Think this is just another low-income crackerbox, being stuffed in outer East Portland? Find out ROSE Development folks say Leander Court is actually a great addition to the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood …

A good-sized crowd of well-wishers gather for the grand opening ceremony at Leander Court in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Amid speeches, a ribbon cutting, and luncheon, ROSE Community Development unveiled its newest low-income housing project – Leander Court.

Before the ceremonies, we talked with ROSE executive director, Nick Sauvie.

“We’re opening 37 family units here at Leander Court apartments. This is a good step for providing families with children to get off to a better start,” Sauvie began.

ROSE Community Development’s executive director, Nick Sauvie, welcomes dignitaries and guests to the grand opening celebration.

“Most of these units have three or four bedrooms. The market isn’t providing housing like the units in this development, particularly at the rents we’re charging. We were 100% leased-up before we finished construction. This is pretty remarkable, and indicative of the demand for family housing.”

Eleven of the units at the development on SE 122nd Avenue, a block south of SE Holgate Boulevard, are dedicated to families at risk of homelessness, Sauvie told us. Two units are especially designed to accommodate on-site child-care.

“When you look around, the units are thoughtfully designed. There is a nice courtyard and play area. This is top-of-the-line in many ways.”

Provides low-income alternative
We ask, “Does outer East Portland really need more ‘low income housing’ built here?”

Sauvie replied, “When you look around the area, you see a lot of is poorly designed, poorly constructed, and poorly managed ‘market-rate’ housing units coming into neighborhoods. It isn’t necessarily inexpensive, but it is the only alternative some families have. We’re providing that alternative.

“We’re trying to create better opportunities for families,” Sauvie continued. “If we can help families pay affordable rents, they can put money away, saving up a down payment for a house. We’ve helped many folks like that in the last five years.”

Built for families
As we tour the development, we learn that the $7.4 million building was designed expressly for the needs of working families with children. The complex includes two on-site day-care facilities, a large outdoor play area, and consists primarily of three- and four-bedroom apartments.

The idea, Sauvie said, is to provide safe and stable homes to those earning less than half of the Median Family Income.

Portland has gone from having “most affording housing” to offering “least affordable housing”, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler says.

County Chair expresses his pride
During the ceremony, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler told the crowd, “In 1990, the City of Portland was considered to be one of the most affordable cities in the United States. My! How things have changed. In 2007, we’re one of the least affordable cities in which to live.

“I’m very proud of the work ROSE has done in the last 15 years to actually make sure we have a sustainable supply of affordable housing in Multnomah County.”

Multnomah County is funding five units, Wheeler says, for the families of women coming out of the jail system. “They deserve to have access to safe and affordable housing. Our Department of Community Justice is very proud to provide services to help those women who are reunited with their children to get back on their feet and become productive and included members of this community.

Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard says more housing projects like Leander Court are needed in outer East Portland school districts.

City commissioner grateful
Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard also came to the grand opening event.

“This [project] is important here in the David Douglas School District. The city needs more housing and economic development around schools for working families who cannot afford good housing. I am so grateful for Rose development for all the work they do throughout all of East Portland.”

Snip! Leander Court is open!

Before the group headed into the development’s Community Room to enjoy lunch, ROSE board member, Jim Barrett, asked Sauvie to explain what a “Leander” is.

“A Leander is a lovely rose that produces clusters of small, apricot colored blooms,” Sauvie replied.

Showing off some of her delicious sandwiches provided to the grand opening celebration is Sarah Iannarone, owner Arleta Library Bakery Café across the street from Mt. Scott Community Center.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Like Texas Hold-em? Check out this great tournament with the fun Parkrose Business Association folks. And, take a look at our Cruise-in Memories poster right here …

Parkrose Business Association member pitches the Texas Hold-em Poker Tournament scheduled for October 6 at Steamers Restaurant.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Back in session after their summer recess, the member of the Parkrose Business Association gathered to meet and greet last week.

At their regularly-scheduled noontime meeting, they talked briefly about the June, 2007, Rose Festival Cruise-in, and planned their new event – a Texas Hold-em Poker Tournament.

Oct. 6 Texas Hold-em Poker Tournament
“We’ve got a great event planned for Saturday, October 6,” said Terry Briar, with Davey OrganiCare, as he started his pitch.

“The grand prize will be a $500.00 Visa gift card,” Briar reported.

Buy-in is $49.99 per player, limited to 40 seats, stated Briar. The proceeds benefit the Parkrose Business Foundation Scholarship Fund. “We believe we can fund another Parkrose High School Senior Scholarship from this event.”

