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Stephen Dabasinskas Running For Camas City Council At-Large Seat

Lacamas Magazine interviewed Stephen Dabasinskas, who is running for the Camas City Council At-Large seat being vacated by long-term Camas City Council Member, Don Chaney. 

Why do you want to be on council?

When the pandemic started I had lots of time to study council and what has been happening with the city. I’ve been looking at the mistakes the city is making. I have a lot to bring to city council.

I graduated from UC San Diego with an Economics degree, had a 10-year law enforcement career (two jobs). During that final job I ran a narcotics task force in Orange County that comprised 20 agencies, and it allowed me to work with many jurisdictions. I did a lot of grant writing, and worked on some great legislation. 

I did consulting for the Department of Defense (DOD), and we worked on legislative budgeting while the DOD put on trainings on budgeting all over the country.

Over time, I increased my consulting, and I got involved with a tech company doing CFO consulting services, and have been a CFO and CEO consultant with my company, Innovative Business Resources, for 25 years. 

I’m 58 years old, and our family has lived in Camas since 2018. 

Dabasinskas
From left: Stephen Dabasinskas, Camas Police Chief Tina Jones, and Camas City Council member, Jennifer Senescu at a Coffee With a Cop event.

What are the top issues of your campaign?

Growth and development. We grow for growth’s sake, we don’t do it responsibly. We need to update roads, sewers and electrical, and make infrastructure improvements. 

Environmental. We have the Lacamas Lake cleanup that’s been pending for years. We’ve spent money, we have done consulting, we’ve done more testing. It’s been toxic for many years. All the warnings are there with the algae blooms. With growth comes management of natural resources. The tree canopies, the trails, the things we all like. We need to be hard and fast and hold developers accountable to maintain open spaces. We need to make sure trees are saved and not just replaced.

Financial stewardship. Our city budget is in the hundreds of millions. We need to ensure we use taxpayer money properly. We must make sure we use consultants properly.

Examples: For the Lacamas Lake Roundabout project we spent $2 million on consultants alone. The city administrator was paid $600,000 for 18 months. We spent $390,000 for the Crown Park consultancy. We just need to be better at using them and also review the contracts better. We shouldn’t have open-ended contracts. Sometimes the scope of work isn’t as defined as it should be. We need to do reviews before the bill is paid.

Public Safety. This makes our community great. People are very pleased with the fire and police departments. Our fire department is currently renegotiating with Washougal to ensure everyone is paying their fair share. We need to make sure those departments are funded properly as we grow.

Citizen engagement. People feel like they’re not being heard. It’s supposed to be run by what the citizens want. People’s voices need to be heard. Right now, they use directional surveys to do what they want. The pool bond, the Crown Park splash pad. And, so many people are against North Shore plans. 

We send out surveys and they don’t get a good response. It’s our job to get out and meet with people. It’s been great meeting people and hearing what they have to say.

What three things is the city doing correctly?

  • Police and fire. We have great public safety services. 
  • Camas is doing a better job at fixing smaller issues like the downtown tree plan. 
  • They are re-writing the down sub area plan. This is good. At the heart of it everyone wants to keep Camas like it is. We are trying to make ourselves better. 

Vision

I want Camas to be a better version of ourselves. Focus on downtown, improve our infrastructure, draw more big business for a better tax base for our city. We have high property taxes. We need to find other sources of income is to bring more businesses into Camas. 

To learn more visit: www.stephen4council.com

Dabasinskas
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Camas Mayor Steve Hogan Makes Case For His Re-Election This Fall

Lacamas Magazine interviewed Camas Mayor, Steve Hogan, who is running for re-election this Fall. Here are the questions we asked, and his responses:

What have been your successes as Mayor of Camas?

