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Camas City Council Approves Swanson as Interim City Administrator

CAMAS, Wash. – Camas City Council voted unanimously this week to approve the contract for Interim City Administrator Jeff Swanson.

Swanson will serve in the position until a new mayor is elected, and a search can be conducted for a new City Administrator. The position will replace current City Administrator Jamal Fox who will be leaving Camas effective today, July 9.

The approved contract will have Swanson working in a part-time capacity and he will be required to attend all City Council meetings.  The Contract will run from July 7 – Dec. 2022, if necessary.  According to the contract, Swanson will make $200 an hour and will have a 30-day notice of termination.

“I’m so excited to have someone with experience and expertise like Jeff, to come in and help keep the ship steady during this transition,” said Camas Mayor Pro Tem, Ellen Burton. “Jeff is highly regarded in Washington and has connections that will be beneficial to the city.  Additionally, this decision was fully supported by the City’s leadership team.”

Swanson was highly recommended and comes to the City of Camas with over 20 years of management experience, and currently serves as the Managing Director of EXIGY LLC.  As a consultant, he is currently providing services to other municipalities including the City of La Center.  In addition, Swanson is no stranger to being a city’s top official, having served as the City Manager of Battle Ground from 2016-2018.

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Inslee Declares Statewide Fire Risk Emergency; Issues Burn Ban

Olympia, WA — Gov. Jay Inslee today declared a statewide state of emergency relating to the growing risk of wildfires, including a statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through September 30, 2021.

“Washington is facing a historic drought and we have already experienced record-breaking heat. We must be vigilant in our efforts to prevent wildfires, and the loss of life and destruction of land and property that comes with them,” Inslee said. “We don’t want a repeat of recent years with dangerous wildfires across the state that have destroyed towns, killed livestock and resulted in weeks of unhealthy air quality. I urge everyone to do their part to help protect our beautiful state and all our communities.”

“We have seen a record-breaking number of fires for this early in the summer,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “Extreme drought conditions leave communities across our state at risk as fire danger continues to climb. I’m asking everyone to do their part to and take precautions to prevent wildfires. Our firefighters on the frontlines depend on us to help keep them safe.”

Although this order includes some burn ban exceptions (for example, the use of gas-fueled stoves in some circumstances and also small, recreational campfires in contained structures on a person’s private property) nothing in the order supersedes more restrictive provisions by a lawful authority, like city or county governments. The proclamation also activates the Washington National Guard to assist in wildfire suppression efforts. 

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Governor Inslee Issues Statement Ahead of June 30 Statewide Reopening

Olympia, WA — Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement today ahead of Washington’s upcoming June 30 reopening for individuals and businesses preparing to return to normal capacity and operations.

“Washington has come a long way since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the country was found in our state January 2020, and that is in no small part due to Washingtonians’ dedication and resilience in protecting themselves and their communities throughout the pandemic.

“Because folks listened to science and stayed home to stay healthy, wore masks and got vaccinated, we can now safely fully re-open our state’s economy and cultural centers after 15 long months. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m proud of how Washingtonians came together, persevered and sacrificed to fight this virus, and now we’re finally in a place that is safe enough to end this chapter.

“Even though Wednesday marks a new stage in our continued efforts to defeat this pandemic, we still have work to do. Continued success depends on everyone getting vaccinated and encouraging any loved one who has not yet received this lifesaving vaccine to do so, and quickly.

“Let’s keep it up, Washington – get vaccinated and stay safe.”

Secretary of Health Umair Shah, MD, MPH, thanked Washingtonians for their dedication to personal and community safety, but emphasized that the work to defeat the COVID-19 virus is not done.

“Washington was one of the first in the country to begin the fight against COVID-19. Thanks to the hard work and sacrifices of everyone in the state we have one of the most effective responses in the nation. I am so grateful for our partners in public health, health care, government, businesses and communities across the state, as well as the public,” Shah said. “Your tireless efforts have saved lives and made reopening possible. While this step forward is exciting, it does not mean the virus is gone or our work is over. Vaccination, testing and precautions like wearing masks if you are unvaccinated will be needed more than ever as businesses try to resume normal operations. If you have been waiting to get vaccinated, do it now in order to safely enjoy reopening and protect your loved ones and people around you.”

Inslee
www.gevurtzmenashe.com

Commerce Director Lisa Brown praised the resilience of Washington’s business community and emphasized the tie between economic recovery and continued increase of vaccination rates.

“We know our businesses are deeply dedicated to reopening safely and ensuring the health of their employees and customers. And Commerce remains committed to a strong economic recovery across all our communities – particularly those that were hit disproportionately hard by the pandemic,” Brown said. “But our economic recovery remains tied to our success fighting COVID-19. We hope this milestone inspires anyone who can get their vaccine but hasn’t done so yet to take that important step and help us become more resilient now and into the future.”

