Tag Archive for: Camas

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Camas to Pay Tribute to Marquita Call at 2 Saturday Events

Camas, WA — Friends and family are paying tribute to Marquita Call, longtime Camas Gallery owner, resident, and friend to many, who passed away in late August, at two Saturday events.

Call, known for her infectious smile, listening ear, honest advice, and love of family and friends will be honored Saturday, October 7 at a 2 pm memorial at Journey Church in downtown Camas. The public is also invited to a celebration afterwards at Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie (details below).

Call was born on April 23, 1943, in Vancouver, WA to Art and Lenora Gaiani (Bennett). She graduated from Camas High School in 1962, and forever be a Papermaker. She frequently spoke of her love for Camas, and never hesitated to share that love to anyone who entered the gallery. Family and friends often referred to the talk as the “Camas Wellness Talk.”

“Camas has a sense of wellness,” she always said. “People here care for each other, and support one another. My heart will always be here. I will forever be a Papermaker.”

And, she loved to sing the Camas High School Fight song.

Call owned the Camas Gallery for the past 14 years. She welcomed visitors to her gallery, located on 4th Avenue, with warmth and enthusiasm and freely shared her historical knowledge of Camas. One visitor claimed Marquita is to Camas what Dolly Parton is to Pigeon Forge, TN.

Call’s first job was at the Ideal Corner Cafe at the age of 15. She also worked at Dairy Queen with classmate Denis Hayes, the International Chairman of Earth Day. She and her friends started the first recycling center in Camas in the late 60s. She taught Sunday School at Zion Lutheran Church for 20 years, where her mother Lenora Gaiani served as superintendent. Her dad, Art Gaiani, built more than 50 homes in Camas. Her grandmother Marie Eymer played piano at the Liberty Theatre when it opened in 1927.

This reporter will always hold a special place in his heart for the great friend that Marquita is. Although she has left mortality, she is not gone, but simply ahead in the journey. She taught people to be strong, resilient, and brave. She was honest and forthright, and I loved giving her the scoop on breaking stories. We will miss her greatly.

She is survived in death by her husband of 28 years, Dennis, her two children, Tom Johnston (Tracy), Jennifer Senescu (Jim), 2 stepchildren Darren Call (Tekla), Denise Hibbard (Joe), sister MelodyGood, and brother Art Gaiani (Karen), and several grandchildren.

Immediately following Call’s service at Journey Church, guests are invited to Shangri-La Farm to celebrate her life. Park at rented Grove Field Airport parking lot in Fern Prairie, 632 NE 267th Ave., Camas, WA. Walk or take a ride on the Sunflower Mobile on a short trail through the woods to Shangri-La.

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Lifetime Camas Resident Gary Perman Running For City Council, Ward 1 Seat

Lacamas Magazine asked businessman, Gary Perman, about his campaign to win the Camas City Council seat, Ward 1.

Why do you want to be on council?

I grew up here in Camas, and things have changed over the years. I have several issues I’m addressing in this campaign, like open communication, taxes, attracting new businesses and jobs to Camas, a common sense business approach, addressing budget issues, and preserving our city’s character and livability.

Taxes going up and nothing seems to stop it, and I think the current and previous councils haven’t paid enough attention to the taxpayer. We don’t pay enough attention to the people with limited incomes. Taxes on utilities keep going up. That’s very concerning to me.

I have the experience and skill sets to do this job, and can bring a strong business perspective to Camas City Council.

What are the top issues of your campaign?

Open Communication

Open communication channels and regular updates on City initiatives and decisions are crucial to rebuilding trust. Residents should have access to information about City government operations, budget allocations, and development plans. Additionally, City officials must ensure that their decisions are fair, unbiased, and align with the best interests of the community.

Taxes

Taxes are a big issue, and it is vital to make Camas an affordable place to live. City officials need to prioritize responsible budgeting and spending to minimize the tax burden on residents, especially those on fixed incomes. Fiscal responsibility and prudent financial management should be the norm to ensure that tax dollars are utilized efficiently and effectively.

Attracting new businesses and jobs to Camas 

It is crucial for economic growth and sustainability that we attract new businesses and jobs to Camas. City officials should actively engage with local businesses and create an environment that is conducive to attracting and retaining businesses. Streamlining regulations, providing incentives, and fostering partnerships with local stakeholders can facilitate business growth and job creation.

