Photograph of Neshaminy School District Art Teacher David Rinker

Remember street prostitution is a "victimless crime"? Ask what neighbors think, after they come up dorsum from their daily "safety and needle patrols" …

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

Story and photos past David F. Ashton
Outer Eastward Portland neighbors all along 82nd Avenue of Roses, and outer NE Sandy Blvd., say they are concerned that, come up November ane, their streets volition again teem with street-level prostitution. Women in "The Life" – the term prostitutes utilise when referring to their trade – are about about to become a "gift" from the City Fathers.

On October thirty, City of Portland ordinances called Prostitution-costless Zones (PFZ) and Drug-free Zones (DFZ) volition elapse. Hearings to continue or alter these ordinances were dropped from the Portland City Council'due south September 12 calendar without mention or comment.

"Exclusion zones" defined
To learn more almost the PFZ and DFZ ordinances, we speak with Portland Police Bureau Due east Precinct Commander Michael Crebs. He'south in accuse of the cops that patrol Portland'southward near prostitution-affected streets.

"Information technology takes a lot of resource 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-gratis Zones and Drug-gratuitous Zones. When officers come across persons engaged in prostitution activities, they abort them," explains Crebs.

Portland Police Agency East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs explains the "exclusion" ordinances.

"When nosotros arrest them, nosotros also give them an 'exclusion' that prohibits them from coming dorsum to the zone for 90 days. These individuals can render 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 xc days, and they clearly are not engaged in a legitimate activity, the commander says, officers can arrest them for trespassing.

"Information technology is proven that you lot 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 almost NE 99th Avenue and Wygant Street.

"I used to think these gals getting picked up past cars were just getting a ride from a friend. But and so, nosotros watch them they bulldoze into the neighborhood and stop on a side street," Shelley tells us a contempo neighborhood meeting.

"Used condoms, needles – nosotros've plant information technology all effectually 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 tin be excluded nether the DFZ ordinance, also. "We're getting a lot of drug traffic. I see cars coming down the street. They wink their headlights, and people come up up to the car and they exit," Shelley adds.

Her bulletin to City Hall: "Please, keep the Prostitution-free Zones and Drug-free Zones!"

Portland Constabulary Bureau Officer Mike Leisure and Mary Walker at the Parkrose NA coming together 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 detect a solution. We've got to resolve to discover a style to help prostitutes observe 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 exist great if we could find a manner to work with Vancouver, Washington, police."

If the PFZ is immune to expire, Walker says, she'south concerned – considering, "I think that the activity volition increase. It won't be in the shadows; we'll be seeing it correct 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 u.s.a. what she sees every day.

"I am in the 'drib off' zone," Hander says. "Guys selection upwardly the gals on 82nd Avenue, and drive into the neighborhood [for sex]. When they're done, they driblet the gal off, and they take off for 82nd Avenue, and abroad they become again."

The trouble with prostitution in the Madison South expanse, explains Hander, "is not merely are we dealing with the prostitutes, but as well with the drugs they bring with them. We capeesh all the drug and prostitution missions the police conduct, just in that location is only then much they can do."

More than 100 Madison South residents have signed a letter to the Portland Urban center 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 – fifty-fifty if unwillingly – neighbors say the illegal action imports crime into their communities.

Valerie Curry, president of Argay Neighborhood Association, tells u.s.a., "I'chiliad non speaking for the association; I'thousand speaking as a very concerned neighbor."

Back-scratch calls street sex and drug dealing a "huge concern" because of the increased level of activity she, and neighbors, observe in their expanse.

"In addition to the level of prostitution and drug activeness nosotros're seeing," Curry continues, "some folks are reporting prostitutes screaming, equally their pimps crush them upwardly."

While unsavory individuals allegedly are moving into Argay flat 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 fashion of life'. We have drivers, stoned out of their minds, coming to have sexual practice with prostitutes. We see drug deals every night at NE 131st and NE Sandy Blvd."

Not simply does it affect the quality of life in Argay, Curry adds, "This criminal action is reducing the value of our homes. It is devastating to our community. For the mayor to but let information technology [the ordinances] drop, and expire, is unacceptable."

Next calendar week
Is "street sex activity" truly as rampant as neighbors claim? Is this trouble being blown out of proportion?

See what nosotros learn when we ride forth with police officers in Street Sexual activity: Part 2 – Prostitution flourishes in outer East Portland .

From digging an educational garden, to painting and setting up a free "school supplies shop" – run across what a difference this large grouping of volunteers fabricated one Saturday morning at Kelly Unproblematic Schoolhouse …

Christine Rhoney, Sun site managing director for Kelly Simple School, shows the school supplies they've put out at their "free store" to assist needy kids.

