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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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3rd Congressional District Candidate Lewallen Responds to Endorsement

Camas, WA — Third District Congressional candidate and Camas City Councilor, Leslie Lewallen, a Republican, was recently endorsed by The Columbian.

Lewallen answered Lacamas Magazine questions about the endorsement.

1) What are your thoughts about this op-ed?

I am honored to have the endorsement of The Columbian. This is proof that the more people learn about my campaign, the more they support us! 

2) The Columbian says your GOP opponent flip flops on his views. Do you agree with that assessment? If so, can you point out some of this flip flops?

Southwest Washington families can’t trust Joe Kent. His views change with the breeze and he is more concerned about getting to Congress for his own personal gain. Don’t forget that he has said he wants to defund the police and supports Medicare for All. 

I’m different – I saw a problem in my community and I got to work fixing it on the Camas City Council and will continue that fight in Congress. 

3) The Columbian says you’re delivering for Washington. Please elaborate on that.

As a sitting Camas City Councilor, I’ve worked tirelessly to balance the needs of the city with the desires of its citizens. People are worried by rising prices, our wide-open southern border, and the homelessness crisis impacting our communities. On the City Council, I’ve fought for Southwest Washington to stop our out-of-control spending, put more money into families pockets, and stop the fentanyl epidemic destroying our community. 

4) Why are you the better poised to face Congresswoman Marie Glusenkamp Perez in the general election?

Marie Glusenkamp Perez is anti-parent, anti-small business, anti-police and pro-Antifa. She even said that no one is worried about our southern border crisis. But people are worried. I heard first-hand at my town hall on Washington’s fentanyl crisis from families that have lost children and loved one’s from drugs crossing our southern border. In November, we have to elect a fighter with a proven track record of success and I know I’m the right woman for the job. I love Southwest Washington and our community deserves better. 

Unfortunately, my opponent lost in 2022 and he will lose again in November. History is not on Joe’s side. There has been no federal rematches with a flipped outcome in the past 30 years. Lots of Republicans don’t believe him and don’t trust him. They think he is too extreme and don’t understand his values. I’m the only conservative in this race. 

5) What issues are your top priorities?

I am running for Congress in Washington’s third congressional district to bring sanity back to our crime-ridden streets, our schools, and our economy. When I’m elected, I will focus on securing the border and restoring law and order, putting parents in the driver’s seat of their children’s education, getting our country back on track, and making America affordable again.

You can learn more about Lewallen’s campaign at www.leslieforwashington.com

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Three Washougal Schools Receive State Recognition for Outstanding Achievement

Washougal, WA — In June 2024, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) announced that three Washougal schools are being recognized for academic growth and closing opportunity gaps in the 2022-23 and 2021-22 school years. Canyon Creek Middle School, Columbia River Gorge Elementary School, and Washougal Learning Academy are recognized for the 2022-23 school year. Canyon Creek Middle School is also being honored for fostering student academic growth in the 2021-22 school year.

All three schools were recognized for academic growth. The Washington School Recognition Program measures growth based on outstanding year-to-year improvement in Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) standardized test proficiency, graduation rates, attendance rates, and other student success measurements. Across all Washougal schools in 2022-23, Washougal School District saw year-to-year improvement in 70% of the subjects and grades tested in the SBAC.

Canyon Creek Middle School (CCMS) is one of just 104 schools recognized for both the 2022-23 and 2021-22 academic years. CCMS was honored for demonstrating substantial improvements for student groups most in need of support. 

In the 2022-23 school year, Washougal students outperformed the state average in 82% of the subjects and grades tested in the SBAC. CCMS outperformed the Washington State average in 2022-23 in all three subjects tested: 31.5% points in science, 16% points in English Language Arts, and 7.2% points in math.

“This recognition shows how dedicated our teachers, students, and community are to making academic progress and closing opportunity gaps. We’re determined to continue this positive trajectory into the new school year,” said Aaron Hansen, Interim Superintendent at Washougal School District for the 2024-25 school year.

Canyon Creek Middle School, Columbia River Gorge Elementary School, and Washougal Learning Academy will each receive a recognition banner to display in their buildings. 

OSPI has partnered with the State Board of Education (SBE) and Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC) for years to identify and recognize schools for the Washington School Recognition Program. For the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years, 571 public schools in 178 school districts across Washington state have earned this honor. Learn more about the Washington School Recognition Program and view a full list of schools receiving recognition on the SBE website.

