McKean Smith Law Firm, with offices in Vancouver and Portland, offers arbitration and mediation services that are tailored to deal with the current COVID-19 restrictions.
“We have all experienced the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on all businesses and the legal industry alike,” said Collin McKean, co-founder of the firm. ”With the recent closures of county courts and with many hearings and trials being rescheduled, the ability for the court to take part in any arbitration matters may be limited for the unforeseeable future.”
McKean and attorney Deanna Rusch are available on short notice for mediation and arbitration, with secure hosted remote videoconferencing and document collaboration capabilities, including arbitrating any hearing that the court is unable to handle based on court limitations. They offer:
Virtual meetings from the convenience of your own office space;
Private break-out sessions during mediation;
Document collaboration during mediation;
Arbitration recording; and
Electronic signatures using Adobe Sign.
Fees for Deanna’s mediation or arbitration services may be reduced where participants have lost their jobs or are first responders.
All Washingtonians have a role to play in bringing the COVID-19 crisis to an end, says Senator Ann Rivers, Rep. Brandon Vick and Rep. Larry Hoff in this op-ed they submitted today.
As millions of Washingtonians continue to abide by Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, the question on everyone’s mind is: When will our state reopen?
Some are asking that question out of concern for their economic future, as they’ve recently been laid off and now have little to no money coming in the door. Others are asking out of concern for public health and safety, worried that lifting restrictions too soon could lead to a new round of COVID-19 cases.
The truth is there is no perfect roadmap for the weeks and months ahead. What we do know is we all have a role to play in bringing this crisis to an end. By making wise decisions, including practicing social distancing, infections will continue to decrease and Governor Inslee will have the data—and confidence—he needs to reopen more economic and recreational activity in our state.
We saw an example of this confidence recently when the governor announced private construction companies could resume operations if they followed new safety requirements to protect workers. While long overdue, it was a good decision that will help tens of thousands of Washingtonians and inject much-needed revenue into our economy. With that said, this cannot be the only action the governor takes. Nearly one million Washingtonians have been forced to file for unemployment as a result of this crisis. Governor Inslee must have a sense of urgency in bringing business leaders together for discussions about what other industries can immediately—and safely—get people back to work.
Senator Ann Rivers, Representative Brandon Vick, and Representative Larry Hoff.
That is just one of the many recommended actions in the Safe Economic Restart Plan that was proposed by House and Senate Republicans in mid-April. Another is to exempt small businesses from paying both sales and B&O taxes for one year. Our small businesses have been crushed by this ongoing economic shutdown. Providing tax relief at the state level—in concert with relief from the federal Small Business Administration—would help many of them keep their doors open.
Outside of business, we have agreed with those who have been calling for restrictions to be lifted on a number of recreational activities, including fishing, golfing and hunting. If Washingtonians can be trusted to go to the grocery store and safely practice social distancing, then they can be trusted to responsibly engage in outdoor activities. In a recent press conference, Governor Inslee announced each of these activities would be reopened to the public starting May 5.
While there are likely to be some significant challenges ahead as we continue to recover as a state, the governor’s recent actions have given us confidence the data he’s seeing is trending in the right direction. We know our state has already flattened the coronavirus curve. Now we must avoid a recurrence of this disease as more restrictions are lifted on economic and recreational activity. By working together and following common-sense safety protocols, we can ensure we are successful in that endeavor.
Reps. Brandon Vick and Larry Hoff, both R-Vancouver, represent the 18th Legislative District.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073013/1922522D-3373-4249-A9E0-7E8ACAC13D95.jpeg8391280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-29 19:39:152020-04-29 19:39:2518th LD Representatives: Everyone Plays Role in Ending COVID-19 Crisis
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today it will reopen some recreational fishing and hunting in a phased approach. The department wants hunters and anglers to enjoy their respective sports only if they can do so locally, while also practicing physical distancing. Effective May 5.
Golfing and public access to state parks will also open up May 5.
Lauren Jenks from the Washington Department of Health: “Health equity is when everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. None of us are as healthy as we could be unless all of us have the opportunity to be healthy.”
The Port of Camas-Washougal announced today the cancellation of all spring and summer community events hosted by the Port. “We did not come to this decision lightly, as these events represent some of our favorite days each year at the Port.”
