Vancouver, WA — On September 21, 2019, Vancouver, Battle Ground and Washougal Police Departments and Clark County Sheriff’s Office will have additional officers enforcing the DUI laws, in an effort to keep drunk, drugged and high drivers off the road. Officers, who are also drug recognition experts, will be among those conducting these increased DUI patrols. In addition, officers from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis board will also be participating in this emphasis.
Alcohol and drug impaired driving is the leading contributing factor in Washington fatal crashes, with alcohol and cannabis being the most common combination of intoxicants. Getting behind the wheel intoxicated can mean a DUI, if you don’t plan ahead for sober transportation. As a reminder, Uber offers first time users a special coupon code for $25 toward their first trip. Sign up for the Uber coupon code RIDEHOMEVANC at https://get.uber.com/go/ridehomevanc.
Thanks to a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, law enforcement agencies in SW Washington have extra officers conducting DUI enforcement throughout the year to help keep our roadways safer.
If you are driving and see a suspected impaired driver, call 911.
CAMAS, WA — On Thursday, September 19, leaders from the City of Camas, Camas School District and Port of Camas-Washougal will come together for their annual State of the Community event at Lacamas Lake Lodge, 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
“I encourage absolutely everyone with an interest in the future of Camas to attend State of the Community 2019,” said Mayor Shannon Turk. “Whether you live, work, or play here, I’m confident that you will leave with a new sense of all the wonderful things in store for our three organizations.”
The event will feature presentations by Port of Camas-Washougal CEO David Ripp, Camas School District Superintendent Jeff Snell and City of Camas Mayor Shannon Turk. To round out the City’s presentation, attendees will receive a detailed brochure that reviews the last year and relays helpful information including recent goals and accomplishments and a breakdown of Camas property taxes.
A portion of the evening will be dedicated to answering questions submitted by the public as they arrive at the lodge.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/07075612/EA08E00D-D7C3-4429-9C29-204DB314C4C9.jpeg11802267Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-09-16 19:35:522019-09-16 19:36:09Public Invited to Annual Camas State of the Community Event Thursday
WASHOUGAL, WA — The community is invited to meet the four candidates seeking to replace retiring Police Chief Ron Mitchell at a community reception to be held at the Black Pearl on the Columbia at 6:30 pm Tuesday, September 17. The Black Pearl is located at 56 S. 1st Street, near the Port of Camas-Washougal marina and offices. The reception will provide an opportunity for the community to informally meet and hear from each of the candidates. The community reception will follow a series of interview panels with city and community leaders, and a reception for police department employees.
The four candidates are:
Marc Denney Chief – La Center, WA Police Department
Marc has over 33 years of progressive law enforcement experience, including the last six years as Chief with the City of La Center in Washington, a community of approximately 3,200 residents, where he resides. Prior to coming to La Center, he served twenty-three years with the Cochise County, AZ Sheriff’s Office, holding leadership positions in a variety of roles as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Commander and Commander. Marc holds an MPA in Justice Administration and a BS from Wayland Baptist University in Ft. Huachuca, AZ.
Charles Goeken Captain – Manteca, CA Police Department
Charles has 25 years of progressive law enforcement experience with the City of Manteca in California, a community of approximately 79,000 residents. During the last ten years he has held the position of Captain serving as both the Operations Division Commander and the Services Division Commander, the position he currently holds. He has held prior leadership positions in a variety of roles as Sergeant and Lieutenant. Charles holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia and a BS from the University of New York Regents College in Albany, NY. He previously served as planning commissioner, councilmember and mayor for the City of Waterford in California, where he resides.
Wendi Steinbronn Commander – Portland, OR Police Bureau
Wendi has over 25 years of progressive law enforcement experience with the Portland Police Bureau. She has been the Acting Commander and Commander of North Precinct since June 2018, with thirteen years of prior leadership positions in a variety of roles as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Acting Captain and Captain. Wendi holds a BS degree in Business Administration from Portland State University in Portland, OR. Wendi resides in Camas, WA.
Steve Taylor Assistant Chief – Searcy, AR Police Department
Steve has over 28 years of progressive law enforcement experience, including fourteen years as an officer in Michigan and since 2004 with the City of Searcy in Arkansas, a community of approximately 24,000 residents, where he resides. For the last four years he has held the position of Assistant Chief, with prior leadership positions in a variety of roles as Lieutenant and Captain. Steve holds Juris Doctor (JD) and BA degrees from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, AR.
