Camas, Wa — A Beer at a Time is temporarily closing its doors after its west side wall was hit by a car over the weekend.
“A 15 year-old driver, with her learner’s permit, thought her car was in park, but it was in drive so she went through the side of the building,” said A Beer at a Time’s owner, Shelby Piersol. “Her mom was with her. We bordered up the hole and decided it was best to close until it’s inspected by a structural engineer. I would be devastated if our customers or employees got hurt.”
The car punched a hole through the brick wall, but nobody was hurt.
Piersol doesn’t have an estimated timeline on the inspection, repairs or when the popular craft beer taproom will reopen.
“Our biggest concern is public safety,” said Piersol. “Our customers have sustained us through the pandemic and we hope to reopen as soon as possible. I hope in 20 years she’ll look back on this and laugh. Their family is one of great customers.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/19195705/ACE28E0C-740F-48DB-9481-F5B88F69B2DF.jpeg9741961Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-07-19 20:11:302020-07-19 20:11:43A Beer at a Time Temporarily Closes After Customer Drives Through Wall
The owners of Nuestra Mesa announced today that a restaurant family member tested positive for COVID-19, and that they will temporarily close.
“A MESA family member tested positive,” said Todd Moravitz, co-owner of MESA. “We care about the community, and we’re taking all the same safety precautions as Grains of Wrath. All of our employees will be tested early this week, and our restaurant will be professionally cleaned. We hope to re-open soon, but we first must address this.”
Moravitz has been in contact with Brendan Greenen, partner and General Manager of Grains of Wrath, and both establishments plan to use the same mobile COVID-19 testing unit, which is able to show results within 15 minutes.
“Our restaurant follows all COVID-19 health and safety protocols,” said Moravitz. “Our customers have supported us through this entire pandemic, and we appreciate your patience as we do our due diligence to ensure everyone’s safety.”
MESA closed abruptly Sunday afternoon notifying guests of the situation, and will keep the public updated as more information becomes available.
On Saturday, Grains of Wrath discovered a direct employee of theirs tested positive for COVID-19, and abruptly closed, as well. Both restaurants are very stringent with following CDC and state mandated coronavirus safety and health protocols. Customers are required to wear face coverings upon entrance, and all employees wear them while preparing and serving food.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/19155020/B0BFEA84-C10F-403F-8538-F08A89A32084.jpeg6231280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-07-19 16:01:312020-07-19 16:36:16Nuestra Mesa Temporarily Closes; Family Member Tests Positive for COVID-19
Camas, WA — Upon learning a Grains of Wrath (GOW) employee tested positive for COVID-19 Saturday afternoon, the downtown Camas brewing company immediately closed its doors.
“We take these matters seriously, and we acted immediately,” said Brendan Greenen, GOW partner and General Manager. “The safety of our staff and customers comes first.”
A mobile COVID-19 testing unit is coming to GOW in the next day or so, and the results will me made known 15 minutes after each test is completed.
Greenan said they will quarantine any employee who tests positive, do a very deep professional cleaning early in the week, and then announce a re-opening date.
“I was eating lunch, and they very professionally let us know they were closing because an employee tested positive for COVID,” said Lisa Le, a local real estate agent. “They covered our lunch, I finished my beer and they closed.”
“Just moments ago we were notified one of our employees tested positive for COVID-19 and is now on their way to self-quarantine.
“We do not know how or when this person contracted the virus. That being said, we are not taking any chances. GoW will be closing until every employee undergoes testing. We will be organizing and covering all expenses. Additionally, our entire facility will be receiving a deep clean by hired professionals.
“The safety of our staff, families, and guests is our top priority. As we know more, we will keep you updated via social media and our website. In the meantime, please support all your local bottle shops, taprooms, and restaurants.”
This past month, Washington state revenue collections came in $260 million higher than the June forecast, according to a Economic and Revenue Forecast Council report. The higher collections are not due to deferred payments being paid back (as those came in on target), but show greater economic activity, primarily in retail trade.