Commonsense business approach 

Good business approaches should guide city growth and infrastructure management. Development plans should be balanced, considering the needs of the community, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable growth. City officials should work collaboratively with developers, residents, and other stakeholders to ensure that growth is managed responsibly and in line with the community’s vision.

Budget

Adherence to the city budget is paramount to maintain financial stability. City officials must prioritize accountability in budgeting and avoid unnecessary expenditures. Transparent reporting of budget allocations and expenditures should be readily available to residents to ensure that the City’s financial resources are managed responsibly and in line with community needs.

Preserving Camas’ character and livability 

Preserving our city’s character and livability is crucial for maintaining the unique charm of the city. City officials should take steps to protect natural resources, preserve historical landmarks, and promote sustainable practices. Inclusivity and community engagement should be fostered to ensure that the needs and aspirations of all residents are considered in decision-making.

What is the city doing correctly?

The Parks and Rec department is a good thing. We have an excellent parks system here, and the city has worked hard to lower the homeless issues, like the one we had at Good Park, where we had a lot of homeless people and needles laying around, which became a danger to children, and really everyone. The city’s work eliminated a big mess. 

Now, our neighbors can have picnics there again. We’ve had two this year already.

Who is Gary Perman?

I’m a life-long Camas resident, I graduated Camas High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University. I’ve been married to Becky for 39 years, and we raised our two sons in Camas. I’ve owned and operated PermanTech Search Group, a successful Camas based recruitment business specializing in finding critical talent for the U.S. electric and alternative vehicle industry.

I’ve been a recruiter for 27 years, and it’s taught me how to talk to people, and I feel all people deserve respect.

I’m a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran here in Washougal, and I work on the civil service commission.

If elected, I will prioritize open and transparent communication with citizens, ensuring that important information is shared in a timely and accessible manner. I will work towards increasing citizen participation in public meetings, allowing for meaningful engagement and input on decisions that impact the community. I will also be diligent in managing the city’s budget, prioritizing spending, and opposing unnecessary tax increases.

Furthermore, I will leverage my experience in business and economic development to attract living wage jobs to Camas, promoting economic growth and prosperity for the community. I will also work towards protecting the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods by supporting our law enforcement officers and public safety personnel.

I recognize that the $78 million pool bond and the approval of a rehab center near an elementary school are contentious issues that have raised concerns among citizens. If elected, I will ensure that decisions are made with careful consideration of their impact on the community and with a strong focus on listening to and representing the needs and priorities of the citizens of Camas.

To learn more about Perman’s campaign, visit www.votegaryperman.com

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Stephen Dabasinskas Running For Camas City Council At-Large Seat

Lacamas Magazine interviewed Stephen Dabasinskas, who is running for the Camas City Council At-Large seat being vacated by long-term Camas City Council Member, Don Chaney. 

Why do you want to be on council?

When the pandemic started I had lots of time to study council and what has been happening with the city. I’ve been looking at the mistakes the city is making. I have a lot to bring to city council.

I graduated from UC San Diego with an Economics degree, had a 10-year law enforcement career (two jobs). During that final job I ran a narcotics task force in Orange County that comprised 20 agencies, and it allowed me to work with many jurisdictions. I did a lot of grant writing, and worked on some great legislation. 

I did consulting for the Department of Defense (DOD), and we worked on legislative budgeting while the DOD put on trainings on budgeting all over the country.

Over time, I increased my consulting, and I got involved with a tech company doing CFO consulting services, and have been a CFO and CEO consultant with my company, Innovative Business Resources, for 25 years. 

I’m 58 years old, and our family has lived in Camas since 2018. 

Dabasinskas
From left: Stephen Dabasinskas, Camas Police Chief Tina Jones, and Camas City Council member, Jennifer Senescu at a Coffee With a Cop event.

What are the top issues of your campaign?

Growth and development. We grow for growth’s sake, we don’t do it responsibly. We need to update roads, sewers and electrical, and make infrastructure improvements. 

Environmental. We have the Lacamas Lake cleanup that’s been pending for years. We’ve spent money, we have done consulting, we’ve done more testing. It’s been toxic for many years. All the warnings are there with the algae blooms. With growth comes management of natural resources. The tree canopies, the trails, the things we all like. We need to be hard and fast and hold developers accountable to maintain open spaces. We need to make sure trees are saved and not just replaced.