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

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

"All I can say is 'whoopee'!" exclaims Kelly's principal, Sharon Allen. She apologizes for her exuberance; we enquire why she's excited. "From painting, to cleaning and trimming, these volunteers are doing our school a globe of adept today."

Trimming bushes around the school are Imago Dei Community members Patrick Wilson, Bister 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 equally role of their "Dear Portland" project. "Helping the customs is function of the mission of our Community."

In Kelly's gym, Christine Rhoney, Dominicus site manager for Kelly Unproblematic Schoolhouse, tells usa more about the project.

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

The front end of the gym has been turned into a "store" of kids clothing and schoolhouse supplies – to outfit at least 200 kids.

"This is awesome! Look at all these schoolhouse supplies they've donated," points out Rhoney. "This 'free store' is then necessary in our community; we're in a high poverty expanse. It is very hard for families to buy supplies for students. This clothing and these supplies will really assistance our students get off to a expert start."

Lisa Armour applies needed paint at the school'south doorway.

Dominicus Schools, Rhoney tells us, provide resources and referrals for families in their service surface area. "We're like the community social worker. We connect families with organizations and agencies throughout the community, to raise the programs we accept hither at the school."

Many Imago Dei Community volunteers labor long and difficult 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 too hosted a barbecue for families, as they came in to visit the gratis store.

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

Most folks haven't heard much from Ted Wheeler since he took the Multnomah Canton Chair office in Jan. You might exist surprised to learn what his priorities are …

In 1 of his starting time public appearances in outer E Portland, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler talks candidly about his goals – the realities of politics.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Since Multnomah Canton 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 final week, Wheeler accepted Ross Monn'southward invitation to speak with customs members at the Wilkes Community Association monthly meeting.

"It is a beautiful nighttime," Wheeler began, "give thanks you lot for taking the time to come up; it shows yous intendance about the community in which y'all live."

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

Multnomah County 101
Wheeler detailed the broad array of services provided past the county:

Public safety, including the Sheriff'southward 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 improver to alcohol and drug habit rehabilitation services;
Maintaining roads, and 27 bridges – including half dozen bridges that cantankerous the Willamette River;
The public library organization;
Animal services;
Conducting elections;
Taxation collection; and
Country utilize planning services in unincorporated areas of Multnomah County.

Wheeler gives Wilkes Community Clan neighbors an overview of his acme priorities.

Outlines fourfold priorities
"I'm here generally to come across you, and hear your concerns," Wheeler continues. "But start, hither are my four top priorities for the county:

1. Public Safe
"Offset is making the public safety system whole. I desire a counterbalanced public prophylactic system. This is more than opening the Wapato jail; I'm talking well-nigh the whole spectrum of public safe services.

"This includes [law-breaking] prevention. By the time nosotros put someone in jail, the organisation has failed. Intervention and prevention is very important to me. And, nosotros must have police force enforcement and prosecutorial accountability.

"Beyond sending people to jail, I want them to come back to the community equally fully engaged, productive citizens. Sometimes they need a little help in terms of didactics, mentors, employers, or pastoral intendance. We want to make certain the recidivism rate goes down."

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

ii. Sellwood Bridge
"Ahead of all other canton transportation problems is dealing with the Sellwood Bridge. It is at a crisis point. That span has a rating of "two" on a federal sufficiency scale of 100.

"Federal agencies are inspecting it. They are requesting some other ii days to consummate the study. We need to completely rehabilitate or replace that span.

"There is an ongoing process amid neighborhoods, transportation advocates of all kinds, and designers. While the county has $25 1000000 committed to the project, we're trying to become state matching dollars, which tin lead to getting federal matching dollars. It will exist about two years earlier construction begins."

iii. Emergency management
"Before I came into office, Multnomah Canton underwent an contained 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 function]. Nosotros've brought in an expert and funded the part's improvement. Nobody thinks about emergency direction 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 nosotros rethink the system."

four. 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. Defendant criminals and citizens travel the same hallways, making it neither rubber nor functional.

"We've secured a location to build a modern courthouse on the west end of the Hawthorne Bridge. Nosotros'll move an off-ramp that bisects the property. Being a block away from the Justice Heart, we're working on an understanding to build a tunnel between the two."

Funding the project, Wheeler said, will most likely be washed with a general obligation bond. The current building is open to contend; the chair opined that putting the edifice dorsum 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 nether consideration, and the last pick will be announced inside a calendar 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 utilize 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 customs, so they can become productive citizens.

