Vigilance - Portland Sentinel [PDF]

FORMERLY THE IN & ABOUT

SERVING NORTH PORTLAND AND THE COLUMBIA/WILLAMETTE CROSSROADS SINCE 2001 – VOLUME 5 ISSUE 7 JULY 2005

10 STORY TOWER? TOO SOON TO TELL

Vigilance

Developer plans condos in Boise

As summer heats up, so does crime. It’s up to citizens to keep on eye on their neighborhood. Area in Boise Neighborhood where Kaiser Group hopes to build a 10 story condo with city’s blessing. By Neil Zawicki

The Boise Neighborhood Association voted last month to permit real estate developer The Kaiser Group to build a ten-story condominium complex in the community. City Hall approved the plan as well, and passed a Spot Zoning Variance to allow the project in the predominantly industrial area near the intersection next to Boise Eliot School, just east of Fremont and Mississippi. The proposed complex would be built into the slope running down from Fremont toward the river. The building would offer exceptional industrial and city views, and would only rise a few stories above street level at Fremont. But before Kaiser Group breaks out the shovels, hardhats, and ribbon-cutting tools, the developer needs to know precisely what it is allowed to build at the site. “City code only allows for a 65-foot (sixstory) building there,” said Kaiser Group president Ben Kaiser. He’s been gunning for a zoning variance since last June. “We’ve been in a holding pattern for the past year, and it was finally re-zoned because everyone realized the absurdity of having light industrial zoning near (BoiseEliot) elementary school, so they allowed for residential and commercial zoning.” A zone change that only affects a single property is a departure from traditional city policy in which zone changes go through a community planning process. The move may indicate a loosening city land-use control in anticipation of comming Measure 37 cases. The city did not repsond to Sentinel inquiries on this matter. Still additional changes to regulations on the property

Ted Fowler, of the Guardian Ted Guardian Ang Angels, els, takes a group from the reconstituted PDX chapter on patrol along the Interstate MAX line.

PHOTO BY JOEL PRESTON SMITH

Third Annual Window Project enlivens downtown St. Johns By David Johnson

In a blooming love affair between artists, merchants, civic leaders, and educators, a school playground and an empty lot in St. Johns will transform into a walking arts fair during the Third Annual Window Project, running July 30 through August 20, with reception for the artists to be held August 17. Sponsored by Art on the Peninsula, this event will feature over 60 North Portland and visiting artists who will display their artwork in over 30 locations, including installations in a dozen windows along St.

Johns’ downtown core. Originally conceived as a visually tasty way to merge artists and the business community into a collaborative effort to promote and celebrate St. Johns, the fledgling festival has expanded to include live acoustic music, spoken-word happenings by the Irradiated Poets, Hmong dancing performed by children, and the appearance of an Elvis impersonator. “It seems to draw in a lot of people, around 1200 last year,” said Jake Shivery, See WINDOW / Page 21

See TOWER / Page 17

B E TW EEN T HE P A GE S

BOISE BUSINESSMAN SAYS ‘BYE’

JAIL HOUSE ROCKED!

Leonard Smith closes up shop after 20 years on Mississippi. See Mr Smith Goes to Washington page 9

KENTON AT LAST!

Sentinel jumps on bandwagon, devotes coverage to county jail space hub-bub! See MATRIX:Unloaded page 3

Will Kenton’s long dormant core heat up? See Kenton Comeback page 7

THE NEW GUARDIANS

Where to watch for neighborhood crime. See Watch Out! page 11

HOT SPOTS! The Guardian Angels are back in NoPo. See Angels page 4

GET JAZZED! Largest free jazz festival west of the Mississippi (River) hits 25 year mark. See Free Form Jazz page 4

FARM ROCK Sauvie Island farm kicks off concerts. See Summer Concert in Arts & Culture page 15

Say Cheese! Artist Inger Klekacz will be showing her photos and thrift store-found objects installation at Value Giant during the St Johns Window Project.

VINO IS KEEN-O Inner N/NE resident and Pink Martini Crooner opens posh palace for port. See Restaurant Review page 8

FREE MONEY!!!!! Well, maybe not, but check out our new coupon section. See page 22

INT’STATE BACK ON TRACK Neighbors hope talk of rezoning moves development in the right direction. See Next Stop, Zone Change page 7

WHAT’S COOKIN’? Where to watch for neighborhood crime? See Cooking Corner page 20

PRSRT Std US POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 88 GRESHAM, OR

St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

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Publisher’s Page THE SENTINEL IS WATCHING. SO SHOULD YOU. Summer is here and that means Oregon shines in all its beauty. But here in the city there is a flip side. All of us who have lived in the central city know that crime goes up when then mercury rises. This year, our public safety mechanisms—our police, jails, courts and community support services— are once again stretched thin (see Jail House Rocked, page 3). To be certain, crime in inner Portland has been declining for years, especially in North and inner N/NE. Still, issues persist in our part of the region (see Can You Feel Heat, page 3). But if we as citizens want to keep crime down, we must take extra measures to ensure that we do not become victims of crime and that our fellow neighbors do not fall into cycles of abuse that can lead to a life of crime. Furthermore, our minority communities have traditionally felt great friction when dealing with the law enforcement and criminal justice culture in Portland. All the more reason for our minority communities

to become more involved in public safety issues. It would both foster a better working relationship between the community and police system, and would provide an opportunity for citizens to intervene in situations before the police or criminal justice system gets involved. So, in our Vigilance Issue we cover a range of topics dealing with ways citizens can and are getting involved: from the rebirth of the seminal 1970s citizen power group the Guardian Angels (see Angels on Interstate page 4), to young North Portlanders training as police cadets (Cop Kids, page 4) to a guide to citizen resources on page 19. Ultimately we as citizens must watch each other, and even the police and our government, in order to keep our beautiful corner of Oregon a civil, safe, and accountable part of the world. See you in the Neighborhood Cornelius Swart Publisher

The St. Johns

Sentinel

Letters

FOR INFORMATION, CALL Editor’s note: The Linnton neighborhood’s standoff with the area’s industrial property owners over development of Linnton’s industrial waterfront continues at press time. Linnton residents and developer Homer Williams hope to build a community resembling Hillsboro’s Orenco Station. Industry representatives object. Planning Bureau staffers are scheduled to release their recommendations on July 15. Pat Wagner, the chair of the Linnton Neighborhood Association, shares her thoughts on the process, the industry’s objections, and the city’s dilemma in this letter to The Sentinel, which has been edited for length.

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-Will Crow, Deputy Editor

AN OPEN LETTER TO NW INDUSTRIALIST Linnton’s Land Use Plan is not perfect for anyone. There was much give and take during the process of the plan evolving. What came out of the process is a plan that works for everyone. It is perfect for no one. Every business, resident AND industry in Linnton made compromises during the process. Everyone gave a lot for the benefit of the whole. We all agreed.

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PLEASE DON’T DO THIS Please continue in the honorable traditions the oil companies of Linnton have always abided by. In a cooperative effort between the businesses, the industries and the residents of Linnton, a Land Use Plan was created. We are confident and were assured the company representatives from the Linnton industries had their company’s full support. If the people from these companies misrepresented themselves to the people of Linnton it has caused very serious damage to every one of us, our community (including the Linnton industries) and to the entire city of Portland. DON’T TRY SCARE TACTICS. Do not come to us talking about explosions and fires and threats of “we’re going to shine bright lights in all your houses.” The oil companies have constantly reassured the people of Linnton about the safety of our homes next to their tanks. Many of our homes are a stones throw from these tanks. We have always had confidence in the safety practices of these oil companies. Do not talk to us about “freight & mobility issues.” Those issues can be resolved with good design. Talk

Digital Community

THE ST. JOHNS BRIDGE MEMORY PROJECT In conjunction with the rededication of the St. Johns Bridge this September, the Sentinel is sponsoring a memory project. If you were around in 1931 and remember the original opening of the St. Johns Bridge we’d like to talk with you. The Sentinel wants to tell the story of early St. Johns residents and the glorious day the bridge officially became one of the mighty icons of the state of Oregon. Project sponsored by The St. Johns Sentinel and the St. Johns Bridge Celebration Committee. Please call or email us at The St. Johns Sentinel, 503-287-3880, [email protected]. More information on the web at www.st.johnssentinel.com

ST. JOHNS SENTINEL MOVES The St. Johns Sentinel will be moving from the 1st of the month to the 1st Wednesday of the month. Now you can count on getting the same great coverage of Greater North Portland and the Columbia/Willamette Crossroads on the same day every month. Look for us the first Wendesday of August, the 3rd! Please call or email us at The St. Johns Sentinel, 503-287-3880, [email protected]. More information online at www.stjohnssentinel.com.

plain. Don’t make broad general statements without being prepared to back yourself up with specifics and allowing time to listen to a response. WHY WASTE TAXPAYER MONEY? The Bureau of Planning worked on Linnton’s Land Use Plan for years. This was at the taxpayer’s expense. Our Land Use Plan is a product of her work. This cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars and a room full of paper. This took more than a decade out of the people of Linnton’s lives and caused us to dream. DON’T SAY, “DON’T GET PERSONAL” These are our homes, our families, our lives. There are generations of families living here. We are at the eleventh hour. The Bureau of Planning has assured us their “draft study” will be done July 15. There will be an open house in August and then the recommendations of the planning bureau will be produced in a document. Our prayer is that city council will then accept Linnton’s Land Use Plan. Pat Wagner, Linnton Neighborhood.

DE LA SAL HAS A VAL As a member of the first class to graduate from a catholic high school in North Portland since the 1970s, I am disappointed that this paper neglected to include the Valedictorian of De La Salle North Catholic High School in your ad congratulating “North Portland’s Valedictorians.” If the paper wished not to congratulate the Valedictorian from a catholic school, I feel the ad should have read “North Portland’s Public School Valedictorians.” Otherwise as a member of this class, I feel unaccepted by the community for not being recognized. De La Salle deserves just as much credit as these two public schools because it is definitely not a stuck-up rich school. De La Salle serves and exists primarily for a racially diverse, low income student body and after graduating its first ever class of seniors, needs to be recognized by the community as a high school in North Portland. Respectfully, Mary Lea Miller, A member of De La Salle’s first graduating class, the class of 2005

NEW IDEAS NEEDED FOR WAPATO

failure to manage a major public expenditure and asset. Now we must tell them what to do next. In the short term we need to turn a lemon into lemonade and make use of an unused public building and generate revenue to sustain the overhead if possible. This can be accomplished in one of two ways. First, search the globe for governments with a need to house civilian or military prisoners at discount prices. Governments rent jail space to other governments all the time. Second, rent the space to an entrepreneur. Vision, imagination and risk taking are necessary to solve this problem. I have already proposed to POVA, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and Martha Stewart (she said the idea was “interesting” but no thanks) of turning Wapato into a B&B. River cruse ships could dock nearby and their passengers could spend the night at “Wapato by the Waters.” If my idea doesn’t catch on maybe somebody will come up with a better one that does. The important thing is that we open our minds to other possible uses for this building. Dancing and yoga. Theater. Youth hostile. Elder hostile. Art and craft studios. McMenamins. Costco. Trader Joes. Valuable items storage. Halloween fun house with maze. Think of the Possibilities. Think of the Publicity. Think of the Public Relations Payoff. In the longer term, a date certain must be set at which time Wapato will cease trying to become a jail if there is not the confirmed availability of substantial long term operational funding. On that date, a plan, which should be in development now, will be executed to convert Wapato into a completely different government use or sold to private interests. Richard Ellmyer, North Portland neighborhood activist for thirty years, and staff advisor to Multnomah County Commissioner Gladys McCoy in the early 1980s.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC INQUIRY Anyone who witnessed a confrontation in the St. Johns Safeway parking lot on Saturday, May 28th around 10 pm please contact:

The Wapato Jail has its first fresh coat of paint with no prisoners in sight. It’s time to go beyond rightly blaming the Multnomah County Commissioners for their colossal

503-481-0671

St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

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FEELING THE HEAT

North Portland braces for summertime crime By Jonathan Fine

Portlanders have learned to wait patiently for those perfect summer days: temperatures in the 80s, cloudless skies, long sunlit evenings. But there is a stormy flip side to the sunshine. As in most cities, Portland’s crime rate rises significantly during the summer months. The reasons for the spike range from forgetfulness of residents who leave doors unlocked before heading to the beach, to the simple fact that more people are outside and therefore vulnerable to crime. An experienced criminal knows when a person has let his or her guard down. As a result, car prowls increase during the summer. More home burglaries occur. And as the temperature rises, tempers also heat up. Both at home and on the streets, arguments are more likely to escalate into violence. Crime may be an inescapable fact of city life, but police Commander Cliff Madison of the department’s North Precinct emphasizes that citizens can take easy steps to sharply

reduce their risk of being victimized. “If you’re going to be in your backyard,” says Madison, “lock your front door. Make sure you don’t leave your garage door open. Roll up your car windows at night. Little things can really bring down the crime rate.” A TEAM EFFORT In a time of budget cuts and slashed services, the burden is on citizens more than ever to protect their own neighborhoods and help prevent crime. The Crime Prevention Team, operating under the auspices of the Office of Neighborhood Involvement, provides an outlet for citizens to report any number of concerns, from suspected drug houses to public intoxication. Walter Garcia, the Team’s Program Coordinator in North Portland, divides his time between “the field” and his office in the Historic Kenton Firehouse. An ex-cop, Garcia understands that citizens may not

always feel comfortable going to the police with non-emergency problems. The Crime Prevention Team serves as a more userfriendly alternative. Recently the City has turned to the Internet as a low-cost way to offer new services and make up for at least some of the recent cutbacks. The official North Portland website (www.portlandonline. com/northportland) allows citizens to file complaints and receive tracking numbers online. And the “Back Fence” forum is an ongoing discussion of various neighborhood interests and issues, from entertainment to crime. Garcia stresses the importance of reporting crime, no matter how petty. “Citizens get frustrated and they don’t call us, because they know they won’t get their laptop or bike back. But if they don’t call us, the city won’t know where the problems are, and those areas won’t get the support they need.”

