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Camas City Council Appoints Deanna Rusch To Vacant Seat

CAMAS, WA — The Camas City Council, in a series of roll call votes Monday night at City Hall, appointed attorney Deanna Rusch to fill the seat left vacant by former councilman Tim Hazen.

Eight Camas citizens had applied for the seat, and the council spent time with each individual, asking them each five questions. The council then deliberated, voted, and their final decision was made late Monday. This is standard practice when an elected official leaves office prematurely.

“I had applied the first week of December,” said Rusch. “Then, I was contacted last week for the interview. The interview was in front of the whole City Council, the City Administrator, City Attorney, Police Chief, and several other city employees.”

During 12-minute interview, Rusch was peppered with questions about her priorities for Camas, what local issues interest her, what legal boundaries she would have as public official, and how she deals with conflict.

“As a divorce attorney, I deal with conflict daily and often have to deliver unfavorable news,” she said. “But, it was a nice interview, and I really didn’t expect to be appointed. There were so many other highly qualified applicants.”

Rusch will be sworn in January 2, and assume her duties representing Camas Ward No. 1, Seat No.1, which covers southeast Camas, including the downtown area. Her term will end December 31, 2018, so she will begin a campaign for a full term likely next summer.

“We had so many incredible applicants,” said Mayor Scott Higgins. “It’s really very fortunate. We also encourage people to come volunteer for open seats we have on various committees, such as the City of Camas Parks and Recreation Board. These are important positions and impact our future.”

As a councilwoman, Rusch wants to help the city manage growth issues, come up with creative ways to help Camas market its attractions, and continue to attract living wages jobs to the area.

Background

Rusch is single, grew up in Happy Valley, OR, and is the oldest of nine children. She is currently a divorce attorney for McKean Smith in downtown Vancouver, and has practiced law for 11 years. In 2003, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Societies, and Justice from University of Washington, and went on to earn her Law degree from Gonzaga University in 2006.

She moved to Camas two years ago, and looks forward to serving her new hometown.

To learn more visit www.cityofcamas.us

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Washougal Water Maintenance Shop Damaged by Saturday’s Fire

WASHOUGAL, WA— At approximately 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 9 a fire was reported at the City of Washougal Water Maintenance Shop building located at 2247 Main Street. The Camas-Washougal Fire Department worked to extinguish the fire and secure the site. There were no workers present at the time of the incident and no injuries to report.

“We want to assure the public that the structure fire has had no impacts to the public water system and that there will be no disruption of service as a result of this event. Our water system is operating as normal,” says Trevor Evers, Public Works Director.

The building is used to secure utility maintenance vehicles and store equipment, tools and parts for the water system. At this time, officials are investigating the cause of the fire.

Camas-Washougal Fire Marshal Ron Schumacher said: “Upon gaining entry we found heavy smoke in the building with a small amount of fire. It took around 20 minutes for fire crews to knock down the fire and evacuate the smoke.” The damage that occurred was to the structure and contents within the facility.

The initial assessment of damage and losses from the fire indicate that the Shop Building will require extensive repair and that multiple vehicles, various tools, equipment and parts will need to be repaired or replaced. All properties are insured by Washington Cities Insurance Authority, a municipal organization of Washington public entities joined together for the purpose of providing liability and property financial protection to its members.

Fire

The Washougal Water Maintenance Shop was damaged by fire. Several vehicles will also need repair.

While the shop undergoes repair work, the City is reviewing options on alternative facilities.

A resolution declaring a local emergency and authorizing emergency procurements was approved by City Council on Monday, December 11.

The declaration will remain in effect until terminated by the Mayor when order is restored.

Mayor Guard explained that “this declaration allows us to make expedient and timely procurements for the contracts, equipment, tools and parts necessary to maintain services in our water system, and the ultimate repair or replacement of the building and equipment to return everything to normal status.”

The Mayor also expressed his gratitude to the Fire Department and City staff who responded to the scene Saturday, who have been working on this issue since, and the insurance claims adjusters for their efforts to ensure the uninterrupted provision of water services in the community.

 

 

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Holland Partner Group to Build New Campus in West Camas

CAMAS, WA — Holland Partner Group will be building its new headquarters on a 35-acre lot adjacent to Fisher Investment’s campus, said Camas City Administrator, Pete Capell.

The Vancouver property manager and multifamily developer plans to build three four-story office buildings (each 100,000 square feet), a high-end apartment complex, and a 20,000 square-foot upscale market, complemented by some restaurants.

