, ,

LDS Church Hosts Saturday’s Interfaith Event Benefiting Local Community

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting an interfaith event this Saturday, October 28 as part of National Make a Difference Day. Event organizers are seeking volunteers between 2-5 pm this Saturday (any amount of time is appreciated). 

Their goal is to complete the following projects:

  • Sorting 32,000 pounds of hygiene commodities for families in the Evergreen School District (an entire semi-truck load)
  • Tying 75 fleece blankets for Project Linus providing blankets for children seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.
  • 3,000 meal kits that will each feed a family of 6.
  • 500 Valentine’s Cards to bring love to those in assisted living.
  • 1,000 family gathering and educational kits and school support projects for schools in our community.
  • Collect unwrapped toys for the Camas/Washougal Salvation Army.

All projects will directly benefit our local community including;  Evergreen, Camas and Washougal Schools, Clark County Food Bank, Camas/Washougal Salvation Army, Camas/Washougal Interfaith Treasure House, Project Linus, and Local Senior Living Centers.

The event is for women 18+.

Easy project directions, materials and refreshments will be provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. 

Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0A49ABAB2CA1FF2-interfaith

Saturday, October 28, 2023  2 pm – 5 pm

East Vancouver Stake Center   

18214 NE 18th St. Vancouver WA

If you have any questions please contact:

Caryn Dewey 360.909.3745, Amanda Houston 360.624.4168, or Laurie Kinsey 360.433.7847

/0 Comments/by
, ,

ELECTION 2023: Camas City Council Member Bonnie Carter Makes Case For Re-election

Camas City Council member Bonnie Carter, Ward 2 Position 1, was appointed to council in 2015, and was elected to a full term in 2019. She is now running for re-election, and explains what she has learned and why voters should retain her. Lacamas Magazine asked her several questions, and here are her answers.

What are your campaign priorities?

First, clean water for Lacamas Lake, and improving its overall health, specifically in areas we can affect. In November 2019, I suggested we use Fallen Leaf Lake as a pilot project to see if it would clean up the bigger lakes. Steve Hogan decided to lead that effort. Then we had COVID, and now we have tools and items to start treating the lakes. We have some things to reduce algae blooms in Lacamas Lake. 

Second, we are alsoo dealing with PFAS in Camas water well 13, and when it’s above the recommendation we take it offline and then we work on it. It has detectable levels of PFAS, and we were told by Ecology to notify people that it’s not safe. It’s offline and we’re looking at options to remove the PFAS so we can use it again. Well 13 goes into a collective with all the other wells. We are looking at options on how we can remove the PFAS. We have to hire an expert who specliazes in this clean up so they can monitor this. We do test all the wells. We should also be looking at other entry points into the system.

Third, public safety. Coming up soon we will need to take fire issues to citizens and talking to them about a replacement fire station headquarters as the current one does not meet code. If there’s an earthquake it might be the one to fall down first. It means a capital bond to build a new HQ, and we are looking at sites and how it will work for the community. We have about a year to educate the public on this issue.

We also need to address the agreement with Washougal with the governance of the fire department, and we will launch an RFA Exploration Committee to determine what governance looks like so it doesn’t compete with library or police. It will be funded on a separate tax. That is another year-long education process.

It would be great if we could just finance everything with existing funds, but the reality is we’re having a hard time keeping up with inflation, as 85 percent of City of Camas expenses are salaries. A public entity is forever in the service business. Garbage pickup services, clean water, good roads, public safety, etc. 

We’re not flush in cash. We also have a lot of expenses, and the state issues a lot of unfunded mandates. 

Vision

I still see Camas being an amazing, charming little city it always has been. Enjoying our parks and doing events that bring people together. I see them drawing in families. 

What has surprised you the most being on Council?

Government is slow. Everything has to be a public process and that takes time. We only meet twice a month as a council. We don’t have a huge staff. We have to wait for staff to take the time to do all that. It’s frustrating. An easy fix takes a long time. 

We went fast in 2019 with the pool bond. We set the vote before we had all the information from city staff, and we didn’t have enough time.  Former Camas Mayor Shannon Turk paid the price. All the hate mail, the threats. You can disagree but do you have to be vicious? We all live here together. We’re on the same team. 

We moved here before downtown Camas was fixed. We moved here for the schools, the parks and the location. To be near the airport. Look how our community improved downtown. It took time to do that. But the results are amazing.