  • Filled five strategically-important positions left vacant by my predecessor (police chief, fire chief, city administrator, IT director, community development director).
  • Finalized the North Shore Subarea Plan to ensure the area is developed responsibly.
  • Initiated the Downtown Camas Subarea Plan to develop a template for how our downtown will remain the heart of Camas for the next 50 years.
  • Established the Lake Management Plan for Lacamas, Round, and Fallen Leaf Lakes to develop a long-term strategy for lake cleanup.  
  • Overseeing Lacamas Lake Water Quality three-year study
  • Supported the Camas Library with legislative lobbying that secured significant funding for future plans and upgrades.
  • Championed the Riverside Bowl Skatepark renovations and modernization. 
  • Camas was the first city in Clark County to supply police officers with body-worn cameras.
  • AAA gold bond rating awarded by Standard & Poor’s, reflecting our strong economy and management. This improved rating also saves taxpayer money by reducing borrowing costs.
  • GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for clarity and transparency for the city’s $100 million budget. Reestablished partnership relationships with key groups: Camas Schools, Clark      County, Washington State Legislature, U.S. House, Senate, and Commerce Department, Port of Camas-Washougal, Columbia River Economic Development Council, Washougal and other area cities, Private and non-profit sectors.
  • Camas rated #1 safest suburb city in Washington State.
  • Camas rated#18 most affordable safe suburb city in the U.S. Learn more here. 
  • Rated best city to raise a family and retire in Washington State.
  • Camas rated #2 safest city in Washington State (2022).

Why are you running for a full second term?

Camas is a safe, beautiful, and welcoming place to live, work, and play. There’s a sense of community, as small town feel, and a closer connection to nature. Top-ranked schools, a charming downtown, year-round community events, and easy access to trails, lakes, and green spaces are among the many reasons we have chosen to make Camas our home.  I am running for mayor to help make sure that we continue to make this City great for our grandkids in the future.

What are your priorities for the next four years?

Why should the voters re-elect Steve Hogan?

The past two years have proven that my 40 years of business experience have both stabilized and made significant improvements to our City.  In our Strong Mayor form of government, experience handling complex government organizations can mean the difference between effective government and chaotic operations.  It is important to elect people who have experience on day one.  In the past 5 years, we have seen how easy it is to create chaos when Mayors are not prepared for the job.  I am prepared for the job and the past two years clearly show how experience matters for good governance.

What are you most proud of in the city of Camas?

The things that make me proud of our City include:

  • Our smart growth
  • Our financial management
  • Our school district
  • The national and international companies who have made their home here
  • The access to nature throughout the City for all of our citizens.
  • Our downtown restoration and flourishing over the past 20 years.

What is your vision of Camas over the next 20 years?

My vision for Camas includes retaining its charm and safety while restoring and protecting natural resources for future generations. Among the priorities:

  • Ensure Camas remains an open, inclusive community with a “home-town” feel.
  • Keep Camas a safe placefor all citizens.
  • Attract and retain companies that provide living wage jobs for our citizens.  If you live in Camas, you will have the opportunity to work in Camas.
  • Provide housing options that are affordable to citizens.
  • Restore Lacamas Lake to enable a full range of recreational uses. 
  • Implementation of sensible land use plans with smart development rules.
  • Provide and protect our trails and greenspaces, ensuring a sustainable balance of land use that supports healthy outdoor experiences that Camasonians cherish.
  • Provide public parks and facilities that meet the needs and budgets of a family-based community.
  • Maintain high standards for environmental cleanup of abandoned industrial land in compliance with state and federal law.
  • Support the Camas Library literacy program and facility upgrades, and the maximization of funding from legislative lobbying, including:
    • Plans for a Children’s Learning Hive in the Children’s Library with an Early Learning Center, STEM lab, and outdoor creative space.
    • Upgrades to the library facility including roofing, life safety, and accessibility. 

What are you doing to help clean up Lacamas Lake?