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

Chair Wheeler pauses every bit he listens to citizens express their business that "group homes" and depression-income housing are being concentrated in outer East Portland.

Crime and housing density
A neighbor spoke upwardly, proverb "I run across two factors contributing to E County law-breaking. I 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 prophylactic in the areas they create. It breaks my eye 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. Showtime, MAX is a well-known effect. TriMet has substantially stepped up their patrols, I call up.

"Beingness worried almost being shot makes this elderly lady a victim of crime, fifty-fifty though she hasn't been injure. Information technology is a quality-of-life issue. The county does accept role to play in this. We haven't provided the number of jail beds needed. In that location isn't accountability. It is a tragedy for the community when people are arrested and released. Nosotros just enabled them to go dorsum 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 Clan 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 organization for many owners. If they started a pilus styling salon, they would be under more regulation than grouping homes. The county licenses [group homes]. Only when Lisa Naito came out to talk virtually the issue, she said, 'There is nil we can do. Everyone needs a home'."

To this, Wheeler responded, "I accept legal advice, only 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 corporeality of naiveté. Nearly county government workers are good people who care about others. Sometimes nosotros forget that the regulations don't run us, we run the regulations."

When Wheeler's time was upward, he thanked the grouping of near 30 people, and left with a round of adulation.

Information technology 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 rider riding in the machine said to be the cause of the wreck, a police officer talks with 32-year-old Leroy Burke Hartley before absorbing him for DUII.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This wreck, on September ten, wasn't an "accident". Information technology didn't accept anything to do with the sun being in the driver's eyes equally he headed westbound, downwardly the loma on SE Holgate Boulevard from SE 28th Avenue. At 9:20 p.m., the sun had long been set.

"The car shot down the loma, like information technology was trying race the car beside it," says witness Peter Hacker. "Only the other [westbound] machine clearly wasn't racing; the driver turned off on SE 27th to get away from him. The guy driving the Camaro was driving similar a total wiggle."

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

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

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

In what multiple witnesses telephone 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 strength, it rotated the auto 90 degrees, before slamming it into a steel utility pole – caving in the side of the vehicle.

The Camaro ground to a stop nigh 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'due south car, information technology'south easy to sympathize why witnesses say it's a miracle the driver survived the crash.

"Looking at her car, I was surprised the adult female who got hit could all the same talk to the rescuers," Hacker said. "She had a cut on her brow, only seemed to be talking OK."

According to Portland Police Agency spokesperson, Cathe Kent, law arrested 32-year-former Leroy Burke Hartley, charged with Driving Nether the Influence of Intoxicants. Hartley was booked into the Multnomah Canton Detention Eye.

Why is this school district paying for the full day program? Y'all'll learn why they are enthusiastic about this stepped-up plan for their 5-year-olds correct hither, along with photos of some very cute students …

Parkrose School Commune's new Director of School Comeback, Jeff Rose, says the introduction of full-twenty-four hours kindergarten at all of their elementary schools will help students to better throughout their educational feel.

Story and photos past David F. Ashton
As school ended in Parkrose concluding June, we told you how – with the blessing of incoming Parkrose Schoolhouse 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 proper name the most meaning alter the district is undertaking this school year.

"The nigh important is offering full-day kindergarten at every one of our elementary schools," Rose replied.

Rose said the district is fortunate in that they accept the physical classroom space in all of their facilities for the full-twenty-four hour period kindergarten program.

"We made the determination that one of the all-time investments we could brand in our students' education was full-twenty-four hours kindergarten. We put it our upkeep, making it available to every student in every school," said Rose.

Touring the schools
We were delighted when several of the Parkrose schools invited the states to encounter their kindergarteners participating in their kickoff calendar week of their educational careers….

Russell University of Academic Achievement

Margaret Goff's kindergarteners bask story time during course at Russell Academy

At Russell Academy of Bookish Achievement, we're greeted past the school'south new Principal, Debbie Ebert, an educator with 17 years experience, v of them at Russell Academy.

"What we've talked nigh, as educators here at Russell, is the importance of having longer periods of fourth dimension to get the job washed," Ebert says almost their new kindergarten programme. "While they did their best to teach foundation skills of reading, writing, and math, kindergarten teachers plant their ii-and-a-one-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, maxim a full day of classes besides allows teachers to incorporate more social skills learning, similar "play etiquette".

Basic literacy training, Ebert stated, is the foundation for everything. "If they accept a good foundation, all of the bailiwick areas go easier for them."