The canceled events include: 1) National Trails Day and Eegah’s Birthday event on June 5th; 2) 4th of July Concert & Fireworks event at Washougal Waterfront Park; and 3) Wheels & Wings Community Appreciation event at Grove Field on August 29.
This fits a growing trend that governments and municipalities are essentially cancelling large summer events.
The state of Washington received $2.1 billion in federal COVID-19 stimulus money, which is being distributed to counties and cities over the next 10 days. Today, Governor Inslee announced that of the state’s $2.1 B, he would be sending $297 million to local governments that did not receive any direct allocations. The appropriations reflect a $55 per capita allocation for county governments and $30 for city governments, with each county guaranteed at least $250,000 and each city at least $25,000.
COVID-19 positive tests statewide: 13,686 (+1,401 over 5 days).
COVID-19 negative tests statewide: 175,477 (+42,477 over 5 days).
COVID-19 deaths statewide: 765 (+83 over 5 days).
Clark County COVID-19 deaths: 21 (+5 over 5 days).
Clark County positive COVID-19 tests: 339 (+26 over 5 days).
Clark County COVID-19 cases hospitalized (ICU): 4 (unchanged over 5 days).
Clark County COVID-19 cases hospitalized, total: 16 (-3 over 5 days).
In an effort to help Downtown Camas businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, several local businessmen banded together to create The Camas Shirt Project.
Mel Locke, owner of Universal Martial Arts, and Joseph Graves, Founder of HYVÄ SPC, are working hard to do what they can to help out. The shirt was designed by Tolo Tuitele, of Fuel Medical, and printing is being handled by David McCalib’s team at Printforia at the Port of Camas-Washougal.
Their goal is to sell 20,000 T-shirts, with profits to be distributed to downtown businesses.
“Mel wanted to do something to help out downtown, which is the heart of Camas,” said Graves, who lives in Washougal, but was raised in Camas. “This all came together very quickly after that first conversation.”
Camas School District (CSD) Superintendent, Jeff Snell, provided additional clarity today about how to assess student learning for the remainder of the school year.
He said the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) convened a task force to consider the challenges school districts are facing across the sate.
“Our staff has been working diligently to create meaningful learning experiences for your students,” he said. “They also want to provide relevant and helpful feedback to each student in their growth journey. Trying to determine an equitable way to assess student learning during these extraordinary times is very challenging. We appreciate the thought and care that went into this guidance, which you can access at Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance & Resources: https://bit.ly/2KDuAgR.”
Below is a summary of how the Camas School District will assess student learning for the remainder of the school year, which includeS adjustments to the CSD high school model based on OSPI’s guidance.
“Your student’s schools and teachers will be communicating more details with you in the weeks to come,” said Snell. ”Tomorrow, we will be sending a survey link to share feedback about the remote learning experience to date. We’re hoping you can share what’s working and any feedback about how we can improve.”
Kindergarten through 5th grade
During this period of remote learning, each grade level team at every elementary school has identified essential standards for instruction beginning May 4. Grading and feedback for K-5 students will only be for those essential standards that each grade level team has identified. These are the same essential standards that are being used by teachers to design learning experiences for their students.
Elementary school report cards will be completed at the end of the school year in June, like in previous years. For the third trimester, to align with OSPI’s expectations, each student will receive a mark of 2, 3, or 4 for the essential standards identified for this period. The language and rubric to be used for a 2, 3, or 4 are those currently displayed on the report card. Standards that were not addressed (those not identified as essential) will be left blank.
”The practice of teaching and learning continues during this time and our teaching staff is committed to providing engaging learning opportunities for each student and family,” said Snell. “Students are expected to participate and engage in the remote learning activities that are being provided by classroom teachers and specialists.“
Final grades during remote learning for middle school students will be a pass or incomplete for non-high school courses. Middle school students taking high-school level courses will be graded in the same manner as high school students (see below). Schools will provide continuous learning through the end of the school year and learning feedback to students and families about progress made on prioritized learning standards. This feedback will be used to help students transition into learning next year.