  • The first algae blooms appeared on Lacamas Lake in 2020.  Since no other government agency was reacting to the blooms, I proposed to the City Council that our government agency should become the first responder to the safety issues within the lakes.  The Council agreed that our City should take the lead to try to eliminate the algae issue.
  • We began by working with Clark County since they technically were in charge of the lake.  The County made their staff available to help us understand the history of the lake.
  • The County also helped us to bring in other agencies that could help us try to understand potential ways to improve the lake water quality.  These groups the County brought in to discuss the issues included:
    • Clark County water quality staff
    • Clark County Health Department
    • Washington State Department of Ecology
    • Washington State Department of Natural Resources
    • Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
    • The Army Corps of Engineers
  • Our City staff met several times with these agencies.  They were very helpful.  But, at the beginning, they did not have money available to help us.
  • We attempted to get Clark County to form an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Camas.  The County offered to help but, when they put together the Interlocal Agreement, they declined to offer any funding.  As a result, the Mayor at that time decided we might as well work with the State legislature and the Department of Ecology to get funding to help our efforts.
  • I personally got involved with lobbying the State Legislators to seek money to help us deal with the algae issues within the lake.
  • The legislators came through and secured money from the Department of Ecology.  It was the Department of Ecology who defined how we would move forward to clean up the Lacamas Lake system.
  • The Department of Ecology decided that the City of Camas would test the water in the Lake system and that the Department of Ecology would examine the 67 square mile watershed leading into Lacamas Lake.
  • The City of Camas has just completed the water quality assessment using the testing techniques defined by the Department of Ecology.  Unfortunately, the Department of Ecology did not complete their portion of the study of the watershed.  We are awaiting their completion and presentation of their report.
  • The City is in the process of explaining to the City Council and the community what our portion of the study has revealed.  Unfortunately, we need the testing reports from the Department of Ecology to complete the actual plan on how to address the restoration of the Lake.
  • We are hoping to partner with multiple agencies to address the restoration and improvement of the Lacamas Lake system.  Here is a partial list of who we would like to partner with us on restoration of the lake:
    • Clark County
      • Health Department
      • Water Quality Department
      • Stormwater Department
    • Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
    • Washington Department of Natural Resources
    • Washington Department of Agriculture
    • Army Corps of Engineers
    • Conservation organizations
    • Nonprofits associated with preservation wetland, critical areas and improvement of water 
    • Camas school district
    • WSU Vancouver
    • Clark College

So, we are beginning to seek better understanding of the root causes of the lake problems as well as both short-term and long-term steps we can implement to restore of lake system for future recreational uses.

Are taxes too high in Camas?

For some Camas citizens, the taxes are too high.

Learn more at https://www.electstevehogan.com/#

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Randal Friedman Explains Why He’s Running For Camas Mayor

Randal Friedman answered Lacamas Magazine questions about his candidacy. He’s presently in a race to be Camas Mayor against incumbent Steve Hogan.

Why do you want to be mayor? 

I want to be Camas Mayor to bring our government back to our community and neighborhoods, and not serve special interests. I want to bring a new and needed vision to our city’s future. This vision is not the four-year term of a mayor, but a four-decade view on the Camas we leave behind for the future. I have a lifetime of problem solving, connecting and creating common ground on issues, and the passion to solve problems instead of kicking them down the road. One of my duties as the Navy’s advocate in California was looking four decades out at how California’s direction could impact military training and operations vital to our nation’s defense. I was successful in doing so, and bring those skills to Camas. 

What are the top three issues of your campaign?

  1. A safer and livable community. Ensuring that every resident, regardless of their background, can find a safe, secure and reasonably priced place to call home is crucial to a thriving community.
  2. Thriving Camas Lake and Forests. The restoration, preservation and enhancement of our natural gems into clean, vibrant, sources of pride for Camas is essential.
  3. Mill cleanup and future planning. We must plan for the Camas Mill’s future use in a way that aligns with our city’s needs and aspirations.

What three things is the city doing correctly? 

  1. Our own independent library. It took some work, but we reap the benefits of hard work by citizens to build and maintain our independent library. I’m a huge believer in libraries as sacred and neutral ground where a city comes together to learn, discuss, and have aspirations for the future. Our library has done special programing on issues in the past, and I will bring them back. We need to be looking four decades out for our future, and thank goodness we have our library to be part of that process.
  2. Consistent with looking four decades out, Camas has done a good job acquiring open space for our future. The Legacy Lands, open spaces in Forest Home, Ostenson Canyon, and Green Mountain are part of our future now. I would continue to look for opportunities, and start a conversation on how best to use them to serve our needs.
  3. The Lacamas Lodge is a gem in an incredible setting. It’s a gathering place for city and community events. It is there for classes. It embodies what we need as a city and is a model for the future as our population grows. 

