Washougal School District Food Service is providing FREE grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meals from 10 AM to noon, Monday through Friday, for the duration of the school outage.
School buses are transporting the meals to three locations. They are Hamllik Park – 4300 Addy Street; Hathaway Elementary – 630 24th Street; and Cape Horn-Skye – 9731 Washougal River Road. Plans are being developed for food delivery to more areas for families who do not have access to transportation. There is no paperwork requirements for people to access these free meals.
“We are asking our families to practice social distancing protocols when lining up for their sacked meals,” said WSD superintendent, Mary Templeton. “This means staying approximately six feet away from non-family members who have collected to pick up these items. We are grateful to our wonderful food services and transportation teams for their work to help provide this vital service to our families.”
The WSD sprang into action and began distributing meals on Monday, March 16, in response to the sudden closure of schools that was announced by Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Friday, March 13 to slow the spread of the COVID-19.
Meals are currently available for students 18 and under.
“Although we are under direction to serve only students, we are looking for ways to partner with other organizations and businesses to be able to support adults who need access to food during this crisis as well,” said Templeton.
Additionally, the district is making plans to continue the weekend backpack program for students who have food assurance issues over the weekend. Nancy Boon, Family Resource Coordinator, will be working on this. You may reach out to her via e-mail at [email protected], to find out how to support or access that program. This offering too is likely to be provided in conjunction with other agencies that support our students and their families.
Parents are encouraged to check the WSD website for the latest school information and for learning and family resources. http://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/
Mayor Barry McDonnell returned early from his vacation in Spain, arriving late Tuesday night. According to Mayor Pro Tem, Greg Anderson, he will be under self-quarantine for at least two weeks, but he was able to issue this proclamation using a digital signature:
Whereas, Camas Municipal Code Section 2.48.020 provides that in the event an emergency occurs which causes or is tending to cause danger or injury to persons or damage to property to such an extent that extraordinary measures must be taken to protect the public health, safety and welfare then the Mayor may proclaim a civil emergency to exist; and
Whereas, in the interest of public safety and welfare, Washington state law under Chapter 38.52 RCW sets forth certain powers exercisable by municipalities in the event of emergencies; and
Whereas, Camas Municipal Code Chapter 8.56 sets forth additional procedures and powers related to Emergency Management; and
Whereas, on February 29, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency due to the public health emergency posed by the coronavirus 2019 (hereafter COVID-19); and
Whereas, on March 13, 2020, the Clark County Council announced a state of emergency resolution for Clark County regarding COVID-19. Similar emergency declarations have been issued in Washington, Multnomah, and Clackamas counties in the Portland metropolitan area; and
Whereas, on March 13, 2020, Governor Inslee ordered all K-12 public and private schools in Washington State to close by no later than March 17, 2020 and remained closed through April24, 2020, further ordering on March 16, 2020 a statewide emergency proclamation to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities and ban all gatherings with over 50 participants, with all gatherings under 50 participants to be prohibited unless previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met; and
Whereas, on March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in the United States ofAmerica related to the COVID-19 outbreak; and
Whereas, as of March 14, 2020, the Washington State Department of Health reported a total of 642 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 40 resulting deaths. As of March 14, 2020, at least 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Clark County; and
Whereas, as reported by the Washington State Department of Health:
Public health experts agree that the true number of people who have been infected with COVID-19 in Washington greatly exceeds the number ofCOVID-19 infections that have been laboratory-confirmed. It is very difficult to know exactly how many people in Washington have been infected to date since most people with COVID-19 experience mild illness and the ability to get tested is still not widely available; and
Whereas, as Mayor ofthe City ofCamas I have determined that it is necessary to proclaim the existence ofa civil emergency and to take such actions as may be required to effectively utilize city resources in the protection ofthe public health, safety and welfare;
NOW, THEREFORE I, Barry McDonnell, Mayor of the City of Camas, Proclaim as follows:
I declare there is a civil emergency caused by COVID-19 in the City o f Camas.
The civil emergency requires the implementation of those powers delineated in Chapter 2. 48 and 8.56 of the Camas Municipal Code and Chapter 38.52 RCW.
