Camas, WA — The Camas School District and the Camas Education Association have come to a tentative agreement. Pending ratification of the agreement tomorrow, school is expected to resume on Friday, September 8.
Here’s the statement from Camas Superintendent John Anzalone:
Dear Camas Community,
We are happy to share that the Camas Education Association (CEA) and our district have tentatively agreed on a new, two-year collective bargaining contract. On behalf of our more than 1,000 staff members, we are excited to welcome back our students on Friday, September 8, 2023, subject to ratification of the contract tomorrow.
We want to express deep appreciation for our dedicated teachers and the negotiation teams who worked tirelessly to reach an agreement that reflects our shared commitment to our students’ well-being and educational experience.
The first day of school is always a special time, filled with anticipation and the promise of new opportunities. Thank you for your continued support, trust, and partnership.
Together, we create an environment where our students can thrive and succeed.
We wish you and your family a fantastic start to the
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/06224917/IMG_8865-scaled-e1694065794841.jpeg12802560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-09-06 22:53:522023-09-06 22:54:00Camas Schools, CEA Reach Tentative Agreement, School to Start Friday
Camas Gallery together with Pike Art Gallery will be hosting the newly renamed “Marquita Call Memorial Plein-air Event of Camas” on Friday, September 1, 2023. Marquita Call, owner of Camas Gallery and founder of the annual Plein-air art event, passed away unexpectedly on August 29th.
“Our community is still reeling from the news of Marquita’s death,” said Liz Pike, local artist and longtime friend of Marquita. “Marquita was loved by all who knew her. Since opening her Camas Gallery in 2010, she quickly became the unofficial Mayor of Camas because of her passion for the city and its residents. Having grown up in Camas, she was a living history book for the town. Her quick wit, million dollar smile and can-do attitude touched the lives of so many. Camas residents and visitors alike were welcomed as family, once inside Marquita’s Camas Gallery.”
Pike noted it is both fitting and necessary to rename the event to honor Call. According to Pike, Call was a driving force to reignite fine art in downtown Camas. Undaunted by the Great Recession, Call marched ahead to open what would become the most popular art gallery in town.
“Through her work at the gallery, Marquita helped launch the successful art careers of many local artists,” said Pike. “With grit and grace, she was a one-woman, non-stop promoter of local artists and the arts in our community.”
Marquita founded the Plein-air art event several years ago to help connect the Camas community to local art. Since its humble beginnings, more and more artists participate each year on the first Friday of September. Marquita believed such an event would attract people to downtown Camas and help struggling merchants during those lean times of the economic downturn.
Participating local artists will take to the streets beginning at 9 am to paint the town this Friday, September 1st. Artists must start and finish their respective plein-air art between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm on September 1. Beginning at 4 pm, artists will move their easels and finished art to the sidewalk area in front of Camas Gallery, 408 NE Fourth Avenue, where the public may view all of the finished art in one location. As in past years, the community will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite finished work of plein-air art and also purchase any of the pieces for a flat rate of $200 each from 5 pm to 7:30 pm on Friday, September 1st.
Proceeds from the sale of all plein-air pieces will be split between the selling artist and Camas Gallery.
Artists may pick up an application form to participate in the newly named “Marquita Call Memorial Plein-air Event of Camas” at Camas Gallery, 408 NE Fourth Avenue or at the Pike Art Gallery at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Birch Street in #UptownCamas, 302 NE Sixth Avenue. All artist applications must be returned with a $10 entree fee to Camas Gallery no later than 9 am on September 1st.
For more information or questions about the plein-air event, contact Liz Pike at 360.281.8720.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/30192017/IMG_8627-scaled.jpeg13322560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-08-30 19:28:512023-08-30 19:29:04Friday’s Art Festival Renamed ‘Marquita Call Memorial Plein-Air Event of Camas’
Camas School District Superintendent John Anzalone announced Sunday evening that Camas schools will be closed Monday.
This is his letter:
Dear Camas Community,
Camas Education Association (CEA) has informed our district that there will be no school tomorrow. They are striking.