The tournament starts at 5:00 p.m. sharp at Steamers Restaurant, 8303 NE Sandy Boulevard, (just north of NE 82nd Avenue of Roses). For more information, contact Briar at (503) 287-2282.

Rose Festival Cruise-in
Because of cloudy skies and rain, only 80 vehicles were on display at this annual event put on by the business association.

But, the raindrops didn’t dampen the spirits of those who showed cars – or the spectators who came by look at them.

The event, the major fundraiser for Parkrose Business Foundation scholarships, produced enough income to provide several scholarships to Parkrose High School seniors in 2008.

At this year’s Cruise-in, the “Best of Show” award went to Richard Speakman. He’s pictured in the lower right of our “Cruise-in Memories” poster reproduced here:

Coming soon …
We’re working on an article based on a talk given at the association’s September meeting by Dr. Richard O’Connor, PhD, of the Oregon Building Congress, and by Michael Taylor, retired Superintendent of Parkrose School District.

You’ll learn about the new and unique charter school which they – and their partners in education and industry – are creating, to teach building trades at the high school level.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how a new Portland Parks & Recreation Bureau project can reduce the damage that skateboarders cause to commercial and public spaces, by drawing them to a new skatepark planned for outer East Portland, designed with big-city challenges …

East Portland parks advocate, Linda Robinson, Mark Vanderzalm, skatepark design and construction consultant, and Mark Conahan,46-year-old skateboarder (and long time thrasher), look at the new “Skate Plaza” design – as Portland Parks & Recreation Program Manager, Rod Wojtanik, points out features.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Ed Benedict Park, located just east of I-205 on SE Powell Boulevard in the Lents Neighborhood, is the setting for Portland’s newest skatepark.

What’s a skatepark?

It’s a place specifically designed for riders of skateboards, street roller skaters, and BMX bike to have fun – away from city streets and public plazas.

“Portland Parks & Recreation isn’t building anything else that gets as much use as skateparks,” says the Parks Bureau Project Manager Rod Wojtanik, himself a Southeast resident. “These facilities serve a demographic we’ve not done a good job serving, unless the young people are in an organized sport.”

Play areas serve 2- to 8-year olds very well, explains Wojtanik. Soccer, baseball and football fields serve team sports players. Community centers feature basketball courts and swimming pools. “But none of these serve the young people who can’t find a place to skateboard and have planted themselves in front of the TV on the couch.”

25% of kids 14 to 16 years old say they like to ride a skateboard, Wojtanik continues. But, they don’t have safe alternatives to skating in the street or in public plazas. “Giving them a safe place skateboard meets a real recreation need.”

The plan for the proposed Skate Plaza mimics “skate-able surfaces” found in urban environments like benches, railings, and planter boxes.

Suburban ‘Plaza’ to feature urban skating features
Urban plazas are designed for pedestrians, not skateboarders, Wojtanik says; but because of these places have challenging and fun-to-skate surfaces, kids love to ride there. Skateboards ride, flip, and “grind” these surfaces – often to the dismay of city officials and property owners who must repair damage this play causes to railings, curbs, stairs, and planters.

The difference between a skatepark and a skate plaza, Wojtanik tells us, is the layout. Typically, skateparks have dramatic features like deep, swimming-pool like bowls, and are built into a relatively small area of land.

A skate plaza is more spread out. “It simulates an urban environment with stairs, railings and ledges. We’re creating an attraction for the skateboarding community designed to draw skaters away from public plazas to a place they can enjoy their kind of riding – without being arrested or fined.”

Unlike easily-damaged public and commercial areas, the surfaces in the skate plaza are specifically designed for skateboarding; planners say they’ll last indefinitely.

Ed Benedict Park was chosen because the site is large, has good visibility from the street, and has good access to public transportation. It is an area that is safe for children, Wojtanik says.

Bureau seeks public input
At a meeting held at Earl Boyles Elementary School – it borders Ed Benedict Park – planners showed off their skate plaza design and asked for input.

Skate plaza designers reveal that at least 70% of the skate park will have “street skating” features. The plaza will feature more vegetation than in the other skate parks, with numerous planter boxes – all with skateable surfaces.

Overall, indications from skateboarders show they favor the street skating theme of the new park. They suggest that “transitional skating” features (30% of the skate plaza) be kept at a scale that’s compatible with the streetscape theme.

Across-the-street neighbor Mitchel Odom, and his son Derek, look at plans for the new skate plaza – but Mitchel says the location raises some concerns.

Neighbors express concerns
A few non-skaters in the audience expressed concerns that the skate plaza is located on the north edge of the park, close to traffic on SE Powell Boulevard. The design team said they will use a variety of mechanisms, including vegetation and cables, to keep skateboarders from accidentally flying out into traffic – and, to keep out-of-control cars from careening into the skate plaza.

