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Camas Schools: 6 Staff Members COVID-19 Positive; No Outbreaks At Schools

Camas, WA — Camas School District (CSD) Superintendent Dr. Jeff Snell confirms that six staff members have been infected with COVID-19, but “there have been no outbreaks at schools or other facilities.” 

He said the district provides an updated dashboard, which is emailed to parents.

“… It references our COVID-19 dashboard which shows any cases we’ve had and resulting quarantines,” he said.

The latest update says that district currently serves 600 students in-person.

UPDATE: Transition to Increased, In-Person Learning Experiences

Camas School District has issued the following statement:

Our trend of high COVID-19 activity levels has continued which is extremely frustrating as it delays our full-hybrid transition.  Despite the trends, we have been able to safely and successfully grow the number of small group learning experiences for students this fall.  These small groups have focused on students who receive special services, our youngest learners, and students with significant struggles in the remote learning model for various reasons.  Serving small groups of students on campus aligns with the Washington Department of Health (WA DOH) recommendations for high COVID-19 activity level.  An important reason for our success has been the ability of staff to implement the five mitigation strategies from the CDC that include the following.

  • Consistent and correct use of masks
  • Social distancing to the largest extent possible
  • Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
  • Cleaning and disinfection
  • Contact tracing in collaboration with the local health department
COVID-19
www.resultsfitnesstraining.com

With the scheduled start of kindergarten in small groups next week CSD will continue to expand the number of students experiencing some type of in-person learning experience. The plan is to build on this success and continue to increase in-person experiences cautiously and thoughtfully through small groups of students.  

Approximate # of Students Served Through In-Person ExperiencesPercentage of Total Enrollment
Summer 20202003%
September 20203004%
October 20206009%

The CSD statement continues:

Current guidelines recommend to wait to transition to a full hybrid learning model (in-person and remote learning experiences for K5 and secondary students) until our COVID-19 activity level is in the moderate range.  Given the current rates, the soonest this could be possible is the week of 11/30 for our elementary students.  As we get further into the 2020-21 school year more data is becoming available about transmission rates in schools.  In a recent article from the Seattle Times (Early data suggests some schools can safely reopen, Washington state health officials say) the WA DOH was cited in reference to this data and in-person learning experiences.  We recognize how important these experiences are for our students and will consider adjustments to our reopening plans to align with any updated guidance from public health.  

This has been such a challenging time for students, staff and families to navigate. We understand and appreciate all of the concerns that come up in managing risks and making decisions as to the best course for each student, their families, staff, and our entire community.  We have scheduled another Town Hall for November 16th from 6 – 7 PM to share updates and answer questions.  ZOOM Information to come.

The public can view all details of their transition plan including timelines, resources, past notifications, presentations, and a COVID-19 dashboard that tracks COVID-19 cases in Camas School District at http://www.camas.wednet.edu/covid-19/2020-reopening/. 

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Associated Press: Biden Wins White House, Vowing New Direction For Divided Nation

WASHINGTON (AP) — According to the Associated Press and other national media companies, Democrat Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump to become the 46th president of the United States on Saturday, positioning himself to lead a nation gripped by the historic pandemic and a confluence of economic and social turmoil.

His victory came after more than three days of uncertainty as election officials sorted through a surge of mail-in votes that delayed the processing of some ballots. Biden crossed 270 Electoral College votes with a win in Pennsylvania.

Biden, 77, staked his candidacy less on any distinctive political ideology than on galvanizing a broad coalition of voters around the notion that Trump posed an existential threat to American democracy. The strategy proved effective, resulting in pivotal victories in Michigan and Wisconsin as well as Pennsylvania, onetime Democratic bastions that had flipped to Trump in 2016.

Biden was on track to win the national popular vote by more than 4 million, a margin that could grow as ballots continue to be counted.

Trump seized on delays in processing the vote in some states to falsely allege voter fraud and argue that his rival was trying to seize power — an extraordinary charge by a sitting president.