The city refers to the project as the “Grass Valley Development” and will be built on vacant land south of NW 38th Avenue, which is close to the Vancouver border.

Capell said they expect this new development to bring 1,500 jobs to Camas, and that the first building could be occupied in late 2019.

“I think to have another large employer coming to Camas is great,” said Capell. “We’ve been working on this for a long time. We continue to build jobs in our community, and that’s important and exciting. Camas has the best ratio of jobs to citizens compared to other cities in Clark County. We bend over backwards to bring employers here. Holland came to us and wanted to fast track things. That was how this was solidified.”

Proposed specifications and images will be published when they become available.

To learn more about Holland Partner Group, visit www.hollandpartnergroup.com

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Join Wreaths Across America Dec. 16 to Honor Veterans

CAMAS, WA — Local leaders are asking for volunteers to place wreaths for National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 16, 2017, 11 am, at Camas Cemetery, where 847 veterans have been laid to rest. No signup needed. There will be a brief ceremony followed by the laying of wreaths, and finally cookies, coffee & cocoa for all.

More about the event: Each December, the Wreaths Across America organization carries out its mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,200 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.

The organization encourages every volunteer who places a wreath on a veteran’s grave to say that veteran’s name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country. It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive.

“We are not here to decorate graves. We’re here to remember not their deaths, but their lives,” says Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America. “A person dies twice: once when they take their final breath, and later, the last time their name is spoken.”

To learn more, visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

Camas Cemetery is located at 630 NE Oak St, Camas, WA 98607.

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Camas Strategic Plan: Resources, Finances, Infrastructure, Growth

The City of Camas has developed a three-year comprehensive strategic plan that covers four overarching priorities, nine key objectives, and 20 initiatives to help with city governance, citizen communications, and forecasting.

Over two years, City of Camas Administrator Peter Capell and his team met with city employees, external consultants, and conducted resident surveys to see where priorities should be to help Camas navigate the next several years.

The 2018-2020 Strategic priorities are:

  • Meet community needs with optimal use of resources
  • Build financial stability for the city of Camas
  • Ensure core infrastructure meets community needs
  • Proactively manage growth in line with vision and decision principles

Attached to each overarching strategic priority are several key objectives and initiatives.

“The effort was to get our house in order, and be in a good financial position,” said Capell, who has been with the city of Camas for nearly four years. “We’re dealing with a structural deficit as we manage the limitations of 1% annual increases in property taxes, but have to cope with other costs that are rising at higher rates, such as health care. Essentially, we have to do more with less. So we asked ourselves: are there tools we can used to work within our means? How many more firefighters, paramedics, and police officers will we need?”

The plan is very comprehensive, and for the purposes of this article, Capell addressed three major issues: Financial stability, aging sewer infrastructure, and Lacamas Lake North Shore protection.

Financial Stability

The city wants a balanced budget and seeks to improve its existing AA bond rating to a AAA rating.

“Having a AA rating isn’t bad, and we don’t really borrow very much,” said Capell. “But, if we can earn a AAA bond rating, we can get a lower interest rate on future projects.”

To meet this priority, the city plans to update all financial policies to meet Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) practices, have an open and transparent program-based budget, update utility rates and impact fees, re-examine the city’s revenue strategy (overall size and diversification), and develop a long-term financial plan.

Aging Sewer Infrastructure

The aging sewer system is a big problem the city is trying to overcome. The city has a high number of STEP system alarms going off seven days a week with a high level of claims, said Capell.

“All we’re doing is responding,” said Capell. “We really want to spend more time on preventative maintenance.”

The city also deals with major pipe bursts, such as the recent break on Brady Road. With so many pipes built in the 1980s, they are doing a thorough water and sewer level of service analysis.

Protecting Lacamas Lake North Shore

Lacamas Lake North Shore.

By law, the City of Camas has to follow the regulations mandated by the Growth Management Act, which is a balancing act between allowing housing development and keeping local green spaces.

“We are trying to prevent sprawl to the best extent possible,” said Capell. “We have an extensive public viewing process, and encourage citizens to participate.”

One highly sensitive area is the Lacamas Lake North Shore. Most citizens want the forested backdrop to remain despite the housing developments already starting in the area. As a result, the city has been granted funds from Conservation Futures, which is a bonded county-wide program that acquires critical property to keep lands beautiful. Camas has received $2.5 million from Conservation Futures, and is using $1.5 million to purchase forested areas along the Lacamas Lake North Shore.