Financial stewardship. Our city budget is in the hundreds of millions. We need to ensure we use taxpayer money properly. We must make sure we use consultants properly.

Examples: For the Lacamas Lake Roundabout project we spent $2 million on consultants alone. The city administrator was paid $600,000 for 18 months. We spent $390,000 for the Crown Park consultancy. We just need to be better at using them and also review the contracts better. We shouldn’t have open-ended contracts. Sometimes the scope of work isn’t as defined as it should be. We need to do reviews before the bill is paid.

Public Safety. This makes our community great. People are very pleased with the fire and police departments. Our fire department is currently renegotiating with Washougal to ensure everyone is paying their fair share. We need to make sure those departments are funded properly as we grow.

Citizen engagement. People feel like they’re not being heard. It’s supposed to be run by what the citizens want. People’s voices need to be heard. Right now, they use directional surveys to do what they want. The pool bond, the Crown Park splash pad. And, so many people are against North Shore plans. 

We send out surveys and they don’t get a good response. It’s our job to get out and meet with people. It’s been great meeting people and hearing what they have to say.

What three things is the city doing correctly?

  • Police and fire. We have great public safety services. 
  • Camas is doing a better job at fixing smaller issues like the downtown tree plan. 
  • They are re-writing the down sub area plan. This is good. At the heart of it everyone wants to keep Camas like it is. We are trying to make ourselves better. 

Vision

I want Camas to be a better version of ourselves. Focus on downtown, improve our infrastructure, draw more big business for a better tax base for our city. We have high property taxes. We need to find other sources of income is to bring more businesses into Camas. 

To learn more visit: www.stephen4council.com

Dabasinskas
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Camas Mayor Steve Hogan Makes Case For His Re-Election This Fall

Lacamas Magazine interviewed Camas Mayor, Steve Hogan, who is running for re-election this Fall. Here are the questions we asked, and his responses:

What have been your successes as Mayor of Camas?

  • Filled five strategically-important positions left vacant by my predecessor (police chief, fire chief, city administrator, IT director, community development director).
  • Finalized the North Shore Subarea Plan to ensure the area is developed responsibly.
  • Initiated the Downtown Camas Subarea Plan to develop a template for how our downtown will remain the heart of Camas for the next 50 years.
  • Established the Lake Management Plan for Lacamas, Round, and Fallen Leaf Lakes to develop a long-term strategy for lake cleanup.  
  • Overseeing Lacamas Lake Water Quality three-year study
  • Supported the Camas Library with legislative lobbying that secured significant funding for future plans and upgrades.
  • Championed the Riverside Bowl Skatepark renovations and modernization. 
  • Camas was the first city in Clark County to supply police officers with body-worn cameras.
  • AAA gold bond rating awarded by Standard & Poor’s, reflecting our strong economy and management. This improved rating also saves taxpayer money by reducing borrowing costs.
  • GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for clarity and transparency for the city’s $100 million budget. Reestablished partnership relationships with key groups: Camas Schools, Clark      County, Washington State Legislature, U.S. House, Senate, and Commerce Department, Port of Camas-Washougal, Columbia River Economic Development Council, Washougal and other area cities, Private and non-profit sectors.
  • Camas rated #1 safest suburb city in Washington State.
  • Camas rated#18 most affordable safe suburb city in the U.S. Learn more here. 
  • Rated best city to raise a family and retire in Washington State.
  • Camas rated #2 safest city in Washington State (2022).

Why are you running for a full second term?

Camas is a safe, beautiful, and welcoming place to live, work, and play. There’s a sense of community, as small town feel, and a closer connection to nature. Top-ranked schools, a charming downtown, year-round community events, and easy access to trails, lakes, and green spaces are among the many reasons we have chosen to make Camas our home.  I am running for mayor to help make sure that we continue to make this City great for our grandkids in the future.

What are your priorities for the next four years?

Why should the voters re-elect Steve Hogan?