High School (including any middle school classes for high school credit)
Teachers will provide continuous learning for each student. Students will be awarded letter grades in the C to A range, or receive an incomplete. Students have the opportunity to raise their grades from whatever their grade was on March 13, 2020, which was the last physical attendance date. That grade will be the baseline grade for the student moving forward. No grades will be lowered below that baseline grade if students engage with remote learning opportunities offered by their teachers. Teachers will assign grades or assign an “incomplete” for students that cannot engage in an equitable way. The schools will continue to provide multiple ways for students to engage. In the event an incomplete is assigned, there will be opportunities for students to convert that incomplete to a grade after the school year concludes.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073025/D9AE5107-98C2-4BB7-B088-CE563541DF87.jpeg483724Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-22 20:56:082020-04-22 20:56:15Camas Schools Clarifies Student Learning For Remainder of School Year
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Governor Jay Inslee said in an address Tuesday that Washington state would not be able to lift many of its novel coronavirus restrictions by May 4, and that he’s seeking more data in the coming days to make major decisions in some sectors of the economy.
There have been mounting calls for Inslee to ease the state’s stay-at-home order after a weekend protest drew about 2,500 to Olympia. The governor’s stay-home order runs through May 4.
“Some of you watching right now understandably want to know when we’ll get back to normal,” Inslee said.
Inslee said a few activities could return in the state on May 4 if data continues to show a downward trend in new coronavirus cases.
The governor said he’s hopeful in the coming days that the state would be able to lift some restrictions on:
Construction
Outdoor recreation
Elective surgeries
Inslee also said Washington needs more tests, and until there is a COVID-19 vaccine workplaces will need to have physical distancing and protections in place for workers.
“Until we have a COVID-19 vaccine, workplaces are going to look much different … ample physical distance will be required,” he said.
The state will provide guidance for businesses to know how and when to reopen in the coming days.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, with most people confined to their homes, you probably haven’t seen the long-planned Downtown Camas Signs program become a reality.
“We have been wanting way-find signs for years,” said Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association (DCA). ”Last year there was a little extra funding through downtown maintenance, and so we reached out to businesses to see what we could do with those funds. The way-finding signs are what stuck. We did a collaborative effort, and it’s an example of how Main Street works. The merchants all paid their signs, but the city paid for the poles and the installation. The end result is stunning!”
The DCA coordinated the project with all the local merchants.
A total of eight poles and 40 signs for downtown retail stores and restaurants were constructed and placed a few weeks ago. In addition, there’s a mill town collage, which is covered in plastic, and will be unveiled when society reopens. It was supposed to be unveiled April First Friday.
A few signs have to be re-done and will be installed soon.
“We are expanding the vibrancy of downtown Camas to 3rd and 5th streets and to all the side streets. It’s been a challenge because those streets don’t have all the electrical infrastructure that 4th Avenue does,” said Schulstad. “These signs help people know what stores are on these other streets. It creates awareness.”
And, of course, the timing of this is the great irony. When businesses re-open they will see a nice addition to downtown.
“We look forward to seeing everyone back as soon as it’s safe to do so,” said Suzanne Ferguson, owner of Juxtaposition, which is a brand-new furniture store. “The signs are beautiful.”
Wendy DelBosque, who manages Natalia’s Cafe, says the new signs add a nice touch to a “beautiful downtown.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073806/5B4B7170-1A5B-48FD-8650-273405F48690-e1587251393874.jpeg328640Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-18 16:20:032020-04-18 16:20:19Downtown Camas Business Signs Program Now a Fun, Cool Reality
Washington’s Republican state lawmakers have released a plan designed to re-open businesses and society, in general. The group said more than 230,000 small businesses across Washington were shut down March 25 by order of Governor Jay Inslee.
”To the people employed by small businesses I would contend that all business is essential,” said State Senator Ann Rivers. “Union workers get to work doing the same job that non-union workers aren’t able to do. If you’re in a union, the government says you can work in construction, if not you can’t work. This makes no sense. The most important reason why we’re doing this now is that we can’t wait until May 4 and expect to flip a switch and get businesses back up and running. I feel these businesses can keep people safe while operating. The Governor isn’t giving them the professional courtesy that businesses deserve.”
Rivers said Oregon and California’s COVID-19 rate of infection and death toll were lower, per capita, than Washington, and they’ve managed to keep construction running, golf courses open, car sales operating, as well as recreational fishing.
