Tag Archive for: Camas

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Kartchner #SAVETHEKIDS Event: Dangers of Excessive Screen Time, Social Media

Approximately 600 adults attended a #SAVETHEKIDS parent education event Tuesday night in Vancouver featuring Instagram Influencer/Youth Advocate Collin Kartchner and Educator Katey McPherson.

“This has been a year in the making,” said one of the event’s organizers, Greg Gillespie, who introduced all of the local volunteers. “I’ve been following him on Instagram, and Collin started off making fun of social media influencers, but when Hurricane Harvey hit in Texas he realized he could do things that make a difference. They helped big time in Houston. Has helped out with many causes. Then he really started this crusade about helping kids and parents navigate screens, and now he visits schools and communities all over the country. He even has a TEDX talk.”

Kartchner spent Tuesday at Liberty Middle School and Hood River Elementary, and encouraged guests to evaluate individual phone and screen usage.

“First, none of us had any clue we’d be dealing with this when we had our children,” said Kartchner. “We are the first generation of parents figuring this out, and we have to talk to each other, and I want you to understand this is a no-shame evening.”

He showed a video that of three people from three generations, the first two of which discussed a childhood outdoors, close to nature.

“The current generation is obsessed with video games and using their smart phones and tablets,” he said. “So, what if this trend continues? Nature has always been a part of childhood, and we need to keep it that way. Society has changed and we’ve created new systems and tech and now can tell it’s harming our kids. Our kids are creative geniuses if we let them.”

He shared a story about Whitney, a 20-year-old in Utah who committed suicide because of the pain she suffered using her smart phone.

“So, we created a program called #savethekids and as parents we have to lead the way,” he said. “When we have our phones out in front of our kids it means we appreciate the phone more than we appreciate them.”

Citing examples of new baby and toddler toys that incorporate smart phone technology he said “we have traded all this amazing stuff and have converted it all to a digital screen and we’re realizing it’s been a mistake. Inmates get more outdoor time than our children do.”

And, the older generations are doing it, too.

“Parents: this is not a phone, this is a mini-super computer with access to everything,” said Kartchner. “We are handing them loaded weapons and if we don’t teach them they will destroy themselves. You have to parent your kids, you have know what they’re getting into. If you give them a smartphone you’re giving them a ticket to do anything.”

Video: Sobering Statistics

Then he showed the audience sobering statistics (click video link): https://youtu.be/OzdMG9ovQWs

“Parents, we have to intervene,” he said. “We have created a society for our children that is extremely stressful. We can stop ‘still facing’ our kids and their problems. Babies are very responsive to the world around them. Infants really do engage in personal interaction.”

Video: ”Still Facing”

He used this video to show his point (click video link): https://youtu.be/-Qh5CyLBlkQ

Using images of the pre-frontal cortex slide, Kartchner explained how the brain develops from the rear to the front. 

“The pre-frontal cortex, which is the last part of the brain to develop, affects decision making,” he explained. “Your kid isn’t even close to full development.  Social media and gaming have negative effects on our children’s brains. Games are more addictive than cocaine. Fortnite, a company that makes $1.8 billion a quarter off a ‘free’ game is also an attraction for sexual predators. We are letting our kids turn their backs on their talents.” 

Social Media App Ratings

“Social media app ratings are misleading,” he said. “We’re trying to help the tech companies change how the way apps are rated. For example, lots of porn links are sent through Instagram. Watch out for private DMs. It’s too much for our kids. These phones are destroying our kids. Instagram is a dangerous place for our kids. SnapChat is the worst. They throw out articles to our kids encouraging porn, and 82 percent of porn on Pornhub encourages violence. We have to be careful. TikTok is the next big one and is a place for predators.” 

SnapChat is the worst!”

— Collin Kartchner
Kartchner
Easy to find porn on these apps.

“Mom, I Got Bit”

When you hand your kids a snake they’re gonna get bit, and that’s why he will soon be releasing a book called “Mom, I Got Bit.” He likened the dangers of smartphones to having a snake, and explained how to react when your children get bit:

  1. Don’t yell, don’t get mad.
  2. Tell them “I love you, thank you for being brave enough to tell me you got bit.”
  3. Offer assistance: “What can we do to help you?”
  4. Create a “no trouble” bubble, which is a safe place. 

