More stories from February's issue of THE BEE! In the foreground is the car that caused it all, which picked up enough speed to end up atop this retaining wall at Holgate and S.E. 72nd. (Photo by David F. Ashton) Elderly driver hits, hits, hits, hits, hits – then crashes By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE The multiple-vehicle accident on Tuesday, January 17th, started in the Mt. Scott-Arleta neighborhood – and ended up in the Foster-Powell neighborhood. It wasn’t caused the cloud-darkened sky, or by the heavy rain. It might have been that the driver experienced a medical emergency. Nobody is yet sure. At a little after 4:30 pm, 9-1-1 started receiving calls from numerous victims of someone described as a hit-and-run driver in a silver-gray car. When Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct officers arrived, and began their investigation, they found that these reports weren’t exaggerated. Starting in the area of S.E. 72nd Avenue and S.E. Foster Road, and heading north, the 2001 gray Dodge Stratus sedan had caromed off five vehicles, two utility poles, a tree, and several street curbs. “The driver also hit a male juvenile pedestrian, who was not injured,” PPB Public Information Officer Lt. King told THE BEE. “The car ended up in the front yard of a house, stuck on a retaining wall, on the northeast corner of S.E. 72nd Avenue and S.E. Holgate Boulevard.” The driver, identified as 84-year-old Patricia Knepper, may have experienced a medical issue, causing her to lose control of her vehicle, King said. “Officers assisted the woman in exchanging information with all involved.” And, there were a lot of folks to exchange with. But, happily, there were no serious injuries, despite considerable spectacle and a lot of damage. Smoke pours from the upper story windows of this house, said to be rented to multiple roommates, in the Brooklyn neighborhood. (Photo by David F. Ashton) Brooklyn neighborhood blaze displaces house full of folks By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE The last of three house fires that Portland Fire & Rescue battled – across the city, all within an hour – broke out on December 28, just after midnight, at a large, three-story house at 933 S.E. Reynolds Street., a block north of Holgate, and just east of S.E McLaughlin Boulevard. The home was a rental, and several people were living there. While other fire crews raced to other fires in North Portland and in St. Johns, a resident of the Brooklyn neighborhood house was calling 9-1-1 and reporting that when he’d arrived home, he saw thick dark smoke coming from an upstairs window.  He’d pounded on the door to make sure his roommates had escaped, and then called the fire department. “Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 20 in Westmoreland arrived shortly after they were dispatched, at 12:08 am, and found smoke and flames pouring from the upstairs windows,” said PF&R Public Information Officer Paul Corah. “Firefighters from Portland Fire Station 25 in Woodstock arrived a short time later.” While engine company firefighters pulled a number of hose lines, truck firefighters laddered upward to begin opening up the roof.  “An additional ladder truck was requested by the Incident Commander at 12:26 am to help battle this fire,” Corah continued. “The truck traveled from Portland Fire Station 4 in downtown Portland, to assist alongside Truck 25.” As smoke billowed from the upper stories of the structure, firefighters soon faced another danger: A hole had burned through the first floor over the basement. Firefighters entering the house avoided that, but one did receive minor injuries to his hand, and was treated at the scene.The mother of one of the residents alerted firefighters that, although the occupants had safely escaped, two cats were still in the burning building. Firefighters searched for them, only to find they had perished in the fire. The blaze was brought under control at 12:50 am. However, fire crews remained on-scene for hours more, monitoring for hot spots. Damages are estimated at $230,000. Portland fire investigators have not yet determined the cause of this residential fire in the Brooklyn neighborhood. Boy Scout Keegan Van Hook rides “shotgun”, coming in to drop off more discarded trees. (Photo by David F. Ashton) Local scouts “clean up” by recycling Christmas trees By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE Once again this year, over the New Year’s weekend, Boy Scout Troop 64 and Cub Scout Pack 64 made it easy for local residents to part with their Christmas Tree and related natural trimmings – with their annual recycling effort. For a small donation, Inner Southeast folks got front-porch pick-up service, hauling, and tree recycling – and they also accepted dropped-off trees at Holy Family Catholic School’s parking lot on S.E. 39th [Chavez] in Eastmoreland. “This year we spent four days picking up and recycling approximately 1,350 trees,” reported Tom Gustafson, Scoutmaster of Troop 64. “That amount of trees filled up nearly three dumpsters with chips, which were recycled for mulch and compost.” In total, Gustafson said, 30 Scouts participated – their efforts backed up by 16 adults who drove delivery vehicles, and kept gallons of hot chocolate and hot chili at the ready, for the scouts. The fundraising effort was enhanced through many donations, Gustafson said, including contributions from Holy Family Catholic School, Rich’s Tree Recycling for the chipping machine, Heiberg Garbage and Recycling for the dumpsters, Autostart Battery/Budget Truck Rentals for the use of a Budget Truck, B&T Printing for help with the fliers – and McFarlane’s Bark, for accepting all of the woodchips at no cost. “This is an impressive effort to support our local Troop and Pack, and we greatly appreciate it,” Gustafson smiled. Police cordon off the parking lot across from the Woodstock Boulevard Plaid Pantry store at 42nd Street, while they investigate how a man came to be stabbed nearby. The man, an apparent victim of domestic violence, staggered a block to get help at the store. (Photo courtesy of Desmond Moore) Stabbed man staggers into Woodstock convenience store By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE Details remain sketchy regarding a stabbing at a house on S.E. 42nd Avenue, just north of Woodstock Boulevard, on Saturday evening January 14th, a little after 10 pm. What is known is that a man with an abdominal stab wound made his way southward about a block, into the Woodstock Plaid Pantry store on the corner, asking for help. When Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers arrived, they found the victim, 40-year-old Matthew Davis. According to police spokesman Lt. Robert King, “Davis was transported to an area hospital, where he underwent surgery. His condition is unknown.” Back at the house where the assault reportedly occurred, the suspect, a yet-unnamed 38-year-old woman – officials said she’s the victim’s girlfriend – fled from the scene, leaving behind her three children – two aged 15 years old (twins), and a 4-year-old.  “Officers learned that the assault likely occurred in front of the women’s children,” reported police spokesman Lt. Robert King. “No arrests have been made at this time.”The Domestic Violence Reduction Unit was notified, and the Forensic Evidence team responded to the scene, and the Department of Human Services was also notified. The three children were taken into protective custody, and the investigation is still active by the Police Bureau’s Domestic Violence Reduction Unit, and by Department of Human Services investigators. Portland Police arrested 36-year-old Joseph Schmeer on several charges related to two hit-and-run incidents on Friday the 13th in January. (Courtesy MCDC) SUSPECT ARRESTED Tree stops car from smashing into Franklin High At just about 1 pm on Friday, January 13th, the driver of a white Ford Mustang was speeding north on S.E. 53rd Avenue at an estimated 40 miles an hour, and failed to realize until too late that the street dead-ends into Franklin High at that spot. The car vaulted the curb, hit a recently-planted small tree, and stopped just short of the high school’s building. The driver of the car opened the door and ran off, while nearby students took his picture on their cell phones. The car’s path took it through a spot where students frequently gather, but in this case nobody was there and there were no injuries. The errant driver was protected by the car’s airbags, and was apparently not injured either. However, the small tree, which gave its life to protect the school, will be replaced. This was the second hit and run by this suspect and vehicle that day. The same Mustang had struck a parked vehicle at S.E. 17th and Harold in Westmoreland earlier. An officer from Central Precinct conducted a follow up investigation on the two crashes, and was able to identify a suspect.  On Friday, January 20, the suspect – 36-year-old Joseph Schmeer – was taken into custody at his residence. Schmeer was lodged at Multnomah County Detention Center and charged with a warrant for Parole Violation (Methamphetamines), Hit and Run, 2 counts of Reckless Driving, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. Wind gusts on January 18th, combined with the drenching rains and occasional snow in the week of January 16th, claimed this small tree in Westmoreland Park. Over an inch of rain had already fallen by 10 am on the 19th, when this photo was taken; the still-heavy rain caught the flash when we took the picture, giving a “Christmas Tree ornaments” look to the scene. (Photo by Eric Norberg) A look back at Southeast Portland’s “La Nina” weather year 2011 was a mild year in Southeast Portland – with not much freezing weather in the winter and no 100-degree days in the summer. No flooding, and a very dry December just ended – but our precipitation total for the year in Southeast Portland was 44.49 inches, which is a good seven inches more than was recorded at the Portland Airport. It was a “La Nina” year – as, apparently, will be 2012. The airport, the official source of the city’s weather statistics, is not really typical of what most of the city experiences, and it is common for Southeast to receive more rain than does the airport, but the disparity was a bit larger than usual in 2011. March was a good case in point: The airport rainfall total for last March was 6.43 inches; the all-time record for the month there was 7.52 inches, set in 1957 – but we recorded 8.00 inches this past March in Inner Southeast. In fact, last March was the rainiest month of the year – a distinction that usually goes to December or January.  But January 2011 totaled only 4.96 in Southeast, actually exceeded by each of the three months that followed – February’s 5.05”; March’s 8.00”; and April’s 5.74”. The second rainiest month of 2011 here was November, with 7.49 inches. Over a third of all the rain we received last year fell in March and November! December seemed on track to set a dryness record – we had received only .38 inch in the month through December 27 – but Inner Southeast received 3.21 inches in the three days that followed, and the total for the month wound up at a sub-par but wet 3.61 inches. The only snow we recorded at THE BEE's north Westmoreland weather station in 2011 were some morning snowflakes on February 16, and snow sticking on the morning of February 24, which got school cancelled – but then melted off midday, and finally returned as flakes that did not stick during the afternoon commute period. There were eight days last year in which Inner Southeast received an inch or more of rain: February 28  --  2.07” November 22  --  2.07” January 16  --  1.59” December 30  --  1.31” March 10  --  1.30” December 28  --  1.28” March 1  --  1.07” April 15  --  1.01” The La Nina conditions continue into this year, which usually means wet weather. Last year was certainly a normal year for rainfall, in the annual total in Inner Southeast. But 2011 ended pretty dry, and January started out similarly dry. That ended in mid-January with the return of rain, and a few brief snow encounters. The heavy rain in the third week of January, particularly from Salem southward, was sufficient to raise the Willamette River to flood stage briefly in parts of the Portland area. Now they’re releasing water from reservoirs to make room for more rainfall, which will keep the river high. It’s always something. We’ll continue to keep you posted. Daniel Lee Sherman, 34, was charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, and three counts of reckless endangerment. It’s unclear how he came by the shiner. (Photo courtesy of MCDC) Police arrest drunk father, with kids in car, at Sellwood Bridge By JIM REDDEN The Portland Tribune for THE BEE On Monday afternoon, December 26, the day after Christmas, Central Precinct officers arrested a driver who had apparently passed out from drinking – while stopped at the west end of the Sellwood Bridge. His three children were in the car. Daniel Lee Sherman, 34, was charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, and three counts of reckless endangerment. Sherman’s children – a 10-year-old, a 9-year-old and a 3-year old – were turned over to the custody of their grandmother. One of them had called the grandmother to express concern about their father’s driving, which led to her call to the police. According to police, the arrest began to unfold at 5:41 pm on December 26th when officers responded to a call of a stalled white 1994 Saturn at the west approach to the Sellwood Bridge, from southbound Macadam Avenue. When the officers arrived, they contacted the driver – and then called for a traffic officer to conduct an impaired driver investigation. After Sherman was arrested, they learned he had begun drinking while driving from Coos Bay to La Center, Washington, with his children. It was not clear how he’d gotten onto southbound Macadam Avenue on the trip. Sherman was booked in the Multnomah County Detention Center, and his children were turned over to the custody of their grandmother. Park worker saves hypothermic man at Sellwood Riverfront Park As the calendar turned to 2012, Portland Parks and Recreation lauded maintenance worker Peter Anthony for helping save a 54 year-old man’s life on New Year’s Day.  