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A Promising New Method Uses Light to Clean Up Forever Chemicals

The room-temperature defluorination method offers a promising solution for treating perfluoroalkyl substances.

A room-temperature method to decompose perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) using visible LED light offers a promising solution for sustainable fluorine recycling and PFAS treatment. Researchers at Ritsumeikan University achieved a 100% breakdown of perfluorooctanesulfonate (a type of PFAS) in just eight hours and an 81% breakdown of Nafion (a fluoropolymer) in 24 hours. This innovative approach can recover fluorine from waste PFAS, reducing the need for new fluorine production.  

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), nicknamed ‘forever chemicals,’ pose a growing environmental and health threat. Since the invention of Teflon in 1938, PFASs and perfluorinated polymers or PFs have been widely used for their exceptional stability and resistance to water and heat. These properties made them ideal for countless applications, from cookware and clothing to firefighting foam. However, this very stability has become a major problem. PFASs do not easily break down in the environment, leading to their accumulation in water, soil, and even the bodies of humans, where they are known to cause carcinogenic effects and hormonal disruptions. Today, these chemicals can be found in drinking water supplies, food, and even in the soil of Antarctica. Although there are plans to phase out PFAS production, treating them remains challenging as they decompose only at temperatures exceeding 400 °C. As a result, certain amounts of products containing PFASs and PFs end up in landfills, potentially creating future contamination risks. 

Now, a room-temperature defluorination method proposed by researchers at Ritsumeikan University could revolutionize PFAS treatment. Their study, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Editionon 19 June 2024, details a photocatalytic method that uses visible light to break down PFAS and other fluorinated polymers (FPs) at room temperature into fluorine ions. Using this method, the researchers achieved 100% defluorination of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) within just 8 hours of light exposure.

“The proposed methodology is promising for the effective decomposition of diverse perfluoroalkyl substances under gentle conditions, thereby significantly contributing towards the establishment of a sustainable fluorine-recycling society,” says Professor Yoichi Kobayashi, the lead author of the study.

The proposed method involves irradiating visible LED light onto cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystals and copper-doped CdS (Cu-CdS) nanocrystals with surface ligands of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) in a solution containing PFAS, FPs, and triethanolamine (TEOA). The researchers found that irradiating these semiconductor nanocrystals generates electrons with a high reduction potential that break down the strong carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS molecules.

For the photocatalytic reaction, the researchers added 0.8 mg of CdS nanocrystals (NCs), 0.65 mg of PFOS, and 20 mg of TEOA to 1.0 ml of water. They then exposed the solution to 405-nanometer LED light to initiate the photocatalytic reaction. This light excites the nanoparticles, generating electron-hole pairs and promoting the removal of MPA ligands from the surface of the nanocrystals, creating space for PFOS molecules to adsorb onto the NC surface.

To prevent photoexcited electrons from recombining with holes, TEOA is added to capture the holes and prolong the lifetime of the reactive electrons available for PFAS decomposition. These electrons undergo an Auger recombination process, where one exciton (an electron-hole pair) recombines non-radiatively, transferring its energy to another electron, and creating highly excited electrons. These highly excited electrons possess enough energy to participate in chemical reactions with the PFOS molecules adsorbed on the NC surface. The reactions lead to the breaking of carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds in PFOS, resulting in the removal of fluorine ions from the PFAS molecules.

The presence of hydrated electrons, generated by Auger recombination, was confirmed by laser flash photolysis measurements, which identified transient species based on the absorption spectrum upon laser pulse excitation. The defluorination efficiency depended on the amount of NCs and TEOA used in the reaction and increased with the period of light exposure. For PFOS, the efficiency of defluorination was 55%, 70–80%, and 100% for 1-, 2-, and 8-hour light irradiation, respectively. Using this method, the researchers also successfully achieved 81% defluorination of Nafion, a fluoropolymer, after 24 hours of light irradiation. Nafion is widely used as an ion-exchange membrane in electrolysis and batteries. 

Fluorine is a critical component in many industries, from pharmaceuticals to clean energy technologies. By recovering fluorine from waste PFAS, we can reduce reliance on fluorine production and establish a more sustainable recycling process. “This technique will contribute to the development of recycling technologies for fluorine elements, which are used in various industries and support our prosperous society,” concludes Prof. Kobayashi.