Earlier this year, Chief Mitchell announced his retirement effective in late November. Mitchell has served Washougal as Chief since 2009. He started his career with the Washougal Police Department in 1996. City Manager David Scott will appoint a new Chief, who is expected to start in early December.
When Cassi Marshall decided to run for Camas-Washougal Port Commissioner, District 2, earlier this year, it wasn’t part of a planned career path.
She’s been employed at the Washougal School District for the past 17 years, working first in the highly capable student program, and for the past 13 years as Assistant to the Superintendent.
“To be honest, I wasn’t looking to run for a Port Commission position (a four-year term), but some trusted friends encouraged me to consider it, and I am so glad that they did,” said Marshall. “My learning curve related to ‘All Things Port’ has been pretty steep since May, but the more I learn, the more I’m convinced that it’s an incredibly good fit for me. Our Port contributes to our high quality of life in so many ways — providing space for local businesses to provide local jobs at the Industrial Park, a quality marina and airport, amazing parks and trails, and phenomenal community events.”
She’s running a competitive race to unseat incumbent CW Commissioner Bill Ward.
Why do you want to be a CW Port Commissioner?
“I have personal and professional experience with small business and development projects, so I’m eager to learn more about the Industrial Park tenants, products and services … and anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge parks/trails nerd (or maybe “advocate” is a better word), so the recreation related functions of the Port are super inspiring to me. And then there’s the Waterfront Development project! I’d be so excited to get to be part of the team that works to ensure development that complements both downtowns, is efficient and sustainable, improves public access to the water, and provides the amenities that the residents are looking for. I also love that the Port serves the entire Camas-Washougal area, since I’ve had one foot in each community for many years now, and really see the entire area functioning as one East County in so many ways.”
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What role does the CW Port Commission play?
“The Commission meets twice a month, and is responsible for setting the Port’s policies, and Commissioners vote on recommendations brought to them by Port staff members. I’ve learned a great deal about the workings of a publicly-elected board from working closely for many years with the Washougal School District Board of Directors, and also from my time as an appointed member of the Camas Parks Commission. I have a true and deep appreciation of the importance of staff-commission trust and respect, and I think that I work well in such groups — I love the collaborative processes involved in group decision-making! Both WSD and Parks have also taught me how important public input, transparency, and equity are to all public agency decisions — great lessons that I’d love to be able to apply to future Port work.”
What direction is the CW Port going?
“I’m really excited about the proposed Waterfront development, which will have a huge and long-lasting impact in the community. I’d like to bring issues expressed in the community to these discussions — for instance, creating new spaces that complement both downtowns. Proper Port development is a huge boost to all of East County. I’d also like to see more focus on energy efficiency and sustainability in future Port projects, and RKm, the developer currently working with the Port, seems very supportive of such long-term efficiencies.”
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“I’m also looking forward to working with the Port in the creation of new infrastructure and jobs, another really big contribution toward quality of life. Businesses at the Industrial Park already provide about 1,000 jobs, and there is room and demand for growth there. Local work means fewer people having to commute across the bridges daily, meaning less congestion for all. It also concentrates those workers’ taxes and spending dollars here in the community, which is another bump to our local economy.”
“Port taxes are a small percentage of our overall property taxes, but all of these funds collected go toward capital projects. Port staff is really savvy in obtaining matching grants, so they are able to multiply the benefits of these revenues. Plans are in the works to add another building at the Industrial Park, and historically, these spaces have been leased even before construction is completed.”
“The expansion options for Grove Field airport have been of interest in the community for some time. It’s my understanding that the full Commission and Port staff are in agreement that the Waterfront Development is the Port’s primary focus at this time. I don’t believe that there are current plans for a major expansion of the airport any time soon. That said, there are some smaller improvements, like the addition of space for a pilots’ planning office with good internet service, that I think should be a priority. The airport community contributes significant hours of volunteer service, specifically focused on the youth in our community, and I’d like to see them supported with these improvements in safety and convenience.”
Can you elaborate more about your background in public service?
