Camas, WA — Camas Parks & Recreation is cancelling the annual Camtown Youth Festival at Crown Park in Camas on Saturday, June 6, 2020. Due to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak and considering the health and safety of our event participants, the decision has been made to cancel this year’s on-site park event.
“We know that our community is eager to gather and engage in many of the wonderful events and activities (such as Camtown) that our city has to offer. We also know that it will only be a matter of time until we can come together for enjoyment, whether it’s to attend a concert, sporting event, festival, or a fundraiser,” says Krista Bashaw, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Camas Parks & Recreation. “We have future events in our sights and continue to plan for those, so that when the gathering green light is given, we’ll be ready to go with many of the great events our community is used to and ready for.”
Stay home. Stay healthy.
For information on any of the City of Camas events, contact Camas Parks & Recreation at [email protected]
The Camas School District (CSD) continues to make adjustments related to the COVID-19 outbreak and its lingering effects on education. This article contains the latest CSD updates.
Schools will be sending information about the remote learning week with any announcements and special events. CSD will be continuing to work at streamlining this communication with you.
Video Conferencing
Earlier this month, CSD notified families they were delaying video-conferencing between students and teachers as they researched the safety and security of various platforms. As of Wednesday, April 15, Google Meet will be supported as the teacher-student video-conferencing platform for Camas School District.
CSD Netiquette – Message to Families: Please review these guidelines with your student(s), if you have not done so already. The information includes an explanation of video-conferencing and an opt-out process, should families so choose. Complete the opt-out process by Tuesday evening, April 14, as teachers may begin using Meet the following day.
The Zoom video-conferencing platform will still be used for some teacher-parent communication.
Print Resources
Please contact your school administrator or teacher for more information if you are having difficulty accessing resources online or need additional support. The team continues to find creative ways to problem-solve with you.
High School: Due to the emergency closure of schools by Governor Inslee, high school students and middle school students earning high school credits will have two options for how final grades will be posted. Additionally, the governor has stated that student grades will not be harmed as a result of the closure. Students not meeting minimum passing requirements shared by their teachers by the end of the term will receive an incomplete and be given opportunities to work towards the credit. Please review the grading expectations document for more important details.
Senior Project: Camas High School will be adjusting the criteria for completing senior projects. High school staff will provide information and support to help students complete projects with adjusted criteria.
High School Credits: Students will still be required to meet the 24 credit requirements. Should students receive a No Credit or Fail a course, they will be required to make up work for those classes as needed to meet core graduation requirements. Class of 2020 students who were previously on track to graduate may be eligible for additional considerations due to new waiver legislation.
For middle school trimester three final grades, students will be receiving a pass or no credit grade. Middle school students taking high-school level courses will be graded in the same manner as high school students. Students can select a pass/no credit or the grade option by June 1.
Elementary school report cards will be completed at the end of the school year in June, like in previous years. Teachers will record marks for all applicable areas which apply under distance learning circumstances; some areas will not be able to be assessed and will be left blank. Our practice of teaching and learning continues during this time and our teaching staff is committed to providing engaging learning opportunities for each student and family.
Graduation
Graduation is such an amazing celebration for each student, their family, and our community. CSD will be working with staff and students to plan a virtual ceremony in June, and they will also plan on having a traditional graduation ceremony at the earliest, safe date allowed by our state. CSD is committed to providing a graduation ceremony for all of our seniors.
Lacamas Magazine will keep you updated on Camas schools when new developments arise.
The City of Washougal Parks Department is responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency and related federal, state and city directives in order to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the community and our staff. To ensure the safety of its citizens, the City of Washougal has closed playgrounds, restrooms, docks, sports courts/fields, and picnic shelters until at least May 4th. The City will continue to work with Clark County Public Health to evaluate our options beyond this timeline. The closure coincides with the extension of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy,” order.
”During this time please continue to exercise and spend time outdoors,” said Michelle Wright Interim Deputy Director of Public Works for Washougal. “Please note parks and trails should always be limited to current social distancing of six feet or more between people from different households.”
In order to meet public health recommendations for protecting citizens and employees, parks maintenance crews have been split and are working every-other-week shifts. During this time, the City’s park will be mowed less frequently and other routine tasks will be deferred.
