East PDX News

‘Best use’ of historic Lents Little League site pondered by PDC

Neighbors were hoping for a grocery store, and other retail stores; but, see why it looks like this 3.5 acre site will bring outer East Portland more high-density housing instead …

PDC’s project manager for the site, Justin Douglas, says it’s likely that high-density housing will be the chosen use for the Lents Little League site.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While Lents has been an Urban Renewal District for years – many folks in the area are wondering when they’ll actually see some tangible results.

The most visible changes thus far have been the addition of lighting in Lents Park, the now-fading storefront improvements along SE Foster Road and SE 92nd Avenue, and the new Assurity building.

A lot of residents say they pinned their hopes for a major grocery or large retail store – there isn’t one for miles around – on the 3.5-acre lot now occupied by the Lents Little League field on SE 92nd Avenue at SE Harold Street.

PDC holds exploratory open house
We met Justin Douglas, project manager for the SE 92nd & Harold Redevelopment Project, with Portland Development Commission (PDC), at an open house held at the Wattles Boys & Girls Club – a facility that borders the property.

“This is the first of three public open houses,” Douglas told us. “We’re looking at this site, owned by the PDC, and trying to figure what can be done. The Lents Little League is moving up to Lents Park; they’re having new facilities built up there for them.”

Douglas stated that the Wattles Boys & Girls Club would stay put. “We’re trying to figure out what will be complimentary to the Lents Town Center and the surrounding neighborhood, and will take advantage of the new MAX station and the proximity to I-205.”

High-density housing looks likely
We ask what the PDC has in mind for this, the largest empty parcel of land in the district, other than the privately-owned “Freeway Land” property.

“We image it will be a mix of uses,” replied Douglas. “At this point we have a consultant who has been doing a market study. There is definitely a possibility for residential use. The market for retail and commercial uses is not as strong; retail traffic is a concern at this site. Whatever happens at this site needs to pay respect to the traffic concerns. It will be something that doesn’t make the traffic inordinately worse.”

The PDC official said that current zoning allows for between 75 to 125 units on the site. “We’re exploring changing the zoning to allow for more units. But again, what will keep this from being an ultra-dense project is the traffic concerns.”

We ask how the development’s design might relate to the new MAX Green Line that runs past it.

“I’m glad you pointed that out,” Douglas responded. “We’d like to think that people who live and work at a site like this would take advantage of light rail. It is a stone’s throw away from the site. Whatever goes here can take advantage of it. We’ll do whatever we can do to encourage that.”

“Will this residential development include Section 8 housing?” we ask.

Douglas sidesteps the question, replying, “Our intention, at some point in 2008, through a RFP process, is to see what private development would like to do with this site. The PDC doesn’t want to hold it forever. We’d like to dispose of it to a private developer.”

Neighbor Jeff Poling tells an acquaintance why he’s enthusiastic about the property’s development during the open house.

Suggested development gets mixed response
“I’m thrilled about the future plans for the area,” is what neighbor Jeff Poling told us. “It will bring people into the community. Even with the increased density … it’s not a bad thing at all.”

Poling says he looks forward to an increase in traffic to his home-based business at 5411 SE 92 Avenue (at Harold Street), the “Green Line Barbershop”.

“I’ve been here for three years,” commented Poling. “I’ve seen tremendous change and renovation. I think this area is being recognized and appreciated more, as these things are happening.”

Concerned about high density housing
Speaking only for himself, Dewey Acres, president of the Lents Neighborhood Association, expressed reservations. “My concern is that we need to stay focused on mixed-use for this site. The [Portland City] Council’s objectives are not quite in concert with that. They are heavily focused on creating low-income housing. And that’s not appropriate for this site.”

Acres continued, “The most exciting opportunities are for a mixed-use development that will help further the goal of developing the Lents Town Center. This is really only one of the sites available for that purpose.”

At the beginning of his presentation, PDC consultant Jerry Johnson let neighbors know that retail development of the Lents Little League is not likely.

Consultant disparages retail use
During a brief, formal presentation by PDC’s consultant, Jerry Johnson of Johnson Gardner LLC, he told the group, “We don’t see this as a phenomenal retail site. We don’t want to take away from the retail energy of the center as a whole.

“We’re thinking ‘condos’. It may be a short term before we see a demand for condominium development. We’re still seeing pretty good strength in town homes, as far as ownership for sale. The rental apartment market is actually getting better. Industrial isn’t a viable use of the site; that is better for the Freeway Land site.

“If you take a look at constituent land use, there’s a scenario [in which] people are really looking at this area; [it has] really good locational criteria; the location makes sense. Light rail is going to help a lot to get high value for residential and as well as office space.

“Unfortunately, we are in a ‘market pause’ right now. I think that there aren’t a lot of short-term opportunities. But I think the next few years will be Lents’ turn, to some extent. I think there will be a lot more attention paid to development in the region, in the investment community. . .

