windshield; emergency radio reports by paramedics stated that blood was flowing from the boy’s ears as he lay on the pavement.

The boy remained conscious, did remember being hit and was transported to Oregon Health and Science University with traumatic, but reportedly non-life-threatening, injuries.

The accident that took place at this crosswalk could have been avoided.

Lessons to be learned
We’re not releasing photos of the young man’s blood on the pavement.

And the only reason we’re bringing you a detailed report of the young man’s injuries is to draw your attention to the three situations that in this case will, forever, alter one young person’s life.

1. Clear your vehicle’s windows before you start driving. A life may depend on your being able to see.
2. Look out for pedestrians who may be in crosswalks. Legally, a crosswalk – whether or not it is marked – is at any street intersection.
3. When a car is stopped at or near a crosswalk or intersection – think before you swerve and pass the “idiot” stopped there. That driver may well be yielding right-of-way to a pedestrian.

By the way, Mai remained at the scene and talked to police. Investigators say they will wait for the analysis from the collision reconstruction to make a final conclusion before issuing any citations.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

When these kids sing, they sound like professional musicians! Learn what a nearly-full house enjoyed, just a few weeks ago …

The Parkrose Treble Choir starts off the show – they’ve donned the Santa hats because they’re singing “Santa Baby”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it took place in December, the Holiday Choral Concert in the Parkrose High School Theater remains a fresh, delightful memory. A nearly-full house enjoyed 19-song concert presented by six of the group’s students.

Here are some scenes from this great program:

Lesley Ann Bossert directs the Parkrose High School Choir program. The school has won many state and national awards under her leadership.

The Debonaires take the stage, professionally performing some very challenging songs – here, “The Gift” by Gilbert M. Martin.

The Concert Choir presents holiday songs, and elicits cheers and a standing ovation from the audience.

The Parkrose High Theater ring out with song, as the combined choirs close the show.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

The Gateway Area Business Association was the latest platform for Jeff Merkley to pitch his desire to be the Democratic nominee in the US Senate race this fall. See what he told the group …

Gateway Keystone Kop Brad Sanchez of Realty Brokers presents the traveling, coveted Rubber Chicken Trophy to “the gals” at Pacific Northwest Title, Laura Steinke and Molly Malone.

Story by Watford Reed; photos by David F. Ashton
House Speaker Jeff Merkley took another step in his campaign for a seat in the U.S. Senate on January 10, by blasting President Bush’s policy on money, healthcare, and “big business” at the year’s first meeting of the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA).

Alan Sanchez, GABA’s President, introduced the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, Merkley, by giving his curriculum vitae: “He’s been a GABA member and supporter for many years. In addition to being House Speaker, he represents our District 47. Jeff has served in the Oregon Legislature since 1998.

“He was president of the Portland World Affairs Council. He was director of Habitat for Humanity in Portland. He received his Bachelor’s in International Relations from Stanford University, and then went on to the Woodrow Wilson School of International Relations at Princeton. He served as a Presidential Fellow in Washington, DC, and worked for the office of the Secretary of Defense and the General Accounting Office.

“Jeff is a graduate of the David Douglas School District and he and his wife, Mary, and their children, are advocates for the Gateway area.”

Oregon House Speaker, Jeff Merkley, addresses members of the Gateway Area Business Association.

Merkley on the Oregon Legislature
“I’m glad to see the Keystone Kops are active in Gateway again,” Merkley began. “The Fun-O-Rama is a great part of the community. About the ‘Rubber Chicken’ — I’ve had the chance to eat a lot of rubber chicken dinners lately, but I haven’t seen one given as an award!

“We’ve had a state legislature in deadlock for many years. But this was a year of change. We moved forward this year on many fronts. We increased Head Start legibility funding from 50% to 75% funding. We made sure high schools and colleges got more funding.

“We made a lot of progress. But we have a long way to go. Our state’s economy will thrive, or not thrive, based on the quality of our educational system.

“We dived into the issues health care, environmental issues, and finance issues. I personally championed closing down ‘payday loan sharking’, charging rates of up to 500% a year. We estimated they made 100,000 loans a year. That stripped money out of our economy – taking money away from people who buy at our local businesses.