Pool bond debacle: what happened?

In retrospect, staff came to us and told us the health department wouldn’t reopen the Crown Park pool and that leaving it as is in Crown Park it was a liability. So we opened up ourselves to kids jumping over the fence. Staff should have come and said let’s come up with a replacement, and we should have done that. We didn’t.

We heard what staff said about the pool, it was beyond its life expectancy and everyone was angry. They told us to leave the park alone. We were told to get away from the park so we left it quiet for a couple of years, and then we went back and did more planning for Crown Park.

The old Crown Park pool wasn’t inclusive. It wasn’t ADA compliant. There were a lot of concerns.

We could have done it differently. We should have had a replacement pool plan in place before we tore it down. We regret that.

Understanding the public process

It’s a tricky process. People want things done quickly, but sometimes I think they’re missing information. People are busy. They don’t want to take the time to understand the public process. To clarify, we have to apply for grants to make all the improvements we want. We plan for 20 years out and update that every 10 years. We make plans to be able to adapt. We wait often for grant money from the state and the feds. The city isn’t flush in cash.

Council members have to learn how these things happen so we can be the voice for the people. We are elected to make budget priorities for the people, because we’re one of the people.

I want to run again because I know the process. Ramp up is hard. It’s never gonna be a good time to leave. When you see all the steps and you have this opportunity to make a vision change. You want to see things come through. That’s what is important to us. Not running again you worry if someone else will have the passion for a project to see it through. A change in council can change how staff does their work.

We are here for streets, clean water, keeping the lights on, public safety, roads, The fun stuff is trails, a new pool, splash pad, those are the fun parts, and we live in a great town.

To learn more about Carter, visit www.carterforcamascouncil.com

/3 Comments/by
, ,

ELECTION 2023: Leanne Williams Running as School Board Write-in Candidate

Educator Leanne Williams is running as a write-in candidate for Camas School Board, District 5 position against incumbent Tracey Malone. Lacamas Magazine asked Williams several questions aobut her candidacy. 

Williams has a Masters degree in Education, and taught Kindergarten at Mt. Pleasant and in the Evergreen School District. She is married to Camas High School history teacher, Bronk Williams, and has two teenage Camas students. 

Why are you running?

First let me say, I appreciate everyone who serves on our School Board. It is a voluntary position and I value civic minded people. I am running because I feel that I can make a difference as a School Board Director. I was very dissatisfied with the strike. I feel the district created a contentious tone during the bargaining and strike. I found it to be very negative. I am concerned about disturbances in our small town school community that feel negative and new. We are packing our classrooms with students and offering less in support and services to our students and teachers. Finally, I am capable and I am willing to serve our community.

We need to do a better job of addressing mental health issues in our students, which correlates to school safety. Camas High School is a great place if you run the line, but if you have anything divert you, if you need extra support, it’s a hard place to be. The surroudning support services are severely lacking now.

If elected, what are your priorities?

  • Help build an optimal educational experience for our students.
  • A system that better addresses and supports mental health issues that affect our students.
  • Analyze budgets and reserves.
  • Work to help improve our funding from the state.
  • Value conference period and creative supports for students.
  • Model an ability to disagree or negotiate with an opposing side with respect and professionalism.

Is the public system broken? 

No, but we have been degrading our educational experience, I believe for multiple reasons. COVID and budget constraints from the state have created a situation where we have defaulted to a less than adequate educational experience. I believe working together to navigate these rough waters is essential for our district. Modeling problem solving, collaboration, asking for help and respect for all, even in tough times, teaches our students many lessons. We are trying to prepare them for life after school as well as educate them in core content.

What are we doing right?  

  • We have hired quality teachers and staff, many club, port and extra curricular activities.
  • Asked for parent or staff perspectives through Thought exchanges. 
  • Parent Square communication is good, for the most part.
  • Legislative committee and good listening opportunities. 

Are parents paying enough attention?

I believe most parents are trying to pay attention to what is happening with their students, teachers and the district, which is why many were unhappy with the strike and the tone set by the district. 

How does a write-in candidate succeed?

When enough families and voters in our community send a message, on November 7th, that they want change. We need board members with a student focused agenda, strong problem solving skills, and an ability to differ or negotiate with opposing sides with respect and transparency. I agree with George McCoy that having three unopposed school board positions is not great for our democracy and can make our directors complacent. We, the voters, can make change. Voting is a positive and productive way for our community to signal to the Camas School District that we need change on the school board.