A key part of the economic report says:
Non-retail trade payments were down about 20%, similar to the forecasted decline in total collections for the period. During May, a majority of counties reached Phase 2 of the state’s pandemic reopening plan, which allowed non-essential retail establishments to open on a limited basis. In June, most of the remaining counties reached Phase 2 and several reached Phase 3, so next month’s retail trade activity could also be higher than forecasted. It remains to be seen, however, if the higher activity is sustainable or if it represents a one-time response to several months of pent-up demand.
U.S. employment increased by 4.8 million jobs in June; the unemployment rate declined to 11.1%.
Light vehicle sales improved for a second straight month but remain 24.1% below June 2019 levels.
Housing units authorized by building permits and housing starts both increased in May but were below May 2019 levels.
Washington employment continued to recover in June following the historic decline in April.
Washington manufacturing activity improved in June for the first time since February.
Major General Fund-State (GF-S) revenue collections for the June 11 – July 10, 2020 collection period came in $260.7 million (14.8%) higher than the June forecast.
Revenue Act tax collections were $247.0 million (19.7%) higher than forecasted and other tracked revenue came in $13.6 million (2.7%) higher than forecasted.
Most of this month’s surplus was from higher-than-expected taxable economic activity in retail trade, the result of the allowed May opening of non-essential retail establishments in a majority of counties. While increased June openings may bring another month of stronger-than-expected activity, it remains to be seen if the activity is sustainable or merely a temporary release of pent-up demand.
“I see people in our district working hard everyday to bring their businesses back to pre-COVID-19 levels, and this report shows the results of so many efforts,” said Senator Ann Rivers, 18th Legislative District. “I support them, and we need to keep a balance in our state as we continue to recover from the effects of this pandemic.”
Employment Outlook
The council has just one month of new Washington employment data since the June forecast was released. The report says employment continued to recover in June following the historic decline in April. Total nonfarm payroll employment rose 86,500 (seasonally adjusted) in June, which was 34,600 more than expected in the June forecast. Private services-providing sectors added 74,600 jobs in June. Construction employment increased by 10,100 jobs and manufacturing added 1,700 jobs despite the loss of 3,000 aerospace jobs. Government payrolls were unchanged in June. Washington’s unemployment rate declined to 9.8% in June from 15.1% in May and 16.3% in April. The April rate was an all-time high in the series that dates back to 1976.
Tax Payments
The report also says total tax payments as of July 2 from electronic filers who also filed returns for May activity in the June 11 – July 10, 2019 period were down 9.0% year over year (payments are mainly Revenue Act taxes but include some non-Revenue Act taxes as well). Last month payments were down 14.4% year over year. Some details of the payments:
Total payments in the retail trade sector increased 6.3% year over year. Last month, payments were down 7.1% year over year.
Payments from the motor vehicles and parts sector were down 4.1% year over year. Last month, payments in the sector dropped 54.3% year over year.
Retail trade sectors showing strong year-over- year growth were miscellaneous retailers (+77.8%), electronics and appliances (+32.2%), nonstore retailers (+28.9%) and building materials and garden supplies (+12.4%).
Governor Jay Inslee announced at Thursday’s press conference he is restricting gatherings in Phase 3 from 50 to 10 people to help curb the spread of the coronavirus and said multiple times that another stay-home order is possible.
Counties in modified Phase 1 or Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start plan may continue to have social gatherings with five people or less. However, counties in Phase 3 can now only have social gatherings with 10 people or less. Previously, counties in Phase 3 could have gatherings up to 50 people.
The governor said the changes are in direct response to the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases across Washington. As of today, the seven-day rolling average is 629 cases per day and the state is averaging 115 cases per 100,000 people.
“We have a problem that can be addressed by individual action, and too many aren’t exercising the caution necessary,” said Inslee. “The disease is spreading at social gatherings that are happening sporadically across the state, and we don’t want to look like Arizona or Texas. We cannot let our guard down even as we engage in more activities.”
The state is also prohibiting all live indoor and outdoor entertainment to help curb the spread of COVID-19. These new rules will go into effect Monday. The new rules, however, will not impact weddings, funerals and spiritual services.
