You might not notice the colorful addition to the Parkrose High School Community Library, so we thought we’d point out this visual legacy left behind by graduating students‚

Graduated seniors Brad Tinsley and Tamiqua Martin designed and created the stained glass panels the now decorate the Parkrose High School Library’s smallest windows.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Parkrose Highs School Class of ’07 graduates, Brad Tinsley and Tamiqua Martin, have left a physical mark on their school. It isn’t a scar‚ but instead, a beauty treatment for the small square windows on the south wall of the Community Library.

The two students created panels made of stained glass; one for each of the windows.

“It took us eight weeks to do the project, from design through installation,” Tinsley told us. “We started it because our teacher said the librarian wanted something that had a flowing design for those windows.”

The stained glass panels decorate each of the small windows on the south wall of the library, when taken together, form a wave pattern. The top left image starts the sequence on the east end of the library; the bottom right photo concludes the pattern on the western end of the room.

Martin explained the process: “We drew a design. We switched it up a little and came up with these panels. It was hard work; foiling took the most time.

After graduation, Tinsley said he signed up with the US Army, enlisting as a military police officer. Martin plans higher education at Mount Hood Community College‚ or may decide to enlist in the US Navy.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

When these two outer East Portland neighborhoods set out to rid their areas of trash, they gather dumpsters full of refuse. See why these volunteers work so hard to clean things up‚

Argay Neighbor Jim Edmonds, one of the nearly 100 neighbors dropping off trash, being checked in by volunteer Bonny Scott at the Argay Clean-up day.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
“We’ve already had 70 cars so far; it looks like we’ll probably serve 100 neighbors this year,” says Argay Neighborhood volunteer Bonny Scott, as she checks in cars at the early June neighborhood clean-up. “This is the most we’ve had in three years.”

At Shaver Elementary School, Scott is checking in Argay neighbor Jim Edmonds. He says, “This is great! It gives us the chance to clean up the yard and get rid of things.”

Argay Neighborhood Association volunteers Dana McCray and Jane Roffey-Berry don’t mind getting dirty while they help clean up their part of Portland.

Large turnout
Perhaps more important than the good weather, Argay Neighborhood’s chair, Valerie Curry, tells us, is that “we really promoted our clean-up day.”

It wouldn’t be such a successful effort, Curry says, if not for the efforts of the eleven volunteers from the Soccer Club at Parkrose High School. “These young dynamos have been unloading, tossing, pitching, slinging, arranging, and cramming trash and yard debris‚ making the best use of our dumpster space‚ for over four hours. And, they did it with good humor!”

The help of these Parkrose High volunteers was especially helpful, Curry explains, saying, “The leadership of our association presently consists of a small group of “older” neighborhood volunteers, at the moment all females who work hard for their community and who organize periodic special services for the neighborhood, such as a Neighborhood Clean-up Day.”

David Toscano and Connor Leines, two of the eleven Parkrose High School student volunteers help load out up trash in Argay.

Curry says she wants to thank the helpers by name: Matt, Josh, Connor, David, John, Jacob, Nathan, Josh (No. 2), Nick, Jose, and Christian.

“And, we also thank our steadfast neighborhood volunteers Clare & Sharon Mershon, Dana McCray, Alice Ford, Tina Scarborough, Jane Roffey-Berry, Gary Scott, and coordinator Bonnie Scott.

ROSE helps Lents neighbors
‘take out the trash’

Due to the sprawling size of the Lents Neighborhood, clean-up organizers located their dumpsters throughout their area.

“It really helps when people can take their debris and trash just down the street, instead of having to haul it to a central location,” said organizer Judy Welch.

Neighbor Nicole Yates unloads her truck, getting rid of a big old load from our back yard as clean-up coordinator Judy Welch sweeps up at one of the 13 locations.

“We’ve filled two dumpsters here; one with yard debris and one with solid waste,” says Welch.

Overall, this Lents Clean-up filled 13 dumpsters throughout Lents.

This project was partly funded by ROSE Community Development; they sponsored six of drop-box bins.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Businesspeople and neighbors work together, as they plan this community’s future. Now they have gotten a look at the findings of PSU grad student planners. Interested in what they said? Take a look: the complete report is right here‚

Brian Ableidinger introducing the Parkrose Vision Committee

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The people of Parkrose aren’t just wishing and hoping for a bright future, they’re actively planning for it.

Months ago, the City of Portland’s East Portland Planning Liaison, Barry Manning, suggested that Portland State University graduate urban planning students could help the area’s residents and business people develop a comprehensive plan.

After informal meetings and a group workshop called “Planning for Parkrose” on April 24, interested folks gathered at Parkrose High School’s Community room on June 6 student planners’ recommendations.

The text of the formal presentation is at the end of this article‚

Process helps set priorities
Brian Ableidinger, co-owner of Parkrose Hardware, welcomed the group that packed the meeting hall.