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

Diane Larson spoke with united states of america before her tykes came back to class from morning recess. "With a whole day, we can teach these students in a fashion that is more developmentally advisable 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 – just even more, they know how to be a learner. That'southward our goal."

Shaver Simple School

Diane Carlsen helps her kindergarteners larn how to brand crafts at Shaver Elementary Schoolhouse.

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

"Especially at our school," Bartman began, "I retrieve full-day kindergarten gives a tremendous reward to our students. Most 50 percent of our kids are Hispanic. They come up to us with no English. Being allowed to take a full day of kindergarten, our students become much more than 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.

Past the fourth dimension their students enter starting time grade, Bartman continued, "they're already learning to read and write. We're very academic; information technology is truly a bonus for students to get into get-go grade knowing phonics – how to put sounds together – and starting developing strong vocabulary skills, besides."

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 risk at learning English. They all benefit."

Sacramento Uncomplicated School

Dianna Recinos teaches her class at Sacramento Elementary Schoolhouse.

Completing our tour was a visit to Sacramento Uncomplicated Schoolhouse. 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 accept had parents who accept non sent their other kids to office-day kindergarten. Now that we're offering a full-time academic kindergarten, we're having more than parents who want their kids to participate."

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

Is the "VisionPDX" program YOUR vision? Larn where and when to vocalization your opinion …

Outer Due east Portland's tiptop cop, Michael Crebs, says citizens living due east of 82nd Avenue of Roses should attend the city'southward 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 vi PM the Portland City Council volition 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 Eastward Precinct Commander, Michael Crebs. "I accepted the offer, approximately two years agone, to be on the commission."

Asked almost this volunteer assignment, Crebs stated, "Our sole goal was to develop a 'vision' for how our metropolis 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. Nosotros wanted information technology 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 get to the meeting, Crebs told us, "At this meeting, the Mayor volition present the final production. It is important for citizens to be there – especially people in outer East Portland – so they tin can let Mayor know, after hearing the report, whether or not to have it."

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

With the expanse betwixt Portland and Gresham, forth the MAX line, getting to be equally lawless as an old Western stagecoach cease, run across what law enforcement agencies plan to do nearly it …

Portland and Gresham constabulary section leaders, flanked by officials from both cities, say their determined to cut criminal offense forth outer East Portland MAX stops at a Sept. 10 press conference.

Story and photos past David F. Ashton
Because of the current rash of shootings, stabbings, muggings, beatings, and drug-dealing at the 162 Avenue/Eastward. Burnside Street MAX station area – where Portland ends and Gresham begins – the Portland Police Agency is joining forces with Gresham cops to tiresome the escalating crime moving ridge.

Incidents in the area take been too numerous; within the week, no less than 18 tearing crimes take been reported. September 10, a shotgun assault occurred, equally did an assault on a thirty-yr-old human being past as many as 20 young thugs – one brandishing a pistol.

People living in the area – specially the elderly – say they're afraid to go out their homes or apartments for fear of being mugged or murdered for $five or a wristwatch.

Late afternoon, September xi, we get in at a printing conference fix at the westbound MAX platform, and find Gresham Police Principal Carla Piluso, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs, and Transit Police force Commander Donna Henderson, joined past Due east Portland Crime Reduction Specialist Teri Poppino and Gang Taskforce coordinator Harry Jackson, all ready to speak out.

Gresham Police Chief Carla Piluso says "…our intention is to take back these streets …"

Not a one-city problem
"This isn't a ane-city problem," Piluso begins, "This is all our business organization. Nosotros're continuing on the boundary between Portland and Gresham. While we acknowledge that purlieus, we know law-breaking knows no jurisdictional boundaries.

"During June, July, and August, in this firsthand area, there have been 25 reported assaults, ten vandalisms, 17 drug offences, and 57 high priority crimes including robbery, serious assail, and auto theft."

Piluso goes on, detailing numerous arrests made during joint police missions in tardily August and early September. "Enough is enough. Nosotros are more than than doubling our resources in this area, for equally long as information technology takes to make a difference. It is our intention to have back these streets from a criminal element that disrupting our citizens who piece of work, live, and plan a visit to this area."

The police of both cities intend to "send a bulletin" to citizens and crooks, says Gresham Capt. Tim Gerkman

Adjacent, Gresham Capt. Tim Gerkman steps up to the podium. He tells reporters that Portland and Gresham officers will saturate the area on foot, in cars, riding motorcycles, and on bicycles. "We hope to send a bulletin to law-abiding citizens in this area that nosotros're not going to tolerate this criminal beliefs any longer. We're going to take dorsum the streets and the surface area and make it safe."

