Budget Season Opens With Brokered Deal

FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013 – The Portland area budget-crafting season has kicked off with a deal cut between Jeff Cogen, chairman of the Multnomah County Commission, and Portland Mayor Charlie Hales.

Less than two hours before Thursday’s budget hearing at Portland City Hall began, the two leaders hammered out a joint agreement on funding for a wide array of area services – with the county picking up the tab on some and the city on others.

“What’s really great is that the city and county have collaborated to address the needs of our community,” Cogen told The Oregonian’s Dana Tims. “This spirit of partnership and collaboration leaves me feeling very hopeful about this arrangement.”

"Chair Cogen has been a great partner in these talks," Mayor Hales said. "He gets the whole focus behind collaboration and clarity in the budget-writing process."

Under the agreement, the city will maintain, for one year, its portion of the funding for the Crisis Assessment Treatment Center, known as CATC. Mayor Hales had planned to end that funding in his original budget.

In exchange, Multnomah County will pick up the city's share for the needle exchange program and a one-stop domestic violence center. And the county will provide one-time money to maintain the current level of funding for our community's senior centers and will split the cost of three SUN schools for one year, giving both the city and county time to work on a longer-term solution for both of those vital services. The county also will fund a needle exchange program.

Both governments’ budget hearings continue in coming weeks. Portland’s meetings are set for 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Warner Pacific College, 2219 S.E. 68th Ave.; and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 23, at Jackson Middle School,10625 S.W. 35th Ave.

Multnomah County has two public budget hearings remaining, on May 22 at the East County building, 600 N.E. Eighth St.in Gresham; and on May 29 at IRCO,10301 N.E.   Glisan St.in Portland. Both meetings begin at 6 p.m.

Multnomah County, City of Portland leaders reach budget agreement

Joint Statement from Chair Cogen and Mayor Hales

May 16, 2013

We are happy to announce we have reached a budget agreement to preserve key community services that include SUN schools, the needle exchange program, the one-stop domestic violence center, our senior centers and the Crisis Assessment Treatment Center.

Because Multnomah County is in a stable budget position this year, we agreed that the county will pick up the city's share for the needle exchange program and one-stop domestic violence center. And the county will provide one-time-only money to maintain the current level of funding for our community's senior centers and split the cost of three SUN schools for one year, giving both the city and county time to work on a longer-term solution for both of those vital services.

The city will fund its 50 percent share of the treatment center's funding for the coming year, and we are gratified that people having serious mental health issues will continue to have this vital resource. In the two years since the county and city jointly opened the CATC, the center has helped to stabilize about 1,300 people in a mental health crisis.

Both of us appreciate the collaborative spirit of our discussions to help the city deal with the budget shortfall it faces this year. We are optimistic this spirit will be a model for our future discussions. The good news today is that we have reached an agreement that will benefit our entire community.

Portland’s first budget hearing is tonight, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at City Hall, 1221 S.W. Fourth Ave., in the second floor council chamber. Two more hearings are set for 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Warner Pacific College, 2219 S.E. 68th Ave.; and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 23, at Jackson Middle School,10625 S.W. 35th Ave.

Multnomah County has two public budget hearings remaining, on May 22 at the East County building, 600 N.E. Eighth St.in Gresham; and on May 29 at IRCO,10301 N.E. Glisan St. in Portland. Both meetings begin at 6 p.m.

Arts Tax Deadline Delayed

-- 10 A.M., THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013 --

Portland Arts Tax deadline extension continues.

Wednesday night, the city’s website experienced a problem related to the overwhelming response of Portlanders paying their Arts Tax. The computer problem is being addressed this morning. The city has extended the Arts Tax deadline, and will maintain that extension until this problem is resolved. We appreciate everyone’s patience and hope to have further details later today.

-- 6 P.M., WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 --

Due to the overwhelming response of Portlanders paying their Arts Tax, the City's website is experiencing a capacity issue.  We are working on the situation.

At this point the deadline to pay the Arts Tax will be extended until the problem is resolved. We appreciate everyone's patience with this situation. 

On a high-usage day the website will see about 230 concurrent users.  Throughout the day we have been experiencing approximately double that number just on the Arts Tax website alone.

Portland Arts Tax Deadline is Today; More Than 220,000 Portlanders have Filed; Revenue Office will Remain Open Until 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 -- The deadline for Portland residents to file their 2012 Portland Arts Tax returns is today, May 15.  Tax returns and payments will be considered timely if postmarked with today’s date, or filed online by midnight tonight.  To file and pay online, visit www.portlandoregon.gov/artstax.

Taxpayers also can file and pay in person at 111 S.W. Columbia St., Suite 600. The Revenue Bureau will keep its doors open to taxpayers until 7 tonight and any taxpayer filing in person by then also will be considered timely.

The Arts Education and Access Income Tax (“Arts Tax”) was passed by 62 percent of Portland voters on Nov. 6, 2012. The tax will fund art teachers and access to the arts, and is $35 for most adult Portland residents.

As of noon today, the Revenue Bureau has received more than $6 million in Arts Tax payments from more than 220,000 taxpayers, and expects more than $7 million by Friday, May 17.  The Revenue Bureau previously estimated it would collect $8.6 million by June 30, 2013.

“I’m pleased that so many Portland citizens have already paid their Arts Tax, and many tens of thousands more will pay today,” Bureau Director Thomas Lannom said.  “Despite changes and legal challenges, most Portlanders are stepping up and paying the tax on time.”

Taxpayers who do not file today may be assessed a $15 penalty. Taxpayers who do not file by Oct. 15 may be assessed an additional $20.

All income-earning adults in the City of Portland are required to file an Arts Tax form. People and families who earn less than the 2012 federal poverty guidelines must file an exemption form, but are not required to pay any tax. For a family of four, the guideline is $23,050. Exemption details are outlined on the website at www.portlandoregon.gov/artstax.

Portlandresidents can call (503) 865-4ART (4278) for more information or to make a payment over the phone.  Staff will be available to answer calls until 7 tonight.

It’s On!

TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013 -- Mayor Charlie Hales took the stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square on Tuesday to cheer on the Portland Winterhawks, who won the Western Hockey League tournament and now head on to the Memorial Cup championships in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Mayor Hales made a side bet with the mayor of London, Ontario – home of the London Knights – with the finest regional dinner going to the winning team’s mayor.

Also in the tourney: the Halifax Mooseheads and the Saskatoon Blades. The event starts Friday, May 26.

Asian Pacific Heritage Honored

TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013 – Mayor Charlie Hales took part in Friday’s celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month, sponsored by the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization.

IRCO’s Asian Family Center celebrated nearly two decades of outstanding service to the Asian and Pacific Islander communities of the Portland Metro area. This event HONOREDIRCO’s accomplishments of the past several years.

Arts Tax Deal Reached

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013 – Mayor Charlie Hales on Monday proposed a deal on the 2012 city arts tax, which should allow all six school districts to hire art instructors for the coming year.

The arts tax – OK’d by voters in November, 2012 – has been challenged in two law suits. If the city were to lose either suit, the money might have to be given back to taxpayers. Consequently, the mayor announced in March that the city could not distribute the money to the schools, or to arts organizations, as intended; he understands, however, the importance of having teachers in classrooms.

Distribution of the money – an estimated $6 million – was scheduled to begin in November 2013.

Under the deal proposed by Hales, some city money would be freed up to help the six districts – Portland Public Schools, along with Centennial, David Douglas, Parkrose, Reynolds and Riverdale school districts.

The city will disburse $3 million in November, but no more during the 2013-14 fiscal year, pending favorable rulings or settlements on the law suits.

 “The superintendents and I have been working to find a way to be true to the taxpayers, whose money this is, and to the voters, who approved the arts tax,” Hales said. “We think this does it.”

Of that $3 million disbursement, the risk will be shared equally: $1 million from the city’s contingency fund; $1 million from future budget appropriations to the Regional Arts & Culture Council, or RACC; and $1 million combined from the six school districts.

The money disbursed fall overwhelmingly to Portland Public Schools, the largest of the districts. About two-thirds of the dollars are earmarked for PPS; one-third to the other districts.