The past two years have proven that my 40 years of business experience have both stabilized and made significant improvements to our City.  In our Strong Mayor form of government, experience handling complex government organizations can mean the difference between effective government and chaotic operations.  It is important to elect people who have experience on day one.  In the past 5 years, we have seen how easy it is to create chaos when Mayors are not prepared for the job.  I am prepared for the job and the past two years clearly show how experience matters for good governance.

What are you most proud of in the city of Camas?

The things that make me proud of our City include:

  • Our smart growth
  • Our financial management
  • Our school district
  • The national and international companies who have made their home here
  • The access to nature throughout the City for all of our citizens.
  • Our downtown restoration and flourishing over the past 20 years.

What is your vision of Camas over the next 20 years?

My vision for Camas includes retaining its charm and safety while restoring and protecting natural resources for future generations. Among the priorities:

  • Ensure Camas remains an open, inclusive community with a “home-town” feel.
  • Keep Camas a safe placefor all citizens.
  • Attract and retain companies that provide living wage jobs for our citizens.  If you live in Camas, you will have the opportunity to work in Camas.
  • Provide housing options that are affordable to citizens.
  • Restore Lacamas Lake to enable a full range of recreational uses. 
  • Implementation of sensible land use plans with smart development rules.
  • Provide and protect our trails and greenspaces, ensuring a sustainable balance of land use that supports healthy outdoor experiences that Camasonians cherish.
  • Provide public parks and facilities that meet the needs and budgets of a family-based community.
  • Maintain high standards for environmental cleanup of abandoned industrial land in compliance with state and federal law.
  • Support the Camas Library literacy program and facility upgrades, and the maximization of funding from legislative lobbying, including:
    • Plans for a Children’s Learning Hive in the Children’s Library with an Early Learning Center, STEM lab, and outdoor creative space.
    • Upgrades to the library facility including roofing, life safety, and accessibility. 

What are you doing to help clean up Lacamas Lake?

  • The first algae blooms appeared on Lacamas Lake in 2020.  Since no other government agency was reacting to the blooms, I proposed to the City Council that our government agency should become the first responder to the safety issues within the lakes.  The Council agreed that our City should take the lead to try to eliminate the algae issue.
  • We began by working with Clark County since they technically were in charge of the lake.  The County made their staff available to help us understand the history of the lake.
  • The County also helped us to bring in other agencies that could help us try to understand potential ways to improve the lake water quality.  These groups the County brought in to discuss the issues included:
    • Clark County water quality staff
    • Clark County Health Department
    • Washington State Department of Ecology
    • Washington State Department of Natural Resources
    • Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
    • The Army Corps of Engineers
  • Our City staff met several times with these agencies.  They were very helpful.  But, at the beginning, they did not have money available to help us.
  • We attempted to get Clark County to form an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Camas.  The County offered to help but, when they put together the Interlocal Agreement, they declined to offer any funding.  As a result, the Mayor at that time decided we might as well work with the State legislature and the Department of Ecology to get funding to help our efforts.
  • I personally got involved with lobbying the State Legislators to seek money to help us deal with the algae issues within the lake.
  • The legislators came through and secured money from the Department of Ecology.  It was the Department of Ecology who defined how we would move forward to clean up the Lacamas Lake system.
  • The Department of Ecology decided that the City of Camas would test the water in the Lake system and that the Department of Ecology would examine the 67 square mile watershed leading into Lacamas Lake.
  • The City of Camas has just completed the water quality assessment using the testing techniques defined by the Department of Ecology.  Unfortunately, the Department of Ecology did not complete their portion of the study of the watershed.  We are awaiting their completion and presentation of their report.
  • The City is in the process of explaining to the City Council and the community what our portion of the study has revealed.  Unfortunately, we need the testing reports from the Department of Ecology to complete the actual plan on how to address the restoration of the Lake.
  • We are hoping to partner with multiple agencies to address the restoration and improvement of the Lacamas Lake system.  Here is a partial list of who we would like to partner with us on restoration of the lake:
    • Clark County
      • Health Department
      • Water Quality Department
      • Stormwater Department
    • Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
    • Washington Department of Natural Resources
    • Washington Department of Agriculture
    • Army Corps of Engineers
    • Conservation organizations
    • Nonprofits associated with preservation wetland, critical areas and improvement of water 
    • Camas school district
    • WSU Vancouver
    • Clark College

So, we are beginning to seek better understanding of the root causes of the lake problems as well as both short-term and long-term steps we can implement to restore of lake system for future recreational uses.

