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BIA: 93% of Contractors Report Delays in Project Timelines Due to COVID-19

Vancouver, WA –The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) reports trends from a nearly 700 member-wide survey regarding the effects builders, remodelers, subcontractors, and suppliers are feeling from the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the month-long shutdown, to the shortage of appliances, to the soaring prices of lumber adding more than $16,000 to the price of a new single-family home, the housing industry has faced some challenges caused by the pandemic. Specifically, BIA members reported that COVID-19 has had at least some noticeable, adverse effect on the following aspects of their businesses:

  • 93% of respondents reported delays in project timelines due to subcontractor availability and the shortage of building products and materials.
  • 83% of respondents reported shortages of supplies of building products and materials.
  • 80% of respondents reported an increased cost of supplies and building materials.
  • 73% of respondents reported that they faced some unwillingness of workers and subs to report to their construction sites.
  • 70% of respondents reported the length of time to obtain a plan review for a typical single-family home increased.

Despite the negative impacts of COVID-19, members are still reporting strong sales due to pent-up demand, low levels of inventory, and the stabilization of low interest rates. Additionally, 36% of surveyed remodelers have reported seeing more project inquiries with prospective clients mentioning COVID-19 and quarantine as a motivator for a home remodel.

BIA
www.annrivers.com

While this seems like positive news for the industry, members are citing concerns over the affordability of housing. Builders are still trying to recover from the loss of revenue related to holding costs on housing developments that were stalled during the work stoppage, inflation of the cost of building products/materials, and the added cost of more than $7,485 per company in adhering to COVID-19 specific safety protocol.

With more than 70% of BIA members classified as small businesses (less than 50 employees), these costs will be hard to absorb. The BIA anticipates that sales prices will continue to climb as the housing inventory in Clark County remains at an all-time low.  This means that housing will become less affordable, and more families in Clark County will be priced-out of a home purchase. This is worrisome as the BIA’s most recent estimate of 12,612 households are priced-out of homeownership.

The Building Industry Association (BIA) of Clark County is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of all businesses involved with real estate, land development, homebuilding, and construction.  

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Trump For President Rally Cruises Through Washougal, Camas Sunday

Editor’s Note: When Lacamas Magazine covers political events we do not necessarily endorse or condone the content, positions, or actions being reported on.

Washougal, WA — More than 450 supporters of President Donald Trump and other Republican candidates gathered at Limitless gun store Sunday afternoon to address issues of personal liberty, candidate preferences, pandemic mandates, and their opposition to big government.

Patriot Prayer members Joey Gibson and Michelle Dawson, as well as 49th Legislative District candidate, Justin Forsman, among others, addressed the crowd for about 90 minutes before lining up dozens of vehicles for a two-town caravan.

“Unity is the friend to freedom,” said Gibson. “Do you understand that? That’s why they divide us, and divide us, and divide us even religiously … The truth is we have to unite under a common cause.”

Gibson spoke of a trip to Hong Kong where citizens united under a common cause and said “they worked together they fought together, they bled together, and they were some of the hardest freedom fighters I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I believe we can do that in this country if we wake up and fight for each other.”

”I can’t accomplish things if I don’t have love in my heart,” said Gibson. “I cannot find myself to have hatred for other people who are scared, who are lost, who are hurt. These people who hate me and hate you guys, if you ever see them up close then you can understand the truth. The truth is that you should feel bad for them. They are bleeding on the inside. These people are hurting on the inside, they have so much hate and anger. Something happened to them in their lives, and it’s not worth getting mad, it’s not worth losing sleep over it. I came to pray for these people. Love is the most powerful force in this world.”

Gibson has been a controversial figure in local politics challenging government mandates, as well as ANTIFA and other groups.

Trump
Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson.

Dawson urged supporters to engage more at public events and warned of Portland politics coming into Clark County.

“We are out there, and it’s scary,” said Dawson. “We’re not asking you to be there on the front lines. Mask up, hide your face, so you don’t get doxxed, but stand back hold the line with us because if not Vancouver will become the new Portland. Rise up, stand up with us so we do not lose our freedom. We are not gonna let it happen.”

Forsman said people should be free to wear face masks — or not wear face masks insisting the face mask mandate issued by Governor Jay Inlsee.

“They don’t want us uniting and protesting,” said Forsman. “It’s your right not to wear a mask. Locking down our economy is another example [of government control.]

While the Trump supporters began their caravan, Lacamas Magazine went to interview Black Live Matters supporters at the Camas Safeway, however, they declined. They held BLM signs and shouted justice for Kevin Peterson, Jr., a Vancouver man, who was fatally shot by Vancouver Police last Thursday.