“As a business owner, getting input from the neighborhood association about what they want to see in their business district has been an eye-opener for me,” Ableidinger told us during a break in the program. “I learned, for example that most residents really want a Parkrose grocery store.”

When they first started the process, Ableidinger explained, he saw that the both the neighborhood and business associations had their own point of view. “The views are necessarily opposed to one another; they’re just not synchronized. I hope this Vision Committee can bring all of these points of view together to help us develop a plan for a good.”

Neighbor Arnie Osterhaus talks with one of the Portland State University grad student Brian, one of the group who prepared recommendations for the Parkrose Community.

Ableidinger agrees with the recommendation to expand the Parkrose Vision Committee. “I see the committee including other stakeholders in the neighborhood‚ such as the faith community‚ we want to address their needs.”

Having a united front is important to the process Ableidinger says, especially when it comes to Sandy Blvd. redevelopment. “If our businesses and neighbors show city government we are united‚ and have a professional developed plan‚ the leaders will be more amenable. We’ll have more power and influence.”

Retired Parkrose School Superintendent Mike Taylor and Bob Brown, Bob Brown Tires, discuss some of the options the student planners outlined.

Neighborhood leader approve
At the June meeting, Marcy Emerson-Peters, chair of Parkrose Neighborhood Association, told us, “This is a great idea. I’m impressed with the energy people are showing to get this going.”

Emerson-Peters said she thought it was important that businesses in downtown Parkrose are being encouraged to be involved with the plans for developing the city’s business district.

“From the standpoint of neighbors, business district improvements will make Parkrose a more appealing place to shop. It will increase the value of homes. The city will pay more attention to us. And, we’ll attract more investment. This is good for everyone.”

Parkrose people, from all walks of life, come to participate in planning the community’s future.

Parkrose Vision Committee Recommendation Presentation

Findings
1. What would bring you down to Sandy Blvd. more often?

• Grocery Store: 27% of total points
• Greater Dining Options: 13%
• Specific Specialty Stores: 12%
• Less Prostitution, Crime and Drugs: 9%
• Improve Neighborhood Appearance: 7%

2. What would you like other people to think of Sandy Blvd. ten years from now?

• Multi-Cultural Area: 17%
• Safe and Well-Maintained: 14%
• Family Friendly Area: 13%
• Prostitution Free Area: 10%
• Local Business Oriented: 8%

3. Name three things you think would make Parkrose better?

• Fewer Adult-Oriented Businesses: 20%
• Encourage Neighborhood Unity, Communication & Involvement: 14%
• Improve Neighborhood Appearance: 14%
• Decrease Prostitution, Crime, Drugs: 8%
• Prioritize Children: 6%

Goal
Creating a Downtown Parkrose area that would be a vital business district, provide a strong sense of community and thus, make it a “great place to be”.

Recommendations

• Expand Parkrose Vision Team
• Invite representatives from other community organizations
• Formalize monthly meeting schedule
• Undergo leadership/team building training

Improve Neighborhood Communication

• Maximize use of existing resources
• Employ a multi-media approach
• Develop Parkrose Neighborhood-specific newsletter

Market Parkrose Business District

• Promote Parkrose as a unified business district providing a range of goods and services
• Proactively establish district identity and culture
• Encourage neighborhood residents to shop locally

Enhance Appearance of Sandy Boulevard

• Improve storefronts and landscaping along Sandy Boulevard
• An aesthetic and well-maintained commercial district exudes success and attracts consumers

Expand Crime Prevention Programs

• Further develop current community policing efforts
• Increasing the sheer number of people on the street is the largest deterrent to crime

Support Sandy as a Neighborhood Center

• Work with ODOT to have Sandy recognized as a neighborhood center‚ not simply a transportation corridor
• A Special Transportation Area designation will help ODOT prioritize improvements

Host Neighborhood Event on Sandy

• Food festivals, street fairs, live music
• Incorporate existing events onto Sandy
• Prepare for and celebrate Parkrose’s 100th anniversary in 2011

Develop Community Design Standards

• Promote development appropriate for Sandy Boulevard
• Ensures consistency in future development and helps foster identity

Partner with Local Business Support Systems

• Take advantage of existing business assistance programs to encourage entrepreneurship
• Fill vacant and underutilized commercial properties

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Even though this program didn’t get a lot of press, see how this unique‚ and successful‚ program positively influenced thousands of teenagers in the greater Portland area‚

Leandra Stanley, a 16-year-old De La Salle High junior and 18-year-old Jordan Thompson from Hillsboro touch up their makeup before they head onstage to sing in the final round of PDX Teen Idol.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Since the competition started in March, 266 talented teenagers, from four Portland area counties, have expressed themselves through music, hoping to be named Portland’s “Teen Idol”.