“We want to monitor green space acreage in Camas,” said Capell. “And keep it beautiful.”

The city is also enhancing tools and processes to improve communications with departments, across departments, and with the City Council.

“Although a lot of these things in this strategic plan aren’t tangible now, they will build a better foundation for the city,” said Capell.

We plan to discuss other parts of the plan in future articles.

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

Image Gallery

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Local Interior Design Company Wins International Award for Mega Yacht

Camas, WA – Varo Interior Design just announced that the Motor Yacht Chasseur has won best power yacht in the 40m to 65m category by the International Superyacht Society.

The M/Y Chasseur was built by local Vancouver, WA based Christensen Shipyards and designed by Tonya Lance of Varo Interior Design, a Camas company. Chasseur was also the recipient of a ‘Special Achievement’ award at the at the Showboats Design Awards earlier this year.

“When we started the process, I met with the owner to see his vision, and learned he loves the modern design,” said Lance. “I got his reaction to every sample, which included fabrics, carpets, wood, and stone. I brought as many materials as I could for him to view, and then started to build pallets for each room. We selected every piece of wood and stone, and every door is custom.”

Lance said most communications with the owner were by email, but that major presentations were made at Christensen Shipyards, which is located right on the Columbia River. The project took 36 months to complete.

The yacht’s interior really is the pinnacle of refined luxury. Each detail was mindfully designed to pleasure the most selective connoisseur. Milk glazed figured Sycamore walls filled with an abundance of impressive windows graciously surround Chasseur’s light, modern, elegant interior. Her classic teak interior flooring is beautifully accented with holly inlays and adorned with plush silk area rugs. Each piece of furniture is customized to offer the highest level of comfort and performance.

Her handcrafted Santos Rosewood casegoods are embellished with elements of polished stainless steel and shagreen. Chassuer’s main stairwell is a sculptural work of art showcasing glass and woven leather walls with floating glass treads. Her six luxurious staterooms with en suite bathrooms comfortably accommodate 12 guests. Each stateroom is equipped with autonomous control of an extensive movie and music library, U.S., Caribbean and European satellite television, iPad interface, and the fastest internet speeds available. Every guest bathroom aboard the vessel is clad in exotic onyx stones sourced from the finest quarries around the world. The interior and exterior bar surfaces are composed of backlit crystal agate and mirrored glass. The outdoor living areas provide abundant opportunities for dining, entertaining and basking in the sun. The Sun Deck arrangement features a full height bar, large Jacuzzi tub and lavish lounge areas. The bridge deck will offer two alfresco dining arrangements as well as a chic open air lounge area. The main aft deck provides a lavish seating arrangement and a full height service bar area. All exterior decks will be fully equipped with ample room designated for a helipad and toys.

“The yacht has a natural progression from the outside to the inside,” said Lance. “There’s no tinting on the windows, which keeps it in harmony with nature.”

The yacht is owned by a U.S. resident, but will be docked in the Mediterranean, and is currently en route to France.

M/Y Chasseur is 160 feet long, has a range of 4,000+ nautical miles, and has a maximum speed of 16 knots.  It is powered by two CAT 3512C series engines with a C-rating 1650 HP at 1800 RPM maximum continuous rating.

Yact

Chasseur Sky Lounge.

About Varo Interior Design

Varo Interior Design was started in 2007 in Vancouver, WA by Lance. Varo Interior Design’s mission is to gracefully design, plan and manage optimal environments through inspired collaboration and interactive process. Varo Interior Design takes a client-driven approach to every project.

“We are guided by integrity to create designs that will last and be loved,” said Lance. “We accomplish this by carefully detailing interiors in ways that encourage the highest levels of flexibility, durability, performance and appreciation. Our designs capture the spirit and vitality of the surrounding context, focusing on the integration of the project goals with the heritage of the built and natural environment.”

She said from client to client the context may vary, but they always produce designs inspired by the surroundings and reflect the uniqueness of each individual situation. Their inherent nature is to be creative and artistic problem solvers, and believe that only through a collaborative process can excellent design be achieved. To that end they are open and inclusive, welcoming inspiration from all. They also like to challenge the status quo.