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Washougal Police Department Announces Leadership Transition

Chief Wendi Steinbronn To Retire December 2024; Captain Zane Freschette Assumes Leadership Role in January 2025

After 31 years of dedicated service to the community as a law enforcement professional, including 5 years in Washougal, Chief Wendi Steinbronn has announced her retirement from the Washougal Police Department, effective December 31, 2024. Chief Steinbronn has been an integral part of the department’s growth and success, leaving a lasting legacy of commitment and professionalism.

“I have decided to retire after many fulfilling years in law enforcement. I have cherished my time here and will deeply miss our incredible team, and I am immensely proud of our achievements,” commented Chief Steinbronn.

In her tenure as chief, Steinbronn has overseen numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and community relations in Washougal. Specifically, these achievements include departmental accreditation, the successful implementation of body-worn camera and drone programs, establishing National Night Out as an annual event, and the recent strategic operational review that has charted the department’s path forward.

“We are grateful for Chief Steinbronn’s outstanding service and leadership throughout her tenure,” said City Manager David Scott. “Her contributions have made a significant impact on the safety and well-being of our community, and we wish her and her husband the best as they enter this new phase of life.”

Chief Steinbronn and her husband, a retired Portland Police officer, plan to embark on a new chapter as empty nesters. They are eagerly anticipating more time for travel, golf, and house projects.

Captain Zane Freschette to Take On Role of Chief

City Manager David Scott announced today that he is promoting Captain Zane Freschette to assume leadership upon Chief Steinbronn’s retirement.

“I am pleased to promote Captain Freschette. He is ready to assume the chief role, and I have every confidence that he will successfully lead the team at Washougal Police as they serve our community into the future,” said Scott. “He has strong support from City leadership and the entire police department.”

Captain Freschette brings nearly two decades of experience within the department, having excelled in roles such as detective, patrol sergeant, administrative sergeant and captain. His tenure has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of community policing. He also recently graduated as a member of the 289th session of the FBI National Academy. He is the first officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

In endorsing Captain Freschette to lead the department, Steinbronn emphasized, “Throughout my career, leadership development has been my passion, and I have prioritized succession planning from day one. I am delighted that Captain Freschette will be at the helm of the department. He is a remarkable leader with an unwavering commitment to our mission. I have learned as much from him as I hope he has learned from me, and I am forever grateful for the trust placed in me by the city and community to guide the Washougal Police Department toward a secure and vibrant future.”

Captain Freschette expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Washougal Police Department, saying “I am deeply honored to step into the role of Washougal’s next Chief of Police. I am eager to collaborate with Chief Steinbronn during our remaining time together and build upon her legacy as we move the department forward. Our team is exceptional, and it is a privilege to serve alongside them. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to uphold safety and trust in Washougal, working closely with our community and the dedicated members of the Washougal Police Department.”

The transition from Chief Steinbronn to Chief Freschette will be smooth, ensuring consistent service and dedication to the people of Washougal. The department remains committed to public safety, community engagement, and maintaining professional excellence.

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City of Washougal Acts on PFAS Detection in Drinking Water

Washougal, WA — The City of Washougal has detected trace amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in its drinking water supply. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products and industrial applications since the 1940s, known for their inability to breakdown easily in the environment. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Between February and May 2024, routine testing conducted by the City identified PFAS levels slightly above the newly established Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) at least one time, on at least one PFAS substance at each of the 6 city wellheads. Testing results can be found at https://cityofwashougal.us/PFAS. Despite being below the State Action Level (SAL) set by the Washington State Department of Health, these levels prompted public notification. 

On April 10, 2024, the EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS. The new limit from the EPA for levels of PFAS in drinking water is set at 4 parts per trillion. For perspective, 1 part per trillion translates to 1 second in approximately 32,000 years or a single drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The recommended limits are based on long-term exposure to PFAS throughout a person’s life and represent a conservative level at which no adverse impacts are expected over a lifetime of drinking the water, even in health-sensitive populations.

“The health and safety of our residents are our top priorities,” commented Public Works Director Trevor Evers. “Upon detecting these low levels of PFAS, we have taken immediate steps to ensure our drinking water remains safe and compliant with regulatory standards.”

The City of Washougal currently operates six wells across its service area and continues to thoroughly monitor water quality in accordance with federal and state requirements. The discovery of PFAS has prompted the City to act by investigating interim measures to safeguard the community’s water supply.