Today, CEA presented a comprehensive proposal with higher than previously requested salary increases as well as lower than previously requested class sizes. Our district’s bargaining team is disappointed that CA is regressing.
Our district has presented its last, best, and final offer. In it, we offered to raise salaries in 2023 by 5.7% and in 2024 by 5.9%. Our district’s proposal would make CEA teachers among the highest-paid educators in the region. Our highest-paid teachers would earn over $118.363 in 2023-24 and $124,991 in 2024-25.
Conversely, CEA’s request puts the highest-paid salaries from $121,653 for 2023-24 up to $129,746 for 2024-25.
CEA’s request in its third year of the contract would put the highest-paid teachers at $135,886.
The latest information is available on our Labor Relations website.
We are incredibly disappointed in the outcome of these negotiations.
Sincerely,
John Anzalone
Statement from CEA: “Because Camas School District was unwilling to invest in students, CEA members will strike beginning Monday, Aug. 28, the first day of student instruction. Bargaining broke off for the day today (Sunday, Aug. 27) after the district refused to make commitments to reasonable class sizes or equitable funding for music, PE, and libraries. The district is instead stockpiling nearly 1 out of every 5 student dollars, amassing $15 million in the bank while student needs are unmet. Educators are meeting tonight (Sunday, Aug. 27) to make final preparations for picketing in the morning.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/25170215/IMG_8389-scaled.jpeg19202560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-08-27 18:58:412023-08-27 18:58:53Camas Schools Announce No School Monday; Negotiations Stall at 5.7% COLA
While late negotiations between the Camas Education Association (CEA) and Camas School District (CSD) bargaining teams continue, educators and community members rallied Friday at 11:30 am for about 45 minutes to have their voices heard. Both sides are working today to iron out a tentative agreement that would avoid a teacher’s strike on Monday, August 28, the first day of the new school year.
Rally supporters heard from CEA President Marci Zabel, the union’s Vice President, Michael Sanchez, as well as among others. Lacamas Magazine also spoke to former CEA President Shelly Lee.
The CEA voted this week to authorize a strike if a tentative agreement isn’t reached by August 28, which is the first day of school.
“Both CEA and our district negotiation teams are hard at work finding solutions that provide needed supports for students and staff, as well as competitive, sustainable compensation. It is our fervent hope that we can solidify an agreement as soon as possible,” said Dr. John Anzalone, Camas Superintendent.
The CEA claims the District is holding $16 million in reserves that aren’t being used to help students. Earlier this year, the Camas School Board voted to use $8.5 million in reserve funding, which helped offset Spring layoffs.
So, how much reserves does CSD have?
The $8.5 million spend down of reserves started this year:
2022-23: $3.0M
2023-24: $2.7M
2024-25: $2.8M, with an anticipated 8% minimum fund balance.
CSD will end the current fiscal year on August 31, 2023, with a fund balance of 10.3 percent ($12.8M). And, many teachers who were laid off were able to be hired back.
“Most of the teachers who received reduction in force notices (RIF) in the spring shifted to other positions in the district based on seniority and teaching endorsements,” said Doreen McKercher, CSD Communications Director. “We then hired a few positions back after the legislative session was completed, and we were allocated additional funding.”
Lower Class Sizes: Proposing lower class sizes in key areas, such as Kindergarten. The CEA says Camas School District (CSD) returned their proposal by suggesting schools raise class numbers for grades 4 and 5. CEA is proposing teachers get compensated for exceptionally large classes at all secondary levels in order to discourage creating huge classes.
Camas High School teacher, Tom Sawyer, says his classes are typically 38-40 students, which he says is “hard to manage.”
Cost of Living Allowance, or COLA: CEA wants CSD to honor the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which has been in their contract for three years, and was bargained for in 2020. CEA says “… the District wants to switch to the Implicit Price Deflator (IPD). Last year, CPI (5%) was lower than IPD (5.5%) and CEA didn’t push back.”
CSD is offering a 4.7% COLA at this time. CEA is asking for more (an exact amount has not been given).