Please continue to practice physical distancing:
Follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to parks and trails. Wash your hand, carry hand sanitizer, do not visit public space if you have symptoms, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect city works.
The City will continue to monitor newly released information to determine additional modifications as needed and would like to thank the public for its patience and understanding.
CAMAS, WA – The City of Camas Finance department is now offering multiple ways to ease the burden of utility payments for Camas residents already in arrears and all Camas small businesses while the community continues to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.
“We understand that our customers may be experiencing financial hardship due to the widespread closure of businesses across the country during the pandemic,” said Finance Director Cathy Huber Nickerson. “If you are experiencing financial hardship, maintaining a dialogue with the City about your situation and having a plan in place ensures we can work with you on the extended resolution of your utility balance.”
For residents already in arrears as of February 19, 2020:
Payment Plans – After setting up a plan, residents may make partial payments toward their utility balance in the amount and the frequency they can afford.
No Late Fees – For payments due from March through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, currently set to end on May 4, 2020, residential customers will not incur late fees on utility payments.
No Shutoffs – The City recognizes the vital need for access to water for sanitation during the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, residents with an outstanding balance for November/December 2019 service, originally due on Feb. 10, 2020, did not have their water service shut off on March 18 as planned. No shutoffs will occur through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, currently set to end on May 4, 2020. The balance will still be owing and may be paid in full or through a payment plan. No late fees will apply.
To set up a payment plan, residents currently in arrears must complete and submit the Residential Utility Assistance Payment Plan form.
Utilities cannot be suspended during a payment plan and charges will continue to accrue. For this reason, residents are encouraged to set up a payment plan with installments as large as possible.
The City will revisit these programs in late April and determine whether more residents and businesses need relief options. Moreover, if the current Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation is extended, the duration of these programs may be modified.
For small businesses, defined as those in incorporated Camas with fewer than 50 employees:
Payment Plans – After setting up a plan, small businesses may make partial payments toward their balance in the amount and frequency they can afford; or
Balance Deferment – Small businesses that are unable to fulfill a payment plan and have applied for a small business loan may be eligible to defer their utility balance while awaiting loan funds. Deferments can be up to three months long or until loan proceeds have been received.
No Late Fees – For payments due from March through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, currently set to end on May 4, 2020, residential customers will not incur late fees on utility payments.
No Shutoffs – The City recognizes the vital need for access to water for sanitation during the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, residents with an outstanding balance for November/December 2019 service, originally due on Feb. 10, 2020, did not have their water service shut off on March 18 as planned. No shutoffs will occur through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, currently set to end on May 4, 2020. The balance will still be owing and may be paid in full or through a payment plan. No late fees will apply.
Temporary Opt-Out of Garbage Collection – While their operations are closed, small business may elect to stop garbage service from City of Camas.
Utilities cannot be suspended during a payment plan or deferment, and charges will continue to accrue. For this reason, businesses are encouraged to set up a payment plan with installments as large as possible or to make partial payments during a deferment. Both options limit balance accrual.
To pursue a payment plan or deferment, small businesses must complete and submit the Small Business Utility Assistance form.
The City will continue to monitor feedback from residents and businesses, as well as the guidance of public agencies, to determine future modifications and support mechanisms. For an up-to-date listing of changes to city programming and operations during the COVID-19 crisis, the public is encouraged to visit www.cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19.
Members of the public who have a need or concern may contact [email protected] or 360-834- 6864. For assistance with errands, food, supplies and more, residents may call the City of Camas Resource Helpline, 360-382-1300, Monday-Friday, 9 am – 6 pm.
To request a payment plan, deferment or waiver, residents already in arrears and small businesses should contact the City of Camas Finance Department at [email protected] or 360-834-2462, Monday- Friday, 9 am- 5 pm.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073830/916C6F57-4941-4CC7-BB2B-E6464E74EED9.jpeg393878Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-09 17:04:092020-04-09 17:04:16COVID-19: City of Camas Rolls Out Utility Relief Options to Homes, Businesses
Camas, WA — Natalia’s Cafe, located in the heart of downtown Camas, has made significant adjustments during the current COVID-19 quarantine orders. Like all Washington restaurants, they quickly adapted to becoming a food takeout business.