Each district will decide how it wants to spend the money. For instance, Superintendent Carole Smith of Portland Public Schools will recommend hiring an estimated 30 FTE arts teachers – not 45 FTE, or full-time equivalent – and spreading those 30 positions evenly across her district.

Other districts could spend the money to hire, or bank it in case the law suits go against the city and money has to be returned.

“We are not in the business of telling superintendents how to run their districts,” Hales said. “These decisions have been tough to reach, but it’s been a combined effort all along, and we’re grateful to the arts community and our school districts for working with us to find a practical solution. In the end, getting teachers in our classrooms will pay dividends for generations to come.”

The mayor said his focus has been on elementary school students in thePortlandarea. “We want these students to have the benefit of the arts education that taxpayers have supported, and to do it in a financially responsible way,” he said.

Lane Closures Continue on Cornell

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013 – Drainage work that requires lane closures on Northwest Cornell Road will continue through Friday, May 10.

The work began May 2 and had been expected to be complete by Tuesday, May 7, according to the Portland Bureau of Transportation. Lane closures will occur from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

One traffic lane on the two-lane road will remain open at all times, with flaggers directing motorists. The public is advised to use alternate routes if possible. Expect delays, travel cautiously and follow directions from flaggers.

This work is weather-dependent and the schedule may change.

Mayor Greets Dalai Lama

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013 – Mayor Charlie Hales greeted the Dalai Lama today as he arrived in Portland for four days of events.

His holiness will be in Portland through Sunday for a wide array of public activities.

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism. The current owner of the title is the 14th Dalai Lama. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Details of his visit: http://www.dalailamaportland2013.net/schedule

Sunday Parkways

Representatives of  Kaiser Permanente came to City Hall on Wednesday to present a check worth $100,000 to Sunday Parkways.

Portland Sunday Parkways promotes healthy active living through a series of free events opening the city's largest public space - its streets - to walk, bike, roll, and discover active transportation while fostering civic pride, stimulating economic development, and represents the community, business, and government investments

Police Investigate Fatal Shooting

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013 – Portland Police are investigating a shooting in the 4500 block ofNortheast 60th Avenue.

Police from the North Precinct Police and Portland Fire & Rescue personnel responded at 2:23 a.m. They located two victims of gunfire.

Anton Lashawn Hill, 33, was deceased at the scene. The Oregon State Medical Examiner performed an autopsy this morning and has determined that Hill died of a gunshot wound to the head.

The other victim, a 21-year-old female, remains in a Portland hospital and is being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Her name is not being released at this time.

No arrests have been made and detectives are continuing to investigate.

Northeast 60th Avenue, just North of Prescott Street, was closed to traffic for a portion of this morning.

Some People Due Refund for city Arts Tax

TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2013 – An analysis of the arts tax of the city o fPortland has revealed that some people who have received most or all of their income from Social Security or the Public Employees Retirement System have paid the tax. And those types of income are not a taxable by the city.

This means some people who have paid the arts tax are eligible for refunds.

A notice explaining the refund process is posted on the city’s homepage, www.portlandoregon.gov, with links at www.portlandorgon.gov/revenue and www.portlandoregon.gov/mayor.

This is the second revision so far for the tax, which was approved by voters in November 2012. Earlier this spring, an analysis of the tax showed that anyone in a household above the federal poverty level was expected to pay the $35 per year, even if an individual in that household made less than $35.

The City Council adopted a revision to the arts tax, setting excluded people who made less than $1,000 in 2012.

The deadline for people to pay the arts tax is May 15. “To date, the Revenue Bureau has collected over $4.25 million and thousands of checks are being processed daily,” said Thomas Lannom, director of the City Revenue Bureau.

People who don’t need to pay the tax are those who income derives solely or primarily from Social Security and PERS. Refunds are not applicable if people had $1,000 or more in other income that is taxable.

Social Security is not a taxable form of income inOregon, even though it often is taxable at a federal level.

The Revenue Bureau has not estimated the number of people eligible for the refund.

 “This arts tax puts us in a bind,” Mayor Charlie Hales said. “We want to be true to voters, who approved it in November. We have to be good stewards of taxpayers’ money. And we want to support the public schools and arts community. These problems – which stem from the way the tax was written – make it difficult to meet all those goals.”

Hales said staff will continue to study the arts tax, and will recommend changes, as directed by City Council in March.

The tax was created last year to support arts programs in public schools, as well as the metro area arts community.

Two law suits have been filed against the arts tax.

Portraits by Former City Staffer on Display

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013 – Natalie Sept, who formerly worked at City Hall as a staff member for Commissioner Nick Fish, is the subject of an art exhibition at The Cleaners, at the Ace Hotel,403 S.W. 10th Ave.

Sept’s works will be unveiled at an opening, from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, June 6. Her works also are on display through May at Radio Room,1101 N.E. Alberta St.

Sept. works today in the Portland office of U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, whose district includes portions of Portland.

Art article by The Oregonian’s Kelly House and Doug Beghtel served as the center package for today’s Living section.

Police Seek Help in Locating Murder Suspect

The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is asking for the public's help in locating a wanted murder suspect.

 
Lonnell Demarcus George, 23, is the subject of a murder warrant in connection with the March 27 homicide of Edward Jewell Paden Jr., 18. The homicide occurred a tNortheast 60th Avenue and Killingsworth Street in the Cully neighborhood.

Full article: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/mayor/article/435908

Multnomah County Releases Budget

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013 – For the first time in a dozen years, Multnomah County likely won’t need to make significant service cuts because of budget shortages, according to a story by The Oregonian’s Dana Tims.

The budget that county board Chairman Jeff Cogen has proposed relies on consolidations and recent wage freezes to avoid cuts that, in recent years, have resulted in layoffs and service reductions. Savings also were realized from Cogen’s order to managers several months ago to submit 1-percent across-the-board cuts to their departments, Tims reporter.

“We’re basically in a position of stability,” Cogen said. “For Multnomah County, that’s the best news we have had in a decade.”

Mayor Charlie Hales unveiled his budget on Tuesday.

PDC Contest Draws 16 Entrepreneurs

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013 – The Portland Development Commission named 16 semifinalists in a competition designed to boost entrepreneurship in the city and promote commerce in the "Produce Row" neighborhood.

Approximately 240 companies applied to participate in the Startup PDX Challenge, according to Oregonian reporter Mike Rogoway. The challenge will award up to six $10,000 grants, plus free rent and professional services for a year.

Grant High Constitution Team Wins Nationals

The Grant High School Constitution Team won the 26th annual national “We the People" competition Monday night, according to reporter Larry Bingham of The Oregonian.

This is the second year in a row a nOregon team has won the contest. Lincoln High won last year.

Grant’s team is coached by David Lickey.

Budget Forums Slated

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013 -- Portland will hold three forums to hear citizens’ input on city spending in May, before the City Council adopts the 2013-14 budget.

Mayor Charlie Hales, city commissioners and city staff will listen to residents’ ideas on potential budget cuts and spending increases.

Those will be:

• Thursday, May 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 1221 S.W. Fourth Ave.

• Saturday, May 18, 3 to 5 p.m., Warner Pacific College, 2219 S.E. 68th Ave.

• Thursday, May 23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Jackson Middle School, 10625 S.W. 35th Ave.

To review budgets requested by city bureaus: www.portlandoregon.gov/cbo/article/437463

State of the City  

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2013 – Mayor Charlie Hales will present the annual State of the City speech at noon Friday at the City Club of Portland.

The Oregonian's Ryan Kost offered a preview.

By tradition,Portland mayors have chosen the City Club as their venue for the annual speech. Hales was elected in November and took office in January, making this his first State of the City.

The City Club’s Friday Forums take place at The Governor Hotel,614 S.W. 11th Ave. They are broadcast live on Oregon Public Broadcasting and also can be heard and watched at the City Club’s website archives, as well as on radio and television. Times and stations are available at the club’s website.

Hail to the Chief

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2013 -- Excellent Profile in The Oregonian this Sunday of Gail Shibley, chief of staff to Mayor Charlie Hales.