“We have to remember the purpose of our politics isn’t total unrelenting, unending warfare,” Biden said Friday night in Delaware. “No, the purpose of our politics, the work of our nation, isn’t to fan the flames of conflict, but to solve problems, to guarantee justice, to give everybody a fair shot.”

Kamala Harris also made history as the first Black woman to become vice president, an achievement that comes as the U.S. faces a reckoning on racial justice. The California senator, who is also the first person of South Asian descent elected to the vice presidency, will become the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in government, four years after Trump defeated Hillary Clinton.

Trump is the first incumbent president to lose reelection since Republican George H.W. Bush in 1992. It was unclear whether Trump would publicly concede.

Earlier Saturday Trump left the White House for his Virginia golf club dressed in golf shoes, a windbreaker and a white hat as the results gradually expanded Biden’s lead in Pennsylvania. Trump repeated his allegations of election fraud and illegal voting on Twitter, but they were quickly flagged as potentially misleading by the social media platform.

One of his recent tweets says: “I WON THIS ELECTION, BY A LOT!”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Source: Associated Press

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POLITICS 2020: 3rd Congressional Candidate Carolyn Long Concedes Race

VANCOUVER, WA — Carolyn Long released a statement, conceding the race for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, following the announcement of the general election results showing Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) with a commanding lead: 202,996 votes, or 55 percent, to Long’s 165,072 votes, or 44 percent.

“I am so incredibly proud of the strength of this grassroots campaign,” Long said. “Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible effort and those who have supported us with their vote.

“From reaching out to friends, family, and neighbors all across Southwest Washington to speak about the campaign, to asking me questions and letting me know about the issues that are on your mind, to chipping in with a few bucks here and there—you were there for me and I deeply appreciate it.

“I’m proud we ran a campaign based on facts, policy, and the truth. I am someone who believes in running on the issues and leading a campaign based on integrity and trust. It’s why I didn’t take a dime of corporate PAC money. At the end of each day, I reminded myself that how one runs a campaign is a reflection of who they are as a person.

“Thank you, again, to everyone who has supported us and been a part of this effort. I am proud of everything we have accomplished.”

The Herrera Beutler campaign issued this statement: “We’re just grateful to the voters for putting their faith in Jaime yet again. In prior elections the Republican vote usually grows, and we think that trend will hold this election as well.”

Long
Carolyn with her husband, Kevin, and daughter, Tennyson.
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COVID-19: Clark County Public Health Releases Latest Numbers

Vancouver, WA — Clark County Public Health released the latest COVID-19 data this week. Here’s what is happening:

Wednesday COVID-19 update: Another 81 people have tested positive for COVID-19. To date, 5,164 Clark County residents have tested positive for COVID-19.

Currently, Clark County has 267 active cases. The number of active cases reflects the number of confirmed cases who are currently in their isolation period. For most people, isolation is based on when symptoms began, not when they received the positive test result. Some individuals learn they are COVID-19 positive and only have a few days of isolation remaining.

There are 33 COVID-19 patients and 17 persons under investigation (PUIs) for COVID-19 hospitalized. These cases and PUIs are occupying 8% of local hospital beds.

More than 5% of COVID-19 tests came back positive during the most recent week for which Clark County has testing data (Oct. 11-17). For the most recent eight weeks for which they have data, the percent of tests coming back positive has ranged from 3.41% to 5.63% — well above the goal of 2% or less.

The number of COVID-19 tests administered in Clark County increased in late September and early October, reaching as high as 7,022 tests administered in one week (Oct. 4-10). But the percent of tests coming back positive that week was among the highest in that timeframe at nearly 4.5% (311 positive tests).

Our rising case numbers cannot be attributed solely to increased testing. The virus is spreading throughout Clark County.

Please take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Wear face coverings anytime you’re around people who don’t live with (even in private settings), maintain physical distancing from others, wash hands frequently and stay home when sick.

COVID-19
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com
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POLITICS 2020: Inslee, Biden Win Statewide; Herrera Beutler Re-elected

Vancouver, WA — Unofficial election results for Washington statewide and local races are in, according to Clark County Elections and the Secretary of State’s Office.

