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Clark County Council to Gov: Change ‘Non Essential’ Construction Designation

Four of the five members of the Clark County Council penned a letter to Washington Governor Jay Inslee this week urging him to rule that all construction be designated as “essential” business under his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” COVID-19 orders.

The Clark County Council is part of a larger movement from many entities, including the cities of Ridgefield and Lynden, and legislators Dan Newhouse and Kathy McMorris Rodgers, urging Washington Governor Jay Inslee to include residential construction as “essential” under the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” directive. They say Inslee’s emergency powers directive went too far. Washington is only one of two states with similar “shelter in place” orders that designate private construction as “non-essential.” The Department of Homeland Security also officially designates construction as “essential.”

Clark County Council Chair, Eileen Quiring, along with three of her four council colleagues — Julie Olson, John Blom and Gary Medvigy, are very concerned about the severely damaging economic effects of Inslee’s order. Councilor Temple Lentz disagrees with her colleagues.

“I’m not sure what his thinking is entirely,” said Quiring. ”He says this is about safety. How is it we can allow public construction or low income housing to go on and not private construction? How much safer are they? All of our builders have to follow OSHA rules. Clark County will be hurt especially given we have more than 15,000 people employed in the construction industry. Think about the people buying homes that were just about completed and are now without a place to go. I hope the Governor is listening because this is ludicrous. It will take us a long time to recover.”

Quiring said the state is losing $23 million a day for every day of work stoppage. Clark County is especially hit hard, with more than 15,000 people employed in construction-related jobs. Construction accounts for about 25 percent of sales tax revenue in Clark County. The council says the county is losing $4.2 million in revenue per week.

In the letter, the councilors say “the near complete shutdown of our construction industry and the loss of revenue in Clark County is dire.”

The city of Lynden has defied the order altogether, allowing construction business to resume. City Administrator Mike Marin released a letter yesterday encouraging construction projects to continue unimpeded despite the executive order. 

In an open letter, Marin said the city’s policy is to “rely on the good judgment of the building community to keep its workers safe, and to ensure that any member of the public in the vicinity of a project is likewise kept safe.”

He also called for physical distancing and other “common-sense practices.”

Ridgefield amended the executive order to allow pre-sold and partially erected homes to be completed.

Green
www.VixonCabinets.com

The Letter

Dear Governor Inslee,
During this time of crisis, we all respect the difficult decisions you have to make for the common good of all Washingtonians. We are urging further refinement of your guidance for essential construction throughout the state, but will focus on Clark County. We are advocating that you deem all housing presently under construction and all commercial construction near completion to be deemed essential in much the same way Oregon and California have.

We respect and trust that all builders, unions, skilled and unskilled labor in all trades are using best practices and protocols of social distancing to minimize the risks from COVID-19 to our workforce and community. There has been no specific outbreak attributed to the building industry in the private or public sector, in part, because they remain focused on OSHA standards, health and safety at the work place more so than the public at large. We believe that our hard-working construction industry, using best health and safety practices, would rather be working than furloughed and on unemployment. Please allow them back to work.

We believe the breadth of the current order will create far more devastation to our economy in Clark County, because of our more severe housing shortage as one of the fastest growing areas in the state. This shortage contributes to high costs and increasing homelessness. Our county budget is aggravated here more than anywhere in the state due to sales tax leakage to Oregon, causing a structural deficit from the loss of approximately 25% of sales tax revenue. Approximately 35% of the County’s sales tax has come from construction related activities. In 2019, our General Fund received $43.0M in sales tax or $15.0 million sales tax generated by construction activity alone. The near complete shut-down of our construction industry and loss of revenue in Clark County is dire.

An unusually large segment of Clark County’s economy is based on the construction industry, equating to approximately 15,600 jobs. In Washington State the economic impact is about $8.4B per year, or $23M per day. Our best estimates in Clark County based on our population and construction jobs would amount to 10% of those state numbers.

The annual statewide tax revenue, for state and local governments, is around $2.2B. Proportioned to Clark County, this is around $4.2M per week in Clark County alone in tax revenue lost to the state and county for every week a broad building moratorium remains in place.

