Camas, WA — In order to take precautions to preserve its water supply, the City of Camas has issued a voluntary watering schedule. During the peak of the summer season, Camas uses nearly eight million gallons of water per day – which is almost three times as much as the rest of the year.

To conserve its supply, the city is implementing a Stage 3 Voluntary Odd/Even Watering (irrigation) Program for all residential, commercial, and public customers. The program will remain in effect through September 30.

Here are the details of the watering schedule:

  • Addresses ending in an ODD number may water/irrigate outdoors on ODD-numbered days of the month.
  • Addresses ending in an EVEN number may water/irrigate outdoors on EVEN-numbered days of the month.
  • Exceptions are granted for vegetable gardens, newly planted lawns, and potted or hanging plants. These may be watered as needed to prevent damage and protect your investment. Using the water efficiently is always encouraged.

In their public statement, the city is grateful to citizens for their support. All residents are encouraged to conserve water in their homes and businesses. For more information, visit www.cityofcamas.us or contact Utilities Manager Sam Adams at 360-817-1563. His email is: sadams@cityofcamas.us

Camas, WA — At Monday’s City Council meeting, longtime Camas resident, Bob Hitchcock, received the Mayor’s Volunteer Spirit Award.

”Tonight we have the opportunity to honor somebody we’ve been watching through his volunteer work in the community for many, many years,” said Camas Mayor, Scott Higgins.  “Tonight’s recipient is extremely involved in a lot of things to do with military service as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars here in town, and he works very hard with that group of folks.  I would say if you were looking for one word to describe him is PATRIOTISM. When you see flags on the streets for special holidays, such as Flag Day, or Independence Day, you might think that’s a city service, but it’s a volunteer service … and Bob is part of that … It contributes to the specialness of our town.”

Higgins recognized Hitchcock’s work with the Wreaths Across America program, which has the goal of placing wreaths on every veteran’s grave at Camas Cemetery.

“You will see him at the Camas Days Parade … and, years ago he and his wife were honored as King and Queen of Camas Days in 2010, and they continue to use their energy and time to not look at their own needs, but to look at the needs of this community,” said Higgins. “And they do what they can to encourage giving and to be patriotic … Thank you, Bob.”

Hitchcock then addressed the council.

”With the Wreaths Across America … our goal is to get a wreath on every grave [at the Camas Cemetery] and right now we’re talking 857,” said Hitchcock. “Last year, we did 400, so we’re half way there. It comes around every year during the second week of December. We have the scouts participate, and the community gets involved. Thank you again for this.”

 

Camas, WA — The annual Camas Poker Tour is always a fun night! And, it’s happening today, Friday, July 6th, 5-8pm. The 13th annual Camas Poker Tour, is sponsored by Camas Antiques, throughout participating businesses:

  • Collect a “poker card” from each participating merchant
  • Turn in your cards to the dealer at Camas Antiques by 8:00pm
  • You will be dealt playing cards to match the number of business “poker cards” that you have (the more businesses you visit, the more chances for a great hand!)
  • Great prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded to the 5 highest hands! Good Luck!

Enjoy other family-friendly games throughout town and earn tickets to enter to win a prize basket from the merchants!

  • Jackpot Plinko!
  • Lucky Rollers
  • Spin and Win
  • Downtown Dice
  • Card War
  • Toss it in
  • More!

 

Poker participation and activity lists can be found at the DCA table at Journey Church and at participating shops.

Other activities for First Friday include:

  • Ribbon Cutting at 5pm to welcome Hey Jack to Downtown Camas!

 

Poker

A salmon entree at Hey Jack,

So much going on all over town! Shop, dine, enjoy the galleries, listen to live music, and more!

To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

Washougal, WA —  It’s Independence Day! The Port of Camas-Washougal is hosting the 2018 Port 4th of July Concert and Celebration at the Washougal Waterfront Park.  This year’s concert lineup features some very talented artists mixing high energy folk-rock with some old time rock and roll.  Bring your family and friends and don’t forget your dancing shoes!!

Activities at Marina Park:

  • Children’s activities begin at 4 pm
  • Beer Garden and food vendors will be present
  • Opening Music: The Junebugs from 6-7:30 pm
  • Headliner: 5 Guys Named Moe from 8:30-10 pm
  • Fireworks begin at 10 pm

 

About the Port

The port brings jobs and recreational opportunities through a 400-acre industrial park, a 77-hangar general aviation airport and 350-slip pleasure boat marina. Grove Field is a small, general aviation airport with a state-of-the-art fueling station and 14 tie-downs. The marina is the largest publicly owned marina on the Washington side of the Columbia River and has a floating restaurant, launch ramp, nearby hotel, fueling station, electricity on the breakwater/guest dock, and is home port to the Dolphin Yacht Club.

Construction of the Washougal Waterfront Park and Trail was completed in October 2017. The industrial park boasts a 100 percent occupancy rate of more than 40 businesses with an annual payroll of $8.9 million and is adjacent to Steigerwald Commerce Center, 100+ acres of property currently under development. The port also manages Captain William Clark Park at Cottonwood Beach, the adjacent protective levee and Parkersville National Historic site.