“Our $3 billion dollar rainy day fund will only cover a fraction to compensate for the loss of business revenue this quarantine has caused,” said Rivers. “Inslee isn’t moving at all on designating private construction as essential. Even the Democrats are getting frustrated that the Governor isn’t doing that. He’s not following the lead of Governors in Oregon and California. Our state economy can’t take this much longer, and we also need to keep protecting the elderly and physically vulnerable. We can re-open our economy and keep people safe. Let’s have faith in our citizens to be responsible.”
Republicans in both chambers worked together and are united in this plan.
”I think some movement is necessary,” said Representative Larry Hoff. “We are looking at three big challenges. There’s the health challenge, the emotional challenge, and the economic challenge. The governor is overlooking two of those challenges, and he needs to start listening to the people. There’s no argument that he’s not listening. There is a business revitalization committee forming and there are Democrats on that group that state we need to get this state moving again. We can start again with these safeguards. Why can’t be build a house? Why can’t people go fishing? I’m shocked he’s not listening to us. He’s not injecting common sense to allow these decisions. It’s time we do something that is a positive for the state. Governor Inslee is too concentrated on eradicating this virus before we make economic gains.”
The plan states the following:
“While the executive branch does not classify these employers as essential, Republican legislators recognize the value of these businesses because of the families they support, communities they serve, and economic activity they generate. We recognize how these employers have already suffered from being forcibly closed and how offers of government assistance are no substitute for reopening.
“Early action by state government has protected public health in the face of this pandemic. We believe the executive branch and legislative branch also must take early action to minimize the economic damage associated with the COVID-19 emergency while the public-health effort to defeat the virus continues. Families and communities need our economy to recover as quickly as possible, as do the Washingtonians who benefit from public services and programs made possible by the private sector.
“The GOP proposes three sets of actions to enable the safe restart of Washington’s economy and promote its continued recovery overthe long term. The earliest of these would focus on sectors that can return to safe operations with minimal risk to workers or customers, while giving hope to employers statewide that they will be able to follow suit.”
Housing construction is on hold.
Republican legislators recommend these immediate actions:
Convene a Restart Task Force comprising legislative leaders, relevant executive-branch directors and representatives of the business and organized-labor communities. This group will chart a course toward allowing all Washington businesses to reopen, on a phased or limited basis as necessary, with COVID-19 protections for workers and customers in place.
Fully disclose the “metrics” that must be met before the business-closure order can be lifted or amended. Knowing the standards will allow the people of Washington to act accordingly.
Deliver on the massive testing capabilities promised by state health officials ahead of the business-closure order. Direct the appropriate state agencies to acquire antibody tests and work with employers to screen workers. Workers found to have the antibodies resulting from the COVID-19 infection will be immediately eligible for employment.
A moratorium on all state-agency rulemaking not related to the current crisis. Rules are important, but at a time when many businesses are simply trying to survive, the making of new rules seems less than essential. Relief from rulemaking goes hand-in-hand with relief from taxes.
Interface with the governor’s Business Recovery Legislative Task Force and be prepared to support recommendations that are achievable, measurable and complementary.
Exempt small businesses from paying sales and B&O taxes for one year.
Offer state-government assistance to the many small businesses in Washington that do not qualify for federal emergency-assistance programs.
Allow operations to resume in economic sectors that fit one or more of these criteria: low-risk, personal health, environmental protection, aid to elderly/physically challenged, alternate quarantine locations, assisting businesses with tax-related requirements, or property protection. Examples are auto dealers, solo landscape services, car washes, remodeling companies/contractors, residential construction, hairdressers/barbers, flower shops, RV parks, dentists, installers of home/commercial security systems, and accountants/tax preparers.
The GOP legislators recommend these actions be taken by the Legislature at its next opportunity:
Forgive first-quarter small-business B&O taxes for 2020 and allow deferral of remaining quarterly taxes to the end of 2020. It makes more sense for state government to assist employers through this difficult time, so they can return to becoming regular taxpayers, then to see employers fail and drop off the tax rolls completely.
Forgive payments related to unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and paid family leave for April 2020 through the month that the business-closure order is lifted or amended, as appropriate.
They also recommend these actions be taken within 6-12 months of the lifting of the business-closure order:
Increase the small-business tax credit to exempt businesses with annual gross receipts of an amount to be determined.
Business-tax reporting and payment deferral for B&O, sales, and use tax.
A year-long holiday from the state’s unemployment insurance social-cost tax, with the option for an additional one-year reduction in the social-cost tax. Timing would depend on the condition of the state UI trust account (which may shrink despite federal-funding backfill).