To the extent of such powers as granted by law, the City may enter into contracts and incur obligations, and take any other appropriate action necessary to address and respond to the emergency to protect the health and safety of persons and properties and to provide emergency assistance to persons affected by this emergency.
These powers will be exercised in light of the exigencies of the situation without regard to the formalities prescribed by State statutes and rules, or by City ordinance (except for mandatory constitutional requirements). These include but are not limited to budget law limitations, requirements for competitive bidding, publication of notices related to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, incurring of obligations, employment of temporary workers, rental of equipment, purchase of supplies and equipment, and the appropriation and expenditure of funds.
I delegate to the Department heads and their designees the authority to solicit quotes and estimates for contracts necessary to combat the emergency. Department heads may enter into contracts in an amount not to exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000). Contracts over this amount will be signed by the Mayor.
Department heads are further authorized to reassign staff from their ordinary duties to work deemed necessary to address the emergency outside their normal job duties and to require work beyond normal working hours in the performance of duties deemed necessary to respond to the emergency.
Pursuant to Camas Municipal Code sections 2.48.020 and 8.56.080 a copy of this Proclamation shall be filed with the City Clerk, a copy delivered to the Director of Emergency Management, State Emergency Management, and the Governor and the news media within the City shall be advised, with copies of this Proclamation posted at public places as may heretofore be designated.
This Proclamation will take effect upon my signature and will remain in effect until modified or terminated pursuant to Camas Municipal Code Section 2.48.040. DATED AND SIGNED THIS 18th DAY OF MARCH, 2020. City of Camas — Mayor Barry McDonnell.
Vancouver Mall’s parent company, Centennial Real Estate, made the decision today to temporarily close all of its mall properties, and there is no estimated date for when the malls will reopen.
The mall will be open Wednesday from 11 am to 7 pm, following its present reduced schedule.
Centennial issued this statement:
The health and safety of our employees, customers, tenants and communities is our top priority.
The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly, and to do our part in slowing the spread of the virus, Vancouver Mall has decided to temporarily close effective Thursday, March 19.
We will continue to monitor the status in our area and at-large, and we will reopen when health authorities have reduced social cautions, and we know it will be safe for you to shop and spend time with us again.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074025/369A507B-F93E-4608-9A73-20F03E2F1142.jpeg8001200Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-17 19:49:532020-03-17 19:50:03COVID-19 Outbreak Forces Vancouver Mall To Temporarily Close Effective Thursday
Camas School District Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell, sent out an update today regarding the following issues as the district deals with life during the COVID-19 outbreak:
Meals
Childcare
Graduation Requirements
Learning
Stories from Camas
Meals for children
We are providing free breakfast and lunch grab-and-go meals for all children, even if they are not yet school age, in our community. Here are the locations:
From 9-11 AM (it was 9-10 AM, but we’ve expanded it) at Liberty and Skyridge middle schools;
At our AM elementary school bus stops; and
Starting tomorrow morning, buses will be parked at Dorothy Fox, Prune Hill, Grass Valley, and Woodburn from 7:45 – 8:30 AM in order to provide service to students who live in walk zones and don’t have a bus stop.
Providing childcare, especially for families of healthcare workers or first responders
We are working to accommodate requests for emergency childcare in the questionnaire that went out Friday. We are also trying to plan for additional requests as healthcare workers and first responders continue their vital services in our community.
Graduation requirements
High school students, especially seniors, have the additional pressure of meeting graduation requirements and other related activities. OSPI and the State Board of Education are working to provide statewide guidance. We’ll share information as soon as we receive it. We want to make sure we support high school students with their concerns throughout the closure and will be sending a message to them directly later this evening. High School Student Message, 3/17: (http://bit.ly/2UcEQRm)
During these weeks prior to spring break, teachers will be communicating with students/families with the goal of assessing student access and needs. That information will be helpful in our planning for learning after spring break. Teachers may also be continuing any learning that was going on prior to the closure when appropriate.
Our Story
We are launching a site that I hope can become a place to connect called Stories from Camas (http://bit.ly/39XdAx2). Stories can create opportunities for us to come together. They allow us to share experiences, discover common ground, be curious and interested in learning more about each other. We are in the midst of a very unusual time where we don’t get to interact with each other in the typical ways. Perhaps coming together around stories can help us all. During our school closure, this will be a hub for our collective stories. Check it out and send me any ideas at [email protected].