More information is found at www.portcw.com

Camas, WA — Camas City officials are holding an open house Wednesday, June 27 from 6-8 pm at Lacamas Lodge to present and gather input about a new proposed Crown Park redesign plan.

Late last year, inspectors mandated closing the Crown Park Pool until it meets code, which would require hundreds of thousands of dollars in renovations. The Camas Parks and Recreation team said those renovations would only sustain the pool for a short period of time — and recommended closing the pool all together.

”The pool’s maintenance costs have risen dramatically in recent years,” said Camas City Parks and Recreation Director, Jerry Acheson. “The city subsidizes 50 percent of the pool’s costs.”

The city has been planning for alternatives, and presented various plans last year. They held a public forum this past winter on how to proceed with renovations, and the City Council voted to demolish the 64-year-old pool. A decision on what to put in its place — if anything — has not been determined.

City leaders are inviting the public to participate in Wednesday’s public open house, but supporters of rebuilding or renovating the pool aren’t impressed.

Local supporters of the Crown Park pool and park have created a group called Friends of Crown Park, and they feel their voice isn’t being heard by the city.

“I’m a little miffed over them (the city) repeatedly saying that ‘public input has been integral to the process’ when the massive amount of public input has pointed straight toward the residents’ desire to keep a pool in the park,” said Camas resident, Anastasia McDonnell. “Yet they haven’t taken any of the hundreds of voices across social media platforms, public rallies, and the 1,300+ signatured  petitions to heart in their plans. At all the public hearings I’ve attended there has been zero support for a splash pad.”

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

Crown Park Pool Memorial

Proposed Redesign

 

Washougal, WA – Renae Burson will be the new Assistant Superintendent for the Washougal School District, effective July 1, 2018.  She has been principal at Gause Elementary since 2016.

“I am excited to continue the good work going on at Washougal School District supporting teachers, students and families but in a different capacity,” Burson said.  “I enjoyed being at Gause and working closely with students.  That every day interaction and relationship I had with them is what I will miss most.”

Burson brings broad experience in educational roles to her new position.  Prior to the principalship in Washougal, she has been a teacher at the elementary and middle school levels, an instructional coach, a K-8 principal, a curriculum coordinator, a special education director, and an AVID district director.  “This background provides a strong basis for the multi-faceted position of Assistant Superintendent,” said Mike Stromme, WSD Superintendent in a June 14 email to staff.  “Renae’s work in education reflects a passion for closing the opportunity gap and providing equitable experiences for every student.”

Burson was named the Shasta County, California Administrator of the Year in 2016, Teacher of the Year for the Mt. Lassen Math Council in 2011 and a California Distinguished Teacher in 2010.  She holds a Master of Science degree in Applied School Leadership.

“I look forward to continuing the district’s focus to meet the needs of every students,” Burson said. “Whether it is instructional materials, AVID or multi-tiered systems, it is all geared for every student’s success.”

Camas, WA — At Monday’s public meeting, the Camas City Council voted 5-2 to adopt an ordinance to reduce the number of days that fireworks may be discharged from three to two. Effective 2019, fireworks may be discharged only on July 4 from 9 am to midnight, and on December 31 from 6 pm to 1 am on January 1 of the subsequent year. For 2018, the dates haven’t changed, but enforcement has.

On multiple occasions this year, the Camas City Council and Staff have been listening to public input about fireworks use within city limits. The four options presented to the public were as follows:

  1. Keep the ordinance intact, as is.
  2. Limit fireworks usage to only the 4th of July, and New Year’s Eve.
  3. Create a “safe and sane” ordinance, which limits which fireworks can be lit.
  4. Ban private Camas fireworks all together.

Monday’s vote adopted option 2.

 

The City of Camas issued the following statement:

“The Council heard from those seeking a total ban on fireworks, and empathizes with their concerns. The Council also heard from those who enjoy the Fourth of July celebration with family and friends, and recognizes their input.”

Until these dates and hours dates take effect in 2019, the city asks residents to heed the current schedule of approved dates and times for setting off fireworks in Camas and Washougal over the Fourth of July holiday, as shown below.

Fireworks

Fireworks schedule.

Enforcement

The Council also adopted a new ordinance for violations and penalties. Effective this year, the Fire Marshal, Camas Police, and Code Enforcement have the authority to issue citations for illegal fireworks or for discharging fireworks outside of the adopted days and hours. The first violation is $250, second violation is $500, third violation is $750, and $1,000 for each subsequent violation within a three-year period.

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

Public Hearings on Fireworks Usage

Camas, WA — After listening to three hours of presentations and public comments Monday night, the Camas City Council unanimously voted to approve the Grass Valley Master Development Plan, which is a combination of new commercial and residential construction.