As across-the-street neighbor Mitchel Odom looked at the skate plaza’s design, he said that he’s concerned about the possibility of a “culture clash” at the park.

Urban skateboarders have their own culture, Odom said, as do teams of ethnic soccer players. “Soccer players don’t come to the park with skateboards. There is a lack of parking. Every day on Powell, there is a huge backup of traffic. It is a two-lane road. My major concern is the potential for a culture clash among users.”

Next steps
Wojtanik says the bureau is in the public design phase of the development process. If you missed the meeting on September 13, you can still comment by going online – promptly – and letting your concerns or comments be known.

To comment online, CLICK HERE. This link will take you directly to the comment area on PortlandOnline.com.

“When we solidify our design, we’ll get permits and begin construction. We should see skaters on the plaza by July of 2008,” predicted Wojtanik.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Did you know that Portland Metro Performing Arts dance troupe is celebrating its 30th season? Learn about their special fall performance, other classes available – and how your kids will benefit! …

Even tots like Chloe Jeanmarie can learn crafts, like how to make paper flowers, at PMPA. “It’s fun,” she says.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Not long ago, we stopped in to visit our friends at the Portland Metro Performing Arts (PMPA) Center, and to attend their Fall Open House.

“We’re happy families are coming by today,” said Executive Director Nancy Yeamans. “They’re learning about our programs and sampling our classes.”

This unique institution – located in the heart of the Gateway District – offers dance, music, theater, and visual arts classes – mostly for kids, but people of all ages are welcome to participate in some of their programs.

Dance company celebrates third decade
Yeamans told us enthusiastically about the PMPA dance company’s 30th anniversary season, now underway.

“At our Dance Mosaic concert in November, we’re doing two totally different programs,” Yeamans said. “We’re inviting alumnus dancers – many of them who now perform with major companies – to rejoin us for a homecoming.

At the Dance Mosaic shows, scheduled for Nov. 16 and 17, professional dance alumnus will join with the current company for solo and group performances. “Over the years, we’ve had 150 members in our dance company,” the executive director added.

The PMPA intermediate/advanced ballet class practices jumps, steps and routines, under the direction of teacher Christina Hintz.

Relevance of PMPA offerings
“Most schools don’t provide these programs, Yeamans told us. “Some schools have music or art instructors – but I can’t think of any with dance teachers. The kids are losing out if the parents can’t provide additional arts enrichment for their children.”

Art, she added, helps young people find their “voice”; that is, it helps them express what they feel. “This is especially important for young people. They often can’t express, in words, what they feel as they can with art. And, what we teach also helps students do better in math, sciences, and English, because it gives relevance to their school-day curriculum.”

Although PMPA classes have begun, students may still join classes on a space-available basis.

For more information, CLICK HERE to be taken to their web site. Or, call their office at (503) 408-0604.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See our favorite pirate rock band – Captain Bogg & Salty – welcomed back by a throng of admirers, at this unusual library show – and see where the 2nd Annual PIRATE FESTIVAL will be THIS weekend …

While First Mate McGraw sings a solo, Captain Bogg gives us the “secret pirate sign” – the hook!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Judging by the giggling, laughing, singing and dancing of hundreds of kids at Sellwood Park a few weeks ago, Sellwood Branch Library’s choice of Captain Bogg & Salty’s Pirate Band for this event was a good one.

“Capt. Bogg and Salty have had wonderful, long partnership with the library,” said Sellwood Branch children’s librarian Marci Davis. “They’re the perfect ones to help us celebrate the conclusion of our summer reading program, ‘Get a Clue’.”

Davis said that kids who have participated in the summer reading program can win prizes. “This program keeps them coming in and asking about new books to read.”

So popular is this local band, Captain Bogg lets members of the audience sing verses of the songs they’ve come to know well.

Pirates as music stars
“It’s an honor to be asked back to the celebration again this year,” lead guitarist and singer First Mate McGraw (AKA Kevin Hender) told us. “With the reception we get, it’s become one of my favorite shows. To this audience, we’re stars!”

First Mate McGraw asked us to mention that the 2nd Portland Pirate Festival returns to Cathedral Park in St. Johns – under the bridge – this weekend, September 22 and 23.

No one croons a pirate tune like The Captain!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why this outer East Portland accident shook up witnesses who saw it happen – and the condition of the injured woman.
Please note, some photos may be too graphic for some readers  …

Police officers take measurements at the scene where a 78-year-old wheelchair-bound woman was struck by a truck.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Just after 3 p.m. on Friday, September 21, pedestrian and vehicular traffic is slowing down as the afternoon rush is starting up at the busy intersection of SE 82nd Ave. of Roses and SE Holgate Blvd., near Eastport Plaza.