Reference

Title of original paper: Multiphoton-driven Photocatalytic Defluorination of Persistent 

Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Polymers by Visible Light

Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202408687 

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Gluesenkamp Perez, Bacon Introduce Amendment to Balance Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced a bipartisan Constitutional amendment that would require the President and Congress to deliver balanced budgets every year by preventing the federal government from spending more money than it receives in tax revenue. 

Earlier this month, the United States government’s debt surpassed $35 trillion for the first time in history. Under this amendment, any appropriations legislation that adds to the national debt must pass with a three-fifths majority vote from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. It also requires that the President’s proposed budgets be balanced.

The amendment includes provisions that protect essential safety nets such as Social Security and Medicare payments, as well as maintain existing debt payments to avoid default. 

“As our national debt surpasses $35 trillion and folks across Southwest Washington face the impacts of high costs, our federal government needs to reign in our deficit, balance our budgets, and be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. We haven’t had a balanced budget in more than 20 years, and it’s time for Congress to end this reckless cycle,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Our bipartisan balanced budget amendment will make it harder for the federal government to spend more than it brings in, while protecting vital programs our communities depend on. It’s how we get back on track to cut government waste, reduce our deficit, and avoid passing more debt onto our children.”

“Families across our nation spend within their means and keep a budget, especially during these challenging times. The federal government should also have to maintain a balanced budget,” said Rep. Bacon. “This legislation would require the President’s proposed budgets to be balanced while protecting Social Security and Medicare.”

In May, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez was recognized as a 2024 Fiscal Hero for leading bipartisan efforts to take on the national debt, and she has repeatedly urged her colleagues to work toward fiscal stability. Earlier this year, she introduced the bipartisan Comprehensive Congressional Budget Act to create a more efficient and effective process for Congress to determine our nation’s spending and revenue.

Full text of the amendment is available here.

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Discover New Local Artists, Treasures at 2024 Camas Vintage & Art Faire

Camas, WA — The 15th annual Camas Vintage & Art Faire returns to Downtown Camas on Saturday, August 24th, from 9 am-3 pm, and will feature many new local artists and vintage vendors. Art enthusiasts will find a wide range of artists bringing a unique blend of creativity and history to the streets of Downtown Camas. Attendees can expect to see professional works of art including paintings, fiber art, ceramics, upcycled creations, photography, handcrafted jewelry, metal work, and much more. The vintage vendors will delight collectors and enthusiasts alike with an eclectic mix of indoor and outdoor vintage decor, vintage clothing, furniture, jewelry and accessories, offering something for every taste.

Located on 4th Avenue and Birch Streets, just steps away from Camas Antiques at 305 NE 4th Avenue, this event promises a vibrant showcase of artistry and timeless treasures, perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of vintage charm to their life or find their new favorite piece of local art.

This year brings many new artists and artisans to the show. Nature lovers will appreciate the authentic wildlife and scientific illustration of biology undergrad and Camas local Lux Johnson of Pale Relics. Stained glass collectors will enjoy the colorful and whimsical creations from Battleground artist Kelley McCarthy of Firefly Stained Glass. Camas maker Kierstyn Heilbrun will showcase her custom crocheted tops and other clothing, designed for all bodies. Her business, More Than Cotton, strives to empower women through her stylish handmade pieces.

Many popular artists will return for 2024 including wildlife, landscape and pet portrait painter Mike Paulsen, fine jewelry maker Heather McMaster of Girl in the Pearl, vibrant painter and silk dyer Liz Nye of E.M. ENZ Designs, and local fabric artist Kathy Marty of Windy Hill Weavers, who specializes in crafting rugs and other home items from Pendleton fabric scraps.

Many new vintage vendors will also be joining this event. Longtime Camas Antiques vendor Neil Sater of Antique Frog will bring a wide selection of clothing, household goods, furniture and yard art. David Marshal of Junk Empire specializes in mid-century modern pieces and vintage toys and Tom Bliquez of Stonewood Rustics creates yard and garden art pieces out of reclaimed vintage wood and hardware.

Record collectors can find their missing album from returning vendor Bug Bones Records. For shoppers looking for bespoke home décor with a vintage twist, returning fan favorite vintage vendors Belle Flower Farms and the Friends and Foundation of the Camas Library offer a carefully curated selection of homegrown flower arrangements in vintage vessels and antique books sets. For a complete list of all art and vintage vendors, visit: https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire.