At the PDX Teen Idol Semifinals in May, the field of 26 entrants was narrowed to ten finalists who performed before a cheering and energized crowd that packed Reed College’s Kaul Auditorium on June 16.

Before the program, we stepped backstage and greeted the nervous contestants. A spirit of camaraderie, reminiscent of the final day at summer camp, pervaded the dressing room.

The judges, Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman; Michael Allen Harrison, composer, musician and record producer; Solid State Radio 970 talk show star, musician and rock historian Rick Emerson; Scotty J., Radio 970; Portland musician (Dirty Martini) Stephanie Schneiderman and  Tami Milkes, judge coordinator sit before a full house at Reed College’s Kaul Auditorium.

A professionally produced show
Starting at 7 p.m., these top ten musical teens stepped on a professionally-illuminated stage and were accompanied by top-flight live band and backup singers. Only network TV cameras were missing from this expertly-produced show.

Seated along tables in front of the stage were the judges: professional musicians, radio personalities, 2006 Mrs. Oregon, and Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman.

After each finalist sang their first of two numbers, the judges commented on the performance and assigned scores.

Listening to her belt out “Hopelessly Devoted” and “Chain of Fools”, it was difficult to believe outer East Portland’s Da Vinci Arts School student, Samantha Hooper, is only 13 years old.

As the contestants were changing costumes after the first round, one of the judges, Stephanie Schneiderman of the regional band, Dirty Martini, rocked the house with two well-received songs.

Performers earn standing ovation
At the conclusion of the second round, runners took the judges’ scoring sheets, sealed in envelopes, to Portland Parks & Recreation accountant Cassie Chain for tallying.

Jordan Thompson made her way from tryouts in Hillsboro to become one of ten finalists in the PDX Teen Idol competition‚ did she win? Read on …

From the bleachers to the front row, the crowd gave thunderous applause during a standing ovation for the seven of ten finalists who weren’t chosen to advance to the final round.

Finally, each of the top three singers performed a song‚ composed specifically for this competition, by Portland music pros Keith Schreiner, Jen Folker, and Megan Hope ‚Äì entitled “Who I Am”.

16-year-old Josephine Woolington, hailing from Wilson High, sang “Where You Lead” and “Cry Me a River” well enough to earn her the second-place title.

Milwaukie High School’s Moorea Masa, 15, came in third place singing “Can’t Hurry Love” and “I am Ready for Love”.

The envelope, please!
After the final round, the audience members and the judges cast their votes. Milwaukie High School’s Moorea Masa, age 15, came in third; and 16-year-old Josephine Woolington, hailing from Wilson High, placed second.

The title of 2007 PDX Teen Idol went to 18-year-old Hillsboro native Jordan Thompson. “I’m so excited!” she told us, as she autographed programs for a crowd of admirers. “It was simply the best experience for all of us. We met really great people. And, I was able to do what I love‚ sing and perform.”

18-year-old Jordan Thompson took the grand prize‚ besting more than 250 other entrants‚ to be named Portland’s Teen Idol‚ with her polished performances of “Before He Cheats” popularized by Carrie Underwood, and “Alone”‚ a hit by Heart.

Her mom, Samantha Green, could hardly contain her excitement. “She deserves it. It is something she’s been working toward for a long time. She’s a special girl. Finally, her hard work is paying off for her.”

A new Parks Bureau annual event
The Portland City Commissioner in charge of Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), Dan Saltzman, said he was proud to be part of the program.

“This event has engaged teenagers through out the city. Creating programs like PDX Teen Idol, and extending community center hours, are great examples of what we can do to engage young people in positive activities throughout the city.” Saltzman told us.

Portland Parks & Recreation Southeast Services Manager, Jeff Milkes welcomes hundreds of cheering supports and family members to the first PDX Teen Idol final competition.

PP&R Southeast Services Manager, Jeff Milkes, credited the program’s success to parks bureau coordinators Megan Hope and Natalie Caminiti. The entire list of credits, including many people who volunteered hundreds of hours, filled an entire page in the official program.

“I was amazed by the high level of talent we saw,” commented Milkes. “This will be an annual event. We look forward to even more participation as we reach out more to the communities. We hope to involve all the park and recreation agencies in the four-county area.”

Investing in the city’s youth
Milkes said the program’s budget was about $12,000. “We think the benefit is well worth the cost,” he told us after the event. “It provides positive alternatives for our young people.”

During the week following the competition, we asked Multnomah County Department of Community Justice spokesman Robb Freda-Cowie if he agreed with Milkes’ assessment.

“We know that programs that engage kids in positive activities,” commented Freda-Cowie, “helps them build connections with their community and discover positive outlets for their energies. This helps keep them out of our juvenile justices system.”

Freda-Cowie added that the PDX Teen Idol program budget cost no more than would keeping ten teens people‚ in trouble with the law‚ locked up for four days.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

From slug races to crafts, see why this annual springtime event attracts hundreds of kids to Portland’s only city-owned botanical garden.