Governor Jay Inslee won a record-tying third term, handily defeating Republican challenger, Loren Culp. 

Culp, police chief of the small town of Republic, campaigned in part against Inslee’s coronavirus restrictions like mandatory masks, saying they infringe on people’s constitutional rights.

Nationally, the presidential race is still to early to call at this writing. President Donald Trump currently has 213 electoral votes, while former Vice President Joe Biden has 238 electoral votes. There are currently several states that are undecided or haven’t been called: Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Alaska, and Nevada. 

The House of Representatives remains in Democratic control, and Democrats have picked up one Senate seat, but need four to take control of the upper chamber. At this hour, Republicans likely will maintain control of the Senate.

President

Joe Biden (D): 2,015,633 or 61 percent 

Donald Trump (R): 1,214,894 or 36 percent

3rd Congressional District

Jaime Herrera Beutler (R): 179,838 or 54 percent

Carolyn Long (D): 151,961 or 45.6 percent

“Thank you, Southwest Washington,” Herrera said in a statement. “I am grateful for the overwhelming support I’ve received in this race and am ready to keep working for this region in Congress. My first priority has always been standing up for the people of my home region and solving problems on their behalf, and my approach won’t change. I’ve worked to make health care and prescription drugs more affordable, battled to keep our small businesses afloat and employees on the payrolls during this pandemic, and delivered vital relief to families and during this challenging year.

“We have our work cut out for us in the next two years to get through this challenging time and return our lives back to normal, but I know we can do it. My sleeves are already rolled up, and I’m ready to support our communities to get it done.

“The results show that folks in Southwest Washington want an effective solver representing them in Congress. You have my word: I will continue working to keep this region as the greatest in the country to raise a family, earn a living and spend your retirement.

“Again, I’m so incredibly grateful to the voters of Southwest Washington for entrusting me to be their voice in Congress.”

Inslee
Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler.

Governor

Jay Inslee (D): 1,936,773 or 59.5 percent

Loren Culp (R): 1,305,236 or 40 percent

Lt. Governor 

Denny Heck (D): 88,164 or 46 percent

Marko Liilas (R): 63,062 or 33 percent

17th Legislative District Senator

Lynda Wilson (R) 38,822 or 51.9 percent

Daniel Smith (D) 31,277 or 47.99 percent

17th Legislative District Representative, Position 1

Tanisha Harris (D) 33,387 or 51.9 percent

Vicki Kraft (R) 31,775 or 48.7 percent

17th Legislative District Representative, Position 2

Paul Harris (R) 38,658 or 68 percent

Bryan White (R) 15,344 or 27 percent

18th Legislative District Senator

Ann Rivers (R) 40,975 or 53.5 percent

Rick Bell (D) 33,317 or 43.5 percent

18th Legislative District Representative, Position 1

Brandon Vick (R) 44,178 or 58 percent

Kassandra Bessert (D) 31,810 or 41 percent 

18th Legislative District Representative, Position 2

Larry Hoff (R) 41,039 or 53 percent

Donna Sinclair (D) 35,173 or 46 percent

“I’m grateful to represent this district for another two years,” said Hoff. “I think the lead will grow, and Donna sent a text this evening conceding. We will get together soon and discuss campaign points. I look forward to it.”

Inslee
Representative Larry Hoff.

49th Legislative District Senator

Annette Cleveland (D) 35,573 or 59.5 percent

Rey Reynolds (R) 24,119 or 40 percent.

49th Legislative District Representative, Position 1

Sharon Wylie (D) 38,853 or 65 percent

Justin Forsman (R) 20,293 or 34 percent

49th Legislative District Representative, Position 2

Monica Stonier (D) 38,743 or 65 percent

Paul Llafet (R) 20,630 or 34 percent

Secretary of State

Kim Wyman (R) 1,639,752 or 51.6 percent

Gael Tarleton (D) 1,534,022 or 48 percent

State Auditor

Mike Pellicciotti (D) 1,758,266 or 55 percent

Duane Davidson (R) 1,391,321 or 44 percent

State Attorney General

Bob Ferguson (D) 1,878,349 or 59 percent

Matt Larkin (R) 1,299,547 or 40 percent

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POLITICS 2020: Clark County Voters Can Check on Ballot Status Using Online Tool

For voters who wish to check on the status of their mailed in ballot, the Clark County Elections Office has an online tool.

