Camas, WA — The homeless and panhandler problems in downtown Camas and in other areas of the city came to a head on Memorial Day when Carmen, a homeless woman who sleeps on sidewalk benches along 4th Avenue, was accused of desecrating American flags on display. Local veterans had placed the flags to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day.

“On Monday morning we heard a commotion, while having breakfast at Natalia’s Cafe, and we saw a lady who threw an American flag on the street and then she spit on it,” said Sonny Liston, a U.S. veteran, and commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW #4278).”

Liston said Carmen cursed the flag, and yelled “I don’t want this flag in my house!” 

“Other VFW members confronted her, called the police and things got heated,” said Liston. “She started yelling at all of us, and the police were called. The police talked to her and to all of us, but no arrest was made.”

It’s one in a string of incidents with Carmen, and others who continue to sleep and squat along 4th Avenue. A younger man, named Jordan, was asked to leave the premises last week while panhandling on Lutz Hardware property.

Barry Lutz, owner of the Lutz Hardware building, said his tenants have been a dealing with unauthorized use of the upstairs office bathrooms. A homeless man used the facilities to clean up and left a big mess on the premises. Lutz plans to place additional security measures inside his building.

“I’ve been involved in a couple of these experiences,” said Amy Begley, owner of 4Ever Growing Kids at 4th and Dallas Streets in downtown Camas. “We had one incident on Camas clean up day and while cleaning up Carmen (who has spent four months camping outside her store) was yelling at me in front of my children and I got into quite the argument with her. I called the police because I didn’t think this was appropriate for this to happen in front of all these families and instead of coming down to tell me what my rights were the police decided to give her a rundown of her rights. I don’t believe she has the right to use that space as she does. Her stuff is on the bench 24/7. She moves around during the day but she keeps her belongings here.”

Begley said the police “treat me like I’m the nuisance, like I’m the problem.”

Begley also reported an altercation Carmen had with a customer. 

“She (Carmen) smacked the hands of one of my customers who inquired about her being there, and she told them go away or she would call the cops on them.”

Lacamas Magazine also asked Carmen about why she uses this space, and she replied: “I’m busy, get out of my space.”

Jordan told Lacamas Magazine “I’m here because my family dropped me off to get money.”

The employees at Juxtaposition reported that their customers are concerned because they too have been threatened by several people wandering the streets, and said “unless the problem goes away we won’t shop here anymore.”

So, what can be done?

“I have received comments from several citizens and am aware of the incident that occurred on Memorial Day,” said Camas City Council member, Jennifer Senescu. “I have reached out to Mayor Hogan, Administrator Quinn and Chief Lackey requesting a discussion on how to best handle this situation.  I recognize the importance of addressing this matter and will work with my peers toward a resolution.”

The Downtown Camas Association (DCA) has also held meetings with city officials to address the growing issue. 

Downtown Camas employees have expressed feeling unsafe at night (when working late) as they see another homeless man wander the streets on an ongoing basis. And, the city was able to clear Goot Park of a homeless issue that arose there months ago.

“We are aware of the situation that occurred (on Memorial Day),” said Bryan Rachal, City of Camas Communications Director. “Camas PD was dispatched to the situation and determined that it did not rise to the level of arrest or citation. Homelessness in itself is not a crime, as such we follow standard protocol and connect the individuals with the Clark County Council for the Homeless. We understand the public’s concern and will continue to discuss options internally.”

Senescu plans to address the problem in official City Council sessions, and local merchants plan to formally address the homeless and panhandling issues.

Camas, WA — The 16^th Annual Camas Car Show, hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA), will run from 2-7 pm on Saturday, June 24^th  bringing classic and specialty cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the streets of historic Downtown Camas. This event also includes live music by The Robusto Rejects Band, dance performances by Virtuosity Performing Arts Studio, balloon art by Joe Mishkin, food vendors, multiple raffles, and shopping and dining specials throughout downtown. Admission is free to spectators.

For participating vehicles: $20 cash entry, open event, no preregistration necessary, though it is recommended to fill out the registration form ahead of time and bring with you for faster registration. Cars can start entering car show area at 12:00pm. See information online here for more details. Goodie bags to first 100 cars and dash plaques to first 250 cars.

Trophies will be awarded, including Best in Show, People’s Choice and a variety of Sponsors’ Picks. In addition to classic categories, 2023 brings new awards for more modern vehicles including Best Modern Muscle and Best Modern Custom. Best in Show award will be presented to winner by Camas Mayor Pro Tem Don Chaney and the car will be featured on next year’s Camas Car Show poster and promotions. The 2022 Best in Show winners were Richard and Janelle Cummins with their 1948 GMC Pickup.

Kids can enter to win a car themed coloring contest with prizes in 3 different age categories. Each participant will take home a free Hot Wheels car for participating. The coloring area will be near the DCA tables across from Camas Antiques on 4^th Avenue.

“Downtown Camas is revving with excitement, and we can hardly wait for the Camas Car Show!” says Jan Carter, Marketing and Volunteer Coordinator for the DCA. “The variety of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other custom vehicles that come out for this show is truly remarkable. Watching the community connect over their love of all things automotive is such a treat for us. Kids will enjoy entering the coloring contest, and everyone can enjoy the live music, delicious hot food vendors, and the lovely dance performances by Virtuosity. Thank you to the City of Camas and all our generous sponsors for their continued support of this beloved event in our downtown.”

This event benefits the Camas Washougal Treasure House Food Bank. Bring two cans of soup, mac & cheese or canned tuna and get a free raffle ticket. Event sponsored by Carla Edwards–Realtor, Edward Jones—Robert Barber, Grains of Wrath, Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, Kings Cross Automotive,  Papermaker Pride, State Farm – Julia Lo, William & Son Jewelers, Amie Bittle Photography, Georgia Pacific, and the City of Camas. The DCA is grateful for all the community support. 

The DCA is a nonprofit community development organization that 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, email [email protected] or call 360-953-1326.