“I think this area will be coming around. We see residential [housing] is making the most sense; then, in a limited fashion, office; and, in an even more limited fashion, retail. Probably a range of residential uses could work between ownership and rental. We’ve been asked about senior housing; that works quite well.”

Jerry Johnson says he envisions a mix of mostly residential units, mixed with some office space, at the Lents site.

Questions answered
A neighbor says, “If you are leaning toward residential instead of retail, where will people shop for groceries, get dry cleaning done? It looks like it’s being left more wide open for low income set-aside. This doesn’t seem like a positive thing at all. I’m curious why we’re not talking more mixed use, not less.”

Johnson responded, “All those things you’re talking about are great. We’d like to see that. Years ago we looked for ways to get a major grocery store to anchor it. [The site] is a little off the main road. The freeway interchange is good for them. But they favor arterials like 82nd.”

Another attendee stated, “Then it sounds like you’re gearing your development towards more auto-related services when, in fact, it is better suited for public transportation, not automobile access.”

“We’re not looking into auto-oriented development,” replied Johnson. “One of the things we’re looking at is a more pedestrian-oriented sustainable environment. If we’re doing commercial, we want the commercial [development] to compliment the remainder of the district. That is, not to pull too much weight down here. A medical office could work. It could be a mix of uses; we anticipate a mix of uses.

“Because PDC has control the site, there is more latitude to, you know, work with the market to [find] something that the community is happy with. That’s why they’re doing these efforts to reach out to the community to see what they’re looking for. I’m not advocating any development type. My role in this is to make sure that the numbers we come up with in the development type is something we can interest a developer in. If we [create a project] that nobody has an interest in building, it will become a fenced-off, vacant lot.”

Says survey is ‘loaded’
One neighbor bristled at the fact the questionnaire was highly structured to focus on questions that the PDC was asking. She said she was hoping for a more open-ended questionnaire which would allow people to express their “lifestyle and neighborhood character” concerns.

PDC officials thanked the woman, and all who attended the meeting for participating and asked that they continue to give their input regarding the project.

Decade’s second ’10-year flood’ inundates East Lents at Johnson Creek

See what the wild weather earlier this week did to outer S.E. Foster Road. and learn why it’s still flooding businesses …

Constant heavy rain on December 2nd and 3rd flooded out blocks of SE Foster Road from SE 102nd to SE 111th Ave., shutting down businesses and stalling out foolish drivers.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This week, the wild winter weather played out like a classic “good news/bad news” story.

The good new was we didn’t get beaten with a wind-blown blizzard. The bad news: Inches of rain fell within hours. Good news: it wasn’t as bad as cities to the west like Vernonia and Tillamook. But, the storm was bad news for the Lents area merchants who had to close their businesses due flooding; some are still scraping muck out of their stores.

Jack Gilbert and a friend diligently fill sandbags in the rain and wind at the S.E. 111th Avenue at Harold Street site, hoping to keep water from pouring into their home.

Forecasters’ warnings come true
“We started forecasting this event five days before it hit,” says Jonathan Wolfe, Meteorologist with the National Weather Service at the Portland Airport.

“It was an atypical event. Usually we get rain or winds; in this storm, we got both,” reports Wolfe. “The first three days of the month, Southeast Portland got as much rain – about four inches within hours – as we typically see in a month.”

The downpour was caused by moisture coming in from Asian typhoons, riding the jet stream across the ocean into the Pacific Northwest, explains Wolfe.

By the time we arrive on December 3, Sargent’s Motorsports at 10207 S.E. Foster Rd. is closed – but that doesn’t stop drivers of high-riding trucks who insist on plowing through the water and causing more water to spill into the businesses along the highway.

Sargent’s Motorsports flooded … again
Even though S.E. Foster Road was still closed at SE 102nd Avenue, we snaked through the parking lot on the north side of the street on Dec. 4 to check in with Gary Sargent at Sargent’s Motorsports and see how his shop fared.

“Yesterday, we had two events,” begins Sargent. “First, the street filled up. About noon, the creek overflowed. And, it doesn’t help that morons driving jacked up trucks keep driving fast along (the closed off) Foster Road, sending waves of water into our place.”

Sargent says he’s had intermittent high-water problems since he purchased the property and building in 1988. “The previous owners told us they had a little water on the lot, and coming up to the building, when the street drains filled up.”

There are no storm sewers in outer East Portland, Sargent reminds us; rainwater runoff flows into drywells. “Dry sumps are holes in the ground; when they get filled up, the street floods.”

Gary Sargent says he has yet to tackle cleaning up this storage closet filled with soaked office supplies.

Blames City and ‘Freeway Land’ owners
“The City says they’re working on plans to slow down Johnson Creek,” continues Sargent as he and his workers stack up soaked office supplies and scrape the muck off the floor.

“But the Brookside project, on Johnson Creek at SE 111th, operates between 40 to 60 percent of its real capacity; the City will tell you so. They claim they’re going to dig channels (to absorb flood water) on other property they own across the street.”

Standing in his parts department, Sargent looks at motorcycle ignition switches and electrical systems he says were ruined by the floodwater.

