s Frances Schoen-Newipaper "oom U niversity of Oregon Library € urr r a . O re g o n 9 7 4 0 3 ERVER Portland, Oregon PORTL 25C VOLUME XIX NUMBER 17 PORTLAND POLICE TO PATROL TRI-MET VEHICLES AND TRANSIT STATIONS Portland Police officers could be patrolling Tri-Met vehicles and transit stations as early as May 15th, under a contract approved today by the 1 ri- Met Board of Directors. The contract calls for a unit of six officers and a sergeant to patrol Tri- Met in exchange for payment of approximately $500,000 per year, accord ing to Tri-Met General Manager James E. Cowen. The officers will replace a unit of Oregon State Troopers assigned to T ri- Met last November by Governor Neil Goldschmidt. Cowen said the presence of the state of police had resulted in fewer incidents and restored public confidence. * ‘The troopers set the standard for exactly the kind of policing Tri-Met needs,” Cowen said. “ We owe them a real debt.” In addition to increased police presence, Tri-Met is taking a number ot other steps to ensure passenger safety, including: * Installing intercoms on MAX so passengers can communicate with the driver. Installation begins in June and will be completed in September; * Testing video surveillance to see if it is an effective deterrent. Video cameras will be installed on three buses in early May; * Special training to help drivers in dealing with difficult situations and avoiding conflicts; and * A number o f other measures related to emergency procedures and information gathering. URBAN LEAGUE LAUNCHES MEMBERSHIP DRIVE “ The Urban League of Portland will be launching the most ambitious membership campaign since the organization s inception in 1945, states Louis Boston, newly elected Chairman of the Board. The membership campaign slated to kick-off on Thursday, May 11, 1989, will reach over 60,000 households in the Portland Metropolitan Area. The campaign is designed to accomplish two primary objectives; (1) to broaden community awareness and (2) to increase revenue through individual contributions. A press conference is schedule for Thursday, May 11, 1989 at the Urban League headquarters, 10 North Russell at 12:00 noon. At this press conference various leaders of our community will be present to show their support. The three-day membership campaign will include a live Radio-a-thon, canvassing of neighborhoods to solicit memberships and selected sites to be staffed by V.LP.’s and Urban League employees; thereby allowing the public an opportunity to gain information about the Urban League pro grams. ‘ ‘We decided to take a grass-roots approach so that we can reestablish our position as a permanent fixture which serves our community, stales Useni Perkins, Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Portland. MLK JR HOLIDAY BILL ANNOUNCED “ The thing that is so special about em-State Senators Jim Hill, D-Salem, the adoption of Martin Luther King s i Bill McCoy, D-Portland, along with birthday by Oregon’s banks and savings presentative Margaret Carter, D- and loans is that the idea originated rtland, today unveiled their plan to from their employees and customers rther establish Martin Luther King rather than from imposition by the ’s birthday as a holiday. government,” Hill said. SB 1184, at the request of Oregon’s Carter goes on to say “ this legislation lancial institutions and the Banker’s displays a great respect for the works of sociation, adds King’s birthday to the a man who personally laid down his life t of holidays for banks and savings for the citizens of America, male and sociations. It would close all banking female, black and white.rich, and poor.” stitutions for the third Monday in She commended the financial institution of Oregon for taking such a bold and nuary. “ It is necessary to have this bill to courageous step in showing their esteem sip solve the confusion that exists in for Dr.KIng. » p ie ’s minds as to whether we really ive this holiday," McCoy said. COUNCIL SECURES LOCATION FOR NORTHEAST TRAINING CENTER ie board of directors of The Pri- Industry Council has approved a for a Northeast Portland site which »use a new employment and train- enter. te site, 4800 square feet in Union re at 3034 NE Union, will house oyment and training programs for ents of North and Northeast Port- Employment and training serv- will be offered through partner- 5 between The Private Industry ncil and Adult and Family Serv- the Employment Division and land Community College. The center, slated to open in early June, will offer basic skills training, job search skill instruction, job placement, employability training and counseling and support services for residents of the area. Access to vocational training will also be available. A community resource group has been established and will continue to provide advice throughout the develop ment and implementation process. An employer resource group is also being formed. Renovation construction is set to begin within the next two weeks. NORTHEAST PORTLAND IS HOME TO FAMED METAL SCULPTURE ARTIST Garland Thompson You would never know it as you pass the comer of Alberta and Grand in Northeast Portland .that one of the American arts community’s leading sculptors lives and works there in the neighborhood, just like you and I, who go to work everyday, “God willing and the creek don’t rise!” Al Goldsby, a well-connected Black Portland metal sculptor, who has achieved national fame, numerous ($) commissions and recognition for his brilliant work in bronze, aluminum (and I don’t mean just re-cycling beer cans, either) and brass. Yes, he has the nerve of a brass-ass monkey” to be about becoming famous, after being bom in Fordyce Arkansas and an Ore Phofn by Dean Guernsey gon resident since 1941. Do you believe alma mater for a “minute”), Knapp it? Is the Pope Catholic and known to Lumber Sales.Inc., Art Advocates, support Polish causes? - Canby United Methodist Church and As Malcolm X, use to say, “don’t many other well to -do arts patrons take my word for it, check it out! I (Mr.