Portland police adds officers to expanse
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs outlines why he's assigning additional officers to the surface area. "Over the last few months, nosotros've noted an increase of violence and intimidation happening here. A woman, living correct hither in this area, simply told me that a stone was thrown through her window for no reason. Concluding night, a stray bullet went into a victim's home. I'm committed to authorize the overtime needed to take this area back."

Portland Police force Agency East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs says he's authorized overtime to keep Portland cops at troubled intersections.

Afterward confirming Gerkman's strategy, Crebs adds, "This is a short term fix. Nosotros're working with all urban center agencies to create a long-term solution to this problem." For example, he states they're going to press to have trouble-making apartment tenants evicted. "This is along-term project. Information technology won't exist solved overnight."

But a quick fix?
When they call for questions, we enquire, "At that place are incidents happening every night at this, and other MAX stops in outer East Portland and western Gresham. Why take this action now?

Piluso responds, "As I said before, we've seen this escalate and escalate. We've had plenty."

Saying that residents have said they're skeptical that the law will be here long term, a Idiot box reporter asks, "How dedicated are you to the long term?"

"By the sheer presence of everybody continuing hither today," Piluso rejoins, "I tin tell you that the Gresham Police Department is in this for the long haul. Information technology isn't going away overnight; it isn't going away in a week. We will work with this community, likewise as our law enforcement partners, to not just displace merely to work hard to solve. We're bringing the right people together to put the right programme together."

Commander Crebs adds, "We can't solve the problem ourselves. Nosotros need the citizens' help. Some citizens are scared, simply we need them to stride upward and help out by being our eyes and ears to report crime. If citizens see crime, they must telephone call 911 immediately."

Folks came from miles effectually, drawn to the dark plumage of smoke that arose from the burn said to have acquired $400,000 in damages to the constitute. Read how the fire started, and run across exclusive photos, right hither …

Between blasts of h2o from multiple hoses, firefighters peer through smoke and steam to check their progress fighting the fire in the plant's Wax Room.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For a mile surrounding the intersection of SE Harney Dr. and SE Johnson Creek Blvd., traffic is at a standstill almost 1:xxx p.1000. on September eight. A plume of thick, black smoke indicates a major fire is the reason the roads are closed.

Walking up Harney Dr. to the scene of the fire at Precision Castparts, we pass neighbor Chris Johnson every bit he works in his yard. "I looked upwardly and saw plume of fume coming up from the far side of the found," Johnson tells us. "Then in that location was a big explosion and the smoke turned thick and night."

Forth the way, nosotros walk with another area resident, Myra Kelsey. "I didn't see it, simply I sure did hear a big boom from blocks abroad," she says. "I looked over and saw a big cloud of black smoke; I'm worried that the smoke might be toxic."

Walking by the command truck, we overhear the Battalion Master say on his ii-way radio, "Even with fighting the fire from the within, we may accept to open the roof and put more h2o on it from the outside."

Firefighters say they were concerned that the bonfire might touch off a wildfire on the steep terrain surrounding the Precision Castparts constitute.

The industrial fire, said to accept started accidentally during a cleaning functioning in the "wax room" located on the plant's east side, burned so hot, information technology touched off the tinder-dry out castor on the steep hillside leading up to a parking lot.

"Firefighters recognized the potential for a fast spreading brush fire on this hot day," says Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman Lt. Doug Jones. "Firefighters quickly attacked the burn from multiple directions while other firefighters began fire suppression efforts in the involved building fire."

Equipment from eleven stations responded to the two-alarm industrial fire.

Approximately 60 firefighters, responding from eleven stations, stay on scene for hours. Eventually, they start disconnecting their lines, and rolling up thousands of feet of fire hose.

No injuries were reported by either company workers or firefighters in this bonfire that reportedly caused $400,000 in amercement to one building.

Afterward the burn down was brought under control, firefighters were faced with draining and repacking thousands of anxiety of burn hose on this hot, sunny afternoon.

Acquire why police force officers have their day off to help disadvantaged youth become well-equipped for school correct hither …

Portland Police force Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs helps Douglas Murphy look precipitous for the start of his 5th grade at Earl Boyles Elementary in the David Douglas School Commune.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Early in the morning, but before schoolhouse started this year on August 29, we are nowadays to run into a big contingent of Portland Police Bureau officers gathering in front of the Johnson Creek Fred Meyer shop on South.E. 82nd. The cops were coming by, on their day off, to assistance disadvantaged kids in Southeast become back-to-school clothing and supplies which their families could not otherwise beget.