What three things is the city not doing correctly? 

  1. Understanding the difference between listening and hearing. More and more I hear people fed up with making the effort to do surveys, attend workshops, and speak out only to see nothing happen beyond what the city/and our consultants recommend. A community pool is the prime example. Why does it feel like the community is being punished for stating unequivocally that while they want a pool, they do not want one that will place the city in debt, and will require fees out of reach to many of our most challenged households. The public sentiment is clear. Why four years after the 90 percent rejection of the pool bonds is a simple pool ten years out? 
  2. Growth management. Developers run the table and the city doesn’t negotiate. Even when something right was done to save trees, for example, the developer threatened litigation and we folded. On the other hand, when the community rose and actually litigated an issue, the city spent our money to fight the community. The City’s survey made clear the city is on the wrong track with growth management. 
  3. Respecting our newer residents. Half of Camas is made of people living here 10 years or less. They are constantly reminded that they haven’t lived here long enough to earn an opinion. This is wrong. People who moved here made a decision to uproot their lives and start a new one. They bring with them a new set of experiences, and an appreciation of problems that seem headed for Camas. Their opinions and ideas must count the same as any other resident but they don’t. New residents are not just an ATM machine for getting building impact fees and a variety of other revenue. They are creating new neighborhoods, and are the future of our city. They are the households with young families that are concerned about the Camas their children and grandchildren will inherit. They matter and must be part of governance. They feel they don’t belong.

How should the city handle mill cleanup? 

The Washington Department of Ecology has made something clear: the level of cleanup is based on future uses envisioned by the city. Rather than leave it to a private conversation between Ecology and Koch Industries, as the Mayor recently stated, and then have that agreement “explained” to the public, the public deserves the “seat at the table” we successfully fought for during Covid. The Community Advisory Committee has done a fantastic job starting a conversation about the mill’s future, and the importance of this to guide the cleanup. Unfortunately that spirit has been lost by a city still living in the mill’s shadow and acting like we are still a “mill town”. We also need to acknowledge this is more than a local issue. We are custodians of ancestral lands of Native Americans. As the Yakama Nation provided to me in a resolution I proposed to Council: “the cleanup of the Camas Mill Site and the restoration of natural resources impacted by the past, current, and future releases of hazardous waste in order to make the public whole and further tribal Treaty rights.” 

How should the city handle Lacamas Lake cleanup? 

Leading by example. The Lacamas Shores biofitler has become the unfortunate symbol of decades of general neglect of the lake. What was once a tremendous victory for Camas’ early non-governmental organization, the city looked the other way as it was abandoned and now pollutes the lake every time it rains. It doesn’t have to be this way. Through leadership on fixing this biofilter, we can move forward with the County, state, and work with other pollution sources to clean. We will have shown them our willingness to first clean the only known direct source of pollution into the lake. We are walking the walk. Come join us. We need to stop kicking the can down the road as some are saying and be willing to try some solutions. Maybe they won’t work the first time, but there is science out there strongly suggesting solutions. Unfortunately, we continue down the road of falling back to more study. 

You can learn more about Friedman’s campaign at: https://www.whatcamaswants.com

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Champ Pizza Donates Pizza Bites at Football Games to Raise Funds

As locally owned Champ Pizza continues to grow, its owner, Tyson Cook, has decided to donate pizza bites to local high school football game concessions stands at no cost to the schools. These local athletic boosters are able to sell the pizza bites at 100 percent profit. 

Champ Pizza also provides a team dinner to one team each season.

“Champ Pizza also provides one free team dinner to each high school sports team and clubs each season when they reach out to us,” Cook said.

The pizza bites program is brand new.

“As long as the money goes directly back to the athletic programs, we will keep doing this for the foreseeable future,” said Cook. “We are testing it out with football and currently it’s going very well.”