A distraught man approached Anthony, a veteran of five years with PP&R, on the north shore of Sellwood Riverfront Park – at S.E. Spokane Street and Oaks Parkway – before sunrise on January 1, 2012.  In a weak voice, the shivering man said he had flipped his kayak upstream on the Willamette, and fallen into the water off Oaks Park.  The cold river water got inside of his improperly zipped suit.  Anthony recognized the man was suffering from hypothermia, and took actions that likely saved his life. Peter Anthony immediately took the man to a nearby heated building to warm him up.  Anthony called 9-1-1 for help, and paramedics arrived to treat the man. The kayaker, who recovered, eventually reached friends by phone, and they brought him fresh clothes and drove him home. “Peter says the man was 54 years old. I asked Peter if he was invited to the man’s 55th birthday since there might not have been a 55th without him,” said his supervisor, PP&R District Services Supervisor Betsy Redfearn. “He was in the right place at the right time, and acted quickly.”   Woodstock resident Micha Sinclair recently installed an alarm system in his house (indicated), after half the houses on his block experienced burglaries – or thefts from vehicles of car parts such as air bags – in the last half of 2011. Clearly, the photo was taken in the midst of the brief snowfall in the third week of January. (Photo by Merry MacKinnon) Crime wave hits a block of houses in Woodstock By MERRY MacKINNON for THE BEE Micha Sinclair and his wife Grace have lived in their two-story house between S.E. Holgate and Woodstock Boulevard for eight years and, until now, he's never felt that crime was an issue in his neighborhood. But, in the last half of 2011, 50 percent of the households on his block had burglaries or cars broken into. In light of those crimes, which he calls “an epidemic”, Sinclair decided to have an alarm system installed in his house. “It seemed not a matter of if, but when,” Sinclair commented. Other residents on his street have installed floodlights. Neighbors have been sharing information, and Sinclair has kept a record of every known car prowl and burglary on his block. One time around the end of October, thieves tried to break into a garage next door. Sinclair and his wife, who were up late, saw the light from the prowlers’ flashlights. Sinclair jumped up, grabbed a baseball bat, and ran out to confront them. This sort of confrontation is not encouraged by police, but fortunately, the thieves took off running. But that wasn’t the first time Sinclair became aware his block had a problem. A few weeks before that, a neighbor came home during the day and found his back door and windows open, and his family's more valuable belongings gathered in a pile. The thief ran out the back door empty-handed and was not caught. “Within a few hours everybody on the block knew about this,” Sinclair said. It seemed very professional, Sinclair observed, because the thief had prepared his escape in advance by leaving the windows and door open. And he didn’t try to carry anything away with him after he was discovered – perhaps so he wouldn’t be carrying any stolen goods in case he got caught, Sinclair speculated. Then, a couple of months later, a house across the street from Sinclair was broken into at night. The thief got in by prying off a screen and forcing open a window in the back. Again, the windows and back door were opened – and items, including a laptop computer, had been piled on the floor. And, again, the thief ran out the back door when the owner came home. “The family was really shaken about this,” Sinclair commented. Not long after that, a house down the street, which had been on the market a long time, finally sold. Before moving in, the new owners planned on doing renovating work themselves, and had left tools in the kitchen. At night, while the couple was gone, someone broke the window on the back door, entered the house, and stole all the tools. "They hadn't even moved in," Sinclair remarked. In addition, Sinclair lists thefts from cars – air bags stolen from a Prius, a catalytic converter stolen from a Toyota pickup, and then another one stolen from a Toyota SUV a month later. “This is all within a block of each other,” Sinclair pointed out. All the incidents have been reported to police. But Sinclair is not satisfied with the response. The residents asked for increased patrols, but they haven't seen that happen. According to Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct, all officers are aware of extra patrol requests, and do try to go by when they aren't dispatched elsewhere. Nevertheless, Sinclair is encouraged by his neighbors’ response: "We’re watching each others homes and doing all the diligence that we can.” In a similar case a year ago in Westmoreland, THE BEE reported clustered thefts of the same sort, and police speculated that one youth, possibly addicted to drugs and living in the clustered area, was probably responsible. Shortly afterward they made an arrest of such a suspect, and the thefts stopped. The new laminate floor at the Woodstock Community Center was the result of a lot of help from the community. A few of the players are, from left: community volunteer Pete Jacobsen – and Floor Store contractors Pamela Weyer, Shawn Coleman, Tom Vogeney -- and Ken Jolly in the rear. That’s the new flooring they’re standing on. (Photo by Elizabeth Ussher Groff) Four tons of flooring – at Woodstock Community Center By ELIZABETH USSHER GROFF for THE BEE Over the Christmas and New Years holidays this year, the Woodstock Community Center gained 8,000 pounds. Yes, while partygoers were gaining weight on cookies, candy, and festive meals, the Woodstock’s civic meetingplace gained four tons – with the installation of a new laminate floor. Although the old asbestos tiles did not present a health hazard as long as they remained intact, a few were beginning to chip after decades of wear. To continue to offer the public a place for classes, meetings, parties and receptions, volunteers from the Friends of the Woodstock Community Center (FWCC) recognized that layers of wax were no longer sufficient to cover the tiles. In late summer they began discussing floor replacement. However, anyone who has ever replaced 2,000 square feet of flooring knows that it is a big job.  