& Mrs. Charles Paulson, Mr.& mean, for instance, the next time you Mrs. William Hasltine Collection, are walking around the Lloyd Center, Dr.& Mrs.J. Gilbert Rogers, Mr. Ted Shopping or ice skating and eating Gilbert, of Gilbert Bros., Mr.& Mrs. popcorn, be a “Portland observer” and Jeffrey Holbrook, Mr.& Mrs. Howard view, first hand, one of this “ mega- Vollum, Mr.& Mrs. William Gaiser, metalman’s large sculptures in the main Mr.& Mrs.Elino Kiander, Ms. Arlene Mall, that he calls, “Free Form.” This Harwood, Mr.& Mrs.Edward Sandin, “heavy metal” works, a working water Mr.& Mrs. Frank Blachely, etc.)They fountain, portrays Oregon’s beloved recognize “a good thing” when they see salmon climbing the fish ladders of the it, and put “their money where their great Columbia River. Now is th»» deep mouth is!” BRONZE SCU LPTU RE TO H IG H or what? He has exhibited in several one-man LIG H T NEW CENTRAL OREGON and group shows in galleries throughout W ELCO M E CENTER the Northwest, (I first met him at one of The list of Goldsby’s sculpture com his recent shows at the Interstate Fire missions in long and growing. He is house Cultural Center, (1FCC) and his currently working in his very same work can be seen in numerous private above mentioned studio (the average and corporate collections. And that is passerbyer might think it is just another not cheap, when we talk abo>t those*-» small Northeast Portland metalworks folks; such as Boeing Aircraft Corpora shop or garage), on a huge new piece in tion, Blue Cross Building in Seattle, bronze (18 feet long, 6 feet deep and 8- First National Bank of Oregon, Univer 1/2 feet high), that will adorn the en sity of Oregon’s Museum of Art (my old trance to the new Central Oregon Wel VASQUEZ JR. APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF STATE COMMUNITY SERVICES. come Center in Bend, Oregon (Why Not?). This exciting new project, out of Goldsby’s “new bronze age,” (Sched uled for installation this Summer, ’89) was commissioned by ARts-in public - Places, (originally called, “Arts Now,” founded in 1967, by such people as Nancy Kern, Jody Ward and Sue Hollem, who make up apart of the se lection committee, that worked to bring art to Central Oregon). In 1977, the Bend Foundation invited this dynamo group to make annual selections of art to be displayed in public locations in the area. A great idea, indeed. Out of 75 artist around the state, 3 finalists were chosen, given $300.00 each, taken to the building site in Bend, and lo and behold, our man in Northeast P ortland, A1 (solid-gold) Goldsby,’’copped the big prize,” a lovely $45,000 commission, after sub mitting slides of his work, a paper and then bronze miniature model of the piece. I mention these details, just to give us an idea of how the selection process in the high-powered arts world truly works, And it is intense, you bet ter believe it, but the payoff can be like “the Lotto (You got to be in it to win it)! ” Write on, big Al! To give me an idea of just how he works, Goldsby said that he was in spired by the metal sculptor, Tom Hardy, when he served as Hardy’s apprentice some 20 years ago. So you see “the master/disciple” & apprentice ship concept and system still does work best. I was graciously given “the grand tour” of “the shop” and ate blueberry muffins (I love it!) In addition to being recognized as a premiere sculptor now himself, is well known for the encour agement he offers other beginning young artists. Now this is how he works. First, Al transforms large sheets of bronze, alu minum and brass into strong sweeping sculptures that possess a sense of notion (now is that “heavy?”). As he loured me through the display section of his stu dio, we touched one of his big elliptical flower-hke brass or bronze pieces (I can’t remember which) and it continued to vibrate throughout our interesting conversation. It continued to do so, even when we photographed this for mer part owner of his family-owned gourmet catering service and now full time “artiste noir extraordinaire!” Vi ola! The latest Al Goldsby Art Exhibit, opening May 2-3,1989,4:30-8:30 pm, will be on view by appointment through May 24th at Randall Associates, Inc., 7460 SW Hunziker Road (1-5 south to Rt. 217, to 72nd),Suite H, Portland, Oregon. For further information call Betsy Heath (503) 620-2026 and she’ll set you straight and may be you might get a blueberry muffin, on which to munch and dig this “hot metal artist! SENIOR OF THE WEEK Photo by Dean Guernsey Minority Business Enterprises in Oregon Part VI. Governor's task force abandons emerging small business concept. Re-embraces and enhances focus on minorities and women by Stephen E. McPherson, special correspondent What should have been the final working session of the Governor’s Task Force on Minority Participation in public SAt F.M—Victor Vasquez, Jr. has been contracts has been extended for yet appointed to the position of Director of another fortnight. The impetus for the State Community Services effective refocusing of such an approach was today, according to Kevin W. triggered by the concerns of those persons Concannon .Director of the Oregon in the public sector who would have to Department of Human Resources, within administer such a