Sammy Bidwell watches the slug races being put on by Ron Goodwin at Leach Botanical Gardens.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Typically, Leach Botanical Gardens is relatively quiet, as folks linger in the test gardens, marvel at the natural surroundings, or learn about the unique species of plants and animals found at this outer East Portland nature spot.

But the stillness and serenity was broken in late spring, as children laughed and chattered while they made crafts, listened to stories, discovered nature‚ and rooted for a winner in the slug races.

Kathy Goertz with her grandkids, Lilly and Nick Balladone, make pinecone art with the help of Leach volunteer Marylou Koehler.

“This is one of my favorite races,” volunteer Ron Goodwin told us has he got ready for the next round of slug races.

“This event‚ we hold it each year in May‚ let’s kids have hands-on fun. In larger settings, like at OMSI or the Zoo, there may be a crush of kids around, and they don’t get to actually handle and touch nature,” Goodwin continued.

We saw families making paper flowers and bark animals, and having all kinds of nature-oriented fun. They were planting seeds, looking at insects, and even going on “ladybug walks” with Portland Parks & Recreation helpers.

Putting her own stamp on paper is Arsina Gavrishov — making stamp art.

Goodwin continued, “We want the community to know that Leach Garden is here, in outer southeast Portland, on SE 122nd Ave. south of Foster Road. But even more importantly, we want youngsters to get outdoors and be able to see what nature looks like up close. We have such a large natural space here; there isn’t much of that left in Portland.”

The botanical garden hosts over 2,500 species of plants, giving people plenty to see.

“I’ve got to go,” Goodwin said, as he gently took out slugs and put them on the “race course”. Sammy Bidwell, a first-time visitor was transfixed watching Goodwin handle the slimy mollusks.

“I’m betting on Sluggo,” Sammy exclaimed, after the start of the race.

“Which one is Sluggo?” asked Goodwin.

“He’s the one that’s winning!” replied Sammy.

Sammy, and his new friend, Ron Goodwin, declare “Sluggo” as the winner of this slug race.

Activities all summer long
Be sure to take in Scotty Fairchild’s “Gardener’s Tour” the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. For more information, call the garden at 503-761-4751 or 503-823-1671.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

It wasn’t a burglary. The driver claims mechanical problems; cops don’t buy his story. You won’t believe the damage that was done — even after you see our exclusive photos‚

The driver tries to explain to Portland Police officers how making a right-hand turn caused his pickup truck to end up parked half-way inside the Woodstock RadioShack store.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Everyone‚ including the driver‚ agrees on what happened late in the evening on June 17. But why a full-sized Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck ended up halfway through the Woodstock RadioShack store front window is still unclear.

Eyewitnesses, watching from Mickey Finn’s across the street, agree on what they saw: The truck was northbound on SE 44th Ave.; it accelerated and fishtailed as it turned right, heading eastbound on SE Woodstock Blvd. It kept turning and drove up the curb, across the sidewalk, popped up the four-brick-high facing, and through the plate glass window storefront.

“A guy and girl got out and started running,” said one patron. “I recognized him, I know his family. But, he walked back to the scene of the accident before the police arrived.”

Although the incident caused extensive damage to the store‚ and shook up other tenants in the building‚ no one was hurt in this crash.

Crash shakes building
When we arrive on scene, we meet Robin, owner of the Bubble Tea restaurant directly east of the RadioShack store.

“I was working late, doing paperwork in the office,” he tells us. “I heard a loud, big sound. I think ‘Something is wrong; really wrong.’ I felt the building shake. Then, I heard the next door alarm going off.”

Driver tries to explain
The driver of the truck, who police later identified as 26-year-old Andrew Rubin Garcia, has no qualms about speaking with us.

“When you drop the truck into four-wheel drive,” Garcia explains, “all of a sudden, all the front and back tires start moving at the same time. As you turn, you fishtail, because the back tires are moving. It is the only way I can explain it. I just turned right, and it fishtailed right into the building.”

The RadioShack store manager arrives to find his storefront demolished, and calls his regional manager, the insurance company, and a board-up service.

Because the truck had dropped into four-wheel drive, Garcia adds, it was easily able to climb over the bricks below the plate glass windows and drive into the store.

Sobriety checked
Portland Police Bureau SE Precinct officers can’t help but smile as passers-by use their cell phones to take photos of the wreck‚ with themselves included in the picture.

Despite claims of a mechanical malfunction, the results of a Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division officer’s Field Sobriety Evaluation sends this driver to the Justice Center.

A Traffic Division officer pulls up on his motorcycle. We see Garcia led through a Field Sobriety Evaluation. This officer isn’t smiling as he concludes the tests. Garcia is escorted to a patrol car and taken to the Justice Center.