“I also championed fiscal accountability for the state in the form of a ‘Rainy Day Fund’; capitalizing it with 8% of the State’s revenues. This strengthens our State, and raises our bond rating.

“We set up a group pharmaceutical buying program. We had to fight the federal framework to do it. We now have the best bulk purchasing plan in the nation.

“We have had the most productive session in years. I’ve brought a problem- solving attitude to the legislature. I’m a policy guy. 80% of those on the right and left agree on most topics. When we bring members back to the center, we bring together people from different parties: It works. I insisted that majority committee leaders work with minority party members.”

At the meeting, Merkley outlines why he’s decided to leave the Oregon Legislature and run for the Democratic nomination to become a US Senator, a seat now held by Senator Gordon Smith.

Merkley campaigns
Asking for questions, a campaign supporter asked Merkley to talk about his bid the Democratic nomination to become a US Senator.

Speaking to about 60 members of at the GABA meeting, Merkley declared “Our nation has gone so far off track in the last few years. We have young children and we’re concerned about the future. My wife and I agree that we never saw such financial malfeasance (as the Bush administration has shown).

“The national debt has doubled in the last few years,” he explained, adding “we are now $9 trillion in debt.”

One reason, he said, is that America is paying billions of dollars for oil from overseas.

He also said more Americans are living without health insurance now than in the past seven years.

“If you don’t like the way things are going,” he said, “help send me to Washington DC.”

Without mentioning the President by name, he said, “Changing American policy is never easy but it is not impossible. Elect people who will fight for oil companies and drug companies.”  He declared that the United States Senate is “in a state of paralysis” because there are 49 Republicans, and 49 Democratic senators and two independents.

Asked about the need to overhaul health plans, Merkley said many small businesses “are saying that they can’t afford health plans” and may be forced out of business.  “And the country is at a competitive disadvantage in the world because of the cost of health care,” he went on.

Returning to his own record in the legislature, the speaker said he has been asked him how he accomplished so much.

It was because “we need to get people away from partisanship,” he said.  He declared that he has done “what people said couldn’t be done.”

If he is elected as a US Senator, Merkley says it will “send a message” that the state, and country, wants change.

Questions and answers
Q Kevin Minkoff, CPA: “The topics of the federal budget, dependence on foreign oil, the greenhouse effect, and healthcare are important to everyone. How are you going to change the system? Oil and health care are backed by big money! How will you change the system so those issues can be addressed and success can be accomplished?”

A Merkley: “Let’s not be under the illusion that changing public policy is easy. When citizens send a movement forward – when they send a different set of senators to Washington – it signals that it’s time for a change. In the Great Depression, we changed leadership and changed things from being a downward spiral to an upward spiral.

“We want to make the change. If we win this race, and take this senate seat, it will send a message.”

Asked about the special session for the Oregon State Legislature called last fall, Merkley says “An ’emergency’ is in the eye of the beholder”.

Q East PDX News: “While we think having annual sessions in the Oregon Legislature may be a good idea, the state’s constitution says it is to be held biannually. A State senator has sued because an ’emergency’ session was scheduled months ago. Why not change the constitution instead of going against it?”

A Merkley: “An ’emergency’ is in the eye of the beholder. If you are in an Oregon town that has suffered storm damage, such as Vernonia, it is an emergency. And, we’re dealing with the failure of the federal government to fulfill its promise to pay timber counties for money they formerly got from timber-cutting, and the need for better care for foster children.  More state police are also needed to intercept trucks bearing drugs from the south.

“Essentially, that is the gist of the situation. We have, in the past, called two or three special sessions during a biennium. The goal [of this special session] is to do it in a planned way and get [the work of the State] done. This is a different approach.  I’m not at all convinced that the citizens in the state will vote for annual sessions.

“Here’s another element: In the past, we met for six months. Then, during the 18 months we were off, members of all of the committees were scrambled; they had, essentially, to start over. This year, we’ve kept the committee members all the same. We asked them to spend the time in February working on issues for the next sessions.