I’ve knocked 500 doors so far, and put up 100 signs. And, we’re putting up two big banners. We have people out there helping out. I do have close friends helping me. 

You may learn more at https://www.leanne4camas.com

/0 Comments/by
, ,

ELECTION 2023: George McCoy Running as Camas School Board Write-in Candidate

Local attorney, George McCoy, is running as a write-in candidate for Camas School Board, District 4 position against Bamini Pathmanathan, who was appointed to the position earlier this year when Doug Quinn stepped down to serve as Camas City Administrator. Lacamas Magazine asked McCoy several questions about his candidacy. 

Why are you running?

I decided to run for school board because of the way the school board handled the recent labor stoppage. The messaging from the board and our Camas School District Superintendent put a wedge between teachers and the community. I don’t think they are transparent in the way they handled the process. I think they could do better.

There was a number of emails sent to parents and the community after the strike were sent to all of our students, as well. 

They sent an email about their last final offer and that wasn’t true. They sent emails about union representatives not meeting in a timely manner.  All of those communications were very divisive in their nature, and it never really felt like the School Board and Superintendent valued the community. They didn’t understand the value of teachers in our community. So many teachers and parents felt this way during the entire process.

I think the current Superintendent is trying to run the district more like a business than a school district. We should treat teachers like people. Now, we have this irreperable rift between teachers and parents. The danger is the lack of trust between parents and the school district and it’s created a lack of trust between voters and the teachers. 

I also feel we’ve gotten a little complacent in Camas about our School Board. We’ve had great schools for a long time, and we have three school board members running unopposed, and that’s not healthy for democracy. Nobody on the school board seems to be comfortable with conflict; they don’t engage in debate. They’ve been given budgets that don’t make sense, so they need to question what’s in them. They don’t do that.

If elected, what are your priorities?

Transparency to the public. Transparency in communications is so vital; it’s about respecting hard-earned tax dollars. If we have contested labor negotiations we need to start those early. There’s no reason why the teachers should have been forced to go on strike. 

We also need to keep all the current high schools open. The alternatives for the community work for them because we have a very diverse community.  There are kids that live very different lives with very different needs. Having Odyssey, Discovery and Hayes gives them the opportunity to learn and thrive.

I think we do need a baseline of equity where everyone has the opportunity to learn and thrive. We need the alternatives and options for those who are highly capable. We’ve seen an erosion of that in Camas schools. 

Class size has to be prioritized. You can’t give attention to the kids when there are so many kids in a classroom. We need to ensure we are able to set up a a diverse curriculum. We are able to do both of those things if we have 1:1 time. I think the adjustments with McCleary have been difficult for Camas and we can’t use levy money for that. On the flip size, we aren’t pushing back on the state. We need to prioritize that. Just accepting that isn’t the right answer, either. The state has too many unfunded mandates and we need to push back on that, and fight for what’s right. We have to fund PE and special education. 

We are in this perpetual situation, and this is not good enough.

Is the public school system broken?

I think the best education is in a public education setting. I don’t think it’s an optimal situation right now, but I think it’s better than the alternatives out there. I think it’s better than a home school setting. I think the social interactions in school are important. 

I think learning from folks with different perspectives is important. Not everything in our schools is academic. One of them in the social-emotional piece. 

I have four kids in this system ages 13, 10, 8, and 6. I want them to thrive. I want all the kids to thrive, but our system needs a significant overhaul. 

I think one thing to fix is uniformed communication between parents and teachers. The communication level you get varies depending on the teacher. I get some communication weekly, some monthly, some never. Maybe once a week we could budget time for teachers to communicate more. It’s helpful for parents to know what their kids are doing.

Ms. Swan is great at communicating. That’s something we could improve upon. Let’s give them an extra 20 minutes a week. 

Second thing: We have to lean into different opportunities available for our children. We can’t talk about removing programs and schools. Students that might be struggling need programs and opportunities to lift them up.

What are we doing right?

We have hired incredible teachers over the years. We have great teachers. I think we’ve had a good job getting folks in the classroom that really care about students and the community.

I think we have great athletic programs. Not speaking to our Superintendent but others have done a good job promoting these programs. 

Pinpointing the wrong turn in our district is difficult. I think complacency has built up over time. It’s been a bunch of small things over the years that have taken us in the wrong direction. Like the frog in a pot of boiling water. 

