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Soccer Playoffs: Camas Beats Todd Beamer; Maddie Kemp Breaks Goal Record

Camas, WA — The Camas High School Varsity soccer team shut out Todd Beamer last night at Doc Harris Stadium, winning 9-0. The state qualifier, loser out match means the girls advance to play Rogers, of Puyallup, this Saturday at 2 pm at Ingersoll Stadium.

Four players scored goals early in the match as the girls seek a return to the State tournament. Five more goals were scored in the second half.

Jazzlyn Paulson and Maddie Kemp broke records on the same play, as Paulson earned her 16th assist, and Kemp scored her 82nd career goal. Kemp is a Junior. Both records are brand new to the Papermaker soccer program.

Soccer Match Stats

Goals (assists):

Jenna Efraimson

Kierstyn Heilbrun (Jazzlynn Paulson)

Paulson (Maddie Kemp)

Kemp

Paulson (Efraimson)

Carla Jooste (Kemp)

Kemp (Paulson)

Kemp (Paulson)

Kemp

Goalkeeper saves: Falissitie DePasquale 1

Halftime: 4:0

Again, let this sink in: With Thursday’s match, Paulson has the single season all-time assist record with 16.  Kemp has the all-time career goal record with 82. They happened on the same play.

The girls won the Washington State Championship last year, and hope to return to the Championship game this season. Their season record is 13-2-2. Camas hasn’t given up a goal since October 3.

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

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Events: Downtown Camas First Friday – Thankful for Pie!

This month’s Downtown Camas First Friday, to be held November 3 from 5-8 pm will be filled with fun activities centered around being “thankful for pie!”

Start the evening at the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) tables at Journey Community Church at 4th and Birch for your pie passport and activity list.

First Friday activities include:

  • Pie tastings in participating businesses — vote for your favorite pie and be entered to win prizes from the merchants, which include the pies themselves.
  • Pie Walk parties start at 7 pm at Journey Church — you can win a delicious pie, some other treats and have fun dancing. Truly Scrumptious and Cake Happy are donating some of the pies.
  • There will be a pie raffle at the DCA tables inside Journey Church, which is sponsored by Carla Edwards from allclarkcountyhomes.com
  • Kids’ autumn crafts at the DCA tables and painting with The Paint Roller.
  • Family friendly gratitude activities
  • Art shows at Camas Gallery, located at 408 NE 4th Avenue; Second Story Gallery, located at 625 NE 4th Avenue (featuring Annette Jackson); and Attic Gallery, located at 421 NE Cedar, featuring Mike Smith and Terri Axness.
  • S’mores roasting at Journey (weather permitting).

And, be sure to stop by at the fine restaurants in downtown Camas.

To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

Pie

Summer berry tart with custard cream, food

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Events: CHS Sports Medicine Fundraiser Tonight at K&M Burger

Camas, WA — Tonight, K&M Burger, which is located on 3rd Avenue near Walgreens, will be hosting a fundraiser today to aid the Camas High School’s Sports Medicine team pay for their WCTSMA State competition in Kennewick.

The team has been working hard all year so they can apply their classroom knowledge into a statewide symposium with other SM students — from all over Washington state. The Sports Medicine team is on-hand at many school events, and are always ready to aid and support local athletes.

K&M Burger is located at 3414 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA.

Present this flyer November 1, 2017 between 3-8 pm and K&M will donate 15% of your purchase to assist the sports medicine team.

Sports

Present this flyer so that 15% of your purchase goes back to the CHS Sports Medicine team.

K&M features fresh and local ingredients, and they work with local vendors and suppliers for their business needs. Their restaurant frequently holds fundraisers for local causes.

To learn more, visit chs.camas.wednet.edu

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Camas Abandons Plans for Senior Living Center By Round Lake

After hearing from numerous Camas citizens regarding the possible sale of public land near Round Lake to build a senior living center, and begin the process of rezoning that property, the city has decided to halt the entire process.

