Tag Archive for: Camas

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Governor Appoints Camas Parks & Rec Director Lam to State Conservation Board

OLYMPIA – Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Trang Lam, the director of the Camas Parks and Recreation Department, to the state Recreation and Conservation Funding Board.

The Recreation and Conservation Funding Board awards about $200 million in grants every 2 years to local governments, tribes, nonprofits and state and federal agencies to create outdoor recreation opportunities, such as parks and trails. The board also awards grants to conserve the state’s natural resource heritage by protecting working farms and forests and wildlife habitat, including places inhabited by plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.

“Trang will be a wonderful addition to the board,” Inslee said. “She brings vital experience in public service, land use and recreation. Her experience serving disadvantaged communities will help us invest resources fairly and equitably across the state.”

Lam has more than 15 years of experience in the public sector, 5 of which are in the parks and recreation field, and 7 years running a private company.

In 1979, Lam and her extended family fled Vietnam as refugees and settled in Portland. She later earned a bachelor of arts degree from Portland State University and ran her family’s food manufacturing business before entering public service.

In 2006, Lam began working for the Portland Development Commission, where she held many positions, mostly focusing on neighborhood redevelopment, engaging historically underserved populations and businesses owned by people of color and managing high-profile real estate transactions, economic development initiatives and public-private partnership programs. In 2016, Lam went to work for the City of Portland, where she served as both the property and business development manager and then the Parks and Recreation Bureau deputy director. In 2019 she moved to the University of Portland as associate vice president for land use and planning before becoming the Camas parks director in 2021.

“We are very excited that Trang will be joining the board,” said Ted Willhite, chair of the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board. “We are looking forward to her bringing her unique skills to the board and helping us carry out our mission to protect and enhance Washington’s great natural and recreational resources for people living here today and generations to come.”

Lam lives in Washougal with her husband. Her term will run through December 31, 2025.

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Camas Public Library is Turning 100 — With Many Events to Celebrate

Camas, WA — “A century in the books!” That’s the slogan that will help the Camas Library celebrate a momentous occasion – turning 100 years old. And, library administrators have organized multiple events to commemorate this milestone. 

The library’s official birthday will be celebrated April 4, 2023; however, the library has a full slate of activities throughout the entire year to mark this amazing feat. And it all starts with a special edition centennial library card, which is only available during 2023. For those that already have a library card, you may swap your current one out free of charge.

Upcoming Events

History Speaks (Speaker Series)

Six speaking engagements will take place throughout the year to inform citizens and to illuminate Camas’ illustrious past. The first in the series is the official kick-off for the centennial year.

Women Who Shaped Camas

Saturday, Jan. 21, 2 pm, Garver Theater

Barbara Baldus, a founder of the Library’s Second Story Gallery; Nan Henriksen, former mayor of Camas; local historian Virginia Warren, and Carrie Schulstad, executive director of the Downtown Camas Association,  will lead a panel discussion moderated by Bradley Richardson, executive director of the Clark County Historical Museum. 

Other Speaking Events (All at the library):

  • The Forgotten Front: Gender, Labor, and Politics in Camas, Washington, and the Northwest Paper Industry, 1913-1918 (April)
  • Will the 2020s Roar like the 1920s? (May)
  • A Promise Not Yet Fulfilled: The Chinook Struggle for Recognition (July)
  • Legendary Locals Author Event with Rene Carroll (September)
  • Whiskey and Wiretaps: The Northwest’s Rumrunning King (November)

The Library Turns 100

Tuesday, April 4, 10 am–8 pm

Stop by the Library anytime during open hours to celebrate the Library’s big day. There’ll be music, goodies and giveaways.

Second Story Gallery

Each of the Library’s six Second Story Gallery shows will have a connection to the centennial in 2023. Read below for the first two shows, covering January – April.

Read All About It (January & February)

This show will consist of reproduced cover pages from the local newspaper, which was originally called LaCamas Post and is now The Camas-Washougal Post-Record. The headlines will be drawn from the first 50 years of the paper’s life, 1908-1958. The reproduced cover pages will reveal to patrons a snapshot of what was happening in our community throughout these years, while also highlighting the local coverage of regional events and reporting on national headlines. The opening reception is Friday, Jan. 6, 5-8 pm.