Are parents paying enough attention?

They are paying attention to the information given them. 

How does a write-in candidate succeed?

I think people are fed up, and we’re getting the message out. I’m reaching out to people on Facebook. I put up campaign signs. We are walking neighborhoods. I have a small group getting the word out. We are trying to do everything we can in a short window to win this campaign. We need people showing up at school board meetings and talk about what they’re doing wrong. 

/1 Comment/by

9 Simple Tips for Caring for Your Washington State Lawn During the Fall

As the gorgeous colors of summer begin to fade and crisp autumn air starts to arrive, you will need to alter your lawn care routine to prepare for the changing seasons. Washington State has a unique climate that requires you to take specific steps during the fall season to maintain a beautiful and fruitful lawn. In this article, we will learn tips for caring for your lawn in the state of Washington. By utilizing these nine tips during autumn, you can cultivate an attractive green space for the entire year.

1. Aerate Your Lawn

You must aerate your lawn during the fall if you want it to remain healthy and lush. As time goes by, Washington soil can compact, which can prevent water absorption and root growth. You can aerate your soil by perforating it with numerous small holes, which will allow nutrients, air, and water to penetrate the ground. Purchase or rent a lawn aerator and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure effective aeration.

2. Rake Leaves

The foliage of fall can be beautiful to look at, but fallen leaves can quickly take over your law by blocking sunlight and preventing essential air circulation. Thick layers of leaves can also create an environment in which pests and mold can thrive. Regularly removing and raking fallen leaves on your lawn can reduce the likelihood of these issues occurring. You may want to invest in a mulching mower that can chop up leaves into smaller pieces, which can then be dispersed on your lawn to act as a natural mulch.

3. Kill Weeds

No one wants weeds to take over their lawn, and unfortunately for many Washington homeowners, they can be persistent during the fall months. To hinder their growth, apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the early fall months. This can prevent weed seeds from taking hold and germinating. Follow the specific instructions on your herbicide’s label, and choose the right herbicide for your grass type.

4. Fertilize

Many homeowners prefer to focus on fertilizing their lawns during the spring months, but you must do so during fall as well if you want your lawn to get the nutrients it needs to thrive. In Washington, you may want to use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer that contains a ratio of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium suited to your grass type. Apply a layer of fertilizer in early to mid-fall, using the recommended application rates. This will promote hardiness during the winter as well as steady root growth.

Gary Perman

5. Change Your Lawn Care Routine

As the temperature starts to drop during the fall months, you will need to alter your lawn care routine accordingly. Once your grass ceases to grow, you can reduce the frequency of mowing and focus on other tasks, such as preparing your lawn for the winter and winterizing your lawn care equipment.

6. Water Your Lawn

Washington’s rainy season usually starts in the fall, so you will want to keep a close eye on the moisture level of your lawn. Lawns always require adequate hydration, especially in the weeks prior to winter. Strive for infrequent, deep, watering sessions instead of shallow, frequent ones. Watering in the early morning hours will allow for your grass to dry before nighttime – this reduces the chance of disease.

7. Overseed

The process of sowing grass seeds over your current lawn to fill in bare patches and thicken it is known as overseeding. As a Washington State homeowner, you can do this in the fall since the soil will still be warm and there is still adequate moisture. Select a high-quality grass seed that is appropriate for your lawn and be sure to keep any areas you seed consistently moist until the new grass emerges.

8. Adjust Your Mowing Height

Grass tends to grow more slowly during the fall, so you may need to adjust your mowing height. Adjust your mower to a higher cutting height to ensure the grass remains longer. Longer grass blades offer superior protection for roots and help retain moisture. Avoid cutting your grass down to more than one-third of the grass blade at the time to avoid stressing the grass.

9. Call a Professional

If you are struggling to maintain a healthy lawn year-round, you may want to consider calling in a professional. This may be necessary if you aren’t sure how to perform certain lawn care tasks or you need assistance with more extensive tasks, such as overseeding or aerating.

Maintain Your Lawn’s Beauty and Health

As a resident of Washington State, caring for your lawn during the fall is crucial if you want to maintain its beauty and health. By keeping the essential tips above in mind, you can keep your lawn looking stunning during autumn and ready for the colder winter months.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Bradley Mowers

/0 Comments/by

ELECTION 2023: John Svilarich Running for Camas City Council At-Large Seat

Lacamas Magazine interviewed John Svilarich, who is running for the open Camas City Council At-Large seat, which is being vacated by Don Chaney, who is retiring. Here are the questions we asked, and his answers.