“I’ve lived in Camas for 18 years, most of those in the Crown Park neighborhood. We just recently moved near Forest Home. During that time, I’ve been involved in PTA at Helen Baller, helped coach Little League teams, worked on the Festival of Trees Committee, and the Community Center Development Committee. Most recently, I’ve served on the City of Camas Parks Commission for a number of years now. It’s an appointed position, and we serve in an advisory capacity. I’m pretty active with Parks, as well as our non-profit group, Partners with Camas Parks and Recreation. As our name suggests, we work to support parks, recreation programs, and more. We’re in our third year of tackling our invasive English ivy problem through the Camas Ivy League. We have very dedicated volunteers who come out to multiple events per year, and our goal for 2019 is to remove ivy from (at least!) 2019 local trees.”
Personal Life
Cassi met her husband, Rick, at Prairie High School. After high school, they went to opposite coasts for school with Cassi earning an aeronautical engineering degree from MIT. She took a break from work when they had children, and then decided to work for the Washougal School District, which was a great fit for her family life, and incredibly rewarding work.
Her two children, Joe and Carly, now in their 20s, both attended Camas schools, Clark College and UW.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/07075637/95AE3CF4-ADF2-43A2-9BBF-3407EFBDA96A-scaled.jpeg12252560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-09-10 19:17:082019-09-13 11:25:07Meet the Candidate: Cassi Marshall Eyes Camas-Washougal Port Commissioner Post
Camas, WA — On Saturday, September 14, the Camas Athletic Boosters Club will hold its annual Tom Wallenborn Golf Tournament and charity auction at Camas Meadows Golf Club.
This will be the 13th annual golf tournament and charity auction, which raises significant money for local athletic programs. Registration begins at 7:15 am, and the tournament begins at 8:30 am.
“It’ll be another great event,” said Ryan Dickerson, of the Camas Athletics Boosters Club. “Last year, about 150 players came out for a fun round of golf supporting our local athletes. Last year, we raised a little over $58,000 and are hoping to beat this number this year. Also this year we will be having a meal after the golf tournament. At the meal we will be having a live auction and many different raffles to raise money. Tickets will be on sale at the event. If people are interested in coming to the lunch and auction please email the boosters — we’d love to see you there.”
The objective of the golf tournament is to raise funds to supplement any needs of the student athletics programs from middle school level up through high school. The club also provides money for scholarships that the boosters gives away each year for seniors who are continuing to college.
Dickerson said community members are free to come walk around and enjoy the afternoon.
“We have many local businesses that have sponsored this tournament and many of the different sports teams have put together baskets and different items for the auction,” he said. “We have some great trips, vacation homes, football games, and reserved 50 yard line seats with parking at the remaining Camas home games.”
Vancouver, WA — Class is in session at Firstenburg Community Center (700 N.E. 136th Ave.) thanks to a new program designed to serve families who homeschool their children.
Starting in September, Vancouver Parks and Recreation will host engaging, secular classes for homeschool students ages 6-18 during the school year. With over 30 subjects to choose from, classes are offered from 9 am to 3 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, in 6-week sessions.
“We are excited to serve families in this new way,” said Stacey Allington, recreation assistant with Vancouver Parks and Recreation. “Firstenburg Community Center is already a vital resource when it comes to community education and wellness. Providing high-quality homeschool courses is a continuation of our mission to serve the community.”
The elective-style classes are taught by educators, experts and qualified parents. They are designed to supplement home instruction in multiple content areas and provide multi-age peer interaction. Homeschool classes at Firstenburg Community Center will cover a diverse array of subjects including literature, writing, geography, theater, sign language, foreign language, music, design, financial literacy and science. There are also plenty of physical education opportunities like dance, yoga, rock climbing, swimming and team sports.
“The partnership in planning these classes with Vancouver Parks and Recreation has been phenomenal,” explains homeschool parent Erin Robertson, M.Ed. “In addition to the quality content in each class, students have the opportunity to meet new friends, learn from different teaching styles and experience truly unique course offerings.”
Homeschool classes are open to city residents and non-residents, as well as students using other non-traditional educational environments like online learning. Students enrolled in two or more classes per day will have access to a public swim at the Firstenburg Pool on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. or Thursdays from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. at no additional charge. Multi-child and multi-class discounts are also available.