“I looked up and saw an old woman, riding in an electric wheelchair, start to cross the street [going north on 82nd Ave, crossing Holgate]. This big truck was turning left and hit her,” says eyewitness Lilana Longoria.

Taking a closer look at the mangled power wheelchair, officers gather information to make their report.

Other witnesses collaborate her story, and say the 18-wheeler was turning left – on a green arrow – from southbound 82nd Ave., heading east on SE Holgate Blvd. The front, passenger side of the truck cab strikes the powered wheelchair and starts dragging it and its occupant eastward.

“People are rushing up to the truck and pounding on the window, screaming and shouting, ‘Stop! Stop!‘ But by then, the truck dragged her quite a ways.”

Heavy Friday afternoon traffic came to a standstill as this busy intersection became a police investigation scene.

Looking at the accident scene, we surmise that fender of the semi cab dragged the wheelchair about 30 feet. Within minutes, we are told, an ambulance rushed the victim away to get medical care.

Portland Police Bureau spokesman, Brian Schmautz, says 78-year-old Ursala Knierim was operating the electric wheelchair. The truck that struck her was driven by 60-year-old Randall Bubb.

Officials say, as bad as this accident was, the victim’s injures did not take her life.

“No citations have been issued at this time and Knierim’s injuries do not appear to be life threatening,” Schmautz reports.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Think street prostitution is a “victimless crime”? Ask what neighbors think, after they come back from their daily “condom and needle patrols” …

Street-level prostitution is still active in outer East Portland. After officers watch Loretta violating her exclusion order, attempting to flag down potential sex customers along NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, she is arrested.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Outer East Portland neighbors all along 82nd Avenue of Roses, and outer NE Sandy Blvd.,  say they are concerned that, come November 1, their streets will again teem with street-level prostitution. Women in “The Life” – the term prostitutes use when referring to their trade – are about about to get a “gift” from the City Fathers.

On October 30, City of Portland ordinances called Prostitution-free Zones (PFZ) and Drug-free Zones (DFZ) will expire. Hearings to continue or change these ordinances were dropped from the Portland City Council’s September 12 agenda without mention or comment.

“Exclusion zones” defined
To learn more about the PFZ and DFZ ordinances, we speak with Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs. He’s in charge of the cops that patrol Portland’s most prostitution-affected streets.

“It takes a lot of resources to catch people selling drugs or engaging in prostitution,” Crebs begins.

“Parts of 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Sandy Blvd. are designated as Prostitution-free Zones and Drug-free Zones. When officers see persons engaged in prostitution activities, they arrest them,” explains Crebs.

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs explains the “exclusion” ordinances.

“When we arrest them, we also give them an ‘exclusion’ that prohibits them from coming back to the zone for 90 days. These individuals can return to the area to deal with activities of life, like shopping, medical needs, or other legitimate activities.”

If cops catch “excluded” individuals in a PFZ or DFZ within 90 days, and they clearly are not engaged in a legitimate activity, the commander says, officers can arrest them for trespassing.

“It is proven that you have the ability [to exclude an individual], it diminishes the ability for these things to occur. It makes the area no longer conducive for their activity. Sometimes they stop it altogether, or do it far away.”

Neighbors speak out
Debbie Shelley is a Parkrose neighborhood resident who lives near NE 99th Avenue and Wygant Street.

“I used to think these gals getting picked up by cars were just getting a ride from a friend. But then, we watch them they drive into the neighborhood and stop on a side street,” Shelley tells us a recent neighborhood meeting.

“Used condoms, needles – we’ve found it all around our area, especially in the cemetery. It terrifies me to see this on the ground. There are kids in our neighborhood. What if they pick up a needle?”

Drug dealers can be excluded under the DFZ ordinance, also. “We’re getting a lot of drug traffic. I see cars coming down the street. They flash their headlights, and people come up to the car and they leave,” Shelley adds.

Her message to City Hall: “Please, keep the Prostitution-free Zones and Drug-free Zones!”

Portland Police Bureau Officer Mike Leisure and Mary Walker at the Parkrose NA meeting talk about prostitution.

Says homeowners also have rights
Mary Walker, board member Parkrose Neighborhood Association, adds, “We don’t want anyone’s rights to be violated – whether it is the prostitute, or the homeowners. The goal isn’t to throw prostitutes in jail. The goal is to find a solution. We’ve got to resolve to find a way to help prostitutes find a better way of life.”

Walker notes that nearly half of the cars picking up prostitutes in Parkrose bear Washington state license plates. “It would be great if we could find a way to work with Vancouver, Washington, police.”