So far these schools: Prairie, Battle Ground, Camas, Rex Putnam, and Fort Vancouver, are participating in the program.  All receive pizza bites 100 percent free so that all proceeds go to their local athletic programs. 

“We provide the food and paper goods,” said Cook. “Camas made $700 during their first game selling those. Prairie made $500 the first game. Rex Putnam made $400.  Profit margins aren’t always great for concessions so this helps them out a lot. The pizza bites are made in our Camas store.”

Cook says he’d rather give money to support our kids to help them raise funds, “because if we take care of them it will take care of us in the long term. We live to serve the community. That’s where our funds are being shifted to support our high school kids.” 

The program requires very little manpower. It only takes one person to serve them out. The concessions teams train their kids, and they are able to instruct others. They did a good job of training the high school kids to work with them.

“They’re a great addition to the concession’s menu!,” said Lisa Schneider, who is part of the Camas Athletics Boosters Club.

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Downtown Camas Association Receives 2023 Main Street Accreditation

Camas, WA — The Downtown Camas Association has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

“We are very proud to acknowledge this year’s 862 Accredited Main Street America programs, and their steadfast dedication to nurture economically and culturally vibrant downtown districts,” said Hannah White, Interim President & CEO of Main Street America. “The increase in the size and impact of our network speaks volumes to the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of local communities and drive innovative solutions.”

In 2022, Main Street America programs generated $6.2 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 7,657 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 29,174 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,688 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,528,535 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $24.07 of new investment back into their downtown communities.

Collectively, 2 million people live or work within the boundaries of designated Main Street America districts. An estimated workforce of 1.1 million people contribute their skills and expertise to advancing the missions of these historic downtowns and commercial corridors.

Downtown Camas Association’s performance is annually evaluated by Washington Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet national performance standards. To qualify for Accreditation status, communities must meet a set of rigorous standards that include commitments to building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.

Downtown Camas

In 2022, The Downtown Camas Association (DCA) saw over $475,000 in private investment in downtown building upgrades, 4 new businesses and 6 business expansions, record attendance at First Friday events, and 3083 recorded volunteer hours. Ridgeline lighting upgrades and installations were organized and funded by the DCA on 26 downtown buildings enhancing the evening aesthetic that Downtown Camas is well known for, earning a State Excellence on Main Award. The Downtown Camas Bench Program was launched, 64 flower baskets provided vibrant color throughout downtown, and a stunning new student mural on the Camas Antiques building was completed thanks to mentorship by the DCA and local artist Anna Norris. For further information on DCA impacts, see downtowncamas.com/dca

“We are very proud and honored to be a part of the Main Street America Community,” says Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association. “We consider the standards that are held by Main Street America to be the ones that help guide our organization to reach the heights that will truly help our community be healthy, strong and sustainable. Having methods that are proven and a network of people and resources to reach out to as needed are invaluable. The DCA has been accredited through Main Street America since 2017 and they consistently offer new, relevant learning opportunities and are conducting and reporting community research to help us all grow.”

ABOUT DOWNTOWN CAMAS ASSOCIATION

The Downtown Camas Association (DCA) works year-round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. The DCA is a 501c3 nonprofit Main Street program founded in 2009 and is proud of the economic, social and cultural strength in Downtown Camas that has developed due to downtown revitalization efforts. For more information on the DCA and its initiatives, visit www.downtowncamas.com.  

Written by Downtown Camas Association.

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Camas Teachers Agree to 6.4% Pay Increase, Smaller Class Size, Equity Funding

Camas, WA—  Members of Camas Education Association (CEA) voted Thursday to ratify a new two-year deal, ending a strike that lasted seven days that is causing a rippling effect in the school calendar.

Teachers went back to the classroom Friday.

Camas School District (CSD) negotiated with the CEA that class sizes will be reduced over the next two years to between 21-24 students for elementary students, and secondary school sizes are supposed to shift to having a baseline and maximum sizes for each class.