Indoor and outdoor guidance effective June 30

Effective 12:01 AM on June 30, all industry sectors previously covered by guidance in the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery or the Safe Start Reopening Plan may return to usual capacity and operations, with limited exceptions for large indoor events (any event with more than 10,000 simultaneous participants in an indoor, enclosed space.)

Reopening guidance:

  • Vaccine verification/negative testing: Recommended but not required for large indoor and outdoor events
  • Capacity limitations: No restrictions in restaurants, bars, stores, businesses, theaters etc. (except large indoor events)
  • Physical distancing: No requirements
  • Facial coverings: Not required for vaccinated individuals, unless required by individual business
  • Travelers: Follow CDC recommendations
  • Some exceptions will include schools and childcare centers that will continue to have some facial coverings and physical distancing requirements.
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Camas, Washougal Ban Fireworks Discharge Due to Increased Fire Danger

CAMAS, WA – Officials with the cities of Camas and Washougal have announced that due to the high fire risk, the discharge of fireworks has been banned under emergency order. Sales will still be allowed.

Camas-Washougal Fire Department Fire Chief, Nick Swinhart, consulted with Washougal officials and issued the ban in that city, as provided in Washougal Municipal Code.  Camas Mayor Pro-Tem Ellen Burton, in consultation with the Fire Chief and Fire Marshal, has implemented the ban in Camas.

“This was a very difficult decision to make, but in consideration of the elevated fire danger, it was deemed the only decision possible to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods, communities, and green spaces,” said Chief Swinhart. “The threat of fireworks causing a fire in these extreme conditions is too high to allow the use of fireworks this July 4th.”

Officials with the CWFD and the cities of Camas and Washougal, noted that the fine for illegally discharging fireworks is $250 for the first incident, with escalating fines for recurring violations. The police and fire departments will have extra patrols in response. For illegal fireworks complaints, residents are encouraged to call 3-1-1.   

Officials also acknowledged the strain this may put on vendors and non-profits that rely on this income; however, safety is paramount in this situation. With this in mind, residents are encouraged to celebrate Independence Day this year with friends and family, however, please do so without the use of fireworks. 

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WA Commissioner of Public Lands Implements Burn Restrictions

This message is from Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hillary Franz regarding this weekend’s hot weather and the statewide burn restrictions. This weekend, our state will enter a period of record breaking heat. Temperatures are forecast to reach over 100 degrees for most of Washington. We are also entering a period of extreme drought. This heatwave coupled with drought is extremely dangerous, creating extreme fire danger.

During this period of extreme weather and increased risk, my agency is implementing burn restrictions through most of the state to help limit fire that fire risk. But our burn restrictions alone aren’t enough. We can’t fully protect our forests or our communities without your help.

I’m asking everyone to please refrain from starting outdoor fires this weekend. The vast majority of all wildfires are caused by humans, so we’re going to need everyone to do their part to keep people safe as the weather gets hotter and drier. Some other tipes to stay safe during this fire season include:

  • Make sure your dirt bikes or ATV’s have operating spark arrestors
  • If you’re in an area where campfires are permitted, make sure you’ve doused, stirred and doused your fire again until it is cool to the touch before heading home.
  • People should use this time at home to prepare for wildfire by creating defensible space.
  • Reduce dry fuels around your home
  • Clean roof tops and gutters
  • Limb up your trees and remove dead branches
  • Pay attention to burn ban restrictions and keep an eye on your burn pile.

You can visit https://www.dnr.wa.gov/burn-restrictions to check the status of burn restrictions in your area or you can go to https://www.dnr.wa.gov/WildfirePrevention to learn more about actions you can take to prevent wildfire. These prevention steps make a substantial impact and help keep our firefighters and first responders safe.

Thank you for helping us protect our state from wildfire risk.

Hiilary Franz

Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands

Burn
www.gevurtzmenashe.com

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Universal Martial Arts Reopens, Offers Jiu Jitsu Self-Defense Training

Camas, WA — Universal Martial Arts, with its focus on jiu jitsu self-defense training, is fully reopen now for business. 

“Jiu Jitsu is martial arts, and is based on leverage techniques versus strength. It’s technically a grappling martial art, but the sport side is very appealing to people,” said co-owner Mel Locke. “Jiu Jitsu means ‘gentle way’ in Japanese. You win by making the opponent surrender or by points. Our new theme is self-defense, competition, lifestyle. It becomes an exercise to stay fit.” 

The downtown Camas self-defense program lasts for eight weeks, and is contract free. They are located at 217 NE 4th Avenue in downtown Camas.