Unlike many charitable programs, these kids have earned the right to participate in this officer-guided shopping spree, says Southeast Precinct Sgt. Larry Graham. He should know. Graham has helped direct the interagency "Shop with a Cop" plan since its inception five years ago.

Event coordinators Portland Constabulary Bureau SE Precinct Sgt. Larry Graham, Amy Jacobs, Asst Store Manager, Fred Meyer, and Nick Sauvie, ROSE Community Development, after they brief officers about the outcome.

"These kids take earned the right to participate," Graham explains. "These kids, from the Boys & Girls Clubs and ROSE CDC, accept participated in our Great program, and have provided community service. They've washed a lot of proficient things for the community."

From the law bureau's standpoint, the result is a proficient opportunity for officers to connect with kids in a positive way. "These kids oft accept difficult home lives," Graham comments, "today; they get to spend fourth dimension with a police officer in a situation other than an emergency or ending."

Officer Jeff Pontius, SE Precinct Internet team helps 7th grader Bryce Loudon become apparel he needs for school.

SE Precinct officer Rachael Strobel helps Maria and Gorethy Sandoval get new clothes for school.

Some other keen partner of the plan is retailer Fred Meyer. "Through our partnerships, we take grown this program," says shop manager Amy Jacobs, also 1 of the event'due south founders. "Fred Meyer adds to the program every twelvemonth. This year, along with their new dress, we're giving each child a haversack, with school supplies and umbrellas."

Asked why a mass merchandiser, owned by a national visitor, participates in this plan, Jacobs tells u.s.a., "We've long been function of the community, and community service is how we prove our appreciation for our neighbors' support. And, these kids are our future shoppers and associates!"

A happy Capt. Chris Uehara, formerly of Eastward Precinct, now at Family Services Division, helps Kevin Nguien choose school clothing.

Nick Sauvie, executive director of ROSE CDC tells united states of america why their organization continues to be involved in the programme – this year, serving 100 children. "It'southward not easy for disadvantaged kids to starting time school wearing ragged clothes, and not having even the about basic school supplies. Providing them with the basics volition probably assist them do meliorate in school."

Sauvie adds that their system plays two roles in the event. "Nosotros provide part of the funding and recruit residents from affording housing to participate."

JJ Baker gets a trim from Shara Atterton, manager Johnson Creek Swell Clips.

We ask i young "shopper" how he's enjoying the effect. Grinning ear to ear, he says, "This is really fun. I didn't know cops could be so absurd!"

There'due south no question whether or not this creek, which runs from Gresham to the Willamette River, floods. Only notice out why some outer SE Portland residents are concerned almost the city's plans …

Dale Guldenzopf shows the group, gathered at an empty lot endemic by the City of Portland in Lents, a floodplain map from the 1940s. "I alive next door. I have to pay for flood insurance, merely I'1000 not even in the floodplain," Guldenzopf says.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The group that gathers in an empty lot owned past the Urban center of Portland in Lents on SE 108th Artery keeps growing, as a coming together called by the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) gets underway on August 23.

The meeting'southward topic: The Eastward Lents Floodplain Restoration Project.

BES Johnson Creek project manager Maggie Skenderian points out the location of the property on which this meeting is taking place in Lents.

"This project volition reduce flood damage in Lents," says the Johnson Creek projection manager from BES, Maggie Skenderian, setting the stage for the meeting. "This project will add together alluvion storage and habitat on BES holding south of Foster Road, from 106th Avenue east to 110th Drive."

Forth these blocks, we learn, 75% of the property has been bought by the City of Portland. "We've received a $2.7 Million FEMA grant for this projection; the City matching the grant with a $900,000 budget. The project is in the design phase, and construction is scheduled for summer of 2009."

Flooding every ten years
As she starts the meeting, Skenderian says that Johnson Creek has major floods every 10 years, and minor floods every other year.

"When we have a big event, the creek flows over the banks," explains Skenderian. "The h2o doesn't have places to go. We're in the process if trying to identify what our potential opportunities and concerns are here, from the people who live in the immediate area."

Civil engineer Eirik Schultz talks about options available to convalesce flooding events.

Stepping upwards to the maps, Eirik Schultz and Vigil Agrimis, say they come up from a firm of civil engineers, landscape architects specializing in rivers, streams and wetlands.

"The Johnson Creek channel has moved over time," Schultz begins. "At one fourth dimension, it was over hither," he says, pointing to a map. "But, information technology might accept been over here. We study its hydrology [from the Greek, "water cognition"]; it migrates and adjusts itself, as it moves water and sediment."

"Other streams," Schultz goes on, "may characteristic a three to 4 pes wide channel at ordinary high water. During a yearly 'channel-forming consequence', it might widen to 20 feet. Its floodplain would be between 80 to 100 anxiety wide.