Hugs and Signs You Might Be a Lawnmower Parent

“Hugs! Our kids need more of this than ever before,” he said. “Hug your kids — kids need 8 hugs a day for 8 seconds each. 20 second hugs have proven to boost the immune system. Why are they so desperate to be seen and loved?”

In this video, he explained what it means to be a “Lawnmower Parent” (click video link): https://youtu.be/8Q_53e283rA

Katey’s Presentation

“Technology is part of our life but it cannot be our central focus,” she said. “When you hand over your device you’re giving them a medium to share their feelings … Prior to age 2 you’ve taken about 2,000 photos. It teaches them that life is to not be lived, it is to be documented.”

“After Columbine (the school shooting) in 1999 we decided nobody would harm our kids. We’ve taken away from our children the ability to cope with their own pain. Our students are walking around with a thin veil of terror and the device is not going to save their lives.”

Citing increasing national anxiety trends, McPherson said that students need to know they have dignity.

“Students need to know they have dignity,” she said. “Think about adding this to your daily vocabulary.

This generation is over the word ‘respect.’ The reason is because we’ve taken away their dignity all day long. We bring them to this Earth with inherent worth, and we need to stop doing the heavy lifting for them. If we want to stop school shootings we better start with the inside out.”

“Spend your energy on being clear on access and sit down with your family to discuss what’s fair. Sit down and be really clear about what the boundaries are. Create a family data contract. They’re not allowed to share private information. Don’t share inappropriate photos. It has to be an ongoing and pervasive message. This is a parent issue, not a school issue. The goal is self-governance by 17 or 18. It is not easy work, but it is possible. If you stop dancing you will lose your child to pornography or gaming or suicide. It’s time to really step into this. We are here to get you in the know about what our kids are exposed to.”

The next #savethekids event happens Wednesday, October 16 from 7-8:30 pm at Mannahouse in Vancouver. 

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The Hammond Releases New Fall Menu — Filled With Color, Freshness, Flavor

Summer flew by and The Hammond Kitchen and Craft Bar team has been hard at work developing a new Fall menu, which is filled with color, freshness, richness, and flavor.

We sampled the following plates and drinks, and we know they’ll tantalize your taste buds.

H Platter: This is a special platter made with both California deviled eggs and their signature homestyle deviled eggs, along with mushroom toast, smoked salmon, albacore tuna, seasonal smoked seafood, toasted almonds, olives, pickled vegetables, and crostini.

Chicken Dumplings: Made with Mary’s fresh range chicken, chicken gravy, fall vegetables, mushroom and scallion dumplings. The presentation alone with surprise you, and then the flavor!

Fresh Grilled Ora King Salmon: Made with citrus butter, sweet pepper, and delicate risotto. The citrus butter is a nice twist on a fan favorite.

Wedge Salad: Made with bibb lettuce, pancetta bacon, Parmesan croutons, candied delicate squash, and Gorgonzola dressing. The Wedge salad is for those seeking a lighter meal experience.

Beet Salad: Made with tri-colored beets, arugula, chèvre, dried cherries, toasted pumpkin seeds, balsamic redux and extra virgin olive oil. We love the texture and fresh of the beets, and how they balance nicely with the chèvre and other ingredients.

Autumn Chop: This is a festival of flavor also for those seeking a lighter meal. Made with Mary’s free range chicken, romaine, pancetta, pear, apple, dried cherries, smoked Gouda, chopped egg, toasted pumpkin seeds, candied squash, and cider maple vinaigrette.

Hammond
Fresh Orca King Salmon.

Red barrel braised short ribs: Made with red wine sour cream redux, pappardelle pasta, shiitakes, and smoked mushroom butter. These ribs are fantastic!

The Hammond has also crafted four new drinks for Fall:

Bon voyage margarita: This ginger cranberry margarita is crafted with Sauza Horintos, New Deal ginger liquer, housemade cranberry simply syrup and lime — it’s bright, tart and bold.

Camas Apple Punch: With muddled fresh apples, Burnside Oakes bourbon, Bellewood gin, apple sour, house-made harvest simple syrup and cava sparkling brut — it’s light, fresh, and juicy.

Jamaican Me Fall: With 3 Howls spiced rum, Cruzan aged rum, Falernum, lime and quince jam — it’s tropical, dark and fruity.