In addition, spoilage is now becoming a significant problem with the weather and increased theft occurring. Although, your present order allows for protecting construction, ‘shear inspections’ need to be done before a structure can be weathered-in and those can’t be conducted all at once throughout the county with the current constraints. OSB board, for example can only be in the weather for no more than 60 days, before deterioration, and mold set in. Our local contractors will go where the work is and that is next door to Oregon. Once, construction resumes here, the work force will not be available for our job sites. We will be facing an ever increasing percentage of spoilage as a result.

The dire need for housing and the continuation of essential construction and trade jobs in our county cries out for refinement of the previous orders. We all understand that all decisions should be ‘conditions based’ and those change daily with many unknowns. But we are focusing on what is known. Families are waiting to move into their nearly completed homes. We respectfully request that essential business be further defined to include residential housing under construction and commercial construction that is near completion.

Respectfully,

Eileen Quiring, Chair

Julie Olson, District 2

John Blom, District 3

Gary Medvigy, District 4

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COVID-19: City of Camas Rolls Out Utility Relief Options to Homes, Businesses

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.

Utility
www.champpizza.com

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.

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Juxtaposition Vendor Now Manufactures Personal Protective Equipment

As families and businesses react to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of Juxtaposition’s vendors, American Leather, a quality furniture maker based in Texas, is adapting and finding a new — albeit temporary — purpose. 

The county of Dallas, Texas, where American Leather is based, issued a mandatory shelter-in-place order that went into effect the last week of March. Assuming they would be designated as a “non-essential” business, their management team saw a unique opportunity: help healthcare workers.

Bruce Birnbach CEO of American Leather knew the order would disrupt their supply chain to their clients, so he was very upfront about the situation. 

In a letter to customers, Birnbach said his company had been working with the federal government and local hospitals to offer American Leather’s manufacturing services to produce face masks and gowns. 

“With our outstanding sewing and production capabilities, we recognize that this can be a huge help for the needs of our healthcare workers and infected citizens in the community who need this so desperately,” said Birnbach. “This manufacturing effort in a portion of our plant means that our Dallas manufacturing operation will be considered as an essential facility and we can continue to operate, as of now. As you already know, we have been proactive in preparing for this situation and have already taken aggressive measures to keep our employees at safe distances or in some cases, working at home. These actions will continue.”

He continued: “We are proud of our State for doing their important part in helping to slow the spread of this awful virus and we are proud that we can do our small part in aiding people on the front lines with safety gear.”

Suzanne Ferguson, co-owner of Juxtaposition, said she chose American Leather as one of its premier vendors because of the quality of their products.

American Leather
An American Leather employee creates face masks.

“Their products are made in America,” said Ferguson. “Their customer service is fantastic, and now you can see how they operate in a crisis. They found a way to help with this pandemic. This is just another reason why we are so glad to partner with them.  Our normal supply chain is obviously interrupted, but we know once the mandates lift they will be back to making extraordinary furniture and getting orders out to customers as soon as possible.”

David Workman, American Leather’s VP of Sales, said he’s very proud of their team.

“Although we’ve not been able to make furniture, we are very proud of our team of volunteers that have come into work to produce protective face masks and gowns for people on the front lines,” said Workman. “These heroic people of ours are now creating over 10,000 masks a day for delivery to local hospitals as well as the federal government requests, and we plan to continue these efforts indefinitely.”

The company plans to resume furniture production on May 4, when shelter-in-place orders are likely to be lifted.

Juxtaposition, located in downtown Camas, is an American Leather retailer, many of their products can be viewed at www.artfuljuxtaposition.com

Roundabout
www.artfuljuxtaposition.com
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Natalia’s Cafe: A Hub of Generosity During Crisis; Helping Senior Citizens

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.”

Camas
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com
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COVID-19 Update: Latest Washington DOH Data; UW Projections

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.

As of April 5, 2020

  • 338 deaths
  • 7,984 confirmed cases               

County specific totals can be found here.

COVID-10
COVID-19 deaths in Washington.

Total deaths were not reported in the updated data for March 30 and 31, though the current totals are correct.

COVID-19
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
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.

COVID-19
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.

COVID-19
Weekly hospitalizations in Washington.
Roundabout
www.artfuljuxtaposition.com
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Camas School District Responds to Inslee’s School Closure Order

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].
Parks
www.lilyatelier.com
  • 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. 