"Even so, Johnson Creek is a 30-human foot wide aqueduct with 12-14 pes vertical sides.

"Information technology doesn't access its floodplain until a ten year event," explains Schultz. "When it does overflow its banks, the flooding is going to be very broad."

Proposes flooding cures and obstacles
"When we connect a stream to the floodplain, it has somewhere to get when it overflows," says the hydrologist. "Nosotros'll endeavor to lower the water surface elevation. At a 10-year event, you'll meet less flooding onto Foster Road. Information technology will not stop flooding on the system, but there is cypher we could practise to convalesce flooding from a major event."

One manner to deal with flooding is "storage" – just a dam is impractical on Johnson Creek.

"Another mode to bargain with it is 'conveyance'. That is, moving h2o though the system more apace. What we're trying to exercise is find a balance of the two. We model solutions by because what happens if nosotros put in a channel here, or widen a channel there."

Simply the main constraint on the design, Schultz concludes, is having to blueprint the projection around existing bridges, sewer lines, and property owners.

Joyce Beedle, who says she's lived most the creek since 1984, raises concerns brought forward by neighbors.

Holding owners' concerns voiced
"We have several concerns about the project," pipes upwards Joyce Beedle, a 20-year resident, and spokesperson for the Lents-area neighbors affected by the projection.

"The 'we' I'm referring to are the families who live on 106th 108th and 110th. We've gotten together three times now, in the by couple of weeks," Beedle states, holding a sheaf of notes. "Nosotros came upward with what we telephone call crucial facts, concerns during construction, after completion, and 'loose ends' questions."

Her list of "critical items" include:
1. "That, in this [BES/FEMA program], in that location exist no means of forcing the current residents out. There is no provision for condemnation."

Almost a tertiary of the people in the afflicted area, Beedle estimates, are second or 3rd-generation residents, who plan to laissez passer their holding to their next generation.

"There are a fair number of us who accept lived here for 20 years or more. The shortest duration is a resident who has been here for eight years," she adds.

2. "This plan should include maximizing the utilise of Brookside [a nearby site already completed] as a 'preamble' to the work washed further west at this new site."

The reason stated is that this nearby existing site, upstream on Johnson Creek, has been improved for a long enough fourth dimension that experts should "know what it does, what does not do, and what it could do better."

three. "This project makes the area a better identify to live, instead of degrading this portion of the neighborhood."

Describing the Brookside project as looking "delightful", Beedle says that neighbors don't want the city to construct an ill-planned, "accidental floodplain restoration projection".

iv. "Keep in heed that backdrop on SE 106th Avenue are on septic systems; not city sewer."

The business is that, whatsoever water is traveling through or being stored on BES belongings in a loftier water event, will be contaminated past the septic systems. High water may back upward septic systems into homes.

5. "The gravel base on the [unpaved] roads will exist destroyed by heavy truck traffic."

To this, Skenderian states the City of Portland will not be paving the 3 gravel roads during or after construction.

6. "We volition be belongings the City of Portland, represented by BES, as accountable for hiring and responsibly supervising the contractors."

The business concern, Beedle relates, is that contractors won't be mindful of holding owned past neighbors during the construction projection.

When Skenderian asks if there are other concerns, longtime expanse resident Ernie Francisco states she'due south concerned that trees will be removed from city belongings during the project.

"The BES and the Metropolis must obtain permits to remove trees, just similar any landowner," Skenderian responds.

This illustration shows areas affected by the City's proposed project.

Resident questions floodplain maps
Clipping upwards a map of the Lents Johnson Creek Floodplain from the 1940s, homeowner Dale Guldenzopf proclaims, "The family has been living here since 1929. I've been coming to this house for 57 years. This house never flooded. The site flooded, but not the business firm."

The site to which Guldenzopf refers is one lot north of the city-endemic land at which the meeting is taking identify. "I live next door. I have to pay for flood insurance, but I'g not even in the floodplain," Guldenzopf says.

When he steps to the back of the meeting, we ask Guldenzopf what he thinks of the projection, based on what he's seen.

"If they administer it just right, it will be fine," he replies. "Only I'yard a picayune concerned that they might buy upward some of the holding and develop information technology. This is valuable land."

For more data, or to be put on a meeting notification list, neighbors are being asked to contact Marie Johnson at BES by calling (503) 823-6199, or e-mailing Marie.Johnson@bes.ci.portland.or.united states of america.

We'll keep y'all up to appointment as this story – and project – continues to develop.