Camas Mayor Pro Tem (and City Councilperson) Greg Anderson answers several questions regarding the city’s mitigation plans as the COVID-19 outbreak expands. Anderson and city department heads are running the city in Mayor Barry McDonnell’s absence while he is on vacation (and likely quarantined) in Spain.
What is going on with the Camas mitigation plan as the city prepare for the COVID-19? What needs to be finished at Monday’s council meeting?
It’s in place, but there is still work to do. At Monday’s workshop we will have a discussion about council meetings and workshops. There’s a provision in the code that we can have virtual council meetings. We can cancel some and still have some. There are many options. We can consider minimizing public attendance and implement social distancing. The Multnomah County Library is closing all facilities. Camas has not closed our library and we are needing to work our way through this. We will also discuss our upcoming town halls. The mayor has asked that we do this, but we are considering postponing them. One is scheduled for later this month. They are usually smaller affairs with 20-30 people. Those are the big ones we’re sorting through. Certain services are being changed.
We are trying to improve our ability to communicate.
How long did it take to draft the Camas coronavirus response that was unveiled Friday?
It took two meetings with department heads and myself, and we put out our ideas and framed them, then we summarized them over two days. People need to be smart and use common sense. We didn’t want to cancel First Friday and the Easter Egg Hunt, but we thought it was necessary. It’s hard to find a balance. We’re trying to do the right thing. We all have different points of view.
Mayor Pro Tem Greg Anderson.
Based on what we know now, we will continue looking for new data — good and bad. Nothing is locked in stone other than those things we already set. We are very sensitive to the fact that businesses require people.
With Mayor McDonnell gone, who is running the city?
I am, along with senior staff. There are several department heads. Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Finance, Police, Fire & EMS, HR and Admin, and Information Technology. We still don’t have a city administrator, but we do have an acting City Administrator. Her name is Jennifer Gorsuch.
How long has Mayor McDonnell been on vacation? Lacamas Magazine reached out to him on Monday, March 9 and we haven’t gotten an email reply from him.
He got on a plane March 6 and left the country March 7 (on a planned trip to Spain) and planned to be back in the United States on March 23. He may come back early, but he hasn’t given me any solid dates.
He is likely to be put in self-quarantine when he returns home. Everybody flying into the US is subject to medical screening and potential quarantine, regardless of citizenship, so he could be quarantined in Spain. I spoke to Mayor McDonnell yesterday (Friday, March 13) on the phone and he didn’t provide a return date. He could be quarantined in the US, as well at the port of entry city. There’s a high likelihood he will be quarantined, we just don’t know where.
Editor’s Note: While this story was being written, Spain went on a nationwide lockdown.
Is it prudent for a new mayor to leave on an extended vacation so early in his term, especially given he had no prior public service experience? Especially knowing that coronavirus at that time was already a growing problem.
He had this trip planned prior to him running for office. It’s a family reunion and vacation and it’s been in the works for a while. It’s not usual for a mayor to come in and take time off so quickly. He still cares. He’s not running away. It was one of those moments where he couldn’t do this without disappointing a lot of people, a lot of family members.
We have good staff. They are very experienced and very well rounded. They all have a long time being part of this community so they are relatively experienced and seasoned. So, they work well together as a team, which makes my job easier as Mayor Pro Tem. I am able to rely on them and have them provide me recommendations.
It’s a growing point for any mayor to respond to media and I’m sorry he didn’t respond to media requests. He has been emailing staff and checking in with staff while he’s been in Spain. It’s an awkward question for me to answer. I think he’s made a mistake but it’s one he can correct going forward. He should have left a forwarding email and not left you hanging, to direct you to staff to answer specific questions in his absence. That’s unfortunate. It’s a rookie mistake.
What does Mayor Pro Tem mean? What is the function of this position?
In the absence of the mayor or when he goes out of the country, which makes him unable to sign documents, I become the acting mayor on his behalf and that gives me in general terms the same power the mayor has. I can’t launch big projects, but I can sign documents on his behalf. I can hire people if there was an active process in place. I retain my full role as a council member, as well. I can still make motions and vote on motions. I run city council meetings. If something happens to Mayor Pro Tem the next most senior council member assumes the Mayor Pro Tem role, based on state law. The council also decided who that would be. For 2020, we appointed an alternate Mayor Pro Tem (Don Chaney).