Camas City Administrator, Pete Capell, issued the following statement today:

The City of Camas received a conceptual plan for a senior living facility to be constructed on public open space property located on Everett Street, south of Lake Road. The plans for this project included provisions for trails and parking spaces for use by the public, as well as providing emergency and maintenance access to the dam and creek.  The City is always looking to better its parks program and with a sale of the property there was a potential to leverage the funds received to obtain a grant in excess of the value of the potential sale proceeds.”

With these ideas in mind, the City felt the idea was worth reviewing.  There were multiple hurdles that would need to be crossed if the City did decide to go forward with a sale. The City first needed to alert the State that the zoning and comprehensive plan designation might be changed for this property.   City staff planned to discuss the possibility to surplus and rezone the property at several public meetings and public hearings, the first being at the Parks and Recreation Commission on Wednesday, October 25th at 5:00 pm and culminating in a series of workshops and public hearings which would have to be held before the Planning Commission and the City Council.  The onset of these discussions did not commit the City to sell the property to anyone.  In addition, there remained multiple elements which would be negotiated only in the event the property was deemed surplus and in the best interests of the City.

After a discussion with City Council at a workshop on October 16th and the subsequent article in the Camas-Washougal Post Record on October 19th, numerous emails and Facebook messages were received indicating that our community treasures our open spaces and would not support selling the property.

The City is sensitive to the will of its citizens.  While the City believes there was merit in having a public discussion about this proposal and vetting it through the many steps outlined above, City staff have received enough feedback and understand how the community feels about the project and will immediately stop the consideration process of the proposal.

The property will remain as open space in public ownership.

Senior

A local developer had planned to build a senior living center adjacent to Round Lake, in Camas.

A number of the comments we received insinuated that something improper had occurred in the submission of this proposal from an assisted living group that Tim Hazen is affiliated with.  Council members are subject to specific limitations outlined under the Code of Ethics laws of the State of Washington.   Council members are also citizens and are not denied an opportunity available to all other citizens to acquire and maintain private economic interests.  As noted, the planned process would follow all of the required steps with numerous opportunities for the public to comment before a final decision was rendered by City Council. Mr. Hazen further resigned at the start of the process according to both the regulations under the Code of Ethics laws of the State of Washington and general ethical practices, to avoid any hint of impropriety.

Mr. Hazen was an excellent City Councilor and served his constituents in an exemplary manner. Please thank Mr. Hazen for his service to the community. I hope that he will still be willing to serve as a volunteer and leader in our community.

Pete Capell

City Administrator

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

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Proposed Round Lake Senior Living Center Hearing Set for Oct. 25

Camas, WA — Camas residents aren’t too thrilled about the City of Camas selling public lands to build a senior living center near Round Lake on Everett Road. Opponents of the development will hear details at a City of Camas Parks Board meeting, to be held this Wednesday, October 25 at Lacamas Lake Lodge.

The Parks Board will review the proposal, and may ask for additional input to continue the discussion, or they may settle on a recommendation and forward that to planning. Additional public hearings will be scheduled to discuss the matter and give citizens input.

The uproar began when Camas City Council members last week approved the first re-zoning step that would turn a 2.7-acre parcel of public land into a new development for seniors. Additional private lands would also be purchased. The proposed development is a 125,000 square-foot, 81-unit senior living center with underground parking, as well as a 48-bed memory care center.

The councilors were informed that city staff was approached by a developer who wants to purchase public lands to construct the facility. It was learned soon after that developer is Tim Hazen, who abruptly resigned from his city council seat last week.

Hazen is the owner of Premiere Senior Living

The city of Camas purchased the 5-acre open space from the Moose Lodge in 2002 for $200,000.

Citizens are concerned that once you lose an open space property, it will never be preserved for future generations.

“My thoughts are that the city shouldn’t be able to sell public land without the consent of its citizens since it IS public land,” said local resident, Liana Gulzow. “And the fact that Tim Hazen would benefit from this — and he was a former city council member — is just not sitting well with a lot of people. I’m concerned that this huge senior living facility is so close to Round Lake that it could affect the use of the trails that so many of us frequently use. And, not to mention the traffic situation.”