Don't ignore the flashing xanthous lights – or school speed zone signs – now that school is back in session. Meet what happens to scofflaws in too big a bustle, correct here …

Portland Police Bureau Traffic Partition Officer Doug Gunderson here tracks the speed of vehicles passing by Menlo Park Elementary School using a LIDAR gun.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For the next couple of weeks – now that school's back in session – cops are out to catch and ticket drivers speeding through school zones.

It'south not that they're mean spirited – instead, they're trying to salve kids' lives.

"The flashing yellow lights mean 'drib your speed to 20 mph and proceed an eye out for the trivial ones going to school'," says Sgt. Dan Liu, Portland Constabulary Agency East Precinct School Police Supervisor.

We're talking with Liu in front of Menlo Park Unproblematic School on September 4. As nosotros speak, most cars are slowing down for the school zone. "Going twenty mph gives drivers a lot more reaction fourth dimension," Liu explains. "And, the children may simply not be looking. They're excited most going to schoolhouse, and, non paying attention."

However, other drivers seem oblivious to the flashing xanthous "school zone" lights – and even seem to overlook the half-dozen police cruisers stopping speeders along NE Glisan Street.

We walk over and stand next to Traffic Division Officer Doug Gunderso, equally he takes speed readings off his LIDAR gun. A medical transport van zips by at 38 mph; Gunderson radios ahead to a patrol car that stops the van. "I think this i will be cited, not warned," Gunderson comments.

Officeholder Charles Lovell writes up a citation; and information technology isn't for skilful driving. "Nosotros've got to ho-hum drivers downwardly around schools." He says.

We become into the school to say hi to Brooke O'Neill, Menlo Park's Principal. We inquire her if she feels this special speed enforcement mission is of import.

"All summer long, traffic goes xl mph, or faster, forth NE Glisan Street," says O'Neill. "Nosotros need drivers to get back into the routine of going slowly when they pass the school, any time during the solar day. We want our kids to be rubber, and nosotros appreciate drivers slowing down – and watching out – for our children."

Fines for speeding in a schoolhouse zone could be every bit loftier equally $206.00, for as little as xi miles over the posted speed.

Acquire why a "welfare check" on a family quickly turned into a crime scene investigation on NE Glisan Street, in this pitiful story …

Although police officers and paramedics tried to resuscitate the family members that the Multnomah County Coroner says was poisoned past carbon monoxide, the mother, father and child could not be saved.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The stillness of the dark was shattered at 11:23 p.m. in the 10900 block of NE Glisan Street on September 6, equally constabulary cars, fire trucks, and ambulances converged on a pocket-sized house.

"Of a sudden, the street was filled with cops," Gloria Yalsen tells united states as nosotros arrive on scene. "We came out and heard a bang – not similar a gun going off. Just a loud 'thud' kind of audio. Next thing, I see a cop doing CPR on a guy. I don't think it worked; the guy is there, under the yellow cover."

We interview everyone in the area; anybody with whom we speak says they don't know correct then why at that place is such a loftier level of public safety provider response.

Tragic event called a Homicide/Suicide
At five:38 a.m., police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz tells usa he can now release information nigh the event.

"An occupant of the house sent an email message to a friend in Southern California," Schmautz begins. "The bulletin informs them of the suicide/homicide."

When police officers make it, they detect a hose hooked to the exhaust pipage of a hearse, still running, in the home's driveway.

Officers encounter the hose is fastened to the home's furnace ductwork. They disconnect the hose and forced entry to the home. The audio heard past the neighbors was, in all likelihood, acquired by the forced entry.

"In the home, officers located three incapacitated individuals: 39-twelvemonth-quondam John Kuca, 39-twelvemonth-sometime Luray Hodder-Kuca, and 5-year-old Red Kuca, in a bedroom," reports Schmautz. "Officers carried all iii exterior and performed CPR."

Risking their own safety, officers blitz into the home, trying to rescue the occupants. None of the family members survived, police officials say.

We've learned, but police will not confirm, that the begetter and daughter were pronounced dead at the scene. The female parent reportedly died on the way to the hospital in the ambulance.

"Detectives confirm that a suicide note was left at the scene," states Schmautz. Nevertheless, the spokesman would neither confirm nor deny whether or not their actions were prompted by an illness in their family unit not covered by health insurance, as some have speculated.

Ane officer was transported to the infirmary after being overcome with carbon monoxide poisoning while trying to rescue the occupants of the firm. He was treated and released.

"The officer is doing OK," Schmautz says.

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Source: https://eastpdxnews.com/page/351/?mod=article_detail&id_art=955

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