If the PFZ is allowed to expire, Walker says, she’s concerned – because, “I think that the activity will increase. It won’t be in the shadows; we’ll be seeing it right in the heart of Parkrose.”

Lives in the “drop-off zone”
Madison South is the neighborhood along NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, near Madison High School. Their neighborhood association chair, Ruth Hander, tells us what she sees every day.

“I am in the ‘drop off’ zone,” Hander says. “Guys pick up the gals on 82nd Avenue, and drive into the neighborhood [for sex]. When they’re done, they drop the gal off, and they take off for 82nd Avenue, and away they go again.”

The problem with prostitution in the Madison South area, explains Hander, “is not only are we dealing with the prostitutes, but also with the drugs they bring with them. We appreciate all the drug and prostitution missions the police conduct, but there is only so much they can do.”

More than 100 Madison South residents have signed a letter to the Portland City Council requesting that PFZ and DFZ ordinances be kept on the books, Hander adds.

Notes declining property values
When an area is known for hosting prostitution and drug dealing – even if unwillingly – neighbors say the illegal activity imports crime into their communities.

Valerie Curry, president of Argay Neighborhood Association, tells us, “I’m not speaking for the association; I’m speaking as a very concerned neighbor.”

Curry calls street sex and drug dealing a “huge concern” because of the increased level of activity she, and neighbors, observe in their area.

“In addition to the level of prostitution and drug activity we’re seeing,” Curry continues, “some folks are reporting prostitutes screaming, as their pimps beat them up.”

While unsavory individuals allegedly are moving into Argay apartment complexes, residents are moving out.

“We’re losing some of our good, stable, long-term neighbors because of this activity. They say, ‘We don’t want our children seeing prostitution and drug dealing as a normal way of life’. We have drivers, stoned out of their minds, coming to have sex with prostitutes. We see drug deals every night at NE 131st and NE Sandy Blvd.”

Not only does it affect the quality of life in Argay, Curry adds, “This criminal activity is reducing the value of our homes. It is devastating to our community. For the mayor to just let it [the ordinances] drop, and expire, is unacceptable.”

Next week
Is “street sex” truly as rampant as neighbors claim? Is this problem being blown out of proportion?

See what we learn when we ride along with police officers in Street Sex: Part 2 – Prostitution flourishes in outer East Portland.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

From digging an educational garden, to painting and setting up a free “school supplies store” – see what a difference this large group of volunteers made one Saturday morning at Kelly Elementary School …

Christine Rhoney, SUN site manager for Kelly Elementary School, shows the school supplies they’ve put out at their “free store” to help needy kids.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the school year gets underway, we are pleased to see the community pitching in to help the students and teachers get off to a good start.

In the Lents Neighborhood, Kelly Elementary School got a boost on September 8 from about 75 volunteers from Imago Dei Community, a Christian church of 1,400 members that meets at Franklin High School.

“All I can say is ‘whoopee’!” exclaims Kelly’s principal, Sharon Allen. She apologizes for her exuberance; we ask why she’s excited. “From painting, to cleaning and trimming, these volunteers are doing our school a world of good today.”

Trimming bushes around the school are Imago Dei Community members Patrick Wilson, Amber Pierce, and Diane Galvez.

Inside the school, we are introduced to JJ Bjordahl, an organizer of the event. He tells us their group selected Kelly school as part of their “Love Portland” project. “Helping the community is part of the mission of our Community.”

In Kelly’s gym, Christine Rhoney, SUN site manager for Kelly Elementary School, tells us more about the project.

“We partnered with Imago Dei Community last year,” she explains. They helped us put on an end-of-school picnic at Blue Lake Park. They wanted Kelly to be one of the schools they helped this year.”

The front of the gym has been turned into a “store” of kids clothing and school supplies – to outfit at least 200 kids.

“This is awesome! Look at all these school supplies they’ve donated,” points out Rhoney. “This ‘free store’ is so necessary in our community; we’re in a high poverty area. It is very difficult for families to buy supplies for students. This clothing and these supplies will really help our students get off to a good start.”

Lisa Armour applies needed paint at the school’s doorway.

SUN Schools, Rhoney tells us, provide resources and referrals for families in their service area. “We’re like the community social worker. We connect families with organizations and agencies throughout the community, to enhance the programs we have here at the school.”

Many Imago Dei Community volunteers labor long and hard to build and fence an educational garden at Kelly School.

As if the cleaning, digging, pruning, and school supply donation wasn’t enough, the group also hosted a barbecue for families, as they came in to visit the free store.