A Century in the Books (March & April)

This exhibit will showcase a timeline of Library milestones over the past 100 years. From the initial conception for a public library space to the current building on 4th Ave., enjoy a walk-through time to see historical photos and learn interesting facts from the past century. The opening reception is Friday, March 3, 5-8 pm.

This just a sampling of the upcoming year, which will include programs for all ages, events around town, and historical documents you may explore online. Residents interested in taking part can also be on the lookout for upcoming library story and memory requests. 

More information at https://www.cityofcamas.us/library

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Opinion: Don’t Be Bullied Into Silence: Walking the Walk w/ Negative Truths

Working in the media is mostly a lot of fun, but it definitely has its moments. Our First Amendment calls for a free press, and I believe that principle is vital to a successful, free and thriving society.

But, with that comes great responsibility. It’s about getting out correct, accurate and verified information. The business of reporting finds myself with knowledge of good things, fun events, but also negative behavior. 

I find myself with knowledge of negative behaviors (on the part of local respected leaders, educators, influencers, etc.) on a more regular basis (fact checked and verified) and this trend is disturbing — and growing.

It’s a growing trend of narcissism, arrogance, and entitlement — and it happens because so many look the other way. They don’t get involved. They don’t want to rock the boat. They don’t want the fallout.

And, I get that. Often, I won’t publish these headliner stories because I don’t want the personal attacks, the grief, and the unsolicited visits and personal messages that say: “better watch yourself … stop being so negative … we know the car you drive … we know where you work … don’t paint our town to be like that.”

Yes, threats. They’re real and a danger to a free society. But, I’m sure they’ve always been there in our history.

Our town has A LOT of issues we are presently dealing with, and it’s important to be open and honest about what’s happening.

My suggestion is for the caring public to be more involved in civic events. Attend your school board meetings, city council workshops, and work with local non-profits. Listen to your children in school (they know the wrongs being committed). Listen to your friends and peers. Put those closest to you first. And, take time away from yourself and serve others. All these things will help make society a better place.

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Friends of the Children Receives Support of 100 Women Who Care Clark County

Camas, WA —  Members of 100 Women Who Care Clark County presented $3,100 to Friends of the Children – SW Washington (Friends) on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at their fourth meeting of 2022, held at Salud! Wine Bar, Camas. Board member Todd Mitchell accepted the funds on behalf of the organization. The local giving circle selected Friends to receive their donations at the third meeting of the year, held on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at Salud! 

100 Women member Laura Guerrieri nominated the organization at the August meeting. Camas Farmers Market and Girls on the Run were the other nonprofit nominees at that meeting. 

Todd Mitchell explained that Friends of the Children was started in Portland nearly 30 years ago and the Clark County chapter was established in 2019. 

“Our mission from the outset was to pair children who are at the intersection of poverty, family trauma and other challenges with a paid professional mentor to help them through life, from kindergarten through 12th grade. No matter what,” said Todd. 

The organization currently has 40 kindergarteners enrolled in their mentorship program in Clark County.

Founded in 2018, 100 Women Who Care Clark County is a giving circle that meets quarterly and has donated over $100,000 to local nonprofits since inception. Members who attend are eligible to nominate local nonprofits to be considered for the quarterly donation. Members commit to a $100 donation to the charity voted upon by the members at each meeting.

The next meeting will be held at Salud! Wine Bar, 224 NE 3rd Ave. Camas, on February 8, starting at 6 pm. There is an optional social hour before the meeting from 5 pm. All are welcome to attend these meetings, especially those looking to connect with other philanthropic women in our community. Future meetings will be held on May 10, August 9 and November 8, 2023.

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City of Camas Hires Doug Quinn as City Administrator

Camas, WA —Following an extended nationwide search, the City of Camas announced that Doug Quinn will be Camas’ next City Administrator.