Live music with a vintage feel will set the tone for the Faire. Jazz guitarist Bret Malmquist will play from 10am-12pm and the Carol Rossio Jazz Trio will perform their unique blend of French jazz and pop from 12:30pm-3:00pm. Longtime Sponsor Camas Antiques will once again provide the beautiful floral table arrangements that give the event an elegant feel. In addition to our many popular downtown restaurants, additional dining options will include Getta Gyro, My Chicago Hot Dogs, PNW Kettlecorn, and treats and pastries with an artistic flair from Blue Gem Baking Co. Dole soft serve ice cream will also be available from new vendor Swirled Frozen Goodness.

“This event is one we eagerly anticipate each year,” says Jan Carter, Marketing and Volunteer Coordinator for the Downtown Camas Association (DCA). “With a diverse array of artists and vintage vendors, there’s truly something special for every collector and enthusiast. Each booth is a treasure trove of unique finds, and every vendor brings their own distinct story to the table. We love art in Downtown Camas! We invite everyone to come and find an old favorite, discover something new, and explore this unique event.”

The DCA hosts the Camas Vintage & Art Faire, sponsored by Camas Antiques. The DCA works year-round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit www.downtowncamas.com.  For further information about this event, visit the 2024 Camas Vintage & Art Faire Facebook event page.

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Celebrity Estate Plans Series, Part 2 of 4: Vanilla Ice Has Thoughts

This week, we’re continuing to look at the lives of four celebrities and how they’re preparing for the inevitable (or didn’t!). Last week, we examined Michael Jackson’s planning and the holes in his plan that resulted in his family being embroiled in court and conflict for 15 years and counting (if you missed it, go back and check it out!) in this second article of our 4-part celebrity series, Vanilla Ice chimes in with his estate planning experience, advice, and lessons learned on a video he posted to his YouTube channel. He has a lot to say! 

Vanilla Ice (Really) Hates Estate Taxes

Vanilla Ice shares the story of his buddy Mark, whose parents owned a sprawling property in Palm Beach, Florida. When they passed, Mark and his siblings sold the estate, expecting to be set for life. However, estate taxes ended up taking over 80 percent of their profit. Ouch.

Vanilla Ice calls this tax a “generational wealth killer,” he’s not wrong. Estate taxes can sneak up and bite a massive chunk of your wealth. And the thing is, with a proper estate plan, this doesn’t have to happen! The key is to educate yourself. Knowing what you’re up against helps you plan smarter so that more of your hard-earned assets reach your heirs. 

Education is the most important part of estate planning. That’s why my planning process begins with a Life & Legacy Planning Session, where you’ll get the plain and straightforward education you need to make wise decisions about your planning, including how to keep your family out of court and out of conflict, minimize taxes, and ultimately create a plan that works for you and the people you love, when they need it. 

So, first lesson: if you suspect your family could pay estate taxes at your death, don’t wait to plan. There’s way too much at stake. Call us, and let’s get you to know about the kind of planning you want and need for yourself and the people you love. 

Vanilla Ice Thinks Life Insurance is Cool

(“Ice” and “cool” – get it? Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) 

Life insurance isn’t just for covering funeral costs – it’s a secret weapon in estate planning. Vanilla Ice suggests “maxing out your life insurance” to give your kids as much money as possible. What makes life insurance “cool” is that death benefits aren’t subject to income tax, meaning your heirs can get more bang for your buck than if you were investing the money you’d put into life insurance premiums into just about any other asset class. 

It’s worth considering what Vanilla Ice suggests here. When you take out a life insurance policy, the payout can cover any necessary taxes, probate fees, and debts, ensuring your heirs receive the lion’s share of your assets. Life insurance can help with short-term needs, like paying off a mortgage, or it can serve your family’s long-term needs, like maintaining the lifestyle to which they’re accustomed.

When you get educated via our Life & Legacy Planning process, we’ll look at your life insurance, whether you have the right amount and the right type, and ensure you are 100% clear on what it might mean to “max out your life insurance” and if you really should do that. We’ll consider whether you need more insurance, less insurance, or a different kind of insurance based on your family dynamics, assets, and what you want for the people you love after you leave.

Second lesson: If you want to be cool, plan to buy the right type and kind of life insurance.