So how does it work?

Adults may take up to 15 classes a month, which are offered six days a week — Monday through Saturday.

Class times are as follows:

  • 6 am 
  • 11 am Monday, Wednesday, Friday
  • 6:30 pm Monday through Thursday
  • Saturdays 10 am

Classes last 1 or 1.5 hours apiece.

Beginner classes last an hour, and more advanced classes are 1.5 hours.

Adult single membership costs $119 per month.

Ages 7-12 $109

Ages 5-6 $99

The Family Plan costs $219 per month for two people, and each additional member costs $60 per person.

They do offer a women’s only program.

Universal Martial Arts has been operating since 1998, has full air conditioning, and is regularly sanitized for participant safety. 

To learn more, call 360.210.4588 or visit http://universaljj.com

Instagram: 

@universal_bjj

Facebook:

Universal Martial Arts

Universal
One of the kids classes at Universal Martial Arts.
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Washougal Parents Rally Against Washougal School District

Washougal, WA — About 60 local parents held a rally Tuesday night calling for open meetings with Washougal School District administration and the school board to more readily discuss curriculum issues, equity programs, sexual education, and Critical Race Theory, as well as mask mandates.

Here’s the full video report featuring an interview with Patricia Bellamy, a parent who was not permitted to return to Washougal School Board meetings: https://youtu.be/72q6Ru6Y45g

She explains what happened a few weeks ago and said more than 70 grievances have been filed against Washougal Schools, and is calling for face-to-face meeting with school leaders. She said if they don’t accommodate these meetings and hear parents they will call for the resignation or start a legal process to remove administration leaders from office.

Washougal School District responded with this statement: 

“When the state of emergency was declared in the state of Washington last year, the normal Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) rules for in-person meetings were suspended, and school boards, along with other organizations, were required to meet via Zoom.  The governor modified this rule in early 2021, to allow boards to choose to hold in-person meetings, but only if they’re able to meet certain safety requirements. 

“Our board started meeting in person in February, and was pleased that patrons wishing to address the board and listen to the board’s meetings were following the required safety measures.  After the May 11 meeting, when a very small group of patrons refused to comply with posted and required safety measures, the board indicated that they will meet via Zoom, with no one attending in-person, for the until further notice.  This is specifically allowable under the Open Public Meetings Act as amended by the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation 20-05 and the OPMA changes in 20-25 and as amended in 20-28.14 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  You can find some information from the Washington State School Directors Association on this topic, which outlines the legal parameters for board meetings at this time. 

“Moving back to the virtual meetings will support meeting the safety restrictions currently in place in Phase 3 for public gatherings. Once the COVID health restrictions/requirements are lifted per OPMA, and it is safe to do so, we look forward to returning to our in-person meetings.  Because we don’t know the timing of the changes in the restrictions and requirements, this could happen at any time.  

“The meeting location and ways the public can participate in the board’s meeting are posted ahead of each meeting, and we would encourage patrons and community members to watch for updates on the board meeting page. 

“As it relates to masks, we are following the guidelines from the Department of Health for K-12 schools, and from Labor and Industries which apply to our employees.  You can find the relevant information for schools here: 

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/FallGuidanceK-12.pdf  (see page 11 for the Mask information)

“For employees, the Labor and Industries requirements on page 5 states: ‘Cloth face coverings must be worn by every employee not working alone on the job site unless their exposure dictates a higher level of protection under L&I safety and health rules and guidance.’”

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Update: City of Camas Plans to Reopen All Facilities July 1

CAMAS, WA. – In accordance with guidance from the Governor’s Office and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), officials with the City of Camas have announced changes to COVID protocol in currently open buildings. Additionally, officials with the City of Camas announced their intention to reopen all City facilities, effective July 1.

COVID Protocols

Under the new City guidelines, masks will not be required for vaccinated individuals, unless other specific precautions are in place.

However, masks will still be required for unvaccinated citizens who intend to use City facilities. Additionally, social distancing and mask protocols may also be in place for certain City sponsored activities or in certain City buildings, regardless of the new guidelines.

Camas Library

Along those lines, the Camas Public Library has also announced that they will resume their pre-COVID hours starting Tuesday, July 6.  The hours of operation will be Monday – Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Public Meeting Rooms and Reservations

Camas Library meeting rooms are available to reserve beginning June 1, at https://www.cityofcamas.us/library/page/book-room. The earliest date meeting rooms may be booked is July 1, and that date is subject to change based on announcements from Governor Inslee and the Washington State Department of Health.