As of this writing, officials have not released what charges are pending, if any, against Garcia.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

They say the driver had a heart attack and lost consciousness, causing him to veer off Marine Drive. Learn how rescue teams from three agencies worked hand-in-hand to rescue the victim‚ still alive‚

After veering off NE Marine Drive, the pickup truck plunged to a depth of 17 feet under the cold Columbia River’s surface.

By David F. Ashton
A motorist on NE Marine Drive and a cyclist on the bike path tell 911 operators they just saw a black Ford Ranger 4×4 splash into the Columbia River, just west of the Glenn Jackson Bridge, on June 19.

Simultaneously, these witnesses tell emergency operators they see a man struggling to free himself from the vehicle through the rear window‚ but the truck sinks before the driver makes it out.

“Perfect” inter-agency cooperation
To members of three responding rescue agencies, it doesn’t matter why the truck veered off a smooth, straight section of road on a sunny morning.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Dive Rescue Team, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R), and Port of Portland Fire & Rescue all race to the site where the truck slipped under the 61-degree, fast-moving river.

“This incident is a textbook example of ‘perfect’ inter-agency cooperation,” says MSCO spokesman, Lt. Jason Gates, as he fills us in on the rescue effort.

Training exercise turns into rescue effort
When the mid-morning call came in, Gates says, the MCSO Dive Rescue Team are training at the 42nd Street boat ramp [on NE Marine Drive]. They grab their gear and arrive on scene six minutes later.

As MCSO divers charge into water, Port of Portland’s crew located the vehicle‚ 17 feet under the river’s surface.

“Fighting against the river’s strong current, MCSO diver Dep. Brent Laizure finds the driver, still stuck, half-way out of the pick-up’s rear window,” reports Gates. “Laizure cuts the driver free from his seat belt, pulls him free, and transfers the seemingly dead driver to Gresham Fire diver Lt. Jay Cross.”

Removed from his truck by a sheriff’s deputy, then being taken to the river’s bank by a Gresham Fire diver, PF&R firefighters carry the accident victim up to waiting paramedics.

Cross swims and guides the patient to shore where PF&R rescue workers bring the victim from the river’s edge, then up the steep embankment to awaiting paramedics.

Paramedics establish a pulse
The rescued driver wasn’t breathing and didn’t have a pulse. Despite the two dozen minutes the man had been under water, paramedics applied CPR and oxygen, and to their astonishment were able to establish a pulse. They transported him to Emanuel Hospital.

Because of the rapid response of three agencies, paramedics were able to reestablish the victim’s pulse.

“From the time the man went into the water to recovery was approximately 26 minutes,” Gates explains. “Although rare, in cold-water drowning, there exists a possibility of resuscitation.”

The driver, identified as 55-year-old Roy Clark, a Gresham resident, is in critical condition at Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center. Clark is said to have suffered a medical condition that caused him to momentarily lose consciousness, thus losing control of his vehicle.

“The teamwork among the agencies was superb,” comments Gates. “They gave the victim a chance to survive.”

Clark’s pickup truck was recovered from the Columbia River after he was rescued.

Photos: MSCO
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Eddie is a big, energetic cuddly pooch who seems to love people‚ that is, unless you are a fleeing criminal suspect. Learn more about Portland’s four-footed cops‚ and where to meet them, in person, on June 23‚

Portland Police Bureau K9 Officer Shawn Gore tells neighbors how police dogs help apprehend criminals and aid officer safety.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Folks who came to the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander’s Forum in June met two special guests, two officers from neighboring Southeast Precinct.

But, one of the two officers, Eddie, walked on all fours, wagged his brown bushy tail, and licked his partner. Oh yes, Eddie is the partner of K9 Officer Shawn Gore.

“Police dogs save thousands of man-hours,” Gore began. “A dog can ‘clear’ [check to see if anyone is hiding in] a building faster than an entire squad of police officers. Our K9s catch 250 to 300 suspects a year. They are called in, primarily, to sniff out the bad guys; they are not ‘aggressive attack’ dogs.”

On duty 24/7
Currently, the Portland Police Bureau has had ten K9 teams on the job; one additional team is in training. This means an officer and dog is available pretty much around the clock, every day of the week.

Detecting the ‘fear scent’
“Our dogs are trained to detect fresh human scent,” Gore said. “Suspects will drop or discard items; but dogs are trained to find human scent, not articles. You might say they’re ‘hot trailing’ dogs. We have a starting point. Someone runs away from a scene. We’ll try to track the trail. We’re able to track suspects about 20%.”

Asked if the dogs sense the suspect’s fear, Gore replied, “We used to call it ‘fear scent’, but that concept isn’t provable scientifically. But, people do put off enhanced scent when they’re amped-up, running and fearful.”

When hot-trailing a suspect, Gore said he relies on other officers to look out for, and protect him and his K9 partner. “I’m focused on reading my dog’s reactions. And yes, the dog knows the difference between an exercise and a real call. He can tell when we’re about to track a suspect.”