Camas residents have taken to social media to express their concerns, as well.

“Our city should not be selling public park land,” said Ammon Child. “Especially to a recently resigned city council member who clearly has been working on this behind the scenes!”

In order to re-zone, Camas leaders must hold a series of public meetings to change the parcel’s zoning, which is currently parks open space.

City Councilwoman Bonnie Carter said she thinks the city is setting a bad precedent.

“The only thing that was requested of the council was to direct staff to submit paperwork to the state to have the parcel of land considered for re-zoning,” said Carter. “This request was unusual because it did not first go through the normal channels of review before going to council, but it is legal. The rezoning request deadline to the state was last Wednesday, hence the unusual request. Mr. Hazen’s experience on council and city planning knowledge played into the timing.”

Carter assures that the project will still go through the appropriate channels starting with Wednesday’s meeting.

“Lack of information concerning the actual request of council and what will still happen has many folks upset,” said Carter. “And rightfully so.”

Hazen will present his proposal, and there will be an open process wherein citizens can express their opinions on the matter.

To learn more about this process, visit http://www.cityofcamas.us/businessdev/plancommission

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Rios: Getting His Family Out of Devastated Puerto Rico

It’s been a month since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, and as first responders and local leaders face the herculean task to get necessary supplies to millions of victims, one Portland resident shares his story of trying to get his family out of harm’s way.

Rio Rios, 49, is a Puerto Rico native, and although he’s lived most of his life in the United States mainland, his parents (Luis and Virginia), sister (Yanira), niece (Natasha) and nephew (Gabriel) were caught in harm’s way as Maria threw an already struggling Puerto Rico into the dark ages.

“Eighty-five percent of the island is still without power,” said Rios. “And the water situation is dire. Water-wise, it’s hard to keep things clean because when the water does come it’s contaminated, and only 60 percent have water. There’s no money, no work, no economy. Even the banks are closed. ATMs don’t work. Basic necessities aren’t easy to find. Traffic lights don’t work, which backs up traffic for miles.”

To put it in perspective, the island is 100 miles long and 30 miles wide, and has 3 million-plus people living there, he said. It’s densely populated.

In Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, where his family resides, homes keep their lights on by using gas-powered portable generators at sporadic times during the day, which is causing some pollution issues.

“Before Hurricane Maria hit, life in Puerto Rico was already difficult,” Rios said. “And now it’s ten times worse.”

Since Maria wreaked its havoc, Rios has worked hard to communicate with his family, sending them needed supplies, and keeping current, but given the dire situation there, he and his wife, Allison Anderson, offered to bring his mother, sister, and youngest nephew to Portland.

“Given mom’s health issues, and that my sister cannot work and provide for her family, we decided to bring them here. It’s what family does,” said Rios. “My father has decided to stay there, for now, and so has my niece.”

Anderson has been preparing her office, which will be turned into a bedroom.

“It’s been so sad to see them go through this,” said Anderson. “It’s devastating to see such a beautiful place be destroyed.”

The couple will receive Virginia on October 22, and Yanira and Gabriel on October 30.

They are presently looking for employment for Yanira, who is a speech pathologist, and for a school for Gabriel to attend.

“This whole tragedy has been devastating,” said Rios. “I’m an American citizen, I’m a veteran, I served in the Gulf War, but I grew up in Puerto Rico. This where I was formed and shaped. I’m really sad about what’s happened to my family. Hurricane Maria destroyed Puerto Rico. And, I wasn’t able to protect my family.”

Agriculture is a big part of the economy there, but given the hurricane’s devastation, new crop harvests are a year away.

“They can’t find cheap food,” Rios said. “The magnitude of the problem overwhelms everyone, especially the first responders who have been working so hard.”

Rios urges everyone to take emergency preparedness seriously.

“Let’s get the word out about having a 72-hour kit, about having 30 days worth of food in a storage closet,” he said. “People make fun of those who prepare, but it’s a good idea. Look at the reality of what’s happened in Puerto Rico. Don’t you think those people would appreciate a 30-day supply of food on-hand?”