Are taxes too high in Camas?

For some Camas citizens, the taxes are too high.

Learn more at https://www.electstevehogan.com/#

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Randal Friedman Explains Why He’s Running For Camas Mayor

Randal Friedman answered Lacamas Magazine questions about his candidacy. He’s presently in a race to be Camas Mayor against incumbent Steve Hogan.

Why do you want to be mayor? 

I want to be Camas Mayor to bring our government back to our community and neighborhoods, and not serve special interests. I want to bring a new and needed vision to our city’s future. This vision is not the four-year term of a mayor, but a four-decade view on the Camas we leave behind for the future. I have a lifetime of problem solving, connecting and creating common ground on issues, and the passion to solve problems instead of kicking them down the road. One of my duties as the Navy’s advocate in California was looking four decades out at how California’s direction could impact military training and operations vital to our nation’s defense. I was successful in doing so, and bring those skills to Camas. 

What are the top three issues of your campaign?

  1. A safer and livable community. Ensuring that every resident, regardless of their background, can find a safe, secure and reasonably priced place to call home is crucial to a thriving community.
  2. Thriving Camas Lake and Forests. The restoration, preservation and enhancement of our natural gems into clean, vibrant, sources of pride for Camas is essential.
  3. Mill cleanup and future planning. We must plan for the Camas Mill’s future use in a way that aligns with our city’s needs and aspirations.

What three things is the city doing correctly? 

  1. Our own independent library. It took some work, but we reap the benefits of hard work by citizens to build and maintain our independent library. I’m a huge believer in libraries as sacred and neutral ground where a city comes together to learn, discuss, and have aspirations for the future. Our library has done special programing on issues in the past, and I will bring them back. We need to be looking four decades out for our future, and thank goodness we have our library to be part of that process.
  2. Consistent with looking four decades out, Camas has done a good job acquiring open space for our future. The Legacy Lands, open spaces in Forest Home, Ostenson Canyon, and Green Mountain are part of our future now. I would continue to look for opportunities, and start a conversation on how best to use them to serve our needs.
  3. The Lacamas Lodge is a gem in an incredible setting. It’s a gathering place for city and community events. It is there for classes. It embodies what we need as a city and is a model for the future as our population grows. 

What three things is the city not doing correctly? 

  1. Understanding the difference between listening and hearing. More and more I hear people fed up with making the effort to do surveys, attend workshops, and speak out only to see nothing happen beyond what the city/and our consultants recommend. A community pool is the prime example. Why does it feel like the community is being punished for stating unequivocally that while they want a pool, they do not want one that will place the city in debt, and will require fees out of reach to many of our most challenged households. The public sentiment is clear. Why four years after the 90 percent rejection of the pool bonds is a simple pool ten years out? 
  2. Growth management. Developers run the table and the city doesn’t negotiate. Even when something right was done to save trees, for example, the developer threatened litigation and we folded. On the other hand, when the community rose and actually litigated an issue, the city spent our money to fight the community. The City’s survey made clear the city is on the wrong track with growth management. 
  3. Respecting our newer residents. Half of Camas is made of people living here 10 years or less. They are constantly reminded that they haven’t lived here long enough to earn an opinion. This is wrong. People who moved here made a decision to uproot their lives and start a new one. They bring with them a new set of experiences, and an appreciation of problems that seem headed for Camas. Their opinions and ideas must count the same as any other resident but they don’t. New residents are not just an ATM machine for getting building impact fees and a variety of other revenue. They are creating new neighborhoods, and are the future of our city. They are the households with young families that are concerned about the Camas their children and grandchildren will inherit. They matter and must be part of governance. They feel they don’t belong.

How should the city handle mill cleanup? 

The Washington Department of Ecology has made something clear: the level of cleanup is based on future uses envisioned by the city. Rather than leave it to a private conversation between Ecology and Koch Industries, as the Mayor recently stated, and then have that agreement “explained” to the public, the public deserves the “seat at the table” we successfully fought for during Covid. The Community Advisory Committee has done a fantastic job starting a conversation about the mill’s future, and the importance of this to guide the cleanup. Unfortunately that spirit has been lost by a city still living in the mill’s shadow and acting like we are still a “mill town”. We also need to acknowledge this is more than a local issue. We are custodians of ancestral lands of Native Americans. As the Yakama Nation provided to me in a resolution I proposed to Council: “the cleanup of the Camas Mill Site and the restoration of natural resources impacted by the past, current, and future releases of hazardous waste in order to make the public whole and further tribal Treaty rights.” 