“Today is a very good day at Kelly School,” summarizes Principal Allen.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Most folks haven’t heard much from Ted Wheeler since he took the Multnomah County Chair office in January. You might be surprised to learn what his priorities are …

In one of his first public appearances in outer East Portland, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler talks candidly about his goals – the realities of politics.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Since Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler was swept into office by voters last November, we haven’t heard much from him – other than when he shared his mountaineering experiences with the Parkrose Business Association.

But last week, Wheeler accepted Ross Monn’s invitation to speak with community members at the Wilkes Community Association monthly meeting.

“It is a beautiful night,” Wheeler began, “thank you for taking the time to come; it shows you care about the community in which you live.”

Admitting he might not have the answers to all questions raised by those present, Wheeler started by outlining the responsibilities of county government.

Multnomah County 101
Wheeler detailed the wide array of services provided by the county:

• Public safety, including the Sheriff’s Office, River Patrol and jails;
• The District Attorney’s Office;
• “Safety net” human Services, operating or administrating energy assistance, federal programs for infants, women and children and antipoverty programs;
• Treatment services for those who are jailed and released, in addition to alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation services;
• Maintaining roads, and 27 bridges – including six bridges that cross the Willamette River;
• The public library system;
• Animal services;
• Conducting elections;
• Tax collection; and
• Land use planning services in unincorporated areas of Multnomah County.

Wheeler gives Wilkes Community Association neighbors an overview of his top priorities.

Outlines fourfold priorities
“I’m here mostly to meet you, and hear your concerns,” Wheeler continues. “But first, here are my four top priorities for the county:

1. Public Safety
“First is making the public safety system whole.  I want a balanced public safety system. This is more than opening the Wapato jail; I’m talking about the whole spectrum of public safety services.

“This includes [crime] prevention. By the time we put someone in jail, the system has failed. Intervention and prevention is very important to me. And, we must have law enforcement and prosecutorial accountability.

“Beyond sending people to jail, I want them to come back to the community as fully engaged, productive citizens. Sometimes they need a little help in terms of education, mentors, employers, or pastoral care. We want to make sure the recidivism rate goes down.”

Even though they closed the Sellwood Bridge for a day-long inspection, federal inspectors say they’re only 40% done with the job.

2. Sellwood Bridge
“Ahead of all other county transportation issues is dealing with the Sellwood Bridge. It is at a crisis point. That bridge has a rating of “2” on a federal sufficiency scale of 100.

“Federal agencies are inspecting it. They are requesting another two days to complete the study. We need to completely rehabilitate or replace that span.

“There is an ongoing process among neighborhoods, transportation advocates of all kinds, and designers. While the county has $25 Million committed to the project, we’re trying to get state matching dollars, which can lead to getting federal matching dollars. It will be about two years before construction begins.”

3. Emergency management
“Before I came into office, Multnomah County underwent an independent analysis of our emergency management system. We failed. Our procedures and readiness were wholly inadequate; not up to snuff.

“I’ve doubled the staff in [the emergency management office]. We’ve brought in an expert and funded the office’s improvement. Nobody thinks about emergency management until you need it. New Orleans is a good example of what it looks like when you don’t have a good plan in place. It is going to take a while as we rethink the system.”

4. New downtown courthouse
“We need a new downtown Portland courthouse.

“Our current courthouse, while being a historical building, is dilapidated. It’s a firetrap and a potential earthquake hazard. It is no longer functional, considering the volume of business conducted in the courthouse. Accused criminals and citizens travel the same hallways, making it neither safe nor functional.

“We’ve secured a location to build a modern courthouse on the west end of the Hawthorne Bridge. We’ll move an off-ramp that bisects the property. Being a block away from the Justice Center, we’re working on an agreement to build a tunnel between the two.”

Funding the project, Wheeler said, will most likely be done with a general obligation bond. The current building is open to debate; the chair opined that putting the building back on the tax rolls makes sense.

Questions about Wapato Jail
Asked about the long-awaited East County Justice Center, Wheeler said three sites in Gresham are under consideration, and the final selection will be announced within a month.

Questions regarding public safety, and the Wapato Jail, were posed – including, “Can’t the [state] legislature reassign lottery proceeds?”

Wheeler responded, “I’m working with the state to use some of our [jail bed] capacity as a reentry facility for [inmates] from state facilities. We know 98% of them will come back to Multnomah County. It makes sense to connect [released prisoners] with the community, so they can become productive citizens.

“There isn’t a lot of interest in the legislature, from members around the state, to reassign state funds to help out Multnomah County. Potential grant dollars are available. As a last option, I may go back to the taxpayers to make a case to raise taxes to fund it.”