He also blames the raised Springwater Trail not letting excess water flow north into the Beggar’s Tick Refuge.

“What I’d really like is for the City – or someone – to launch an investigation into the illegal land filling they did across the street at the ‘Freeway Land’ site,” he fumes. “It was once a pond, along the creek, that the sawmill used for floating logs. They filled it in and diverted the water.”

As the water recedes Sargent looks over his empty display lot and says he’ll hold a “waterlogged sale” to stimulate business.

Not all losses covered by flood insurance
They did get most of their inventory of motorcycles and ATVs on trailers or high ground at the back of his property, the business owner states.

However, although he has flood insurance, Sargent says it doesn’t reimburse him for his loss of sales during the holiday season – and repair work in the shop. “Our company has grown to eleven employees. FEMA doesn’t pay you for ‘down time’. I’ve lost thousands of dollars.”

At a meeting in early 2007, Marie Johnson, Bureau of Environmental Services, talks with a neighbor about the City’s East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project.

A history of flooding
To get answers about what the City of Portland is doing about Johnson Creek flooding, we speak with Marie Johnson, Johnson Creek Watershed Team, at the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES).

“There was a flood in the area in 2003,” Johnson begins. “Foster Road has some level of flooding about every two years. Because the terrain is so flat, less than a foot of water over flood stage will flood quite a large area.”

Asked about Brookside, Johnson responds, “We’re in the early design phase for the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project. One of the things we’re looking at how well Brookside Wetland works; and what kind of improvement might be made there.”

During the height of the rainstorm, the Springwater Trail – we’re looking south on SE 111th Avenue – restricts water flow, adding to the flooding problem.

Regarding flooding caused by the Springwater Trail, Johnson tells us, “it was built on a raised, 100-year-old railroad bed that bisects the wetlands. It hampers the flow of water. Any time water flow is restricted, it can get backed up.”

While the City is actively working to reduce flooding, Johnson adds, “A lot of the conditions affecting the Lents area are historic – going back thousands of years to the Missoula Flood that carved out the region.

Illegal landfill at Freeway Land confirmed
We look into Sargent’s allegation that the “Freeway Land” property was illegally filled. A topological map shows much of the land is higher than surrounding area.

Further, City officials confirm that previous owners of the Freeway Land site did, indeed, perform an “illegal fill”, and the current owners are working with Bureau of Development Services and other agencies regarding the situation.

City’s plan to fight floods
“BES is planning to make improvements in highly flood-prone areas,” Johnson informs us. “Our goal is to reduce private property damage from flooding during ‘nuisance’ floods, up to ’10-year’ floods.

This drawing illustrates where the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project will absorb water through a series of channels south of SE Foster Road, west of S.E. 108th Avenue.

“In East Lents, we are hoping to do the first phase of a multi-phase project. We secured $2.9 Million FEMA disaster prevention grant and matched it with $900,000 BES funding. It will have some benefit. Hopefully restoration on a portion of Freeway Land site will also help.”

“Will this cure the flooding problem?” we ask.
“It is impossible to totally prevent floods,” replies Johnson. “Each change is an incremental improvement. There are limitations to what we’re going to be able to achieve.”

Resources
For answers to questions regarding the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project, contact Marie Johnson at (503) 823-6199, or by e-mailing Marie.Johnson@bes.ci.portland.or.us.

In March, 2007 we reported about the kick off of the “East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project” and an Army Corps of Engineers project to help remediate Johnson Creek flooding. CLICK HERE to read the story.

And in an August, 2007 article we reported on the progress of the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project. CLICK HERE see this story.

Community Center bazaar features crafty ‘Student Ambassador’

See how this East Portland Community Center has grown – and learn how you can help a young man fulfill his dream of representing the USA overseas …

More than fifty crafty vendors filled three rooms at the Community Center with gift ideas of all kinds.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the delights of dropping in at events, such as the East Portland Community Center’s 7th Annual Holiday Christmas Bazaar, is the unexpected discovery of delightful stories.

We met the coordinators of the bazaar, Judy Collier and her sister, Barbara Aden; they said hello when we passed their tables. “The proceeds from the table rental and the raffle go to the children’s scholarship fund at the center,” Collier reminded us.

Annika Duyvestein gets a balloon from Master Twister Josh Thompson at the Community Center’s Holiday Christmas Bazaar.

“Some kids can’t afford to pay for primary classes or for sports activities here at the center. There are a lot of low income families in the area; these scholarships allow them to participate,” she said. “Counting this year, our total donations for the seven years we’ve been doing this be over $10,000.”

Carver Bolles, Vestal Elementary student, shows off one of his crafts he’s selling at the East Portland Community Center Bazaar to raise funds for his People to People Student Ambassador mission next summer

The special story we found at the Bazaar
When we toured this year’s late November event, one of the 57 vendors we met was a young man named Carver Bolles, a 5th grade Vestal Elementary student.

In a clear, professional voice, Bolles said, “I’m making and selling crafts to raise money to help me go on a ‘People to People Student Ambassador’ program next summer.”

