March 5, 2014 Fortiani» (Observer Page 5 be conducting a review o f the Portland Police B ureau’s policies and procedures that relate to its interactions with hip-hop m usic events an d venues. IPR staff members will conduct interviews with members of the com­ munity, music industry, and the Po­ lice Bureau. When IPR’sreview is complete, it will issue a public report. Officials said reviews of this nature are part of IPR ’ s overall mission to act on issues of community concern, “with the goals of safeguarding the rights of persons and of promoting higher stan- Shakedown c o n t i n u e d f r o m front But according to Portland Police spokesperson Sgt. Pete Simpson, the initial response was for something else. Sim pson says the Police Bureau’s Gang Enforcement Team, communicated its concerns about seasoned performer Mikey Vegaz’ gang ties, an allegation the rapper denies. According to the official police report, two police officers and the fire marshal arrived at the Blue Monk at 10:18 p.m. Saturday, and communi­ cated their concerns about fire code violations to the venue owner Sheri Deitrick. It was nearly a half hour after the show was set to begin. Police said they were “intimidated” by one of the performers and other customers who were upset about their presence and used derogatory language, so they called in more police backup. Bryce Trost, of Green Luck Media Group whom promoted the show, says after Vegaz’ set was over offic­ ers switched their attention from con­ cerns over “gang presence” to the venue’s capacity, “It was extremely frustrating. I understand to a certain degree, the concern about the gang- related aspect. I don’t understand shutting down the entire square block.” It should be noted that the folk m usic trio “T h re e -fo r-S ilv e r” played earlier in the night and there was no police presence. Seeing how the show had been prom oted with M ikey Vegaz on the bill for well over a month, Trost says any concerns from the police could have been directed to any o f the stakeholders beforehand. “All they had to do was pick up the phone. So bars don’t lose hundreds of dollars in bar sales, artists get to perform and make money. They knew what they were doing. They knew their tactics. They knew that a con­ stantly growing police presence was a way to metaphorically pull the plug,” he said. The City of Portland A uditor’s Independent Police Review Divi­ sion announced Tuesday they will Do more than dream about your dream kitchen. G et a hom e equity line of credit w ith no closi Our term s are flexible. And our bankers m ake it l i l branch i r * usbank.com/lowrate H om e E quity Line of C redit Introductory Rate for 6 Months ■ ■ C j 800.209.BANK (2265) Rates as low as APR* APR* Rate available 03/03/14-05/11/14 Rates are subject to change Variable rate after Introductory Period serving you interest ratewHlbe•fixed 3 2014 tn m iv 11 9 n t a c <2 B .C O S s S F r ,APR) ,S .tV3'iab? on Equil,ne Home Equlty L,nes < *c,etW wrth a «* 80% toan-to-value (LTV) or less, depe, six «month Introductory period. A higher Introductory rate may apply for an LTV above 70% Offer Is available for * s ^ f e s s f e a i s i s s B « , ™ having , „ S B3'„ k a r r f is lS r th m I — F K n e ’r ^ n a l P iT n M s,1^ ’? n'ia" y' once yOljr crftril’ hne transitions to the repayment pertod if checking accoulrts .T te 9 e ,Ghe^ account ,,w program Cons,)nier * « ' " 9 Information brochure terms without and cor r B .rnnt " e °,MerJ s subiec* T , to normal credit ' n0 qualifications and guidelines Rales are subiect to tor chanqe LEN DER a i d ir/J u t ™ ^ . C0S, 5 P.roperty '" s ta n c e is required Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest Other rest l e n d e r and Lines of Credit and Deposrt products are offered through U S Bank National Assoc.atton «3 7 0 .4 11 s r J Z rm r 6