How should the city handle Lacamas Lake cleanup? 

Leading by example. The Lacamas Shores biofitler has become the unfortunate symbol of decades of general neglect of the lake. What was once a tremendous victory for Camas’ early non-governmental organization, the city looked the other way as it was abandoned and now pollutes the lake every time it rains. It doesn’t have to be this way. Through leadership on fixing this biofilter, we can move forward with the County, state, and work with other pollution sources to clean. We will have shown them our willingness to first clean the only known direct source of pollution into the lake. We are walking the walk. Come join us. We need to stop kicking the can down the road as some are saying and be willing to try some solutions. Maybe they won’t work the first time, but there is science out there strongly suggesting solutions. Unfortunately, we continue down the road of falling back to more study. 

You can learn more about Friedman’s campaign at: https://www.whatcamaswants.com

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Champ Pizza Donates Pizza Bites at Football Games to Raise Funds

As locally owned Champ Pizza continues to grow, its owner, Tyson Cook, has decided to donate pizza bites to local high school football game concessions stands at no cost to the schools. These local athletic boosters are able to sell the pizza bites at 100 percent profit. 

Champ Pizza also provides a team dinner to one team each season.

“Champ Pizza also provides one free team dinner to each high school sports team and clubs each season when they reach out to us,” Cook said.

The pizza bites program is brand new.

“As long as the money goes directly back to the athletic programs, we will keep doing this for the foreseeable future,” said Cook. “We are testing it out with football and currently it’s going very well.”

So far these schools: Prairie, Battle Ground, Camas, Rex Putnam, and Fort Vancouver, are participating in the program.  All receive pizza bites 100 percent free so that all proceeds go to their local athletic programs. 

“We provide the food and paper goods,” said Cook. “Camas made $700 during their first game selling those. Prairie made $500 the first game. Rex Putnam made $400.  Profit margins aren’t always great for concessions so this helps them out a lot. The pizza bites are made in our Camas store.”

Cook says he’d rather give money to support our kids to help them raise funds, “because if we take care of them it will take care of us in the long term. We live to serve the community. That’s where our funds are being shifted to support our high school kids.” 

The program requires very little manpower. It only takes one person to serve them out. The concessions teams train their kids, and they are able to instruct others. They did a good job of training the high school kids to work with them.

“They’re a great addition to the concession’s menu!,” said Lisa Schneider, who is part of the Camas Athletics Boosters Club.

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Shangri-La Farm Announces September 30th Hootenanny for Lahaina Fundraiser

Fern Prairie, WA — For more than a decade, Shangri-La Farm has hosted an end of summer celebration known as its famous annual Hootenanny. But this year, the event will transform into a fundraiser on Saturday, September 30th from 5-9pm to benefit the Maui Strong Fund. This fund provides financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people and places affected by the Maui wildfires. 

As of September 14th, $120,730,844 has been donated to the Maui Strong Fund which is administrated through the Hawaii Community Foundation.

“The public is invited to attend this event at our Shangri-La Farm,” said organizer Liz Pike. “Attendees will be treated to a delicious western BBQ dinner and homemade pie. We encourage folks to wear their cowboy or Aloha attire for an evening of fun, music and dancing.” 

Tickets are $40 per person and advance registration is required by September 25th. A limit of 200 tickets will be sold. To RSVP, please text or call Pike at (360) 281-8720 or email: PikeAdvertising@comcast.net . Pre-pay $40 per person with Venmo to Shangri-La Farm or pay $40 at the door. All net proceeds from the event will be sent to Maui Strong Fund.

The Hootenanny features live music by Kista Roberts and Whiskey Blue Band. Guests are also encouraged to bring $5 and $20 bills to play Chicken Poop Bingo.

“My ties to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands run deep,” said Pike. “I lived on the Island of Oahu for about ten years and my twin children were born in Honolulu in 1989. Like most Americans, my husband Neil and I have enjoved vacations in the Hawaiian Islands. When we heard about the horrific wildfires on Maui, we decided this year’s Hootenanny should be about helping those in need.”