McKercher confirmed: “It is 4.7% on salary, increased Professional Development, and an extra ½ day for training on Qmlative. (Qmlativ is the student information system that is replacing Skyward next summer.)”
Consistent Language around Work Hours: CEA wants their contract to include clarity around fundamental information such as work day start and end times. CEA says “This would also help to ensure equitable experiences across all of our buildings. Having reasonable and realistic start and ending times supports effective collaboration and preparation for our students.”
Manageable Student Caseloads: CEA proposes caseloads that allow Special Education teams to effectively provide student support and additional inclusive opportunities.
Protect Curriculum Planning Time: CEA says CSD wants to take away several additional Wednesday planning periods.
“No, our District has proposed giving teachers more prep and collaboration time, and the parties have reached a tentative agreement on this issue,” said McKercher.
CEA says: “While this impacts all members, it comes at the highest cost to our elementary members. Our highly educated and experienced educators need time to plan, create essential lessons, and collaborate with peers to best serve all students they serve.”
Equitable Funds for Student Resources: CEA says CSD has an obligation to invest in student programs, but they’re leaving distribution of funds for music, library, and PE at principals’ discretion. That means students have wildly different experiences in these classes. CEA wants these funds to be distributed equitably among buildings and programs.
The general fund budget for the District is $119.9 million for the 2023-24 school year.
Lacamas Magazine will provide updates as these negotations continue.
Bridge Beyond, a new band featuring Jason Ingram and Steve Dole, is performing live in front of Nuestra Mesa this Friday, August 4 from 5- 8 pm.
Ingram, a local firefighter and longtime Camas resident, set aside his music career for 20 years to raise his sons, teamed up with Dole to collaborate. Dole plays guitar, while Ingram does vocals, piano, and guitar.
“I was working as a musician in the 90s, put out an album and even had air time on the radio,” said Ingram. “As a two piece, we are doing a lot of harmonies, and we are doing an acoustic set. This is a unique sound for what we’re playing. Music is what I’ve been my whole life, and I need to get back into it.”
The name, Bridge Beyond, has a lot of connotations. It’s a bridging of two people from different ages, and also relating to people and connecting with others through music. Bridge Beyond, Ingram says, is symbolic is that there is no end to what their music together can do to connect people.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/04141319/IMG_7283-e1691183853802.jpeg5201284Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-08-04 14:18:252023-08-04 14:18:33Bridge Beyond Band to Play in Front of Nuestra Mesa For Camas First Friday
Camas, WA — Incumbent Camas mayor Steve Hogan announced this week that he is seeking a second term. Hogan won the November 2021 election to finish the term of Barry McDonnell, who resigned earlier that year. He now seeks a full four-year term which would begin in January 2024.
“We’ve accomplished a lot in a short time,” Hogan said, “but there’s much more work to do.”
Hogan cites several accomplishments in his short tenure, including:
Protecting Camas’ natural resources by completing plans for North Shore Subarea and Lacamas Lake
Repairing key partnerships with local businesses and schools
Strengthening public involvement and reinstitution a culture of empowerment, transparency, accountability and public service
Earning awards for safety, affordability and public budgeting, and a Global AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s
Hogan’s campaign has made his experience in both business and government key focuses. Camas’ mayor acts as CEO, managing more than 280 employees and a $125 million budget. Hogan has over 40 years in private sector business management, 16 years on Camas City Council, and two years as Camas mayor.
Another focus is partnerships.
“Steve’s a team builder,” says former mayor Nan Henriksen, who endorses Hogan and chairs his re-election advisory committee. “He brings people together to get things done—important things the city can’t do all on its lonesome.”
A third focus is his vision for Camas’ future.
“My vision for the next four years,” Hogan says, “is for a safe, livable and thriving city—not just for today, but for future generations.”
Hogan, a 29-year Camas resident, is proud that both his children chose to raise their own families here, a few short blocks from the house he and his wife, Mary Beth, call home.