Different dogs for different jobs
The officer said dogs are trained for specific jobs. “The bureau has patrol and hot-tracking dogs; our Drugs and Vice Division have two drug detection dogs, and TriMet and Port of Portland have explosive-sensing dogs.”

In addition to their regular duties, Gore and Eddie are members of the SERT squad, called in for high-risk police work. “Our dogs aren’t much affected by tear gas; a little by pepper spray.”

Gores says Eddie is fast becoming a top-notch tracker.

No kennels for police pooches
“Although we’re headquartered at Southeast Precinct, our dogs are not kenneled. We take the dog home every day. It builds a bond, and trust. It doesn’t make sense for a dog to go into dark scary places‚ they may not want to. But, because they trust their human partners, they will do so.”

Asked about how the dogs are kept healthy, Gore told the group, “They’re on a good diet, we exercise them well, and give them supplements. We keep our dogs on the leaner side. We have to jump a lot of fences.”

Gore complemented the Southeast Precinct Citizen’s Advisory group for their long support ‚Äì both moral and financial ‚Äì of the K9 program. “They bought my first dog, Deny, in 1998. They’ve helped buy other dogs‚ and purchased most of the ballistic dog vests to keep our partners safer.”

Lowering his voice, Gore spoke for a moment about that former partner, Deny. “Together, we caught 415 suspects. Deny got cancer, and we had to put him down last year.”

Eddie, Officer Gore said, loves being petted by everyone. Deny, has last K9 partner, was more aloof.

Introduces his new partner
After a brief break, Gore introduced Eddie, a Belgian Malinois.

Gore said the preference for police dog breeds is shifting from the German Shepherd to the Malinois, a Belgian shepherd dog. “This is a ‘high energy’ dog that does best when it has a definite purpose in life. Police dogs need to be social among citizens, then focus as they hunt and track, and then be assertive when they locate the suspect.”

The officer said the department buys dogs from professional breeders. “Dogs cost from $6,000 to $8,000 each; but they come with health and temperament guarantees. The dog must hold up to the rigors of the job. When they retire, many times they’ll live with the handler. But, these are high-drive dogs; they want to work to the very end.”

After the officer and dog have bonded for a few weeks, the K9 team goes through 400 hours of training. Before they are certified, the pair must K9 Performance Standards tests.

How citizens can help when K9 teams are tracking
Asked what people should do when they seen an officer with a police dog in their area, Gore said, “Stay inside; keep your pets indoors. The more distractions we and our dogs have, the less successful we are. If you see the suspect, tell us through a window or door.”

Officer Gore and his late partner Deny were honored by the Portland Police Bureau at their awards ceremony held on June 20 at the David Douglas Horner Performing Arts Center.

Meet the dogs – and your East Precinct officers on June 23
Plan to attend the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Open House on Saturday. This really is a lot of fun, and informative, too! It runs from Noon until 4:00 p.m.

Meet your neighborhood officers! Tour your precinct!  See PPB Special Units, including their Mounted Unit, Explosives Devices, K-9 & others! Pick up lots of great public safety & crime prevention material. WAIT! There’s more! Get free giveaways, plus food & beverages! It’s all at East Precinct, 737 SE 106th Ave. For more information, call: (503) 823-4800.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See what locals say could have prevented the death of this 17-year-old Brooklyn neighborhood resident‚

Portland Police Bureau officers confer with Portland Fire & Rescue Truck 23 firefighters, a Union Pacific security officer, and railroad workers, as they begin to unravel why a 17-year-old high school junior was killed in the Brooklyn train yard.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For several evenings after his sudden death, friends of 17-year-old Christopher John King gathered near the steps of Cleveland High School. They were mourning the loss of, what one student described as “a cool guy”.

Although we wanted to learn more about the young man for whom candlelight vigils are being held at the school where he was a junior classman, we respected his friends’ request to leave the area.

Struck by a boxcar
Around the clock, one can hear railroad engines roar, as rail cars are shuffled into trains, eventually heading north and south, from the Brooklyn Union Pacific train yard.

Minutes after 5 p.m. on June 18, the rail yard goes strangely silent. A teenager is dead; he lays on the switchyard tracks, partially under a boxcar.

“I saw him start into the yard,” a railroad worker tells a Portland Police officer as they stand on the eastern edge of the rail yard, where SE Lafayette St. dead-ends into the train yard, just west of SE 20th Ave. The two are in front of a sagging eight-foot tall chain-link fence has been pried loose from rebar latticework directly under a footbridge that spans the train yard.

“I saw him look like he was going forward, then back and forward. He fell, and I saw dust kick up,” the worker reported.

A worker talks with a Portland Police officer at the hole in the fence officials say teenagers commonly use to cut through the train yard, instead of using the footbridge, directly above it.