Chair Wheeler pauses as he listens to citizens express their concern that “group homes” and low-income housing are being concentrated in outer East Portland.

Crime and housing density
A neighbor spoke up, saying “I see two factors contributing to East County crime. One is MAX, the other is high-density, low-income housing that is pushed to the edges of Portland.”

These factors come together in Rockwood, she added. “To me, government is in bed with high-density developers. But developers don’t take responsibility for public safety in the areas they create. It breaks my heart to learn of an elderly lady who sleeps in the back of her house in fear of bullets that have come flying through her home.”

Wheeler responded, “This is complicated. Yes. First, MAX is a well-known issue. TriMet has substantially stepped up their patrols, I think.

“Being worried about being shot makes this elderly lady a victim of crime, even though she hasn’t been hurt. It is a quality-of-life issue. The county does have role to play in this. We haven’t provided the number of jail beds needed. There isn’t accountability. It is a tragedy for the community when people are arrested and released. We just enabled them to go back into the community and commit more crime or continue their addiction. We haven’t been able to have an interdiction.”

Co-chair of the neighboring Russell Neighborhood Association Bonny McKnight spoke up about the growing number of “group homes” in outer NE Portland.

“These ‘group homes’ used be ‘care homes’,” McKnight said, “But [group home operation] is merely a business for many owners. If they started a hair styling salon, they would be under more regulation than group homes. The county licenses [group homes]. But when Lisa Naito came out to talk about the issue, she said, ‘There is nothing we can do. Everyone needs a home’.”

To this, Wheeler responded, “I take legal advice, but at the end of the day, I am responsible for my decisions. If we are charged with the responsibility of licensure, we should be in charge. I came into office with a certain amount of naiveté. Most county government workers are good people who care about others. Sometimes we forget that the regulations don’t run us, we run the regulations.”

When Wheeler’s time was up, he thanked the group of about 30 people, and left with a round of applause.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

It wasn’t bad enough that this guy, arrested for being “deep in his cups”, drove like a dolt – see what happened when he broadsided an innocent victim …

While paramedics and firefighters stabilize a passenger riding in the car said to be the cause of the wreck, a police officer talks with 32-year-old Leroy Burke Hartley before arresting him for DUII.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This wreck, on September 10, wasn’t an “accident”. It didn’t have anything to do with the sun being in the driver’s eyes as he headed westbound, down the hill on SE Holgate Boulevard from SE 28th Avenue. At 9:20 p.m., the sun had long been set.

“The car shot down the hill, like it was trying race the car beside it,” says witness Peter Hacker. “But the other [westbound] car clearly wasn’t racing; the driver turned off on SE 27th to get away from him. The guy driving the Camaro was driving like a total jerk.”

By the time the Camaro approached the intersection at SE 26th Avenue, other witnesses say the speeding car was fishtailing as it careened westward.

Witnesses say the victim could talk with paramedics as they were preparing her to be transported to the hospital, but she was bleeding from the forehead.

Either the driver of the Washington-plated Camaro didn’t see that the he was approaching a red light, or he was going too fast to stop to avoid cross traffic in the intersection.

In what multiple witnesses call a “grinding crash”, the Camaro plowed into the driver’s side, rear door of a red Chevrolet legally passing southbound through the intersection.

The t-bone collision spun the Chevrolet with such force, it rotated the car 90 degrees, before slamming it into a steel utility pole – caving in the side of the vehicle.

The Camaro ground to a stop about 1/2 block west of the intersection, straddling the two eastbound lanes of SE Holgate Boulevard.

Within minutes, Portland Fire & Rescue’s Engine 23 arrived on scene, and firefighters stabilized the injured persons in both cars.

Looking at the victim’s car, it’s easy to understand why witnesses say it’s a miracle the driver survived the crash.

“Looking at her car, I was surprised the woman who got hit could still talk to the rescuers,” Hacker said. “She had a cut on her forehead, but seemed to be talking OK.”

According to Portland Police Bureau spokesperson, Cathe Kent, police arrested 32-year-old Leroy Burke Hartley, charged with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. Hartley was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Why is this school district paying for the full day program? You’ll learn why they are enthusiastic about this stepped-up program for their 5-year-olds right here, along with photos of some very cute students …

Parkrose School District’s new Director of School Improvement, Jeff Rose, says the introduction of full-day kindergarten at all of their elementary schools will help students to better throughout their educational experience.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As school ended in Parkrose last June, we told you how – with the approval of incoming Parkrose School Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray – the district was being reorganized.

Jeff Rose, formerly the Principal at Russell Academy of Academic Achievement, was named to the newly-created post, Director of School Improvement.

Last week, we asked Rose to name the most significant change the district is undertaking this school year.