Inslee said as citizens venture out and have small social gatherings, they need to wear face masks and continue to physical distance from each other. He also recommended having gatherings outdoors over indoor ones. He also said multiple times he’s not ruling out another stay-at-home order if individuals don’t mask up and follow the mandates.
Washington continues to see a rise in coronavirus cases and it’s most commonly spread at social gatherings, according to Secretary of Health John Wiesman.
Wiesman said during the week of June 26-July 2, the state averaged 629 new COVID-19 cases every day. He said it’s the highest rate of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began.
There are currently 43,046 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Washington state, including 1,421 deaths. A total of 733,886 people have been tested for the coronavirus and of those, 5.9 percent of the tests came back positive for COVID-19.
“You can only be with five people outside your household,” Inslee said. “Doing things outside are safer than inside. Keep wearing masks. We’ve had a significant surge in COVID cases with young people and we are seeing an explosion of this virus during this pandemic.”
Answering a reporter’s question, Inslee said: “If trends continue we have to look at what is least essential to our economy. We could limit restaurants, bars, by we have to be confident our mask requirements will be enough to reduce this rate. At the moment, school opening is in great question. Something has to change dramatically so we don’t have to issue another stay-at-home order.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/16171001/3B2B4561-FCBE-4517-A239-91769EE06A9B.jpeg5261280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-07-16 17:14:212020-07-16 17:17:00Inslee Adjusts Rules for Social Gatherings; Threatens New ‘Stay Home’ Order
Carolyn Long Campaign Announces Over $682,000 Total Raised in the Second Quarter of 2020
Vancouver, WA — Today, the Long for Congress campaign announced that its total raised during the second quarter of 2020 is $682,000 — bringing their total raised for this cycle to $2.29M — and that it has over $1.58M in cash on hand.
The campaign said this quarter their team was able to raise these funds from thousands of contributions — 91 percent of which were low-dollar contributions, and over 77 percent of which were local — reflecting what they say is “a strong, sustained grassroots support for Carolyn’s candidacy and her campaign to represent Southwest Washington in Congress.”
The Long for Congress campaign hasn’t taken any corporate PAC money.
“This impressive fundraising quarter is another demonstration of the incredible grassroots support for Carolyn Long here in the district — and a testament to the fact that Southwest Washington is ready for new leadership,” said Abby Olmstead, Campaign Manager. “In these incredibly difficult times, folks in our communities recognize that we can’t go on with business-as-usual politics in DC. We need a leader who will put people first, fight to protect health care and lower the cost of prescription drugs, and ensure that our path to economic recovery prioritizes small business and working families. Carolyn is that leader — and together, we will build a better future for Southwest Washington.”
Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler’s campaign team hasn’t released their second quarter campaign numbers yet.
Long will be conducting an interview with Lacamas Magazine next week. Stay tuned.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/14180117/9E0C8AA6-946F-4423-925D-9ADF6F68731A.jpeg5301164Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-07-14 18:11:122020-07-14 18:11:18Long For Congress Campaign Raises $682,000+ in 2nd Quarter 2020
OLYMPIA, WA — Governor Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that the current statewide pause on counties reopening will continue through July 28, possibly longer.
Today’s news comes as COVID-19 cases statewide continue to spike, and Inslee said that this time is a pivotal in determining what conditions will look like in September when students — at all levels — are expected to return to the classroom.
“We have to find somewhere to break that chain of looming disaster,” Inslee said.
Inslee also issued an advisory that Washingtonians shouldn’t be surprised if some pandemic restrictions are rolled back over the course of the pandemic. He said this may include things like indoor seating in businesses, but that will be determined in the upcoming days and weeks. New restrictions will also be determined by how many people wear face masks and practice physical distancing in public.
The governor also praised residents for adhering to the mandatory statewide order to wear face masks. He said today’s announcement is designed to keep the virus from spreading.