Bolles told us that President Eisenhower started the program “Kids from schools from across the country get to go to other countries to study and learn how their government works.”

We learned that the founding of the program, inaugurated in 1956, was based on President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s belief that ordinary citizens of different nations, if able to communicate directly, would solve their differences and find a way to live in peace. Since 1963, the People to People Student Ambassador Program has taken thousands of students across international borders, to connect with people all over the world.

“I was nominated for the program, and got letters of recommendation from two teachers and an adult. Then I went to an interview, and I was accepted. I’ll go to Italy and Greece next summer.”

Portrait of a future ambassador
We probed to learn more about this enterprising young man, and discovered his favorite subject school subjects are math, science, and not surprisingly, world geography. As a 5th grader he does not receive letter grades yet but he does receive mostly all + which is the same as A’s.
Outside of school, Bolles loves to play football and baseball. He is a very good skier as well.

When we followed up to see how his fundraising is going, Bolles said he’s done pretty well at the two craft fairs at which he’s participated. He’s currently selling raffle tickets for a beautiful Christmas quilt, and has put together a 50-recipe cookie cook book for sale.

With a little help from his mom, Carver Bolles, had this wide range of Christmas items on display at the Bazaar hoping to raise money for his trip.

You can help:
Although he’s working diligently, raising about $4,000 is a big job for a 10-year-old. “I don’t have my own [fundraising] web site set up yet, but I might do that,” Bolles told us.

His mom, Shawna, told us that people can send donation checks, made payable to “People to People”, to Carver Bolles, 311 SE 74th Ave, Portland, Or 97215.
To learn more about the Student Ambassador program, go to www.studentambassadors.org.

SE Portland ‘toy drive’ named best in city

From lovers of pugs to bugs, all kinds of clubs line up to drop off toys for needy kids at Eastport Plaza …

A dozen “Bugs”, from the Portland-area Absolutely Volkswagen Club, line up – as their drivers drop off toys at the Eastport Plaza site on December 1.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the frenzied holiday shopping season gets under way, many vehicles pulling into shopping malls will leave packed with gifts to be placed under the Christmas tree.

But on December 1, a steady line of vehicles that pulled into Eastport Plaza, on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses just north of Holgate, arrived full of new toys – and left empty. Their drivers were participating in an area-wide toy drive.

Many of those who donated came individually. But we also saw groups of vehicles, whose drivers belong to various clubs, lining up to make donations. One set of cars sported canine companions – and many of the pug pups inside were dressed in costume.

Soon after, a squadron of “bugs” lined up outside the “NewsChannel 8 Toy Drive” collection trailer.

“We’re from the Absolutely Volkswagen Club,” explained member John Jenson who was driving his ’63 VW Bug convertible. “It’s a good thing to do.”

Volunteers Kiri Griebel and Jenna Hollinger work with NewsChannel 8’s Kelly Schweiger, telling us that this Southeast Portland location hosts one of the best toy drop-off events in all of Portland.

4th year at Eastport Plaza
“Participating in this event is one way we’re involved with the community we serve,” said Eastport Plaza’s manager Ken Turner. “Offering our site for the toy collection drive is one small way of helping our community.”

Most of the toys collected at the event will go to local nonprofit organizations on the east side, Turner added. “The Wattles Boys & Girls Club in Lents and the Meyer Boys & Girls Club in Sellwood benefit directly from the generosity of Southeast Portlanders today.”

Turner said the organizers of the toy drive say this particular toy collection event is one of the largest in the city. “It is a good indication how much people care about others in their neighborhoods.”

Kids learn joy of giving
We watch as children bring brand new toys to the volunteers at the collection truck, and we agree with Turner who observed, “When you see the smiles on the faces of little kids when the bring up a gift they know will go to a needy child warms your heart. It shows that these children are already learning the true spirit of Christmas.”

Community members tour revamped Russell firehouse

Learn why the crew of Portland Fire & Rescue Station 30 proudly showed off their firehouse, and what the improvements mean to the community …

Portland Fire & Rescue firefighter Kyle MacLowry shows the engine to future firefighter Cooper White, being held by his mom, Tracy.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Rescuing and firefighting is a serious profession. Members of Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) are ready to save lives and put out fires at any time of any day.

But on November 27, the staff of PF&R Station 30, at 13313 NE San Rafael Street, couldn’t resist throwing a party to celebrate their firehouse’s reopening.

“After being closed for about 18 months,” says Captain Fred Ellison, “We want to celebrate our reopening.”

Ellison told us the station underwent a major remodeling. The building was made more structurally sound to resist the effects of earthquakes and other natural disasters. “Also, our living areas are more gender-friendly, providing private showers and rooms for our firefighters. Our giant dorm has been broken into very nicely-sized rooms.”

In addition to the new look inside the station, the firehouse got a new name –or, we should say, number. “We are the home of Engine 30, formerly known as Engine 43,” Ellison says. “We also house a call-back rig Engine 30R. It is fully prepared for greater-alarm fires. Crews can be called in to take it to a fire when needed. We have no ladder trucks here.”