Rescue workers powerless
We hike across the footbridge; it provides a panoramic view of the rail yard. On the west side, a firefighter from Portland Fire & Rescue Station 23 walks up to us, and looks over his shoulder at boxcars stopped on the easterly side of yard. “There was nothing we could do; the victim is deceased.”

A Union Pacific security officer approaches us. We ask for a comment; he tells us we’re on private property and politely asks us to leave. Minutes after re-crossing the footbridge, we see three individuals, with grief-stricken expressions, holding hands as they walk unsteadily out of the nearby Brooklyn neighborhood. The trio disappears from sight as they cross the bridge.

Rescue workers say they found the young victim deceased upon their arrival.

Takes a deadly shortcut
It’s common for teens to hike through the train yard‚ instead of using the footbridge‚ officials say.

King lived nearby the Brooklyn train yard, in the 1400 block of SE Rhone Street. By some accounts, some of the friends with whom King was walking chose to climb the steep stairs and to cross the train yard on the footbridge.

“A witness stated that a second teenager was walking westbound through the train yard him at the time the train struck King,” Portland Police Bureau’s Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us. “The train was traveling southbound on the tracks at the time of the collision. The witness stated that their attention was on another train moving through the area.”

It appeared that the deceased may not have heard or seen the train as it approached their location and hit him, Schmautz added.

As a courtesy to Union Pacific, Portland Fire & Rescue team member cordons off the scene of the accident. Union Pacific security officers investigated the death.

Bystander Jack Garrison shakes his head as he watches police officers stretch yellow crime scene tape bounding the east side of the rail yard. He says works for a nearby company. “It seems there must be a way to make the fence more secure here. A hole in the fence is like an invitation to walk on through, instead of taking the bridge.”

Other than expressing sorrow for King’s death, the railroad company has not made public comment on the tragic accident.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Organization and hard work have helped the backers of the Lents International Farmer’s Market turn into an every-Sunday food-and-fun event. Take a peek at our exclusive coverage of their opening day‚

The market manager of the Lents International Farmer’s Market, Jill Kuehler, introduces us to some of their many vendors.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Last year, the northwest corner of SE 92nd Avenue and Foster Road was the once-per-month testing ground for a new kind of farmer’s market. Instead offering up standard farm fare, they specialized in providing produce with international appeal.

“We’re providing a place for immigrant and refugee farmers to sell their crops and goods,” is what the market’s manager, Jill Kuehler, told us. “That’s why we call in an ‘international’ market. We have international entertainment, food, and produce vendors. There are produce products many people have never seen before. This part of outer East Portland has diverse cultures‚ thus, we’ve created diverse marketplace.”

Janson Owens buying asparagus from Melinda Piche, from a farm at SE 49th Avenue and Tenino St. (known as John’s farm).

Looking around we saw cornucopia of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, plants, flowers, and prepared foods, many of which were grown or prepared by immigrants and refugees living in the Portland area.

Kuehler said that each week, international music, children’s entertainment, and educational talks and demonstrations by chefs, nutritionist, and gardeners, are scheduled. She added that they accept WIC and Senior coupons, and will soon accept the Oregon Trail card.

Evan Hansen and Sarah Sherertz, here buying fresh eggs from Bonnie Hodge: “Ten blocks up, 200 chickens, Brookside Farms,” she says.

Agriculture believers
“We believe that local farmers deserve a place to sell their produce,” continued Kuehler. “We support local agriculture. There are many lower-income neighbors in the area‚ and we believe fresh produce shouldn’t only be available in affluent areas. This market brings fresh produce and products to everyone here.”

Another unique feature of this market is the “Community Table”.

“Neighbors can sell surplus produce from their family gardens. They drop off their produce in the morning, we sell it for them, and they pick up the money in the afternoon,” Kuehler added.

Their hours are 9 am‚ 2 pm every Sunday. Come and visit them this weekend. Or, for more information, e-mail Kuehler at lentsfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Da StarLiner Band ‚Äì an African reggae band with members from Ghana‚ plays their original songs.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Wait until you get a look at the kids in the Kissing Booth! Oh my! See why we had so much fun at this school event‚

The “Beach Blanket Bingo” fair is a festival near the end of school for the summer, at which student art is displayed and funds are raised for next year’s activities.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It wasn’t long ago we were invited to attend a new event, sponsored by Parkrose Schools’ Bronco Boosters. Although the ocean is a long way off, the hosts chose the lively theme of “Beach Blanket Bingo” (a cultural reference most likely lost on the kids).

As we rounded the corner of the Parkrose High School courtyard, we heard a band rocking out, and saw lots of folks enjoying a casual, fun event. The smell of freshly-grilled hamburgers and hot dogs filled the air.

Decorating her rock, later placed in the Parkrose Community Peace Labyrinth is student Debbie Chao.

