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

You’ll never guess who the surprise carol-leader was at the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Assn. Holiday get-together! And, you’ll see why many folks along the avenue say they have much to celebrate …

Entertaining guests at the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Assn. Holiday Party is Frank Ryan, NW Senior & Boomer News. Frank’s singing a holiday song he composed, “A Valley Christmas”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The table filled with deli roll-ups, fresh fruits, and baked treats, made the classroom at Portland Community College Southeast Center seem festive as members and guests of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Assn. met for a Holiday Party on December 18.

The association’s president, Ken Turner of Eastport Plaza, recounts the year’s successes along the avenue.

With plates filled and beverage cups brimming with coffee or fruit juice, folks sat down as association’s president, Ken Turner, spoke of the year’s highlights along the “Avenue of Roses.”

“Our first parade was a success,” began Turner. “There were doubters; and I was one of them, who doubted for a while as we went through the process of getting all the permits for the parade. But, on parade day, it didn’t rain, and we had a great turnout from participants and neighbors.”

Turner said some of the comments he heard from neighbors was revealing. “A man smiled and told me, ‘We’re watching history being made on 82nd Avenue’, This is something we can all be proud of.”

The upcoming 2008 edition of the parade already has secured one title sponsor, Eastport Plaza. “But, we need additional funds to cover the costs of putting on the parade. We’d welcome another title sponsor, and other support.”

It was also revealed that 2008’s parade will feature a major band, thanks to Richard and Gail Kiely of Homerun Graphics. Gail, we learned, is a founding member unauthorized rebel offshoot of the “One More Time Around Band” – the “Get a Life Marching Band”.

Nancy Chapin of The Support Group expressively reads the timeless holiday tale “The Night before Christmas”.

Nan Poppie, director of Portland Community College SE Center, tells the group about the school’s expansion plans.

SE Center celebrates fourth year
Nan Poppe, Ed.D., president of Portland Community College’s Southeast Center, at SE 82nd Avenue of Roses at SE Division, told the group, “This is a special time for us – it will be the four-year anniversary since we moved into our new educational center. I hope that you agree with us that this $25 million investment was worth it.”

Poppe informed the group that the campus serves 10,000 students per year, and launched into pitch for passing a proposed bond to benefit the Southeast Center.

“The bond would respond to two primary needs,” Poppe explained. “A library and science labs.”

She also said the campus needs a “flexible building to bring more technical programs out here. In fact, we’re looking to lease a facility to teach welding until we can build a building. There is a tremendous need for welders in Portland.”

Additionally, Poppe told the group the college hopes to gain funding to build a small auditorium. “We love being a community partner, and want to have community events. A 150-seat auditorium would facilitate working with community groups.”

East Portland Chamber of Commerce’s incoming president, Rich Sorem, of Stewart and Tunno Insurance, announces the 2008 Avenue parade plans.

Chamber floats parade plan
Rich Sorem, the 2008 president of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce told the group, “Look for us; we’ll have float in the Avenue of Roses Parade next year. I’m looking forward to that.”

Overall, Sorem stated, a goal for the chamber’s board and membership is to “reach out to all organizations and find common goals to build a consensus and have a large voice at city hall regarding issues we all find important.”

Both of them feigning surprise at the encounter, Ken Turner welcomes Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams to the holiday gathering.

Commissioner Sam greets gathering
Walking into the gathering, almost on cue, was Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams.

Portland is a city of small neighborhood businesses, Adams reminded the group. “84% of businesses that exist in our city employ 10 or fewer employees. We are a city of entrepreneurs.”

Adams pointed out how, by business groups working with City Hall, 2007 featured three milestones: A grant to support the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations, the city’s first ever; a reduction in business taxes for small businesses; and changing the city’s tax structure to encourage venture capital firms to move into the Portland area.

“No doubt about it,” Adams added, “we have a lot of work to do to continue to make Portland a place where entrepreneurs and small business folks can thrive. We’ve shown ourselves what is possible. As we look to a new year, we recommit ourselves to the mission of the success neighborhood businesses in the City of Portland.

Before leading the group in song Commissioner Sam Adams thanked members of the association for their efforts to enhance the image of 82nd Avenue.

“I’m thankful to have great business associations, such as yours, working at making this city a better place each and every day. On behalf of Mayor Tom Potter, and the City Council, thank you for the work you do, and your volunteerism. Next year will be even better.”

At the meeting’s conclusion, Nancy Chapin and Sam Adams led the group in singing the timeless holiday song, “White Christmas”. All this, and the commissioner sings well, too …

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Because folks showed up in record numbers, see how many food boxes were delivered for the “Sunshine Division” this year …

With open hearts, empty vehicles, and willing hands, volunteer drivers from all over East County line up to help the Sunshine Division deliver each-and-every food box to its recipient.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
How many volunteer drivers does it take to deliver more than 450 food boxes to needy residents throughout East Portland?

We’re still not sure exactly how many vehicles showed up during the early morning hours of December 15; we’re guessing over 100 – enough to speed boxes containing a complete Christmas dinner (and then some) to East Portland residents.