Why do you want to be on Camas City Council?

Camas is at a critical juncture in its history with many big decisions facing it. These decisions will shape the success of our future and it’s important we get it right as best we can. I believe I have the knowledge, experience, and background to help the Council do its best.

Top Issues

While the City faces many challenges, I believe that infrastructure and revenue sources are two of the most significant. As for infrastructure, we must prioritize what is needed and act on it. Delayed or deferred decision making has cost us time and money. The decisions are not easy but must be made. As for revenue sources, we need to do more work in economic development. This is not easy either, but success is needed here for our long-term financial health.

What is the City of Camas doing right?

Public safety is a huge success story for Camas. Police, Fire and Public works combine to make us all comfortable in our homes and our travels. Collaboration and partnerships such as with the Downtown Camas Association, The Port and the school district have been very successful and beneficial for the community. We have a large and vibrant Parks system that is known throughout the region for its many attractions. We have been stable financially, earning a AAA Bond rating.

In what areas can Camas improve?

Communication is something that needs to be improved. Information is not easy to find, and the city is not consistent with how they get out the message. We need to “push” it out to the citizens, not make them “pull” it out of the city.

Stability is another thing that affects us all. We’ve had five mayors in five years. Three City Administrators and numerous department heads turnover. It’s time to revisit our strong mayor form of government.

We need more success with economic development as we need additional revenue sources.

We also need to start addressing our challenges, not kicking them down the road. We have two fire stations that need to be replaced. We need lots of road repairs. We have aging buildings and systems. We have a fire department partnership that is not sustainable financially. We need to prioritize our issues and then take action.

Vision

My vision is one of Camas being a vibrant place to live and work. A place that is healthy both environmentally and economically. And safe and welcoming for all. This will take vision and leadership. It will take thoughtful planning, solid communication, and hard work. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will help lead the community by hard work alongside my fellow councilors, open and clear communication, and consistent dedication towards our success.

About John Svilarich

I’m a widower who lives near Prune Hill with my Labrador Retriever, “Frankie the Girl.” I have two grown sons who went to school here and live nearby. I have been in Camas for over 21 years, the PNW for almost 40. Since I first arrived here, I have been active throughout the community including schools, the city and the Port. I’m the head of a large homeowners association which is like a mini city at times. I have a solid historical perspective and knowledge that would be a valuable resource for the Council. In my many decades of life, I have become an effective communicator. I have learned to collaborate with others. I am solution oriented, helping me to be a proven problem solver. I have faced a diversity of challenges both personally and professionally. This allows me to be pragmatic and empathetic, yet productive.

I’ve held management roles in the automotive, environmental and food industries. I have extensive experience with group dynamics and individual motivation. I understand finances, communication systems, marketing and logistics. Lastly, I’m proficient in both planning and regulatory matters. My work is diversified across local, regional, national, and even international channels.

To learn more, visit www.johnforcamas.com

/0 Comments/by

Camas-Washougal Community Chest Launches 2024 Fundraising Campaign

The Camas-Washougal Community Chest launched its annual fundraising drive October 1, 2023 with a goal of raising $120,000 for 2024 grants. In a continuing partnership with CWCC, the Camas – Washougal Rotary Foundation plans to provide additional grant funds. The combined monies are used to fund grants to local non-profit organizations that serve Camas and Washougal residents in need, at-risk youth programs, address natural resource conservation, foster education and strive to enhance diversity, equity and inclusivity in Camas and Washougal. Since 1946 the CWCC has been all about helping local charities thrive. 

The CWCC, CWRF and Camas Lions Club just wrapped up a successful 2023 campaign which saw them fund 30 grants for a total of $135,500. Programs and projects funded in 2023 included support of the local food bank run by Inter-Faith Treasure House, funding for family support programs run by Children’s Home Society of Washington, funding a portion of Family Promise’s Cares prevention program to help low income families avoid losing their home, funding habitat improvements in the Gibbons Creek watershed conducted by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and funding for food and food service supplies for the local Meals on Wheels People program. 

Other grants provided funding for cancer treatment costs and living expenses not covered by insurance; funding for several local reading programs; funding registration fees, transportation costs, and food and housing costs for local low- income robotics team members; and for temporarily housing at-risk youth in a secure facility. A full list of the grants awarded in 2023 is attached. 