The story was written by reporter Ryan Kost, with photographs by Benjamin Brink.

Mayor’s Staff Gets Prepared

MONDAY, APRIL 22 2013 – Members of the staff of Portland Mayor Charlie Hales gathered in their first all-staff retreat last Friday to hammer out some policies and procedures for the remainder of 2013. At right, Policy Director Ed McNamara and Judy Parker, aide to Chief of Staff Gail Shibley, listen to Mayor Hales, foreground. Below: Staffers taking part included, from left, Rachael Wiggins, Tom Peavy, Lauren King, Grace Uwagbae, Cevero Gonzalez, Antoinette Edwards, Chad Stover, Josh Alpert and Matthew Robinson.

Nike Selects Washington County for Expansion

Thursday, April 18, 2013 – Officials at the city of learned today that Nike will not expand its operations to the city’s South Waterfront.

Portland had been in the running for the major project, which promises to create as many as 6,000 new jobs in the coming decades. Instead, that project will happen on property Nike already owns, adjacent to its headquarters in Washington County.

“The city, the Portland Development Commission and Multnomah County presented Nike and its representatives with a comprehensive and compelling proposal,” said Portland Mayor Charlie Hales. “I’m proud of the effort our team put together. And I’m thrilled that the project, and the jobs, are staying in the metropolitan area.”

The city and county had entered a non-disclosure agreement with Nike, in which the development was code-named Project Impact.

In the summer and fall of 2012, consultants from Nike approached PDC about potentially moving into the city. Leaders from Portland, PDC, Multnomah County and Greater Portland Inc. responded jointly. Discussions hovered around an estimated 30 acres on the South Waterfront owned by the Zidell family.

Hales said the Zidell property likely will be developed even without Nike’s involvement.

“The site offers a unique opportunity for Portland to create an urban corporate campus,” Hales said. “It’s a 30-plus-acre site, on the riverfront, connected to a public transportation system and – hey, it’s got a view of Mount Hood! If there’s a better urban site for redevelopment in America: Show me.”

Patrick Quinton, executive director of PDC, said the process has been positive, even if the city did not get the outcome it desired.

“While we are disappointed, we look forward to our continued collaboration with Nike in support of initiatives like Nike+ Accelerator and our joint efforts to present greater Portland as the global hub for the athletic and outdoor industry,” Quinton said.

Hales said Nike’s expansion in the metro area confirms the region’s position as a leader for athletic and outdoor companies. The expansion will benefit the region’s cluster of more than 200 companies and service providers in the athletic and outdoor sector. 

“We would have been pleased to see Nike expand in Portland. But I’m gratified that the expansion of this home-grown company will happen right here at home,” Hales said. “This expansion will have a huge impact on the regional economy.”

Mayor's Office Closed Friday Afternoon

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 -- Mayor Charlie Hales and his staff will take part in a planning retreat from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, April 19, away from City Hall.

The mayor’s office on the third floor will be closed.

Officials Discuss Affordable Care Act

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 – Dr. Bruce Goldberg, director of the Oregon Health Authority, came to Portland City Hall on Thursday to discuss the Affordable Care Act and expansion of Medicaid in Portland and Multnomah County.

Invited participants included Mayor Charlie Hales and City Commissioner Steve Novick, along with representatives from Multnomah County, Health Share of Oregon, Volunteers of America, Central City Concerns, FamilyCare coordinated care organization and DePaul Treatment Centers.

“Expansion of Medicaid means serving many more residents who otherwise couldn’t afford care,” Mayor Hales said. “It was valuable to get an analysis of what the expansion means for the city.”

Topics of discussion included:

• Medicaid coverage for behavioral health services for currently uninsured people.

• Providing services for people involved in the criminal justice system.

• City and county outreach for those who are, or will be, newly eligible for Medicaid.

Currently, Medicaid and the Oregon Health Plan cover children whose households are up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, and only some low-income adults.

The Affordable Care Act – one of the signature achievements of President Obama’s first term in office – allows expansion of all adults ages 19 to 65 with income below 138 percent of the federal poverty level. The act also allows coverage for single people making up to $15,856 per year, and a family of four making up to $32,499 per year.

As of Jan. 1, 2014, the Oregon Health Plan will cover all eligible adults with incomes less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level, as well as children in families with income less than 300 percent of poverty level.

Candidates Line Up to be Transportation Chief

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 – The job of director for the Portland Bureau of Transportation has drawn 44 candidates from throughout the United States.

The former director, Tom Miller, resigned in January. Interim Director Toby Widmer came out of retirement – having spent almost three decades at the bureau – to serve for six months. Meanwhile, Mayor Charlie Hales initiated a nationwide search for a permanent director.

The application deadline has passed. City officials hope to have a director hired in May or June.

The 44 candidates include 10 people living inPortland, and a total of 22 living inOregon. Other candidates hail from close by –Washington,California and Idaho– as well as from across the nation, including North Carolina and Florida.  

Go Thorns!

Ready for the Portland Thorns?

Members of the professional women’s soccer team were at Wednesday’s City Council meeting, and in the office of Commissioner Nick Fish, where the excitement level is pretty high!

Pictured: Superstar forward Christine Sinclair (formerly a University of Portland Pilot); Coach Cindy Parlow Cone; Martha Pellegrino, city director of intergovernmental affairs; and Mary Beth Henry with the city’s Revenue Bureau.

Find out more about the Thorns' inaugural season.

Lane closures on NE Broadway between NE 27th and 33rd

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013 – Sewer inspections and surveying will close traffic lanes on Northeast Broadway Street between  27th and 33rd avenues on Friday, April 12, and for up to three days next week.

One lane in each direction will remain open at all times. Construction hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. All lanes will be open to traffic after construction hours. Motorists should expect delays.

TriMet will relocate bus stops temporarily along eastbound Broadway at 28th and 32nd during the work.

The survey work and sewer inspections are part of the city’s preparations for sewer repairs scheduled next year.

City Club Committee: Yes on fluoride

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013 – A research committee the City Club of Portland has recommended voters approve a fluoridation proposal on the ballot in May, according to April Baer of Oregon Public Broadcasting.

The City Club creates committees regularly to study city and statewide issues going before voters. Committee reports represent independent research by members of the City Club.

Mayor Charlie Hales will appear before City Club on Friday, April 26, to present the annual State of the City address.

Oregon Senate OKs PERS reform

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013 – The Oregon Senate narrowly approved a bill that would cut public worker retirement benefits by nearly half a billion dollars over the next two years with the idea of plowing some of the savings into schools.

The Oregonian’s Harry Esteve reports that the 16-13 vote fell strictly along party lines, with Republicans arguing the proposal doesn’t do nearly enough to reform the Public Employees Retirement System and Democrats calling it a reasonable step that stands a better chance of passing legal muster.

Senate Bill 822 now goes to the House where another highly partisan fight is expected.

Gun violence bill overcomes filibuster in Senate

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013 – The U.S. Senate voted on Thursday to overcome a Republican-led filibuster against tougher gun laws, clearing the way for a major congressional debate on a package of proposals sought by President Barack Obama in the aftermath of the Connecticut school massacre.

According to CNN, the procedural vote followed a breakthrough by Sens. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, and Pat Toomey, R-Pennsylvania, who reached a compromise on broadening background checks to include private purchases at gun shows and on the Internet.

Because of the bipartisan deal, Senate Democrats backing the legislation received support from enough Republicans to approve the cloture motion, 68-31, setting up debate on the proposals and amendments expected to last for two weeks.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, pledged after the key vote to let both sides offer amendments, CNN wrote. But he insisted they include an updated ban on semiautomatic firearms modeled after military assault weapons and a limit on ammunition magazines to 10 rounds.

First Ladies

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 2013 – Oregon first lady Cylvia Hayes, right, and Portland first lady Nancy Hales met today at Nel Centro restaurant in downtown Portland to discuss their respective roles. (Photo by Rachael Wiggins)

Goal!

WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2013 – Members of the Portland Thorns Football Club, the city’s professional women’s soccer team, dropped by City Hall on Wednesday to let the elected officials show their support

http://www.portlandoregon.gov/mayor/article/443354

Former Speaker of Oregon House, Lynn Lundquist, dies

TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013 – Former Oregon House Speaker Lynn Lundquist died Tuesday at his home in Powell Butte. He was 78.