Former precinct commander Cliff Jensen (in the center, facing us) comes to load his truck with Sunshine Division food boxes.

“I’m glad to help deliver boxes to the great folks in East Portland,” was the sentiment expressed by retired Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Cliff Jensen. “We’re doing this to give back to the community. I grew up in Southeast Portland; this is our home.”

Another driver, Alden Lewis told us, “We thought it was a good cause. We read about it, and decided to let the kids participate. Young people need to know there are people less fortunate that we are, and we need to give them a hand.”

Again this year, Portland Police East Precinct Cadets help speed the loading process as cars pass through the precinct garage.

David Ward told us that he drove in from Troutdale to help make deliveries. “This is our 6th year making deliveries. We do a service project every year with our family. Seeing how grateful people who are in need and deserve a hand are, gives us a great feeling, because we helped.”

New police cadet recruits Trever Ethridge and Luke Guthridge put their backs into loading up cars on December 15.

“I saw there was a need for drivers and thought this was something I could do,” said Joe Stroud, a Parkrose resident. “I’m glad to help out during the holiday season.”

The current commander of East Precinct, Michael Crebs, said he was concerned there might be a shortage of drivers this year and was among the first drivers to start making deliveries. “When we returned for more boxes to deliver, we found that the community really responded to our request for drivers – and all of the boxes were already on their way. We thank you so much.”

Leading by example, cadet post advisor Sgt. Michael Gallagher works hard and helps keep the flow of food boxes coming to waiting drivers.

465 boxes delivered
In 2006, the lack of volunteer drivers made it difficult for all of the food boxes to be delivered in a timely fashion.

“But this year,” reported Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Sgt. Michael Gallagher, and Post Advisor of the East Precinct Cadets, “we had the perfect amount of drivers for the number of boxes that needed to be delivered. Our last driver took the last three boxes.”

Gallagher added that this charitable event depends on good-hearted volunteers willing to give up a couple of hours to help. “The Sunshine Division Holiday Box program is successful – but only because of the community’s help. We really appreciate the support of drivers who came out to help from all over East County.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why you should make sure your home’s chimney is free of creosote build-up – even if you don’t have a fireplace …

The crew of Engine 23 attacks the fire started near the home’s furnace.

Story and Photos by David F. Ashton
Homeowners are cautioned to make sure that creosote – a thick, oily liquid that gradually coats the interior lining of flue pipes and chimneys – doesn’t build up in their fireplaces.

But, as occupants of a home just east of Cleveland High School, at 2920 SE Franklin Street, found out on Dec. 21 – this admonition also applies to furnace chimneys.

This fire could have been prevented, officials say, by keeping the chimney and furnace flue free of creosote buildup.

Fire smolders for hours
Officials say that one of the home’s occupants, Thomas Smith, told them he put about six gallons of #2 diesel fuel in the basement furnace tank about 10 o’clock that morning. Smith turned up the thermostat upstairs, and left about 20 minutes later.

When he returned home about eight hours later, he was confronted with a wall of thick, gray smoke when he opened the front door.

Neighbors told us they smelled smoke, and noticed thick, gray smoke coming out of the chimney, but didn’t investigate further.

Then, Smith reported, he went around the house to a door leading to the home’s basement, and said he noticed that the walls were scorched and smoke filled the basement. Minutes later, the fire “flashed over”, and fire erupted throughout the basement and came up the stairwell.

Had the fire call come in earlier, this house would have suffered much less extensive damage.

Firefighters navigate through thick smoke
“When Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 23 pulled up, at 7:20 p.m., the crew found thick, black smoke billowing out the front door of the two-story home,” Battalion Chief C1 Scott Beyers told us at the scene.

“That crew headed for the basement to attack the fire. The Truck 25 crew went to check for fire in the attic,” continued Beyers. “Then we had crews check for fire extension from the basement. There was an interior stairwell they opened at the top, to check the top part of the staircase.”

Firefighters reported that the blaze extended through the house by traveling up through a laundry chute. “The basement was divided up with shelving; it made it difficult for the firefighters to maneuver to the base of the fire.”

Ignition factor: Lack of maintenance
The fire inspector ascertained that the fire started in the flue of the home’s oil-fired boiler/heater unit. The inspector noted reported that the chimney and the flue were heavily caked with creosote buildup; the chimney clean-out was also full.

The loss was set at $90,000.00. While there weren’t any human injuries, a cat perished in the fire. The occupants were referred to the Red Cross for shelter.

Firefighters exit the house after putting out the fire that extended upward through the home by way of a laundry chute.

An ounce of prevention …
“A very hot fire in a well-working fireplace,” explained the fire bureau’s spokesman, Lt. Allen Oswalt, “can prevent creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire, because the continued heat output from the fire eventually warms up the lining of the chimney sufficiently to revaporize the deposited creosote.

“But many people don’t think about having their furnace’s flue and chimney cleaned. That maintenance could save your life.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service