“The most important is offering full-day kindergarten at every one of our elementary schools,” Rose replied.

Rose said the district is fortunate in that they have the physical classroom space in all of their facilities for the full-day kindergarten program.

“We made the determination that one of the best investments we could make in our students’ education was full-day kindergarten. We put it our budget, making it available to every student in every school,” said Rose.

Touring the schools
We were delighted when several of the Parkrose schools invited us to see their kindergarteners participating in their first week of their educational careers….

Russell Academy of Academic Achievement

Margaret Goff’s kindergarteners enjoy story time during class at Russell Academy

At Russell Academy of Academic Achievement, we’re greeted by the school’s new Principal, Debbie Ebert, an educator with 17 years experience, five of them at Russell Academy.

“What we’ve talked about, as educators here at Russell, is the importance of having longer periods of time to get the job done,” Ebert says about their new kindergarten program. “While they did their best to teach foundation skills of reading, writing, and math, kindergarten teachers found their two-and-a-half hours a day to be too fragmented and short.”

“What is the ‘C’ sound?” asks Heather Bailey as she teaches phonics to her kindergarteners at Russell Academy.

Ebert continued, saying a full day of classes also allows teachers to incorporate more social skills learning, like “play etiquette”.

Basic literacy training, Ebert stated, is the foundation for everything. “If they have a good foundation, all of the subject areas become easier for them.”

Diane Larson with her class of new students at Russell Academy.

Diane Larson spoke with us before her tykes came back to class from morning recess. “With a whole day, we can teach these students in a way that is more developmentally appropriate for their age.”

This is not babysitting, Larson stressed. “By the end of the year, most kids are reading at some level. They can write a couple of sentences. They know the rules – but even more, they know how to be a learner. That’s our goal.”

Shaver Elementary School

Diane Carlsen helps her kindergarteners learn how to make crafts at Shaver Elementary School.

Cindy Bartman, principal of Shaver Elementary School, cheerfully greeted us at her school’s door. She’s a respected educator, having taught for 21 years, and being in administration for the past seven.

“Especially at our school,” Bartman began, “I think full-day kindergarten gives a tremendous advantage to our students. About fifty percent of our kids are Hispanic. They come to us with no English. Being allowed to have a full day of kindergarten, our students get much more English language development than they would during a short day.”

Shaver Elementary kindergarten teacher Michaelle Lenius works on a project that teaches shapes with her new learners.

By the time their students enter first grade, Bartman continued, “they’re already learning to read and write. We’re very academic; it is truly a bonus for students to go into first grade knowing phonics – how to put sounds together – and starting developing strong vocabulary skills, as well.”

The Shaver Principal went on to mention that, in addition to Spanish, their students come from homes in which eleven other non-English languages are spoken. “Here, everybody gets a fair chance at learning English. They all benefit.”

Sacramento Elementary School

Dianna Recinos teaches her class at Sacramento Elementary School.

Completing our tour was a visit to Sacramento Elementary School. Principal Stevie Blakely echoed the sentiments we heard from educators at the other schools.

“This year,” Blakely noted, “We have 72 kindergarteners at the school. We have had parents who have not sent their other kids to part-day kindergarten. Now that we’re offering a full-time academic kindergarten, we’re having more parents who want their kids to participate.”

Parkrose 5-year-olds can enroll in kindergarten late as September 30, under certain circumstances. Check with the district office for details.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Is the “VisionPDX” plan YOUR vision? Learn where and when to voice your opinion …

Outer East Portland’s top cop, Michael Crebs, says citizens living east of 82nd Avenue of Roses should attend the city’s VisionPDX meeting to make sure their views are appropriately represented in the report.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
On Wednesday, September 19, at 6 PM the Portland City Council will be shown the results of the “VisionPDX” research study commissioned by Portland Mayor Tom Potter.

One of the committee members who sifted through the thousands of survey reports was the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander, Michael Crebs. “I accepted the offer, approximately two years ago, to be on the committee.”

Asked about this volunteer assignment, Crebs stated, “Our sole goal was to develop a ‘vision’ for how our city should be in [the year] 2030, based on input from the community. We did not want it to the vision of the mayor or city council. We wanted it to be the vision of our community. I feel that we reached our goal.”

Urges hearing the plan – and being heard
When we enquired why outer East Portland folks should go to the meeting, Crebs told us, “At this meeting, the Mayor will present the final product. It is important for citizens to be there – especially people in outer East Portland – so they can let Mayor know, after hearing the report, whether or not to accept it.”

Portland City Hall is located in downtown Portland, at 1221 SW 4th Avenue. Be sure the use the 4th Avenue entrance – all others are permanently closed.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service