Sales-tax holiday(s) to help jump-start business activity statewide: These would be aligned with known shopping promotions (e.g. back to school, Black Friday, Cyber Monday) and last for several days. Although state tax collections would be reduced, B&O collections would likely increase.
Aid regarding workers’ compensation premiums: Extend L&I’s Employer Assistance Program for small businesses for all of 2020. Direct L&I to determine whether it has reserve funds to forgive some premium payments for small businesses with deferrals or payment plans per COVID-19.
Waive state minimum-wage increase for 2021: With the minimum wage being tied to CPI and speculation that there may be a decrease in the CPI, hold any future inflationary adjustments to the state minimum wage until the index exceeds the January 2020 level.
Vancouver, WA – On April 16, 2020, following the lead of neighboring law enforcement agencies, the Vancouver Police Department will begin a pilot prescription delivery program that is anticipated to be in effect for City of Vancouver residents while the Washington State Stay-At-Home Order is in place.
Vancouver Police Officers, teamed with Vancouver Police Recruit Officers who are waiting to attend the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy, will be providing free prescription delivery service to qualifying City of Vancouver residents.
In order to qualify for this free delivery program residents must:
Be 65 or older OR have a health condition that would put them at a higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19
Because the Vancouver Police Department cannot guarantee the time of the delivery, if an urgent delivery is needed, another delivery option must be considered.
Residents who meet the above criteria may call the Vancouver Police Department at (360) 487-7355 to request a prescription delivery from a Clark County pharmacy. This service is available Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Immediately following pick-up arrangement residents must:
Contact their pharmacy to order and pay for their prescriptions and notify the pharmacy that Vancouver Police personnel are authorized to pick up their prescriptions.
If the pharmacy informs the resident of a delay to fill the prescription the resident must call the Vancouver Police Department with information on when the prescription will be available for pick up.
The participant will need to present valid photo identification to the Vancouver Police employee at the time of delivery.
During deliveries, Vancouver Police personnel will be in their official uniform, will carry identification, will wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and will follow physical distancing guidelines.
The Vancouver Police Department will be monitoring this pilot program daily and based on this assessment, the program will be evaluated for continuation or may be discontinued if it is not meeting the needs of the community effectively or appropriately. All pending and confirmed prescription deliveries will be completed prior to the program being discontinued.
This is the latest COVID-19 data from multiple sources: Washington Department of Health, CRESA, Johns Hopkins, University of Washington, and updates from local hospitals.
Agencies in Washington and throughout the nation continue to update websites, and provide conference calls explaining what’s happening with the data they gather. This is a quick snapshot of what’s happening, as of April 15, 2020.
COVID-19 positive tests statewide: 10,694 (+156 over 2 days).
COVID-19 negative tests statewide: 112,160
COVID-19 deaths statewide: 541 (+25 over 2 days).
Clark County COVID-19 deaths: 15 (unchanged over 2 days).
Clark County positive COVID-19 tests: 258 (+19 over 2 days).
Clark County COVID-19 cases hospitalized (ICU): 7 (unchanged)
Clark County COVID-19 cases hospitalized, total: 20 (+1 over 2 days).
Local produce growers are having difficulty getting plant starts for their operation due to reduced workforce/capacity among their suppliers.
PeaceHealth Southwest is currently low for testing supplies and PAPR hoods.
Legacy Salmon Creek is critically low on duckbill N95 masks (Med-line & Kimberly Clark) and PAPR face shields. They are low on PAPR helmets, Oxivir Wipes, and GlideScope Blades and Disposable covers.
Otherwise staffing, beds, and other supplies are currently green for area hospitals.
In-house testing capabilities are now operational at PeaceHealth Southwest.
Clark County Community Services has established 116 beds in the Vancouver area for isolation of people who are unhoused and are confirmed to have COVID-19 but do not require medical treatment, and quarantine of people who are confirmed to have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19.
We will continue to post new COVID-19 data.
COVID-19 data: Cases in Washington show the curve starting to flatten.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073813/F9E67763-E4F0-4DE5-93DE-6A7A39F0C612.jpeg7201280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-16 10:27:132020-04-16 10:29:09COVID-19 Data Update: Latest Numbers For Washington State, Clark County
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