Other priorities include protecting Camas’ parks, trails and green spaces; implementing the North Shore, Lacamas Lake, and Downtown Camas Comprehensive plans with open, transparent public involvement processes; continuing to diversify and expand the city’s revenue base with balanced, sustainable development; and ensuring that Camas remains an open, inclusive community with a hometown feel.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/28131704/Hogan_Downtown-e1690575460178.jpeg10572251Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-07-28 13:21:182023-07-28 13:21:28Camas Mayor Steve Hogan Seeking Second Term in Office
Camas, WA — For the 29th year, Camas Parks & Recreation is set to host the popular Summer Concerts in the Park series in Crown Park, with a few additional musical performances popping up at other venues. Our Summer Concerts offer family-friendly performances in a variety of musical styles.
The free Summer Concerts in the Park will take place Thursdays in July, with concerts taking place the 13 and 20 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Crown Park, located at 120 NE 17th Ave.
On Thursday, July 27, the music turns into a fun DJ/radio format to kick off the celebration at the Riverside Skatepark Grand Re-opening. Additional pop-up concerts will take place August 8 at Crown Park and August 15 at Fallen Leaf Lake Park.
Pa’Lante with their fiery salsa and Latin jazz will be the featured show July 13. On July 20, Shades of Huey brings your favorite Huey Lewis and the News music to the stage. Then, July 27, we move to the Riverside Skatepark to celebrate the re-design and grand re-opening with SameWave Radio (special time from 4- 7 pm.). August 8 will take us to Crown Park to hear The June Bugs for their crowd-loving high energy pop music blended with a folksy sound. And, if you loved attending last year’s concert at Fallen Leaf Lake Park, we’ll be returning there August 15 with the 4 Kings playing their soul-jazz and groove sounds.
Natalia’s Too! food concession will be available at most of the concerts. You can support your local restaurants by purchasing take-out meals from a variety of Downtown Camas restaurants or from Top Burger, located across the street from the park. Picnic dinners are always welcome.
The Summer Concerts in the Park series is coordinated by Camas Parks and Recreation. The concerts are offered to the public for free due to the generous support and sponsorships from Riverview Community Bank and Camas Parks Foundation.
No alcohol, dogs or other animals are allowed in the park. For concert details, closer to the events, visit www.cityofcamas.us/parksrec and click on “Special Events.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20114300/Concerts-in-the-Park-23-e1689878629982.jpg5111274Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-07-20 11:50:012023-07-20 11:50:14Annual Camas Summer Concerts in the Park Series Continues
Camas, WA – The organizers of First Fridays in Downtown Camas are excited to bring you a new and colorful First Friday theme for August. “Camas Comic Con” will take place on August 4, 5 pm-8 pm and will celebrate fandom of many different pop culture phenomena for an evening of photo ops, cosplay, special guests, games, art, crafts, interactive activities and more. Fandom will include comics, sci-fi, cosplay, anime, Disney, fantasy, and everything in between. If you are a fan of it, it counts! This free event has something for all ages and is organized and hosted by the Downtown Camas Association(DCA).
Start your evening at the DCA tables inside Journey, 304 NE 4th to pick up your Camas Comic Con Passport & Activity list. The first 500 people to check in will receive a free Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters comic book, donated by local PDX comic publisher Oni Press. Family friendly costumes are highly encouraged for this event. Attendees will each get a Comic Con Costume bingo card to try to complete throughout the evening, with categories like Marvel, DC, Disney, Ghostbusters, Star Wars, Star Trek, Anime and more. Secret costume judges will be wandering throughout downtown, giving out chances to win a special prize to those who go above and beyond with their Comic Con cosplay attire.
The PDX Ghostbusters, a donation-based charity cosplay group, will be hosting a slime-making activity for kids of all ages. This activity has been generously sponsored by 4Ever Growing Kids Children’s Consignment Boutique. PDX Ghostbusters will also be bringing their Ecto-1S, a replica of the car used in the Ghostbusters movies. Find the Ghostbusters from 5pm-8pm outside 4Ever Growing Kids at 440 NE 4th.