“We are not in as bad a state as others,” Inslee said, naming Arizona and Florida, that have been struggling in recent days to stop a massive virus case spike. “We can’t overstate how important this moment is in addressing the pandemic.”
The state’s mandatory face mask rule went into effect on June 26. Under the order, violators can be punished with misdemeanor criminal penalties and businesses are asked to refuse service to customers who are not in compliance with the order.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/08150850/AEFD1401-6CD8-43A0-AD4A-9D56400C5532-e1594247520740.jpeg6971280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-07-14 17:30:382020-07-14 17:30:45Inslee’s COVID-19 Update: All Statewide Re-openings On Pause Through July 28
Clark County Public Health issued the following update today:
“Since our last update on Friday morning, another 106 people have tested positive for COVID-19 and one person died – a man in his 60s with underlying health conditions. Over the weekend, we had an average of 35 new cases per day (Fri-Sun). To date, 1,272 Clark County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 33 people have died. Currently, 26 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized and seven persons under investigation (PUIs) for COVID-19 are hospitalized.”
According to Clark County Public Health, if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should call your health care provider right away and request to be tested.
Early testing is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Clark County. Identifying cases early enables us to more quickly isolate those who are sick and quarantine their close contacts.
Most health clinics are offering COVID-19 testing now. People who are unable to access testing through their regular health care provider, those who do not have a health care provider or those who are uninsured can contact the following facilities to request testing:
Legacy GoHealth. Hazel Dell, 360.787.4151. Cascade Park, 360.787.4135.
Providence Walk-In Clinic, Battle Ground. 360.687.6650. •Rose Urgent Care and Family Practice, Vancouver. 360.952.4457. (drive up testing available)
Sea Mar Community Health Center, Battle Ground. Call 360.342.8060 to schedule an appointment. (drive up testing available). Testing hours: 8:30 am to noon Tuesdays, 1 to 4:30 pm Thursdays. •Sea Mar Community Health Center, East Vancouver. Call 360.726.6720 to schedule an appointment. (drive up testing available). Testing hours: 8:30 to 11:15 am Mondays, 1 to 4:15 pm Thursdays.
Sea Mar Community Health Center, Salmon Creek. Call 360.852.9070 to schedule an appointment. (drive up testing available). Testing hours: 1 to 5 pm Wednesdays, 9 am to noon Thursdays. •The Vancouver Clinic. Various locations. Call 360.882.2778 to schedule an appointment. (*These facilities are providing tests at no cost for those who are uninsured. Some may charge a fee for the office visit. Call the facility for more information.)
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073908/86C24B06-B223-4745-BF7A-768654092B34.jpeg5701200Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-07-13 16:13:422020-07-13 16:13:49Clark County COVID-19 Update: 106 More Test Positive Over Weekend, 1 Death
Everyone has had to adjust to life during the COVID-19 pandemic. For some it’s been incredibly challenging, and for others it hasn’t, but everyone’s had to make changes.
Meet Dave Sobolik, a local real estate investor with Homevisor (website: www.homevisor.pro) whose work life was turned upside down when Governor Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order went into effect in March. The order halted all residential construction, and limited how real estate brokers conduct business.
“In Washington, we can show houses, but we have to call a few hours in advance, because they don’t want people crossing paths,” he said. “I can show clients of a party of two, but one at a time. I can take one through the property practicing social distancing. There are notes saying ‘don’t touch anything, leave shoes at doorways, wear masks,’ etc.”
And, like so many others, Sobolik just stayed home during the quarantine.
“A big part of my time was spent connecting with people in my sphere to check in and see how everyone is doing,” Sobolik said. “I like to do whatever I can to help with their needs. I have offered to do grocery shopping for people. Anybody who needs something I pair them up. I did a lot of research for clients.”
Creatively, as a small business owner, he worried about tenants who weren’t able to pay rent so he reached out to local business owners and community members to record their experiences. It became a fascinating video series — available on his personal Facebook page.