The new deal also sought equity in PE, music and arts funding across CSD schools, and the agreement “establishes a resource fund that is distributed on a per-student basis” that goes up to $140,000 during the 2025-26 school year.

A teacher raise was also agreed upon. In this school year, their pay will increase by 6.4 percent and another 6.6 percent in the 2024-25 school year. Union officials wanted 8.9 percent, and the District said publicly that 5.7 percent was their final and best offer. 

“Quick Summary: Two year contract with salary increase spread out over those two years,” said Shelley Lee, a Camas teacher, and former CEA President. “Phased in classroom reductions over next two years. Letter of agreement for three years for earmarked money for PE, health, library, and music. Lots more to the overall CBA but those were the three sticking points at the end. Overall I think CEA feels like this contract is fair and moves us forward. It’s time now to work together to pass the next levy which will continue to benefit our students.”

The debate ended, but lingering hurt feelings may there a while. 

“We’re tired,” said Mark Gardner, a Camas teacher. “This never should have happened, and we should have started negotiating with the District in March, not May.”

During the process, the school board voted to authorize legal action against the teachers if the strike lingered. And, it was the end of a very challenging first year for Camas Superintendent John Anzalone, who also oversaw budget cuts in the Spring.

“This contract reflects our shared dedication to providing the best possible educational experience for our students,” Anzalone said in a statement after the deal was ratified. “Our teachers are not just educators; they are mentors, role models, and often, beacons of stability for our students. Their love for teaching and their unwavering dedication to their students are the very qualities that excite me for our students’ futures and the future of our district.”

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Camas Schools, CEA Reach Tentative Agreement, School to Start Friday

Camas, WA — The Camas School District and the Camas Education Association have come to a tentative agreement. Pending ratification of the agreement tomorrow, school is expected to resume on Friday, September 8.

Here’s the statement from Camas Superintendent John Anzalone:

Dear Camas Community,

We are happy to share that the Camas Education Association (CEA) and our district have tentatively agreed on a new, two-year collective bargaining contract. On behalf of our more than 1,000 staff members, we are excited to welcome back our students on Friday, September 8, 2023, subject to ratification of the contract tomorrow.

We want to express deep appreciation for our dedicated teachers and the negotiation teams who worked tirelessly to reach an agreement that reflects our shared commitment to our students’ well-being and educational experience.

The first day of school is always a special time, filled with anticipation and the promise of new opportunities. Thank you for your continued support, trust, and partnership. 

Together, we create an environment where our students can thrive and succeed.

We wish you and your family a fantastic start to the

school year.

John Anzalone

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Thursday’s Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of Eagle View Park

Washougal, WA — Local residents and community leaders are invited to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Eagle View Park, a stunning addition to Washougal’s recreational landscape. Nestled between Ninebark Apartments and the Columbia River riparian area, Eagle View Park spans 1 acre and features a concrete paved walking path, meandering trails with seating, artwork, and community gathering spaces.

In a unique collaboration, Ninebark’s developer, Killian Pacific, partnered with the Port of Camas-Washougal to exchange land, aiding the Master Plan for the Camas-Washougal waterfront. The Port gained the property west of Ninebark, while the land Ninebark occupies went to Killian Pacific for its development. Killian Pacific created the 1-acre public park as part of the deal. The park is managed and maintained by the Ninebark community for 8 years, at which time the city will assume full responsibility. Ownership of both the park and the land lies with the city of Washougal.

WHERE: Eagle View Park, 600 S Marina Way, Washougal, WA 98671.

WHEN: Thursday, September 7 at 4 pm

General parking for the ribbon cutting ceremony is in the lots near Washougal Waterfront Park. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the event, as this will give you the opportunity to enjoy a short walk to the ceremony site.

For individuals with accessibility needs, designated parking is reserved in front of Riverside Retreat, situated on the southern side of Ninebark Apartments adjacent to Eagle View Park.

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Friday’s Art Festival Renamed ‘Marquita Call Memorial Plein-Air Event of Camas’

Camas Gallery together with Pike Art Gallery will be hosting the newly renamed “Marquita Call Memorial Plein-air Event of Camas” on Friday, September 1, 2023. Marquita Call, owner of Camas Gallery and founder of the annual Plein-air art event, passed away unexpectedly on August 29th. 