WCC volunteers were not sure they’d have time to coordinate all of the details, including temporary removal of two toilets, and eight radiators and their covers. Then they found a very skilled retiree who was willing and able to help. The person who stepped into the picture in October was Pete Jacobsen. As a Southeast Uplift board member from 2007 until this past July, Jacobsen – a retiree after a long career in technology – had been instrumental in helping to implement many facility and “green” improvements and repairs at SEUL during his Board tenure. In fact, last August SEUL recognized him for his contributions of quiet counsel and creative and steady, skilled work. When FWCC Board member Terry Griffiths learned that Jacobsen now lives in the Woodstock neighborhood, and that his grandchild attends the WCC pre-school, she contacted him to ask if he would be willing to help with projects at the Woodstock Center. When Jacobsen stepped up to give advice, and also hands-on-assistance, with the new floor installation, FWCC volunteers were impressed by the breadth of knowledge, skills, and commitment he brought to the job. In November, in preparation for the floor replacement, Jacobsen and FWCC volunteers researched floor replacement options, and decided to purchase laminate – a synthetic flooring product – from The Floor Store on Woodstock Boulevard. A high-grade laminate was available for an exceptional, one-time-only price.  It could be laid on top of the old flooring, thus avoiding the cost and environmental hazards of removing the asbestos tiles. Floor Store contractors laid the laminate during a four-day period during the Holidays, and FWCC volunteers helped to move the furniture and paint the trim. Portland Parks and Recreation removed old toilets, installed new water-efficient ones, and removed radiator covers in preparation for the new floor. Jacobsen wrote detailed timelines for coordinating the project, and put in eight-hour days to help guide and execute the many aspects of the project. He re-installed the radiator covers and cut new mouldings. A motto that FWCC had seen at the end of his e-mails took on new meaning: “It’s hard to do nothing... you never know when you're finished”. Four tons and many hours later, the flooring in the entire upstairs of the building, a former firehouse, resembles a handsome oak-like wood. Why the added weight of four tons? Because more than1,300 five-foot long planks were laid, and the laminate is heavy, consisting of multi-layers (usually four) fused together with a lamination process. The core layer, made from high-density fiberboard or particleboard, is covered with a photographic appliqué layer which simulates wood.  A final layer of several coats of melamine or aluminum oxide (second only to diamonds in hardness) protects the floor from stains, fading, and wear. FWCC Chairperson Lonnie Port expresses the FWCC sentiment about the finished product: “Everyone’s help has been a true blessing to our community. This new flooring project just makes my heart sing.” The partnership that made this Woodstock building improvement possible was public (Portland Parks & Recreation), private (The Floor Store; expert advice from Woodstock Ace Hardware; a 30% discount from 52nd Avenue Hardware, a discount from the new Sherwin-Williams Paint Store); and volunteer and community (neighbors’ contributions to supplement FWCC’s maintenance trust fund, Friends of the Woodstock Community Center volunteers, and Pete Jacobsen’s volunteer work). This kind of cooperation exemplifies the sort of collaborative effort for which Portland Parks and Recreation was recently awarded the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. And the Woodstock Community Center, always a substantial part of this thriving community, is now four tons heavier. Speeder’s arrest on Powell Blvd. follows a two-county chase By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE When most drivers see flashing red and blue lights behind them, they pull over and stop, just as they are supposed to do. Not so one driver, on January 15, at about 7:30 pm, when a gold 2006 Toyota four-door Corolla went whizzing past a Milwaukie police officer while traveling north on S.E. McLoughlin Boulevard in Clackamas County. “When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop,” said Milwaukie Police Public Information Officer Ulli Neitch, “The driver of the car would not comply, and refused to pull over. The officer pursued the vehicle into Portland.” Soon, Portland Police Bureau officers joined in the pursuit, and followed the Toyota northbound past Westmoreland and Brooklyn. The speeding car turned east on S.E. Powell Boulevard at the Ross Island Bridge. But, with a line of police vehicles blockading Powell just west of S.E. Milwaukie Avenue, the driver found he had no choice but to cooperate. “58-year-old Carl Kim Swanholm was taken into custody, after his car was boxed in,” Neitch reported. “Swanholm was arrested for one Felony count of Attempt to Elude, and Misdemeanor Driving While Suspended – with a Probation Violation Detainer for an original Washington County charge of Resisting Arrest.” Bequest provides new instruments for budding S.E. pianists By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE The young students, now able to take their piano lessons on brand new Yamaha Arius digital instruments, looked delighted – as they took their seats in Southeast Portland’s Community Music Center’s (CMC) piano classroom, on the afternoon of January 10. “The difference between these, and electronic keyboards, is tremendous,” exclaimed CMC’s instructor of 16 years, professional musician George Cheshier. “These are wonderful, quality instruments,” grinned Cheshie, “And it’s a pleasure to be able to have nice equipment on which to teach. All of our students have a better learning experience now, because these pianos have a full-size 88-key keyboard. And, the keys are ‘weighted’ to simulate the ‘feel’ of playing a real piano, to help them learn good technique.” CMC Director Gregory Dubay smiled has he