An active member of many community organizations, Jon Turino Farmer’s Insurance agent, says he’s never been in a fire engine before. So, Captain Fred Ellison helps him climb into the driver’s seat. Ellison explains the function of the controls of Engine 30. Yes, the lights were flashing!

Ellison says he’s pleased with the community’s response to the open house.

“We’ve had a couple hundred visitors here today, including some school groups. Some retired firefighters came by to look over their old station,” Ellison reports. “Some of them told stories about life in the dorm, and commented on the change to having individual bedrooms. They said it looks like we’ll be comfortable here.”

Savvy teacher’s free gift makes math a snap

Do you know of a high school student who is struggling with math courses? Check out this math teacher’s free web site that offers online help and “cheat sheets” for math courses …

Math teacher Bradley Heintz shows an example of a free high school math card he’s making available to all high school students in the greater Portland area.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Bradley Heintz, Milwaukie High School math teacher and Sellwood resident, says he’s dedicated to stripping away the mysteries of math for all students in the greater Portland area.

“There’s no reason that students who are taking classes ranging from pre-algebra through pre-calculus shouldn’t have a ‘road map’ to guide them through their courses,” Heintz tells us, as we talk in his home office.

This 17-year veteran of math teaching calls his math road maps “note cards”. “Each subject’s note card lays out the basic concepts for a course, all on two sides of a notebook-paper-sized sheet. There’s no reason why each student can’t have a summary of math class. Why make it a secret?”

Gives away ‘math secrets’ cards
And here’s the best part: Heintz is giving away his math note cards – no strings attached. Anyone can print them off from his web site.

When we ask why he’s giving away such a valuable resource, Heintz says, “I created them to make my life easier as a math teacher. There’s no reason not to share this information.”

All of the Math Cards are offered online, as are tutorials.

Online math help
In addition to the note cards, Heintz shows us how access math lessons on his web site.

“Most of the time, kids don’t know what they don’t know. If they have a problem with ‘systems of equations’ they don’t know where to look. On this site, you run your mouse over a list of concepts and an example of it pops up.”

Once again, Heintz stresses that this information is free. After our conversation, we ourselves check out the site, and find no pop-ups or hype. We do find a link to his other site, which promotes his Savvy Minds summer “math prep” courses offered in the Portland area.

Developed for tutoring
“Much of this information came from doing math tutoring earlier in my career, and from the summer math prep programs I’ve developed to prepare students to better in their next year’s courses,” Heintz explains.

We muse, “I sure could have used that when I was in school.”

“That’s what I hear from many adults,” Heintz says. “Hardly anyone gets it right the first time through.”

The math note cards, and information about the Savvy Minds math prep courses, are available online at: www.savvyminds.org.

Parkrose PACE students prepare holiday homeless help

Discover why these teenagers say they look forward to cleaning and stocking shelters for the down-and-out. And, learn how you can help their selfless mission right now …

Ted Kooy, General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Airport, made his the first business to donate to the PACE Homeless Project this year. Accepting the gift are students on the PACE Media team: Alyssa Bryant, a junior, Susie Kay, a senior, and sophomore Mary Wilkerson.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
The way our society has evolved – and especially during this time of year – it seems that typical kids are more interested in getting than giving.

But, for 25 years, students engaged in the Parkrose Alternative Center of Education (PACE) program at Parkrose High School work joyfully and tirelessly throughout November and December on the “PACE Homeless Project”.

“Each year, we get together in class and collect donated materials,” explains PACE media team spokesperson Alyssa Bryant.

“On December 20, we help clean and decorate two downtown homeless shelters, and bring them toiletry bags. The products in their gift bags give them the chance to clean up and feel better about themselves,” explains Bryant.

“It is exciting to work on this project,” says Susie Kay, Senior in the PACE program. “I can’t wait until we go on the field trip.”

Mary Wilkerson, a sophomore, and in her first year of the PACE program adds, “I like helping the homeless. It makes me feel good about myself. Around the holidays this will really help these people.”

Shelters praise the PACE project
“The people who run the shelters are very positive about this project,” says instructor Evan McFadden, a PACE teacher for over 20 years.

“When the homeless shelter residents wake up Christmas morning, they’ll find a package – a hygene kit, filled with soap, shaving gear, shampoos, and perhaps socks,” McFadden tells us. “Some are so grateful; they’ve sent cards back to us.”

Courtyard by Marriott Airport pitches in
We caught up with the PACE team as they make their first stop to pick up a donation for their Homeless Project at the Courtyard by Marriott Airport on East Airport Way.

The general manager, Ted Kooy, greets the students with bags of toiletry items.

“This is our fifth year donating to the project,” mentions Kooy. We’ve got a case of lotion, in addition to soaps and shampoos for the project. These are same toiletry items we supply in the guest rooms.”

Asked why they contribute to the project, Kooy says, “We’re an active member of the community. We have enough to share; we’re happy to help.”