About Tonya Lance

With over 17 years of professional experience, Lance is eager to help clients achieve optimal comfort and visual harmony. Tonya is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of clientele. She is noted for achieving high echelons of design within any budget. Tonya continually strives to develop strong working relationships to foster open communication and overall clarity. She is continually developing and in search of innovative design solutions. Her formal education includes a Bachelors of Art in Interior Architecture for Marylhurst University as well as a Certificate in Architectural Project Management from Portland State University.

To learn more, visit www.varodesigns.com

Yacht

John, Oliver, and Tonya Lance, of Camas. Photo by Jennifer Barnes.

About Christensen Shipyards

Christensen Shipyards was founded in 1983 in Vancouver, Washington by Dave Christensen, and builds state of the art yachts of 120’ and more for discerning clients who recognize Christensen’s global reputation. Christensen Shipyards has been a staple in the yachting community and the Pacific Northwest for over 30 years. The shipyard encompasses over 300,000 sq. ft. of climate controlled manufacturing space and employs over 100 craftspeople. State of the Art facilities and modern manufacturing techniques enable Christensen to adhere to high manufacturing standards and build yachts of unsurpassed quality and beauty.

To learn more, visit www.christensenyachts.com

Yacht Image Gallery

All photos by Jeff Brown.

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Events: “Little Box Friday” Coming to Downtown Camas This Week

Join the fun this Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) in downtown Thanksgiving. In celebration of shopping locally, many downtown Camas  merchants will each have a little box of coupons, special gifts, and other surprises for you to draw from.

The event goes from 10 am to 6 pm on November 24.

It’s their way of giving you a little something extra for supporting local businesses.

You will also receive a free raffle ticket in each location and an extra ticket with any purchase to be entered to win a gorgeous holiday merchant basket.

If you spent $100 in downtown on Little Box Friday, you will receive two free regular movie tickets from the Liberty Theatre. You will need to turn in receipts to the theatre on November 24 by 8 pm. The free tickets are good for any regular show through December 31 — one set per person.

It’s a great way to kick off your Christmas shopping.

Participating merchants:

  • 4Ever Growing Kids
  • Allure Boutique
  • Arktana Shoes
  • Attic Gallery
  • Caffe Piccolo
  • Cake Happy
  • Camas Antiques
  • Camas Beauty Bar & Boutique
  • Caps N’ Taps
  • Lizzabeth A
  • Navidi’s Olive Oils and Vinegars
  • Salon Magnolia
  • Salud Wine Bar – Event Center – Wine Storage
  • The Soap Chest
  • The Wild Hair Camas

To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

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Events: Washougal Lights Up with Christmas Holiday Parade

Washougal, WA—City of Washougal and the Downtown Washougal Association (DWA) are teaming up to kick off the holiday season with the annual Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 7. This year’s parade is dedicated to the memory of Scott Campbell. The parade will run along Main Street and begin at 6 pm. It will end at Reflection Plaza where the tree lighting will take place at 6:30 pm.

The City is now accepting applications for parade participants. Entry is free and all entries must be lighted in some fashion. Awards will be given for Best Use of Lights, Santa’s Choice and, for the first time this year, Best New Entry. “Entries include local clubs, businesses, organizations and others throughout the community,” said Rose Jewell, Assistant to the Mayor and parade organizer. “Being a part of the parade is a wonderful way to let people know about your group and show support for our community. Enjoy the festivities with family and friends in Washougal’s downtown living room.” Applications are due by Monday, December 4 and can be found at City Hall and online at http://www.cityofwashougal.us.

During and after the parade, the City is serving complimentary cookies, hot cocoa and coffee. Entertainment will include musical and dance performances by high school students. “The Downtown Washougal Association encourages everyone to come early and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, or shop at one of the local businesses, before and after the parade. By supporting our local businesses, you help the business and our community thrive,” says Heena, DWA Board President.

Santa Claus is always the very special guest and will bring up the end of the event. He will be passing out candy canes and will be available for free photos with kids of all ages, compliments of Windows on Life Photography.

Other sponsors include Waste Connections, Riverview Community Bank and Starbucks.

“This community holiday event is a great way to get into the spirit of the season!” Heena added. “I hope everyone will come and join us!”

Parade Image Gallery

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CHS Girls Soccer Team Heads to WIAA Final 4 Tournament

The Camas High School Girls Varsity soccer team qualified for the WIAA Final Four Tournament for the third consecutive year by defeating Skyline of Sammamish by a score of 4-1 last weekend. They will next compete against Issaquah at Puyallup’s Sparks Stadium in the semi-final on Friday in their drive to defend their state title. This is the third time this team has been down this road.