What the county jail bed controversy really means to North Portland By Cornelius Swart

“We’re not closing libraries,” County Commissioner Serena Cruz says with exasperation. She is perhaps tired of endlessly answering questions about the county’s recent decision not to provide additional funding for jail beds this fiscal year. Currently, suspects arrested by city police officers for crimes such as burglary are taken to county jails and then released back onto the street within hours. The system of releasing suspects based on jail space availability is referred to as the matrix. The county releases some 15 suspects a day through the matrix and plans to release upwards of 5,000 in the next 6 months. Media attention on the issue by Portland’s citywide newspapers culminated on June 3rd, when the Tribune and Oregonian ran seemingly contradictory front page headlines. The Oregonian ran the line, “County rejects adding money for jail beds,” while the Tribune read “County agrees to find jail beds.” So goes the complexity of the issue. In 2000, Multnomah County had some 2,073

open jail beds. The just-approved ’05-’06 county budget provides money for 1,579 beds.

The City of Portland has offered to provide the county with funding for an See UNLOADED / Page 23

St. John’s Booksellers 8622 N. Lombard 503-283-0032 •

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Another pair that’s been putting in the hours are brother and sister Young Kim and Mindi Lee, new owners of the Cracker Barrel country store just to the left after you cross the Sauvie Island bridge. Mindi reports that after a batch of 16-hour days and the hectic Grand Opening on Memorial Day Weekend, a trial-by-fire for these new storekeepers, they are getting a handle on how to run a rural emporium as well-stocked as an urban convenience store. Along with parking and other permits, live bait and fishing tackle, they will continue to sell those celebrated burritos and fried chicken in their alwayssizzling deli. She says they also plan to add hotdogs and a mocha stand in time for the onslaught of bikers, birders, fisherfolk and beachcombers who will soon descend upon the scenic get-away so close to PDX. To better accommodate the throngs, the store will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cracker Barrel 15005 NW Sauvie Island Road (503) 621-3960

County’s lack of jail space leads to early release of suspects who quickly return to crime. The situation has frustrated law enforcement and criminal justice officals. Officers from North Precinct on patrol. Picture from Sentinel archives. PHOTO BY MATT WONG

OVERLOOK BOARD TO WAX: “DRINK UP” Directors OK license application by one vote Will Crow and Vanessa Timmons

In June, the Overlook Neighborhood Association Board endorsed WAX club’s attempt to obtain a liquor license by a 65 vote. The club has been shrouded in controversy since it opened in November 2004. The board heard from managers of WAX, located at 5101 N. Interstate Ave., and from neighbors near the club, during nearly an hour of debate at its June 7 meeting. Residents have complained for months about trash, public urination and late-night noise, including an incident in January during which gunshots were fired outside the club. Proprietors of the club have responded by changing the format of the club and stating

By “Catfish” Dave Johnson

A big Catfish welcome to St. Johns Booksellers, open at 8622 N. Lombard since late June. I dearly love bookstores—walls full of new ideas, lurking surprises and old friends, and this one’s a classic. After dreaming about opening an independent bookstore for a decade, acquiring a key location in St. Johns’ downtown plaza last August, and burning a heap of candles at both ends all winter and spring, co-partners Nena Rawdah and Liz Dorman now offer new and used books, invite old book sales for cash or trade credit and offer free coffee or tea to wanderers-by. If you and/or your youngsters are Harry See HEAT / Page 22 Potter aficionados, stop by the launch party at the shop on Saturday, July 16th, to snap up a copy of Volume Six: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. They also talk about staging poetry readings, hanging small art exhibits, and sponsoring kids’ events. Hours are 10-6, Tuesday-Sunday. For info, call (503) 283-0032.

The Matrix: Unloaded “So the idea of closing libraries instead of jails never came up?”

Ramblin’ Between the Rivers

they are committed to fixing the problems. For some residents and OKNA board members, verbal commitment from club proprietors holds no clout. WAX opened as an all-ages, alcohol-free club. At the OKNA board meeting, manager Sara Moskovitz said that, other than Wednesday-night breakdancing classes and Friday open-mic rap nights, WAX had discontinued its regular club events. Moskovitz said WAX applied for a liquor license in order to target an older, more mature crowd. “We are applying for a limited on-premise beer and wine license,” she said. “Our business model changed after we ended the club nights and adapted to

serve breakfast.” Moskovitz said WAX refashioned itself into a breakfast café in April, open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., but still needs the income from beer and wine sales that a lounge format could bring. She and co-manager Shannon Guthrie said they plan to sell some equipment to pay for professional soundproofing of the building to lessen noise complaints from neighborhood residents. Neighbors urged the board to oppose the application. Alan Pohler said he was a musician himself and was not there to oppose an “alien” culture. However, the club’s noise, Pohler said, kept him from

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Out on the St. Johns Westside, where St. Louis Avenue leisurely morphs into Fessenden, there’s a new eatery that’s packed every workday lunch with hungry folks fond of Thai grub. Open since October, Phathaya Thai, 9440 N. St. Louis Ave., is a charming little bungalow turned into a fulltilt Bangkok restaurant. It has a tasty menu of great curries, noodles, stir fry, and my favorite, Chicken Satay—skewers dipped in peanut sauce. Pathaya Thai 9440 N St. Louis Ave., Portland, OR, 97203 (503) 975-3980 •

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CSI: St. Johns? While rambling along Central, close to Oswego, I spotted a hilarious harbinger of the upcoming BBQ season. Festooned inside an enclosed patio were strips of yellow crime scene tape with the warning: “Danger—Men Cooking!” I had visions of hairy-chested maniacs in goofy aprons, waving spatulas and forks and running amok.

If you have a scoop for Catfish you can contact him at [email protected] or See WAX / Page 16 503-285-2264

St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

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Angels on Interstate By Vanessa Timmons

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Who is Sonny Marshall?

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e’s a Vancouver resident that has returned to Rose City Chevrolet! The staff and new owners of Rose City are very happy to welcome Sonny back as Fleet/Commercial Sales Manager. With Sonny back on board Special vehicles, upfit packages, Corvettes to cutaways and anything else you can imagine are just a phone call away! There is a long road ahead to be the best at anything, but it starts with the client first. The client has the final say in what best suits their wants and needs. On behalf of the personnel at Rose City Chevrolet, Please “Let us Earn your Business, One step at a time.” Please feel free to call Sonny at 503-286-1641 Email: [email protected] Toll Free: 800-430-2438 Mobile: 360-609-3611

You may have spotted them at the Rose Festival wearing their signature red berets. Or, perhaps you saw the news reports confirming that, yes, the Guardian Angels are back in town. The Guardian Angels are a volunteer group of highly trained, unarmed citizens that patrols city streets and transportation systems like the Interstate MAX. They are trained to deter, prevent, and report crime. In many cases, Guardian Angels will interrupt a criminal act and place a suspect under citizen’s arrest. New York resident Curtis Sliwa started the Guardian Angels in 1979. The first patrols were made up of 13 of his friends, family, and neighbors. They rode the New York subways in groups to deter violence, and patrolled neighborhoods and events. Since that time, the Guardian Angels have grown into an international organization with 5,000 volunteers and 60 chapters worldwide. Michael McDaniel, current leader of the Portland chapter of the Guardian Angels, first joined the group when it originally formed in 1983. Since then the group has

suffered fits and starts, leaving Portland without a running chapter since 1995. Now, more then twenty years later,

McDaniel is back and dedicated to building See ANGELS / Page 21

Gaurdian Angels On the Move downtown at last month’s Rose Festival. PHOTO BY JOEL PRESTON SMITH

Free Form Jazz

West Coast’s largest free jazz-fest evolves into Columbia/Willamette Crossroad’s greatest yearly event By Aileen McAteer

The 25th Annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, the largest community event in North Portland, opens July 15th and runs through the 17th. This year’s bill boasts Grammy-winner Luis Conte, and WC Clark, a Texas legend known as “The Godfather of Austin Blues.” WC Clark headlines Friday night with a six-string band and his popular R & B tunes. Luis Conte, known for his mastery of percussion, will close the concert Sunday with the Bobby Torres Ensemble. Admission is free and, for those not attending, all 20 hours of music will be broadcast live on 89.1 FM KMHD Radio from Mt. Hood Community College. “It’s a world-class music event with international stars for free,” said Joe Beeler, one of the organizers of the festival. About 1,500 people are expected to attend on Friday night, with an average of 3,000 to 5,000 people per day over the three-day weekend event. Funded by PGE, KMHD, and the Oregon Jazz Society, the festival relies entirely on hard-working volunteers to

administer and staff the concert. Cathedral Park’s festival began in 1981 when friends and neighbors of St. Johns’ Howard Galbraith threw a party in his memory. It has now evolved into the largest free jazz and blues concert west of the Mississippi. “It has a long tradition,” Beeler said. The construction fence in the park from previous years will be removed for a better view of the St. John’s Bridge. Café Nola Saxophone great Richie Cole plays to a budding jazz fan at the Side Door Theatre, at 8638 N. 1995 15th Annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival. Lombard, will host an after- PHOTO PROVIDED BY CATHEDRAL PARK JAZZ FESTIVAL hours jam session on Saturday, laid-back, picnic-like atmosphere with great July 16th, after the last set in Cathedral Park. music and food. The café will also display the past 15 years of “Everyone just takes in the day and has autographed backstage posters. fun,” Beeler said. Other activities include a CPJF Memory Quilt Raffle, a CPJF Event Raffle, and a CD For details about the event, see Calendar on page release party with a compilation of the best 12, or go to http://www.cpjazz.com/index.html. works of 2004’s event. The event promises a

Cop Kids Cadets prepare young adults for a career in law enforcement Natasha Chilingerian

Young, aspiring police officers can discover if law enforcement is their true calling by participating in Cadets, a program that teaches 16-to-21-year-olds the “ins and outs” of working in the field. There are five Portland-area Cadet precincts. The eight members of the North Portland Cadets are currently refining their law enforcement Officer Alison Schleich, Portland skills for an upcoming competition as well as Police cadet for their future careers. coordinator, jokes “As the Cadets see what we do as police around with cadet officers, they can see if they enjoy that,” said Jasmine Crowley at North Portland Cadets Lead Advisor Eric Peninsula Park’s Zajac. “If they don’t like what they’re doing Safe Summer in the Cadets, they probably won’t be good Kick-Off. Crowley, candidates for police officers.” like many other The North Portland Cadets ride along cadets, sees the with officers and patrol schools and events. program as a stepping stone to Cadets can also help out in small-scale being a full-fledged situations such as bicycle thefts. They meet officer. “We get every Sunday to train for Law Enforcement to see exactly Challenge (LEC) at Camp Rilea in Warrenton, what they’re going Oregon. In August they will compete against through.” other Cadet groups from around Oregon PHOTO BY DAVID PLECHL in categories that include patrols, building See CADETS / Page 18

St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

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A KENTON COMEBACK? First comes Alberta. Then comes Mississippi. Could Kenton be next? By David Rosenfeld

Larry Mills, a real estate agent and owner of Kenton Station, a restaurant and bar on Denver Avenue. Mills said most of the buildings on Denver need costly upgrades to their mason walls to permit certain applications, such as restaurant use. Mills has been waving his arms about the potential of downtown Kenton for 15 years. “Hopefully this latest study will produce some results,” Mills said, having watched several studies pass without action. “I’d like to see some wealth come into this community. Are we supposed to be a low-income area forever? Hopefully we can do a balancing act and not lose the character.” Craig Osbeck has owned the building where he runs Pastime Memorabilia on the East side of Denver Avenue for 20 years. Osbeck said several times over the past five years his plans to renovate and improve his property were made difficult and eventually thwarted by City Hall. Up until about five months ago, the city required a sewage upgrade for renovations to any Kenton buildings. The roughly $100,000 expense changed Osbeck’s mind about the project. The upgrade isn’t necessary now, he has been told, because more people removed the downspout on their homes. Osbeck said he’s moved on and isn’t interested in getting involved with building plans again. “I’m just not an on and off switch,” Osbeck said. Echo Leighton, president of the Kenton Downtown Business Association, said about half of the downtown building owners don’t bother to get involved. “There’s a good handful looking for change but there’s always some who want things to stay the same,” Leighton said. A year ago, Rick Jacobson bought a building with several storefronts on the West side of Denver Avenue. Jacobson earned a matching grant from the PDC for a storefront renovation. “I really liked the neighborhood and I think it’s one of the last underserved areas. I talked to a lot of the neighbors and they were pretty excited about seeing some renovations. I’d like to bring the building back and make it look nice.” Former NBA basketball player Terrell Brandon, under his company TeeBee Enterprises, bought a building on the same street about a year ago, but the storefront remains vacant. So far, the city has laid some of the groundwork for a bohemian scene by rezoning certain heavy industrial sites for highdensity residential. Certain business owners who were surviving under depressed conditions will most certainly be forced to move when Kenton undergoes its seemingly inevitable transformation. When property values go up the rent increases. “Nobody wants to get kicked out,” Leighton said. “They have to understand that it’s a market-driven Larry Mills had big visions for Kenton when he bought neighborhood environment.”

Some people around Kenton have been wondering if City Hall means what it says about fixing up the Kenton commercial district in North Portland. It’s been on the city’s radar screen for more than a decade but Kenton residents have yet to see change. City Hall has released half a dozen studies and action plans since 1992 labeling Kenton ripe for redevelopment, mainly for its influx of more affluent property owners. The latest study by the Portland Development Commission, released last year, stressed the likelihood of modeling Kenton’s main drag on Denver Avenue after developments on Mississippi Avenue and Alberta Street, where the demographic shifts have virtually paralleled. “There are good sides to that and bad sides,” said Rich Watson, a Kenton Neighborhood Association board member. “We need to have these diverse groups come together and make things even better.” Watson laments that recently closing Kenton and Applegate Elementary Schools makes it harder to promote Kenton as a family-friendly community. A strip club at the entrance to its commercial district doesn’t do much to promote the place either. These days, Denver Avenue, with its trademark giant Paul Bunyan statue, often looks deserted. Boarded-up storefronts, vacant retail spaces, and bars line the strip that used to be alive with factory workers. Changes might eventually be afoot. Within the last several months the PDC has more aggressively offered incentives for renovations, and a costly requirement to upgrade sewage pipes has been eliminated. The MAX station on Denver Avenue already makes the district attractive to both businesses and residents. Overall, crime rates are half that recorded around Mississippi and Alberta, and the average income, at $41,800, is higher than both districts, the PDC stressed again in its latest study. So why has development in Kenton lagged while its counterparts flourished? “A lot of it is a fear of what kind of Pandora’s box they’ll open with the city,” said

pub Kenton Station. Now he hopes promises of a Kenton revival are more than just tall tales PHOTO BY CORNELIUS SWART

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Page 7

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Moving up in St. Johns

Home renovations bring district houses into the 300K neighborhood By Paul Maresh

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It seemed that just about everybody was in favor of Mark Kirchmeier’s Overlook Heights project. The multi-story, mixed-use development planned for the southeast corner of N. Interstate Avenue and N. Shaver had the blessings of nearby businesses and churches and the Overlook Neighborhood Association. The only problem was the zoning for the site, which did not permit mixed commercial and residential uses. Kirchmeier had to apply to the city for a Comprehensive Plan Map amendment and Zoning Map amendment, a process that took an April vote of the City Council to approve. “The whole thing came to about $30,000,” Kirchmeier said. Kirchmeier’s situation got the attention of City Commissioner Dan Saltzman. Saltzman began mustering help from the Portland Development Commission and the Bureau of Planning to get a longdelayed comprehensive zoning update for the Interstate Corridor. At a June 16 Arbor Lodge Neighborhood Association meeting, he began reaching out to the public for support. “It seemed to me it was unfortunate that an individual had to go through this,” Saltzman told ALNA.