I’m glad we did that in hindsight.
With the news Friday, there’s a lot to process right now. With the shooting, until the investigation is completed, no more news is coming out.
If Camas has an outbreak of COVID-19, will you have to declare a state of emergency?
RCW 38.52.070 (state law) is about declaring an emergency and allows us to bypass established regulations and processes and laws temporarily. We are likely not to do this. Governor Inslee’s declaration allowed the cities to piggy back on that.
In my role as Pro Tem to declare an emergency I need council to confirm it. Not sure if there are state mandated provisions to help out businesses, but I know President Trump’s declaration does help small businesses.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074031/FDDA688B-6016-42D1-87CB-8F6EBD7E5713.jpeg7531467Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-14 14:31:122020-03-14 14:54:40Camas Mayor Pro Tem, Dept. Heads Running City While Mayor Remains in Spain
As part of the statewide and regional efforts to address COVID-19, the City of Camas is enacting the following temporary operational changes to minimize transmission:
All Camas Public Library programs are cancelled through March 31 and select programs through April.
All City of Camas Parks and Recreation INDOOR programs are cancelled through the month of April.
The Annual Crown Park Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 12 is cancelled.
Effective immediately, no new meeting room reservations are being accepted through April for any City facility (Police Community Room, Fire Station 42 Community Room, Library Meeting Rooms, Community Center, Lacamas Lake Lodge, Scout Hall).
Those with scheduled reservations to use a City facility are strongly encouraged to reschedule their events for a later date. Reservation fees and payments will be refunded, if applicable.
For the remainder of March, all City board and commission meetings are cancelled.
City Council workshops and meetings will continue.
Mayor Pro Tem Greg Anderson is working with City Council and department leaders to establish a mitigation plan as they deal with this crisis, said Councilperson Ellen Burton. Anderson is running the city while Camas Mayor Barry McDonnell is on vacation in Spain.
The City will continue to monitor newly released information to determine closures and cancellations going forward. The public is encouraged to access City services online at www.cityofcamas.us, by phone at 360-834-6864, or through the CamasConnect app rather than in person.
Here are other ways the City is responding to the virus:
Following regional and state efforts to combat the virus.
Implementing enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols at all City facilities.
Providing up-to-date information and messaging.
Enacting additional personal protective equipment protocols for first responders.
Engaging in ongoing communication with staff on the issue.
Following the recommendation of the Department of Health and the Governor’s Office, all Camas residents are encouraged to practice social distancing and limiting interactions in group settings.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074034/585CF357-2F01-4BC1-A609-AA6B674D9542.jpeg307800Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-13 16:10:332020-03-13 16:25:40City of Camas Alters, Cancels Many Programs In Response to COVID-19
This is the statement today from Camas School District Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell:
Dear Camas Community,
Thank you all for your continued patience regarding this evolving situation. We will be closing schools startingMonday, March 16, through Friday, April 24. All after school activities, athletics, and facility use are postponed effective today, March 13, at 3:45 PM. We understand the challenge this presents to our community and the reality of the pandemic we face.
Although we recognize we cannot replicate the school setting or services we normally provide, we will be providing ways to keep students engaged in learning during the closure. Through every challenge, there are opportunities to learn and we want to take advantage of the opportunity.
Students in grades 6 – 12 have Chromebooks checked out to them. Our elementary schools use class sets of Chromebooks. Because of the closure announcement, we distributed the class sets of Chromebooks to students in grades 3 – 5 today for access. It will take us a few days to solidify learning engagement plans for all K12 students. Details will be shared through updates and on our website. We will be receiving guidance from state leaders about all of the detailed questions that may come to mind. As we receive that guidance, we will share it with you.
On Monday, we will begin to provide food services for families for students who need it at Liberty Middle School and Skyridge Middle school. The food will be available for pick up from 9 – 10 AM. To help us better prepare, please let us know if you need breakfast and/or lunch for your students using this form.
The Governor has asked school districts to provide emergency childcare services for our community. We are working to ensure the services meet COVID-19 guidelines. Information about emergency childcare is posted here.