Starting July 1, Camas Parks and Recreation will use the updated guidelines to open facilities to event/wedding rentals and to non-profits for meeting spaces. Users are requested to follow any updated guidelines that are issued. More information is available here: https://www.cityofcamas.us/parksrec/page/facility-reservations-general-info

Camas
https://www.lesschwab.com/store/?storeId=714

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CW Chamber To Honor 2021 Business Person, Citizen of the Year Winners

The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce will be honoring Marquita Call, owner of Camas Gallery, and Camas School Board Director, Doug Quinn, as 2021 Business Person and Citizen of the Year, respectively, at a special banquet Wednesday, June 2.

The Chamber, in partnership with Riverview Bank, made the announcement on May 3. Eight-four people purchased tickets for the event, which will be held at Camas Meadows Golf Club. 

The social hour will begin at 5:30 pm with dinner beginning at 6:30 pm. The CW Chamber Scholarship Winners and the Teachers of the Year from both the Camas and Washougal School districts will also be honored on June 2nd. For more information or for questions call 360. 834.2472.   

2021 Businessperson of the Year: Marquita Call, Camas Gallery  

Call was born and raised in Camas.  She opened the Camas Gallery 11 years ago and has received The Columbian’s Best of Clark County (Gallery) award the past 6 years.  Call’s personality is infectious.  She welcomes visitors, both local and visiting, with warmth, enthusiasm and shares many historic stories about the area.  She is also a member of the Clark County Mural Society and has secured murals in downtown Camas.  Recently, she commissioned an artist to do artwork commemoration Earth Day and her former classmate Denis Hayes, International Chairman of Earth Days.    

Visitors come into the gallery strangers and leave as friends. One visitor claimed that Call is to Camas, WA what Dolly Parton is to Pigeon Forge, TN.  She is genuine and cares for each and everyone she meets. 

2021 Citizen of the Year: Doug Quinn

Contributions to the Community:

Quinn has served on the Camas School Board for several years including one or more terms as chairman.  He is currently a member of the Downtown Camas Association Board of Directors and has also taken a lead role in the Light Brigade.  As a member of the Light Brigade, he acquired and coordinated a grant to DCA that paid for the upgrade to Camas’ downtown roofline lighting.  Quinn has also been a volunteer for Camas Days for several years, including as an announcer for the parade and bathtub races.  He has performed a Master of Ceremonies for many local events.

Positive Impact on the Community:

Quinn’slong commitment to the City of Camas, including his former role as Public Work’s Director has been invaluable to the organizations that he has served on.  He has a unique understanding of Camas programs and local government operations.  The Camas school system and downtown Camas have benefitted greatly by his work and volunteer spirit. 

Camas
www.cloverpodiatry.com

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2021 Winners Selected For CW Chamber of Commerce College Scholarships

Camas, WA – The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Riverview Community Bank, names Taylor Greenberg of Washougal High School and Joey Stanley of Camas High School as this year’s recipients of the Camas/Washougal Chamber College Scholarships. They were selected for their dedication to academics, extra curricular activities, sports, volunteerism, and community involvement.

On Wednesday, June 2nd the scholarship recipients will be honored along with the Businessperson of the Year: Marquita Call, Camas Gallery; and the Citizen of the Year: Doug Quinn at the Annual Award Banquet at Camas Meadows Golf Club. Teachers of the Year from Camas and Washougal will also be honored at the banquet. Social hour begins at 5:30, with dinner being served at 6:30 pm.

TAYLOR GREENBERG– WASHOUGAL HIGH SCHOOL

Greenberg is graduating from Washougal High School and plans on attending Whitworth University pursuing a major in Elementary Education and ultimately obtaining a Master’s degree in Education Administration.  Greenberg’s positive experience at Camas Schools and Washougal Schools helped her develop a sense of community and love for education.  She recognizes the importance of dedicated teachers and the true impacts that they have on their students’ lives. Her goal in life is to make a difference and change the world.  She wants to teach kids in the Camas-Washougal community how to thrive both educationally and in life.  She enjoys golf, basketball and dance.  

JOEY STANLEY – CAMAS HIGH SCHOOL

Joey is graduating from Camas High School and plans on attending John Hopkins University pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering. Stanley is a self-starting, diligent, creative problem-solver who is courteous and trustworthy.  He is logical, mathematical, and physically capable.  He values promptness, collaboration and is steady under pressure.  Stanley serves at the Camas High School ASB government treasurer.  He received the WoHoLo Award the highest award earned in Campfire USA (similar to the Eagle Scout award).  His Science Olympiad team placed first in regionals in 2018, 2019, 2020 and first in state 2018; second in state 2019. Stanley plays the flute, piano, and is an active fly fisherman involved with Clark Skamania Flyfishers Club. 

Camas
www.gevurtzmenashe.com

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