Status Tool

With the ballot status tool in VoteWA, you can track your ballot for each election from the time we mail it to you to the time we receive and accept it for counting!

Tracking Tool StatusMeaning
SentYour ballot has been mailed to you.
ReceivedYour ballot has been received by Clark County Elections.
AcceptedYour ballot has been accepted and will be counted.
RejectedYour ballot has an issue, likely with the signature on the envelope.

If your tracking status is “rejected,” Clark County Elections will contact you by mail to inform you of the specific issue and how to resolve it. Please respond quickly to correct the situation so your vote can be counted.

Signature Challenges

Signature challenges occur when a voter does not sign the envelope which contains the voted ballot or when the signature on the return envelope does not match the signature the Clark County Elections Office has on file. If your signature is challenged, you will receive a letter from Clark County Elections.

To fix any signature challenge issues, carefully follow the instructions on the form you receive and return the form to Clark County Elections. All signature challenge forms must be received by our office no later than 5 pm the day before the election is certified. For this election, the date of certification is November 24th. So, the signature form must be received no later than 5 pm on November 23rd. Return your completed form in the envelope provided or drop it off in person to ensure your form is received before the deadline.

Ballots
www.arktana.com
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City of Vancouver Protecting Ballot Boxes, Preparing For Potential Election Unrest

Vancouver, WA – The City of Vancouver will be keeping preventative measures in place to protect the rights of voters to cast their ballots and to protect the community from potential political violence and damage surrounding the Nov. 3, 2020, election.

Since the recent death of Kevin Peterson, Jr. following an officer-involved shooting involving deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, people have been gathering to demonstrate and express their concerns, as is their First Amendment right. Following a weekend of large gatherings in downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver Police Department is continuing to conduct enhanced patrols around authorized ballot boxes within Vancouver through the Nov. 3 voting deadline to increase the safety of community members traveling to and from ballot drop locations, to deter potential voter intimidation and/or tampering with the ballot boxes, and to provide safety for the election officials collecting the ballots. Any incidents of voter intimidation or ballot box tampering should be reported by calling 3-1-1.

The Vancouver Police Department, along with other city resources, has been planning for this election week and will have an enhanced, visible presence in the community throughout election day and beyond. The police and fire departments are working together to monitor possible political unrest activity and are coordinating with regional agency partners to provide response support, if needed.

If demonstrations or civil unrest occur, the Vancouver Police Department will staff accordingly to respond with the goal of ensuring the ability of people to exercise their First Amendment rights while maintaining safety for all people and property in Vancouver.

Vancouver
www.resultsfitnesstraining.com

“An historical election is upon us during an already eventful year,” said Vancouver Police Chief James McElvain, “If you choose to exercise your constitutional rights to assemble in public during this period of time, please do so in a safe and peaceful manner. Destruction and violence is not acceptable and serves no good purpose in a place we all call home.”

“This is a city and community where we respect and listen to one another and support our country’s democratic values and the sanctity of the voting box,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, “I encourage everyone to care for our entire community and show kindness and respect to one another regardless of differing views.”

“We recognize that many in our community feel frustration and grief in the midst of the pandemic and political and social justice unrest,” said City Manager Eric Holmes. “For the safety of our community and our employees, we ask that peaceful, non-violent expression be observed.”

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POLITICS 2020: Q&A With 3rd Congressional District Candidate Carolyn Long

Editor’s Note: When Lacamas Magazine covers political events we do not necessarily endorse or condone the content, positions, or actions being reported on.

Question 1: At your 60th Town Hall you said the United States needs to make changes to the Electoral College. Can you elaborate on that proposal?