It’s caused significant pain to the quaint corner diner, whose tables and counter barstools are typically filled during peak hours seven days a week, but they’re finding their way.
Owner Erica Slothower and manager Wendy DelBosque continue to adapt to changes, creating and promoting specials, and although it’s not an ideal situation, it is working. Slothower continues to run the back office, while DelBosque runs the kitchen.
What’s been happening over these past few weeks is that many patrons pay significantly more than the cost of their meals, and are asking those funds to be donated to feed the needy among us — particularly senior citizens.
”We identified it was a challenge to keep seniors home,” said DelBosque. “So we had an initial donation come in with a request to feed people who needed it. With the help of Lynn Foster and Wayne Pattison we got a list of people to help. Since then, we’ve had more donations come in to continue with the program. If customers know more people that need help, they can also sponsor meals and we can continue to cook for them. For $10, you can buy a special breakfast or lunch delivered. You can call us at 360.844.5968.”
Community activist and Good Samaritan, Wayne Pattison, reached out to the cafe and has a list of people who are in need of help.
”This idea came from Erica’s customers at Natalia’s,” said Pattison. “Meals on Wheels called me and I came up with a list of seniors. The meals are getting out there. I’m hoping enough people continue to donate. This is an essential service. I called 127 of our seniors off our list, and 46 people requested it. I have a number of them are struggling with being locked up. So today, we’re going to call them all again to check up on them. There’s an emotional toll to all of this. We humans need eye contact. This quarantine is taking a major toll on our senior citizens.”
“As donations come in, we will continue to identify people who need a good meal, said DelBosque. “We’re planning to help our local first responders and could use your help. We want to keep it very local — Camas and Washougal. We will continue to do this as long as the donations come in.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073839/8E6E0891-F075-403B-AD58-D19A33F94424.jpeg7561280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-08 13:55:142020-04-08 13:55:20Natalia’s Cafe: A Hub of Generosity During Crisis; Helping Senior Citizens
The Washington Department of Health (DOH) has provided its latest COVID-19 data, as of April 5, 2020. This report also includes University of Washington COVID-19 data and projections showing that peak hospital resources happened four days ago on April 2, and a projection of 632 deaths by Aug 4 (was predicted to be 1,400 deaths 10 days ago.) Also, Washington is now sending 400 ventilators to other states, such as New York.
Total deaths were not reported in the updated data for March 30 and 31, though the current totals are correct.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Beginning March 28, 2020, DOH gave notice that its daily updates were for data from the previous day at 11:59 pm. Therefore, the data point for a certain day on the above charts represents confirmed cases through the day before at 11:59 pm.
Mortality rates by age as of April 2:
Age Mortality Rate
<19: 0%
20-39: .16%
40-59: .72%
60-79: 6%
80+: 20.4%
Overall: 4.1%
The total number of deaths and cases and the mortality rates are not officially reported by age group by DOH, only the percentage was. We did our own math to formulate these totals using the percentages by age group with the total reported cases and deaths. Also, note that these figures do not take into account individuals who may have the virus but do not get tested for the virus.
Tests:
Negative: 80,327
Positive: 7,591
Total: 87,918
COVID-19 tests in Washington.
Negative tests were not reported March 24 and 25. Tests were not reported for March 30 and 31.
IHME and University of Washington Predictive Model:
Predicted peak deaths per day is predicted to be 19 on April 6. This prediction has drastically moved up from last week’s prediction of a peak of 28 deaths per day on April 24.
Red Line: Actual deaths per day.
Dashed Line: Predicted deaths per day.
Shaded Area: Where the experts predict, with 95% confidence, the actual deaths per day trend will end up.
University of Washington Predictive Model.
Hospital Admissions
According to the Seattle Times and DOH, hospitalizations for patients with COVID-like symptoms dropped this last week in Washington.
Camas School District responds to Governor Inslee’s order to keep schools closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Here is the statement from Dr. Jeff Snell, Superintendent of Camas School District:
Dear Camas Community:
I’m writing to share some important news. Governor Inslee made the decision to close schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year this evening in a press conference. The extended closure is an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe and healthy. During this closure extension, all school facilities will remain closed, however, student learning will continue, albeit in the new remote learning world.
I hoped that we would be able to welcome students back to school this year. Our staff members love seeing and serving your children at school! Instead, we will be focusing all of our effort on making remote learning the best it can be.