He said canned meat is prized right now, as fresh meat can’t be easily preserved without electricity.

“It’s a major humanitarian crisis,” he said. “This is like every post-apocalyptic movie I’ve ever seen, except it’s real. It can happen.”

Puerto Rico Fundraiser

Over the past weekend, several Puerto Ricans gathered together to raise funds for their devastated brothers and sisters. The benefit featured live music, a live auction, and lots of food. They raised $24,000 in funds that will go directly to Puerto Rico.

To learn more, visit: https://www.youcaring.com/flores

Gallery: Images from Puerto Rico

 

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Events: 1st Annual Halloween Night Trunk or Treat @ Grove Field Airport

The Camas Washougal Airport Association (CWAA) is hosting its first annual Halloween night “Trunk or Treat” at 5:30 pm at the Port of Camas-Washougal Grove Field Airport, which is located in Fern Prairie.

“The Trunk or Treat is a concept where several cars or trucks all pull into a line or semi-circle where their trunks all line up and make an easy and quick way for people with small children to get a reasonable amount of candy without getting stuck in long lines, walking several blocks or being stuck outdoors in the cold,” says CWWA representative, Terah Brice. “It’s offered to anyone, but the basic concept is geared towards people with very small toddlers or elementary-aged children and aimed to fill candy baskets in a fun and fast manner.”

“For a lot of us residing in the Fern Prairie area, we don’t see trick or treaters at our homes because we live down unlit streets with very spaced out houses or long driveways,” she said. “So we also get the opportunity to hand out candy when we would otherwise have zero spooky visitors.”

The trunks will all be decorated with lights and spooky gear and a lot of the vehicles owners will dress up in costume, as well. The CWAA will also offer complimentary coffee and popcorn with a donation can set out. The organization is promoting this to families that are headed to the downtown area to start their trick or treating.

“We are hoping to jump start their candy bags with a good load so their parents don’t have to stay out until 10pm trying fill their children’s candy quota goals,” Brice said.

The fun starts at 5:30pm on October 31 and will go until people stop showing up or when volunteers get too cold. The festivities will occur in the nicely lit Airport parking lot, making it an easy place to pull off for a couple of minutes and hop right back on the road to downtown for the rest of the evening.

To learn more about CWAA, check them out on Facebook @cwaagrovefield

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Russell Addresses Costly Utility Bills in Washougal City Council Campaign

Washougal, WA — With just a few weeks left in the 2017 political campaign season, candidate Julie Russell continues her campaign for the Washougal City Council seat being vacated by the retiring Dave Shoemaker.

Over the past few months, she’s knocked many doors, gone through hip replacement surgery, and attend public forums to discuss her positions. Health wise, she’s recovered from her surgery and enjoys meeting with local residents.

So, what are the top reasons she’s running?

“I’ve always liked serving and making the community a better place,” says Russell. “Plus, I think we need to look at all options to address high utility bills, and do better community planning.”

The high cost of water is a hot topic among Washougal residents.

“So many struggle with high water bills,” said Russell. “I’ve met residents who re-use dishwater just to make ends meet.”

The city made some errors in the past, she said, in dealing with sewer systems.

“They didn’t upgrade sewer facilities in time and fell past state-mandated timelines so they had to build a costly system to keep the sewer safe and sanitary,” Russell said. “We’re currently using reserve funds to pay those bonds.  One option to address is to possibly merge with Camas or Clark County to provide a better water sewer and water.”

She also wants  to look at making improvements to blighted areas in Washougal.

Russell

Julie Russell is married to Evan Russell, and they have four children.

“There are areas where clearly code isn’t being enforced, so we need to do that,” she said. “Let’s get grants or set up volunteer community projects to clean up blighted property and spaces. Let’s work together to make these areas look better.”

She also wants to spend time on economic development, and do more to attract and keep businesses.

“The process to onboard new businesses needs to be streamlined so it’s easier to do business in Washougal,” she said.

Russell is running against Adam Philbin. We plan to feature his views in a future article.