Here’s a video report of Sunday’s events: https://youtu.be/owmn6-7ic_U

The Trump caravan, which had dozens of vehicles, went through downtown Washougal, then headed west toward Camas and through the downtown corridor on 4th Avenue.

The caravan included at least one Democrat who said “I’m a Democrat who is proudly voting for Trump. He’s the right person for these times.”

One passerby said Trump supporters called her a child molester, and was angry the caravan kept honking. Another was upset she was caught in the caravan while driving through 4th Avenue.

The election comes to an end on Tuesday, November 3 as voters go to the polls and votes are tabulated.

Trump
Black Lives Matter rally at Camas Safeway.
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Clark County Sheriff Addresses Death of Kevin Peterson; Candlelight Vigil Held

Clark County Sheriff Chuck Atkins held a news conference Friday afternoon after deputies shot and killed a Camas man Thursday night in Hazel Dell.

So far, few details have been released by the sheriff’s office or any other law enforcement agency after Kevin Peterson Jr., a 21-year-old man Camas resident, was shot and killed about 6 pm Thursday.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office put out a news release indicating an officer had been involved in a shooting near NE Highway 99 and NE 68th Street in Hazel Dell.

Hundreds gathered in Vancouver Friday to hold a candlelight vigil to honor Peterson, who graduated from Union High School.

Here is Atkins’ full statement:

I have a statement, and a commitment, that I want to make to the community and to the family of a young man who lost his life last night.

I will start by telling you that there is a lot about this situation that I don’t know. Under I-940 and the state law requirements of an independent investigation, all of which I support – it is not my investigation and that means I am waiting along with you to learn about much of the details. Here is what I do know:

Just before 6PM on last night, detectives from the Clark/Vancouver Drug Task Force were conducting a narcotics investigation in the 6800 block of NE Hwy 99. A foot pursuit ensued where deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office were chasing a man with a firearm. The information I have is that upon entering the parking lot of a bank, the man reportedly fired his weapon at the deputies. The deputies returned fire and the subject was tragically killed. It is my understanding that the man’s firearm was observed at the scene.

The press is reporting that the family has identified the young man involved as Kevin E. Peterson, Jr. It’s important to relate that the loss of a young man’s life likely means there is a grieving father, mother and other family. It is right and correct that the community would grieve along with this family. While I have not spoken with the deputies involved in this matter, I am confident that they are upset at the unfortunate outcome of this encounter. I can say that our agency is grieving as is the Peterson family and the community. Washington State independent investigation protocols require the designation of a law enforcement liaison to Mr. Peterson’s family. It is my commitment to participate as much as I can in ensuring that there is a complete, thorough independent determination of what happened, how it happened and what can be learned from this incident. I believe that it is important that the family be kept updated as much as absolutely possible.

Peterson
A candlelight vigil was held to honor Kevin Peterson, Jr, a Camas man who was shot and killed by police Thursday night. Photo by Clark County Today.

As the community grieves, I call for there to be a respectful and dignified observance of the loss of life in this matter. There is always the potential for misinformation, doubt and confusion – and there may be those who wish to sow seeds of doubt. I insist that we will ALL learn in time what was lawful and/or unlawful, what was proper and/or improper and what we as an agency and community can learn from this matter.

I am committed to the accountability and transparency expected of this community and by state law and stand prepared to do my part as Sheriff in seeing that done. That said, this matter was turned over to the Southwest Washington Independent Investigation Team last night and is being led by the Camas Police Department for this incident.

Battle Ground Police Chief Mike Fort will be putting out further news releases regarding details of the investigation.  No further information is being released now, and I am not taking any questions at this time.”

Photos by Clark County Today.

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Camas Schools Update: Transition to In-Person Learning; Replacement Levies

The Camas School District provided an update regarding their plans to transition to in-person learning, which is being hampered by increasing COVID-19 cases in Clark County. In addition, the administration provided an update on the upcoming February replacement levy. Here’s the direct statement from CSD:

Transition to Increased, In-Person Learning Experiences

Unfortunately, our community COVID-19 Activity Level rates continue to trend in the wrong direction. This is our sixth consecutive week in the high activity level, which continues to delay our transition to a full hybrid model. Current guidance from the Washington State Department of Health in the high activity level is to deliver learning services remotely and identify small groups or cohorts of students for in-person learning services based on those students with the highest need, such as students with disabilities, students living homeless, those farthest from educational justice, and younger learners. Since August, we have increased the number of small groups for in-person learning services throughout the district. Building on that success, we announced this week our next targeted group will be our kindergarten students in groups of 10 or less beginning November 9. 