We understand that the continued closure of schools presents many challenges for students and families. It also raises many questions. The information outlined below is what we know now. We will continue to share further guidance as decisions are made and as information becomes available.
Remote Learning: Remote learning will continue through the remainder of the school year. We have created a remote Learning Website as a resource to support distance learning: (https://bit.ly/2Vb8EhX). This week, teachers will connect with students regarding learning plans and recorded lessons. If you have concerns about access please let us know. School administrators are tracking all concerns, and we’re doing our best to address them quickly. Email your teacher or principal if you need additional support. We are currently exploring ways to do live video conferencing lessons. As we previously shared, this is still a work in progress. We will continue to update you on all of the questions that naturally come up with this new announcement including grading, graduation, etc…
Technology: Devices have been deployed for all students grades 3-12. If your child needs internet access, wifi is available near our school buildings and near strategically placed buses from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. Visit this map for exact locations (https://bit.ly/2wg2g0a). If you have technical difficulty, please contact our technology department at [email protected] or call the Chromebook helpline and leave a voicemail at (360) 833-5432.
Nutrition Services: We will continue to provide meals to students that need them during weekdays for select routes (https://bit.ly/2XdG3er) and for onsite pick-up from 9 – 11 AM at Liberty and Skyridge middle schools, and Woodburn, Lacamas Lake, Dorothy Fox, Prune Hill, and Grass Valley elementary schools.
Child Care: We will continue to provide child care for children of first responders and health care workers. To arrange for childcare, please contact Mary Weishaar at [email protected].
Medications: If your student has medication at school, please watch for additional information related to pick-up arrangements. For immediate questions or concerns, please contact Carol Bruce, Health Services and Nursing Supervisor at 360-335-3000, ext 75746 or [email protected].
Personal belongings: If your student has essential belongings at school that need to be picked up, we will be developing a process that ensures safety and allows for pick up. We will share more with you about that process in the coming weeks.
High School Seniors: High school seniors will receive support from their school administrators and counselors on opportunities to earn credits needed for post-secondary transitions. We are working closely with the state’s college system to ensure smooth transitions.
Graduation Ceremonies: In-person graduation ceremonies will change to virtual ceremonies and/or be delayed. A final decision related to graduation ceremonies will be shared by the end of April. We want to do our best to create meaningful culminating activities for our seniors given the circumstances.
School Activities: All school events, including sporting practices and matches, field trips, dances, etc. will be canceled during the extended school closure. We are engaging with students to come up with creative alternatives to celebrate milestones such as prom and field day. In some cases, special events may be postponed until later dates. We will keep students and families updated on these decisions so that you can plan your participation in advance.
More information can be found on the district website: www.camas.wednet.edu. Please continue to take good care of yourselves and your families. This is a difficult time for all of us, and we will get through it together.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073847/5A5898EF-E2A3-4FA4-B068-C4E6FF0051D3.jpeg437867Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-06 20:05:522020-04-06 20:05:59Camas School District Responds to Inslee’s School Closure Order
OLYMPIA, Wash — Governor Jay Inslee extended the state’s stay home order through May 4, which is one month past the original “stay home, stay healthy” end date.
Inslee said that the Department of Health (DOH) data collected on the spread of the novel coronavirus shows cases are still on the rise in Washington state.
“We unfortunately have yet to see the full weight of this virus in our state. This order is not only justified, it is morally necessary,” he said. “We are confident in the steps we have taken but we cannot lose steam in the middle of this fight. May 4th is the soonest that we could possibly achieve our ends to keep our loved ones safe.”
The stay home order was originally issued on March 23, and initially was slated to end this week. Inslee said there was a possibility that the mandate could be extended after May 4.
“Let’s pitch in to make it the last date.”
The DOH said the following today:
”Our social distancing efforts are beginning to ‘flatten the curve‘ here in Washington. Models from the University of Washington suggest that we may see 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 in this state, and it is clear that more people will die if our social distancing efforts stop right now. That’s why, today, Gov. Inslee extended his ’Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order for another month until May 4. By staying home, we are keeping our communities as healthy as we can. We are slowing down the spread of the virus and buying more time for the state to build hospital capacity.“
Numbers. DOH has had some technical difficulties, but the latest numbers are now updated. As of 11:59 p.m. on April 1, 79,418 people in Washington have been tested for COVID-19. Of those, 6,585 people in Washington have tested positive for COVID-19, and 262 have died of the disease.