Oregonian Columnist Jeff Mapes reports that Lundquist was first elected to the Oregon House in 1994 and was named speaker in 1997.

Gov. John Kitzhaber released the following statement:
"Lynn Lundquist was a friend and valued colleague who dedicated his career to making Oregon a stronger and better place. As an elected official, he worked to develop the Quality Education model, and after leaving office led the Oregon Business Association. Lynn was a passionate advocate who brought common sense and dignity to the Capitol and represented Central Oregon with pride. His contributions to Oregon will live on in many ways, and he will be missed."

Bureau of Development Services Takes Action In Response to Citizen Complaint

MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2013 -- The Bureau of Development Services (BDS) received a complainton Nov. 30, 2012,  concerning BDS employees taking long breaks at a restaurant. BDS took immediate action to investigate the complaint and corrective actions are under way at this time. The details of the complaint, investigation and corrective actions are confidential.

“The reason this is coming to light now is because the Bureau of Development Services undertook the investigation, interviewed the employees, and is taking appropriate action,” said Paul Scarlett, Director of the Bureau of Development Services.

The Bureau of Development Services has clear and established rules and expectations that are communicated periodically to its employees about the use of City resources and time. Since receiving this complaint, BDS has reiterated these rules and expectations both in writing and verbally. The bureau continues to explore improved management tools to ensure compliance with work rules.

BDS takes this issue very seriously and does not condone any employee’s misuse of City time or resources, Scarlett said.

“The city has policies and bureau-specific work rules regarding use of work time and city resources," Mayor Charlie Hales said. "These are routinely communicated to employees. In this particular matter the bureau did exactly what it is supposed to--it conducted a prompt investigation into allegations of misuse and is taking appropriate steps to remedy this situation. While I can not discuss employee discipline matters, I support the actions taken by the bureau.”

Mayor, Police Chief Testify on Gun Violence Bills

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 – The Oregonian’s Jeff Mapes reported on today’s lengthy hearing at the State Capitol in Salem, regarding bills designed to address illegal gun violence.

Among those testifying on behalf of the bills were Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, Portland Police Chief Mike Reese, and Gov. John Kitzhaber.

“Measures like the ones before you today will make it harder for certain Oregonians to get their hands on guns,” Hales told the Senate Judiciary Committee. “And almost all Oregonians, including gun owners, agree that some people shouldn’t have access to guns.”

'Routine' Traffic Stop Isn't Routine At All

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013 --The Oregonian's Tom Hallman on a Wednesday-evening traffic stop by Portland Police, which ended badly for the suspect:

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2013/04/routine_traffic_stop_in_downto.html#incart_river_default

Paving closes lanes on North Vancouver Way

WEDNESDAY, April 3, 2013 – City street improvements will require lane closures on North Vancouver Way between North Marine Drive and Third Drive from Friday, April 5, through Thursday, April 18.

The lane closures likely will occur from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, according to the Portland Bureau of Transportation. The public is advised to expect delays, to travel cautiously, to observe all lane closures and directions by flaggers, and to use alternate routes if possible.

One traffic lane will remain open at all times. The lane closures are necessary to grind down the existing pavement and to repave 3.5 lane miles of the street.

Local access to residences and businesses will be provided. This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule may change.

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/vaAei

Southeast 136th Safety Project Launched

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2013 – A city of Portland project to create sidewalks on Southeast 136th Avenue between Powell and Holgate boulevards will get under way this fall.

See full story: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/mayor/article/442472

Public Health Week

TUESDAY, April 3, 2013 – Drop by City Hall, 1221 S.W. Fourth   Ave., on Thursday to celebrate Public Health and Wellness Day.

Commissioner Steve Novick, the Urban League of Portland, the American Diabetes Association and the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation invite you to celebrate National Public Health Week by receiving a free, preventative health screening and information on health and wellness community resources.

The event will be in the City Hall courtyard from noon to 1:30 p.m.

'From Tragedy to Advocacy'

MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2013 -- Strong story in the Oregonian from columnist-turned-reporter Jeff Mapes on the daughtger and husband of a woman killed in the Clackamas Town Center shooting last December. They have taken their tragedy and turned it into activism.

Police Produce Report on Officer-Involved Shooting

MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013 -- The Portland Police Bureau is releasing all the investigative reports associated with the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Feb. 17, 2013, involving Merle Mikal Hatch, following the conclusion of the recent grand jury on this case.

The files can be found at:

https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/61944

As with all officer-involved shootings, the review will continue through the Bureau's Use of Force Review Board, which reviews policies and training in regard to this shooting.

Project on hold at 37th and Division

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013 – The mayor has instructed the director of the Portland Bureau of Development Services to suspend further review of the permit revision for an apartment project at 37th and Division.

“The city strives for fairness and doesn’t always get it on the first shot,” Mayor Charlie Hales said Thursday. “That’s why I’m taking this action.”

The city issued a stop-work order on Feb. 25.

Hales has pushed the Planning Commission to expedite a recommendation to the City Council regarding on-site parking for new, multi-family developments.  The council will hear the commission’s policy recommendations at the Thursday, April 4, Portland City Council meeting.

Construction on the 37th and Division development has not resumed, and won’t be allowed until a new permit is approved. The developer can apply for a new permit no earlier than April 11.

Several neighbors in the vicinity had complained that they did not have an opportunity to speak out on a revised permit.

“The city did a disservice by not providing clear answers to the neighbors over the last month,” Hales said. “The neighbors acted in good faith.”

Senate Sends Tuition Equity Bill to Governor’s Desk

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013 – Legislation that will provide equity in tuition costs for Oregon high school graduates, regardless of their citizenship status, is on its way to the governor’s desk.

The Oregon Senate voted 19-11 Thursday in favor of House Bill 2787. The measure would allow graduates of Oregon High Schools who were brought to the United States illegally by their parents to pay the same in-state tuition rates paid by classmates who are legal residents of Oregon and the United States.

Mayor Charlie Hales applauds the move, noting that a Portland lawmaker, Rep. Michael Dembrow, was instrumental in advocating for the bill.

“So many children were brought to Oregon – often in families facing poverty and with English either not spoken, or as a second language – and then they go on to high achievement in high school,” Mayor Hales said. “Of course we must reward such students with in-state tuition. It’s the just and right thing to do.”

Currently in Oregon, undocumented students are forced to pay much higher out-of-state tuition rates, putting a college education out of their reach. If signed by the governor, HB 2787 will change that beginning with the next academic year.

“Tuition equity is critical to our goal of making higher education affordable and accessible to every high school graduate in this state,” said Dembrow, whose House District 45 includes portions of North Portland. “The passage of HB 2787 is a tremendous moment, a true beacon of hope for young Oregonians throughout the state."

This year marks a decade since tuition equity was first introduced in the Oregon Legislature.

Terrorism Task Force Report Goes to Council

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013 – The Joint Terrorism Task Force Report has been compiled and will go before the Portland City Council at 9:30 a.m. on March 27.

The report is designed to report on this year’s cooperation between the Portland Police Bureau and the FBI on the task force.

Preparing for Earthquakes

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013 -- The Portland bureaus of Emergency Management and the Development Services will play host to a free seismic-strengthening presentation at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21. The event is part of Earthquake Awareness Month and is set for the Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 S.W. Capitol Highway. Parking is available in the parking lot and on-street.

Area residents are invited to learn the basic, affordable steps involved in reducing the likelihood of earthquake damage to their homes.

Development Services Inspections Manager Jim Nicks will provide an overview of the permitting and construction processes required for seismic home-improvement projects, including a show-and-tell explanation of needed materials.

Emergency Management Director Carmen Merlo will share her own recent experience bracing her century-old house against earthquakes. She also will share tips for securing everyday household items.

Volunteers from Portland’s Neighborhood Emergency Team program also will be on hand to share information about community training and preparedness.