Other Camas Comic Con First Friday activities include:
“Fandom Fun!” Passport Activity with fandom trivia and puzzles throughout downtown businesses–enter to win prizes for every location you visit.
Speed Pin Trading sponsored by the DCAinside the lobby at Fuel Medical from 5pm-7pm or while supplies last. Participants will each receive 5 free fandom pins to start and will check out new pins on 10 different display boards—you will have 30 seconds at each board to trade a pin or pass!
Light Saber Lessons and comic book art activity from the talented people at Torchsong Entertainment
Kawaii Doodle Challenge–learn to draw a “Kawaii” (Japanese for cute) style doodle and get a free chibi style Joe Papermaker sticker, designed by local artist and recent WHS graduate Stella Van Horn
Selfie Stations throughout downtown, with themes like Marvel, Pop Art, Disney, and more
Checkout the new “Book Bike” brought to us for this event from the Camas Public Library.
FREE themed Kids’ Craft at LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch, from 5-8pm with Girl Scout Troop #47503
Art Shows & Receptions at Attic Gallery, 421 NE Cedar; Camas Gallery, 408 NE 4th; Pike Art Gallery, 302 NE 6th; and the Second Story Gallery, 625 NE 4th
Shopping and Dining Specials throughout Downtown Camas
“The excitement for the first Camas Comic Con themed First Friday is palpable in Downtown Camas!” says Leah Nichelson, Event and Project Manager for the DCA. “Every First Friday invites people to dress up, but we can’t wait to see creativity come alive with people cosplaying as superhero, Disney, Star Wars, Star Trek, anime, and other possibly unexpected pop culture characters! Merchants will offer later shopping hours, and event goers can enjoy special one night only outdoor dining at certain downtown restaurants, all while celebrating the fandoms that bring them joy.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20112959/Picture1.jpg540809Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-07-20 11:35:572023-07-20 11:36:05New Comic Con Theme Brings Fandom to Downtown Camas First Friday
Washougal, WA — The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet Tuesday honoring the Citizen, Business Persons, and Educators of the Years, as well as student scholarship recipients. Held at the Orchard Hills Golf Club, Executive Director Jennifer Senescu emceed the program.
2023 Citizen of the Year: Pat Suggs
Contributions to the Community: Suggs has served the Camas-Washougal community for 47 years. During that time, she also raised six daughters. She was a volunteer teacher for the Camas Community Education Program, has been a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and although she doesn’t have boys, she was a Cub Scout leader, as well.
Suggs has been the Young Women’s President at her church and is responsible for all of the 12-18 year olds. She runs a program to enhance the progressive growth of young girls. Suggs was also the Relief Society President at her church where she oversaw the activities of all Latter-Day-Saint (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) women ages 18 and over. It is the oldest women’s organization in the United States.
She works on food drives for the community. Including support for the Children’s Home Society of Washington. She also ran their backpack program for over 5 years. Suggs collects cups for Hathaway Elementary Schools Program of Affordable Gifts for Parents as well as clothing and shoes for the Family Resource Program for Washougal School District. Suggs is a Book Fairy, which is a program that provides equitable opportunities for children to learn, grow and thrive.
Today at 74 years old, Suggs is still involved in the community. She serves on the Drug Take Back Program, the Unite Committee, Two Rivers Heritage Museum Committee and is Co-chair on the Washougal Safe Board.
Pat also volunteers at Hathaway Elementary School each week where she helps teach reading and Spanish. And, according to her husband, she does all of these things for one simple reason. Her love of this community.
2023 Businessperson of the Year: Chris Dierickx, Straubs Funeral Home
As the owner of Straubs Funeral home in Camas, Washington, Chris Dierickx has been a member of this community for over 26 years. Dierickx has helped thousands of families during what is one of the the hardest times in their lives. He makes himself available all hours of the day and night. He is genuinely caring and extremely compassionate. In his service, Dierickx wears many hats, including, a shoulder to cry on, guide, rock and a friend to those in need.
The C-W Chamber received a record number nominations for Chris to be named Businessperson of the Year for 2023.