“And here’s one more element: I’ve done things in the legislature that people said couldn’t be done. They said incumbents can’t be beat; we did. They said we couldn’t get bills past with a one-vote majority; we did. On the national level, we need to come together in this way.”

Q An Association member: “When will SE Powell Blvd. will see some improvement? Since the “Mt. Hood Freeway” was scrapped, improvements to this main highway between I-205 and Gresham have been at a standstill.”

A Merkley: “The City of Portland needs to step up and take care of its roads.” When it was pointed out SE Powell Blvd. is a State highway, Merkley backpedaled, and stated that the system for funding highway projects was very complex, and he’d look into the situation.

Merkley drew applause when he criticized “poor leaders” for overlooking “the east part of town, including Gateway. Portland leaders think the city ends at Mount Tabor; there is not much the state can do to make Portland give a fair share to east Portland.”

David F. Ashton contributed to this article.

© 2008 East Portland News Service

See what citizens learned, when the Portland Office of Transportation unveiled the program they’ll be pitching to the City in February …

Sharon White, Portland Office of Transportation, listens to the concerns of a neighbor regarding a proposal contained in the “82nd Avenue of Roses High Crash Corridor Safety Action Plan”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As it gets ready to present its proposal to the Portland City Council in February, the Portland Office of Transportation (PDOT) let neighbors and citizens have a first look at – and comment on – the 82nd Avenue of Roses “High Crash Corridor Safety Action Plan” in December.

At the open house, held at the Central Northeast Neighbors office, Rich Newlands, PDOT Project Management, explained, “We’re taking on this project because, if one looks at the accident history on 82nd Avenue of Roses, it stands head and shoulders above other comparable highways when it comes to vehicle and pedestrian accidents.”

Five of the top twenty crash-prone intersections in Portland, he added, are along this highway. “It is clear that this is a road on which our attention should be focused.”

Newlands said a committee has been meeting to develop the safety action plan since last spring.

An East Portland neighbor who lives near 82nd Avenue of Roses, Dave Smith, talks with PDOT’s Rich Newlands and Raphael Haou.

Seven miles of challenges
“Because 82nd Avenue of Roses runs from Clackamas County to the Portland International Airport, it provides planning challenges,” Newlands said. “We’re working with a stretch of road nearly seven miles in length – with several different neighborhoods bordering along it. There are a lot of different perspectives about what the problems are along 82nd Avenue.”

We asked why the City of Portland is taking steps to correct problems along a State-owned highway.

“You’re right,” Newlands replied, “82nd Avenue is under ODOT’s jurisdiction – but it’s still a Portland street. This project is very much a [city/state] partnership. Our counterparts at ODOT say they’re excited because we’re using a planning process they developed. This is the first application of it in the City of Portland. ODOT has funded the planning process and some of the improvements.”

Please see the end of this article for a summary of the changes proposed in the “82nd Avenue of Roses High Crash Corridor Safety Action Plan”.

Madison South resident Dave Smith is surprised to see a highway barrier at a place where he says it will interfere with vehicle traffic.

Project element surprises neighbor
Dave Smith, Madison South neighbor and head of the East Portland Block Captain program, stopped by the meeting. We noted a look of surprise on his face as he studied the plans.

“We live close to NE 82nd Avenue on Brazee Street,” Smith began. “I noticed an engineering proposal to put some kind of barrier or crossing at Brazee Street. It may interfere with automobile traffic. Safety might be better served by having the barrier on Russell Street, where there is a bus stop. That’s the place where kids from Madison High School are crossing the street.”

Smith said he was surprised at what he didn’t see: Improvements to NE 82nd Avenue of Roses at the MAX crossing. “The way pedestrians cross the street and traffic in that area, it is frustrating for those on foot, drivers – and police, who have to enforce safety issues around there.”

82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association president Ken Turner here talks with a neighbor about how the safety plan might affect area businesses.

Hopes plan won’t hurt businesses
Ken Turner, president of the 82nd Ave of Roses Business Association, also came by the open house.

“I applaud much of what I’m seeing here tonight – and the ideas and thoughts behind it,” Turner began. “I think this is a good idea.”