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For a few years now we have been seeing lower unit Tim exceeded the standard beam For instance, the door and window casings, high-quality home renovations in Alameda, and framing requirements, creating the open along with the mopboards, are clear vertical Irvington, and other neighborhoods like floor plan that gives the unit an airy feel. grain (CVG) fir. In today’s new construction Laurelhurst. In the past couple of years While waiting for the basement to be one usually finds such trim work made out we’ve seen this activity carry through to ready he took the main and second floors of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). If the Piedmont, Mississippi, and Overlook down to the studs. With the exception you grew up in a home where the painted neighborhoods. Within the past year or so of moving the main floor bathroom and moldings had a silky, glasslike smoothness, we’ve seen such quality renovations move adding a nice utility room with a sink, the that’s because they were CVG fir--few out onto the North Portland Peninsula. main floor stayed the same. The completely materials “take the paint” like CVG fir. Such We now see them in Kenton, Arbor subtle touches are a pleasure to Lodge, Mock Crest, Columbia Park, the discerning eye. The quality University Park, and St. Johns. Ten of this trim work is equal to the years ago you could count the number work of a hundred years ago. of North Portland homes valued over Along with the other $300,000 on one hand. This year we improvements, aluminum have over thirty sales contracts of siding was removed from the $300,000 or more. True home values south side of the home, as on the Peninsula have risen to the well as from the rear and a point where our neighborhoods can portion of the front, and renow support high-quality levels of sided in accordance with the materials and construction. home’s original detailed shingle A good example of this upward scheme. movement in real estate is the house The main unit has four at 7434 N. Alma Ave. Tim Kennedy bedrooms and two baths with of Blind Moses Woodworking bought a good-sized bedroom on the a large turn-of-the-century fivemain floor. New windows, bedroom, one-bath home on a post wiring, plumbing, furnace, and pier foundation. Confidant about and water heater, combined the neighborhood’s residents and with quality finishes, will give Increasing prices in St Johns District are leading to new homes potential, Tim set to work. The first constructed of better quality materials such as this home (not featured in this vintage home character two jobs were to tear off the five-year- story) in the Cathedral Park Neighborhood. combined with livability that old roof and jack the house up. Tim one cannot find in a new home new the roof had another good fifteen built from stock plans. It is years in it. But the three-layer roof did not new kitchen will have custom cabinets--no especially rewarding that it blends in so well have the smooth quality look to match the “off the shelf ” stock cabinets from a building with the neighborhood, maybe due in part work Tim planned for the home. Next came supply store for this home. One of the five because craftsmen and -women own some an excavation specialist possessing the skill to bedrooms will become a spacious second of the nearby homes and have also been a work under a house jacked up on cribbing. bath, A nice arched window has lightened part of this project. And then came a brand new full cement up the staircase while creating an inviting It is refreshing and inspiring to see basement and…violà, a light and bright area plant mezzanine. real estate moving up in this manner in St. for a spacious and airy two-bedroom unit Tim is an experienced builder of quality Johns. of about 900 square feet. The two-bedroom custom homes on the west side. And in unit boasts a gas fireplace, and an abundance talking with him one quickly becomes aware Paul Maresh is a realtor working in commercial of clear fir woodwork seldom found in a two- that he enjoys bringing the same level of pride and residential properties in the North Portland bedroom unit of its size. While framing the in work and materials to all his endeavors. Peninsula. He can be reached at 503-283-2060.

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Too Much Summer Sun?

A zoning review, Saltzman said, had been promised in the 2002 Interstate MAX strategy and has yet to come to fruition. He told the group he will need public support in order to get money from PDC to help fund

the review. “There’s not a lot of money for them to fund the planning effort,” Saltzman said. “We need to make sure they get the funding.” See ZONING / Page 22


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Get Real! Come to Linnton Feed & Seed! Interstate corridor could see more transit-friendly development in the future.

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St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

Page 8

• Ribs • Rib Tips • Chicken • More

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Inner N/NE Resident Opens Wonderful World for Wine Lisa Radon

On every modern black formica-topped oak table are shining wine glasses at the ready. In the center of the room, the sandstonebracketed cellar bristles floor-to-ceiling with wine bottles. There’s no doubt from the moment you walk into Vino Paradiso that wine here takes center stage. It’s no surprise, considering that N/NE resident and owner, Timothy Nishimoto, a vocalist with globe trotting ‘high lounge band’ Pink Martini, was wine steward at Nature’s (now Wild Oats) for half a dozen years and has been in the restaurant business for twenty-five. What might be surprising is Vino’s welcoming atmosphere, which negates both Pearl District and wine bar snobbery. The low-key vibe is the sum of the playful décor, the approachable staff, and the wine list that has something for everyone, from a glass of the house white, Fernão Pires, at four dollars and change to three vintages of Australia’s most acclaimed wine, Penfolds Grange. Early on a Saturday night there is a casual crowd—young, old, and beautiful—in this Modernist wonderland with its walls in a patchwork of avocado, persimmon and sky blue. The Aalto Lounge’s west-bank cousin, Vino Paradiso embraces the Modernist aesthetic with a Disneyland of unusual light fixtures (the glow of which makes everyone incrementally more attractive), under high black ceilings, and low-slung black leather sofas arrayed around glass and steel tables on blond bamboo floors. The wine special tonight is Produttori Barbaresco 2000. It will be available for only two days. My partner orders us the Cellar No. 8 Coast Cabernet Sauvignon. He likes “wine that tastes like dirt or the manure it was grown in…a brooding wine.” We order from the menu of charcuterie, cheese, salads, and panini. It would be easy for Nishimoto to create a wine list with standard wine-bar prices. But Nishimoto likes a challenge. He says he wants to present “interesting, good options at a reasonable price…to make a place that is ‘unintimidating’.” “I’ve always liked feeling like I’m beating the system whether it’s buying a car, a dinner,

Tim Mishimoto, singer with Pink Martini and new owner of Vino Paradiso in the Pearl.

or a glass of wine,” says Nishimoto. “I think when people can go out and have a killer glass of wine in a great environment in the Pearl, they can have that same feeling.” Vino Paradiso’s events and offerings reflect Nishimoto’s interests and loves with tastings, seminars, and music. There will be a seminar hosted by Willamette Valley Vineyards president, Jim Bernau, on the health benefits of resveretrol, an antioxidant found in higher concentrations in cold climate grapes like the Pinot Noir. But there will also be a Wine 101 class and Portuguese lessons on Sundays followed by Brazilian music. Nishimoto promises Epiphany Menus, special pairings of food with wine or beer. Some of the foods include chocolate and marshmallows. Todd O’Connor’s Epiphany pairs lemon sugar cookies with Lindeman’s Peche Lambic, a Beligian ale. Good wine at great prices—there’s a conceptual epiphany. Nishimoto’s Vino Paradiso offers every reason to cross the river for a great glass of wine. Vino Paradiso (417 NW Tenth Avenue, 503-295-9536) 4 pm-11 pm Tuesday -Saturday

Swanky digs Vino Paradiso intends to introduce patrons to affordable wines with “unintimidating” prices.

St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

Page 9

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Jake Thomas

Mississippi Avenue is barely recognizable as the sparse crime-ridden business area it once was. But as a new story begins for recently opened boutiques, eateries, and coffee shops, a chapter ends as one of the last African-American business owners leave the street. Leonard Smith, age 67, is the former owner of Grandfather’s General Store and one of North Portland’s oldest AfricanAmerican entrepreneurs. Anyone who traveled on Mississippi knew the man simply known as “Grandfather.” On sunny days he could always been seen on the sidewalk, cooking ribs and hollerin’ at just about every other person who walked by. Since 1985, Smith has been a fixture on the street, owning several businesses at one time worth as much as $450,000. Born in Vredenburgh, Alabama, Smith’s entrepreneurial spirit was fostered early in life. He recalls his father telling him during the days of segregation that if a white lunch counter “didn’t want you there, you go build

7540 N INTERSTATE PH 503-285-5800

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Grandfather: Leonard Smith, retiring from Mississippi Street after 20 years. PHOTO BY DAVE PLECHL

your own.” Smith ended up in Oregon in 1984 when he followed a love interest to Tigard. In 1985, Smith bought an inexpensive piece of property on Mississippi Ave. that would later become Leonard’s Fish House and Lounge, launching his long business career on the street. At the time, Mississippi Ave. was riddled See SMITH / Page 20

CRIME STOPPING KEG PARTIES, NOT! N AT I O N A L N I G H T O U T G E A R S U P By Lua Masumi

National Night Out (NNO) is an annual block party that is part of a national campaign to raise awareness about public safety and crime. This year’s National Night Out will take place August 2nd. Sponsored by the National Association Town Watch (NATW), this year’s celebration will mark the 22nd year of this unique crime and drug prevention program. The program, which involves citizens, law enforcement, business groups and local officials, seeks to organize the community into crime prevention units. Last year’s events had over 34 million participants worldwide, dedicated to strengthening community, heightening awareness and generating support for prevention programs. NATW has grown to include more than 6,000 crime, drug and violence preventions programs and organizations.

With it’s humble beginnings as a neighborhood “lights on” campaign, NNO has grown to include cookouts, block parties, parades, contests and a number of other activities that strengthen community while sending a message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back. Contact your local neighborhood association office for a list of guidelines and ideas to set up and register your own block party, or find out the location of the nearest cookout. Registration is due by July 15th to host an event that supports a safe and unified community. To register a block party go to : www.portlandonline.com/oni For more information about NATW go to http:// www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno

Scrappy Sculpture SCRAP hosts “Iron Artist” fundraising event By Josephine Bridges

If you’re looking to make the world a better place and have lots of fun at the same time, consider spending some time at the School and Community Reuse Action Project’s (SCRAP) third annual sculpture competition. The competition, aptly named Iron Artist, has been described as “one part Iron Chef and one part Junk Yard Wars.” Ten teams of “scrap artistas” attired in outrageous costumes will have three hours to transform reused materials into great art while raucous referees hand out bonus points and demerits. Celebrity judges will then select the winner of the coveted Cup du SCRAP. Grown-ups and kids are encouraged to cheer for their favorite teams and enjoy scrappy carnival games, puppet shows,“loudmouthed emcees,” and the MarchFourth

Marching Band. Beer, wine, tea, and BBQ will be available, as will a raffle featuring some swanky prizes. Iron Artist takes place from 3:30 to 10:00 PM, Saturday, July 23, at The Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell. Admission is sliding scale from $5.00 to $20.00. “It’s crazy mayhem, but it’s also an opportunity to see art made from stuff that otherwise would have been in the landfill,” says SCRAP Reuse and Recovery Director Joanna Dyer. For more information, call (503) 294-0769 or visit www.scrapaction.org. Admission: $5-$20, sliding scale. Or VOLUNTEER and get in free! Saturday, July 23, 2005, 4PM to 10 PM, The Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell Phone: (503) 294-0769, email: [email protected]

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St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

Page 10

OPPORTUNITY OPENS UPTOWN SPATE OF NEW BUSINESSES OPEN IN ST. JOHNS By Lua Masumi

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rough-hewn mountain man, is always quick PICTURE PERFECT As more people hit the streets in the with a smile and a story. He recently moved summer heat, business is blossoming here in to St. Johns from Bend and loves the sense of the North and to prove it, here are few new community he has found in North Portland. Busby has been a leather artisan for 30 years, businesses popping up in St. Johns: Four Corners Frames is located in making wallets, saddle bags, vests, moccasins, the heart of St. Johns. Owner Andy Stout exotic shoulder bags, knife sheaths, and even opened the bright corner store after years of check book covers. He specializes in simple, running his business out of a basement. Stout moved to the St. Johns location, seeing a lack of frame shops in the area. Unlike traditional frame shops that tend to keep equipment in back rooms, as if it were a secret, Stout keeps all his framing equipment in the main room. “I think this is more real,” he says of his open floor plan. Serving as both shop and gallery space, Four Corners features local artists, including watercolors painted by Stout himself. The shop offers a So many books, so little time. Liz Dorman stacks shelves before the 25% discount for artists and June 25th Grand Opening of North Portland’s newest bookstore. Stout says he hopes to begin offering promotional discounts at Christmas strong, clean construction using quality leather with expert attention to detail. He and other holidays. does some repair to leather items (with the To view local art or for framing services, Four exception of clothes and shoes). Corners Frames is located at 7238 N. Burlington. Phone 503-289 5700.

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AT LAST, A BOOK STORE IN NOPO! Look out, St. Johns, there’s a new local bookseller in town, just in time for the release of the anticipated Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Nena Rawdah and Liz Dorman, who met ten years ago while working at Powell’s Books, always dreamed of owning their own business and have finally found the opportunity. St. Johns Booksellers, opened in late June, and offers a home for book clubs and local authors to come and read. Owners Rawdah and Doman began looking at opening a bookstore after Rawdah bought a house in the area. The St. Johns Booksellers is currently the only book store west of Interstate Avenue. Dorman also recently moved to the St. Johns area, relocating from Texas. The two financed the business using a loan from Mercy Corps Northwest, a Portland-based humanitarian organization. Rawdah and Dorman rented the storefront owned by Augie Calcagno and began their modest renovations. Since Rawdah has children they intend to have a large children’s section and are dedicated to serving local authors as well as shoppers. St. Johns Booksellers, 8622 N. Lombard, 503283-0032

LEATHER IS MY PLEASURE Tim Busby recently opened Talon Leather inside Joy of Laundry next to the St. Johns Safeway, 8223 N. Syracuse. Tim, a

Talon Leather, inside the Joy of Laundry in the St. Johns Safeway campus, 8223 N. Syracuse.