Sincerely,

Jeff Snell, Superintendent
Camas School District

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North Shore: Council Agenda Includes Motions to Close Land Deal

CAMAS, WA – The City’s North Shore Legacy Lands project is a 30-year initiative focused on establishing a fully connected recreation and conservation corridor around Lacamas Lake. The April 6 regular Camas City Council meeting agenda will include motions to ratify the time-critical final steps to closing on the last two parcels of land included in this long-term community project.

The existing Lacamas Lake recreation and conservation corridor includes 880 acres on the south, east and west sides of the 320-acre Lacamas Lake. The final 87.7 acres, if approved, would become part of 159.3 acres on the North Shore acquired over the last two years through donations, purchases and Conservation Futures funding. The Pittock-Leadbetter House, built in 1901 by The Oregonian newspaper publisher Henry L. Pittock, is considered a highlight of the acquisitions.

“These final properties would provide key links to the trails and lands already acquired, significantly expand public access to active and passive recreation and create conservation areas on the north side of the lake,” said City of Camas Parks and Recreation Manager Jerry Acheson, who oversees the North Shore Legacy Lands project.

One parcel proposed for acquisition is the Rose property, $12.5 million, comprising 54.45 acres with 1,600 feet of shoreline, open fields, environmentally sensitive areas, forested hillsides and access to Lacamas Lake. It has been marketed to private buyers as prime land for commercial and residential development offering lake-view lots, water access and proximity to schools.

The second parcel proposed for acquisition is the CJ Dens property, $4.5 million, totaling 33 critical acres that include shorelines, boat launch parking area, forested hillsides, unique rock outcroppings and access to Lacamas Lake. The property is part of an 83-acre, 289-lot residential development currently for sale.

“We could not be more thankful,” expressed Acheson. “The generosity of the Camas-Washougal Wildlife League and the private landowners will ensure access, recreation and conservation for generations to come.”

Legacy
www.lilyatelier.com

Anticipated uses for the North Shore Legacy Lands include closure of Leadbetter Road to vehicular traffic and completion of the seven-mile loop trail around Lacamas Lake with connections to existing trail networks, nearby schools, neighborhoods and places of employment. Also planned are new trails, water access points, recreation areas and historical features.

In addition to protecting the natural and recreational areas, the North Shore Legacy Lands project celebrates several decades of foundational work laid by the City, Clark County, the State of Washington and the Columbia Land Trust to:

  • Protect 1,000 acres of critical land and sensitive natural areas such as riparian zones, wetlands and forested hill sides;
  • Preserve the visual quality that gives Camas its unique sense of place;
  • Create opportunities for recreational trails such as the popular Heritage Trail and the Lacamas Regional Park trail network; and
  • Provide direct public access to the lake for boating, fishing and swimming.

The vision for the North Shore Legacy Lands project was borne from substantial input from citizens, stakeholders, City staff and key conservation partners. It reflects a variety of City, County and regional plans, including the Clark County Conservation Areas Acquisition Plan; the City of Camas Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan; the Lacamas Corridor Master Plan and the City of Camas Strategic Plan.

North Shore
Without acquisition.

The timing of finalizing the last acquisitions is based on the terms of the purchase and sales agreements and cannot be postponed without penalty and threat of losing the properties. The funds being used to purchase the lands cannot be legally reallocated to general services, including emergency aid related to COVID-19. For more information related to the financing of the North Shore Legacy Lands project, see the April 1 video featuring Mayor Barry McDonnell, CFO Cathy Huber Nickerson and Council Member Steve Hogan, starting at 05:17.

The April 6 meeting will take place via webinar in accordance with Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation. The public may comment at the start and end of the meeting that begins at 7 p.m. Details for viewing and calling in to the meeting will be posted at www.cityofcamas.us in advance of the meeting, and a recording will be available in the days following at the City’s meeting portal, www.cityofcamas.us/yourgovernment/minuteagendavideo. Questions about the North Shore Legacy Lands or the April 6 meeting may be directed to 360-834-6864 or [email protected].

With acquisition.
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Inslee Extends Stay Home Order to May 4th; Updated DOH Numbers

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.

Roundabout
www.artfuljuxtaposition.com

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Camas Public Meetings To All Be Held Remotely — Through April 23

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.

Camas
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com

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.


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Camas Mayor Reverses Tuesday’s Statement: Halts Lake/Everett Roundabout

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.”

For full project details and ongoing construction updates, the public is invited to visit
www.cityofcamas.us/lakeroadconstruction.

Parks
www.lilyatelier.com

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