Guests will park at Grove Field Airport, 632 NE 267th Avenue, Camas. The Port of Camas Washougal is contributing the use of the Grove Field airport parking lot for this fundraising event to partner with Shangri-La Farm to benefit Maui Strong Fund. From the airport, follow the meandering trail 1/4 mile through the woods to Shangri-La Farm or take a fun ride on the free Sunflower Mobile shuttle to the farm.

For more information, contact Liz Pike at Tel. (360) 281-8720 or email

pikeadvertising@comcast.net

Downtown Camas
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Harvest Festival Celebrates End of 16th Camas Farmer’s Market Season

Camas, WA — The community is invited to celebrate the bounty of the season at the Camas Farmer’s Market Harvest Festival on Wednesday, September 27th from 3 pm-7 pm. This event marks the end of the 2023 season for the market, hosted in historic Downtown Camas. The festival features fall themed games, décor and photo ops alongside local farmed produce and flowers, artisan foods, and diverse dinner options. The Harvest Festival is located at 625 NE 4th Avenue, in front of the Camas Library.

Shoppers have shown their affinity for shopping local and supporting local food systems throughout this year’s 18-week market season. The Camas Farmer’s Market saw record highs for attendance and many vendors enjoyed record sales, despite multiple days of high temperatures. The sustainably harvested farm-to-table produce, flowers, and honey, in addition to hand crafted artisan foods including pasta sauce, nut butters, kombucha, and wide variety of international cuisines, have been a winning combination for vendors and shoppers alike. 

All vendors accept cash and credit cards at their booths, and participating farms also accept WIC/Senior benefits cards. SNAP beneficiaries can start their shopping trip at the Information Booth at the corner of 4th and Everett, to take advantage of the SNAP Market Match Program, where they can receive up to $25 additional match dollars for fresh market produce.

The festival will feature market favorite musician Terry Baber from 3 pm-7 pm. Terry has been playing steel pan drum for nearly 20 years. Listeners will enjoy his relaxed island-inspired steel drum classics. The market will feature a variety of delicious dinner options, including Greek options from Getta Gyro authentic Mexican inspired fare from Razo’s Tacos, empanadas from Melted Crumbs, and hot pretzels from XYZ Baked Goods. Festival Goers looking for a sweet treat will find no shortage of artisan baked goods, such as European baked goods from Camas Market and Bakery, finely decorated cookies from Blue Gem Bakery, and rice crispy treats and other goodies from truly scrumptious. Games and activities for all ages will be offered, including a raffle for a grand prize of a wagon full of local produce and treats, donated by Camas Farmer’s Market vendors. Kids can enjoy free face painting from Mandi Moon Artistry. Games include pumpkin bowling, corn hole, and a harvest spinning wheel.

Downtown Camas

At its core, the Harvest Festival is a celebration of local farmers. The market hosted over 20 unique farms in 2023. Some farmers, like Dan and Caroline Swansey from Yacolt Farm, have been in the market for over 10 seasons. This year also brought opportunities for vendors that are new to farming, including artisan mushroom grower Rod Seal from Shroom’n 2 U. Visitors are encouraged to shop, dine, and connect with their community at the final market of the season.

“We are so excited to celebrate the end of the Market and harvest season with the community!” says Shannon Van Horn, President of the Camas Farmer’s Market Board of Directors. “We are very grateful for all the support from our sponsors, the City of Camas, and our customers! It was wonderful to see how many people still braved all weather conditions to support all their local farmers and other vendors!  Please join us for a fun celebration to round out our 16th season, and we look forward to seeing you again in Spring 2024!”

The Camas Farmer’s Market is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides local and sustainable foods to the community of Camas and beyond. For more information, visit camasfarmersmarket.org. Follow the market on Facebook or Instagram. Get up to date information about events and vendors from the Camas Farmer’s Market newsletter, click here to sign up.

Written by Downtown Camas Association.

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Downtown Camas Association Receives 2023 Main Street Accreditation

Camas, WA — The Downtown Camas Association has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

“We are very proud to acknowledge this year’s 862 Accredited Main Street America programs, and their steadfast dedication to nurture economically and culturally vibrant downtown districts,” said Hannah White, Interim President & CEO of Main Street America. “The increase in the size and impact of our network speaks volumes to the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of local communities and drive innovative solutions.”