Vancouver Parks and Recreation builds upon the City’s strong legacy of parks, natural areas and recreation dating back to the dedication of Esther Short Park in 1853. Each month, the Parks and Recreation Department provides hundreds of recreation opportunities for youth, adults, seniors and persons with disabilities at its two community centers. Parks and Recreation operates 1,600 acres of parkland at 113 sites, including 91 parks, 20 miles of trails and many natural areas for the City of Vancouver. The Parks and Recreation Department cultivates community in the City and beyond through on-going special events and volunteer programs that celebrate the City’s natural spaces.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07075800/A930EC0C-7747-4089-909C-30C98F3B4FA5-e1567109772219.jpeg5461167Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-29 13:44:062019-08-29 13:44:58Homeschool Classes Begin at Firstenburg Community Center
Washougal, WA — Incoming Washougal High School freshmen, the class of 2023, were welcomed at a special, “We will graduate!” rally event on Monday, August 26. After learning the school cheer and meeting class advisers, school leadership and counselors, each student was invited to sign a banner, pledging their commitment to graduate high school.
“We want the Class of 2023 to be the first class to have a 100 percent on-time graduation and leave a legacy for other classes to follow,” WHS principal, Sheree Clark (this is her freshman year as WHS principal) told students and parents seated on gym bleachers. “Every thing you do at school the next four years will matter for you to reach the goal of graduating on time,” said Clark. “The good news is you are not alone. You have your friends, parents and a whole team of people at WHS to help you get through!”
The idea for the Freshman graduation commitment signing came from the Panthers Rising event held last spring that featured all graduating seniors who had made commitments for their post-high school education, including four and two-year colleges, apprentices, military and trade schools. They want students to be fully aware of all the options available to them post-graduation.
“We are challenging all of our WHS students to rise,” Clark said.
After students signed the banner, WHS staff present also signed their commitment to help students reach this goal. Today is the first day of the new school year at WHS and all through the school district. #EyeOfThePanther
Lacamas Magazine will be covering events throughout the school year, including several community outreach programs that are being planned.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07075859/77699F38-569D-41C3-B0A4-3C3E92E38A42.jpeg11632395Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-27 13:02:072019-08-27 13:02:14Washougal High School Kicks Off New School Year w/ Special Freshmen Rally
On Wednesday afternoon, the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office released the name of the Vancouver teen who drowned at Lacamas Lake Tuesday evening.
The victim was 14-year-old Anthony Huynh, who was swimming with friends and jumping off the Lacamas Park walking bridge Tuesday as part of fun summer day outing. According to friends, once they noticed Huynh was missing they went looking for him and eventually called 911 for assistance.
Police quickly found his belongings, including his cell phone.
The cause of death is accidental drowning.
Shortly after 9 pm Tuesday, divers from Multnomah and Clark counties recovered the teen’s body from the lake after a 10-minute search. The Medical Examiner was called to the scene.
Through the day Wednesday, many have stopped by the bridge to pray, ponder and leave balloons, flowers and kind notes to the deceased and to his family.
Drownings have occurred in summer months at Lacamas Lake throughout its history.
Anthony Huynh, 14, of Vancouver, drowned at Lacamas Lake.
In Washington, there were 98 unintentional drowning deaths of residents in 2017. Drowning along with fire/burns, were the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children and teens ages 1 – 17 in Washington. Source: WA Department of Health, Washington Tracking Network Data, accessed June 2019
In 2017, there were 4,508 drowning deaths in the United States, an average of 12 deaths per day. Source: CDC, WISQARS Injury Mortality Report, accessed June 2019
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07075923/649B141D-4460-4E30-99A9-6D0C8EF802C2.jpeg12062373Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-21 19:39:212019-08-21 20:11:32County Medical Examiner Releases Identity of Lacamas Lake Drowning Victim
Camas Police confirmed a Vancouver teen drowned at Lacamas Lake Tuesday evening. He was just 14.
The police say the teenager had been playing with friends, jumping off the Lacamas Park walking bridge shortly after 6 pm when they noticed he had not resurfaced. They then called 911.
Friends weren’t sure if he had left them behind, so the police canvassed the the area, and quickly found the teen’s bag, clothing and cellphone on shore nearby.
Shortly after 9 pm, divers from Multnomah and Clark counties recovered the teen’s body from the lake after a 10-minute search. The Medical Examiner was called to the scene.
Police say the teen’s family has been notified. His identity has not been released, but it is believed he was an incoming Union High School freshman.