Mayor, bureaus speak out on traffic fatalities

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013 – The number of people dying in traffic crashes on Portland streets this year is unacceptable, according to Mayor Charlie Hales. In office for less than 80 days, the new mayor was alarmed that there have already been 11 traffic fatalities with five of those 11 involving driving under the influence.

“Every person who dies in a crash represents a family and community tragedy. So far in 2013, we’re averaging about one death a week. That’s unacceptable,” Hales said. “Leadership at the Transportation Bureau, Portland Police Bureau and I are alarmed that five people have lost their lives this year related to driving under the influence. Drive sober to save lives. Doing otherwise is illegal and reckless.”

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, citing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every day another 27 people die as a result of drunken driving crashes.

The Transportation and Police bureaus plan a crosswalk enforcement action for today, March 19, to raise awareness of pedestrian safety and traffic law.

The enforcement action will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the marked crossing ofSoutheast Powell Boulevardat28th Place.

A crosswalk enforcement action includes a pedestrian decoy positioned at marked or unmarked crosswalks. Drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk and pedestrians who jaywalk may be issued a warning or citation by the Portland Police Bureau.

Lt. Chris Davis of the Portland Police Traffic Division, also reflected on the 2011 fatalities. “As we travel, the choices we make can significantly reduce the chances that tragedy will strike. None of us leave the house planning to be involved in a traffic crash. But, we all can slow down, stay sober and follow the rules of the road. Our officers have been way too busy this year and the Portland Police Traffic Division is asking all Portlanders to recommit to travel safely no matter if you are walking, bicycle riding or driving.”

“The Transportation Bureau is working diligently to make streets safer for everyone and raising awareness that drunk and distracted driving is a killer. We’re fortunate to have the men and women of the Portland Police Bureau and Mayor Hales committed to traffic safety as well,” Transportation Director John Widmer said.

In addition to talking about traffic fatalities, the Transportation and Police bureaus held three community meetings in the last month to get input on improving traffic safety. Meetings were held to make Northeast Sandy Boulevard, Burnside Street on both sides of the river and Northeast Glisan Street safer places for people to walk, bike, use transit and drive.

An additional meeting is scheduled for April 8 with the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association, the location of another pedestrian fatality in 2013.

Burnside and Sandy are two of the 10 streets the bureau calls “High Crash Corridors.”Glisan Streetwas the location of the first pedestrian fatality of 2013. The High Crash Corridor program’s goal is to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and injuries where they are most prevalent.

Findings from the “Metro State of Safety Report” issued in April 2012 focused on major streets and high numbers of crashes. The report said arterial roadways comprise 59 percent of the region’s serious crashes, 67 percent of the serious pedestrian crashes and 52 percent of the serious bike crashes, while accounting for 40 percent of vehicle miles travel. That is why the City focuses safety funding toward these corridors through education, enforcement and engineering activities.

The report also said alcohol or drugs were a factor in 57 percent of fatal crashes. More information about the report is online at http://news.oregonmetro.gov/1/post.cfm/crashes-cost-more-than-congestion.

The Portland Police Bureau partnered with transportation on these efforts, particularly through enforcement actions designed to educate drivers and pedestrians of crosswalk laws and cite those who break them. On January 23, police cited 12 people and warned two others for traffic safety violations at a crosswalk onNortheast Sandy BoulevardatNortheast 85th Avenue. And on February 26, police issued 27 citations in 90 minutes on at a crosswalk onWest Burnside StreetatNorthwest 21st Place.

Arts Tax Fix

MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2013 – The Arts Tax, as approved by voters in November 2012, contains a significant flaw, and the Portland City Council will take action this month to address the issue.

As written, any Portland resident with any income – living in a household above the poverty line – has to pay the $35 annual arts tax. So in a household that is above the poverty line, a teenager who made $10 last year dog-sitting is expected to pay $35 of that $10 to the arts tax.

“No one crafting this tax intended this to be the rule,” Mayor Charlie Hales said Monday. “This is just silly. And we need to move right now to address the Law of Unintended Consequences.”

To fix that problem, Council will debate an emergency ordinance at the March 27 City Council meeting. The rule change would create an income threshold or $1,000, beneath which income is not taxed.

The change would be effective immediately and would affect Portland residents paying this year’s arts tax.

For those who already have paid, but whose annual income is less than $1,000, a refund will be required. City Revenue staff is aware of the situation and will work to address those who fall into this category.

There may be other issues of fairness in the arts tax to be considered at a later date.

Shamrock Run

Founded in 1979, the Adidas-sponsored run is the largest running and walking event in Portland. This year's event drew an estimated 35,000 participants. 
 

Youth Summit

Mayor Hales and his wife, Nancy Hales, started the weekend at Multnomah County's second-annual Rob Ingram Youth Summit Against Violence.  

Farmers Market Open for Business

SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2013 -- Mayor Charlie Hales on Saturday rang in the start of the Farmers Market in the South Park Blocks, amid the Portland State University Campus.

The market is open each Saturday now through Dec. 21 between Southwest Hall and Montgomery.

Mayor Learning About ‘City That Works’

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013 – Mayor Charlie Hales has taken part in “ride-alongs” withPortland police and firefighters. And now he’s toured street maintenance projects around the city.

“This is important,” Hales said Friday after meeting up with three crews from the Portland Bureau of Transportation, at Northeast Hancock Street, Northeast Cesar Chảvez Boulevard, and Southwest Barbur Boulevard. “We’re right in the middle of writing budgets for every bureau of the city. Knowing how our workers get the job done helps inform those decisions.”

Peter Wojcicki, Street Systems Division Manager, said crews spread out throughout the city most days, weather permitting, to address minor and major problems. Crews also coordinate with police, Water Bureau, and other divisions inside and outside the city, to make sure the timing for projects is right.

Portland has approximately 5,000 lane miles of streets, making it the city’s single largest physical asset. An analysis by the City Auditor’s office last month said the city has significantly underfunded street maintenance in recent years.

"This has to be a priority, taking care of our streets," Hales said. It's like taking care of the roof of your house. It costs a lot less if you stay on top of the maintenance projects, and not let your assets deteriorate."

The City Council is struggling to address a $25 million shortfall in the 2013-14 budget.

Other members of the Portland City Council often participate in ride-alongs with city employees as well. Mayor Hales has encouraged his own staff to participate in future opportunities.

Police handle three major cases in one week

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013 – Portland Police conducted an array of unusual investigations this week: Arrests connected to a homicide investigation on Southwest Dolph Court; an alleged car-jacking; and the arrest of a man accused of drugging and raping several victims.

https://www.portlandoregon.gov/mayor/article/435908

City Council approves paid sick leave 5-0

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013 – The Portland City Council today approved a new sick-leave mandate for employers doing business in the city. The vote was unanimous.

Beginning next year, employers in Portland won’t be able to fire employees for taking a day off with an illness, or staying home with a sick child. Most employees will receive a week's paid sick leave at minimum.

A City Council subcommittee, consisting of Commissioners Amanda Fritz and Dan Saltzman, came together this year to craft the ordinance.

“The leadership of Commissioners Fritz and Saltzman were essential in making this happen,” Mayor Charlie Hales said today. “I think it’s the right move for Portland’s work force and the business community. Now we’d like to see the state of Oregon follow suit.”

The year-long delay in the provision is intended to put pressure on state legislators to enact the rule state wide.

Companies, nonprofits and governmental employers with five or fewer employees won’t have to provide paid time off, but no longer could fire workers who phone in ill. Those with six or more employees must offer at least five days’ paid sick leave to full-time workers, though other paid time off benefits may suffice.

It is estimated that 40 percent of private sector employees in Portland do not now have sick leave.

Blasting Begins for Sellwood Bridge Project

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2013 – Night-time blasting is scheduled Wednesday and Thursday as part of the Sellwood Bridge construction project, according to officials at Multnomah County.

The contractor is excavating the hill on the west side of Highway 43, to the north and south of the bridge. Blasting is needed to fracture underground rock into smaller pieces that can be excavated during the work day.

The bridge project will construct a Highway 43 interchange at the new bridge that will be wider than the existing interchange. The west-side hill will be excavated over the next few months and retaining walls will be built to hold back the slope. By 2014, traffic lanes will shift to the west and the contractor will begin rebuilding the east side of the interchange.