FROM PETROL TO PIZZA This July, Signal Station Pizza Parlor will open inside the old historic gas station on N. Lombard at the entrance to Downtown St. Johns. Signal Station Pizza’s owners, Gary Hutton, Ted Douglas, and Ben Estes, were the previous owners of Vista Springs Café in the West Hills. Hutton says that he and his partners plan to serve traditional pizza pies, ice cream, and drinks in this fabulously remodeled landmark building. Hutton, Douglas, and Estes currently live in Northeast Portland, but think that St. Johns is a prime business location and people will be drawn to the old Signal Station. Like all the other small business owners opening in St. Johns recently, Hutton believes the area is an up and coming town center, close enough to downtown Portland, yet far enough to sustain an independent business district. Signal Station Pizza Parlor, 8302 N. Lombard. Call Gary Hutton, 503-286-9500.

LOANS WITH A SLICE Signal Station Pizza is actually Gary’s second business to land in St. Johns as he recently opened Zip Loans on the corner of N. Chicago and N. Lombard. Zip Loans is located a few blocks from the Signal Station. According to Hutton, Zip Loans will be the first loan company specializing in personal, title, and paycheck loans in the area. (Hey, robbers! No cash on premises!) Hutton and his partners also hope to offer small business loans to local businesses. Every customer approved for a loan will be getting a free pizza as soon as the restaurant opens and all previous clients will also be sent a coupon to redeem a free slice. So if you need a loan or a slice of piping hot pizza, head down Lombard to the Zip Loan office or the old gas station. Zip Loans, 8926 N. Lombard, 503-286-9500.

Landmark Signal Gas Station soon to serve slices.

St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

Page 11

WATCH OUT!

Paul Maresh Real Estate Broker

Hot Spots for Crime this Summer By Cornelius Swart

INTERSTATE

ST. JOHNS THE PERPS: STREET DRINKERS Police have reported a sharp increase in the amount of transients in the Town Center this spring. Aggressive panhandling, public drinking, urination and defecation are all being reported. Complaints are piling up from residents and businesses and police feel people are getting fed up. BEST PROTECT YA NECK: Transients and street drinkers may be annoying and smelly but they rarely pose a physical threat to someone’s safety. More than anything, street drinkers will hurt the downtown merchants who are trying to revitalize the area and may encourage a sudden surge of support for the areas controversial Alcohol Impact Area.

THE ISSUE: MOBBIN’ There have been incidents up and down the MAX corridor of large groups of teens “mobbin’” and carousin’ along the Light Rail line from the Interstate Fred Meyer to Killingsworth. The Interstate Wendy’s and Club WAX have been flash points in the past. Typically the scene consists of 50 to 150 teenagers roving the area and descending on a spot like Wendy’s and then trying to take over the scene. “You get 100 kids in a restaurant and there’s no way to watch them all,” says officer Jason Christianson of North Precinct. “They start stealing stuff.” Last spring the ‘I-Mob’ obstructed MAX tracks and stopped a Light Rail train.

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BEST PROTECT YA NECK If you see a huge group of teens, they may be harmless but they might be drunk and looking to set it off, too. Best to stay away, or move on. And if you are these kids’ parents, for goodness’ sake, get a grip back on these children.

NORTH END THE HOTSPOT: NEW COLUMBIA Police warn that the areas around New Columbia may experience some problems as new residents repopulate the area. The increase in density and the concentration of poor residents is bound to have some affect on the neighborhood. In the past, a special police patrol had been attached to Columbia Villa. But so far, New Columbia has no such resources. Though there are only twenty families back in the development, the police have already had to break up a house party and respond to a vandalism call. BEST PROTECT YA NECK: Right now the issue with New Columbia seems to be little more than juvenile delinquency. But neighbors in the area should be prepared as the development fills up over the next few years. A few rowdy kids when multiplied by 100 can quickly get out of hand.

WEST ALBINA THE CON: DOOR-TO-DOOR CHARITY SCAM Grifters are at it again with a door-to-door scam. Neighbors have reported individuals posing as representatives from Grant High, Jefferson High, and even SEI, asking for donations in inner North/ Northeast and Northwest Portland. Suspects are usually young people of student age and can be white, black, Latino or Asian. BEST PROTECT YA NECK If you have a solicitor comes to your door, don’t let them in the house. Ask them for organizational ID, take down their name, take literature if they have any, and politely say no. If you feel compelled to make a contribution, mail in a check.

503-285-2962 Fencing Center Salle Trois Armes 8517 N Lombard

BAR MAID THROWS IN TOWEL By Aileen McAteer

Pamela Gray, 73, knows customer service, and she doesn’t like buffets. Its no surprise that after 50 years of serving tables on Interstate Ave., she decided that she would like to be served for a change “It’s kind of time…I’m going to miss my people, I really love my customers,” Gray said. She has served the last 20 years at The Nighthawk on N. Interstate Ave. and now it is time to retire. Born in North Carolina, she moved to Portland shortly after her grandfather moved to the city. She began waiting tables at Eddie’s on Interstate and Skidmore, but a fire closed it down in 1971. She continued part-time at Wong’s for 17 years, but now it’s a Kaiser parking lot.

After Wong’s, she moved on to the Nighthawk and hasn’t stopped—until now. “Nighthawk’s a great place to work, very supportive,” Gray said. Always the pro, after slipping on lettuce and hitting her head on the counter during one shift, she wasn’t too distracted to say, “I need a cup of bean soup and a rum and coke to table one.” Co-worker Ben Mildenberger, Jr., can’t recall one instance of a bad mood in Gray’s twenty years. “She’s a gem among professionals,” Ben said. She’s formed strong bonds with customers of all ages, and “cuts through the age and gender demographics,” Ben added. Gray has no intention of sitting still after her retirement. Gray said she loves traveling

to the desert and Reno, reading, and taking care of her lawn. “She has a sense of style and neighborhood awareness,” Ben said. “She’s a dynamic server.” Gray looks forward to July 10th, her last official day. As for the Nighthawk’s attempt to replace her, Ben admits they’re a little nervous. “I think she deserved it, but we’re scared to replace her,” he said. “It’s a challenge to live up to the standards she has set.” Swing on by the Nighthawk before July 10th and wish Pamela a happy retirement. Nighthawk Café (6423 N. Interstate Ave., Portland, OR, 97217 503-285-7177) SundayThursday 6am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 6am-9pm Lounge hours: 7am-2:30am

Save money on car insurance! Call Greg Bair today! 503-247-8111

ST. JOHNS BRANCH 7330 N Leavitt T: 503-247-8111 F: 503-247-2950 www.timmco.com AUTO | HOME | BUSINESS | LIFE

St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

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Send us a press release or info about your August event (by July 16) to: [email protected]

and don’t forget to pick up a souvenir DVD, CD, or poster at the merchandise booth.

Calendar compiled by Kelly Seibold and Jessica Kincaid

Cathedral Park (N. Edison & N. Pittsburg, www.cpjazz.com) Free

Our Picks Lewis & Clark Explorer Train In its third season, this passenger train service running between Portland and Astoria follows the Columbia River close to several historical sites, bald eagle sanctuaries, and wildlife refuges that were visited by the original Corps of Discovery. Relax and enjoy the ride – this year is your last chance! The Lewis & Clark Explorer train will run Friday through Monday until Oct. 3rd, departing Portland’s Linnton boarding area at 7:50 a.m. 12222 NW Marina Way off St.Helens Road, two miles north of the St. Johns Bridge off US Highway 30. On-site parking is free. The Lewis & Clark Explorer Train arrives in Astoria at approximately 11:30 a.m., and departs Astoria at 4:45 p.m., arriving in Linnton at 8:50 p.m. Passengers who disembark in Astoria can stay the night in the area and return another day, or spend the day in historic downtown Astoria, replete with unique shops, fine restaurants, and architecturally significant storefronts. For tickets, visit www.TicketsWest.com. Children up to 2 years old, Free; children 2 – 11, $25 each way; 12 years and up, $35 each way; Bicycles (up to 6 per train), $5.00 additional per ticket. For more information visit www.lcbo.net.

July 4 First Annual Monster Beach Bash Welcome to a tropical paradise like no other! Presented by your friends at Scream at the Beach, this party is a scream for the whole family. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by Zombie Beach Babes. Your adventure continues as you explore the Disenchanted Tiki Room, watch live shows, ride the historic carousel, enjoy a meal (dinner will be served from 3 – 6 pm), play games and let the kids run free in a kid-size playhouse. Following the party you can watch the fireworks over the Columbia River across from Fort Vancouver, a perfect ending to an exciting day. Jantzen Beach Super Center (1802 Jantzen Beach Center, http://www.screamatthebeach.com/4thofjuly/) $10 includes all activities and meal; children under 6 free (does not include meal)

July 15, 16, 17 25th Annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival The “can’t miss” event of the summer. Three days, 67 musicians and great food in a beautiful natural setting. Located beneath the St. Johns Bridge, this festival, which started in 1981, brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. Some highlights of the festival will include W.C. Clark who plays at 8 pm on Friday; The Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra at noon on Saturday; followed by Mort Weiss with Ron Steen, Dave Captein, and Tom Grant playing at 6 pm on Saturday. Be sure to check out McMenamin’s Beer and Wine Garden,

Free For all Fridays Every Friday in July- The Urban Soul presents music, games and an open space for neighborhood residents to gather and enjoy themselves in.

Café Nola

The Urban Soul (8957 N. Lombard, 503-419-9769) 6-9 pm.

July 1-26 – 15 years of Cathedral Park Jazz Festival posters. Special exhibit of autographed, out of print, and rare backstage posters from the annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival in St Johns.

RePot

Café Nola (8638 N. Lombard St., 503-445-2007)

July 16-17 Harry Potter Launches at the St. Johns Booksellers

Visual Arts

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. For this weekend St. Johns Booksellers will be magically transformed into Flourrish & Blott’s where wizards and witches in training can find the books they need as they prepare to face down the terrible YouKnow-Who. Store opens at 9 am. Weekend includes crafts, costume comtests, and Every-Flavor Beans give-away.

July 1 – 31st – A plastic pot recycling project. Now that gardening season is here, what do you do with all those plastic pots piling up in your yard or garage? You take them to your local recycling center on Portland Blvd. Open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5 pm, your pots will be recycled for free. You don’t even have to clean them. Sponsored by Cracked Pots, a non-profit project committed to reducing waste and inspiring the public in creative re-use.

St. Johns Booksellers (8622 N. Lombard, 503-283-0032) [email protected]

N. Portland Recycling Center (2005 N. Portland Blvd. www.crackedpots.org) Free

Expressions of Faith July 30 – August 27 – Inspiring art by Susan Cowan, a professional artist and teacher. Meet Susan at an Artists Reception on July 30 from 1-3 pm. Expressions of Faith (8326 N. Lombard St., 503-289-7887)

The Fresh Pot Featuring local artists each month. The Fresh Pot (4001 N. Mississippi Ave., 503-284-8928)

July 23 SCRAP’s Iron Artist Sculpt-off Fundraiser Described as one part Iron Chef and one part Junk Yard Wars, this timed three-hour “sculpt-off” is a high-energy celebration where teams of artists create sculptures from reused materials provided by SCRAP, the ReBuilding Center, Wacky Willy’s, and Free Geek. There will be “scrappy” carnival games, live music from MarchFourth, a beer garden sponsored by Lompoc Brewery, and food by Russell Street BBQ. Come cheer on your favorite team! SCRAP is a non-profit organization that collects clean, reusable materials from businesses and individuals and provides these materials at low cost to the community.

Portland Community Land Trust Workshops

IFCC Gallery

July 5– First-time homebuyers attend and get information and resources on purchasing a home, townhouse or condo at below-market prices. Specifically aimed at those with limited income.

July 7 – August 27 – Art About Agriculture 2005 – A Touring Group Exhibit. Attend a 1st Thursday reception on July 7th from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm and a Last Thursday Gallery Talk on July 28th from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.

North Portland Library (July 5) (512 N. Killingsworth, 503-493-0293, www.pcit.org) Free

PCLT Office (July 18) (3109 B NE Broadway 503-493-0293, www.pcit.org) Free

Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (5340 N. Interstate Ave., 503-823-4322, www.ifcc-arts.org)

Madrona Hills Baking Company Artwork by local artists. New artist featured each month. (5937 N. Greeley Ave., 503-289-7617)

Wonder Ballroom (128 NE Russell, www.scrapaction.org) $5 - $20 sliding scale

NorthStar Coffee House Showcasing local artists on a monthly basis. (7540 N. Interstate Ave., 503-285-5800)

July 30 – August 20 Theater

St. Johns Window Project The St. Johns Window Project is a collaboration between North Portland artists and St. Johns businesses. As you walk Lombard Street you will be dazzled by the mini exhibitions of local artists presented in each storefront. From a “Transformed Chair,” to a print based on St. Johns history, to artwork relating to a particular business, or whether touring a sculpture garden, you will be amazed every few feet. There will be guided tours on the opening day or you can choose to explore on your own.

Hambleton Project Comedy Fundraiser July 16 – This comedy benefit will feature Lisa Koch, a Seattle singer, songwriter, and comedian who has written such hits as “Both of Me” and “Colorblind Blues,” and appears in the onewoman version of “The Vagina Monologues.” The Hambleton Project, based in Portland, Oregon, is a volunteer organization. Formed in support for and in honor of Sharon Hambleton, it supports lesbians with cancer and other life-threatening conditions, their partners, family, friends, and caregivers.

On opening day July 30th, you can also enjoy entertainment and an Open Air Art Market coordinated by Urban Art Network. For more information on the Open Air Art Market, visit www.urbanartnetwork. com. On opening day evening, see a screening of local documentary about gentrification in North/Northeast Portland NorthEast Passage at Cafe Nola’s Side Door Theatre. Filmmaker Cornelius Swart (ahem..) will be on had to answer questions. Side Door Theatre (8638 N. Lombard St., 503-445-2007) Windows Project, St. Johns (N. Lombard, 503-823-4099) Free

www.hambletonproject.org. Metropolitan Community Church (2400 NE Broadway, 503-335-6591) 7:30 pm; $20 in advance or $25 at the door

Sketch Improv Comedy Show

Miriam Badyrka’s Slip covered chair with painting patch-work will be shown at the St. Johns Window Project. See listing in Our Picks to the left.