program. which State Community Services Ray Phelps, director of finance and operates..Vasquez, 39, was made the administration for the Metropolitan permanent Director after serving in an Service District, criticized the concept acting capacity since January, 1989. of the emerging small business approach “ As an Oregonian from Hermiston because it was so broadly structured as and as a person with an Hispanic to create confusion and disparity in the background, Vasquez brings to the manner of its administration. He further position the requisite qualities desirable indicated that there had been an for leadership. overwhelming misinterpretation of the State Community Services, with an Supreme Court decision with regard to annual budget of $23 million operates Croson vs. The City of Richmond. The Federal and State Programs through Richmond set-asides had been structured more than 35 Community Services is so as to include persons who really had responsible for Community Action not been affected by discrimination in Programs, low income weatherization the awarding of public contracts. Mr. and energy assistance, a variety of Phelps further indicated that to embrace emergency food services, youth the concept of emerging small businesses employment, migrant assistance, and the task force would be put in the position services for the homeless and housing of destroying all forms of affirmative programs active. Vasquez comes to the post of Director Lillie Walker, the purchasing agent of State Community for Multnomah County whose rejection Services after having served as an of the Mattson low bid for the prison Assistant Administrator in the State’s construction resulted in the suit which Senior Services Division. Previously, triggered the Redden decision joined in he was employed in the State of New the discussion to concur with the analysis York as Director of Research in Veterans made by Mr. Phelps. Affairs and prior to that as Affirmative Even the Associated General Action Officer for the Commonwealth Contractors which at limes has been the of Massachuscttes. main litigant to challenge minority and “ We arc pleased that we were able women business enterprises entered into to recruit Victor Vasquez back to the discussion as being opposed to Oregon.” Concannon Said. “ Victor implementing the nebulous concept of Vasquez is genuinely committed to full emerging small business. Jeff Davidson partnership with community agencies who previously had been very supportive and will work actively with the directors of the emerging small business concept and their boards in his role as Director told the task force that he had submitted of State Community Services,” the the eligibility profile of ESB 's to his Concannon concluded. • • - * «. membership database and learned that 57% of the AGC membership would el qualify to participate under such a program. Given those conditions they strongly supported the notion that the task force should refocus on the original concept of strengthening Minority and Women Business Enterprises. Given that kind of serious interaction with regard to what particular mode would be most beneficial to the state of Oregon, the task force concluded without dissent that the only viable alternative to the Croson and Mattson decisions would be to keep both Minority and Women Business Enterprises alive. As a result of this historic exchange of ideas.the State of Oregon is now in the position to field one of the most innovative affirmative action programs since the entire process was sent into orbit following Croson and Mattson. To be sure, this new approach addresses some of the bread and butter issues that have plagued the African American entrepreneur eternally. The recent innovation embraces bonding and supportive cash flow. It promotes special set-asides to be funded by private industry. It also establishes a mentoring program to ensure that a new breed of craftspeople will be entering the workplace without interruption. There are a number of issues that will be recommended to the governor which will require legislative action which no doubt will not ensue during the current biennium. It is, however, delightful to observe that the State of Oregon not only strongly embraces a continuance of minority and women business enterprises, but that this commitment extends to an enhancement which might very well serve as a model for the entire nation. O f such an effort we should rightly feel quite proud. > ft * Birdie Lee Taylor by Jimi Johnson Seventy-eight year old Birdie Taylor came to Portland in 1942 from Texakana, Arkansas with her husband O.C. to work in the shipyards. This “Youthful” senior is the mother of eight children, twenty-one grandchildren, and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Mrs. Taylor, a sports enthusiast says, she played softball with her children and grandchilren until 1987. A member of Fellowship Church, Mrs. Taylor credits her vitality and longevity to a strong belief in God. and staying active physically, mentally, and spiritually. “Some people give up when they reach a certain age, but I don’t,”..... Never give up.” she adds. Always finding ways to keep busy, Mrs. Taylor shares household duties with her daughter, Gary Ann, as well as babysit her grand-daughter. She still enjoys a night out dancing with her daughters from time to time, “this keeps me in good spirits and good condition,” she says. “Life for me has not been a bed of roses, but through God’s help I’ve made it this far,” adds Mrs. Taylor. THE PORTLAND OBSERVER SALUTES Mrs. Bi. die Taylor, a beautiful senior with a youthful heart. «4/ • ■ - ■ * . * » j - A'