Why Kindergarten? Kindergarten is the foundation and start of the K-12 experience. It is such an important year for our youngest learners, and developmentally there are opportunities we just can’t replicate in a remote environment.

“Bringing small groups of kindergarten students into classrooms for in-person education is a cautious and incremental approach that fits within state health department guidance,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Public Health director and county health officer in a press release on October 25. “With small group sizes and continued preventive measures, such as mask-wearing and physical distancing, we believe in-person education is safe for both students and staff because children this young are less likely to transmit the virus to others.” 

You can view all the details of the transition plan including timelines, resources, and presentations at http://www.camas.wednet.edu/covid-19/2020-fall-reopening/. 

Camas
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com

The Big Five

The CDC indicates that in order for schools to achieve the lowest possible risk of transmission, we must implement five mitigation strategies to the extent possible, practical, and feasible, as outlined below: 

  • Consistent and correct use of masks
  • Social distancing to the largest extent possible
  • Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
  • Cleaning and disinfection
  • Contact tracing in collaboration with the local health department

Replacement Levies in February

Local levies are an essential revenue stream for our district and are approved by voters for a set number of years. In 2017, our community approved two levies, a programs & operations levy and a capital technology levy, which will expire at the end of 2021. Our School Board continued their discussion about replacing these expiring levies in the upcoming February election. Our school district has long benefited from strong community support. That support enabled us to build the district we have today. In addition to local levies, voters have also approved local bonds that have built the amazing schools and facilities we have in our district. Because of the way we’ve scheduled our bonds, taxpayers will see a reduction in their tax rate even with the approval of replacement levies in February. Our Board has explored two options for the replacement levies and plans to finalize their decision at the November 9 board meeting.

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Fighting Cancer: Grains of Wrath to Hold Fundraiser for Mariah Corbin

Camas, WA — Grains of Wrath and Fuel Medical are organizing a fundraiser this Thursday to benefit Mariah Corbin, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer.

All day Thursday (11 am-10 pm) Grains of Wrath will donate 10 percent of the day’s revenue to benefit Corbin and her family.

“On top of that, Fuel will donate three times that amount to help out the Corbin family,” said Brendan Ford, Co-Founder of Fuel. “This is a great Camas family and we need to do all we can to support them.”

Mariah’s father, Derrill, said the the official diagnosis — Anaplastic Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma Grade 3 — came September 16, and they were told that scientifically recovery is not likely.

“We do have good insurance, but there are so many other expenses, such as travel to research hospitals in either California or Boston for treatment,” Derril said. “Support of community is making this work. We are so grateful.”

There is also the additional cost of remedies, alternate treatments, and clinical trials.

Mariah is currently studying theology and is diligently working toward finishing her degree in the midst of this cancer battle.

Brendan Greenen, managing partner at GOW, said Dollar For will have donation stations on Thursday for card donations that will go directly to the family.

Derrill said while the prognosis is hard to bear, they are buoyed by their spiritual faith.

Local friends set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist the Corbin family, and they ask for the community to support this cause. Here is that link: http://gofundme.com/f/mariahmiracle

Corbin
www.arktana.com
Corbin
The Corbin family.
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Jemtegaard Middle School Principal Named WA Secondary Principal of the Year

Washougal, WA — The Association of Washington School Principals has named David Cooke, Principal of Jemtegaard Middle School, as the Washington State Secondary School Principal of the Year for 2020!  The Secondary School Principal of the Year award is given to individuals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, and community involvement, as well as advocating for education. 

“I am honored to be the Principal of Jemtegaard Middle School,” said Cooke. “It is an incredible place to work. This award represents the culture and efforts of the staff and students who come here every day.”

AWSP leadership joined WSD leadership at a middle school staff meeting to make the announcement to Cooke and his staff.  Superintendent Mary Templeton announced the guests from AWSP, who proceeded to share accolades with Cooke. 

“Under David’s leadership, Jemtegaard Middle School has gone from a school that was failing to make progress under No Child Left Behind to one that has been State Recognized multiple times for academic performance increases and closing the achievement gap,” Templeton said. “Through this work, Washougal students are rising, and our district with them!  I could not be happier for David receiving this great recognition!  It is so well deserved.”

Cooke has fostered a culture of support for students and their families, focusing on equity, positive behavior expectations, high engagement, and the whole child.

“At every opportunity, David credits the teachers and staff at Jemtegaard for the school’s accomplishments,” said Kurt Hatch, AWSP Associate Director of Middle Level Leadership, adding “His staff has a willingness to challenge practices, remove barriers to success, and do what is right for students.”