Ice Says Trusts Are Not Just for the Rich and Famous (and He’s Right!)

Trusts might sound like something only the super-wealthy need, but they’re an intelligent tool for anyone looking to protect their assets. 

Ice mentions irrevocable trusts specifically. These types of trusts let you transfer assets to a beneficiary while removing the assets from your taxable estate, ensuring your assets aren’t subject to estate taxes. Any assets in an irrevocable trust are protected from legal judgments and creditors IF you do it correctly and in the right jurisdiction. If it’s something you are interested in, contact us, and we can talk. In the video, Ice jokes about putting his classic car collection into a trust and setting rules, such as his kids can lease but not sell the cars. This protection ensures your heirs benefit from it, but don’t squander the assets. In other words, even after death, you can determine how your assets will be used. And if you want to protect them for future generations, you can. This is one way to create generational wealth. 

So now we’re up to our third and final lesson: If you want to protect and preserve your assets for generations, take Vanilla Ice’s advice and utilize trusts in your planning. 

Put Vanilla Ice’s Advice Into Action Today

Vanilla Ice’s video brings forward lessons everyone can benefit from. By understanding your options, including how taxes and life insurance impact your family and assets specifically, and considering using well-counseled trusts, you can safeguard your assets and ensure they benefit your loved ones the way you want. To quote his classic hit, “Ice Ice Baby,” ‘Anything less than the best is a felony.’ Take these lessons from Vanilla Ice to heart, and start building a solid estate plan today. Your future generations will thank you for it. 

We help you create a Life & Legacy Plan rooted in education and clarity so your loved ones stay out of court and conflict and your assets are protected. Once we’ve created your plan, you can rest easy knowing you’ve done the right things for the people you love most.

Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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12-Year-Old Nia Thompson Concludes Reign as ‘Young Nala’ in Disney’s ‘The Lion King’

New York, NY — Twelve-year-old Nia Thompson is no stranger to the stage. As a young three-year-old, Nia watched KeKe Palmer in her historic performances as the first Black Cinderella on Broadway in RODGER’S + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA. As the curtains closed she turned to her mother and said, “I’m supposed to be on the stage.” Years later, the young phenom is set to conclude her epic run as one of the few Haitian-Americans to portray “Young Nala” in Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway on August 18th. The fairytale manifestation of words from a young toddler resulted in nearly 200shows that left audiences inspired and anxiously awaiting what is next from Thompson.

It is the kind of a story Walt Disney himself would write. On September 8, 2019, to celebrate her eighth birthday, Thompson set foot in the Minskoff Theater for the first time, to see THE LION KING with her two besties. As a special treat, her parents arranged a backstage tour led by seven-year ensemble member the late Sharron Lynn Williams. As the tour ended, Thompson stood on stage and shared her dreams of one day being in THE LION KING, to which Sharron responded by turning her around to face the empty theater and saying, “See yourself here one day…” Four years later on September 7, 2023, the night before her twelfth birthday, reality caught up with her dreams when Nia was cast to make her Broadway debut starring in the world’s number one musical as “Young Nala.”

Nia’s inspirational story began before she was even born. The rainbow child of her father, Marc Thompson, Jr., and mother, Coach Gessie Thompson, Nia is the manifestation of a 10-year battle with infertility caused by uterine fibroids.

Upon celebrating her 100th show in June, Thompson said, “This has been so very special. What a blessing. In this season I am building my confidence on the stage but also building my confidence in who I am and whose I am! When I think about me closing out my 100th show, all I can do is thank the LORD for all He’s done. I may be young, but this job requires lots of maturity, discipline and sacrifice. I’ve had to overcome a lot to be here. I’m so grateful for growth…100 shows later and I’m better than ever!”

Living her dream, Nia is the CEO of her own production company,Authentic Nia Inc., and was previously best known for singing Disney’s viral hit “Super Bonnet” from GRAMMY winners Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter’s NAACP Image Nominated animated short series “Rise Up, Sing Out.” The infectious bop championed diversity and inclusivity by inspiring young girls around the world to embrace and celebrate their curly, textured hair. She has also enjoyed recurring roles in the Obamas’ Netflix EMMY-winning animated series “Ada Twist Scientist” and Oscar winnerForest Whitaker’s “Godfather of Harlem” as well as an appearance alongsideQueen Latifah in “The Equalizer.” She was most recently seen in Season 54 episode 29 of “Sesame Street” and can soon be seen in the upcoming HULU miniseries “Washington Black.”

