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POLITICS 2020: Q&A With 18th Legislative District Candidate Donna Sinclair

This is our interview with Donna Sinclair, a Democratic candidate running for Washington’s Legislative District 18, Position 2.

Question 1: What are the top reasons you are running for office?

My top reasons are related to watching the partisanship divide all around our community, and I want to bridge the gap between the GOP and Democrats. I’m prepared to do it. 

I am super resistant to labels, I care about this district. I care about the future of Clark County. I’ve done a lot of work with the Clark County Historical Museum. If we talk to each other one-on-one, then we can put aside the partisan blinders. What matters is our families, our jobs, our health care. I think I can bring people together. I don’t like the labels.

My family is very Libertarian, especially my East Coast family.

I want to start with building a vocational technical center out in the north part of Clark County. That will help us. I currently serve on the Washougal School Board. I know what’s happening at all levels. I want to build this center as an infrastructure investment. That would be a priority for me for a lot of reasons. 

We need to improve our infrastructure, increase broadband capacity so people have better access to the Internet. Affordable health care is a priority. 

We need an economy that will work for all of us. My background is from a working class family. I grew up waiting tables. I know what it’s like to be a waitress. I will advocate for small businesses.

Question 2: How does your experience qualify you for this position?

I’m an Oral Historian and ran a business out of my home, and I’ve juggled multiple part time jobs, so health care is a big deal for me. I will advocate for health care. Right now, I have health care because I teach at Western Oregon University and that’s very helpful.

The state passed the public option last year, and that was a good thing. My opponent voted against it. Those are the kinds of things we need to do with this complex health care system that is such a mess. The cost of insurance has gotten really high. 

Question 3: How do we get past this pandemic?

I see that most people are wearing face masks, but not everyone is wearing them, and some aren’t wearing them correctly — pulled down below the noses. Most of transmission is happening in small groups. I see people in small groups taking photos, but they get spread and don’t even know it. We are living it right now. We know what the patterns are. 

Question 4: You work as an Oral Historian. What does your job entail?

An Oral Historian is someone who records the memory of people about past experiences. It’s a great job, I love it. As a young single mom and I went to school and learned about public history and I made money by transcribing oral history interviews. I ran major oral history programs. I have learned so much. They go into archives and get preserved for hundreds of years. 

Question 5: What has serving on the Washougal School Board taught you?

I have been there since 2017 and I think that it’s prepared me to understand the complexity of education funding. I know what it’s like to have a child here in this school district. These are the kinds of experiences I can add to the table. I see how it works.

Question 6: Why should citizens of the 18th Legislative District vote for you?

I hope that people will consider voting for me because I understand communities. I have a working class background that is combined with policy education. I have lived through poverty, a lack of access to health care, and I think I can hear people differently than perhaps other legislators that haven’t experienced those things. 

I want us to be able to work together. 

I think it would be beneficial to the 18th to have a Democrat in the legislature who could bring issues on behalf of our district to the majority party. I think I would be able to work with Ann Rivers (if she wins), because I’ve met her. She’s a former teacher and has been willing to work across party lines when it benefits the public. I appreciate that. I think that would be possible because, as a school board member, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with her several times and have had experiences in which we seemed to be connecting on issues that could help with problem solving. I think it would be possible to get to know one another better and put forward some legislation that would benefit the district. 

You have to listen to people. We have to recognize people are human. We need to see across the spectrum regardless of who we talk to you. 

Question 7: What is your position on transportation issues?

Transportation is another reason I think it would be beneficial to have a Democrat in the 18th – to bring the resources back to the district. I know that bipartisan efforts have begun on the I-5 bridge. That needs to continue. I’d like to see an east county bridge to Gresham, eventually, but it doesn’t just happen because we say we want it. That sort of long-term transportation planning requires developing partnership relationships across the river and getting buy-in. I understand those planning processes and would initiate it when elected. As someone who has spent hours sitting on the bridge, wasting my time and money, I am committed to doing what it takes to reduce the waste. 

To learn more, visit www.sinclair4state.com

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COVID-19: Governor Inslee Mandates Face Masks Inside College Living Spaces

OLYMPIA, WA – Governor Jay Inslee announced new COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday to slow the spread of coronavirus at college residential facilities, including face masks in living spaces, limits on visitors, and on the number of people allowed in sleeping rooms.