Major support for the 2023 fundraising campaign came from Georgia Pacific employees and the Georgia Pacific Foundation. 

Other major donors in 2023 included HP employees and the HP Corporation, Camas and Washougal School District employees, City of Camas and Washougal employees, Port of Camas-Washougal employees, Watercare Industrial Services, Columbia Rock Products (Sauer Holdings LLC) and Waste Connections. The following foundations provided major support: Windermere Foundation, the Tidland Christian Development Fund, and the Hinds Charitable Fund. 

To reach its $120,000 goal for the 2024 campaign, the CWCC needs donations from individuals and businesses in Camas and Washougal. More information and donation forms can be found on the CWCC’s website at: www.CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org 

Dabasinskas
Visit www.stephen4council.com

The CWCC is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization for federal charitable tax deduction purposes. Says CWCC President Mindy Schmidt, “giving to the Community Chest is an easy and efficient way to help people in need in our hometown.” 

Local non-profit organizations planning to apply for a grant can download the 2024 application form from CWCC’s website after October 15, 2023. Applications for 2024 grants are due by no later than December 15, 2023. Applicants will be informed during March 2024 as to whether their project or program is funded and at what level. Grant payments are made quarterly beginning with initial payments in March 2024. 

To be eligible for a grant, applicants must provide services in Camas and/or Washougal, be a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and provide service in one or more of the following areas: education, youth activities, aid to people with special needs, natural resource conservation, health and welfare programs, crisis and emergency services and diversity, equity and inclusivity. 

2023 Grant Program Summary 

Total number of grants awarded – 30
Total value of grants awarded – $135,500
Estimated number of individual services funded by grants – more than 19,500 

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Camas to Pay Tribute to Marquita Call at 2 Saturday Events

Camas, WA — Friends and family are paying tribute to Marquita Call, longtime Camas Gallery owner, resident, and friend to many, who passed away in late August, at two Saturday events.

Call, known for her infectious smile, listening ear, honest advice, and love of family and friends will be honored Saturday, October 7 at a 2 pm memorial at Journey Church in downtown Camas. The public is also invited to a celebration afterwards at Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie (details below).

Call was born on April 23, 1943, in Vancouver, WA to Art and Lenora Gaiani (Bennett). She graduated from Camas High School in 1962, and forever be a Papermaker. She frequently spoke of her love for Camas, and never hesitated to share that love to anyone who entered the gallery. Family and friends often referred to the talk as the “Camas Wellness Talk.”

“Camas has a sense of wellness,” she always said. “People here care for each other, and support one another. My heart will always be here. I will forever be a Papermaker.”

And, she loved to sing the Camas High School Fight song.

Call owned the Camas Gallery for the past 14 years. She welcomed visitors to her gallery, located on 4th Avenue, with warmth and enthusiasm and freely shared her historical knowledge of Camas. One visitor claimed Marquita is to Camas what Dolly Parton is to Pigeon Forge, TN.

Call’s first job was at the Ideal Corner Cafe at the age of 15. She also worked at Dairy Queen with classmate Denis Hayes, the International Chairman of Earth Day. She and her friends started the first recycling center in Camas in the late 60s. She taught Sunday School at Zion Lutheran Church for 20 years, where her mother Lenora Gaiani served as superintendent. Her dad, Art Gaiani, built more than 50 homes in Camas. Her grandmother Marie Eymer played piano at the Liberty Theatre when it opened in 1927.

This reporter will always hold a special place in his heart for the great friend that Marquita is. Although she has left mortality, she is not gone, but simply ahead in the journey. She taught people to be strong, resilient, and brave. She was honest and forthright, and I loved giving her the scoop on breaking stories. We will miss her greatly.

She is survived in death by her husband of 28 years, Dennis, her two children, Tom Johnston (Tracy), Jennifer Senescu (Jim), 2 stepchildren Darren Call (Tekla), Denise Hibbard (Joe), sister MelodyGood, and brother Art Gaiani (Karen), and several grandchildren.

Immediately following Call’s service at Journey Church, guests are invited to Shangri-La Farm to celebrate her life. Park at rented Grove Field Airport parking lot in Fern Prairie, 632 NE 267th Ave., Camas, WA. Walk or take a ride on the Sunflower Mobile on a short trail through the woods to Shangri-La.

