Tag Archive for: Camas

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Lacamas Lake Drawdown Scheduled to Begin September 13

CAMAS, WA — Officials with the City of Camas Public Works department have announced that the annual drawdown of Lacamas Lake is scheduled to begin Sept. 13.

Beginning at 8 a.m., Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, the City will reduce the total level of Lacamas Lake by approximately six-feet, in order to achieve the level needed to facilitate dam inspections and repairs.  

The drawdown should take a few days, with the minimum level being reached by the approximate date of Friday, Sept. 27, 2021.

Once inspections and repairs have taken place, the process to refill the lake to normal levels is scheduled to begin Oct. 25.  Officials expect this process to take several weeks, depending on rainfall volumes.

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Yshai Boussi Apologizes For Condemning Republicans At CHS Freshman Orientation

Camas, WA — The Camas High School administration team issued a statement this week regarding Monday’s freshman orientation that featured Yshai Boussi, LPC, a mental health professional, who said all students will eventually smoke pot and that “you can either be a good person or you can be a Republican.”

The CHS statement said: “It was brought to our attention this morning that a guest speaker at Monday’s freshman orientation made a characterization that was inappropriate and divisive. The remark made by this speaker does not align with our values and our mission to see and serve each student, and we apologize to the students and families who were upset or felt uncomfortable by the characterization. 

“At Camas High School and throughout our entire district, we work to ensure all students feel safe and included at all times. We will continue to work with guest speakers to ensure our student experiences are beneficial and inclusive. If you have questions, please let us know.”

In today’s CHS update they said “There were many very important takeaways from the presentation. We hope that many of the points resonated with students. Unfortunately, one comment during the presentation was hurtful for some students, and for that, we sincerely apologize. Our guest speaker from Monday, Yshai Boussi, has created a video that he would like to send to the CHS community.”

VIDEO LINK

Here’s the video: https://youtu.be/KNmv5Nxv-40

“It’s important for us as a community to offer students opportunities to restore any harm created by this experience,” CHS said. “Yshai suggested the chance to meet with students next week at CHS who were negatively impacted by what they heard. At least two CHS administrators will help facilitate this discussion. It’s important that we have conversations when messages are received that hurt people. We appreciate Yshai’s willingness to model accountability and listening to understand.”

What are your thoughts?

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City of Camas Returns to Virtual-Only Public Meetings As Delta Variant Surges

CAMAS, WA – The City of Camas will return to a virtual-only meeting format for all public meetings, effective Sept. 1, 2021.  This will include City Council meetings, Planning Commission, Library Board of Directors, Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as all other boards and commissions’ meetings. While City officials were excited to offer the additional in-person format, the public safety of the Community and staff takes precedent.

This decision comes as other cities and jurisdictions have moved back to remote-only public meetings, due to an increase in the Delta variant cases of COVID 19 across the county and state.

Officials will review the decision regularly, in conjunction with neighboring agencies, to determine when, and if, the hybrid public meeting format can be returned to.  Additionally, an ordinance will come before the city council in Sept., that will update the Camas Municipal Code to include remote meetings, while maintaining city hall as the in-person meeting location. This code update will eliminate the need to classify public meetings as “special” meetings due to the meeting location being different.

In addition to a return to remote meetings, face coverings will now be required indoors for all city buildings for individuals 5 years and older, regardless of vaccination status as stated in the recent State Secretary of Health order: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/Secretary_of_Health_Order_20-03_Statewide_Face_Coverings.pdf

The mask mandate includes employees and visitors to any City buildings.

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Politics 2021: Leslie Lewallen Running for Camas City Council, Ward 3, Pos. 2

Camas, WA — Leslie Lewallen is running for Camas City Council, Ward 3, Position 2, which is an open seat. Her opponent is Jennifer McDaniel, a former Washougal City Council member. Here are several answers Lewallen provides to Lacamas Magazine questions.

Question: Why are you running for Camas City Council?

Answer: I am running for City Council because Camas deserves better.  Camasonians deserve to be meaningfully heard and participate with transparent accountability and effective city leadership. I am ready to protect our schools, our public safety, our local business community, and our parks and environment– things we value as members of this special community all the while holding myself and our city leadership accountable to the citizens of Camas. From $78 million pool bonds to drug detox facilities being located to elementary schools and tens of millions of dollars spent on private land acquisitions citizens have been kept in the dark for too long.

Question: Why are you qualified to fill this seat?