As she prepares to shift from “Young Nala,” Thompson continues to build on her momentum looking to make history starring in THE AMIGO FAMILY–the first of its kind identifiably Afro-Latino TV series–alongside The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sitcom icon Tatyana Ali, who is starring in and executive producing the project; show creator and award-winning Bronx-Garifuna-Honduran born children’s book author and community activist Sulma Arzu-Brown; and writer Keisha Ansley (who has worked on many acclaimed shows, including Showtime’s Weeds, HBO’s Insecure and as a full-time writer on ABC’s hit show, Black-ish.) Thompson recently joined the cast for a live reading of the series pilot episode during the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture as a feature of the ESSENCE Film Festival to rave reviews.

While fully committed to this project, Nia will also be very busy this fall performing at The 4th Annual Sustainable Goals Banquet in September and launching her “Authentic Voices” podcast in partnership with The Conscious Kid–an Education, Research and Policy Organization that supports families and educators in taking action to disrupt racism, inequity and bias.

Nia Thompson
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Camas, Skyview Football Players Highlighted in Sports Illustrated Article

Sports Illustrated writer Todd Miles highlighted three Camas High School football players — Jake Davidson, Beau Harlan, and Luke Webb — and one Skyview athlete — Gavin Parker — in an article posted on the SI website this week.

The article, headlined “Washington high school football predictions: Who will lead 4A GSHL in passing, rushing, receiving, sacks?” says that “Camas should be one of the most productive Class 4A programs in the state on both sides of the ball.”

Noting that training camp opens August 21, Miles said Davidson is the “League’s returning all-league first teamer expected to take a huge jump in numbers as senior, and has deep crew to involve.”

Davidson’s projected 2024 statistics: 2,800 yards, 36 touchdowns.

He said Harlan is a “Leader of what should be productive pack of ball carriers could see carries limited, but big plays skyrocket.”

Projected 2024 statistics: 1,200 yards, 13 touchdowns.

Webb, he said is a “combination on non-stop motor and Adonis-like strength will make him virtually impossible to block off edge.

Projected 2024 statistics: 24 sacks.

And regarding Packer: “Two-time all-state performer’s skill and production not in question, but he needs new QB James Poindexter to be on point.”

Projected 2024 statistics: 1,300 yards, 14 touchdowns.

To read the SI article, click here: https://www.si.com/high-school/washington/washington-high-school-football-predictions-who-will-lead-4a-spsl-in-passing-rushing-receiving-sacks-01j4hwpda1cf

Football
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Local Copper Works Artist David Gerton Releases Butterfly Series

Camas, WA — Lacamas Magazine asked Copper Works artist David Gerton about the release of his new Butterfly series.

1) What inspired you to do a series on butterflies? 

I’ve always had a love for butterflies stemming from my bug collection as a kid in Denver. So when I did the first one, I thought that was fun should do some more. Most of my butterflies, not all, but most are figments of my imagination. As are the stories that go along with them. I created a coffee table book with a number of them, including the stories, mostly fictional that went along with the butterflies. 

2) How many butterfly pieces have you created? 

I have created at least 30 different butterflies, all of them fictional, except for the monarch butterfly and the yellow swallowtail. 

3) How long have you been doing Copper Works art? 

I have been doing Copper Works art for about eight years ever since I retired from the real world where I was a corporate weenie and Entrepreneur. 

4) Do you have a favorite Butterfly? 

My favorite butterfly has to be the real yellow swallowtail, a fond memory from my youth. 

5) How do you decide which art to focus on? 

The art I focus on is what strikes my fancy at the time. For a while, it was bears, then it was big cats, then there were patriotic pieces, flags, and eagles. Followed by a series of hummingbirds.  

The next series will be owls and bees. My main focus initially was on trout and salmon. The trout again were fond memories from my youth fishing with my dad and granddad. I would have to say 50 percent of all my work has been of a piscatorial nature.   

6) How do people best contact you at Copper Works Art?

The best way to contact me is directly by my cell number 503-803-8921 which is also a good way to get a message to me. Or contact me by messenger on Facebook under David Gerton.  My website is www.copperworksart.com. A lot of my work can be viewed by category on the website which is currently being updated and revised my email address is David.gerton@icloud.com. I can also be reached at artist@copperworks.com

I gladly accept commissions on just about any subject matter, including pet memorials of which I have done a number.