“We’ve just got to get these spikes under control,” Inslee said during the afternoon news conference.

He cited 800 new coronavirus cases tracing back to college dorms and apartments at the University of Washington campus, Washington State University and at other colleges statewide.

As of Monday, 601 University of Washington students have been diagnosed with coronavirus, including 295 cases at 18 fraternities and sororities on the university’s Greek row, which Inslee addressed today.

Washington State University administrators have been cracking down on large parties.

The new mandates announced Tuesday by Inslee include:

  • Face masks are required at all times at college residential facilities, except outside dorms or bedrooms.
  • No more than two people are allowed per bedroom – no congregate sleeping porches are allowed.
  • Visitation is limited to five people outside of the house at one time (must be masked and physically distanced).
  • Only one visitor is allowed in a dorm or bedroom (must be masked and physically distanced).
  • Only five people or visitors are allowed at one time in one place. He said there will be no Apple Cup watching with more than five people (must be masked and physically distanced).
  • Colleges must provide isolation and quarantine facilities to Greek system houses, off-campus congregate houses, students living in dorms and personnel if they don’t have a place to go.
  • For institutions without residential facilities, plans must be developed with the relevant local health jurisdiction to address isolation and/or quarantine needs among any of their staff and students who are unable to isolate or quarantine in their usual residence.
  • All meals must follow current guidance – grab-and-go or single tables.
  • The new measures also include suggestions on public safety enforcement agency partnerships.

The Department of Health warns of a possible new wave of infections this Fall and Winter if people do not take necessary precautions.

Inslee
www.arktana.com
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POLITICS 2020: All Paws On Deck Camas Mayor Voting Is Now Open

The All Paws On Deck Camas Mayor voting officially opens today, and will run through October 30th, according to the event’s organizers.

 This link takes you to the donation site: https://wa-camas-lite.intouchreceipting.com/DECA-AllPawsOnDeck

Citizens can vote October 20th-30th: You can cast your vote for the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor by donating a sum of money towards your favorite candidate. The winner will be determined by which dog has raised the most money. All proceeds will be donated to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, and the Southwest Washington Humane Society. On November 2nd, the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor will be announced at the All Paws On Deck website, and all of their social media pages.  You can take a glance at dog candidates by clicking here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16ao9-_qPZz4p5Pq8_Chn8m7nuocwGGTn/view and get to know them a little more by clicking https://all-paws-on-deck.webnode.com/dog-mayor/

During our campaign we will also be having challenges, treat recipes, contests, and activities on our social media pages! You may even be featured on our social media pages. Click HERE to see a more detailed description of each day’s activity. 

Mayor
www.artfuljuxtaposition.com

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Clark County Health Releases Latest COVID-19 Data; Provides Contact Guidance

Vancouver, WA — Clark County Public Health released their weekend report today stating another 124 people have tested positive for COVID-19 – for an average of about 41 new cases per day (Fri-Sun). However, the department has removed 12 previously counted cases from the county total.

“During our data reconciliation process, we discovered 12 cases among people who live in another county and whose cases have been transferred to the health departments in those counties,” the department said in a statement. “With those changes, a total of 4,230 Clark County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 to date.“

Currently, Clark County has 150 active COVID-19 cases. As a reminder, the number of active cases reflects the number of confirmed cases who are currently in their isolation period. For most people, isolation is based on when symptoms began, not when they received the positive test result. Some individuals learn they are COVID-19 positive and only have a few days of isolation remaining.

There are 19 COVID-19 patients and nine persons under investigation (PUIs) for COVID-19 hospitalized. Additional hospital data is available on our website, such as the percent of hospital beds occupied and percent of beds occupied by COVID-19 patients and PUIs. The health department has also added data on the percent of ICU beds currently occupied. For more information, visit: https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/novel-coronavirus

COVID-19
www.electlarryhoff.com

Close Contact Guidance

If you were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, please stay home.