watched the class get underway. “Thanks to Portland’s ‘Classic Pianos’ store, we were able to purchase eight pianos, and other needed instruments, with funds from a bequest of the Jack Malcom estate,” Dubay explained. Malcom was a successful florist in Gresham, and a member of the Metropolitan Arts Commission, Dubay said. After his death in 2009, his estate set aside $1.2 million for generous charitable gifts to local institutions. An additional small portion of the estate was left to the discretion of the executor, Bob Dye – who toured the Southeast facility, and then gave CMC $20,000 to purchase the new instruments. The CMC’s nonprofit foundation Board of Directors intends to spend the rest of the donation on other instruments – including strings, winds, and brass instruments – which will be loaned out to low-income students for music lessons, Dubay added. Learn more about the Community Music Center, a facility of Portland Parks and Recreation located in Inner SoutheastPortland, by going online to: www.communitymusiccenter.org – or, call 503-823-3177. It’s located at 3350 S.E. Francis Street. Carjacking tavern robbers nabbed in minutes By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE Within minutes of each other, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers were dispatched to two different calls in the Powell-Foster neighborhood on January 14. It wound up with one of the crooks on the ground, looking up at a police dog. At 8:55 pm, some officers were sent to Essex Park, on S.E. Center Street, near S.E. 76th Avenue, to investigate a carjacking. “Officers learned that a 19-year-old woman was in the park with three friends, when she was approached by two men,” reported PPB Public Information Officer Lt. Robert King. “One of the men pointed a gun at her and demanded her car keys. She complied, giving the suspects the keys to her 2011 Ford Fusion.” Moments later, other officers were sent to “Nick’s Double Up Tavern” at S.E. 80th Avenue and Powell Boulevard – just blocks away from Essex Park – in response to reports of a holdup. “Officers responding to the area to the carjacking and robbery saw the car that had just been stolen, and pursued it,” King continued. The car sped east on S.E. Powell Boulevard, under the I-205 freeway, and turned south on S.E. 97th Avenue in the Lents neighborhood. What the getaway driver apparently didn’t know was that the streets there dead-end into the freeway embankment. At S.E. 97th and S.E. Francis, the suspects braked, bailed out of the car, and ran from officers. “The driver, Thomas Edward Riffenburg, was pursued by officers on foot, caught, and arrested,” said King. “Officers set up a perimeter and called for a police canine – after which they soon located and arrested the second suspect, Joe Thomas Krieg.” Officers recovered a firearm and other evidence at the scene, which were turned over to Portland Police Robbery Detectives and the Forensic Evidence Division crews, added King. “No one was hurt in either crime.” Ultimately 31-year-old Joe Thomas Krieg was charged with Possession of Heroin, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Attempt to Elude, and four counts of Robbery in the Second Degree. Krieg was lodged at the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) on $1,070,555 dollars bail – where he remains, as THE BEE goes to press.26-year-old Thomas Edward Riffenburg was also checked into MCDC, and is charged with four counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, plus a Parole Violation.  MCDC records show Riffenburg is still in custody in lieu of $1,000,000 bail. This man – 58-year-old Carl Kim Swanholm – was arrested on several charges, officials say, after failing to stop when caught speeding. (Courtesy Milwaukie Police Department) CMC student Jack Bibb begins playing his lesson on a new CMC piano. (Photo by David F. Ashton) Officials accuse the man on the left, 31-year-old Joe Thomas Krieg, of stealing and driving the getaway car – and the man on the right, 26-year-old Thomas Edward Riffenburg, of the holdup, as well as a parole violation. (Photos courtesy MCDC) Minutes after the water rescue, after the ambulance had left the dock bound for OHSU, the crew of PF&R’s specially-designed river rescue boat, the “Eldon Trinity”, stows gear and prepares to close up the boat until the next time it’s called upon for rapid response. (Photo by David F. Ashton) New S.E. rescue boat again rapidly responds, when seconds count By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE Portland Fire & Rescue’s specially-designed river rescue boat, the “Eldon Trinity”, dedicated in December 2010, was again put to the test in the noon hour of January 14. Multiple witnesses driving across the bridge at 12:39 pm called 9-1-1, saying they’d seen a woman, who was walking westbound across the Ross Island Bridge, suddenly turn – climb over the railing – and jump off the side. “When the call came in, firefighters from Station 21 [Eastbank Hawthorne] ran down the Eastbank Esplanade dock adjacent to the station, and boarded the Eldon Trinity rescue boat,” reported PF&R Public Information Officer Paul Corah.  “Given the rescue boat’s rapid response capabilities, firefighters arrived on-scene within six minutes of the call,” Corah continued. “The crew located the woman in the river, lowered the boat’s front platform, and pulled her out of the frigid water.” Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Weichal started CPR immediately – and as a result of his efforts, the woman regained a pulse, Corah said. Meanwhile, Firefighter Colin McGladrey piloted the rescue boat to shore, and the patient was transferred to a waiting ambulance and taken to OHSU.” Minutes after the ambulance left the dock, PF&R Lt. Dean Krake walked up the gangplank and spoke with THE BEE. “Having this boat here really makes a difference. Now, we’re able to access the upper part of the river immediately, as opposed to 10 or 12 minutes, or more. When it comes to making a water rescue, every second counts.”  Because the boat is kept ready to go, the four-person crew can be underway in minutes, and speeding on its way to provide assistance, Krake pointed out as the other three members of the crew came up the boat. “Thanks to the eyewitness reports, firefighters were able to quickly pinpoint the exact location where she entered the water.  With water rescues, seconds can mean the difference between life and death.  