The girls made it to the state semifinals by averaging 4.2 goals per game, led offensively by junior Maddie Kemp (who’s scored 40 goals this season). Defensively, Perrin Belzer is the team’s defensive anchor, which has been an essential ingredient to the team’s success this season, and throughout Belzer’s high school soccer career.

Camas has only allowed nine goals this entire season. In 2015, Issaquah beat Camas in a shootout following two overtimes. The match was scoreless until the shootout.

This weekend’s state games will be broadcast on www.nfhsnetwork.com

The games begin at 8 pm Friday.

Last Saturday’s Soccer Match

Here are some of the statistics from last weekend’s Skyline match at Doc Harris:

Goals (assists):

Carla Jooste (Jazzi Paulson)

Maddie Kemp (Paulson)

Kemp (Liz Parker)

Kemp

Saves in Goal: Falissitie DePasquale 6

Soccer Image Gallery

Photos by Kris Cavin

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ilani Captures 24 Awards in 7 Months; Casino Nabs Top Honors

RIDGEFIELD, Wash. – ilani, a premier gaming and entertainment destination in Southwest Washington, has garnered two dozen awards since opening this past April. Developed by Salishan-Mohegan LLC in collaboration with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, ilani has attracted gaming aficionados from all along the I-5 corridor and is poised to continue its streak of good luck. With a new event center slated to open in 2018, the destination will enhance its offerings with a state-of-the-art facility for hosting meetings, conventions and some of the best entertainment in the Pacific Northwest.

“Open for less than seven months, ilani has clearly made an indelible impression on the local community and our guests,” said Kara Fox-LaRose, president and general manager of ilani. “We are honored to be counted among the best casinos in the region, and we are excited about our evolving offerings.”

ilani’s premier 100,000-square-foot gaming floor has something for everyone. More than 2,500 slot machines and 75 table games include favorites like blackjack, roulette, midi baccarat, craps and pai gow poker. ilani dealers and staff are ready and willing to offer advice and guidance for new players, and the excitement of slots doesn’t end after a trip to ilani: online casino games are available via ilani’s Play4Fun Casino site.

Strictly Slots Magazine Awards and Feature

As the winner of 13 awards in the Native Northwest category from Strictly Slots Magazine, ilani will be featured in the edition published today. The reader’s choice awards are the result of national voting from April to July, with ballots cast by mail or online. ilani received eight first-place wins, including:

  • Best Overall Casino
  • Best Reel Slots
  • Best Nickel Slots
  • Best Dollar Slots
  • Casino Where You Feel Luckiest
  • Best Slot Club, Momentum
  • Best Players Club Lounge
  • Friendliest Casino

Second-place wins for ilani included Best Video Slots, Best 50-cent Slots and Best $5+ Slots. ilani came in third for Best Video Poker and Best Comps. Additionally, the editorial staff of Strictly Slots Magazine named ilani their favorite casino in the region, granting the Editor’s Choice Award for the Northwest.

Casino

“We built this city, we built this city on rock and roll…” Starship featuring Mickey Thomas comes to Muze for a free show on Saturday, November 25.

Casino Player Best of Gaming Edition Awards

Ilani recently took home 10 awards from Casino Player Magazine’s Best of Gaming edition published in September. The casino nabbed numerous 2017 Native Northwest Honors, including four first-place wins:

  • Best Casino
  • Best Players Club, Momentum
  • Best Comps
  • Best Video Poker

Second-place finishes with Casino Player Magazine included Best Hosts, Best Reel Slots and Casino Where You Feel The Luckiest. ilani ended up third in the categories of Best Promotions, Best Dealers and Best Roulette.

Finally, Casino Player Magazine’s awards come on the heels of another big win in July’s Best Bets edition. ilani was named among Best Bets: Casino Player’s Expert Picks.

About ilani 
Located on a 156-acre site in Clark County, Washington, ilani, developed by the Cowlitz Tribe and Salishan-Mohegan, a partnership that includes Mohegan Sun, one of the world’s foremost gaming and entertainment developers and operators, is the West Coast’s premier gaming, dining, entertainment and meeting destination. With 368,000 total square feet, ilani includes 100,000-square-feet of gaming space with 2,500 slots and 75 gaming tables; 15 restaurants, bars and retail outlets; and a 2,500-seat meeting and entertainment venue hosting nationally recognized performances. For more information, visit ilaniresort.com and follow ilani on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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