“Even if you feel OK, you may still be infected and be able to spread the virus to others,” advises the health department. “We ask all close contacts who were around the person who tested positive – going back two days before their symptoms began – to stay home for 14 days from their last exposure.“

Close contacts are classified as follows:

  • Were within 6ft of the sick person for more than 15 minutes
  • Were near the sick person’s coughs or sneezes
  • Live in the same home as the sick person
  • Cared for the sick person

If during the Public Health case investigation you are identified as a close contact to someone who tests positive, you can expect a call from an attending nurse. But you don’t have to wait to hear from If you know you were exposed, help slow the spread of the virus by staying home.

This handout has more information for those who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19: https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/dept/files/public-health/novel_coronavirus/CCPH_COVID-19_Exposed_%28English%29.pdf

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Washougal Schools: Seeking Members For Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Advisory Team

As part of its on-going work on equity, diversity, and inclusion, Washougal School District is seeking up to a dozen community members to serve on its Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Team. This team will advise district leaders in identifying and eliminating systems, policies, procedures and practices that create inequities among students and staff. 

Once the team is formed, it will begin an Equity Audit, supported by Assistant Superintendent Aaron Hansen, who will guide the group. The results of the audit are expected in early 2021, and will shape the plan for the team’s work moving forward.

To apply, interested community members are asked to complete a short application, including an interest statement, agree to the participation requirements, and return the materials by November 13. Applications are available at: www.washougal.k12.wa.us/equity

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Police Return Election Ballots Stolen From Multiple Camas Mailboxes

Camas, WA — Julie Bonaci Scordino got a surprise visit from Camas Police Sunday morning, who handed her three voting ballots that had been stolen from her Parker Estates mailbox.

Officer Debra Riedl brought the soaked ballots, which had been found early Sunday morning — with other stolen mail — by a resident near Klickitat Park, the Camas Police said. In total, nine ballots were found and returned.

“They opened up every individual mailbox door and my neighbor got footage on her Ring at 5:30 on Sunday morning and the guy opened every single one,” said Scordino. “Our ballots were in there. The police said they were tossed out at a local park along with the mail from several other neighbors. The police said four community style mailboxes were broken into throughout the neighborhood.”

The police said they were contacted by neighbors and they viewed surveillance video of the possible suspect. 

“The suspect has not been identified at this time and the investigation is ongoing,” said Alisha Stevens, of the Camas Police. 

How did they open up the mailboxes? 

“They took a vice grip and put it on the locking mechanism to twist it,” said Scordino. “You can see marks on where they spun the locks on every single mailbox.”

Now, Scordino has to get new ballots from the Clark County Elections Office in downtown Vancouver. 

Police
www.resultsfitnesstraining.com

“They are all wet,” Scordino said. “To get new ballots we have to go there in person, or we can print them out from their website, but I’d rather get them replaced. They didn’t offer to mail us new ones. At least nine ballots that I know of were stolen. And, now our mailboxes cannot lock.”

Scordino received much attention Sunday when she posted about the theft on her Facebook page. Some of the response was quite negative, which surprised her.

“My intention is for people to watch out for their mail,” Scordino said. “I give major kudos to the Camas Police, it was well handled by them.”

The Camas Police said mail theft is not uncommon and Camas officers responded to similar calls several times a year.

“In general, the suspects are looking for mail items that can be used for financial gain (checks, credit cards, personal info that can be used for opening fake charge accounts),” said Stevens. “In these cases the unwanted mail is often dumped nearby, just as the ballots were in this case. Camas Police would like to remind citizens to be vigilant and observant, especially with the upcoming holiday season. Be aware of your mailbox and those of your neighbors. Immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities.”

Police
The suspect and suspect’s vehicle caught on surveillance video.
Police
Broken into mailboxes.
Police
All the locks were twisted and broken.
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Clark County Public Health Clarifies CDC Report On Mask Effectiveness

Clark County Public Health issued this statement today about a recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention report on mask effectiveness:

Last month, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a report looking at community exposures among people who tested positive for COVID-19 and a control group. Recently, the findings from that report have been misinterpreted and are being used to spread misinformation about the effectiveness of masks.

The report looked at community exposures among people who tested positive for COVID-19 and people who had symptoms but tested negative for COVID-19 (the control group). The report also included information about how often cases and non-cases reported wearing face coverings.