However, a component he found missing, Turner continued, “is how proposed traffic changes along 82nd Avenue would affect businesses in both positive and negative way. Businesses survive by how many cars can come and go from their business. If a customer can’t get into a business, or traffic makes it difficult for them to leave a parking lot, the customer won’t come back.”

82nd Ave. of Roses High Crash Corridor Safety Action Plan highlights

Safety issues

About 80% of the issues identified are regarding the safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. These include:

• Pedestrian and bike crossings at unsignalized intersections;
• Aggressive vehicle driving; and,
• Wrong way bike riding.

Proposed engineering solutions include six median pedestrian islands, located at:

• NE Wygant Street
• NE Brazee Street
• NE Pacific Street
• SE Main Street
• SE Cooper Street
• SE Francis Street
• SE Harrison Street

Locations for 59 new corner curb sidewalk ramps have been identified along the avenue.

Construct missing sidewalk between:

• NE Killingworth Street and NE Prescott Street
• SE Duke Street and SE Ogden Street

Carry out traffic studies at high crash intersections, such as

• SE Foster at 82nd
• Divison and 83rd
• Duke & 82nd, and
• Holgate & 82nd

Vehicle Speed Studies:

• Potential for relocation for pedestrian medians; and
• Installing additional warning signage

Other engineering solutions include:

• Moving bus stops
• Construction of Curb extensions
• Installing longer crossing lights

Proposed educational programs:

• “I brake for people” safety campaign
• Implementing “Portland Walks” video safety training for seniors
• Continue the “Safe Routes to School” program
• Media campaign visualizing motorists stopping distances
• Media campaign to discourage illegal bicycle riding on city streets
• Letter-writing campaign to property owners to maintain sidewalks
• Educational transit safety program
• Young drivers’ classes
• “Share the Road” traffic safety classes for violators

Proposed enforcement solutions

• Step up traffic enforcement
• NE Prescott to NE Fremont
• NE Glisan to NE Washington
• SE Powell to SE Duke

Enhanced enforcement regarding

• Jaywalking
• Motorists running red lights
• Aggressive driving, tailgating and speeding
• Motorist DWII
• Bicycle-riding violations

Install Red Light cameras at high-crash intersections.

More open houses are tentatively scheduled for January and February, Newlands said.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

In a split-second, one driver’s inattention sends another driver to the hospital. Remember these photos when you’re driving at night …

Officials say it took Portland Fire & Rescue workers considerable effort to safely remove the driver of the Mazda Protégé after it was struck by the Toyota SUV.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it was dark by 6:30 p.m., on New Year’s Eve, neither of the drivers of the two vehicles that collided in Powellhurst-Gilbert had been drinking. Officials say it was simply a moment’s inattention that led to the traumatic intersection crash.

So severe was the pile-up, a Portland Fire & Rescue truck was called to the motor vehicle accident at the intersection of SE 104th Avenue and SE Holgate Boulevard simply to extricate 45-year-old Caroline Scott from her 1999 Mazda Protégé.

Turns in front of traffic
Scott, according to Portland Police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, was westbound on SE Holgate Boulevard. “There wasn’t an indication of excessive speed or impairment.”

Officials warn that taking your eyes off the road, even for a moment, can result in a life-threatening crash like this one.

The other vehicle involved, a black 1994 Toyota 4-Runner, was driven by 27-year-old Elysia Simmons.

A passenger riding in the Toyota told us at the scene, “We were going east on Holgate, turning left (north) on 104th. I yelled when I saw the car coming, and she hit the brakes.”

Simmons was cited for Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

The accused caused thousands in damage to a business – and then wrecked his SUV during the chase. You’ll never guess what he actually trashed a store to steal …

Officers write up their reports, looking at the SUV that plowed through heavy brush and stuck a guard as the driver tried, unsuccessfully, to elude police.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Most folks in Sellwood were winding down, getting ready to settle into the four-day New Year’s weekend, late in the evening of Friday, December 28.

But on that evening, a man, sitting alone in a white 1998 Ford Explorer, outside a business at 8636 SE 17th Avenue in Sellwood, took a swig from a bottle of booze, perhaps screwing up the courage he needed to burglarize the shop he was eyeing.