I used to think the Electoral College was a good idea because it forced presidential candidates to campaign to lower population states so it encouraged them to go to small states. 

We’ve seen it twice now that’s not happening.

We need to look at a change. It has to be a solution that incorporates elements of the Electoral College. What would a hybrid look like to emphasize the more urban areas? We need to talk about how the Electoral College gives advantage to small states and we should take some of that model to offset what is happening in our times, which is being studied by political scientists right now.

Things have changed. It used to be that Republicans didn’t favor the Electoral College, and Dems did. Now, that’s changed. To have allowance for giving states representation irrespective of the popular vote. It’s all very uncertain.

Question 2: Would you be a part of the Problem Solvers caucus in Congress, if elected?

Yes, I would be part of that. (Former Congressman) Brian Baird suggested that years ago. Something that I said last night is that the true sign of bipartisanship is how a member acts in the majority. When you’re in the majority you don’t have to reach across the aisle. Of course I would join it. I would join other caucuses. We need to look at investments in infrastructure, and we need to do that. We emphasize that in our pandemic plan.

The newly elected members of Congress want more bipartisanship. They are tired of the negativity, they are tired of Congress and how it’s led.

I would stand up to Speaker Pelosi. Absolutely. Look at my public statements on the matter. Look at my campaign and for these past three years have been clear. 

I very have displayed that.

What I know as a professor is often members of Congress act in a way to keep their job. They are concerned about bucking the party. I’m not looking at this as a career. I’m 53 years old. I have a lot of really good plans. I want to work on issues to make sure our people are well represented.

Question 3: What are the most pressing issues you’re hearing from citizens of the 3rd District?

Pandemic recovery. I released a pandemic recovery plan six week ago. Congress has not done its job for nearly 8 months. I released this because I was frustrated. We need to prioritize workers and not give them barriers to health care. Job training for small businesses. Transformational infrastructure investments. These investments of federal dollars will jump start the economy.

They want leadership who works for them. They want to see their representative working for them.

Long
Carolyn with her husband, Kevin, and daughter, Tennyson.

Question 4: How do we address the mental and emotional issues that are affecting our youth who are struggling with remote learning?

I am a teacher and a mom and I see firsthand how hard it is for my college students who are struggling. I see my daughter and she misses the social interaction. We need to have connectivity with our friends.

We need to treat mental and emotional health issues like physical ailments. A big issue is that a lot of students are just frustrated because they can’t access the Internet. We need to have better broadband, so that all may have access. It’s an equity issue.

Question 5: Regarding the pandemic, is the cure worse than the illness? 

We have to listen to the health experts. It’s been eight months since Congress has passed greater relief. Politicians in DC aren’t really paying attention to what we need. Let’s listen to the public health experts, let’s get DC functioning again. Let’s get through this by following the health guidelines.

Question 6: Are you in favor of a 20 percent tax increase? 

No. These have been debunked. We need to prioritize working families and small businesses in a way that doesn’t increase the debt. 

Question 7: What’s it like being a Democrat that’s married to a Republican?

Being married to a Republican you have to engage, and you need to focus on listening. You always listen to understand rather than listen to respond. If you listen to understand you can find out where someone is coming from. There is more than unites us than divides us. You can to have these conversations carefully. Focus on listening then it can really be incredibly productive. Brian Baird said you have two ears and one mouth. I love these drive in town halls, and I miss those in-person town halls. It’s so rich and so necessary. 

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POLITICS 2020: Q&A Part 2 With Congresswoman Jaime Hererra Beutler

Editor’s Note: When Lacamas Magazine covers political events or stories we do not necessarily endorse or condone the content, positions, or actions being reported on.

This is Part 2 of a 2-part interview with Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, a Republican who represents Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. Herrera Beutler answered our first four questions in Part 1, and the remaining questions are here:

Question 5: What do you like most about your job?