“I call it the SOB Experience. I don’t want to offend anybody I just want to draw attention to what they’re doing. I’m doing 5-15 interviews with each of these people. I released an interview with Jeff Snell, Superintendent of Camas Schools. And, the whole purpose was to get behind the scenes. I’ve interviewed local fitness instructors and therapists. There are many people being creative on how to keep their doors opens. I hope to create awareness.”
The experience, and temporary change of pace, taught Sobolik a lot.
“I’ve learned lots of things,” he said. “Namely, the strength of the human spirit. I’ve had 175 people that I reached out to over three to four weeks.”
And, he found that people are in three buckets:
People who are financially secure that are enjoying their home time, and enjoying this increased focus on family time.
People with short-term income loss, or permanent income loss, who are determined to use this time to improve themselves and are very positive thinking.
People who lost their job who have no savings and don’t know what to do next, and are in a fear and retreat space.
“Technology helps us cope,” said Sobolik. “Thank goodness for that. We have to help people, lift them up. Let me know we care.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/10151220/9D85ADE5-F062-4E33-A346-4BC6EFB5F6A5.jpeg333640Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-07-10 15:28:382020-07-10 15:28:47Doing Business During a Pandemic: Dave Sobolik’s Story
Fern Prairie, WA — Lacamas Magazine and Clark County Today are hosting a LIVE GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 pm, which will be moderated by radio personality Scott Hogg.
The forum is organized by Clark County Republican Women and allows candidates the opportunity for opening and closing statements. Candidates will draw for order of opening and closing statements, and they will answer forum questions in alternating order. The moderator will allow 30 second rebuttals on a limited basis.
To view the LIVE GOP Candidate Forum feed, visit Lacamas Magazine on Facebook and join.
Here are the Forum topics:
Question 1: Tax policy/state budget
Question 2: Homeless crisis
Question 3: Transportation, transit vs. lane miles
Question 4: New bridges over Columbia River
Question 5: Legislative priorities
Question 6: Pandemic response
Question 7: Civil unrest
Two-minute closing statement by each candidate
Participating GOP Candidates
Loren Culp As a U.S. Army Soldier, Loren honed his leadership skills in the Drill Sergeant School which he then used to help turn civilians into soldiers. He was the Honor Graduate for his class of Combat Engineers and an Honor Graduate of the Non Commissioned Officers Academy for Leadership. CulpForGovernor.com
Tim Eyman A fearless, battle-tested fighter, Tim passed 11 initiatives, saving taxpayers $43 Billion. He’s a conservative who wins despite millions in Democrat attacks. In 20+ years as a policy reformer, he has demonstrated the persistence needed to solve Washington’s big problems. tim4gov.com
Phil Fortunato Phil is currently the last Republican State Senator in King County and won reelection by almost 60%. He is a staunch supporter of the 2nd Amendment and has distinguished himself in the Senate with his “No Sanctuary for Criminals” legislation, Term Limits for Governor, and more. PhilForGov.org
Joshua Freed Joshua’s experience as a leader in small business, local government, and helping those in need make him uniquely qualified to tackle the biggest challenges facing our state. He founded his real estate company with the vision of developing strong communities for families. FreedforGovernor.com
Raul Garcia Dr. Garcia is a graduate from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, and has been in practice for over 21 years. Dr. Garcia considers himself to be a protector. His interest and willingness to protect doesn’t stop at his immediate family, as he has a great love for Washington state and the people who live here. DrGarcia4Governor.com
Anton Sakharov Anton came here because his parents believed this country is an ideal place to achieve their dreams and make sure their kids could achieve theirs. A country where laws are followed, bureaucracy is nonexistent, people are safe and prosperous, and a chance to live the dream. AntonSakharov.com
Martin Wheeler Martin L. “Iceman” Wheeler will place the needs of the citizens of the State of Washington in front of the few. He has established transparency as a firefighter and as a way of life. Through his years of public service, he is dedicated to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all. WheelerForGov2020.com
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/08161355/E14429CA-349C-4E6D-A616-91A145C5CB88.jpeg3821650Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-07-08 16:36:192020-07-09 09:57:43Public Invited to Join LIVE Virtual GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Forum Thursday
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