You can, and should, help
The PACE Homeless Project accepts donations through December 19.

They need toiletry items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, soaps, shaving cream, razors and deodorant. The small “travel sizes” work best.

They also need clothing and blankets – but they don’t have laundry facilities. Please donate new items, or make sure what you’re giving is very clean and in very good condition.

“We also accept cash donations,” reminds Bryant. “About two days before we take in the kits, we see what we’re short of, and buy extra items that the shelter needs.”

To donate, call Evan McFadden at (503) 408-2623, or e-mail him at evan_mcfadden@parkrose.k12.or.us. They’ll come to you and pick up your donation.

Help the needy, from the comfort of your car

No, we’re not encouraging you to give to roadside panhandlers! Read this, and see why you should give a couple of hours to help the Sunshine Division deliver food boxes on December 15 …

The Portland Police Bureau’s Sunshine Division Officer Phillip Kent, Tim McLaughlin, Britt Rosenberg, Maryanne Dehner, and Stephen Townsend are here packing food boxes – but they might not get delivered to needy families without your help on December 15.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On Saturday, December 15, folks at the Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division are hoping you’ll volunteer a couple of hours help them deliver some of the 4,000 holiday meal gift boxes to needy families in the greater Portland area.

84-year tradition continues
While the Sunshine Division is a year-around relief agency, we learned from Officer Phillip Kent that their holiday food gift dates back to 1923.

“Throughout the year, we provide emergency food relief to more than 500 families a month,” explained Kent. “Most of these people are hard-working folks – from every walk of life – who need some help.”

The holiday food boxes will go to families they currently serve. Additionally, Kent said they’re also taking names of other families in need of these special food boxes for the holidays.

Last year, after helping load cars and trucks with food boxes for delivery, East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs loaded up his own car and started his delivery route.

Why Commander Crebs volunteers
Don’t be surprised if you see the commander of East Precinct, Michael Crebs, on hand if you decide to help.

But you won’t see the commander standing around issuing orders. You’ll see him loading his car with food boxes and making deliveries.

“You’ll never forget the looks of joy on the faces of the folks getting the food,” Crebs recalled as he told us about one of his deliveries last year. “The parents were genuinely grateful. But what I remember most is the look of excitement and joy on the faces of the children. It gives you a great feeling.”

In past years, we’ve often seen entire families in the car on delivery day. “I’ve asked my son to cone in past years,” Crebs noted, “because it’s important for him to see the value in helping people who are less well off.”

The Sunshine Division Holiday Food Box program is the epitome of community policing, observed Crebs. “The police supply the food, and our volunteers touch the lives of those I need. Together, we’re building a better community.”

Easy to volunteer
“We rely on volunteers on Dec. 15 to help us get these food boxes out. Our largest source of volunteers are citizens who are willing to help,” said Kent.

Here’s how it works: Just drive over to the Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct at 737 SE 106th Avenue about 7:30 a.m. You’ll see vehicles lined up along the street.

You’ll pull in into the Sally Port (drive-through garage), and Portland Police Cadets will load your vehicle with as many boxes as you’re willing to deliver. You’ll get an address card and map showing where to deliver the boxes. Afterward, you’ll bring back your delivery slips.

Want to help out more? Volunteer for the Holiday Food Box “Pack Nights” – Monday, December 10, and Wednesday, December 12, 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. For more information, call the Sunshine Division at (503) 823-2119, or see their web site: www.sunshinedivision.org.

Lawyer helps landlords improve neighborhood livability

Why would a well-known East Portland attorney give away his sage advice to landlords every month? The discovery on this matter begins right here …

Attorney Jeffrey S. Bennett, Warren Allen, LLP, specializing in landlord/tenant law for 17 years, shares his advice with new and experienced property managers at November’s Citywide Landlord Forum.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When homeowners complain about apartment complexes in their neighborhoods, it usually isn’t about the design of their building or the layout of the parking lot.

Neighbors usually find fault with the behavior of the renters.

Partly based on the notion that “good tenants make good neighbors”, attorney Jeffrey S. Bennett, of the outer East Portland law firm Warren Allen, LLP, holds regular seminars called the Citywide Landlord Forum.

“Better landlords and property managers can improve the livability of the neighborhood in which they are located by attracting better renters,” Bennett told us. “And, better tenants reduce costs and liability issues for the property owner.”

He should know: He’s been dealing with rental housing issues for 17 years; other attorneys consider him an expert in the field and seek out his advice and training.

Today’s landlords are confronted with challenges that never existed in the past, explained Bennett. “Landlord/Tenant laws have become more complex, and tenants have become savvier. Countless traps await the unsophisticated landlord; the forums we hold bring them valuable information.”

Bennett says he helps landlords avoid common legal traps.

Avoiding beginner’s mistakes
November’s meeting, held at the Portland Neighborhood Office, was entitled, “All the Beginners’ Mistakes”.

Bennett listed four common errors unsophisticated landlords make.