“It is a clear testament to his commitment and work in this community,” said Senescu.
CW Businessperson of the Year Chris Dierickx (right) with CW Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Senescu and Washougal Mayor Dave Stuebe.
Educators of the Year:
CCMS Science PLC Team at Washougal High School: Ryan Hooser and Patrick Rice
Ryan and Patrick, science teachers at Canyon Creek Middle School, are a high functioning team committed to their collaboration. They use the instructional materials provided through the Amplify curriculum and supplement with hands-on experiments and activities for their students. They spend time in each other’s classrooms learning and brainstorming new ideas on how to create engaging lessons for their classes. Their work, and focus on achievement, has resulted in state assessment scores far higher than the state average for science.
Washougal Educators of the Year Ryan Hooser and Patrick Rice with WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton.
2023 Camas Educators of the Year: Stephanie Eakins and Whitney Patton
Stephanie Eakins and Whitney Patton came together in the Fall of 2021 to restructure and redesign the Adult Transition Program at Camas High School. They work with students aged 18-21 served by Individualized Educational Plans in the newly named Adult Transition Training Center (A.T.T.C.) housed at The Heights Learning Center. Although there may be teams that have worked together for a longer length of time, there is no team more committed to providing a positive and exceptional experience for their students. In the short time they have worked together, they have been able to impact a large number of students and are directly responsible for many of the successes that these young adults have achieved.
Together they are able to motivate and encourage students who would otherwise feel lost within the constraints of the regular curriculum. They work hard at establishing a strong rapport with each individual and their families. Each can always be found going the extra mile that can make a difference for these students. Eakins and Patton both promote community access for their students and work hard to facilitate opportunities that allow them to learn real-world applicable skills that will support them as they move beyond a high school setting.
Eakins and Patton truly believe in the concept of “firm goals, flexible means” as they continually improvise and modify for their students. They see and serve all students and families as they ready them for the transition into the world beyond the public school system.
Camas Educators of the Year Stephanie Eakins and Whitney Patton.
2023 Camas High School Scholarship Recipient Olivia Brotherton
Brotherton will be attending Oregon State University this fall where she plans on studying biology while she works toward becoming a veterinarian. At Camas High School, she is on The National Honor Society and is involved with the CHS Choir. Brotherton has volunteered with multiple local organizations including Buddy and Food Box Builder. She is involved with St. Joseph’s Church and has served as a Vacation Bible School Counselor. She has also served as an Equestrian Camp Counselor at Cantera Equestrian. Brotherton plans on doing an internship with Next-Vet this summer.
2023 Washougal High School College Scholarship Recipient Carter Nichols
Nichols will be attending Eastern Washington University this Fall where he plans on studying nursing or pre-med. Three years ago, Nichols began as a volunteer at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital. He spent the summer of 2021 completing a volunteer internship program where he spent 72 hours assisting with discharges, delivering meals and checking in visitors. Since Nichols turned 16, he has been a caregiver in the memory care unit at Touchmark.
Nichols began taking health classes at Cascadia Technical Academy his junior year. He says that is what truly sparked his interest in the medical field. It’s also where he learned that caregivers must be good listeners and empathetic conversationalists.
Nichols is one of five siblings. His mother is a social worker and his father is a Firefighter/paramedic.
CW Scholarship recipients Olivia Brotherton and Carter Nichols.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/09132757/IMG_5327-scaled-e1686343037798.jpeg10302214Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-06-09 13:55:302023-06-09 14:11:56Camas-Washougal Chamber Honors Citizen, Business Person, Educators of the Year
Camas, WA — Carmen Copeland, a downtown Camas transient, who has been accused of desecrating US flags, squatting in public spaces, as well as yelling at and slapping pedestrians, has a criminal record dating back several years.
Copeland, 50, a Romanian native, has taken residence in public downtown Camas spaces for at least six months, and according to court documents, was convicted in a jury trial on November 3, 2020 of HARASSMENT – DEATH THREATS and sentenced to 85 days in jail.