“I could not be prouder of my staff,” said Cooke. “About six years ago, we knew that we needed to make changes to ensure that all students could be successful. It was not easy, but we persevered as a team to make difficult decisions, learn together, and build the best opportunities for all students. As a result, our students have experienced significant growth. We have been supported along the way by so many including our fellow Washougal teachers, staff, District Office and an amazing Washougal community.”

Cooke
www.arktana.com

Cooke has overseen implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Support system at Jemtegaard, featuring common classroom expectations, quick support responses, and a focus on ensuring that students who need help are guided through restorative practices and back in the classroom as quickly as possible.  This has led to a dramatic reduction in missed instructional time, and fewer discipline referrals for students. 

“David exemplifies the best of the best in school leaders in his relentless pursuit of bringing adults together in a common purpose and mission. Their focus on equity, student achievement, and intentional impact on each and every child is what brought his nomination to the top,” said Scott Seaman, AWSP Executive Director. “Leading educational change that is student-centered takes an entire school community and David’s leadership has fostered that ongoing culture.”

“Our students are caring, hardworking and resilient,” Cooke said. “They support each other in their academic, social, and emotional growth.”

The Spanish Speaking Family Night initiative was started by Cooke in response to feedback from second language speaking families, who wanted to connect with the school and learn how they could be part of their students’ learning.  Cooke worked with community leaders and Spanish speaking staff and translators to build relationships with students and their families, identifying resource gaps, communication barriers, and providing support and resources that ensure families and students have what they need to succeed. 

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POLITICS 2020: Q&A Part 1 With Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler

This is Part 1 of a 2-part interview with Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, a Republican who represents Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. Herrera Beutler answers the first four questions in Part 1.

Question 1: What are the most pressing issues you encounter with voters this Fall?

I think the number one thing is health safety, how to manage COVID and economic safety and security. I think it’s only intensifying. We’ve seen unemployment funds run out, and we’ve seen certain industries collapse and others are near collapse. In the next five weeks or so more companies will be out of business. 

We are taking on the stimulus bill. I think we need additional stimulus to get through this. I’m part of a group in Congress called Problem Solvers with 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans, and we’re pushing for this. We have to have something to help people. We’re not reopening really and much hasn’t changed on that front. 

One of the challenges we’ve had is there are a lot of presidential politics in play, and it’s disheartening to me. Republicans and Democrats are both out of work. This group is still trying to put pressure on the House and the Senate. My sticking point is that we need unemployment benefits and more Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) money in there. A lot of the moderate Democrats have told Speaker Pelosi we need to put something positive on the table.

Question 2: What is the Problem Solvers Caucus?

It’s a group of 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans who work in a bipartisan way to solve big problems, who seek compromise. There is a lot of bipartisan work happening in Congress, it just doesn’t get reported. The Problem Solvers Caucus has driven changes in the minority and majority in our push for compromise. I believe in free markets, and there are so many things that need to be done. We need to be willing to work together on things. 

I do think there are a lot of good people still trying to address major issues in our country.

The Problem Solvers Caucus works under the rules of the majority who rule with brute force. It’s a team sport in the House. We have drafted ways to have the minority have more influence. 

It takes 218 to pass any bill, and there are bills that have more than 218 votes, but if the Pelosi leadership team doesn’t like it they don’t allow it to go to the floor. I think the biggest thing is the pressure from our group is to keep the stimulus talks going. We had enough steam behind it to just not walk away. Because of the pressure Pelosi is still in those conversations with the Trump administration. We have the votes to pass the stimulus bill and they know it. It’s soft power.

Herrera Beutler
www.electlarryhoff.com

Question 3: What are your top legislative priorities in the next Congress should you be re-elected?

First and foremost, we have to make sure we address the health and safety of people here, as well as economic safety. You have to empower the right leaders, like small businesses, into recovery. We need another COVID package. We did the CARES Act, and it needs additional support. 

We have saved 95,000 jobs in the 3rd District because of the CARES Act, which I helped draft. Those figures come from the Small Business Administration (SBA). In my mind, that is stopping the bleeding. We also need put out the unemployment insurance. Carolyn (Long) promises to get rid of the Trump tax cuts, which I think is the wrong approach. Both housing and small businesses will lead our recovery. But, we have to be laser focused on growing jobs. In this pandemic, small businesses are looking for more assistance with PPP. Small businesses don’t want us to raise taxes. My opponent has promised to raise taxes by 20 percent. 

Our hydrosystem has been a priority for me. We have to do something on health care. I am passionate about access to health care. This is part of our working economy. I understand it as a mother as I have a daughter who needed a kidney transplant. We have to replace the ACA because if you need real access it can really limit you. They need access to care. We have to fix that. We need to work on energy, health care, and a good tax and regulatory environment so that small businesses aren’t put on the back end. 