The contractor expects rock blasting will be needed for as many as four weeks this spring. Typically, blasting would happen on two or three weeknights per week. On a blasting night, two or three blasts typically would be detonated. The first blast would happen close to 9 p.m. and the later blasts likely between midnight and 3 a.m. 

Highway and bridge traffic will be held for five to 20 minutes for each blast to keep the public out of the area. The outside southbound lane of Highway 43 will be closed near the bridge from as early as 7 p.m. to as late as 5 a.m. on blast nights. Travelers can avoid delays by using alternate routes.

Blasting is scheduled at night to minimize impacts to traffic. Blasts happen late at night due to procedures the contractor must follow for documenting the first blast and setting explosive charges before each blast.

Five minutes and one minute before each blast, a warning siren will sound. The siren likely will be louder than the blast itself, which happens deep underground.

For more information, visit www.sellwoodbridge.org/blasting.

 Marathon planting restores Mount Tabor Park native plants

Over three days this winter, Portland’s Watershed Revegetation team and contract employees planted more than 17,000 native trees and shrubs inMountTaborPark.

The revegetation work on Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 covered more than 32 acres of the southeast Portland park’s natural areas. The planting was part of the Mount Tabor Invasive Plant Control and Revegetation Project. It was the project’s largest single planting effort since park restoration began in fall 2010.

Mount Tabor Park was in danger of being overrun by invasive, non-native vegetation including English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, English hawthorn and sweet cherry. So Environmental Services, Portland Parks & Recreation and the Portland Water Bureau joined the Friends of Mount Tabor Park Weed Warriors fought back.

Invasive plants spread rapidly, out-compete native species, and damage habitat for birds and other wildlife. Removing invasive species and restoring native vegetation improves habitat, reduces stormwater runoff and reduces park maintenance costs.

In the last three years, the city and its partners have removed invasive plants on 61 acres and planted 23,150 native plants on 44 acres. The Friends of Mount Tabor Park Weed Warriors have hand-pulled invasive species from six acres and planted more than 1,700 native plants on two acres.

The Weed Warriors welcome volunteers and post volunteer opportunities at www.taborfriends.org.

The East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District and the Audubon Society of Portland also work with the city on the project.

Mount Tabor Parkis an urban refuge for many species of resident and migratory birds. Audubon and the city conduct annual spring breeding bird surveys and winter bird surveys in the park to gauge over time how the project affects bird populations.

Environmental Services crews will continue removing invasive plants and restoring native vegetation through June 2017. Then Portland Parks & Recreation will take over maintenance of park natural areas and the new, healthy communities of native plants.

The restoration work in Mount Tabor Park is part of Portland’s Tabor to the River Program. The project enhances natural area stormwater management just as Tabor to the River green streets do in urban areas. More information about the Mount Tabor Park Invasive Plant Control and Revegetation Project is available at www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/mttabor.

Project Leads to Cesar Chavez Traffic Woes

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2013 – Northeast Cesar Chavez Boulevard will see lane closures starting Thursday and continuing through the weekend.

The City of Portland Bureau of Transportation advises that street improvements will require a lane closure on Cesar Chavez between Northeast Senate and Wasco Streets from Thursday, March 14, through Monday, March 18, all hours and all days. The public is advised to expect delays, travel cautiously, observe all lane closures and directions by flaggers, and use alternate routes if possible.

The southbound right lane, or curb lane, will be closed for this project with the southbound left lane open. Northbound traffic will be unaffected. The lane closure is necessary to remove and replace both the base and the surface layers of an isolated section of the road to stabilize the foundation of the road and prevent potholes and other surface distress.

Local access to residences and businesses will be provided.

This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule may change.

Investigation continues on Dolph Court homicide

MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2013 – Homicide detectives are continuing to investigate the death of a Southwest Portland man, discovered on Saturday morning.  The victim has been identified as Charles Anthony Weber, 25, who resided at 2205 S.W. Dolph Court.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner performed an autopsy Sunday and found that Weber died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Detectives want to hear from anyone with information about this incident. People with information can contact Detective Kristina Coffey at (503) 823-0696 or Kristina.Coffey@PortlandOregon.gov.

In the initial report,Portland police said officers assigned to Central Precinct responded at 1:06 a.m., Saturday March 9, to a residence in the 2200 block of Southwest Dolph Courton the report of a disturbance and assault. Officers arrived and attempted to contact people inside the residence in question. When officers went inside, they found Weber deceased.

Oaks Bottom Bluff Opens

Sick Leave Goes To Vote

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013 -- The issue of protected sick leave goes before the Portland City Council at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 13.

The City Council will vote to authorize changes to the city code to require protected sick time for employees of businesses working in the city of Portland and who enter into a contract with Oregon State Bureau of Labor and Industries for enforcement. This item is on the council’s regular agenda for the Wednesday morning council meeting. 

Mayor appears on ‘Your Voice Your Vote’

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 –Mayor Charlie Hales will appear on the political news show “Your Voice Your Vote” at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 10, on KATU, the ABC affiliate at Channel 2.

Topics for the half-hour show include the city’s budget-crafting process, an FBI arrest of a Portland city employee on terrorism-related charges; and efforts to lure more businesses into Portland.

Host Steve Dunn conducted the interview. Other recent guests on the show included Congressman Kurt Schrader and City Commissioner Amanda Fritz.

City Employee Arrested, Allegedly Linked to Terrorist Attack

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013 – FBI agents today arrested a man on suspicion of assisting in a deadly 2009 bombing in Lahore, Pakistan. The man arrested, Reaz Qadir Khan, is an employee of the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services.

Khan, 48, was charged in federal court on Tuesday with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists. He has pleaded not guilty. He is scheduled to appear again in court Wednesday afternoon for a custody hearing.

Mayor Charlie Hales was made aware of Khan’s employment earlier today. He has no public statement on the man’s work for the city.

“The deplorable act of triggering a bomb at a federal building inLahoreresulted in approximately 30 deaths and 300 injuries,” Hales said. “However, we should all remember that the charges contained in Mr. Khan’s indictment are allegations only, and that Mr. Khan is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

The charge stems from a May 2009 bombing of the headquarters of the Pakistani intelligence service – the Inter-Services Intelligence Agency – in Lahore.

“This week’s arrest brings home the reality that worldwide headlines can resonate right here in Portland,” Hales said.

Student Leaders Give Back to Green Spaces

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013 – Eighteen local high school students have found the up side to grunt-work.

GRUNT – or Greenspaces Restoration & Urban Naturalist Team – is a program that provides volunteer naturalist and leadership training for high school students. Participants volunteer their Saturdays between February and June to learn about environmental science, restoration and job skills in Portland’s parks and natural areas.

This Saturday, Mayor Charlie Hales and his wife, Nancy Hales, stopped by during their bike journey through Oaks Bottom Park.

This year’s cohort of 18 students were recruited from Jefferson, Roosevelt, Centennial, David Douglas and Madison high schools, as well as the Student & Family Refugee Network, the Office of Youth Violence Prevention and Human Solutions.

After graduating from the program, participantshave access to long-term mentoring and opportunities for employment and enrichment.

Secretaries of state visit City Hall

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013 – Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown was at Portland City Hall today to hand out awards from the National Association of Secretaries of State. Joining her was Ross Miller, who serves as secretary of state for Nevada and president of the national association.

Brown will be association president next year.

Brown formerly served portions of Portland in the Oregon Senate.

Police Continue Investigation of Monday Night Shooting

--UPDATE, 8:48 a.m. Wednesday--

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013 – The Portland Police officers involved in a fatal shooting Monday night have been identified as Officer Brad Kula, a 10-year-veteran, and Officer Michele Boer, a four-year-veteran.

Santiago A. Cisneros III, 32, fired a shotgun at the officers, who returned fire. Cisneros was hit and was transported to a Portland hospital where he died.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on Cisneros Tuesday. Details of the autopsy have not been released.

Anyone with information about this shooting or about Santiago Cisneros is asked to contact Detectives Rico Beniga at (503) 823-0457 or Molly Daul at (503) 823-0991.