Russell also has the endorsement of four of seven incumbent Washougal city councilors:

  • Dan Coursey
  • Dave Shoemaker
  • Michelle Wagner
  • Ray Kutch

Russell’s Background

Education

  • George Fox University, M.A.  Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy – 2012
  • Brigham Young University, B.S. Bachelor of Science in Psychology, AS Associate of Science in Travel and Tourism – 1983

Career Highlights

  • Julie Russell Family Counseling; LMFT, LPC, LMHC, RPT, Self-employed/Owner/Operator.  Offices in Tigard and Vancouver; 2013 – Present
  • LDS Family Services – Therapist, Adoption and Children’s Services; 2008 – 2013
  • Open House Ministries; 2011 – 2012
  • Avanti Destinations – Quality Control, Contract Management; 2001 – 2004

Prior Government Experience

  • Tigard Water District Commissioner, Elected Position – July 2007  to Nov. 2016
  • West Bull Mountain Planning Technical Advisory Committee – March 2012 to Nov. 2014
  • Chair-Washington County Citizen Participation Organization (CPO-4B)- Jan. 2008- Nov. 2016
  • Vice Chair-Washington County Citizen Participation Organization (CPO-4B)-July 2005-Jan. 2008
  • City of Tigard, White Paper Parks Committee – 2004

To learn more, visit www.julierussellforwashougal.com

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Toyota C-HR: This Car Has Excellent Styling, Roomier Than It Looks

Over the last two decades, Americans are buying fewer hatchbacks and station wagons than they used to. But data has shown the public likes them if they ride a bit higher, with optional all-wheel drive and have the feeling of an SUV, which has given room for the crossover market to take off. Toyota answered with the hugely successful RAV4, and they are hoping to continue that success with the all-new 2018 Toyota C-HR

The C-HR is smaller and less expensive than the RAV4, and was originally designed for Toyota’s Scion brand.  The car is quite sporty and has excellent handling. It also has an extensive list of standard safety features, which alone are good reasons to consider the C-HR.

The Toyota C-HR is well-equipped in its base XLE form, with dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights,  and traffic-adapting cruise control — as all standard. The C-HR starting price does cost more than the competition in its class, but we do recommend the XLE Premium trim. But it doesn’t cost much more than the XLE and includes features such as heated front seats and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.

The car’s sporty styling delivers. It’s fun and nimble when going around turns, but the engine’s 144 hp doesn’t provide much torque.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive and tested well when driving over 100 miles on one trip. The vehicle does have a lot of tire noise.

The dashboard ergonomics are easy to use, and very pleasing to the eye.

If you want lots of storage space, you won’t find it here. Aside from a small bin in the front there is cargo space behind the second row, but it’s not substantial.

Overall, the car is fun to drive, with excellent handling and great styling. People notice when you come around the corner.

C-HR Photo Gallery

We brought the 2017 Camas 11/12 All-Stars to have some fun with the C-HR. As you can see, a lot of people can fit into the car. 🙂

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Update: Camas RB Yaacoub Suffers Two Broken Bones

VANCOUVER, WA — Camas Running Back, Randy Yaacoub, suffered two broken bones at Friday’s Junior Varsity game against Coeur d’Alene during the fourth quarter, and was transferred via ambulance to PeaceHealth hospital in Vancouver. The sophomore, who plays for both JV and Varsity teams, scored for Camas the previous week during the home field season opener.

Today, Randy’s mother, Viviane Yaacoub, issued the following statement:

“During the game, he fractured both his tibia and fibula and was sent to the emergency room right away. The surgery went very well, he is recovering very well. They placed a titanium rod and some screws in his leg and were allowed to take him home the next day. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to play for the rest of the season, and will be on crutches for eight weeks, and be recovering for six months, but with physical therapy and exercise he will be better than ever next year. Thanks to the support of his coaches, his team, and friends, our family is doing very well.”

The Yaacoub Family

 

Yaacoub

Randy Yaacoub was transferred to a stretcher following a severe injury during Friday’s JV game at Doc Harris Stadium.

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