Most people in both groups reported always using masks in public. Even among people who always wear masks, there are activities where masks cannot be worn, such as while eating or drinking. The report showed that people who tested positive for COVID-19 were twice as likely to have reported dining at a restaurant in the two weeks before getting sick than those with negative test results.

The report did not include information about how often those same individuals reported wearing masks when gathering with others in private settings. In Clark County, exposure data shows that small private gatherings continue to be a common source of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.

The recommendation to wear face coverings is to protect others, not the person wearing the face covering. Face coverings work by blocking exhaled respiratory droplets. If the person wearing the face covering is infected with COVID-19, the mask can block those droplets from spreading the virus to others.

You can read the full CDC report here: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6936a5.htm?s_cid=mm6936a5_w

Learn more about the effectiveness of masks here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html#evidence-effectiveness

COVID-19
www.electlyndawilson.com
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2020 Camas Dog Mayor Contest Organizers Announce Top 10 Finalists

This is a message from the All Paws on Deck Team and Camas DECA team regarding the Camas Dog Mayor Contest:

Our All Paws On Deck team would first like to thank each of the 35 dogs who applied to be 2020 Camas Dog Mayor. It was a very difficult decision and we wish we could have all 35 dogs be finalists. However, all dogs went through an extensive voting process in which our team narrowed the applicant pool down to 10 finalists.

We are absolutely thrilled to announce the final 10 candidates. You can take a glance at them by clicking ​https://drive.google.com/file/d/16ao9-_qPZz4p5Pq8_Chn8m7nuocwGGTn/view and get to know them a little more by clicking ​https://all-paws-on-deck.webnode.com/dog-mayor/

Starting ​October 20th-30th​, you can cast your vote for the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor by donating a sum of money towards your favorite candidate. The winner will be determined by which dog has raised the most money. All proceeds will be donated to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, and the Southwest Washington Humane Society. On ​November 2nd​, the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor will be announced on our website and all of our social media pages. During our campaign we will also be having challenges, treat recipes, contests, and activities on our social media pages! You may even be featured on our social media pages. Click ​https://all-paws-on-deck.webnode.com/products-/ to see a more detailed description of each day’s activity.

Again, we would like to thank each and every dog that applied. We are looking forward to seeing who wins the title of the 2020 Camas Dog Mayor! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact either Esha Minhas or Ryley Anderson at ​chsdeca@camas.wednet.edu​

Sincerely, The All Paws on Deck Team/Camas DECA

Mayor
www.champpizza.com
Mayor
Camas Dog Mayor candidates.
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Adam’s St. Bar & Grill: $250,000 in Flood Losses; City Denies Claim

Camas, WA — Adam’s Street Bar and Grill, a popular destination, has sustained $250,000 in financial losses stemming from the September 18 heavy rains and ensuing floods that wreaked havoc across town, said bar owner Greg Shelby.

“We’ve been down here most every day cleaning up trying to get things done,” said Shelby. “It’s such a big mess, we’ve had to move a lot of things, and at this time we haven’t had any help from any insurance or from the City of Camas, which I don’t think is right. I know there’s negligence on their part.”

He said the city cited a massive downpour and the streets were plugged up, and that there were no open drains on the streets the morning of the floods. The water poured in from the streets and flooded his 2,500 square foot business basement with nearly five feet of water, which damaged major appliances, ruined months of frozen food, equipment, and restaurant supplies.

He said there are many faults in the city’s plumbing system, which he said is ancient. 

“I’ve had the city out here before with minor drainage issues before, which still haven’t been resolved,” he said. “This is all devastating. I stock up on stuff. Our freezers were full, our walk-in was full, my dry storage was full. We had a pallet of paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, everything was ruined. We threw away all our food. I just need to keep cleaning, we had just had the floors all done here. I had great cooking equipment, I had to throw away so much stuff.”

Shelby said his insurance company claim is still in process.

Adams
https://www.lesschwab.com/store/?storeId=714

“The volume of water overwhelmed the capacity of the system with heavy downhill flows,” said claims adjuster Karen Tailman, of Sedgwick, representing the City of Camas in a letter to Adam’s. “This was not simply a matter of the catch basins overflowing, but of surface water cascading down the roadway and collecting to the lowest point.

“Accordingly, we find no evidence of negligence on the part of the City of Camas that caused or contributed to your loss, it was simply an act of nature.”