Quinn will assume the position effective Jan. 4, 2023.  However, Council will have a vote to confirm the appointment at the upcoming Dec. 5, City Council meeting.

Quinn was a member of the Administrator candidate pool from the second recruitment process. Following the most recent search, Camas Mayor Steve Hogan went back through the candidates and determined Quinn was the best fit for the City at this time.

“Doug is extremely well-known and respected in this community, but it’s his dedication to this City that really made him the clear choice,” said Hogan. “I think his familiarity with the City of Camas and his knowledge of the area will be extremely beneficial. And I’m excited to see what he can do for Camas!”

Quinn is a Camas resident and a former City of Camas employee.  He served as Public Works Director and City Engineer from 1990 to 2003, Planning Director and Assistant City Engineer from 1988 to 1990 and served as Interim City Administrator from 1998 to 1999. Most recently, Quinn has served as the Director of Water Services for Clark Public Utilities, working in this role since 2003.

In addition to numerous community service positions, Quinn has also served on the Camas School Board since 2005, and as Board President from 2009-2011 and 2017-2019. He has been a Board Member with the Downtown Camas Association since 2005. Quinn is a licensed professional engineer in Washington and Oregon.

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Nakia Creek Fire Incident Commander: ‘All Evacuation Orders Have Been Lifted’

Fern Prairie, WA — Residents in the Nakia Creek Fire evacuation zones are free to go back to their homes today, according to Incident Commander, Matt Howard.

He said the fire is 23 percent contained and that weather conditions are favorable. 

Key takeaways:

• No houses were destroyed 

• No injuries or deaths

• Nearly 1,900 acres have burned 

• 500+ firefighters are battling the wildfire 

A firefighter tent city in Fern Prairie is housing 500+ firefighters who are served three meals a day and have all the basic essentials of life.

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Nakia Creek Fire: ‘This Fire is the Number One Priority in the Nation’

Although the Nakia Creek fire grew to 1,869 acres overnight, authorities are optimistic that containment efforts will continue to progress over the next few days as more firefighters arrive and aircraft return to combat this blaze that has affected 40,000 people over the last few days.

Dave Larson, Deputy Incident Commander, Assistant Fire Marshall Curtis Evenson, Sgt. Chris Skidmore, of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and Natalie Weber, Oregon Forestry Department spokesperson, all addressed media at Grove Field Wednesday.

Larson said “this fire is the number one priority in the nation” given the number of people it is affecting. He said more than 500 firefighters are now at the scene working to contain this fire that ignited on October 9.

Key takeaways:

  • 550+ firefighters are on the scene
  • Sheriff’s deputies made an arrest Tuesday night for trespassing in the fire zone
  • Evacuation zones are shrinking
  • Containment is 12 percent
  • This is the highest priority fire in the nation
  • Aircraft are back on the scene
  • Weather forecast over the next few days is favorable
  • Focus is on level 2 and 3 evacuation zones
  • There’s been a good response to the fire investigation

“Aircraft are back on the scene,” said Weber, “and this is a game changer.”

She reported the fire is 12 percent contained and it burning 1,869 acres at this time.

Evenson, who is leading the investigation into the cause of the fire, said their agency has been flooded with calls and tips about the four persons of interest (two women, two men) who were driving a white Subaru at the scene of the initial spark.

“We encourage you to call us, to talk about this, to sort it out,” he said.

Skidmore said the evacuation zones are shrinking and that they are only focusing on level 2 and 3 zones, and are working to get Livingston Mountain residents back to their homes. He added that a man was arrested Tuesday night for trespassing into the fire zone. It was quickly learned there was a warrant out for his arrest on a prior charge.

Nakia Creek
Aircraft have returned to fight the Nakia Creek fire.

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Downtown Camas November First Friday: ‘Thankful for Pie’ Theme

Downtown Camas will be celebrating gratitude for the season during the “Thankful for Pie!” themed First Friday on November 4. There will be pie raffles and tastings, gratitude activities, s’mores roasting, fall crafts, games, and the fan favorite Pie Walk Dance Party, with a selection of prize pies. This event also includes fall-inspired dining and cocktail specials, after hours shopping and art shows.

