COMMISSIONER RANDY LEONARD'S BLOG

Portland Trailblazer inducted into NBA Hall of Fame

Commissioner Leonard had the honor of reading the proclamation declaring August 18th, 2011 Arvydas Sabonis Day to hundreds of enthusiastic Blazers fans in Pioneer Square with his eager grandson, Cole, by his side.

The following is KOIN 6's coverage of the event:

Blazers fans celebrate Arvydas Sabonis' Hall of Fame induction

Reported by: Toshio Suzuki

Email: tsuzuki@koin.com

When the 7-foot-3 center from Lithuania arrived in Portland in 1995, Blazers forward Brian Grant said he only got one phrase from the player whose touch and vision belied his size.

"No English," mimicked Grant in his deepest bass.

But after a few months and following a few successful games when Grant showed his ability on the court, he got approval from Arvydas Sabonis: "You OK," Grant mimicked again.

Grant, accompanied with a procession of other Blazers dignitaries, joined a few thousand fans Thursday afternoon at Pioneer Courthouse Square in honoring Sabonis for his induction last week into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Escorted in by a percussion marching band, his wife and 6-foot-5 daughter, the player known for his grimaces and taking out his mouth piece to moan at officials was all smiles and shoulder shrugs with the appreciative fan base.

"Thank you very much--I'm very surprised," said Sabonis.

Sabonis, who played seven season and 51 playoff games for the Blazers, came to the NBA when he was 31 years old, arguably past his prime but already a winner of an Olympics gold medal, world championship and European player of the year award.

At last week's induction in Springfield, Mass., Bill Walton introduced 'Sabas,' calling him a "7-foot-3 Larry Bird."

Former teammate Chris Dudley was also among those who spoke at Thursday's ceremony in Portland's Living Room, calling Sabonis "one of the greatest players ever."

"There was a time when Arvydas was considered the greatest player in the world," said Dudley.

With the dozens of varied No. 11 jerseys visible, Thursday's event was mainly an opportunity for Blazers fans to pay tribute to the center who wowed with his passes and endeared with his consistency.

Over his NBA career, Sabonis averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds, two assists and a block per game for Portland.

Israel Hill, a long-time Blazers fan who arrived early to get Sabonis' autograph on his Soviet Union jersey, said he loved the big man for his famous "bowling ball passes."

Portlander Jon Snyder, also adorned with Sabonis' gold medal jersey, couldn't help but marvel at memories of the center's outlet passing.

"He'd always catch it, like, one-handed, and without ever gathering it throw it all the way down court," recounted Snyder.

The memories continued when Sabas recounted a bitter loss to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, which elicited soft groans, but things picked up when he recalled a 3-pointer he hit to force triple overtime in a game the Blazers eventually won.

Of other notes, Sabonis said he always remembers the Rose Garden being full of fans.

At some point after that memory and after Aug. 17 was officially noted by Commissioner Randy Leonard as Arvydas Sabonis Day, the crowd began a spontaneous chant of "Sabas."

"I don't know what to say; I just appreciate for remember me," said the Hall of Fame player.

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Residential Fire in SE Portland

Portland firefighters responded to reports of smoke coming from the eaves of a two-story home at 9704 SE Reedway at 11:57 pm last night. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire coming from the basement of the home. They searched the home and determined that all occupants had escaped, while fire attack was underway.

Four adults and three children safely evacuated the home along with three pets - two dogs and one cat. One of the dogs died at the scene of smoke inhalation. It took about 40 minutes for firefighters to control the blaze. They cleared the incident at 1:35am after ensuring that all hot spots had been extinguished.

Fire Investigators estimate the fire caused $15,000 in damage to the home. They have also determined the cause of the fire to be due to an overheated electrical cord that was underneath a mattress and ignited it.

The American Red Cross was called in to assist the family with alternate housing arrangements.

Photos courtesy of Dick Harris/Portland Fire.　

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003

Randy In the News 8.18.11

Portland Tribune story about upcoming modifications to the "Time, Place & Manner" ordinance to help address neighborhood livability issues.

Portland Firefighters Rescue Climber from Site of Recent Rocky Butte Tragedy

     
Two men were attempting to repel down the east side of Rocky Butte around 8:00pm Wednesday night when one of the climbers experienced fatigue and could not get back up to the top. The climber on top lowered his climbing partner down to a ledge about 50' from the top of the cliff.

Once it became apparent that the individual could not climb up or down on his own, and with darkness setting in, one man went to get help since neither was carrying a cell phone or wearing helmet lights.

Around 9:30pm, Portland firefighters from Downtown Portland Fire Station 1 responded to the scene and determined that because of the darkness, it was unsafe to guide the climber up or down on his own climbing abilities. Using equipment from Portland Fire's Heavy Rescue truck, firefighters from the High Angle Rope Rescue Team set up climbing equipment and lowered specially-trained firefighters down to rescue the climber. 17 firefighters participated in the two-hour rescue operation and brought climber Daniel Martinek -age 40 - up safely from the east face of Rocky Butte.

"This rescue took place in the exact location where a 16-year-old boy died two nights ago," said Portland Fire & Rescue Public Information Officer Paul Corah. "This area is extremely dangerous and Portland Fire urges the community to use extreme caution."

Reports indicate that the climbers' young children were playing near the climbing spot while the individuals were climbing. This is not a place for children as there is no fence, no roped off area, and no signage to indicate how dangerous this area has been, especially in recent months. "People could literally walk down the unmarked path and over the edge of the cliff if they are not careful," said Corah.