/0 Comments/by
,

Lifetime Camas Resident Gary Perman Running For City Council, Ward 1 Seat

Lacamas Magazine asked businessman, Gary Perman, about his campaign to win the Camas City Council seat, Ward 1.

Why do you want to be on council?

I grew up here in Camas, and things have changed over the years. I have several issues I’m addressing in this campaign, like open communication, taxes, attracting new businesses and jobs to Camas, a common sense business approach, addressing budget issues, and preserving our city’s character and livability.

Taxes going up and nothing seems to stop it, and I think the current and previous councils haven’t paid enough attention to the taxpayer. We don’t pay enough attention to the people with limited incomes. Taxes on utilities keep going up. That’s very concerning to me.

I have the experience and skill sets to do this job, and can bring a strong business perspective to Camas City Council.

What are the top issues of your campaign?

Open Communication

Open communication channels and regular updates on City initiatives and decisions are crucial to rebuilding trust. Residents should have access to information about City government operations, budget allocations, and development plans. Additionally, City officials must ensure that their decisions are fair, unbiased, and align with the best interests of the community.

Taxes

Taxes are a big issue, and it is vital to make Camas an affordable place to live. City officials need to prioritize responsible budgeting and spending to minimize the tax burden on residents, especially those on fixed incomes. Fiscal responsibility and prudent financial management should be the norm to ensure that tax dollars are utilized efficiently and effectively.

Attracting new businesses and jobs to Camas 

It is crucial for economic growth and sustainability that we attract new businesses and jobs to Camas. City officials should actively engage with local businesses and create an environment that is conducive to attracting and retaining businesses. Streamlining regulations, providing incentives, and fostering partnerships with local stakeholders can facilitate business growth and job creation.

Commonsense business approach 

Good business approaches should guide city growth and infrastructure management. Development plans should be balanced, considering the needs of the community, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable growth. City officials should work collaboratively with developers, residents, and other stakeholders to ensure that growth is managed responsibly and in line with the community’s vision.

Budget

Adherence to the city budget is paramount to maintain financial stability. City officials must prioritize accountability in budgeting and avoid unnecessary expenditures. Transparent reporting of budget allocations and expenditures should be readily available to residents to ensure that the City’s financial resources are managed responsibly and in line with community needs.

Preserving Camas’ character and livability 

Preserving our city’s character and livability is crucial for maintaining the unique charm of the city. City officials should take steps to protect natural resources, preserve historical landmarks, and promote sustainable practices. Inclusivity and community engagement should be fostered to ensure that the needs and aspirations of all residents are considered in decision-making.

What is the city doing correctly?

The Parks and Rec department is a good thing. We have an excellent parks system here, and the city has worked hard to lower the homeless issues, like the one we had at Good Park, where we had a lot of homeless people and needles laying around, which became a danger to children, and really everyone. The city’s work eliminated a big mess. 

Now, our neighbors can have picnics there again. We’ve had two this year already.

Who is Gary Perman?

I’m a life-long Camas resident, I graduated Camas High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University. I’ve been married to Becky for 39 years, and we raised our two sons in Camas. I’ve owned and operated PermanTech Search Group, a successful Camas based recruitment business specializing in finding critical talent for the U.S. electric and alternative vehicle industry.

I’ve been a recruiter for 27 years, and it’s taught me how to talk to people, and I feel all people deserve respect.

I’m a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran here in Washougal, and I work on the civil service commission.

If elected, I will prioritize open and transparent communication with citizens, ensuring that important information is shared in a timely and accessible manner. I will work towards increasing citizen participation in public meetings, allowing for meaningful engagement and input on decisions that impact the community. I will also be diligent in managing the city’s budget, prioritizing spending, and opposing unnecessary tax increases.

Furthermore, I will leverage my experience in business and economic development to attract living wage jobs to Camas, promoting economic growth and prosperity for the community. I will also work towards protecting the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods by supporting our law enforcement officers and public safety personnel.

I recognize that the $78 million pool bond and the approval of a rehab center near an elementary school are contentious issues that have raised concerns among citizens. If elected, I will ensure that decisions are made with careful consideration of their impact on the community and with a strong focus on listening to and representing the needs and priorities of the citizens of Camas.

To learn more about Perman’s campaign, visit www.votegaryperman.com

/1 Comment/by
, ,

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
/0 Comments/by