Arriving on scene and resuscitating her so quickly may have saved this woman's life," said Portland Fire Lieutenant Dean Krake. Portland Police Bureau Public Information Officer Lt. Robert King later told THE BEE that the woman had undergone surgery, but later died. “53-year-old Frida Vanderberg worked as a non-sworn in the Traffic Division,” he said. “Frida was well known for helping people,” King added. “We’re all shocked and saddened by this event.” Truth about lies: Eastmorelander publishes “Lie Detector” book By RITA A. LEONARD for THE BEE Eastmoreland resident Jim Wygant, a retired Polygraph examiner, recently published his third paperback book: “Confessions of a Lie Detector: Years of theft, sex and murder” (Lycetta Press, 2011, 298 pages). He spent an evening at the Sellwood Branch Library, discussing his true-crime memoir. The book presents a fascinating look at the specialty field of polygraph examiners – focusing on the human stories behind crimes. His hour in Sellwood was both informative and humorous, peppered with stories from his career. Wygant described historic methods used in lie detection, as well as some common misconceptions arising from films and television shows. He explained various polygraph systems, such as FACS (facial action coding system), voice stress analysis, and some behavior observation techniques used by the airline industry. However, he cautioned that such results are only as accurate as the examiner, and even then are only about 90% reliable. Wygant pointed out motivations for the lies that we all occasionally tell, and differentiated between lying to others and lying to ourselves. When asked whether some of his cases had affected him deeply, he explained that he rarely followed these cases to their conclusion. As a professional, he said, “We focus on the task before us with detachment, instead of on the possible crime.” This busy retiree spent over 35 years as a professional polygraph examiner – mostly for the federal defender’s office. He also writes a bimonthly newsletter for current practitioners in the field. He is trained to offer insights into the psychology of lying and confessions, and thoughtfully presents detailed pictures of both the polygraph subject and the examiner. In his book he candidly discusses the pros and cons of polygraph assessment, observing that the results are rarely admissible in court. Wygant has years of writing experience, ranging from journalism to short stories and novels. His first novel, a spy thriller entitled “The Spy’s Demise”, was featured last fall in THE BEE. This was followed by “Jessica’s Tune”, a romantic mystery and a sequel to the previous book, set 15 years later. His latest work is a factual tome that he has been working on for years, detailing his adventures as a lie detector expert. Wygant has the habit of writing regularly every morning, a discipline that makes his work both fluid and professional. Reviewers praise him as a marvelous storyteller, rating his work as “detailed, insightful, and philosophic”. His forensic background, and decades of polygraph evaluation, give him a unique overview of this often-behind-the-scenes aspect of true life crime. As Wygant explained at his Sellwood Library presentation, Polygraph machines – “lie detectors” – have changed little during the past 80 years. They attempt to determine patterns of response, as measured on charts referencing blood pressure, breathing, and other bodily norms. Most such tests require about an hour and a half, and all the questions to be asked are discussed with the subject beforehand. “A typical test is based on comparison questions,” he commented. “It’s all physiological – how our bodies react to our knowledge of the facts.” CRIME STOPPERS Police seek Creston-Kenilworth stick-up bandit By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE On December 28th, just after midnight, a man with a dark bandana over the lower half of his face, and armed with a handgun, walked into the Plaid Pantry store at 4030 S.E. 39th Avenue [Chavez], at Gladstone Street, and demanded money from the clerk. After flashing a silver handgun tucked into his waistband, the suspect gathered up some cash and ran from the store, according to Portland Police Bureau Public Information Officer Sgt. Peter Simpson. The suspect, who has not yet been located, is a white male in his 30s, 5’10", 170 pounds, with brown hair – last seen wearing a blue and white flannel shirt, blue jeans, and wearing a dark bicycle or skateboard helmet. Surveillance video from the store has been posted for public viewing by the police at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_9ccaik8qY . If you think you recognize this person, Crime Stoppers would like to hear from you; they’re offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information – reported to Crime Stoppers – that leads to an arrest in this case. In addition, Plaid Pantry is offering up to $1,000 for information that helps solve this robbery. You can leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at: www.crimestoppersoforegon.com – or you can text CRIMES (274637), and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip. Or, you can pick up the phone and or 503/823-4357, and leave your tip there.   Eastmoreland author Jim Wygant has just published a book based on his career as a polygraph examiner. (Photo by Rita A. Leonard) If you think you know who this man is, contact Crime Stoppers and you may be eligible for cash reward. (BEE enhancement of surveillance video) After their fire last fall, Human Solutions has moved back into their building on S.E. Powell Boulevard, and is again serving those in need there. (Photo by David F. Ashton) “Human Solutions” reopens its fire-damaged building on Powell Blvd. By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE Just after Southeast Portland nonprofit organization Human Solutions started its annual energy assistance program last fall – a fire at the agency’s main office at 12350 S.E. Powell Boulevard on October 16 threw the organization into temporary disarray. The fire is suspected to have been set off by an errant roofer’s torch – but it didn’t stop the nonprofit from continuing aid to very-low-income folks who live in Southeast Portland, although many of their clients in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood had to find a way all the way out to Rockwood to get energy assistance vouchers to stay warm, as winter set in. “Some of our workers moved temporarily to our homeless shelters,” explained the organization’s director, Jean DeMaster. “Some to the new Rockwood building; five of our staff members moved into the building’s Community Room, and others to our annex across the street.” But, on January 9th, a sense of normalcy started returning, as staffers moved back into their Powell Boulevard offices, brought in their files, and arranged their desks. “It’s good to be back, together, in