Interstate Farmer’s Market

Community Sidewalk and Patio Sale July 6 – 9 – Shop for bargains daily. Hours are Wednesday from noon to 8 pm, Thursday from 9:30 am – 8 pm, Friday from 9:30 am – 8 pm, and Saturday from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm. Expressions of Faith (8326 N. Lombard, 503-289-7887) Free

North Portland Tool Library July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 – “Borrow a Tool” for free! Have you ever needed a tool for a single project that you didn’t want to buy or rent? With the North Portland Tool Library you can now “borrow” one for free. Open to North Portland residents only. Registration required with proof of residency. The Tool Library also offers various free workshops. For more information on registration requirements or workshops, visit www.northportlandtoollibrary.org or call 503-823-0209. Basement of Kenton Firehouse (2209 N. Schofield, 503-823-0209) 9 am – 2 pm Saturdays

Held every Wednesday, May 18 – September 28, from 3 pm – 7 pm. Thirty or more booths selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and berries. In addition, there will be booths allocated to non-profit organizations, community needs, health information, and resources. And last but not least, there will be music, food, and entertainment. The IFM is entirely volunteer driven with all local products coming from Oregon or Washington. Fremont Street at Interstate between Overlook Park and Kaiser Permanente’s Interstate West building.

University Park Neighborhood Association Logo Design Contest Deadline July 30 – Open to local artists and designers. To help raise awareness and recognition of the University Park Neighborhood. The final design will be used to identify the neighborhood in a variety of ways such as street sign toppers and association letterhead. Contact Brian Oylear at 503-704-4969 or visit www.universityparkneighbors.org for more information.

July – This laugh-out-loud comedy/variety show is sure to amuse the entire family. Shows continue every Friday night starting at 9:00 pm with dinner by Mondemaj Catering next door to the show at 6:30 and 7:30 pm. Dinner is $13 and tickets $7 for adults and $4 for children under 12. For reservations call 503-286-2590. For infor the show call 503-735-4184 or visit www.jam-night.com. Christian Performing Arts Center (8131 N. Denver)

Live Music Kruger’s Farm Tunes 2005 Summer Concert Series What better way to spend a Thursday evening than at Sauvie Island’s own Summer Concert Series on Kruger’s Farm. The free concerts are from 6 pm to 9 pm, located on the concert lawn. There will be food, beer, and wine for sale. Summer schedule: July 7 – Amelia with band; July 14 – The Buckles; July 21 – Foghorn Stringband; July 28 – The New Iberians. Kruger’s Farm Market (17100 NW Sauvie Island Road, 503-621-3489 or www.krugersfarmmarket.com) Free

Jazz Festival Jam Session July 16 – Be a part of this rare opportunity to see the artists from the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival perform on Café Nola’s small stage, up close and personal. Ticketed event. Café Nola (8638 N. Lombard St., 503-445-2007) Ticket price TBD

St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

Page 13

Kids Mississippi Pizza Pub

Art Explorers Camp

Music and performances nightly. Call or check website for complete schedule of events.

June 27 – July 22 – The Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center and Higher Stages Arts Academy (Tears of Joy Theater) present Art Explorers Camp. This summer program will engage in student-centered, project-based media arts and technology learning for students from Ockley Green and Whitaker/Tubman middle schools. To participate in this FREE camp, call IFCC at 503-823-4322.

(3552 N. Mississippi Ave., 503-288-3231, www.mississippipizza.com)

Mississippi Studios Music, music and more music. Call or check website for complete schedule of events.

IFCC (5340 N. Interstate Ave. 503-823-4322) Free

(3939 N. Mississippi, 503-288-3895, www.mississippistudios. com) Shows: 8:00 pm Doors: 7:00 pm, 21+

Howell Territorial Park and Sauvie Island Farms

NorthStar Coffee House

July – Located one mile north of Sauvie Island bridge on Sauvie Island Road, this park, which boasts 93 beautiful acres, is available to the public. The park offers reservable picnic areas, an orchard, an agricultural museum and the Bybee-Howell House, an authentically restored farmhouse built in the 1850s. The park is available to visitors from sunrise to sunset, while the museum hours are 1 – 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Suggested donation is $2, $1 for students.

Live music every Friday night from 7 – 10 pm. (7540 N. Interstate Ave., 503-285-5800)

White Eagle Saloon July 1 – Eagle Ridin’ Papas (9:30 pm, Free, All Ages); July 2 – Seven Year Tango (9:30 pm, $6); July 4 – Little Sue and Lynn Conover (8:30 pm, Free, All Ages); July 7 – Steven Pile, CD Release (8:30 pm, $5); July 8 – Johnny B. Connolly (9:30 pm, $6); July 9 – Ditty Twisters (9:30 pm, $6); July 14 – The Odditors (8:30 pm, $4); July 16 – Intervision 5 (9:30 pm, $6); July 22 – Left Hand Smoke (9:30 pm, $6); July 29 – The Bingo Band featuring Lewi Longmire (9:30 pm, $6). For a complete listing visit www.mcmenamins.com. (836 N. Russell, 503-282-6810, www.mcmenamins.com)

Check out the digs at Vino Peridico. See article on page 8. [email protected] for more information and to RSVP.

Poetry Night at Bold-Sky

(3943 N. Mississippi Ave., 503-287-0154)

July 28 (3:30 – 4:30 pm) - Cantos y Juegos – Tlaxcalan musician Hugo Nava sings and plays traditional music in Nahuatl, P’urhe’pecha and Spanish.

Barnes & Noble Events

July 30 (2:00 – 3:00 pm) – What Would You Do on a Dare? A fun-filled musical program will get children of all ages singing and moving.

July 27 (7:30 pm – 9:30 pm) – hosted by Sage Cohen

Out to the Movies Café Nola Side Door Theater Call for current movie schedule. July 15 (8 pm) – The last Portland screening of Oh Danny Boy, a Mark Jwayad motion picture show. Tickets are $6. August 2nd (8pm)- NorthEast Passage: The Inner City and the American Dream. Local documentary about gentrification and the fight to revitalize the Mississippi corridor area. Suggested donations.

July 12 – Appearance by Martin Moran, author of The Tricky Part: One Boy’s Fall From Trespass into Grace. The Tricky Part is a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award Finalist. Barnes & Noble Booksellers (1720 N. Jantzen Beach, 503-283-2800) 7:00 pm, all events are free

At the Library North Portland Library

(8638 N. Lombard St., 503-445-2007)

July 2 (11 am – 1 pm) – Fish Prints: Create a relief print with artist Kathryn Menard

St. Johns Theater & Pub

July 16 (11 am – 1 pm) – Memory Box: Artist Kathy Karbo helps you create your memory box with beads, glitter and other objects.

(8203 N. Ivanhoe, 503-283-8520) $3

St. Johns Historic Cinema Downtown St. Johns Twin Theater. Call for full movie schedule. (8704 N. Lombard St., 503-286-1768)

University Park United Methodist Church Summer Movies July 6, 13 – Enjoy favorite films chosen by the community such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Field of Dreams. Each movie evening will be kicked off with a meal. The main dish is provided and the rest is pot luck. The summer movie series is made possible by a grant from the North Portland Trust Fund. If you’d like to suggest a movie, contact Marcia Hauer (503) 349-4245 or Jeanne Knepper (503) 709-4107. University Park United Methodist Church (4775 N. Lombard St., 503-289-7843, http://www.upumc.net)

July 23 (11 am – 1 pm ) – Metal Sculpture: Make your own garden sculptures with the help of artist Kathy Karbo. July 30 (11 am – 1 pm) - Medieval Medallions: Kathy Karbo will show you how to emboss colored metal with beads and wire to create a medieval medallion. For Fun July 9 (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm) – Pageturners: Read and engage in a discussion of Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. July 9 (11 am – 1 pm) – Harry Potter Secret Spell Books: Learn how to construct your own spell book. July 14 (1:30 – 2:30 pm) – Miniature Horses: Sue Roake of BeBop USA showcases her miniature horses. Kids will have hands-on time to meet the animals.

Call or check online for more events and registration info (512 N. Killingsworth St., 503-988-5394, www.multcolib. org/events/)

Birth Forum Education Speaker Series July 7 (11:30 am – 1:00 pm) – Understanding the Role of the Father, Through Pregnancy and Beyond presented by Imam Mikal H. Shabazz, President of Time 2 Act Now – Advanced Communication Institute. July 21 (7 pm – 8 pm) – Wendy Davis, PhD Family Counselor and Founder of Baby Blues Connection will speak on the subject of Postpartum Depression. Northminster Presbyterian Church—enter at west end (2923 N. Portland Blvd.), $5, contact Vicky York at

The 29th Annual Portland Historic Races July 8, 9, 10 – The Baxter Auto Parts Portland Historic Races features high-speed racing by 250 prestigious vintage cars that are divided into groups according to age and horsepower. This year will commemorate the legendary Shelby Mustang GT350R. Other racing highlights include a field of historic Winston Cup stock cars and Vmoto vintage motorcycles. Another feature is an open paddock which allows the public the opportunity to view these cars up close and personal and speak with the drivers. Portland International Raceway (1940 N. Victory Blvd. 503-274-0019) Daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. $40 for all three days; $10 for Friday, or $25 for Saturday and Sunday. Children under 12 free.

Trail Blazers Street Jam presented by Nike

Barnes & Noble Kids’ Events July 15 (9:30 pm) – Harry Potter Release-Midnight Magic Party. Gear up for the release of the latest Harry Potter book! Starting at 6:00 pm, wristbands will be handed out. The wristband holds a place in line for you to purchase your book at midnight. Party activities including trivia, face-painting, magic shows, and wand making begin at 9:30 pm. Don’t forget to dress up as your favorite character for the Harry Potter Costume Contest. Contestants will be judged in age groups—under 12, teen, and adult—and will receive Harry Potter merchandise prizes. Copies of Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince may be pre-ordered at 40% off the publisher’s price. Thursdays (10 am) – Once Upon a Storytime & Activities. Kids aged 0-8 meet to read stories, have fun with activities and eat treats. July 7 – Celebrate the Arts theme. July 14 – Moods and Feelings theme. July 21 – Pirates theme. July 28 – Folktales from around the world theme. July 9 (11 am) – Meet Winnie the Pooh at Storytime! – Read Winnie the Pooh stories, eat snacks and meet Winnie the Pooh. July 18 (7 pm) – The American Girl Club: Room Decoration. Members will learn fun ways to decorate their room. Each attendee will take home a craft. Snacks and activities provided. Barnes & Noble Booksellers (1720 N. Jantzen Beach, 503-283-2800) all events are free

July 22 - This 3-on-3 basketball tournament is for ages 8 and up, men and women, all sizes and abilities. Designed so that everyone can enjoy competition with comparable team divisions. All games will have certified basketball officials. Each team plays a minimum of 4 games. Participate in the slam-dunk, 3-point or Hot-Shot competitions. Games start at 12:00 pm. $125 for teams 3 – 4, $150 for teams of 5. Rose Quarter (1401 N. Wheeler Ave., 503-235-8771)

99th Annual Multnomah County Fair St. Johns Library

Readings, Lectures, Spoken Word

Call or check online for more events and registration info (7510 N. Charleston Ave., 503-988-5397, www.multcolib. org/events/)

Outdoors, Recreation and Sport

Arts & Crafts

McMenamin’s Theater showing second-run movies under the dome. Movies every weeknight and matinees on weekends; call for current showings.

July 13 (6:30 – 8:00 pm) – Pageturners: Read and engage in a discussion of When We Were Orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro.

While on the island, you can also enjoy the Sauvie Island Farms where you can pick your own berries, peaches, corn, pears, tomatoes, peppers, melons, and more. There is also a u-cut flower garden. Located 3.5 miles from the bridge on Sauvie Island Road, this is “must-do” summer fun for the whole family. Open Monday – Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm. For more information call 503-621-3988 or visit www.sauvieislandfarms.com.

Arts & Crafts July 22 (1 – 3 pm) – Metal Sculpture: Make your own garden sculptures with the help of artist Kathy Karbo. For Fun July 8 (2:30 – 3:30 pm) – Kings, Castles, and Cockroaches! Charlie “The Noise Guy” as Sir Sounds-a-Lot will use props, vocal sound effects, music, and audience participation to lead a reading renaissance rumpus! July 12, 26 (1 – 3 pm) – Read to the Dogs - Improve readings skills and make a new friend by reading to a Dove Lewis Therapy and Education Program dog. Pre-registration required.

July 29, 30, 31 – This year’s theme is “Not Your Usual Fair.” Come join the fun at the 99th Annual Multnomah County Fair at its new venue at Portland Meadows. With heaps of animals, contests, prizes, exhibits, demonstrations, good friends, and good times for all. Portland Meadows Racetrack (1001 N. Schmeer Road, 503-285-9144) 10 am to 8 pm everyday. Cost TBD

Starting at $ 8.00 per carton Better Quality at a Better Price Largest selection of Cigarette Tobacco West of the Mississippi! If we don’t have your cigar we can get it Within 24 hours!!!