We will update the story as more information becomes available.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07075929/0106ABD7-F8D6-46EF-840A-B0589C7F870B-scaled.jpeg12202560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-20 23:34:582019-08-20 23:35:12Police: Vancouver Teen Drowns at Lacamas Lake Tuesday Evening
Vancouver, Washington – The highly anticipated Columbia River water feature at Vancouver Waterfront Park (695 Waterfront Way) officially opened to the public today.
The interactive art installation was gifted to the City of Vancouver by City Council resolution on Monday, Aug. 5. The Vancouver Parks and Recreation Department will maintain the water feature as it draws locals and visitors to enjoy the city’s waterfront for years to come.
“I believe that carefully conceived environments can create places of meaning within communities,” said Larry Kirkland, the artist who designed the Columbia River water feature. “The best of public art can challenge, delight, educate and illuminate. But above all, it can celebrate the qualities that make each place unique and can create a sense of civic ownership. This pride of place is a building block for the future of these communities.”
Design and Details The Columbia River water feature journey begins with the monumental structure called Headwaters. This 12-foot tall and 16-foot wide stone and bronze monolith is oriented north and south to the adjacent Columbia River.
The east face is a cast bronze relief map of the Columbia Basin. The northern Rocky Mountains, Cascades and Coastal mountain ranges and river valleys are rendered in high relief to be touched and traced by human hands.
The west face is an engraved stone with a topographic map of the origins of the Columbia, the “Great River of the West.” Water cascades down it in a variable flow, reflecting seasonal changes in the flow of the river. The one-inch deep river flows for 150 feet along a molded riverbed past variable-height stacks of textured granite representing each of the Columbia River’s tributaries. More water flows from between these rocks into the original river. The water is chlorinated and can be waded through and played in by visitors.
Monument donors.
Water feature.
Facts about each of the tributaries are engraved on the dry side of each granite grouping. Intermingled with the factual text are quotes from literature that reference water and the flow of rivers. Combined, the facts and writingsmerge into a poetic and contemplative experience.
Donors to the $3.5 million project are recognized on the side of the Headwaters structure.
Donors are Steve and Jan Oliva, who also played a major role in the development of the Vancouver Waterfront, as well as the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. Other key donors are Steve and Jo Hansen, Al and Sandee Kirkwood, Barry Cain, Alvin Charles Berg, Mary Jane Berg, Susan Lynn Berg, Jim and Shirley Johnson, The Columbian, Dean and Kristin Kirkland Family, Marilyn Denham, and Kenneth E. and Eunice M. Teter.
“We’re really happy to have this water feature built,” said Jan Oliva. “This entire Vancouver Waterfront project has been in the works for 12 years, and there are so many good, wonderful people here in Vancouver. Larry Kirkland is the artist and John Grant (John Grant Projects) is the one who built the fountain. It’s designed to show the inlets of the Columbia flowing into it, and the ocean is represented at the end.
“It’s going to be great for little kids. Since we’re involved in the whole waterfront development this is a key piece that is going to the city from the waterfront development group. We love what’s happening here because we feel it’s helping the whole area. There’s a great walking loop that connects us to the land bridge and the Fort Vancouver Historic Site. It’s a good thing, I’m just happy and pleased with it.”
Design and Details About the Columbia River Water Feature
$3.5 million gift to the City of Vancouver, accepted by City Council resolution on August 5, 2019, from Columbia Waterfront, LLC.
The water is chlorinated and can be waded through and played in by visitors.
The Columbia River water feature journey begins with the monumental structure called Headwaters.
This 12-foot tall and 16-foot wide stone and bronze monolith is oriented north and south to the adjacent Columbia River.
The east face is a cast bronze bas relief map of the Columbia Basin. The northern Rocky Mountains, Cascades and Coastal mountain ranges and river valleys are rendered in high relief.
The west face is an engraved stone with a topographic map of the origins of the Columbia River.
Water cascades down it in a variable flow, reflecting seasonal changes in the flow of the river.
The one-inch deep river flows for 150 feet along a molded riverbed past variable-height stacks of textured granite representing each of the Columbia River’s tributaries.
Facts about each of the tributaries are engraved on the dry side of each granite grouping. Intermingled with the factual text are quotes from literature that reference water and the flow of rivers.
Donors to the $3.5 million project are recognized on the side of the Headwaters structure.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07080033/2C02E001-7142-46D1-B440-6319ED1A8348-scaled.jpeg9822560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-09 16:10:092019-08-09 16:10:20Columbia River Water Feature at Vancouver Waterfront Park Opens
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