At around 11:30pm, both climbers and their children were safely reunited following the rescue. The climbers indicated that had not heard about the tragedy two nights ago when a 16 year-old boy fell off the butte at that location and later died from his injuries.

Photos courtesy of Dick Harris, Portland Fire　

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Third Fall-Related Accident on Rocky Butte

At 10:15 pm, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of an individual falling down the side of Rocky Butte. Portland firefighters responded to the upper and lower parts of Rocky Butte around NE 92nd & NE Skidmore.

Upon arrival, firefighters from NE Portland Station 2 found a 16 year-old male unconscious at the bottom of a cliff. Paramedic/EMT firefighters immediately rendered medical attention to the boy who sustained life threatening injuries and was transported to Emanuel Hospital. It appears that the boy accidentally fell over 80 feet down the east side of Rocky Butte around 3500 NE Rocky Butte Road.

"This is the third accident involving a fall to occur at Rocky Butte this year," said Portland Fire & Rescue Public Information Officer Paul Corah. "One incident resulted in death, and two others including this one have resulted in serious injuries. This area is extremely dangerous and citizens are urged to use caution when visiting Rocky Butte."　

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to HazMat Call at SW Portland YWCA

At 9:18 pm Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a report of a chemical spill at the YWCA swimming pool located at 111 SW 10th Avenue. A worker at the pool reportedly mixed a gallon of chlorine with six gallons of muriatic acid in error, which produced clorine gas. Both chemicals are used in the maintenance of the pool. A total of five people were affected by the fumes and one person was transported to OHSU for evaluation.

Portland Fire & Rescue's specially trained HazMat firefighters from SE Portland Fire Station 7 are on scene neutralizing the chemical reaction and plans are underway to ventialate the building throughout the night. SW 10th has been closed down for two blocks around the area of the spill. A total of five people were in the building at the time of the reaction and all of them reported experiencing eye irritation.

"Mixing chemials such as these can be toxic and potentially deadly if incorrectly mixed," said Portland Fire Public Information Officer Paul Corah. "Fortunately, there were only minor injuries during tonight's incident."

There is a homeless shelter on the upper floor of the building and building management is finding placement for all residents tonight. The Portland Streetcar was closed for two hours on SW 10th Avenue during this incident but is now open to commuters.　

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003

Portland Fire & Rescue Responds to Residential Fire in SE Portland

   

Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a house on fire at 10848 S.E. Salmon St. at 3:51 pm. The house on fire, which was located at the end of a dirt road, was one of two boarded up homes. Neighbors reported that there has been an increase in transient activity in and arround these homes recently. Upon arrival, firefighters made attempts to knock down the flames, but were pushed back by heavy fire in the home's attic.

"The structure was boarded and found to be vacant, so firefighters went on a defensive attack which minimized risk of injury," said Portland Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Tom Williams. Firefighters had a handle on the blaze approximately ten minutes after arrival. Damages to the home are estimated at $10,000 and fire investigators are on scene working to determine the fire's cause.

"Firefighters are encountering more and more calls involving homes that are vacant and boarded, especially in East Portland," said Public Information Officer Paul Corah. "Because of this, our fire crews are keeping an extra close watch over abandoned homes that may be at risk for becoming attractive nuisances."

Photos courtesy of Dick Harris, Portland Fire & Rescue　

Contact Info: PIO Paul Corah 503-940-6003

Portland Fire and Rescue Helps Cyclists During Bridge Pedal

Portland Fire and Rescue answered 20 calls for medical assistance during The Providence Bridge Pedal Sunday. Lt. Matthew Silva, Fire Liaison to the Portland Office of Emergency Management, supervised 8 firefighters who patrolled the course and provided medical aid where needed.  The firefighters used 2 rescues, 1 brush unit, and 2 specially modified ATV's to get through and around the congestion that over 18,000 bicyclists bring to the streets and bridges of Portland during this event.

Of the 20 calls for help, American Medical Response transported 6 individuals to area hospitals.  Two of those transports were for individuals with serious traumatic injuries and one transport was for a man who had suffered a heart attack.  It is unknown at this time the conditions of any of the patients.

Portland Fire and Rescue recognizes that bringing thousands of cyclists together can cause accidents.  That is why PF&R assigns these firefighters to this event to assist and to be at the right place at the right time.  One firefighter, who was utilizing an ATV, was near the man who suffered the heart attack.  The firefighter was able to quickly get to the individual and assist the bystanders in administering CPR.  The firefighter then stayed with the man's 6-year-old child until Portland Police were able to transport the child to a family member after the man was transported to OHSU.

Portland Fire and Rescue reminds everyone that properly fitting bicycle helmets continue to save lives everyday.  Please wear your helmet when you ride.

Contact Info: Lt. Rich Tyler, PIO media pager 503-940-6003

Randy In the News 8.11.11

Portland Business Journal article about yesterday's City Council presentation on a new curbside composting plan that will be voted on next week.

Randy In the News 8.10.11

Willamette Week article mentioning Tom Chamberlain's potential run for mayor as well as the tossing out of a lawsuit against Randy and other city employees. 

Oregonian article about Tom Chamberlain's potential mayoral bid.

KATU story about the Flash Kitchen event at City Hall yesterday to demonstrate healthy cooking.

KPTV's story about yesterday's Flash Kitchen at City Hall.