“We must continue this isolating act of community togetherness—staying in our homes as much as possible to protect ourselves and people we love. While we are at home, let’s pay attention to the reasons we are doing this. Connect with the people you love. Make online purchases from the small businesses that give your community life. Order takeout from the restaurants you miss the most. Notice the gifts we’ve given the earth in this time—the skies in famously smoggy Los Angeles are clear and blue. The carbon monoxide emissions in New York City are down 50 percent compared to last year this time.”
“Let’s take care of ourselves and our relationships. Think about how you want to emerge from this crisis. Rested, looking forward to opportunities to be with your loved ones, ready to keep the air clean by working at home more often. Take care of your body with nourishing foods, lots of sleep, deep breaths, and exercise. Focus on the parts of your life that bring you energy and joy: clean, cook, nurture, garden, sing, play games, create, love, read, write. Stay connected with others and maintain your social networks. Go for a walk and wave to your neighbors from six feet away. Ask them if they are well and if they need anything. Take care of your mental health. If you feel so overwhelmed you struggle to get through the day, call your health care provider, therapist, or mental health provider and set up a telemedicine appointment. Check out these resources to help support your mental health or that of a loved one:”
And if you are in crisis, don’t hesitate to call the 24-Hour Crisis Line at 866-427-4747 or text HEAL to 741741 to get confidential text access to a trained crisis counselor any time of the day or night.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073905/B5E48F34-CD02-47A3-8DC7-A26854CACE2A.jpeg6071137Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-02 18:55:352020-04-02 18:55:42Inslee Extends Stay Home Order to May 4th; Updated DOH Numbers
CAMAS, WA — Based on Gov. Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, as well as guidance from the Office of the Attorney General, all City of Camas public meetings, now until April 23, 2020, will occur remotely through an interactive online event tool, Zoom video webinar.
Public comment will be accepted at the start and close of the online public meeting, as usual, and may also be submitted in writing to [email protected].
Camas City Council convenes on the first and third Monday of the month. For April 6, the workshop meeting has been canceled, and the regular meeting will take place via Zoom at 7 p.m. The agenda will only address items that are necessary and routine or which are necessary to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. All other matters will be deferred until the public has its normal methods to attend.
In the upcoming weeks, Council and Staff will revisit whether the April 20 regular meeting is needed.
The public can watch the events live or view them afterward as a recording. Agendas, Zoom web links and Zoom phone numbers will be shared in advance of the meeting on the City website, social media, CamasConnect app and meeting portal, www.cityofcamas.us/yourgovernment/minuteagendavideo.
To view or participate in the live Zoom webinar, individuals will need to download the ZOOM Cloud Meetings software on their computer or download the app to their mobile device. Alternatively, individuals may call in to the event using the Zoom phone number provided.
The City is aware of issues regarding unwarranted access to Zoom and has taken additional precautions to secure the platform for trouble-free viewing and participation.
The City will continue to monitor newly released information to determine additional modifications as needed. For up-to-date programming and operations changes, the public is encouraged to visit www.cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074023/5E1BE16B-08BD-40B7-A6CA-82DB41FD0258.jpeg6211280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-02 16:25:082020-04-02 16:25:14Camas Public Meetings To All Be Held Remotely — Through April 23
CAMAS, WA – In order to focus all efforts on fighting COVID-19, the City of Camas has put construction of the Lake-Everett Roundabout on hold. In two weeks, on April 15, the City will revisit the construction stoppage and decide how to proceed.
Four additional public construction projects currently underway are also being halted: improvements to Brady Road, construction of the 18th Avenue Reservoir, construction of the Lacamas Creek Pump Station and improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The City will immediately begin working with contractors to ensure the construction sites are safe and secure during the stoppage.
“As you know, we are monitoring the COVID-19 situation frequently. Things change very quickly,” said Mayor Barry McDonnell. “Governor Inslee is continuing to call for additional protective measures across the state. These important projects will ultimately move forward, but I believe that stopping all construction in Camas at this time is the right decision for everyone’s health and safety.”
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