From games of skill and chance, such as the beanbag toss and a cakewalk, to a substantial exhibition of student artwork‚ there was plenty to see and do at this spring carnival.

Bronco Boosters Gail Volk and Allison Newman-Woods organized the fair at the high school to raise money.

“We put this on for several reasons,” explained Gail Volk. “One is to bring the community together. Plus, we’re focusing on the art our students have done this year. And, we’re doing some fundraising. We hope to raise $1,000.”

These funds, Volk said, are in addition to the beverage can drive the group holds the first Saturday of each month at Parkrose Middle School, the the income volunteers derive from operating their Coffee Cart at school games‚ “we work hard to raise money,” said Volk.

Emelie Robertson and Natasha Rose are selling T-shirts by the seashore‚ actually a booth‚ at the Beach Blanket Bingo event.

Christina Wolken and Peter Lundberg selling kisses to raise money. Pucker up!

Because of their successful fundraising, the Bronco Boosters have been able to donate more than in past years, added Allison Newman-Woods.

“We’ve supported MECHA, so this Latino student organization could hold their conference here this year; we also gave money to Tyree Harris so he could attend the Yale Leadership Conference; we’ve given money to our soccer and teen parent programs; we helped add to scholarships, too! We gave money to help the Parkrose High Thespians,” explained Newman-Woods.

We had so much fun this year, we wonder what the Broncos are planning for their carnival next year!

The band “Pompus Green“ [sic] rocks out at the fun fair with original music.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

No one drove to this party! Learn why several organizations got together to throw a springtime bash for the newest portion of the SpringwaterTrail that links inner SE Portland  to the trail leading to Gresham‚

Sisters Pat Farris, Barbara Swails and Michaele Gregg take their Saturday morning “power walk” across the McLaughlin Blvd. Bridge.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although the inner SE Portland Three Bridges section portion of the Springwater Trail was dedicated last fall, that didn’t stop Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) from coordinating a “Springtime Three Bridges Celebration” on May 19.

The new Three Bridges section, connects Portland to Milwaukie via bridges over SE McLoughlin Boulevard, the Union Pacific Railroad and Johnson Creek.

“With the advent of spring,” explains Beth Sorensen, PP&R media and events officer, “we wanted to have a celebration that helps people learn about national environment along the trail, bike safety, the recreational opportunities out in this area and the neighborhoods.”

The 1.5 mile celebration route soon filled with pedestrians, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Along the route, participants were treated to snacks, water and information from a variety of participants, including the Portland Office of Transportation and Bureau of Environmental Services, the City of Milwaukie, METRO, SMILE and neighborhood associations.

Oregon State Senator Rod Monroe bikes the Springwater Trail with brothers Dale and Duane.

Along the Sellwood side of the bridges, local resident, Senator Rod Monroe bicycled up to say hello, accompanied by his brothers Dale and Duane.

“I was chair of the Transportation committee at METRO,” enthuses Senator Monroe. “I was responsible for getting the federal funding for this project.”

Trails are vital to the recreational enjoyment of the area, the senator says. “These bridges were crucial to connect inner Southeast Portland to the Springwater Trail.”

The project is important, Monroe continues, “Because when we build light rail down the corridor, this trail will give pedestrians access from both neighborhoods.”

Grady Wheeler, City of Milwaukie and Bob Akers, president of the 40 Mile Loop Land Trust talk with Joe Campwall, Ardenwald Neighborhood Association’s treasurer.

Further up the trail, we meet Grady Wheeler, with City of Milwaukie. He’s showing the promotional literature produced by his city to promote the trail. “This is a great project; a real cause for celebration,” he says.

At the same stop, Bob Akers, president of the 40 Mile Loop Land Trust tells us they’ve promoted the Springwater Trail from the start. “Because of the Three Bridges project, you’ll be able to walk or ride without having to cross any major streets ‚Äì like the Tacoma Street overpass.”

Ardenwals’s Marianne Colgrove talks with Brentwood-Darlington residents Deborah and Morgan Eberley.

A big celebration site is at the SE 45th Ave. and Johnson Creek Blvd. Trailhead. Bike Gallery displays new “shiftless” bicycles, a band plays, and neighborhood associations present information about their services.

“This trail is important to Ardenwald,” says their association’s webmaster, Marianne Colgrove, “because it goes through Tideman Johnson Park here in our neighborhood. Because we’re partly in the City of Portland, and partly in the City of Milwaukie, we’re here helping people who live here learn about their neighborhood. Johnson Creek and the Springwater trail run right through it.”

Keith Ticknor, riding a Penny-Farthing High Wheeler is escorted by his sons, Scott and Alexander.

If you haven’t taken the trail, give it a try. It’s a relatively level, paved path. And, the unique views are spectacular.

Encore Brass plays rousing marches and toe-tapping tunes, conducted by Glenn Taylor.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service