Members of the mayor’s staff were on scene Monday night during the post-shooting investigation. Mayor Charlie Hales and members of his staff were briefed Tuesday morning by police officials.

Mayor Hales did not release a statement Tuesday regarding the shooting or ongoing investigation, other than to express relief that the officers involved were not injured.

A preliminary investigation suggests that, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Officers Kula and Boer, in separate cars, drove up onto the top level of a parking garage located at Seventh and Lloyd. The officers were immediately confronted by Cisneros, who was armed with a shotgun. Within seconds, shots were fired.

Cisneros fired multiple shots from his shotgun. Both officers returned fire, striking him and knocking him to the ground.

Neither officer was hit by gunfire during the shooting.

More officers and a sergeant arrived and developed a plan to safely approach the suspect and get him medical attention. Officers grabbed a shield to approach Cisneros, who was lying on the ground, still moving, next to his shotgun. Officers approached him and placed him into custody. Medical personnel immediately responded and transported him to a Portland hospital, where he died.

Officers Kula and Boer are assigned to North Precinct afternoon shift. Their interviews are scheduled for Thursday. Per policy, both officers will remain on paid administrative leave until the completion of the grand jury, which has not yet been scheduled by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

Representatives from the chief’s office, mayor’s office, Training Division, Internal Affairs Division, Office of Independent Police Review, Traumatic Incident Committee and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office all responded to the scene, as is standard protocol in any officer-involved shooting investigation and have been briefed on the investigation.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

U.S. Marshal's Service, Police make arrest near airport

Updates will be provided as they become available.

Legislature's Budget-Writers Craft Plan for Schools

Monday, March 4, 2013 – The chief budget writers of the Oregon Legislature today released their proposal for funding public schools over the next two years. And the news is positive.

The co-chairmen of the budget-writing Ways & Means Committee proposed spending $6.75 billion for aid to schools in the next two years. That is $1 billion above the 2011-13 budget and more than the $6.4 billion proposed by Gov. John Kitzhaber.

The Oregon Legislature crafts its budget on two-year cycles, unlike many other states. Ways & Means is the budget-writing forum for the Legislature, and consists of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. This year’s co-chairmen are Sen. Richard Devlin of Tualatin and Rep. Peter Buckley ofAshland.

Every two years, the governor proposes a budget; the Ways & Means Committee offers a compromise budget; and the full Legislature debates the merits of each. The coming budget must be ready when the 2013-15 biennium begins on July 1.

“This is a great step in the right direction,” said Portland Mayor Charlie Hales. “For too long, we have allowed Oregon’s public K-12 schools to fade. The results: increased class sizes; the elimination of arts, music and shop classes; the loss of librarians and counselors; long delays to replace aging textbooks and roofs. The co-chairs are saying: Enough.”

As one of his first acts as mayor, Hales created a group known as Mayors for Oregon School Kids. The mayors are seeking responsible and predictable funding for Oregon’s public K-12 schools. Mayors on the committee represent small towns and cities; Eastern, Central, Southern and WesternOregon; the coast; rural, suburban and urban communities; and all political parties.

“We all know we cannot afford for our schools to lose any more teachers or school days,” Sen. Devlin said.

The framework unveiled by Devlin and Rep. Buckley will be the starting point for lawmakers, who must fit spending on school aid and agencies within the plan.

Child dies in traffic crash

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013 – The child killed in the Feb. 28 traffic crash has been identified as 5-year-old Morgan Cook.

The driver has been identified as 68-year-old Huong Dang Bacon.

Investigators learned that Morgan was crossing from the east side of136th Avenueto her home on the southwest corner ofSoutheast 136th Avenue and Harold Street when she was struck by the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara driven by Huong Dang Bacon.

No citations have been issued. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Investigators believe she was traveling at or below the speed limit. She was not impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Mayor Hales was called out to the scene of the incident. On Friday, he released the following statement:

“My heart goes out to the family of Morgan. As a parent, I can find no words that are sufficient to describe this horrible occurrence.

“My thoughts also are with the Portland Police officers who responded last night. Each of them has family, too, and each is affected by such tragedies in different ways.

“Safety throughout the city has to be our first priority.  I have been at work fewer than 60 days, and so far the city ofPortlandhas experienced eight automobile-related fatalities, four of which were pedestrian deaths.

“There has been a lot of talk of late about paving streets, and about sidewalks and crosswalks throughout our city. There has been a lot of talk about the backlog of projects, and about how to pay for these core responsibilities. As always, public safety has to be our North Star, guiding all of our decisions in every part of the city.

“We will work through these decisions together, as involved citizens, as elected officials, as city employees, as residents ofPortland, and as people who are holding our families a little bit tighter today.”

Governor, Mayor discuss issues 

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013 -- Gov. John Kitzhaber came to Portland City Hall on Friday to meet with Mayor Charlie Hales.

Kitzhaber is in an historic third term as Oregon  governor, having served for two four-year terms, then stepping down for eight years. Similarly, Hales served on the Portland City Council for 10 years then left city government for 10 years, before seeking election last year as mayor.

Topics for the brief morning gathering included education, transportation, public safety and mental health.

Mayors focus on schools

THURSDAY, FEB. 28, 2013 – Mayors from throughout Oregon are coming together this week to discuss a shared concern for adequate state support for local public schools.

Portland Mayor Charlie Hales hosted a conference call Thursday to get the process rolling by launching a new group, Mayors For Oregon’s School Kids.

Hales and other Oregon mayors also have engaged the Legislature in discussions regarding sufficient and predictable funding for schools.

Hales – who was sworn into office in January – made the issue one of his three priorities for this year.

“I, for one, am tired of our schools being held together by bake sales and short-term financial Band-Aids,” Hales said. “Instead, our State Legislature needs to fund schools first, and fund them adequately, whether the school is in Pendleton, Coos Bay, Portland or Medford. The value of providing a first-class education to our students pays dividends in every city and town in Oregon.”

In years past, the city of Portland has earmarked millions of dollars to public schools. But this year's shortfall will make that impossible. Other cities and school districts face similar crises. 

Beyond Portland, mayors participating in the discussion range from smaller communities such as Junction City and Cave Junction, up to large cities such as Hillsboro and Beaverton.

Information released by teachers, administrators and school board members have pointed to proposed budgets that would disenfranchise public schools even further. The numbers cited at the Capitol in Salem include:

$6.15 billion - Crisis budget

• Loss of teachers
• Increased class sizes
• Cutting more school days
• Elimination of many extra-curricular activities

$6.55 billion – More of the same

• Loss of teachers
• Increased class sizes
• Cutting more school days

$6.75 billion – Stability

• Some districts can restore some school days
• Status quo for class sizes
• Status quo for programs

“This is not an urban, suburban, or rural issue,” Hales said. “It’s an Oregon issue. I believe that there is power in mayors coming together with a unified front.”

--end--

Open house promotes Foster-Lents area

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27, 2013 -- The Foster Lents Integration Partnership, the Foster Green EcoDistrict, and the Foster-Powell Neighborhood Association will host a public open house from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the historic Wikman-Arleta Building, 4420 S.E. 64th Ave. The program begins at 6:30 p.m.

The purpose of the event is to continue a conversation with the community around reviving the Foster Road corridor.

The partnership is a collaboration among public agencies, community groups and non-profit partners to improve economic, environmental, and social conditions in the Lents, Foster-Powell, Mount Scott-Arleta, and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhoods. The partnership will develop the Foster Corridor Investment Strategy, an action plan to improve the neighborhoods and commercial areas along Foster Road from Southeast 50th Avenue to Southeast 122nd Avenue.

This is the third and final open house for a project that began last April to develop a collaborative investment strategy for a key commercial corridor in East Portland. Open house attendees will have the opportunity to comment on proposed strategies along Foster and specific projects to revitalize the corridor.

With the assistance of a $250,000 grant from Metro and matching funds from the Portland Development Commission and the Bureau of Environmental Services, the partnership will finalize the investment strategy by June 2013. The overall strategy will align city resources for the greatest impact to create job opportunities, spur private investment, and empower community-based organizations to participate in the implementation.

