Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 17, 2005)
Page A6 Cl’r JJnrtlanb © bacrucr August 17. 2005 Safety Issue for Incoming Woodlawn Kids continued from Eroni that hits them will be remorseful for the rest o f their life,” Warren said. According to the Portland Pub lic Schools Student Transportation Department guidelines, busing will only be provided for elementary school students who live more than one mile from Woodlawn school. Even then, students are expected to walk up to half a mile from their home to a school bus stop. For W oodlawn students, two proposed bus stops are planned Martin Luther King on North Albina at the intersections o f Terry and Morgan streets. This is 11 blocks from Martin Luther King Boule vard and 18 blocks from the school, located at 7200 N.E. 11* Ave. When ACORN and the Neigh borhood Schools Alliance, another advocacy group presented their worries to the Portland Public School board at a July 6 meeting, the district’s transportation poli cies thwarted their attempts. They were told that other busy areas around the city, such as those at Northeast 20* Street and Sandy Boulevard or Southeast Division and 82nd Streets, currently have stu dents crossing the intersections on their way to school. “It makes me mad,” Warren said. “That lets us know that they’re not going far enough to make sure our kids are safe.” Nicole Breedlove, chairperson for the schools alliance in north Portland, said, "1 think that’sacrazy justification. If there are other places that are more dangerous, the dis trict should be dealing with that - no, using that as a reason to not put something here.” The consequences o f it all far outw eigh the sim ple solution, Breedlove said. The school advocates say a sch o o l bus stop at the busy Lombard/MLK intersection and crossing guards are needed. “It’s not that difficult when there are a lre a d y b u ses go in g to Woodlawn. It seems like a very simple thing to do to prevent acci dents,” Breedlove said. But Bryan Winchester, director o f school district’s student trans portation cites a Portland Office of Transportation report designating the intersection "a pretty safe area,” “Lombard and MLK is a busy intersection, but it’s controlled. It has crosswalks and signals,” he said. W in c h e ste r su g g e ste d th at those not comfortable crossing at A rally at Northeast Lombard Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard calls attention to the two Lombard could walk a few blocks major highways children will have to cross to get to Woodlawn Elementary School now that uptoD ekum tocrossM LK . He also Applegate Elementary is closed. said that work is in progress to provide in-school education about walking safety, which would in clude pamphlets and a 30 to 40 minute presentation. Ultimately, though, he says it’s a parent’s re sponsibility to show their children how to safely cross a street. “The parents have to be involved in the issue on how to get their kids to school,” W inchester said. As far as the recent rally went, he said, “I’m glad they were there, glad they were concerned. I want people in volved.” David W ynde, school board co- chairperson, said, “As a board and district in general, we take school safety very seriously. I have two kids that go to elementary school, too. I’m very careful with their safety so 1 understand people’s concern.” But, he said, “As a parent, I’m more nervous about a non-con- trolled intersection. There are mil lions of those everywhere.” Wynde noted that because the Lombard and MLK intersection is controlled, the board sees it as safe. “W e’re doing all of that to get the best jo b done to deal with safety,” Wynde said. “W e’re not trying to get away with anything here. We think the policy is reason able.” James Earl Jones Visits Local Kids Renowned actor James Earl Jones visited the North Portland branch of the Multnomah County Library on Tuesday to meet with children who participate in Self Enhancement Inc., a program that helps inner city youth realize their full potential. Jones read the book “The Other Side” by Jacqueline Woodson to the children and followed with a discussion. Known for his acting and voice roles in movies like “Field o f Dreams,” “Star W ars,” and “The Lion King,” Jones is the spokes man for Verizon W ireless, the main sponsor o f the event, along with the Portland Trail Blazers. The visit was part o f a literacy initia tive to promote the power and joy of reading. Actor James Earl Jones smiles Tuesday with local children from Self Enhance ment, Inc. at the North Portland branch o f the Multnomah County Library. photo by M ark W ashington / T he P ortland O bserver Diversity Works at The com m unity n e w spa p er i n /o n n s o u r changing eoinm unitv Publisher Charles Washington (right) and the s ta ff o f the Portland Observer thank the community for their support.