Work underway includes:

  • Testing the water supply: Operations staff continue to test and monitor water quality in compliance with state and federal requirements to ensure a safe water supply.
  • Evaluating treatment options: Water quality engineers are evaluating treatment technologies to remove PFAS from the water supply.
  • Finding long-term solutions: Expert scientists are investigating potential sources of PFAS and the extent of PFAS in the local groundwater supply.
  • Planning for the future: Future costs for PFAS treatment are included in the City’s long-range capital plans.

PFAS can accumulate in the environment and persist for extended periods. The new EPA regulations underscore the urgency of monitoring and managing these contaminants, with public water systems required to conduct initial monitoring by 2027 and implement corrective actions, if necessary, by 2029.

“We are committed to transparency and proactive communication with our residents,” said David Scott, City Manager. “Regular updates on PFAS testing results and our ongoing efforts to address this issue will be readily available to ensure our community remains informed.”

Residents are encouraged to visit the City’s website at cityofwashougal.us/PFAS for the latest information on PFAS testing, mitigation efforts, and educational material. Additionally, statewide PFAS testing results can be accessed through the Washington State Department of Health’s PFAS Dashboard at https://doh.wa.gov/data-and-statistical-reports/washington-tracking-network-wtn/pfas/dashboard. 

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Congressional Candidate Lewallen Releases Agenda to Solve Drug Epidemic

Camas, WA — Third Congressional District candidate and Camas City Council member, Leslie Lewallen, a Republican, today released her agenda on solving the region’s drug epidemic.

In her statement, she said “Fentanyl and dangerous drugs have invaded the Evergreen State and have created a dangerous epidemic that is destroying families and killing our kids. In 2023, the DEA removed 4.8 million lethal doses of fentanyl in Washington state and over 1,700 people lost their lives due to overdoses in Washington – a 37% increase. We have to acknowledge that our drug epidemic is a result of our wide-open southern border.”

Lewallen said that fentanyl and dangerous opioids come across the southern border, up the Interstate 5 corridor, and into our communities. 

“President Biden and his Democratic cronies like Marie Gluesenkamp Perez are responsible for our border crisis and under their rule, Washington is a border state. They have cut laws to secure our border and support our brave border patrol agents and are standing by as these poisons enter our communities.

“Last week, I met with these parents during a town hall in Camas. I heard the heartbreaking stories of the murders of their children and the devastating effects that fentanyl and other deadly drugs have wrought on their families. I discussed my agenda to close our southern border, give victims the resources they need, and take back Southwestern Washington from the drugs that have infiltrated us”.

Lewallen’s Agenda

  • Secure our southern border and implement President Trump’s policies including “Remain in Mexico” policy, support our border patrol agents, and build the wall. 
  • Implement a 30-day grace period where insurance companies have to provide care before they can deny it. 
  • Require healthcare centers to be proactive and reach out to those struggling with addiction with resources and ensure that a detox process is complete before being released. Private facilities will take “pro bono” cases to help people – not just the ones with money.
  • Hold drug dealers accountable with harsher sentencing and work with the District Attorney’s office to ensure prosecution. 

To learn more about Lewallen’s campaign, click here.

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Camas Days ‘America the Beautiful’ Festival Coming July 26-27

Camas, WA — Camas Days, an annual event since 1974, is a two-day festival focusing on family fun, arts and crafts, as well as a wine and beer garden with live music by “The Caddies” and “The Beth Willis Band”. This event draws nearly 15,000 people and will take place on Friday, July 26th and Saturday, July 27th in downtown Camas. The festival starts with the opening of vendor booths, both days, from 10 am to 8 pm. The wine and beer garden will be open from 5 pm until 11 pm.

On Friday, the Kid’s Parade will march down 4th Avenue at 11:30 am and on Saturday, the Main Parade “America the Beautiful” will start at 11 am.  There will be bands, dignitaries, drill teams, floats, animals, toilet paper tossing hosted by Georgia Pacific, and more. The parade will kick off with our Grand Marshall, Brent Erickson, in honor of his 20 years of service in organizing Camas Days. Brent is a lifelong resident of Camas and has served his community in many ways.  He served on the Camas Parks Board for 24 years, was a volunteer firefighter for 14 years, and was the Executive Director of the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce for 20 years prior to his retirement in 2020. He also served on the Hotel Lodging Tax Committee, Shoreline Committee, and the Committee for a Community Center and Pool.  

Immediately following the grand parade is our iconic Bathtub Race located between the Camas Library and City Hall. Firefighters are on hand cooling the crowd down with water hoses!   

Kids and kids-at-heart will be entertained on our Kids Street. This area is equipped with a giant inflatable slide, inflatable obstacle course, games and other kid activities.  