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Camas Plans New Roundabout at Lake Road/Sierra Street Intersection

Camas, WA — The City of Camas announced today that after reviewing public input and an engineering analysis, city leaders are moving forward with plans to construct a roundabout at the Lake Road/Sierra Street intersection.

City leaders say a new roundabout will do the following:

  • Improve safety and mobility by reducing the likelihood of high-speed collisions.
  • Reduce traffic backups, mainly for northbound motorists on NW Sierra Street trying to enter onto Lake Road.
  • Upgrade sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

The project is funded for design but not for construction. The City is currently moving forward with designing the roundabout and pursuing construction funding. 

The City will continue to share information during the design process. More information is available at https://engagecamas.com/nw-lake-rd-and-nw-sierra-st-intersection-improvements

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Election 2024: Primary Preliminary Results in; Gluesenkamp Perez, Kent Win

Vancouver, WA — The Clark County Elections Office released the preliminary results of the August 6, 2024 primary election, and here are the results:

U.S. Representative, District 3

Leslie Lewallen (R): 8,984 12.00%

Joe Kent (R): 25,587 34.18%

John Saulie-Rohman (I): 1,813 2.42%

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D): 38,482 51.40%

Legislative Candidates, District 17

State Senator:

Paul Harris (R): 10,508 49.36%

Marla Keethler (D): 10,782 50.64%

State Representative, Position 1

Kevin Waters (R): 12,890 100.00%

State Representative, Position 2

Hannah Joy (R): 5,080 23.94%

David Stuebe (R): 5,593 26.36%

Terri Niles:(D): 10,548 49.71%

Legislative Candidates, District 18

State Senator:

Greg Cheney (R): 5,505 22.40%

Brad Benton (R): 7,554 30.74%

Adrian Cortes (D): 11,517 46.86%

State Representative, Position 1

Stephanie McClintock (R): 13,317 54.74%

Deken Letinich (D): 11,009 45.26%

State Representative, Position 2

John Ley (R): 9,362 38.28%

Phillip L. Johnson (R): 3,269 13.37%

John Zingale (D): 11,824 48.35%

City of Camas, Prop 4: 

Approved: 3,020 67.71%

Rejected: 1,440 32.29%

This proposition would authorize the City to acquire land and construct and equip a new fire station, renovate an existing fire station and acquire a new fire engine to improve fire safety throughout the City.

Elections Office Audit

The Clark County Elections Office said “Beginning at 10 am Wednesday, Aug. 7, elections officials will perform a hand count of approximately 600 ballots randomly selected as part of a manual comparison against machine results.”

For this comparison, approximately 600 ballots from the 3rd Congressional District race will be counted by hand, to check the accuracy of the ballot tabulation equipment. The selected ballots will be counted in the total returns on Election Day. 

All active registered voters are eligible to vote in this election. If a voter has not received their ballot, they should contact the Elections Office at 564.397.2345 or elections@clark.wa.gov. 

A voter may download a replacement ballot at VoteWA.gov. Sign in using your name and date of birth. Click “Your Ballot and Voting Materials” and then click “Get a Replacement Ballot.” The voter must print the declaration sheet and ballot and return it by following the instructions.

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Celebrity Estate Plans Series, Part 1 of 4: Michael Jackson

What is it about celebrities that always draws us in? For whatever reason, we just can’t resist a good, juicy celebrity story. So, for the next few weeks, we will look at the lives of 4 celebrities and see what we can learn from their stories. 

This week, we’re turning the spotlight on Michael Jackson. Even if you aren’t old enough to “Remember the Time” when Michael Jackson was dominating the charts, by the end of this article, you’ll see that he left holes in his estate plan that we can learn from.

Now, let’s dive in and learn how to avoid the same fate for your loved ones. 

It’s As Easy as “ABC” (and 1, 2, 3)

Before we look at the specifics of Michael Jackson’s story, let’s dispel a myth about estate planning: You need not be rich, philanthropic, or famous to need estate planning. You need estate planning if you own anything – even a bank account – and have people in your life you love. It’s as simple as that (dare I say it’s as simple as “ABC” and 1,2,3?). So, as you think about your estate planning, it’s time to “Beat It” past the misconceptions so your loved ones can empower you to do the right thing. 