St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

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St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

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Arts

& Culture

Summer Concert Series on Sauvie Aileen McAteer

With two successful years behind them, the Krugers are looking forward to their third annual concert series on their Sauvie Island farm Farm Tunes 2005 . Every Thursday from 6 – 9pm beginning July 7th, people can come watch bands, pick berries, and cut flowers for a small price. Hundreds of locals have come to enjoy the concerts performed on the 100-acre farm, and this year they expect even more. “I want a big enough crowd so that it’s fun, but not overwhelming,” said owner Don Kruger. “Some people complain about the

zoo concerts because they’re huge.” The concert series runs through September 1st and offers more than live music. Hayrides and flower-picking are among the other activities to enjoy at the farm. Two acres of several varieties of flowers are available to pick, and the farm boasts the region’s largest maze, stretching across nine acres. Kruger’s Farm specializes in growing berries, but they will have a market available at the shows for other produce, as well as food, beer, and wine. The farm recently added Salvador Molly, another vendor, to serve

beer and wine alongside Phil’s Island Grill, which will offer barbequed hamburgers, hot dogs, and sausages during the concerts. “It’s a family crowd but pretty diversified,” Kruger said. “It works for everybody because of the diversity of the bands; we don’t just have bluegrass, we have Cajun and Irish bands as well.” Bands kick off with Amelia, and include The Buckles, The New Iberians, and Jackstraw. “We’ve gotten such warm feedback from people,” Kruger said. “The farm is quite beautiful in the evening. [The crowd] gets to

see it when the sun is setting. It gives us a chance to also tell the farm story through the seasons.” Farm Tunes: Thursday, 6-9 pm, free on concert lawn. See Calendar for complete listing. Flowers: priced by the bucket, usually between 12-20 dollars. Corn Maze: $5 Adults, $3 kids 611, Free - 5 and under. Group rates available. Kruger Farms (17100 N. W. Sauvie Island Road, (503) 621-3489)

Ecstacy in Motion

Ecstatic dance comes to Eliot Neighborhood By Leah Mueller

The Secret Society Ballroom, located at 116 NE Russell, seemed an unlikely place to experience ecstacy. The beige building was about as unassuming as they come— foreboding, its upper-story windows riddled with spider cracks. I was amazed by the elegance that awaited me inside. The lobby was decorated with antique dressers and plush chairs. The dance studio was annexed to the lobby with seductive shades of red velvet. The studio was a throwback to an earlier era, when everyone knew how to dance. The truth is, everyone can dance, as I discovered on a recent Wednesday evening at a weekly gathering of ecstatic dance enthusiasts. “Ecstatic dance” is a sort of free-flowing dance improvisation. Several locations through Portland have ecstatic dance nights. Lisa Tongel has been leading ecstatic dance sessions for four years. She explained,

the dance is intended to free oneself from inhibitions and limitation. She said, “I love the freedom that I feel in myself and the people who come. I especially like witnessing people as they discover their own freedom through the dance. The eclectic music evokes lots of experiences for people—from wild and irreverent to sacred.” On this occasion, twenty people milled around the spacious dance floor. Some of them were swaying to the music. Others contorted their bodies into yoga positions. Still others simply lay motionless, supported by the wooden floor. I was impressed by the outfits that some of the participants had chosen to wear—especially one participant, who sported harem pants and a metallic orange bra. Finally, the serious dancing began. An eclectic mix of music filled the studio. Spanning genres ranging from Jimi Hendrix to local favorite Pink Martini, the music began

slowly, reached a crescendo, and then became quiet again. The dancers responded readily to the changing rhythms of the music—expressing contemplativeness, then joy, and “Nobody puts Baby in a corner!” Dirty Dancing Portland style: Ecstactic dancing finally rest. Bodies every Wednesday night on NE Russell Street at the Secret Society Ballroom. leapt into the air, PHOTO BY LEA MEULLER collided playfully, and contorted themselves into fantastic The Secret Society Ballroom event happens positions. At other times, as the music every Wednesday evening, from 6:45 to 8:15 PM. slowed, people laid on the floor and Requested donation of $5.00, vegetables were eagerly accepted as payment. embraced each other. 116 NE Russell, Lisa Tongel can be reached at “This kind of dance is my practice,” said 503-577-3669 one dancer named Felix. “I love coming Email: [email protected] home to my body and getting grounded. When I’m running around all day, it’s easy to lose track of myself.”

YOU ARE WHAT YOU DO NORTH PORTLAND CHILDREN’S AUTHOR K.P.BATH By Josephine Bridges

When North Portland author K.P. Bath began writing The Secret Castle of Cant, his purpose was to entertain. But the journey through the process of writing his first novel resulted in an adventurous tale for

Writer K.P. Bath takes a crack at spinning yarns for youngsters.

young readers that is as entertaining as it is political. “I didn’t set out to write a novel with a message,” Bath admits. “I share with Lewis Carroll a great disdain for children’s literature that tries to edify children.” The finished story, however, is a political novel for children, examining the role class plays in defining people and how they fight against that definition, Bath says. “When I was child,” recalls Bath, “it infuriated me that unjust grown-ups had control of my life.” The Secret of Castle Cant carries on a proud tradition in children’s literature in which “one way or another, kids kill off the grown-ups and become independent agents running their own lives.” Set in the medieval Barony of Cant, the story revolves around the experiences of the main character, Lucy. “It sounds pretentious, but in a way it’s an existentialist novel for kids,” says Bath. “My character Lucy is a

lower-class girl, a maidservant, but she’s recruited to be a spy. It’s almost a game to her, but then she realizes that if you act like a spy, you really are a spy. The existentialist principle is that you are what you do.” The Secret of Castle Cant is the first in a series of three, and Bath has already written three quarters of the second volume. In this as yet untitled novel, the focus shifts to The Adored & Honorable Pauline Esmeralda Simone-Thierry von Cant, for whom Lucy has heretofore worked as a maidservant, and who in the sequel “learns startling truths about her own background.” Bath, who began to write at age 30, advises aspiring writers to ignore the most common advice they are likely hear: Write what you know. “If you want to have fun as a writer, write about something you know nothing about.” The author enjoys receiving fan letters and phone calls from his readers, but he doesn’t crave fame. “Celebrity baffles me,

Cover of K.P. Bath’s new novel.

especially celebrity writers,” he admits. “If writers were interesting people, why would they write books?” The Secret Castle of Cant, nominated for The Quills Award for Children’s Book of the Year, is available at most book stores including Barnes & Noble, The Children’s Place, Powell’s Books, Amazon.com.

St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

Page 16

Financial Focus Is it Time to Consolidate Your Assets? By Dave Trabucco of Edward Jones

What’s missing from your benefits package?

Piece it all together with a 529. Ever noticed how important one missing piece of the puzzle can be when looking at the big picture? The same holds true with benefits. By making a college savings plan part of your company’s benefits package, you provide your employees a convenient, budget-friendly and tax-advantaged way to save for their children’s or grandchildren’s educations. Systematic investing is available through payroll deduction or checking account debits. Call me today to learn more about 529 programs and other great employee benefits.

Dave Trabucco 7326 N. Leavitt Ave. Portland, OR 97203 Ph. 503.247.7374 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

If you’re like many people, you keep investment vehicles in different places. You might have started traditional IRAs with two or three financial- services providers while buying some stocks from still another. And you may have purchased a fixed annuity from an insurance company. As long as you keep track of all these accounts, you might think it doesn’t matter where they are “housed.” However, if you scatter your investments here, there and everywhere, you could end up in uncharted territory when it’s time to pull everything together. What are some of the potential problems of keeping your investments at a variety of different institutions? For one thing, despite your best intentions, you could actually forget about one or more of your holdings. State treasurers’ offices regularly advertise “unclaimed” property, including investments. People move, change jobs, divorce and undergo all sorts of changes in their lives — and sometimes, they leave their investment dollars behind. But if you consolidate all your holdings with one financial-services provider, you can keep tabs on them without much trouble. Of course, you could be a highly organized person — someone who would never “misplace” financial assets, no matter how dispersed. But even so, your far-flung investments could slow your progress toward your important financial goals. If you maintain several accounts without a central focus or unifying philosophy, you could end up with redundant or inappropriate investments — a costly mistake. To avoid this problem, consider keeping your investments with one firm and work with one financial professional — someone who knows your family situation, risk tolerance and investment preferences. This approach may help you make steady

progress toward your long-term objectives. A qualified professional can look objectively at how all your investments work together and make recommendations as needed to improve your portfolio’s performance within your stated level of risk. REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION ISSUES Consolidating your various investment accounts also can help you in the area of required minimum distributions (RMDs). As you may know, you need to begin taking RMDs — from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s or other employer-sponsored retirement plans — in the year in which you turn 70-1/2. You can take out more than the RMD, but, as the word “required” suggests, you can’t withdraw less — and you could face tax penalties for taking less than the minimum or failing to take the RMD on time. Consequently, if you have multiple IRAs and employer-backed plans, you’ll have to “reel them in” at the right times to make sure you’re making the proper RMD moves. If you do have IRAs, from various providers, you’ll need to determine the RMD for each IRA separately. You may, however, choose to aggregate your RMDs for any given year from a single account. Again, though, you will find it much easier to track your RMD options if all your IRAs are “under the same roof.” Plus, your financial adviser can help you decide if the aggregate RMD route is the one to take. (Your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored plan cannot be aggregated with your IRAs to determine your RMD.) So, there you have it — some reasons to consolidate your investment accounts. Consider taking this step soon to help simplify your life. ADVERTISER CONTENT

WAX From page 3 reading or watching television in his own home. “I’m sorry that your business plan isn’t working out, but we cannot support it,” Pohler told Moskovitz and Guthrie. Despite opposition, Moskovitz says the board’s recommendation is a good sign. “We are looking forward to continued and expanded support from the community.”

Oregon Liquor Control Commission license investigators received the application in mid-May. A public comment period ended May 30. The application will be reviewed by the city of Portland before it is referred back to OLCC, along with public comments and OKNA’s endorsement, for final consideration. 30

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St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

Page 17

Health Focus &2%%%,%#42/.)#(%!,4( %6!,5!4)/.

Accidents Happen... By Dr. Joshua David

Living in the city, car or bike accidents seem to happen with the same frequency as new reality shows. If you find yourself involved in an accident, it is important to remember a few things. First, make sure you get witness names and phone numbers and file an accident report with the police. Second, go see a physician, even if you think you are not hurt. Often a serious injury is not felt until a day or two after the accident. It could even be a week before you start to feel pain. Remember that it is always better to treat an injury than to just “push through it.” Aggravating an existing injury with lifting, driving, or other physical activity can lead to more severe problems down the road. It is important to see a medical practitioner who understands manual manipulation and soft tissue and trigger-point therapies. Remember that the back is made up of a series of joints, and that whiplash, like a sprained ankle, is a sprain/strain type of injury. For the first forty-eight hours, apply ice and take anti-inflammatory medications (like Ibuprofen) to reduce swelling. Do not apply heat until at least 48 hours later, and until after the swelling has gone down. By this point, it is my opinion that antiinflammatory meds are not beneficial and can be potentially harmful. Magnesium and herbs can be used to help reduce general muscle spasm. Metabolites of inflammation can cause muscles to be acidified and spasmodic, but this can be prevented by simply staying hydrated - drinking enough water. Coffee and tea should be avoided, as they are diuretics and contribute to muscle acidity and spasm. Pain medication and sleep aids

should be used sparingly. Your physician may also prescribe therapeutic massage. Sometimes it takes a traumatic event for us to acknowledge our health. Still, dayto-day trauma can take its toll. Many of the same practices used in treating your body after a car accident can be used regularly as good preventive medicine and general maintenance, and will keep your body feeling good and functioning optimally. Massage and trigger-point therapies can de-acidify the muscles and reduce muscle spasm and pain. With less muscle tension, you will have less spinal strain and better vascular and organ function. You will feel better and have more energy. Neck and spine adjustment allows for fluidity of movement and takes pressure off the spinal cord and nerve roots. This optimizes organ and vascular function. The last thing I want to recommend is a good ol’ Epsom salt bath. Pick up a large bag at your local seed and feed store, add at least four cups to a standard size bath tub of hot water, and soak. The magnesium sulfate will greatly reduce muscle spasm and draw out metabolic waste. It’s like having a spa in the privacy of your own home, without the high price and snooty receptionist. Car and bike accidents can be traumatic to the body, mind and even the spirit. An important part of staying healthy is allowing your body to heal. Be safe. Drive with courtesy and respect. Wear your bike helmet. Take care of your body so you can live without pain and feel good in your own skin. And avoid reality television.

TOWER

“If it was going to be a big eyesore, we would have voted against it,” Newell said. “We want to keep things to scale.” Newell said a key factor in endorsing the project was the introduction of affordable residential properties to the community. “What we would like to see as an association is to keep (the neighborhood) livable,” she said. Kaiser said the association’s vote helps, but is not a final determinant on whether the project will become a reality. “We’ll be well-armed with zone change and the neighborhood’s approval,” Kaiser said, “but to go ahead with the height variance, the city needs to be behind it.”

before the tower can be built. Kaiser said any alteration in height restrictions would have to go through the City of Portland design review board. “In two months, we’ll know what kind of building we can put there,” he said. Boise Neighborhood Association president Kay Newell said she and her fellow members gave their endorsement of the project because the height of the building would not be too much of a factor, given the location. The building would sit at the bottom of a 40-foot hill – once a cliff face – and so, says Newell, would not be “too obnoxious.”

   M M M M

HTTPHERBAL NUTRITIONNETWISHINGYOUWELLNOW

To find out more contact Dr. David at the St. Johns Health Center, 503-286-4400. This article is intended for general information. For diagnosis of specific ailments consult a physician.

30

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St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

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Page 18

Personal Telco Project By Lua Masumi

The Personal Telco Project has a vision for the future of accessible wireless Internet in the city of Portland. The Personal Telco Project (PTP) is a nonprofit organization that currently has over 100 active nodes, also called hotspots, all over the city. These nodes are public places, like parks and coffee shops, where Internet signal is broadcast, within these spaces you can access free Internet. Already in North Portland there are a number of locally owned coffee shops that have PTP nodes, where you can go and access the Internet for free. There is a catch, however: your laptop has to have a wireless card for this to work. DSL, cable, and 56K modems aren’t going to be enough to surf the net at these wireless cyber cafes. A wireless card is like a wireless modem that is inserted into the computer’s hard drive, like an antenna to a TV.

According to the organization’s mission statement, printed on their website (www. personaltelco.net), PTP strives “To promote and build public wireless networks through community support and education.” Anyone, no matter their background and education, is welcome to join the movement to make the Internet available to anyone, anywhere, anytime. The founders of PTP dream of a world where, no matter where you go, Internet connection is as reliable there as in the privacy of your own home. Adam Shand began the Personal Telco Project in 2000 when the technology for wireless Internet was first being developed. He gathered a group together and they began to connect their houses, thus creating a network. This was the birth of what is now a citywide effort, whose primary goal, according to Darrin Eden, Personal Telco

President, “is to exchange knowledge and to learn.” North Portlanders will be seeing the effects increase, especially those who live in the Mississippi District where the PTP is currently focusing their energies. Whole blocks will be wireless enabled. Eden says that they “will be offering free classes and free equipment to the neighborhood locals.” According to Eden as long as you are willing to learn then the Meyer Memorial Grant that the PTP was awarded should cover the rest. Eden would like to encourage all those interested to go to the monthly meetings at the end of each month, where the core members of PTP will be to share their knowledge and expertise. So Portlanders, what are you waiting for? The world of wireless is right at your fingertips. For more information on monthly meetings or just local nodes go to the Personal Telco Project website at http://www.personaltelco.net/static/ index.html

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“We’re not about being all religious on people,” says Director Marshall Snider. “We’re just about serving, doing the kind of things that Jesus would do if he were alive today.” Other projects include Night Strike, where the group goes under the Burnside Bridge and attends to the needs of homeless people.