our building,” DeMaster said, as she pointed out the new ceilings, flooring, and cleaned-up office interiors. Human Solutions serves more than 30,000 people each year from that office. Gazing around the still-empty lobby – usually filled with those looking for help – DeMaster added, “The message we’re trying to get out to the people in Southeast Portland, especially to those in Brentwood-Darlington, is to come back to Human Solutions at S.E. 123rd and Powell Boulevard if you need services.” While they typically run low on vouchers at this time of year, DeMaster reflected, “We do have funds for energy assistance to eligible households. And we’re also serving homeless families, and getting them into housing as quickly as possible. It’s so cold outside, we want to make sure that people come in and get help if they need it.” Human Solutions’ Powell office is open from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. The building’s Community Room is now once again available, free of charge, seven days a week, during the day and early evening. For more information, call 503/548-0200 – or visit their Internet website: www.humansolutions.org . Foster crash, driver’s 11th DUII, nets a 6-year prison term When a car blew through a stop sign on Foster Road near 62nd, crossed three lanes of traffic, and smashed into Bus 14 on September 20, bystanders realized something was wrong. It got worse – the errant driver, trying to get away from the scene of his crash, wound up hitting the bus again before driving away. The driver of that car, Lonnie Dale Johnson, age 55, had a blood alcohol level of .12, 50% above the legal limit, when the police found him a short time later. But it wasn’t a first-time offense – Johnson had been convicted of drunk driving ten times before – and killed four people in a DUII crash in 1978. He hasn’t had a driver’s license in years, but that hasn’t stopped him from driving…and, obviously, driving drunk. When brought to trial recently, Johnson pleaded guilty to the Foster Road DUII, the hit-and-run, and other infractions – and, recognizing his terrible record and apparent contempt of the law, Judge Youlee You sentenced him to six years in prison, the maximum that the law permits.                                 ____________________________________________ Bandit botches ATM boost, on S.E. Division At about 4:30 am on Wednesday, December 28th, someone with the apparent intention of breaking into or stealing a stand-alone Automatic Teller Machine at S.E. 48th and Division Street backed up to dislodge the device. The crook managed to break loose the machine, but accelerated too far – he or she backed up right over the ATM, and high-centered the stolen van, so that they couldn’t drive off it again. So instead having of an illicit payday, the bandit didn’t even have a way of driving away, and so got out and hot-footed it away from the scene. A K-9 was called out to try to find him or her, but without immediate result. In the stolen van, police found a large number of stolen license plates, so officers are asking anyone who may have had a license plate stolen from their vehicle lately to call the Portland Police non-emergency number – 503/823-3333 – and let them know about it. Speeding Woodstock Blvd. driver hits – and runs By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE The driver of what’s described as a small brown pickup truck was speeding – and swerved into a late model Kia Rio, a little after 1 pm on Saturday, January 7, on S.E. Woodstock Boulevard at 65th Avenue. The driver then just sped off. While officers and paramedics tended to the crash victims left behind, neighbor Dean Engelman shook his head – as he reflected on what he called “yet another” crash near his home in the past ten years. “I’ve seen six accidents at this corner since I’ve lived here,” Engelman said. “People just ‘fly’ down Woodstock, doing at least 10 mph over the speed limit most of the time.” In addition to wrecks on the road, Engelman said a hit-and-run driver crashed into his fence and knocked down a retaining wall. “We still love the neighborhood, but I wish people would slow down a bit.” The victims of this crime were treated at the scene by paramedics riding Woodstock’s PF&R Engine 25 and by AMR personnel. Meantime, East Precinct officers are still on the lookout for that reckless driver, police officials said.   Car misses road, hits wall, in the Brooklyn neighborhood By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE Northbound drivers on S.E. McLoughlin Boulevard slowed to see why police were present at the intersection with S.E. Rhone Street, just south of the Ross Island Bridge, at about 4 pm on January 2nd. The reason was a car that had crashed into a retaining wall at a house on the northeast corner. Portland police officers at the scene said it appeared the car had been traveling a bit too fast to negotiate the turn from McLoughlin onto S.E. Rhone Street. It left the road, drove between a utility pole and its guy wire, and soundly crashed into a cinder-block wall. According to available information, no one was seriously injured, and the driver wasn’t cited – but police spokesman Sgt. Peter Simpson did observe dryly to THE BEE that the car was towed for lack of insurance. A stolen van backed into an ATM on S.E. Division to dislodge it early on December 28th, but went too far and wound up on top of it, and unable to drive off. The would-be thief left the van and fled on foot empty-handed. (Photo courtesy of Fox-12 KPTV) AMR paramedics and Portland Fire & Rescue’s Engine 25 firefighters treat victims of this Woodstock Boulevard hit-and-run. (Photo by David F. Ashton) Wedged between guy wires and a utility pole, this car is stuck. (Photo by David F. Ashton) From left: Joan Hoff, Diane Havnen-Smith (a Woodstock therapist), Brian Rooney, Judy Harrington, and Lindsay Anderson, took the CIRCLES Project to Haiti during March of 2011, and trained Haitians to lead groups to help with post-earthquake trauma and loss. (Photo courtesy of Brian Rooney) Woodstock therapist in group that helps Haitians By ELIZABETH USSHER GROFF for THE BEE Diane Havnen-Smith, a counselor with a psychotherapy practice located above The Flower Shop on S.E. Woodstock Boulevard, routinely counsels adults, couples, and children – including giving support to those who have experienced trauma, loss, and grief. Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, she has also been using her skills to help Haitians. January 12th was the second anniversary of the 2010 Haitian earthquake. Havnen-Smith, who for six years was the clinical director of a grief support program for children and families in Portland, recounted to THE BEE how, shortly after the quake, her 28-year-old son challenged her to use her skills in a broader way. “The week of the earthquake, he was volunteering to help Haiti; and he said to me, ‘Mom, with all of your experience, you should do more!’” Her son’s challenge brought to mind a gratifying experience she had had in Guatemala four years earlier. Then, she had delivered medical supplies to Mercy Corps for victims of 2006’s mammoth mudslides, and was asked to provide a full day of training to help volunteers assist survivors cope with trauma and loss. Despite a bit of awkwardness involved in speaking through an interpreter, she was profoundly touched when trainees expressed tearful appreciation for the training session. “Wanting to do more international work someday was something that stayed with me,” reflected Havnen-Smith. “After the Haitian earthquake I asked myself, ‘With trauma so great on top of existing hardships, what if teens could learn coping skills, and pass them on to children? Maybe that would help both of them long-term.’” Havnen-Smith’s inspiration evolved into “The CIRCLES Project”, which she and her co-directors Judy Harrington and Joan Hoff simply call “CIRCLES”. The name CIRCLES refers to a “talking circle”, in which group participants sit in a circle and share their stories and experiences, helping them to feel less alone in their hardships. Trained facilitators help guide the process. Passionate about the project, Havnen-Smith, Harrington, and Hoff established their non-profit organization, and spent nearly a year developing the program and materials. They volunteered many hundreds of hours, creating manuals and trainings, and hosting a fundraiser to purchase materials and translation of manuals into Haitian Creole.  In March of 2011, their team of five journeyed to Haiti – all paid their own travel expenses – to train teens and adults to become CIRCLES group facilitators. The group brought the training, activity, and program manuals with them. They also took large “supplies” kits for each program which included toys and art materials. “In addition to sharing, verbally, children in CIRCLES groups work past their grief and trauma through play and art, and through large-motor, big-energy activities – such as throwing balls.” These trainings were enthusiastically received.  “Listening to the feedback of our trainees at the end of our first training day, our eyes were moist with hope. Nearly every person out of 28 participants told us how CIRCLES groups will help heal Haitians, as well as their own families and communities. We were thrilled with their enthusiasm.” In Haiti, Havnen-Smith and her colleagues partner with established non-governmental organizations, which provide the infrastructure for CIRCLES groups. They take great care to create a culturally-sensitive program, and frequently consult with Haitians and people working there. As a result of the trainings this past March, CIRCLES groups in Haiti now support about 200 children each week. The children learn to cope with anxiety, anger, trauma, and loss resulting from the earthquake.  They are also given support to help them endure the many hardships of daily living in Haiti.  And, because all Haitians living in earthquake-impacted areas have suffered trauma and loss, the CIRCLES program includes built-in support for teen and adult leaders, half of whom live in tent camps and have their own personal struggles. Back in Portland, the program stays in touch with CIRCLES’ coordinators in Haiti through private blogs, offering topics for continuing education. A fall 2011 benefit for the CIRCLES Project, held at Persimmon Country Club in Gresham, raised money for art supplies, listening sticks, toys, manuals, and program materials, so that the project can assist in the training and implementation of more group programs in Haiti this year. Having seen Haitians’ tremendous resilience and their respect for education, Havnen-Smith is hopeful that progress will continue, as facilitators grow in their skills in leading groups. To learn more about the CIRCLES Project, and to see photos from the trip to Haiti, go online to: www.artisansforhaiti.org . Because the fire spread into the walls of the home, it was damaged from the floor up into the roof. (Photo courtesy Dick Harris, PF&R) Fireplace sets Foster-Powell home ablaze, a week before Christmas By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE Although the fire only damaged the home, this December 19th blaze could have been worse – in fact, deadly – Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) officials say. At 2:50 pm on that day, Woodstock’s Station 25 firefighters were dispatched to a residential fire at 3532 S.E. 62nd Avenue, where smoke was billowing from the attic.  “The homeowner told firefighters that she was home, and had had a fire going in the fireplace all day,” reported PF&R Public Information Officer Paul Corah. “Around 2:45 pm, she noticed smoke coming out from around the ceiling next to her fireplace.” Arriving firefighters found that fireplace blaze had gotten out of the firebox through small holes in the mortar next to the bricks, and then spread up into the attic of the home, and from there, through the roof. The Truck 25 crew laddered to the roof, cutting holes in it to vent the smoke and heat, and then found and extinguished the fire that had spread into the attic. Firefighters brought the fire under control at around 4:00 pm, Corah said. “This 1927 home still has its original fireplace,” said Corah. “The homeowner said it was checked for safety within the year, and was surprised there was a problem.” As reported, however, firefighters found that there were holes in the brick mortar through which the fire had spread. Fortunately, Corah added, this was a daytime fire. “There was no working smoke alarm in the home. Had this fire happened at night, when people were sleeping, there could have been a tragically different outcome.” Damage to the home was estimated at $35,000. Comments? News tips? Click here to e-mail us! Note to readers: At some point, this, our original Internet website, will be replaced at this web address by our new website, as part of the Community Newspapers group. At that time, you will still be able to access this older, but still operative, website, if you bookmark this address:  www.southeastPDXnews.com. Right now, it leads you to our new website. Eventually, it will lead you back to this old one! Both will be up to date and current, and you'll still have your choice of which one to visit! READY TO MOVE ON TO THE EDITORIAL, AND THE "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR", ON PAGE 3?   CLICK HERE!