Years previous, Copeland and her ex-husband, Mark Copeland, went through a nasty divorce. Mark was represented by attorney and former Camas City Council member, Deanna Rusch, who became the recipient of numerous death threats and harassment initiated by Carmen. In addition to the jail sentence, Carmen was issued a restraining order to never get within 1,000 feet of, and have no contact, with Rusch. That order expires November 4, 2025.
According to her arrest documents, dated August 29, 2020, Carmen was arrested in Camas on charges of felony harassment against Rusch, who had been receiving numerous threats for years.
The official arrest report says the following:
“On 8/27/20 at 0707 hrs, Chief Mitch Lackey of the Camas Police Department received an email from Carmen Copeland (carmencopeland68@gmail.com).
“Carmen Copeland has had a long standing child custody dispute with her ex husband, Mark Copeland, who resides in Camas. Officers of the Camas Police Department, along with myself, are familiar with Carmen and this long standing child custody dispute. Deanna Rusch represented Mark Copeland during the divorce and won a judgement against Carmen. I called Rusch, who confirmed she knew Carmen and wasn’t surprised to receive such a threat.
“I contacted Copeland on 8/27/20 at 1907 hrs. I questioned Copeland about the email, and showed her the email on my phone. Copeland admitted to sending the email in question to Chief Lackey this morning. I asked Copeland why she threatened Deanna Rusch in the email. Copeland said she wouldn’t hurt Rusch and blamed the sentence “MAKE SURE DEANNA L RUSCH FAMILY LAWYER OF MARK WAYNE COPELAND AND JUDGE JOHN P. FAIRGRIEVE UNDERSTAND THAT SHE WILL BE CHOPPED TO HER DEATH FOR HURTING ME AND MY CHILDREN FOR SO LONG AND THEY ARE SEXUAL PREDATORS AND SEXUALLY DEVIATED GARBAGE JUST AS MARK WAYNE COPELAND” on the auto correct feature on her phone. I asked Copeland if she was intending to hurt either Rusch or Judge Fairgrieve, and she told me no, adding she was not a violent person.
“Later that evening, I contacted Deanna Rusch via email. I asked Rusch to explain her relationship with Carmen Copeland. Rusch told me Carmen has filed numerous civil actions against both her and her law office since she represented Mark in the divorce. Rush said Carmen has mental health problems and she isn’t sure what she is capable of. Rusch said since I had informed her of the threat, she has been afraid to go outside. Rusch said she has contacted co-workers, family, and neighbors to let them know about the threat. Rusch said she is considering obtaining a no contact order against Carmen and is genuinely afraid of her.
A criminal history check revealed Carmen Copeland has prior convictions for Criminal Trespass 1st Degree, and for violating a DV No-Contact Order.”
Camen’s prior criminal history includes:
Criminal trespass on October 2, 2018, for which she was convicted on December 6, 2019.
Domestic violence (court order violation) on October 2, 2018, for which she was convicted on December 6, 2019.
In divorce documents, Carmen was accused of child abandonment and neglect and having emotional or physical problems that impaired her ability to parent. Mark won full custody of their children, and Carmen was not granted any visitation rights until she sought psychiatric counseling. Carmen has also lost multiple appeals to her criminal convictions.
The divorce settlement left Carmen with a house, a vehicle, and financial resources.
Downtown Camas merchants are very uneasy with the rising homeless and panhandling issues and the owner of 4 Ever Growing Kids, Amy Begley, presented their issues to City Council on Monday, pleading with the city to remedy these issues.
City Council member Jennifer Senescu said at Monday’s council meeting she will work with police and encourage a staff report to find ways to resolve the present situation with Carmen. For his part, Mayor Steve Hogan apologized to veterans present at Monday’s council meeting for the desecration of the American flag incidents on Memorial Day, in which witnesses says Carmen removed flag, spit on them, and cursed them.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/09094731/IMG_5227-scaled-e1686329330967.jpeg10431920Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-06-09 09:59:412023-06-09 09:59:51Downtown Homeless Person a Convicted Felon, Spent Time in Jail
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