At 10:06 p.m., police dispatch got a call from a citizen, reporting a man breaking into a lighting fixture business. As they got the description from the caller, dispatchers broadcast officers, asking them to be on the lookout for a white male, average height, late 30s in age, driving a white SUV.

After losing control of his truck, the banged-up bandit, accused of a Sellwood burglary, is strapped to a gurney.

Two minutes later, a patrol car spotted the truck, driving in the dark with its lights off, northbound on SE 17th Avenue, and started following it. At 10:10 p.m., another police officer spoted the truck – and the following patrol car – heading east on SE Tacoma Street, and picking up speed.

Officers reported that they spotted the driver throwing items out of his truck – perhaps a plastic bag and beer cans.

By now fleeing over the Tacoma Overpass, the SUV made a hard left turn on SE 25th Avenue, and squealed onto a business access road under the overpass, and just east of McLoughlin Boulevard. The driver lost control of his vehicle then, mowing down 20 feet of thick brush beside the street.

Cops say the tipsy thief being loaded into the ambulance got a ride to the hospital – with a police officer at his side.

The pursuit ended when the Explorer rammed, head-on, into the end of a thick, firmly rooted steel guardrail. Within minutes, the crew from Westmoreland’s Engine 20 was on-scene, extricating the tipsy thief.

Although he’s an accused drunk driver and burglar, the man was carefully secured on a backboard, strapped to a gurney, and rushed off to Adventist Medical Center – accompanied by a police officer.

41-year-old William Andrew Diamond is the guy police say racked up four charges within fifteen minutes, has a criminal record.

Adds to his criminal record
In addition to filling in details of this abbreviated crime spree, Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us the alleged drunken thief is 41-year-old William Andrew Diamond. “He has established quite a record for himself,” he noted.

“He must have gotten banged up,” Schmautz added; “he didn’t get booked until the following day.”

Lynn Keller, partner in KH Lighting, Inc., says he can’t believe all the damage the botched burglary did to their business – which only netted the crook a roll of postage stamps.

Thousands in damage for – postage stamps
A few days after the incident, we visited the business, KH Lighting, Inc., formerly known as Keller’s Home Lighting, a Sellwood-based firm that has designed and manufactured custom lighting fixtures for many of the top architectural and design firms in the nation since 1964.

One of the business’ owners, Lynn Keller, greeted us as we enter. Plywood covered a broken-out 8′ x 8′ plate glass window in the front room.

“From what we can tell, he just picked up a rock and threw it through the window. The glass will cost about $450 to replace,” reported Keller. “And, he damaged the $2,000 worth of finished lighting fixtures he stumbled over.”

“What was stolen?” we asked.

“Of all things,” replies Keller, “A roll of postage stamps. We didn’t find anything else missing. My brother, David, is going to testify at the grand jury against him. I hope they put this guy away.”

After mowing down thick brush and saplings, the accused thief’s get-away car was heavily damaged as it struck a steel guard rail head-on.

Draws four charges
According to Sgt. Schmautz, Diamond is charged with Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Attempt to Elude Police Officers, Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, and Driving While Intoxicated or Impaired (DWII).

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Find out why the men and women who prefer green for the color of their work attire give time and money to youngsters who have so little …

The program supervisor at the county jail, Elizabeth Daily (left, red blouse), and other Multnomah County Corrections workers, get ready to hand out the child-specific bundles of toys and clothes they purchased and wrapped for the occasion.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As one may imagine, Christmas can be an unhappy and stressful time for kids of parents who are homeless.

But for 18 years now, members of Local 88/Deputy Sheriff’s Association and Multnomah County Corrections Association have pitched in to help make the Holidays brighter for these kids.

“The day we hold our annual holiday party for the Community Transitions School children,” says Elizabeth Daily, Program Supervisor of the Facilities Security Unit, Multnomah County Inverness Jail, “is always special.”

Dep. Moaning, a veteran, 25-year MSCO corrections officer helps out at the event, on her day off. She’s giving out Honorary Sheriff’s Deputy badges.

“The Community Transitions School is a community-based program that teaches children who are homeless. It helps the children be in a school with other children, all coming from the same family environment as them. Instructors at the school recognize that the children have needs that can’t always be taken care of in a traditional school situation.”