Failing to properly screen tenants – Screening is critically important, and should include a check of their personal background history, such as prior convictions or evictions.

“Bad tenants can give rise to untold losses in the form of unpaid rent, property damage – or, worse, injuries to other tenants.”

Lack of good rental agreements – Failing to enter into a well-written rental agreement that clearly outlines both sides’ duties and rights.

“Poorly written rental agreements often diminish the landlord’s legal rights, or fail to grant the landlord remedies that would have otherwise been available under Oregon law.”

Lack of inspections – Failing to periodically inspect the premises to make sure they’re safe, sound, and undamaged.

“Whether caused by destructive tenants, or mere deterioration, property damage can undermine the value of the investment. Left unchecked, minor repair items can give rise to thousands of dollars in repair bills – and to needlessly unhappy tenants.”

Illegal discrimination – Discriminating against protected classes of people based upon such things as their race, national origin, age, or familial status is both wrong and illegal.

“Oregon landlords are governed by local, state, and federal laws prohibiting housing discrimination. Discrimination lawsuits can be costly – but are easily avoidable.”

A landlord armed with good information can increase the value of a rental dwelling — and the surrounding neighborhood — by attracting better quality tenants, Bennett says.

Bennett suggested that landlords and property managers join a landlords’ organization such as the Rental Housing Association of Greater Portland, the Metro Multifamily Housing Council, or the Oregon Landlord Support Association.

“Their forms, handbooks, and newsletters are some of the best available,” Bennett commented. “They’ll help you stay abreast of current legal trends. And, come to our forums. You’ll have the opportunity to network, learn, and have your questions answered by a specialist.”

Interested? Check our Community Calendar for the date, time, and location of the Citywide Landlord’s Forum.

Sheriff Office’s raid busts Creston home-based meth lab

Even though local meth labs are nearly a thing of the past – when you learn where this lab was located, you’ll be glad this ex-con is behind bars …

Behind these trees is the home where the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit deputies say they found pounds of expensive chemicals used specifically for making methamphetamine.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Because of legislation making pseudoephedrine-containing medications available only by prescription – and the steady flow of illicit drugs coming up from our southern border – home-based methamphetamine (meth) manufacturing labs around Portland are pretty much a thing of the past.

But, not entirely. Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Special Investigations Unit (SIU) deputies reported they seized the chemicals needed to run a large-scale meth lab in S.E. Portland just after noon on November 29.

The alleged drug lab, located in a home at 3622 SE 49th Ave., was a half-block east of Creston Elementary School. As we walked down the street near the house, we could clearly hear the laughter of children playing during recess.

To learn more about the bust, we spoke with the MCSO spokesman, Lt. Jason Gates. “We’ve seen a dramatic decrease in meth labs. In the past, we closed down as many as 40 a year; this is only the third lab we’ve uncovered this year. But, any lab – especially this close to a school – is a danger to the community.”

Suspected of running drug lab
Gates says the SIU had been conducting an ongoing, covert investigation regarding 55-year-old Ted Wayne Berardinelli, who they said has a history of being involved in clandestine drug labs.

“They applied for and were granted a search warrant,” continued Gates. “When they executed the search warrant, they discovered specific chemicals used for making meth. The lab wasn’t set up and operating, but they found finished methamphetamine.”

Signs posted on this house make it clear that this house contained the hazardous chemicals officers say are used to cook up batches of meth. The day after the raid, when these photos were taken, it appears as if someone tried to remove the stickers.

Pounds of illicit chemicals found
In addition to the street-ready meth, deputies also found a large quantity of chemicals that are typically used to manufacture meth, Gates said.

Specifically, deputies said they discovered 35 lbs. of elemental iodine and 6 lbs. of red phosphorous.

“The average citizen wouldn’t have a use for these chemicals at home – they are not cleaning or hobby materials,” Gates explained. “And, they’re expensive. Elemental iodine goes for $300 to $600 per pound on the black market. Red phosphorous sells for up to $600 per pound.”

The Multnomah County Drug Lab Response Team was called in to mitigate the hazards associated with the lab, and process the lab evidence for prosecution.

Sheriff’s deputies took 55-year-old Ted Wayne Berardinelli into custody. He now has five charges against him.

Ex-con with guns – and silencers
In addition to the meth and chemicals, deputies also reported finding a .38 caliber pistol, .22 caliber rifle with silencer, and a .22 caliber pistol with a silencer.

“It is illegal for an ex-con to have a weapon,” Gates commented. “And, gun silencers are illegal for anyone to possess.”

Berardinelli has been lodged in the Multnomah County Detention Center on the following charges:

Manufacturing a controlled substance (meth) within 1000 feet of a school;
Distribution of a controlled substance (meth) within 1000 feet of a school;
Possession of a controlled substance (meth);
Three counts of ex-con in possession of a firearm; and
Two counts of unlawful possession of silencers.

“This event demonstrates that some meth labs still do exist in the community,” Gates concluded. “Citizens still should be diligent, and report behavior they suspect is associated with this activity.”