The Camas Days Festival is a two-day block party of fun, craft vendors, informational vendors, food, drinks, and entertainment for everyone. There are have over 100 craft and commercial vendors, 16 food vendors, and a new section for young entrepreneurs.   

Parade applications and Bathtub Race applications are available at: www.cwchamber.com. 

The Columbian’s Best of Clark County rated Camas Days the 2nd best festival in Clark County, second only behind the Clark County Fair. 

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Camas Days
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Learn About the Downtown Camas Fire Station (#41) Replacement Project

Camas, WA — The Camas Washougal Fire Department (CWFD) is developing plans to replace the existing Fire Station 41 to ensure adequate fire and emergency medical services for the local community as population continues to grow.

A new station will serve as the headquarters for CWFD and will be located in downtown Camas, in the core of the department’s response area. Currently, the downtown Camas emergency response personnel, the Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) and the administrative staff are decentralized; operating out of separate buildings and remote to each other. As the headquarters facility, a downtown Camas station will house response personnel, apparatuses, administrative staff and the FMO.

Why is CWFD Requesting a new Fire Station 41?

The current Fire Station 41 facility has outlived its useful life and cannot be increased in size to accommodate the needs required of a modern fire station, including:

  • Ability to withstand a significant earthquake
  • Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Space for additional firefighters/EMS personnel to meet growing demands
  • Crucial, up-to-date decontamination facilities and separation to limit firefighters’ carcinogen exposure
  • Elimination of apparatus exhaust from entering City Hall’s interior office spaces
  • Space for fire apparatus
  • Mandated safety clearances around equipment
  • Facilities for a diverse workforce (male/female changing rooms) to be consistent with diversity, equity and inclusion guidelines
  • Providing public access to emergency service crews
  • Providing parking for emergency medical drive-ins
  • Providing private medical screening and treatment area for walk-ins and drive-ins

Where will a new station be located?

After conducting a process which involved considering multiple site options that could accommodate a downtown fire station, several options dropped off the list for a variety of reasons, such as traffic impacts, topography and size, environmental impacts, and cost. This left CWFD with one preferred site to consider as a potential location: a city-owned site adjacent to City Hall and currently occupied by the City as the City Hall Annex, located at 528 NE Fourth Avenue. To maximize the available space for the fire station, City Council is considering vacating (closing) the north half of Everett Street between Third and Fourth avenues to vehicle traffic. This would provide an opportunity to use current street space for the station and create a small plaza or “pocket park” along NE Fourth Avenue that can be used for community events.

Where will the funding come from for a new station?

Funding for a new fire station will come from the sale of voter-approved bonds. Bonds are a funding mechanism for replacing capital facilities and equipment like the fire station and fire engine.

During the August Primary Election, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether to fund the new fire station through a bond-approval. This approval would fund design and construction costs for the new facility. If the bond passes, construction could begin as soon as 2025.

How much will the new station cost Camas homeowners?

The bond amount is $26.3 million based upon preliminary design and cost estimation to cover the full station replacement costs as well as a new fire engine to replace the aging fire engine currently operating out of the existing station.

The monthly cost for most homeowners in Camas will be approximately $9.33 (based upon median assessed home value of $862,000).

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Our Camas 2045 Community Summit #1 Scheduled for June 12

Camas, WA — Officials with the City of Camas are encouraging residents to join their friends and neighbors for the Our Camas 2045 Community Summit #1.

The first Our Camas 2045 Community Summit will take place June 12, from 4:30-6:30 pm, at the Lacamas Lake Lodge (227 NE Lake Rd, Camas, WA 98607).

The Community Summit is part of the Our Camas 2045 and Our Downtown Camas 2045 project, which is a city-wide process to update the current Comprehensive Plan and create a Downtown Subarea Plan. Over the past four months, City leaders reached out to the community to help create a new Community Vision Statement that describes how Camas wants to grow over the next 20 years. The Visioning process provides a foundation for updating the City’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan and developing a new Downtown Subarea Plan.

At the first Community Summit, the City will report back on the outreach that took place this past spring, and they’ll unveil the draft Our Camas 2045 Vision Statement. Participants will have an opportunity to vet and refine the draft Vision Statement and identify priorities and opportunities for achieving the vision.

Please join City of Camas officials for a fun and informative evening to discuss the future of Camas! For more information, visit Engagecamas.com or contact Alan Peters, Community Development Director at 360-817-7254 or email apeters@cityofcamas.us

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