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a reserve officer or becoming a full-time police officer. Zajac said two of his Cadets are currently testing to become officers. “A few former Southeast Portland Cadets were just hired as police officers, and some people in our bureau used to be Cadets,” Schleich said. “You can usually see who the dedicated kids are.”

On a mission to clean up this one-horse downtown! Last June 23 children from Bridgetown Ministries volunteered to clean up the streets of downtown St. Johns. Bridgetown Ministries is a Christian missionary group that performs charitable works in North Portland. The group has a uniquely youth-oriented and urban style that tries to bridge the gap between “the old generation and the new generation”.

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and spend three months learning the basic policies and procedures of the Portland Police Bureau at Cadet Academy before entering the Cadet program. Zajac said the academy experience usually “weeds out” kids who realize law enforcement is not for them. For those who stick with it through the end, the program has proved to be a successful tool in finding a real job. Cadets Coordinator Alison Schleich said about 3040% of former Cadets have gone on to work in law enforcement, which can mean either partaking in part-time, non-paid work as

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searches, regular and felony traffic stops, shootings and courtroom testimonies. Zajac said his Cadets recently obtained extra real-life traffic control practice when two Portland tragedies – the May 9 chemical explosion on Suttle Drive and the April 29 small airplane crash near Portland International Airport – caused extended road closures. While the program can be a deciding factor in career choice for some participants, most have made up their minds when they begin. Prospective Cadets must first complete an application, attend an interview

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St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

Page 19

PUBLIC SAFETY RESOURCES Compiled by Juanita Downing

FOLLOWING RESOURCE CAN HELP YOU GET INVOLVED IN KEEPING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFE THIS SUMMER. NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME PREVENTION SERVICE

NE Coalition of Neighborhoods - Alameda, Boise, Concordia, Eliot, Grant Park, Humboldt, Irvington, King, Sabin, Sullivan’s Gulch, Vernon, Woodlawn

(also see Feeling the Heat, page 3)

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH This program is designed to increase neighborhood livability by reducing crime and the fear of crime by active citizen participation. By organizing a Neighborhood Watch you will become familiar with your neighbors and activities on the block, be able to recognize and report suspicious activity, learn ways to increase your home’s security, become part of a block map and telephone tree system, and promote a positive, open relationship between the Police Bureau and your neighborhood. FOOT PATROLS A Foot Patrol is a trained group of volunteers organized to increase the safety and livability of their neighborhood. They walk their neighborhood streets, parks, or schools to deter crime and report incidents and problems. Foot Patrol members are actively and directly involved in solving those problems in a community-based, non-confrontational manner. A Foot Patrol is a great way to meet like-minded people, contribute to your community, and get some exercise. NATIONAL NIGHT OUT National Night Out (NNO) is a community event that focuses on prevention of crime and drug activity, held the first Tuesday of August every year (8/2/05). NNO is designed to heighten community awareness of crime and drug prevention, generate support for, and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. PUBLIC SAFETY ACTION COMMITTEE This committee is open for anyone interested in learning how to find the resources to problem-solve various public safety issues. It’s also a chance to meet local resource providers and law enforcement. The meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Historic Kenton Fire House, 2209 N. Schofield. For more information about Neighborhood Watch, Foot Patrols, National Night Out, or the Public Safety Action Committee, contact your local Office of Neighborhood Involvement‘s Crime Prevention Specialist: North Portland Neighborhood Services Arbor Lodge, Bridgeton, Cathedral Park, East Columbia, Hayden Island, Kenton, Overlook, Piedmont, Portsmouth, St. Johns, University Park Walter Garcia, 503-823-4098 1221 SW Fourth Avenue, Suite 110, Portland, OR, 97204 [email protected]

Celeste Carey, 503-823-4763 2209 N. Schofield, Portland, OR, 97217 [email protected]

KENTON COMMUNITY POLICING OFFICE The office is a resource for people to find information about crime prevention, the Neighborhood Watch program, organizing Foot Patrols, Police Activities League, and the Cadet Program (for kids interested in a law enforcement career). The office is also available to Portland Police Bureau officers to have lunch, write reports, and, most importantly, interact with the community to strengthen their partnerships in improving the quality of life in North Portland. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Juanita Downing at [email protected]. The Kenton Community Policing Office at 8134 N Denver is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

GANG RESISTANCE EDUCATION AND TRAINING GREAT GREAT is a curriculum based upon two fundamental goals: to reduce gang activity and to educate a population of young people about the consequences of gang involvement. The program is designed to help middle school students become responsible members of their communities by setting goals, resisting pressures, learning how to resolve conflicts, and understanding how gangs impact their quality of life. Contact GREAT at 503-823-4123.

PAL PROGRAM The Police Activities League of Greater Portland is a partnership between youth, police, and the community, building positive relationships through recreational, athletic and educational programs, camps, and clinics designed to encourage and develop good citizenship. The PAL Bud Monnes Youth Center operates year-round and is located on the MAX line at 424 NE 172nd in the Rockwood area of Gresham. For more information, call PAL at 503-823-0250.

THE RAP SHEET The Rap Sheet is the monthly newspaper of the Portland Police Association, the officers’ union. Anyone can subscribe to the publication and be kept up to date on current issues of the Portland Police Bureau. Subscription price is $20 a year. To subscribe call 503-225-9760 or go to portlandpoliceas sociation.com. FOR EVEN MORE INFORMATION AND CONTACT NUMBERS FOR CRIME FIGHTING RESOURCES, GO TO OUR WEBSITE: WWW.STJOHNSSENTINEL.COM

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St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

COOKING

CORNER

By Norma Broussard

Page 20

News and Notes Compiled By Lua Masumi

IT’S BERRY SEASON! AND SAUVIE ISLAND IS RIPE AID TO SAUVIE ISLAND’S FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THE PICKING. Multnomah County has recently donated $250,000 in equipment to the Sauvie Berry picking is a family-friendly Island Fire Department. The donation, activity essential for the summer. In this which includes an incident command area of Portland we are fortunate to have an vehicle, rescue equipment, communication extensive variety of locally-grown berries gear, and training materials, all of which will that are fresh, nutrient-packed, accessible, aid the Department in preparing for and and inexpensive. responding to emergency situations. Kruger’s Farm Market is brimming “These funds will help us deliver with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, critically important services to the residents and local favorite, marionberries. So u- of Sauvie Island,” said Commissioner Maria pick yourself a bunch and make an always Rojo de Steffey. “Because of the island’s delicious Marionberry Pie. Enjoy Farm Tunes location and access via a single and aging 2005 Summer Concert Series, Thursdays, bridge, it puts support where it will be most 7/7 – 9/1, 6-9 p.m. important in a time of need.” Due to the State Homeland Security Kruger’s Farm (17100 NW Sauvie Island Road, Grant Program and Urban Area Security (503) 621-3489) http://www.krugersfarmmarket. initiative, some $19 million in federal com, [email protected] funding has gone to Multnomah County residents to ensure the security of the area The Pumpkin Patch harbors strawberries and the citizens. and raspberries in abundance. They have u-pick berries by the pound and by the RECYCLING OLD SAFEWAY BUILDING flat. Both berries are perfect for a summer Crews began de-constructing the old smoothie, blended with a banana, yogurt, or Safeway in St. Johns on June 10 to create a coconut milk. 111-unit residential development. Building permits were submitted in March for what The Pumpkin Patch (16511 NW Gillihan Road, will be the area’s largest development since (503) 621-3874) [email protected] the city completed the St. Johns Plan last Hear ye! Hear ye! Bluettas are here, year. Dan Obrist Recycling and Excavation juicy and tasty as ever, with that nostalgic will be dismantling the building for re-use huckleberry-like flavor. Take Sauvie Island in other building projects. In addition to Rd. to Reeder Rd., follow the white and blue minimizing debris that goes to landfills, the signs 2 1⁄2 miles from bridge, close to tennis fi rm will be grinding concrete and asphalt courts, school, church, Bailey Nursery. for use on site. The project will be built Sauvie Island Blueberry Farm, 15140 with environmentally-friendly materials NW Burlington Court, (503) 621-3332 and techniques including a landscaped bioThe most common raspberries are swale feature and pervious paving materials reddish in color; however, there are also varieties in yellow, apricot, amber, and designed to minimize runoff. “We are working purple, and all are similar in flavor and with PGE’s Earth Advantage program and texture. These berries are the most expensive expect this project to be certified,” said Tony because their supply is limited and they have Marnella. “LEED [Leadership in Energy and a delicate structure with hollow core, making Environmental Design] certification might them fragile and extremely perishable. Raspberries should be eaten on the day they’re bought unless frozen for future use. Strawberries are known as a “false” fruit because it grows from the base rather than from the ovary of a flower, like a true berry. Nonetheless, they are the most popular berry and contain more vitamin C than any other variety. They also supply more fiber than a slice of whole wheat bread. Strawberries are most plentiful, with seventy varieties available. GRATIN OF FRESH BERRIES

also be pursued.” Stearns Marnella Communities has been developing condominium projects since 1999. It developed the award-winning Jake’s Run Condominiums in Northwest Portland and has worked largely in Clackamas County in recent years. Stearns said the Safeway site offered him and partner Tony Marnella a chance to return to a hipper, more urban environment. The project will include 19 three-story buildings and will be built around a cobblestone pedestrian and auto court with garage access from an alley-like entrance. The project consists of one-, two-, and threebedroom condominiums Un-Safeway. Old Safeway building was demolished last June to make ranging in size from 740 way for new condo development. to over 1,600 square feet. Stearns said that the North Portland Readiness Fair. Proceeds team really appreciated the work that went into the St. Johns Plan, and he from the sale of the raffle tickets will be thinks the area is on the verge of something donated to North Portland Public Schools. great: “This is one of the few remaining The Readiness Fair is an annual event that town centers in the Portland area that hasn’t gives free school supplies to local children. undergone a major renaissance.” Sales of the condominiums should Tickets are still available for purchase chances to win are better than 1 in 3,000. Rose City begin in the fall. ROSE CITY CHEVEROLT RAFFLE READIES FOR READINESS FAIR Rose City Cheverolt and the Caring Community of North Portland are raffling off a brand new Chevy cobalt. The winner will be picked at this August 13th at the

Chevrolet, 8150 N. Lombard, 800-430-CHEV. For a complete list of ticket locations go to www. stjohnssentinel.com

SMITH From page 9 with crime and businesses were scant. Smith recalls seeing some “heavy stuff,” including open drug dealing and prostitution on the street, with little help from the police who would “just drive through and wave.” Smith was resolute in his efforts to clean up his neighborhood, picketing then Mayor Bud Clark everywhere he went, including Clark’s own restaurant: The Goose Hollow. Smith also recalls soliciting help from a

sympathetic police officer named Tom Potter. “I was just trying to make a good community and a good business for myself.” Smith eventually met with Clark to advocate for the neighborhood and saw police activity improve. Despite his efforts, Smith’s attempts to clean up the street in the late 1980s were met with hostility from some residents. He recalls being beaten up, getting his teeth knocked

1/2 cup each of raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar 1/2 cup sour cream Wash and dry berries. Place in an ovenproof container in single layer. Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon sugar over berries, then cover with a thick layer of sour cream. Sprinkle remaining sugar over sour cream, then sprinkle brown sugar over top. Place pan under broiler with the door open for 2-3 minutes or until sugar is caramelized. Serve warm, garnish with mint leaves. Serves 4.

To your good health. Norma Broussard is a newcomer to The St. Johns Sentinel and will be writing about food, food history, and nutrition. Norma lives on Hayden Island in North Portland with her husband Leonard Smith laughs it up with Bryan Steel in front of his old storefront, Grandfathers. Smith, 67, says, Bruce. You may contact her with ideas and “When I hit 70 I can relax.”PHOTO BY DAVE PLECHL suggestions at [email protected].

out and having his mailbox torched. “I got beat up every day before I started carrying guns.” Smith considered leaving the neighborhood several times, but was always pulled back by his sense of commitment. In the early ’90s the neighborhood began to improve and businesses began to return, and Smith says he stopped “carrying guns.” Smith dismisses criticism that improvements to Mississippi Ave. have come at the cost of diversity, and that it’s on its way to becoming another Hawthorne. “I have no complaint about this place,” says Smith “We’re doing better than Hawthorne.” Ironically, many of the new businesses on Mississippi didn’t have the same difficulties that Smith experienced. Smith believes that lack of black entrepreneurs on the street is due to the city’s unwillingness to help blacks and that black business people have missed a lot of opportunities in the past. When Smith first moved to the area he was surprised that there were not more black-owned properties. “They were giving property away.” As Smith retires, a new Mexican restaurant, Por Que no Tacoria, takes over his spot on the Avenue. If the area is to see another era of black entrepreneurship on Mississippi, it will be up to another generation. 30

St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

WINDOW From page 1 one of the project’s supporters. “It keeps getting better every year. I hope the trend continues.” July 30th opening day activities will include an outdoor art market in the James Johns Elementary School playground, coordinated by Urban Art Network who operates the Pearl’s First Thursday Street Gallery. In addition to art for sale, the market will have an information booth with maps and brochures and a kids’ activity center. Volunteers will also be available from noon to 5 p.m. to provide guided art walks. Event organizer Mary Jaron Kelly has been involved with the project since it began. The initial intent was to appeal to the increasing number of artists moving to North Portland while helping to spark revitalization in the St. Johns area. “This is an evolving event, art is changing the community,” says Kelly. “Great connections and relationships are [being] formed by artists and business owners.” More than 25 office chairs creatively rehabilitated by North Portland artists will be this year’s featured theme. Peninsula arts booster and cultural spark, Bonnie Meltzer, spearheaded the theme during a routine office remodel. “Last winter the North Portland Neighborhood Office got new chairs,” she explains. “When I saw the old ones…it struck me that these austere office chairs…could be recycled into artwork.” Another highlight of this year’s show will be a collection of artwork by students at Pacific Northwest College of Art. As an assignment, the students visited St. Johns

Page 21 and recorded their impressions of the history and current flavor of the neighborhood. Not surprisingly, along with notable downtown landmarks, many of these thoughtfully created images are variations on the St. Johns Bridge. For even more views of that gothic span, Blue Moon Camera, 8417 N. Lombard, will concurrently exhibit a collection of photos depicting the St. Johns Bridge. Kelly Pergandie will exhibit her installation “Metamorphosis” in which stylistically blurred photos will be cut into shapes and hung in the store windows. Pergandie says the work symbolizes how people and businesses in the area are changing. A sculpture garden in a vacant lot next to Jower’s Shoe Store, 8801 N. Lombard, was a big hit last year, but was dismantled after opening day. This time, the sculptures will remain for the duration of the show. July 30th opening day events also include a week-long screening of NorthEast Passage: The Inner City and The American Dream at Café Nola. The locally-produced film is a documentary about gentrification in inner North/Northeast Portland. For more information about screenings and other events during the Window Project see listings in our calendar on pages 10 & 11. For more information on the Window Project, contact Mary Jaron Kelley, community networking specialist with the North Portland Neighborhood Services at (503) 823-4099 or [email protected]. Or, contact artist coordinator VaLera Washburn at (503) 286-5544 or valera.washburn@netzero. com.