The adjuster said the city crew work was halted between September 7 and September 17 due to the unhealthy smoke conditions stemming from the Oregon wildfires.

Shelby is fighting back and has hired an attorney to handle the case. They are citing a May Downtown Camas Infrastructure Analysis by McKay Esposito that called out drainage and ponding issues throughout downtown Camas, particularly on 4th Avenue. 

The report said “based on interviews with the City staff, several streets were identified as having ponding issues. One cause described was root intrusion into many sanitary sewer lines, especially along 4th Avenue. It is recommended that the lines be video inspected to gain a better understanding of repairs needed.”

The following areas were identified in the report:

  • 6th and Adams ponding — usually due to clogged drains from leaves, etc.
  • Dallas from 7th to 6th — bubble up issues
  • 4th and Birth periodic street flooding
  • 5th and Dallas floods frequently
  • Lots of root encroachment into lines, particularly on 4th.

In addition, Council member Ellen Burton said just days before the floods Public Works Director Steve Wall addressed the many drainage problems in the downtown area.

Adam’s
Debris is still being cleaned up.
Adam’s
Outside Adam’s Bar and Grill.
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Cape Horn-Skye Students Meet With Local Firefighters to Express Gratitude

Washougal WA — Flashing red lights on a brand new brushfire rig and a cluster of red balloons welcomed Cape Horn-Skye Elementary first grade students of Nichol Yung and Darcy Hickey as they arrived at the school parking lot to meet some local heroes on October 9.  Through their family car windows, and wearing masks, students handed their handmade thank you cards to representatives from Camas-Washougal Firefighters, Chris Kassel and Matthew Miller, also masked and wearing gloves. In return, each student was given a shiny red fire hat. Although no one could actually see the smiles behind masks, you could feel the joy felt by firefighters and students in the exchange. 

“These written notes are so important because they provide an opportunity for the students to show gratitude and connect with people in our community who work and volunteer to keep them safe,” said Yung of her students appreciation for the firefighters. “In a world where there is so much ‘virtual’ and for a 6 year old, it’s oftentimes difficult for them to distinguish between what is real and what is make-believe, these cards provide that bridge from what they may see on the news or hear friends and family talk about to something concrete.”

The class learned about wildfires and discussed how local fires had impacted the area. Some students shared how their families had to be ready to evacuate here in Washougal. 

“We had some students keenly aware of how some of their extended family members in Oregon were affected by the recent fires,” Hickey said.

The project gave these kids an opportunity to open up and process their feelings from what they had encountered during that difficult time.

“Since all of the students were directly affected by the fires, especially with the smoke, they were able to offer support by providing a listening ear and observe the courage they all had in getting through this scary time,” said Yung. “This was a real-life experience for all of them and with the chance to meet some firefighters, they can make the connection with what they experienced to those who helped put the fires out.”

“It was great to just be out in the community and see all of these happy kids,” said Miller.  “The cards were very sweet and mean so much to us.”

Firefighters
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com

“We really enjoy being a part of these type of events,” said Kassel.  “It is important for children to see us in normal situations so they know we are not scary, so in a time of emergency, they will not shy away from us.”

Student Ada Berg hoped her card made the firefighters happy.  “I wanted to thank them for fighting fires and helping to keep people safe,” she said.  For Berg and her family, the fires were very real with her grandparents evacuated from their home in Estacada, Oregon.

“I want to be a firefighter,” admitted student Grason Powell.  “I want to help save the world.”

“We want the students to be able to understand that just as firefighters have a huge impact on communities in keeping them safe, children also have something to contribute by way of showing gratitude and support,” said Yung. “We hope that this show of gratitude and support will not only be evidenced in this activity but in every aspect of their lives and that it is a life-long attribute that can only help them have positive emotions, which can be easily shared. We want them to have an ‘attitude of gratitude’.”

“We are so excited to see the kids hand the firefighters their cards because we know that firefighters don’t always get recognized unless there is an emergency,” said Hickey. “We want them to know that, emergency or not, they are appreciated and we hope that we see the light in their faces as they receive a heartfelt card and well-wish from a 6-year old who admires them for their bravery.”

Firefighters
Greeting students.
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