Firefighters keep burning RV from torching house

While they couldn’t save the motor home, see how a snap decision of a Portland Fire & Rescue lieutenant saved the family’s home …

Using Compressed Air Foam to put out the hotspots, firefighters make sure the motor home fire is completely out.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The simple act of trying to start up a motor home could have ended up burning down the resident’s house and garage on Nov. 24.

“The owner told me the motor home had been sitting for quite a while,” reported Lt. Mark Lyons, Engine 25 as his crew continued to spray fire-extinguishing foam into the shell of the vehicle.

The lieutenant in charge of the effort added, “He said he started it up and saw some smoke. He saw the gas dripping from the gas line. A fire broke out. He went to get a fire extinguisher, and it didn’t put out the fire.”

So intense was the heat from the burning RV, the vinyl siding drips off the home next to it.

Called in as a vehicle fire
We learned from Battalion Chief, District #4, Mark Gift, that the call reporting the fire, in the 6500 block of SE 69th Ave., came in at 12:22 pm.

“When Engine 25 was enroute, they noticed a substantial column of smoke while they were still on heading south SE 52nd Ave., before they turned up Duke St.,” Gift told us. “It was originally dispatched as a vehicle fire; a motor home in a driveway adjacent to a house.”

Just five minutes after the fire call comes in, Engine 25 rolled up to the scene.

“When they arrived, the found a motor home half involved [on fire],” said Gift. “The fire was significant enough that the house immediately to the north and the garage immediately to the west were exposed to high temperatures from the fire.”

Fast response, and a timely decision to call in more units, save this home from going up in smoke.

Lt. Lyons requested a residential fire response. “This gives us a total of four engines, a ladder truck and two battalion chiefs to fight the fire,” explained Gift.

We saw that the home’s vinyl siding has melted, oozing and dripping on the driveway from the fire’s intense heat. The front of the detached garage was smoking, as if about to catch fire.

Thanks to the precision teamwork of responding firefighters, the fuel-fed fire engulfing the blazing RV was quenched. “There was some damage to the exterior of the house and the face of the garage. But there were no exertions inside,” said Lyons. “But it looks like the motor home is pretty much a loss.”

No one was injured; loss estimates were not available.

‘Wizard of Oz’ wows sold-out audiences at David Douglas High

Action, costumes, music … Oh my! You’d better act fast if you want to see this great show – loaded with the songs and beloved characters you remember. Most shows are close to being sold out …

Dorothy (Tegan Tracy) worries that she and Toto (Happy, a Caren terrier) will never get back to their home in Kansas.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
David Douglas High School’s production of the Broadway Musical “The Wizard of Oz”, is now on stage – and the audiences are loving it.

“I’m happy to tell you that tickets are going fast,” says Michael Givler, the show’s director.

Their musical production, originally adapted for the Royal Shakespeare Company, has all of the songs, dance numbers and storyline of the classic childhood story we all remember. The actors bring a fresh, unique look to the tale.

Onstage, you’ll see a fully-costumed cast of 56 actors, singers, and dancers. They’re musically accompanied by the DDHS Orchestra under the baton of the show’s musical director, Mr. Silva.

The Tin Woodsman longing for a heart (Ada Chang), the Cowardly Lion (Robert Hill), and the brainless Scarecrow (Sam De Roest) set out with their new friend, the homesick Dorothy (Tegan Tracy).

A fun, lively show
Backstage, the show’s student crew of 20 stage technicians provide professional lighting and special effects – including flying witches and monkeys. The Wicked Witch even melts away before your eyes after Dorothy splashes her with water.

A real scene-stealer in the show isn’t human. Dorothy’s dog, Toto, played by a Caren Terrier named “Happy”, plays his part like a real trooper.

Glenda, the Good Witch advises the quartet that The Great Oz may help them gain what they are lacking. All they must do is “Follow the yellow brick road”.

About the story
This classic story by L. Frank Baum’s is about Dorothy, a young girl living in Kansas. She, her dog Toto, and the farmhouse are swept up in a tornado and crash-land in Munchkin Land.

A good witch directs Dorothy and her three new friends – a brainless Scarecrow, a heartsick Tin Woodsman, and a ‘fraidy-cat Cowardly Lion – to the City of Emeralds to ask the Wizard of Oz for help. How do they find their way? “Follow the yellow brick road!”

Once they reach the Land of Oz, the foursome are frightened by the wicked witch who vows revenge on Dorothy … and her little dog, too!

Don’t wait! Reserve tickets now
The show runs December 1, 6, 7 and 8. And, there’s a special matinee performance on Sunday, December 2 at 2:30 p.m.

Performances are already selling out – reserve your tickets now!

Tickets for this full-evening show are just $10 for adults; $7 student/seniors. For ticket information, call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270 from 3 to 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays on school days, as well as an hour before show times. Or, e-mail DDHSboxoffice@ddouglas.k12.or.us.

All performances are held at the Howard F. Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave. (between SE Stark St. and Division St.).

Scenes from “The Wizard of Oz”