Creating a Will Alone is a “Bad” Choice

So what happened in Michael Jackson’s case? His estate plan included a Will, which established trusts for his mother, Katherine, and his three children, Paris, Prince, and Bigi. 

Let’s stop because this setup already has an increased potential for conflict.

When your assets pass via “Will” (instead of via Trust), your assets must go through a court process called probate. Subjecting your assets and your family to probate can result in a long, time-consuming, public, and messy court process that can be unnecessarily expensive to resolve. 

A trust, on the other hand, bypasses the court process altogether as long as your assets are owned in the name of the trust when you become incapacitated or when you die. If your assets are appropriately transferred and retitled into the trust (called “funding” the trust), your estate can be administered privately and often takes less time than the court process. A trust can be set up and funded while you’re alive, thereby avoiding probate, or it can be a part of your Will. When it’s part of your Will, like in MJ’s case, it isn’t established or funded until after the court process. So, if you’re trying to keep your family from going through the court process, putting a trust in your Will completely defeats the purpose.

Since Michael Jackson’s assets passed via a Will, there have been ongoing legal matters in court, which still haven’t been resolved in the 15 years after his death. MJ’s family is embroiled in a dispute with the IRS, so the trusts he intended to create for his mother and children remain unfunded. Therefore, some of his assets cannot be transferred to them as he planned. It’s also highly probable that the legal disputes continue to cost the estate a lot of money. That’s money that otherwise would have gone to his mother and children. 

Taxes – A Potentially “Dangerous” Situation! 

The Jackson estate’s ongoing battle with the IRS is a stark reminder of the tax implications that can affect your plan and your loved ones. When it comes to taxes, you can’t think in terms of “Black or White.” If you intend to avoid as many taxes as possible, you don’t want to cut corners by doing your estate planning cheaply or independently. That could be “Dangerous!” 

Taxes can significantly reduce the value you pass on to your heirs, directly impacting your loved ones. So, our next lesson from Michael Jackson’s story is that the stakes are too high to attempt alone when it comes to saving money on taxes. Work with a professional who can advise you properly. We aren’t clear why Michael Jackson didn’t get the support necessary to minimize taxes and protect his estate from a long, drawn-out court process, but we know we can help you and your loved ones.

Avoiding the “Thriller” of Legal Disputes

The Jackson case also highlights the importance of choosing the right representatives for your estate. These are the people who handle your affairs after you’re gone (they’re called “executors” if there’s a Will or “trustees” if there’s a Trust). MJ’s family members have criticized the representatives for the way they’ve managed the estate. In particular, Katherine Jackson has alleged that the executors have been too frugal and are holding onto assets to maintain control. 

Conflict between your representatives and your loved ones is always possible. To help minimize the potential, we recommend you communicate your intentions to your representatives and loved ones during your lifetime. Consider holding a meeting so everyone knows your wishes and understands the intent behind your decisions. You may not be able to “Heal the World” on your own, but you can promote healing within your own family and prevent future conflict by opening the lines of communication now. 

Also, know that you don’t have to choose family members to be your representatives – even if you feel pressured. If you aren’t sure who the “right people” are, think about people you know who are trustworthy and capable of handling complex financial and legal matters. There’s also the option of choosing a professional representative, as Michael Jackson did, who might be more appropriate for your situation. 

Our two final lessons from Michael Jackson’s story are: 1) Communicate your wishes openly to your representatives and your family, and 2) Choose the right people to act for you when you no longer can. 

“You Are Not Alone” – We’re Here for You

By learning from the challenges faced by Michael Jackson’s family, you can ward off the possibility of a similar outcome for your loved ones. Your careful planning today can pave the way for a smoother transition of your assets in the future, ensuring that you can support your family after you’re gone rather than creating a mess for them to handle without you. 

It’s “Human Nature ” to want to avoid thinking about your death, much less plan for it. We get it. But we can live a more fulfilling life when we face our mortality. The good news is that you don’t have to deal with it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way. 

We help you create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan from a place of education and intention so that your loved ones stay out of court and conflict and you can minimize taxes. Once you’ve created your plan, you can rest easy knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones cared for, and your legacy preserved. 

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation at Res Nova Law Firm to learn more. Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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