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From page 4 a lasting Angels presence in Portland. Misconceptions range from fears about vigilantism to concerns surrounding liability. McDaniel is changing that as he aims to educate the community and inspire a new generation to take to the streets. The Guardian Angels have often been embedded in Guardian Angels near their downtown office and wait to board a controversy because of their willingness to become directly MAX train to patrol the northern sector of the city, June 8th. involved in protecting the PHOTO BY JOEL PRESTON SMITH streets of their communities. Denver, Colorado. “The only people hurt For McDaniel, it was this willingness to have been Guardian Angels.” Six Angels have get involved that drew him to the group. died in the line of duty since 1983. “A drug house moved in next door and no Because they are putting themselves one wanted to do anything,” said McDaniel. at the forefront of crime, the Angels take “Everyone was pretending it wasn’t there. I safety and training seriously. Portland-based was sick of what I perceived as apathy.” martial arts expert Rick Johnson serves as The Portland Chapter of the Guardian the chapter’s official trainer. “The training Angels recently patrolled the Interstate MAX is ongoing, we are always running scenarios, during Rose Festival last June. A recent spat practicing martial arts, and working on safe of juvenile crime along Interstate Ave. makes ways to defuse situations,” said McDaniel. the arrival of the Angels very timely. “Each volunteer is trained extensively in selfMcDaniel believes the Angels can help defense, martial arts, first aid, and CPR.” in the area, but he is sensitive to racial issues. Angels volunteers are trained that the “Right now we’re not a very diverse group,” first line of defense is their physical presence, says McDaniels “And we need to be careful and no member carries a weapon. McDaniel when we come into a community to not says physical presence is usually enough; make it look like we’re there to take over a however, they are prepared to get involved neighborhood.” verbally, then physically, if necessary. They McDaniels says the best way to get also act as witnesses in court and make citizen Angels to actively patrol your neighborhood arrests. As well as patrolling, Angels members is to join the group and become head of a work in schools, with neighborhood groups, neighborhood subchapter. and through the Internet to educate people The Police does not have an official about building safer communities. position on the Angels. But Neighborhood Response Team Officer Jason Christianson For information on becoming an Angels volunteer, sees them as a potential asset. “As long as making a donation, or how to bring the Angels to they don’t hurt themselves or other people, your neighborhood, please contact the Portland I think its a good thing.” Chapter: (email) Portland@guardianangels. The Angels maintain that they are not org,(phone) 503-313-1210, or write to Guardian vigilantes prone to violence. “Never has Angels, 9212 SE Ramona St., Portland, OR a Guardian Angel hurt anyone during the 97266. You may also visit the Guardian Angels work,” said Ted Fowler, regional trainer from website: www.guardianangels.org.

Public Notice of Finding of Adverse Effect Sauvie Island Bridge (#2641) Replacement Project Multnomah County, in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Transportation, has proposed a project to replace the Sauvie Island Bridge, built in 1950. The bridge spans over the Multnomah Channel between US 30 on the mainland to Sauvie Island approximately ten miles north of Portland, Oregon. It is the only bridge that connects Sauvie Island with the mainland. The bridge is structurally deficient for heavy trucks and seismic loads and functionally obsolete by todayʼs traffic standards. A new bridge is needed to provide safe and efficient access for people, goods, and service vehicles to the island. Construction of the new bridge, which will feature a steel through-arch main span, is scheduled to begin in November 2005. In 2000, the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office concurred that the existing bridge was eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The project will have an “adverse effect” as defined in Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, on the existing bridge. To mitigate for the adverse effect, the following actions are proposed: • Research, photograph, and record the history of the existing bridge according to Historic American Engineering Record standards. • Install interpretative signage near the new bridge presenting historical background of the existing bridge. • Offer the existing bridge trusses for sale, relocation, and reuse. • Provide a replacement structure having a characteristic structural element located above the roadway deck. To maintain historic continuity, this element will mark the transition between the urban mainland and the pastoral island setting. The public is invited to comment on the proposed actions to minimize harm to the historic resource. Please send written comments or inquiries by August 15 to Mike Pullen, Multnomah County Public Affairs Officer, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 600, Portland, Oregon 97214, or email at [email protected]. or.us. For a copy of the documentation of Finding of Adverse Effect, please contact Sharon Cochrane, David Evans and Associates; 530 Center Street NE, Suite 605, Salem, Oregon 97301.

St. Johns Sentinel • July 2005

HEAT From page 3 THE METH MESS Portland’s methamphetamine problem adds a volatile layer to the dynamics of summer crime. Because the drug tends to silence users’ conscience and impair their ability to judge the consequences of their actions, addicts break the law with unusual brazenness. “Meth will definitely impact the amount of crime and the type of crime we have this summer,” says Madison. Residents should take special care to keep an eye on their mailboxes. Identity theft, already a growing problem throughout the state, is

ZONING From page 7 In an April 29 memo to Don Mazziotti, then executive director of PDC, and Gil Kelley of the Bureau of Planning, Saltzman made a case for a “legislative land-use project” for the Interstate corridor based on the City Council’s experience with a proposed development in the Overlook Heights area. “All stakeholders involved were highly supportive of the changes and Council quickly approved the amendments,” Saltzman wrote. “It was clear that requiring each individual property owner to go through the expensive process of amending the Comprehensive Plan and the zoning map is not the best use of our constituents’ time and financial resources.” Mazziotti’s reply, dated May 11, committed PDC staff to assist Planning

Page 22 especially popular among meth users, who scour mailboxes for credit card offers and confidential papers. North Portland is lucky to have “escaped the worst of the meth problem so far,” City Commissioner and Kenton resident Sam Adams told a recent gathering of the St. Johns Neighborhood Association. Nevertheless, said Adams, “it’s a serious issue, and we need to be ready for it.” A CHANGING COMMUNITY The influx of new residents into North Portland presents advantages as well as challenges with respect to preventing crime. On the positive side, neighborhood associations are seeing their memberships grow with new residents intent on taking active roles in their adopted communities. Robin Plance, the chair of the St.

Johns Neighborhood Association, points to neighborhood activism as an effective crime deterrent. “If you have more people doing positive things in the community,” says Plance, “you’ll have less crime.” But the rapid changes in North Portland also create opportunities for criminals. Recent arrivals to the area need to be aware that their new neighborhood might be prone to different kinds of crime—car prowls, for example—than the neighborhood they moved from. The construction and remodeling projects seen throughout North Portland bring their own unique risks. When it comes to knowing where vacant houses are, thieves may be second only to real estate agents. Madison says that houses being built or remodeled are especially attractive targets for thieves, who have created a black market

for stolen power tools and scrap metal. As businesses and developers make their way across I-5 and down the peninsula, North Portland can appear to be upscale and safe in places that once looked rundown and foreboding. But not all facets of a neighborhood can be paved over. Recent shootings outside the new Fred Meyer and the new St. Johns Safeway serve as reality checks that in North Portland, as throughout the city, violence is always a possibility. While it’s important to be aware of threats and guard against them, vigilance is only one part of crime prevention. The other part, says Madison, is unity. He offers a simple solution for a complex problem: “Keep an eye on your neighbors. Look out for each other.” 30

in preparing a draft zoning update and to participate in “stakeholder outreach” during the coming months. Marguerite Feuersanger, a Portland city planner said that much of the zoning along the corridor is General Commercial, which she described as primarily “a suburban, auto-accommodating zone” inappropriate for a public-transit corridor. Businesses located in residentially zoned areas face obstacles if they try to expand. And RH Zoning (Residential High Density) does not allow businesses on the first floor. “The zoning is not working toward that development,” Feuersanger said. “It’s more of a hindrance.” Ethan Edwards, land use chair for the Overlook Neighborhood Association, said a zoning study should look at the corridor in a comprehensive manner and examine transitions between zoning districts and details like setbacks, noise, and height restrictions.

“The surrounding neighborhood needs a plan,” Edwards said. “At this time, ONA does not have a position or preference—a zoning study will help define that.” Chris Duffy, Arbor Lodge Neighborhood Association chair, said development along the corridor had not kept up with the city’s plans or PDC’s supply of business-development, storefront and home-improvement grant money. “It just isn’t happening as quickly as they had intended,” Duffy said. Arbor Lodge includes many formerly blighted blocks targeted for high-density development. Petitions distributed by ALNA’s land-use committee earlier this year called for a re-examination of that part of the Comprehensive Plan, largely because of a six-story condominium proposed for N. Montana just south of N. Buffalo. At the June 16 ALNA meeting, Duffy, who doubles as land-use chair, asked Saltzman how he envisioned the spread of growth

from N. Interstate into the surrounding communities. Saltzman said the answer would be driven largely by the private sector. “We want to have the right kinds of densities, the right kinds of development to take advantage of that investment,” Saltzman said. For the present, said city planner Feuersanger, the focus will be on N. Interstate Avenue itself. Eventually, she added, zoning of the adjoining residential areas will have to be re-examined. And a harsh reality of that process is the fact that Measure 37 claims could make it expensive for the city to downzone residential areas. For developer Kirchmeier, Saltzman’s initiative will come too late. “It could come in time to allow other good things to happen on Interstate Avenue,” Kirchmeier said. “It’s for the better.” 30

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Page 23

UNLOADED From page 3 additional 56 beds. But that arrangement has yet to be finalized. In May 2005, County Chair Diane Linn proposed to give money for an additional 117 beds for this year’s budget. A political compromise resulted in the County telling the Sheriff ’s Department that additional jail bed funding would have to come from administrative cost-cutting measures. Neither method would provide additional beds for this summer, a time when crime traditionally increases. “IT’S A MESS.” Over the last three years, personal crimes like aggravated assault and robbery have declined while property crimes have held roughly steady. This year crime is up 11% in North Precinct (west of I-5 to Forest Park), and down 6% in North/Northeast Precinct. While those stats are slightly deceptive because of North’s comparatively small size, it does warrant some concern. “We keep arresting people over and over again and that’s because there is no accountability,” says Brian Schmautz of the Portland Police Department. Schmautz believes the worst is yet to come. “It’s been a relatively quiet spring. But the numbers always go up in the summer.” Non-violent property crimes are generally the ones to increase. This poses

a problem, as criminals caught for nonviolent crimes are the ones being released without jail time. “The criminals are watching the matrix,” says Michael Schultz, (Roosevelt class of 80) communications director for the Sheriff ’s Office. “They know what crimes to commit so that they don’t get held.” “It’s an intolerable situation,” said District Attorney Mike Shrunk. (Roosevelt class of 60) “We can still hold the murders and rapists and arsonists,” Shrunk assures, “but we can’t hold the quality-of-life criminals.” Shrunk notes that in other American cities such as New York and Chicago significant decline in violent crime has been achieved by cracking down on small qualityof-life crimes. But can the reverse happen: small crimes go unpunished which leads to an increase in violent crimes? “You bet,” concludes Shrunk. Still, the county, which runs the budget, does not see a need for new beds. This has lead to widespread frustration within the bureaucracy. “It’s a mess,” said one county staffer. “I don’t know what else we can cut…unless we run a tent city.” A CRISIS OR TOUGH LOVE The Sheriff is an independently elected official who ultimately can write his or her own budget, but the County Board determines how much money will be

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disbursed to the Sheriff. This has led to some political friction in how to set and achieve goals. “Right now we have a Sheriff that has brought a lot of attention to the jails,” says North Portland County Commissioner Serena Cruz, who opposed spending more money on jail beds this year. “The (discussion of) matrix releasing today is a scare tactic from the Sheriff ’s Office. Surrounding counties have been matrix releasing for a long time. But they don’t talk about it.” To Cruz, the county is in charge of many aspects of crime prevention including jails, drug treatment programs, outreach to youth and family services. She sees crime prevention as a whole package. “We can’t just look through one lens.” To the law enforcement community, that logic seems dizzying when they see a direct relationship between early releasing and an increase in crime. “When people get out early they go right back to stealing,” says the DA Shrunk. “We do know that is happening.” Since fiscal year 2002, the Sherrif ’s Office operational budget has remained relatively steady averaging around $93.5 million. This is a far cry from the $98 million that the office had in 2001 when criminal activity was much higher. Still the county is providing less money for the Sherrif ’s Office than last year and

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there are more funding cuts on the way due to recent state mandates. This year’s budget included cuts to a school attendance program, and small programs that deal with domestic violence, citizen involvement, and alcohol treatment. A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE Cruz bluntly states she does not see a crisis in jail beds. She does, however, see crisis in the county income tax measure due to expire next year. In her view, the withdrawal of income tax revenue will cause a shock to the system and the county needs to bank as much money as it can this year. So far the county has squirreled away some $17 million to offset next year’s shortfall. “We don’t have a crisis this year,” Cruz restates, “Next year will be the crisis.” Whether it’s crisis or just hype, there will be little more that government can do to help the situation this fiscal year. There will be no more space to hold suspects this summer and prevention programs are on the ropes. Meanwhile, PPD officer Schmautz urges residents to keep these developments in perspective. He admits crime may become aggravated this summer but for the most part North Portland has seen far worse. “It’s nothing compared to 5 or 10 years ago.” 30

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