The fact that every single day is different. I love history. This is the greatest country on the face of this Earth. I get to do this in Congress. Being able to communicate with constituents, and we are able to engage with them to help them. I have a single dad who has been waiting since July to have his unemployment case resolved. He has spent hours on the phone, and I engaged and got that payment coming. It’s rewarding to make a difference in someone’s life. 

When I engage it happens. When I get a call back from them, I am overjoyed.

Question 6: You are criticized for being out of touch with voters. How do you respond to that?

Well, I am in contact with constituents of the 3rd District often. Most of my time is doing meetings in person every single day. I do town halls, telephone conferences, etc. I will continue to do those. The people in this district continue to be heard from and are connected to me. They feel like I’m hearing them and acting on their wishes. The way I do it is how can I best facilitate a back and forth. I think my opponent talks about how she will do this differently. Just holding events doesn’t mean you are hearing people. 

Question 7: Who will get your vote for President?

I didn’t vote for him in 2016. I joined with him to support the Jobs Act. Our voters send us back to DC on their behalf, so I work for them. I wrote in another candidate in 2016, I didn’t vote for Hillary Clinton. 

Yes, I will vote for Trump this go around. The problem for me in this one is Joe Biden. The policies he supports make economic recovery long and painful. Within a year we saw the unemployment situation stagnate with Obama-Biden. We saw actual wages rise very quickly with Trump. I think Joe Biden is an affable guy but this election is about getting through this disaster and i don’t want to see a long recovery.

Question 8: What do you think of President Trump? 

I like his willingness to not take no for answer. It helps to be willing to compromise, sometimes you have to take a yes when an opportunity is presented. He’s gonna do what he thinks is right. In person, Trump is not bombastic. 

Speaker Pelosi is not gonna be inappropriate in public, but Donald Trump is very direct and open. Nancy Pelosi will do the same thing but she won’t let you know she’s doing it. I don’t like that, just be upfront with me. It’s not happenstance that AOC was able to take some power from her. She has the ability to maintain an iron hand on that caucus. 

Herrera Beutler
www.electlyndawilson.com
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BIA: 93% of Contractors Report Delays in Project Timelines Due to COVID-19

Vancouver, WA –The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) reports trends from a nearly 700 member-wide survey regarding the effects builders, remodelers, subcontractors, and suppliers are feeling from the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the month-long shutdown, to the shortage of appliances, to the soaring prices of lumber adding more than $16,000 to the price of a new single-family home, the housing industry has faced some challenges caused by the pandemic. Specifically, BIA members reported that COVID-19 has had at least some noticeable, adverse effect on the following aspects of their businesses:

  • 93% of respondents reported delays in project timelines due to subcontractor availability and the shortage of building products and materials.
  • 83% of respondents reported shortages of supplies of building products and materials.
  • 80% of respondents reported an increased cost of supplies and building materials.
  • 73% of respondents reported that they faced some unwillingness of workers and subs to report to their construction sites.
  • 70% of respondents reported the length of time to obtain a plan review for a typical single-family home increased.

Despite the negative impacts of COVID-19, members are still reporting strong sales due to pent-up demand, low levels of inventory, and the stabilization of low interest rates. Additionally, 36% of surveyed remodelers have reported seeing more project inquiries with prospective clients mentioning COVID-19 and quarantine as a motivator for a home remodel.

BIA
www.annrivers.com

While this seems like positive news for the industry, members are citing concerns over the affordability of housing. Builders are still trying to recover from the loss of revenue related to holding costs on housing developments that were stalled during the work stoppage, inflation of the cost of building products/materials, and the added cost of more than $7,485 per company in adhering to COVID-19 specific safety protocol.

With more than 70% of BIA members classified as small businesses (less than 50 employees), these costs will be hard to absorb. The BIA anticipates that sales prices will continue to climb as the housing inventory in Clark County remains at an all-time low.  This means that housing will become less affordable, and more families in Clark County will be priced-out of a home purchase. This is worrisome as the BIA’s most recent estimate of 12,612 households are priced-out of homeownership.

The Building Industry Association (BIA) of Clark County is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of all businesses involved with real estate, land development, homebuilding, and construction.  

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