The site, located at 192nd Ave and 38th Street, will be the new headquarters for Holland Partner Group, and is expected to bring 1,500 jobs to the area, said Camas City Administrator, Pete Capell. Holland’s campus development plans call for three new office buildings, totally 272,000 square feet with 1,000 parking spaces. The master plan includes a 20,000 square foot market, 12 apartment buildings (each with 24 units), a pool, and complex leasing office.

The apartment buildings were the source of great concern for a majority of the Awbrey Glen residents (off 192nd Ave). Thirty Awbrey Glen residents attended the long session, with six making public comments.

At issue is the height and location of apartment building structures to be built on the site’s southern border, which is adjacent to the Awbrey Glen subdivision. Residents feel the developer’s fence and proposed greenbelt weren’t enough to insulate them from the light, activity and noise that apartment life would bring.

“Awbrey Glen residents propose a compromise, they don’t want to stop development,” said Jiri Vasat. “We want to extend the green belt on the south side to 50 feet from the Awbrey Glen property line.”

Roger Young echoed Vasat’s comments, and asked developers to reduce the southern apartment buildings to two stories, rather than three. He also expressed concern about traffic congestion.

“We don’t want their windows looking into our living spaces,” said Young.

Others discussed their SEPA appeals, water runoff issues, and green belt mandates.

Attorney Randy Printz, who represented the project, presented the plan and offered multiple responses to the SEPA appeals and said the “development meets all code requirements” and urged the council to vote to deny the appeals, and clear the way for the development to proceed.

Camas City staff and councilors have been reviewing project plans for many months.

 

Grass

The campus that will be built.

 

After three hours of presentation and public comments, City Councilor Deanna Rusch motioned that the SEPA appeal be denied, which was seconded by Councilor Anderson. The council voted unanimously, which constituted a final order on the matter. The Grass Valley Development project will begin as soon as possible.

”I encourage residents to work with developers to discuss remaining issues,” said Camas Mayor, Scott Higgins.

Rusch said “this is a healthy development for Camas.”

Printz said the developers will break ground this summer, and completion will be some time in the summer of 2019. The project is a $164 million private investment.

”We will likely build a large component of it at one time to minimize the construction related impacts, so it’s not under construction for several years,” said Printz.

Project Images

 

Camas Bike and Sport is celebrating their 9th anniversary on June 19th.

The public is invited to join their team for a casual group ride from the shop as they celebrate nine years in business!

All riders are welcome.

“We will take a route we feel is the safest for commuting from Downtown Camas to Downtown Washougal and back with a bonus section on the gravel Dike trail over to Cottonwood Beach for a treat break,” said Ed Fischer, owner of Camas Bike and Sport. “This will be a casual no drop pace and any type bike will be okay, however real skinny road tires will struggle on the gravel a bit, we recommend 28mm tire and wider. Weather looks to be great so grab your bike and helmet and come along.”

They advise you to bring plenty of water as it will be a bit warm. Kids are welcome as well but remember they will be riding on the road with traffic. If you are bringing a younger rider, the suggestion is 12 and over for this one! Route distance will be about 12 miles and we will stop at Grains of Wrath on the way back to the shop.

Here is profile of general route: https://www.strava.com/activities/1477383623

Camas Bike and Sport is a specialty bike shop with full repair facilities, and is located on 5th Avenue in Downtown Camas. The store is a frequent sponsor of educational activities dedicated to promoting cycling and its benefits.

To learn more, visit www.LogOffAndRide.com

Washougal, WA — Hathaway Elementary third grade girls got the chance to take a spin at engineering thanks to a visit by OMSI’s Pit Crew on June 5.  This OMSI imagineering program is a hands-on, inquiry-based workshop in which students use the engineering design process to solve challenges through design and testing.

Students created their own car design with a wide variety of materials supplied by OMSI.  They were expected to continue to alter their designs to complete a series of challenges including driving straight down a ramp, stopping in a target and finding ways to keep their “drivers” belted on the car.

“We want to begin inspiring these girls to pursue engineering, science and exploration and help to increase their curiosity,” said Hathaway third grade teacher, Nita Young. “They are learning too that it is ok to have your hypothesis proven wrong and to keep testing your ideas. It is exciting to hear the talk around the room.  They are working individually and together and using the right vocabulary to discuss the process.”

Student London Hickey said she has learned it is ok to keep trying at something before getting it right.  “I know to not get discouraged and to keep going for it,” she said.  “I like working to make the cars better each time.  I have not learned about these things before.”

“The first tires I used were smooth plastic and they did not work very well,” said student Tiffany Del Carlo.  “I changed them to the rubber tires and they stayed on and worked great!”

Student Charlotte Bisila worked on the challenge to secure toy people on board her car.  “It is fun to find a way to keep them safe with rubber band seat belts,” she explained. “I am testing different ways to hold them on.”

“We decided to have this be an all-girls workshop to take any competition with the boys away,” said Hathaway third grade teacher, Jaymi McQueen.  “We hope this gives the girls a greater interest in the sciences and encourages them to be a part of our Robotics Club next year. Traditionally, young girls have not been engaged in engineering. This is something extra special for third grade girls to help them get excited about this area of study.”

Engineering

Having fun.