To register, visit http://flipopenhouse3.eventbrite.com/. For more information, visit www.pdc.us/flip.

--end--

Police, U.S. Marshals arrest suspect at airport hotel

--UPDATED--

THURSDAY, FEB. 28, 2013 – The Portland Police Special Emergency Reaction Team, or SERT, responded in the early hours Thursday to the Travelodge Portland Airport hotel, 3848 N.W. 82nd Ave., on the report of a possibly armed man refusing to leave a motel room.

Portland Police officers assigned to East Precinct assisted the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force with locating a wanted subject, 34-year-old James David Tautfest at the Travelodge Motel.

Tautfest was wanted out of Washington State for identity theft, forgery, theft and possession of a control substance. The Fugitive Task Force had information Tautfest was staying at the Travelodge with his 15-year-old runaway sister.

U.S. Marshals entered the Travelodge while Portland Police officers established a perimeter around the hotel. Tautfest barricaded himself inside the apartment with his sister and claimed to be armed.

The Portland Police Special Emergency Reaction Team was activated along with the Crisis Negotiation Team and the hotel was evacuated.

Shortly after SERT and negotiators arrived at the scene, Tautfest released his sister but refused to come out.

During the standoff, Tautfest, who police say was high on methamphetamine, kicked a hole in the hotel wall, entered an adjacent attic, crashed through the floor and entered the weight room below. He then climbed back through the floor and crawled back into the room.

Negotiators made a phone call into the room and spoke to Tautfest for approximately two hours. Negotiations with Tautfest stalled so SERT deployed tear gas into the hotel room.

Tautfest eventually gave up and was taken into custody without incident. The hotel room was thoroughly searched but no firearm was found.

Tautfest was transported to the Multnomah County Jail and lodged on his warrants.

--end--

Details released on Sunday shooting

THURSDAY, FEB. 21, 2013 -- Further details have been released regarding the death of Merle Mikal Hatch, who charged officers a tPortland Adventist Medical Center on Sunday. Hatch was shot and killed.

Investigators recovered a black piece of plastic near Hatch’s body. The piece of plastic is approximately eight inches long and two inches wide. Detectives believe that the suspect used this piece of plastic to simulate a handgun when he encountered hospital security at two different times and, later, Portland Police officers.

Detectives believe that Hatch stole a telephone receiver from the hospital and broke it in half to simulate a handgun. Investigators have not recovered a handgun and, at this time, do not believe that the suspect ever possessed a handgun during this encounter.

An area resident who had his window open heard some noise outside and captured video of the suspect prior to the shooting, including the suspect's actions leading up to and including the shooting.

This video, which mainly features audio of the subject, can be viewed at http://youtu.be/knFmNQawGMI Please note that its audio is graphic.

                                               Additionally, detectives released the audio recording of the dispatched call and subsequent radio traffic leading up to and including the officer-involved shooting. This audio can be heard at http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/audio/PP13-54134_a.mp3

During the incident, officers responded to the parking lot where the suspect was located. Hatch continued to challenge the officers and refuse commands. Officers kept their distance while waiting for additional resources. Hatch charged at the officers, running 65 yards toward them. When he was 14 yards away and had refused orders to stop, officers opened fire.

Bank Robbery

Later this week, detectives determined that Hatch had been involved in a bank robbery at 2:41 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the Albina Community Bank,5636 N.E. Sandy Blvd.The suspect (later identified as Merle Hatch) used a demand note to obtain an undisclosed amount of money from the bank. Surveillance photos from this robbery also were released Wednesday.

At the time of his death, Hatch was a federal fugitive being sought by the U.S. Marshal's Office on another charge of bank robbery. Investigators have learned that Hatch was a career criminal with arrests inCalifornia,ArizonaandColoradoon a variety of charges including burglary, bank robbery, theft and homicide.

The investigation

Because of the ongoing investigation, police are not releasing additional details at this time. This remains an ongoing officer-involved shooting investigation and the Portland Police Bureau is committed to releasing as much information as possible in a timely manner.

According to a release from the Police Bureau: “Police did not release specific information about the recovery of the piece of plastic or the lack of recovery of a gun earlier than today, because it could have affected the integrity of witness interviews. Generally, evidence like this can't be shared until after detectives have an opportunity to conduct most, if not all, interviews. Though the Bureau's goal is to be completely transparent in regard to officer-involved shootings, the Bureau's first priority is to complete a thorough investigation to be presented to the District Attorney's Office.”

At the completion of the investigation, the case file will be given to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office for presentation to a grand jury. The three involved bureau members will remain on standard paid administrative leave until the completion of the grand jury.

Following the grand jury, the bureau will release additional information, as is standard practice. Additionally, as part of the use of force review process, the bureau will conduct an internal review of the entire incident and the case will go before the Bureau's Use of Force Review Board.

Wednesday Press Conference

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20, 2013 – The Portland Police Bureau has scheduled a news conference for 5:30 p.m. today to release updates on Sunday’s officer-involved shooting atPortlandAdventistMedicalCenter.

The news conference will be held in the conference room outside the Chief's Office on the 15th floor of theJusticeCenter. This is a small room so media are asked to plan accordingly.

The news conference is expected to last no more than 30 minutes and will include an audio and a video presentation.

Links and photographs being shared at the news conference will be released to the public at 5:30 p.m.

Expected to speak at the news conference are Mayor Charlie Hales, Chief Mike Reese and other Portland Police Bureau personnel.

Suspect identified

TUESDAY, FEB. 19, 2013 -- The suspect killed in Sunday night's officer-involved shooting has been identified as 50-year-old Merle Mikal Hatch.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy Tuesday morning and determined that Hatch died after receiving multiple gunshot wounds.

Portland Police investigators have learned that, at the time of his death, Hatch was a federal fugitive being sought by the U.S. Marshal's Office on an original charge of bank robbery. Investigators have learned that Hatch was a career criminal with arrests inCalifornia,ArizonaandColoradoon a variety of charges including burglary, bank robbery, theft and homicide.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s initial call to Portland Adventist Medical Centerand the subsequent shooting is continuing and no additional information will be released until after all investigative interviews have been completed.

The next information release will likely occur late afternoon Wednesday.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone with information about Hatch. He appeared to have multiple aliases so someone may know him by a different name, police said. At this point, there is no information on previous Portland Police contacts with Hatch.

Anyone with information about Hatch is asked to contact Detective Bryan Steed at (503) 823-0395 or Bryan.Steed@PortlandOregon.gov.

Original release

MONDAY, FEB. 18, 2013 -- The Portland Police Bureau is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting on Sunday evening in the parking lot of PortlandAdventistMedicalCenter, 10123 S.E. Market St.
At 9:24 p.m. Sunday, Portland Police officers assigned to East Precinct responded to the medical center on the report of someone in the courtyard armed with a black handgun. As officers were en route, additional information was broadcast that the suspect was a patient and was in the employee parking lot. Additionally, information was given to 911 dispatchers that the suspect pointed a gun at a medical center security vehicle.
Officers encountered the suspect in an employee parking lot and began giving him commands. During the course of the encounter, three officers fired shots at the suspect, who fell to the ground. Officers approached the downed suspect with a ballistic shield and rendered medical aid. Medical personnel checked the suspect and confirmed he was deceased.
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning by the Oregon State Medical Examiner. The suspect's name will be released after he has been identified and family notifications have been done.
The three involved Bureau members are all assigned to East Precinct afternoon shift: Sgt. Nathan Voeller a 12-year-veteran; Officer Andrew Hearst, a 3-year-veteran; and Officer Royce Curtiss, a 7-year-veteran.
As is standard procedure, all three involved members will remain on paid administrative leave pending the ongoing investigation and are scheduled to be interviewed on Wednesday.
No additional details on the case will be released until sometime late Wednesday.
Once the investigation is complete, the entire case will be presented to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, which will schedule a Grand Jury.
Representatives from the Chief's Office, Mayor's Office, Office of Professional Standards, Office of Independent Police Review (IPR), and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office were at the scene on Sunday night and have been briefed on the status of the investigation.