Daily told us that each child at the Holiday event gets four gifts: Two of clothing, and two of toys. “Each gift is specifically chosen for each child; it isn’t a ‘grab bag’. And, everything – the toys, clothes, and pizza for the party – are all donated. Nothing comes out of the Sheriff’s Office budget.”

In the absence of Sheriff Bernie Giusto, Raimond Adgers, Facility Commander, Multnomah County Inverness Jail, (front and center), leads a “singing contest” among the jail’s staffmembers and Deputies.

Sheriff misses party
For the first year we can remember, Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto missed the party. He was talking with County Chair Ted Wheeler about the jail’s management – the same meeting at which he says he was misquoted about retiring from his position.

Raimond Adgers, Facility Commander of Multnomah County’s Inverness Jail, handled the Master of Ceremonies duties. The kids, and their teenage mentors from Wilson High School, sang songs, and participated in the day’s entertainment.

Commander Adgers thanks the kids for a handmade “thank you” card.

Chief Deputy Ron Bishop leads the kids in the official swearing-in of the “Junior Deputies”.

The kids who come to this special party get more than gifts.

“Hopefully, our event helps teach these kids,” Daily said, “that interaction with police officers can be positive. Most of these kids only experience uniformed presence when they are in a highly emotional situation. It is important to us to let them know we are here to keep them safe. Here, they get to see that they are real people who care about them and their community.”

Providing energetic entertainment is Vancouver’s own Curtis Carlyle.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why police say there wasn’t anything the driver could have done differently to avoid this New Year’s Eve fatal accident …

SE Powell Blvd. was closed for most of New Year’s Eve while officials from the Portland Police Bureau’s Fatal Crash Team investigated the death of a pedestrian.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
80-year-old Joan Catherine Blake didn’t live to see 2008. She died after she stepped off the curb, wearing dark-colored clothing, to cross SE Powell Boulevard near SE 84th Avenue on New Year’s Eve.

Blake was said to have lived by herself in a seniors’ residence, a block south of the accident.

So poorly lit was the accident scene, we had difficulty focusing on the bright orange traffic cones that marked the site of the fatality. The mishap did not occur in a crosswalk.

“The driver, 44-year-old Thomas Lynn Meeker, was eastbound on SE Powell Boulevard,” Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz reported. “Meeker struck Blake who was crossing SE Powell; he remained at the scene and cooperated with police.”

Traffic Investigators believe neither alcohol nor speed were factors in the collision. And, at this time, no citations have been issued to Meeker.

The investigation is continuing.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

‘Uncooperative’ guests at this Madison South party may have well helped a gunman get away with murder …

Police say the New Year’s Eve revelers at this house didn’t want to stop partying – even as a fellow-celebrant lay dying from gunshot wounds in front of the residence.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The fact that gunshots rang out – and that a guest at their New Year’s Eve party, 25-year-old Christopher Adam Monette, lay fatally wounded on the residence’s front walkway – didn’t stop the party at 8407 NE Thompson Street, police say.

Just after midnight, we pulled up and found NE Thompson Street – across from Madison High’s sports field – sporting yellow “Police Line; Do Not Cross” tape. A dozen police cars were parked along both sides of SE 82nd Avenue of Roses.

Patrol cars were lined up on NE Thompson Street, both east and west of NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, as police looked for a deadly gunman who left on foot.

We spoke briefly with Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct Lt. Kevin Modica; but he followed protocol and politely declined to confirm information we’d gleaned by following the police radio calls regarding the event.

Parked in an otherwise empty lot on the corner, we saw a car, doors still open, which was said to have contained five individuals who left the party soon after the shooting.

Murder, minutes before midnight
“There was a ‘disturbance call’ from the house,” Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us, when we asked him to fill us in regarding this case.

Officials say it isn’t clear why this man, 25-year-old Christopher Adam Monette, a resident of North Portland, was gunned down minutes before 2008 began.

“We’re not sure why the incident took place, but we do know that the victim was deceased, lying near the street in front of the home on NE Thompson Street at twelve minutes until midnight on New Year’s Eve,” said Schmautz. “The Multnomah County Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on Monette; the finding was murder.”