The Second Story Gallery, located upstairs at the Camas Library, will unveil the first exhibit from the newly formed Artisans’ Guild of Camas. The Guild strives to inspire enthusiasm for arts and crafts through education and exhibition opportunities, and they often participate in artful community engagement at Downtown Camas First Friday events. This exhibit, titled “The Gift of Art,” will feature 18 local artists in many different 2D and 3D mediums. Event goers can enjoy pie and an artist reception at the gallery from 5 pm-8 pm.

Additional activities include:

  • Pie Raffles in participating Downtown Camas businesses
  • Pie Tastings with the DCAat Fuel Medical building, 314 NE Birch
  • The Pie Walk Dance Party, sponsored by Carla Edwards, local Realtor, starting at 7pm with the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) in Journey Church, 304 NE 4th — win a delicious pie or other treat
  • S’mores Roasting (weather permitting) sponsored by IQ Credit Union
  • Fall Crafts for kids at LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch, and inside Journey Church  
  • Fill out the “Gratitude Passport” and be entered to win fall themed prizes from the downtown merchants
  • Art Shows & Receptions at Camas Gallery, 408 NE 4th and Attic Gallery, 421 NE Cedar, in addition to the Second Story Gallery reception listed above.

Pick up your First Friday passport and activity list for the evening at the DCA tables in Journey starting at 5pm.

“This First Friday is such an incredible celebration of both gratitude and pie, and who doesn’t love pie?” says Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association. “This event has something for all ages and truly brings people together in a way that they can support local, have fun together, and have tasty treats. We are so appreciative for our community that shops local during the holidays, and this event is a great way to kick that off.”

First Fridays are Art, Activities, Dining, and After Hours Shopping themed family friendly events coordinated by the DCA each month of the year to support downtown and bring the community together. For all the information, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/november-first-friday-thankful-for-pie  and www.facebook.com/camasfirstfriday

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CRESA Says Nakia Creek Fire Human Caused, Burning 156 Acres

Aerial surveys show the Nakia Creek Fire near Larch Mountain, which started Sunday afternoon, is burning approximately 156 acres, and is smaller than fire fighters previously thought, according to Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA). Officials also confirmed the fire was human caused, and the investigation continues.

CRESA said firefighter teams are making good progress on control lines around the fire. Firefighters strengthened control lines south of the fire, which CRESA spokesman Eric Frank said is good news for people in evacuation zones.

Approximately 220 homes in the area (near the Skamania County line) were issued evacuation notices Tuesday. Most notices were Level 1 — Be Ready. About 14 addresses fell under a Level 2 notice — Be Set. No residents were under a Level 3 notice — Go Now, according to Frank. CRESA said evacuation notices didn’t change Wednesday.

As of today, the fire was 10 percent contained. Anyone with information about the cause should contact the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office at 564-397-3320.

Photos courtesy of DNR.

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Nakia Creek
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Art Gallery Opens on 2nd Floor of Lara Blair Photography Studio

Camas, WA – Lara Blair’s grand opening of The Loft art gallery will be August 27, 2022 in her studio located at 411 NE Dallas St, Camas, WA. The inaugural show is titled A Sense of Place and features two exhibits, Aloft and Confectionery Landscapes.

In addition to running a portrait studio, Blair is a working artist who has featured her fineart photography and mixed media work in Northwest galleries and business establishments. The gallery on the upper floor of her studio will be a permanent home to display current work four times a year.

These two exhibits represent an energy and a rhythm to the streets we walk, fields we run through and horizons we take in. Confectionery Landscapes is a collection of candy colored architectural scenery and iconic buildings. Aloft is a series of large mixed media pieces featuring a bird’s eye view of farmland. The overall vision of the show is: whether standing in front of a man made structure, or taking in the vast picture of the world from above, we feel the spirit within it.

The opening celebration is open to the public at 7 pm on the 27th. There will be music, beverages and portrait studio giveaways.

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