“Our community is still reeling from the news of Marquita’s death,” said Liz Pike, local artist and longtime friend of Marquita. “Marquita was loved by all who knew her. Since opening her Camas Gallery in 2010, she quickly became the unofficial Mayor of Camas because of her passion for the city and its residents. Having grown up in Camas, she was a living history book for the town. Her quick wit, million dollar smile and can-do attitude touched the lives of so many. Camas residents and visitors alike were welcomed as family, once inside Marquita’s Camas Gallery.” 

Pike noted it is both fitting and necessary to rename the event to honor Call. According to Pike, Call was a driving force to reignite fine art in downtown Camas. Undaunted by the Great Recession, Call marched ahead to open what would become the most popular art gallery in town. 

“Through her work at the gallery, Marquita helped launch the successful art careers of many local artists,” said Pike. “With grit and grace, she was a one-woman, non-stop promoter of local artists and the arts in our community.” 

Marquita founded the Plein-air art event several years ago to help connect the Camas community to local art. Since its humble beginnings, more and more artists participate each year on the first Friday of September. Marquita believed such an event would attract people to downtown Camas and help struggling merchants during those lean times of the economic downturn.

Participating local artists will take to the streets beginning at 9 am to paint the town this Friday, September 1st. Artists must start and finish their respective plein-air art between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm on September 1. Beginning at 4 pm, artists will move their easels and finished art to the sidewalk area in front of Camas Gallery, 408 NE Fourth Avenue, where the public may view all of the finished art in one location. As in past years, the community will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite finished work of plein-air art and also purchase any of the pieces for a flat rate of $200 each from 5 pm to 7:30 pm on Friday, September 1st. 

Proceeds from the sale of all plein-air pieces will be split between the selling artist and Camas Gallery. 

Artists may pick up an application form to participate in the newly named “Marquita Call Memorial Plein-air Event of Camas” at Camas Gallery, 408 NE Fourth Avenue or at the Pike Art Gallery at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Birch Street in #UptownCamas, 302 NE Sixth Avenue. All artist applications must be returned with a $10 entree fee to Camas Gallery no later than 9 am on September 1st. 

For more information or questions about the plein-air event, contact Liz Pike at 360.281.8720. 

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Camas Schools Announce No School Monday; Negotiations Stall at 5.7% COLA

Camas School District Superintendent John Anzalone announced Sunday evening that Camas schools will be closed Monday.

This is his letter:

Dear Camas Community,

Camas Education Association (CEA) has informed our district that there will be no school tomorrow. They are striking.

Today, CEA presented a comprehensive proposal with higher than previously requested salary increases as well as lower than previously requested class sizes. Our district’s bargaining team is disappointed that CA is regressing.

Our district has presented its last, best, and final offer. In it, we offered to raise salaries in 2023 by 5.7% and in 2024 by 5.9%. Our district’s proposal would make CEA teachers among the highest-paid educators in the region. Our highest-paid teachers would earn over $118.363 in 2023-24 and $124,991 in 2024-25.

Conversely, CEA’s request puts the highest-paid salaries from $121,653 for 2023-24 up to $129,746 for 2024-25.

CEA’s request in its third year of the contract would put the highest-paid teachers at $135,886.

The latest information is available on our Labor Relations website.

We are incredibly disappointed in the outcome of these negotiations.

Sincerely,

John Anzalone

Statement from CEA: “Because Camas School District was unwilling to invest in students, CEA members will strike beginning Monday, Aug. 28, the first day of student instruction. Bargaining broke off for the day today (Sunday, Aug. 27) after the district refused to make commitments to reasonable class sizes or equitable funding for music, PE, and libraries. The district is instead stockpiling nearly 1 out of every 5 student dollars, amassing $15 million in the bank while student needs are unmet. Educators are meeting tonight (Sunday, Aug. 27) to make final preparations for picketing in the morning.”

More to come.

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