Answer: I am a native 5th generation Washingtonian.  I graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in political science and Seattle University School of Law with a Juris Doctorate. After law school I practiced as a judicial law clerk for Chief Justice Gerry Alexander at the Washington State Supreme Court. I then went on to work as a deputy prosecuting attorney prior to joining private practice where I focused primarily on school law, and land use property rights issues. I have worked on zoning issues, land use issues, environmental issues and issues related to Washington’s Growth Management Act.  All areas of law that are specifically related to many of the City Council’s duties.

As a retired attorney, business owner and mother of four, I have the leadership, knowledge, and communication skills necessary to serve.   

Although I have never held elected office before, I believe my education, knowledge and legal and business experience uniquely qualifies me to lead Camas back on track and make it the best city it can be.  

Question: What are your priorities should you be elected to Camas City Council? 

Answer: My vision of downtown Camas urban development and the Northshore over the next five to 10 years is easy. My vision is to represent the will of the electorate. I have personally canvassed over 1,500 homes in the past three months.  I have heard from citizen after citizen that they do not want the Northshore developed. Camasonians have been clear.  They want to preserve the greenspace of our community and preserve the natural beauty that makes Camas special.  It’s time our city stops paying consultants to tell us what we want or need.  It’s time our city listened to the taxpayers.  

I believe that Camas has a unique opportunity to work together with Georgia Pacific to plan and create a healthy, vibrant space that accommodates the needs of our citizens. With a clear understanding of zoning, property laws and environmental laws, I believe that I would be a valuable resource in working together to create mixed use development in the heart of Camas.  Not only would a mixed-use development preserve the environment of our Northshore, but it would satisfy an existing infrastructure, allow for various types of housing, parking, and retail—all of which keep our valuable tax dollars where they belong — in Camas.  

You can learn more about Lewallen and her candidacy at https://www.leslieforcamas.com

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Tifi’s Sweet Treats: 12 Year-Old Baker Goes Into Business

Camas, WA — Twelve-year-old Camas resident Stephanie Gonzales loves to bake so much she’s turned baking into a business. It’s called Tifi’s Sweet Treats.

The middle schooler has been baking for several years, and focuses on cupcakes, scones, cheesecake cupcakes, pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread), muffins, banana bread, and corn bread. 

“I’ve loved baking for the past few years,” she said. “People just tell me what they want and I make it. My mom taught me, and I’ve learned a lot on YouTube with shows like Natasha’s Kitchen, Domestic Geek, and Stay at Home Chef.”

For now, Stephanie’s sweet treat baking business can be reached at @tifissweetreats on Instagram.

“My aunt calls Tifi so that’s why we named the site Tifi’s Sweet Treats,” she said. 

She wants to start a website.

Her favorites are scones: strawberry and carrot. Her cheesecake cupcakes come in vanilla and chocolate, and she also loves making Funfetti cupcake. Her muffins are available in blueberry, banana, and chocolate chip.

To place your order just send her a DM via Instagram.

Sweet Treats
Pan dulce conchas.
Sweet Treats
Cupcakes by Tifi’s Sweet Treats.
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Thursday’s Concert at Crown Park Rescheduled to Aug. 17 Due to Heat

CAMAS, WA — Due to extreme heat conditions forecasted for later this week, Thursday’s concert featuring Dancehall Days has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 17.  

Summer Concerts in the Park wraps it up with your favorite ‘70s/‘80s Classic Rock hits performed by Dancehall Days!  The concert will be held Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Crown Park (122 NE 17thAve.).  Registration is not required for this event.

Dancehall Days will end this year’s shortened concert series with a blast of upbeat, fun and danceable classic tunes from the ‘70s and ‘80s.   You won’t want to miss this powerhouse band of vocal talent and musical skill!  Check out their music here:  https://www.dhdband.com/music  

No food vendors will be on site, but picnic dinners are welcome.   A few small picnic tables are available upon a first-come, first-served basis.  Chairs and blankets are encouraged.  Alcohol and dogs/pets are not allowed in the park. 

Washington State COVID guidelines are in effect.  Masks must be worn by unvaccinated individuals; social distancing is not required. 

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Public Health Issues Warning For Lacamas, Round Lakes Due To Elevated Cyanotoxins

Camas, WA — Clark County Public Health has issued warning advisories for Lacamas Lake and Round Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from blue-green algae.

Public Health collected water samples from both Camas lakes on Monday. Results revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs are being placed at public access points at both lakes.

Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. Health officials recommend:

  • No swimming or water skiing.
  • No water contact for animals.
  • Avoiding areas of scum when using motorized boats, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing.
  • No drinking lake water.
  • Cleaning fish well and discarding organs.

Public Health will continue to monitor Lacamas and Round lakes and, while blooms are present, take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Signs will be updated as conditions change.

Cyanotoxins
Cyanotoxins
A warning sign at Round Lake.
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Camas City Council Unanimously Appoints Burton as Interim Mayor

Camas, WA — Members of the Camas City Council decided unanimously to appoint Ellen Burton as the Interim Mayor of Camas.  Burton will serve in this role until the general elections in November. The City attorney will swear-in Burton at the council’s regular meeting at 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 2. 

Burton, formerly serving as Camas’ Mayor Pro Tem, was one of two candidates that applied for the Mayoral position, Camas resident Jack Derington was the other. Both applicants were interviewed live during a special public meeting that allowed both in-person and virtual viewing.  This was the first opportunity for the public to attend a council meeting in-person since the COVID pandemic restricted open public meetings to remote-only.  

Each applicant was asked the same seven questions and was provided three minutes each to respond. Following the interviews, Council Members recessed to an Executive Session for discussion, after which they voted publicly, resulting in the decision to retain Burton in the role.

“I appreciate Mr. Derington for throwing his hat in the ring, he is a certainly a qualified individual and I certainly hope he volunteers in the community” Burton said.  “I’m also excited that I was selected to fulfill this position.”

Burton is no stranger to the City and has represented Ward 3 as a Camas City Council Member since 2019. Burton retired from a career in global technology and has been actively volunteering in the Camas community for almost 25 years. 

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Events: Summer Fun! Free Movies Return to Crown Park!

Camas, WA  –  The City of Camas Parks & Recreation’s free Movies in the Park series returns to Crown Park!  Two movies will be shown this year with the voted top-pick movie “Onward” kicking off this year’s short series and the live version of the Lion King ending the season.  

On Friday, July 30, “Onward,” a Disney/Pixar collaboration, tells the story of two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley, who get an unexpected opportunity to spend one more day with their late dad and embark on an extraordinary quest aboard Barley’s epic van Guinevere.  The movie will begin at 9 pm at the Crown Park shelter (NE Everett & NE 17th Ave.).

On Friday, August 20, the 2019 Disney live re-make of the movie favorite the “Lion King” will show at 8:30 pm, and will include pre-movie activities starting at 7:30 pm.  This 2019 live-action remake of the original animated version tells the same story of the young lion prince who, after the murder of his father, flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery.  The well-known original songs are featured in the movie, making this new version a new favorite! 

Movies in the Park is in its 14th year (after a hiatus in 2020) and shows movies that are rated G or PG, to adhere to our family-friendly events criteria.  At the beginning of 2019, selected K-8 classrooms in the Camas School District were able to cast their votes for their favorite movies.  The top two winning movies from that vote are the ones we are sharing with our community this year. 

The Movies in the Park series is sponsored by Camas United Methodist Church.  At this time, movies will not feature a food vendor, so plan to bring your favorite dinner, movie snacks and drinks to the park.  Food can also be purchased at Top Burger, located across the street from the park, or from a variety of restaurants in downtown Camas, four blocks away.   Bring chairs or blankets for seating and note that, to allow fair viewing, chairs are placed in one-half of the park viewing area and blankets in the other half.  This is a free event.  No registration is required.  And, please note that alcohol and animals are not allowed in Crown Park. 

Movies in the Park is coordinated by Camas Parks and Recreation. 

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City of Camas Launches CAP Program To Ease Utility Bill Delinquencies

The City of Camas Finance Department is looking to provide residents with a little help in the form of the Camas Assistance Program, or CAP as it’s better known.

CAP can provide financial support for eligible customers that are delinquent on a City of Camas utility bill. Qualifying households may receive one credit per twelve months towards a delinquent utility balance, up to a maximum of $250. Senior citizens may qualify and receive utility assistance twice in twelve months.

“We understand that times have been tough for many,” said City of Camas Finance Director, Cathy Huber-Nickerson. “And we also understand that for many, a little help even with one bill, can go a long way.”

Many residents may soon see a flier along with their utility bill that provides information on the program, including a quick check list to determine qualifications.  Some of those qualifications may include living in a household where income is limited or limited access to subsidized housing assistance.

Interested residents are encouraged to visit https://www.cityofcamas.us/community/page/camas-assistance-program-cap for more information.  While there, be sure to include your information in the benefit estimator to see what you may qualify for.

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