In 2022, Main Street America programs generated $6.2 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 7,657 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 29,174 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,688 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,528,535 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $24.07 of new investment back into their downtown communities.

Collectively, 2 million people live or work within the boundaries of designated Main Street America districts. An estimated workforce of 1.1 million people contribute their skills and expertise to advancing the missions of these historic downtowns and commercial corridors.

Downtown Camas Association’s performance is annually evaluated by Washington Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet national performance standards. To qualify for Accreditation status, communities must meet a set of rigorous standards that include commitments to building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.

Downtown Camas

In 2022, The Downtown Camas Association (DCA) saw over $475,000 in private investment in downtown building upgrades, 4 new businesses and 6 business expansions, record attendance at First Friday events, and 3083 recorded volunteer hours. Ridgeline lighting upgrades and installations were organized and funded by the DCA on 26 downtown buildings enhancing the evening aesthetic that Downtown Camas is well known for, earning a State Excellence on Main Award. The Downtown Camas Bench Program was launched, 64 flower baskets provided vibrant color throughout downtown, and a stunning new student mural on the Camas Antiques building was completed thanks to mentorship by the DCA and local artist Anna Norris. For further information on DCA impacts, see downtowncamas.com/dca

“We are very proud and honored to be a part of the Main Street America Community,” says Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association. “We consider the standards that are held by Main Street America to be the ones that help guide our organization to reach the heights that will truly help our community be healthy, strong and sustainable. Having methods that are proven and a network of people and resources to reach out to as needed are invaluable. The DCA has been accredited through Main Street America since 2017 and they consistently offer new, relevant learning opportunities and are conducting and reporting community research to help us all grow.”

ABOUT DOWNTOWN CAMAS ASSOCIATION

The Downtown Camas Association (DCA) works year-round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. The DCA is a 501c3 nonprofit Main Street program founded in 2009 and is proud of the economic, social and cultural strength in Downtown Camas that has developed due to downtown revitalization efforts. For more information on the DCA and its initiatives, visit www.downtowncamas.com.  

Written by Downtown Camas Association.

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Camas Teachers Agree to 6.4% Pay Increase, Smaller Class Size, Equity Funding

Camas, WA—  Members of Camas Education Association (CEA) voted Thursday to ratify a new two-year deal, ending a strike that lasted seven days that is causing a rippling effect in the school calendar.

Teachers went back to the classroom Friday.

Camas School District (CSD) negotiated with the CEA that class sizes will be reduced over the next two years to between 21-24 students for elementary students, and secondary school sizes are supposed to shift to having a baseline and maximum sizes for each class.

The new deal also sought equity in PE, music and arts funding across CSD schools, and the agreement “establishes a resource fund that is distributed on a per-student basis” that goes up to $140,000 during the 2025-26 school year.

A teacher raise was also agreed upon. In this school year, their pay will increase by 6.4 percent and another 6.6 percent in the 2024-25 school year. Union officials wanted 8.9 percent, and the District said publicly that 5.7 percent was their final and best offer. 

“Quick Summary: Two year contract with salary increase spread out over those two years,” said Shelley Lee, a Camas teacher, and former CEA President. “Phased in classroom reductions over next two years. Letter of agreement for three years for earmarked money for PE, health, library, and music. Lots more to the overall CBA but those were the three sticking points at the end. Overall I think CEA feels like this contract is fair and moves us forward. It’s time now to work together to pass the next levy which will continue to benefit our students.”

The debate ended, but lingering hurt feelings may there a while. 

“We’re tired,” said Mark Gardner, a Camas teacher. “This never should have happened, and we should have started negotiating with the District in March, not May.”

During the process, the school board voted to authorize legal action against the teachers if the strike lingered. And, it was the end of a very challenging first year for Camas Superintendent John Anzalone, who also oversaw budget cuts in the Spring.

“This contract reflects our shared dedication to providing the best possible educational experience for our students,” Anzalone said in a statement after the deal was ratified. “Our teachers are not just educators; they are mentors, role models, and often, beacons of stability for our students. Their love for teaching and their unwavering dedication to their students are the very qualities that excite me for our students’ futures and the future of our district.”

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