We will be utilizing our website to keep you informed. Updates will be regularly posted athttp://www.camas.wednet.edu/about-csd/news/covid-19/ and shared via email. This is a challenging time for everyone. We care about our community and will be a hub for services in the coming weeks. If you have a specific need and are unsure where to go or who to ask, please utilize this link to reach out. We will do our best to support you and/or connect you to other service providers.
I am proud to be the superintendent of this wonderful learning community. There will be many opportunities in the near future to come together and support each other. Let’s take advantage of those opportunities!
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074036/FB68198F-4F43-47D4-A917-778D1025B56A-e1584135669374.jpeg421803Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-13 14:50:572020-03-13 14:51:08Following Governor Inslee’s Mandate, Camas School District Shuts Down
Washougal WA — Washougal School District, along with other Clark County school districts, are closing all schools Monday, March 16 through April 24, to help our state and nation combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
“We take any decision to close schools very seriously, recognizing that closures can pose difficulties for families, disrupt children’s education and create hardships in our community. However, these measures will reduce exposure to COVID-19 by limiting the number of people gathering in our buildings,” said Dr. Mary Templeton, WSD Superintendent, in a letter to parents.
The letter shared the following information:
Effective immediately and throughout the closure, athletics and afternoon/evening school activities will be canceled.
For those with a need, WSD will provide food to distribution centers. The district will inform families on Monday about the locations and distribution times.
Nine of the ten missed school days will be made up using the planned snow day and additional days at the end of the school year. The make-up days will be:
The district will apply with the state to waive additional days.
Updates to families will be sent via the following channels: E-mail, phone calls, WSD website updates and social media.
“We appreciate the understanding and patience from families as we address this unprecedented situation,” Templeton said. “We are committed to the safety and well-being of our students, their families, our staff members, volunteers and community. Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another. We are a resilient community, and I know that we will get through this challenging time together.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074039/FD4176F2-CF1C-4749-9240-50CBA2982512.jpeg8321200Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-13 13:52:222020-03-13 13:52:30Washougal School District Shuts Down From March 16 Through April 24
According to local authorities, on March 12, 2020 at approximately 9:16 pm, members of the Camas Police Department and Washougal Police Department responded to a disturbance call involving a weapon in the area of NE 2nd Avenue and Joy Street in Camas (near Louis Bloch Park).
Upon arrival, officers made verbal contact with an male adult. The subject was initially non-compliant and was observed to have a handgun. During the incident, a Camas Police officer fired his weapon at the suspect. Medical attention was given a the scene and the suspect was transported to PeaceHealth Southwest, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation is being conducted by members of the Regional Major Crimes Team. No further information will be released at this time.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074042/25297C63-7BEA-4B0E-9D29-3F33CE5203C5.jpeg421600Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-03-13 04:46:042020-03-13 05:03:10Camas Crime Scene: Man Dead Following Disturbance Call Response
Camas School District Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell, said there are no new reported COVID-19 cases in Clark County and that the district’s absentee rate is 1% higher than a year ago. He made the following statement today:
Dear Camas Community,
Thank you for your patience over the past few weeks. Things continue to rapidly evolve as we receive new information and direction from state leaders. Today, Governor Inslee issued another proclamation closing schools in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties effective March 17 through April 24. The criteria shared for the Governor’s decision was the amount of community transmission of the virus. Clark County has not met that threshold with one confirmed case (Clark County Public Health). I understand that there are a lot of different perspectives about closing or not closing schools and appreciate the responsibility.
As a region, we are meeting frequently to review any new information and discuss ways to best support our community. As of this evening, we are suspending any school-related travel beyond Clark County. We are also postponing public events in our schools that could exceed more than 250 people. This will include concerts, informational nights, etc. (Canceled/postponed events). The CEF gala scheduled for this Saturday has also been postponed.
In the event that schools are closed, we want to assure you that we are committed to still providing services such as food for students in need, emergency child care and learning opportunities in some form. We will not be able to replicate our current programming with teachers and students in schools. Our support staff members are prioritizing their time and energy in contingency plans.
We understand there are multitudes of questions that are out there. Know that we are paying attention to each one and doing our best to address them. We will continue to provide regular updates to you.
;