Reading reports filed by several officers, Schmautz observed, “The party-goers were very uncooperative. One report indicates that people at the party seemed unconcerned that a guest at that party now lay dead in front of the house. They wanted to keep the party going.”

Although five people were stopped as they left the party who we believe were riding in this car, police say none of them was the shooter.

Regarding the five individuals who fled the party in the car, and then scattered when the vehicle was stopped by police, Schmautz said that all of them were apprehended and questioned – none was arrested.

Both victim and shooter attend party
Investigators do not believe this shooting to be a random act, Schmautz revealed. “Both the suspect and victim were attending the party at the listed location.”

As of this report, no suspect is in custody. Schmautz says the suspect is described as a black male in his early 20’s, 5’8″, 150-160 pounds, wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Detective Ken Whattam or Detective Rico Beniga at 503-823-0400.

This investigation is continuing.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Here’s a good way to get more participation in a neighborhood association! Discover how a special meeting, at the New Copper Penny, came about …

New Copper Penny owner Saki Tzantarmas, is slicing up roast beef for guests at the Lents Neighborhood Association dinner.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The City of Portland has challenged all neighborhood associations to increase ethnic and socioeconomic diversity at their meetings.

With the help of New Copper Penny (NCP) owner Saki Tzantarmas, and his son John, the Lents Neighborhood Association has found a way to do it. For the second time this year, the Lents landmark restaurant and lounge put on a free “Community Dinner” – the latest, on December 19.

The NCP’s Pantheon Ballroom was decorated as a winter wonderland for the “Lents Dinner” event.

Everything about Lents is good
The New Copper Penny’s Pantheon Ballroom, where SE Woodstock Boulevard and Foster Road split at SE 92nd Avenue, was colorfully decorated for the Holiday season – as more than a hundred residents filed in.

To be as inclusive as possible, the neighborhood association’s invitations were printed in four languages: English, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. A grant from the City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) paid for printing and distributing the invitations, and for incidental costs. Longtime Lents community supporters the Tzantarmas family – owners of the New Copper Penny – provided the room and the banquet.

NCP manager John Tzantarmas and Judy Welch, past chair of the neighborhood association, enjoy the evening.

“Saki always does a nice dinner, and really supports our neighborhood,” said Judy Welch, past Chair of the Lents Neighborhood Association. “I saw many new people at the dinner; perhaps they’ll start coming to the association meetings. We want – and need – to include all people, as we work to improve our area.”

As neighbors started filing in, John Tzantarmas said he and his father were proud to be able to help their community. “Today is a happy day for us; we’re celebrating together as a neighborhood. I’m glad that everyone is having a good time. Everything is good about Lents. It is growing and getting better.”

Dewey Akers, Chair of Lents Neighborhood Association, addresses the guests at their dinner event

Nourishing the neighborhood
“It is important that the neighborhood association is doing this,” Dewey Akers, Chair of Lents Neighborhood Association, told us: “Because we are sincerely trying to reach out and include all of our neighbors. It isn’t easy on a limited budget. This event gives us an opportunity to reach out to people who don’t traditionally participate in the neighborhood activities. We want to include everyone, and seek out their ideas.”

Akers thanked the Tzantarmas’ for catering the dinner – a three-course meal featuring salads, spaghetti & meatballs, and freshly sliced roast beef.

Lents resident, and associate delegate to East Portland Neighbors, Inc., Raymond Hites, enjoys the evening with his parents, Elena and John Hites.

During his brief presentation, Akers brought guests up to date on topics ranging from actions in the Lents Urban Renewal District, the new soon-to-open corporate office for Assurety Northwest, and the impact which the I-205 MAX line will have on the area.

The dinner must have been good – many guests went back for second helpings!

Providing holiday-themed entertainment were a half-dozen kids from the Waddles Boys & Girls Club, who sang Christmas carols.

In addition to the dinner (and second servings), guests were also treated to door prizes donated by TriMet, Pacific Seafood, and Portland Development Commission – as well as www.eastPDXnews‘ own handmade chocolate!

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service