We have to protect trade, as well. It was right to stand up for more fair trade practices. 

Question 4: Why should citizens of this district re-elect you?

I grew up here, that’s part of why I’m a good fit. People here want us to be about solving problems. I know how to move legislation, such as the bill to protect the Columbia River salmon. I was informed that if we didn’t do something about this we would see whole salmon runs go extinct. We worked on this bill for a long time, and by the time we got to the House floor all GOP House members voted for it. I got the administration to sign it.

That’s what I’m good at. I’ve had my own challenges with the Trump administration, but I know because of how I operate I will be successful with any administration. Would Carolyn Long be able to work with the other party? You have to be able to work with people. 

Part 2 addresses more issues, the life of a member of Congress, working with constituents, and navigating political personalities and strategies.

To learn more, visit www.votejaime.com

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POLITICS 2020: Carolyn Long to Host 60th Town Hall in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, WA — On Monday, Carolyn Long, candidate for Congress in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, will host a drive-in town hall at Joe’s Place Farm parking lot to speak with constituents and answer their questions.

Long looks forward to discussing the top issues of the day including the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, the work done to address the pandemic; her priorities and perspective on how to build Southwest Washington for the future, and any other questions the audience may have.

Her campaign staff said Long is committed to transparency and accessibility, and noted this is Carolyn’s 60th town hall since 2018, in-person and virtually. 

Long is running for Congress in Southwest Washington (WA-03) for the 2020 election. She previously was the Democratic nominee for Washington’s 3rd District in 2018. She resides in Vancouver with her family and teaches at WSU-Vancouver. Long has served Southwest Washington for more than 25 years, as a WSU college professor and community leader. 

Monday, October 26th

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Parking spots open at 5:00 p.m)

Joe’s Place Farms

701 NE 112th Avenue

Vancouver, WA 98684

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Champ Pizza Opens New Restaurant In Camas — For Take Out + Delivery

Camas, WA — Champ Pizza officially opened its third Clark County restaurant today in Camas at Lacamas Center on 3rd Avenue next to Dollar Tree.

”We’re pretty excited about this,” said managing parter, Tyson Cook. “This opportunity came pretty quickly and we jumped on it.”

Champ Pizza Camas is located in the former Little Caesar’s footprint, and they’re ready to go. Champ Pizza makes a quality pizza that’s ready fast with delivery and pickup options.

Hours:

  • 11-9 Sunday – Thursday
  • 11-10 Friday and Saturday

“We use 100 percent whole mozzarella cheese, we make dough daily made with buttermilk and Parmesan,” Cook said. “We bring in all our produce and slice it in house. We also offer premium meats — ham, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, etc. We don’t cut corners there. We pride ourselves on our service, we believe a customer deserves a quality pizza every time. We can deliver and be ready just as quickly as the competition. We will serve all of Camas and Washougal.”

And, they’re ready to get to know you. 

“We really want to be involved with the community and will continue our Athlete of the Month program,” Cook said. ”We will also give many teens an opportunity to have a good job.” 

Champ
Making dough.
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Herrera Beutler Helps Secure $3 Million Grant For Port of Camas Washougal

$3 million EDA grant comes to Opportunity Zone in Washougal created by Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; estimated to bring 130 new jobs

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today applauded the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant award of $3 million to the Port of Camas-Washougal to help establish an industrial workspace for use by local manufacturing employers.

The EDA grant, targeted to a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Opportunity Zone, will be matched with $2.5 million in local funds and $1.4 million in state funds, and is expected to create 130 jobs and spur $10.6 million in private investment.

In addition to helping establish the Opportunity Zone in Washougal, Herrera Beutler also partnered with the Port of Camas-Washougal to successfully earn this grant. Her advocacy included this 2019 letter to EDA.

“Yet another reason I supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was because it established Opportunity Zones like the one that’s bringing 130 new jobs and $10 million in private investment to Washougal,” Congresswoman Herrera Beutler said. “Job creation has always been my top priority, so I’m grateful to the Department of Commerce for targeting the tools Congress provided through the 2017 tax cuts bill in support of the Port of Camas-Washougal’s effort to bring more manufacturing jobs here.”

“EDA is proud to support local efforts to improve infrastructure to spur new business growth,” Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development said. “EDA investments in Opportunity Zones enhance the return on investment for business interests and encourage the public/private partnerships critical to driving private investment and new jobs to cities like Washougal.”

Washougal
www.electlarryhoff.com

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