Hot Spiked Cider: Green Mountain hot spiced apple cider with your choice of Bellewood pumpkin spiced liquer or Heritage Brown Sugar bourbon and fresh whipped cream — it’s sweet, lush and toasty.

Located at 4857 NW LAKE RD #200 CAMAS WA 98607

Phone: 360-954-5620

Learn more at www.thehammondkitchenandcraftbar.com

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Camas Releases Community Aquatics Center Operations Analysis

The City of Camas released this operations analysis for the Community Aquatics Center, known as Proposition 2, which is coming up on this election season’s ballot.

The City of Camas has been working with Ballard King & Associates, a recognized recreation consulting firm, to project potential operational costs, revenue, and a fee structure for the proposed Community Aquatics Facility. 

The consultant created a basic operations analysis for a facility that is approximately 78,000 square feet and includes a recreation pool, lap pool, gym, track, two group exercise rooms, weight/cardio area, community room, and child watch area.

The figures used to calculate the operations analysis are projected estimates for 2022, based on community center/aquatic center facilities that are similar in size and scope. Certain costs, including those for facility user fees and programs, will be subject to the discretion and approval of the Camas City Council and will have a direct impact on the operational budget summary listed below.

Operations Analysis Assumptions:

  • The first year of operations will be late 2022 or later. The budget represents the second full year of operation.
  • The operations plan includes a basic assessment of staffing needs and rate of compensation for full-time and part-time staff.  Revenues are based on a general fee structure only with an aggressive rate of utilization/sales.   
  • The minimum wage in Washington will be at least $14.32 an hour in 2022.   
  • This operational budget represents the full anticipated expenses and revenues for the center.
  • The center will be operated by the City of Camas. 
  • This operations estimate is based on a basic program and concept plan for the facility only.  This operations plan will need to be updated once a final concept design has been developed. 
  • The center will be open seven days a week for a total of at least 105 hours a week.  
  • Indirect city overhead costs have been figured at 18% of total operating costs.          

Notes About the Information

Operations
Interior of proposed pool.
  • Indirect costs of $476,473 are those services provided by the City such as human resources and financial services. The facility would benefit by sharing existing resources. 
  • Admission revenue assumes non-city residents paying 25% more.
  • Annual Passes equal 10% of the households in the service area.

Operational Budget Summary

Expenses:         $3,123,542 

Revenues:         $2,280,047         

Difference:         ($843,496)

Recovery %:        73%

Note: The City currently provides recreational services with a budget of approximately $400,000 per year with revenue of $84,000 in 2018. The Camas outdoor pool was subsidized about $100,000. Combined, these could help offset the operational deficit, bringing the difference down to approximately $343,500.

To learn more, visit http://www.camascommunityaquaticscenter.com

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Barry McDonnell Launches Write-In Campaign for Camas Mayor

Frustrated with Proposition 2, the demolition of Crown Park Pool, and the overall direction of city leadership, Barry McDonnell, 41, a newcomer to politics, is officially a write-in candidate for Camas Mayor.

With his write-in paperwork with Clark County just confirmed, McDonnell, who works in Loss Prevention for Sephora, admits it’s a long shot bid to unseat incumbent Mayor Shannon Turk but feels this is a worthy endeavor.

“Three or four weeks ago it popped into my head and I knew this was something I would be doing,” said McDonnell. “I was talking about the community with Anastasia (his wife), and felt this is something I could do. I want to protect Camas.”

Protect Camas from what?

“The reason we moved to Camas three-and-a-half years ago is because we were looking for a place to settle down,” he said. “We were so excited and we feel so lucky to have found it. But now we are seeing a lot of changes. There’s been frustration with those changes and the way communication works between the city and its citizens. There’s an opportunity here to change this.”

Top three reasons he’s running:

1) Bring transparency to city government.

2) Be fiscally responsible for taxpayer’s money — “I think when we ask for money we just have the base level of the project be more clear. They should have their details more pronounced.”

3) He wants to be a voice for the people.

McDonnell said his view about Camas leadership started with the Crown Park pool process and the ensuing demolition.

“I wanted to protect it and understand it,” he said. “The process didn’t feel right — I felt like there was another agenda. I look at the amount of time we pulled together as citizens and the research we did, and how we shared that information. But, when we attended the city council meetings it felt frustrating that we didn’t get any responses in those meetings. Randy Curtis (the City of Camas Parks and Rec Board Chair) told my wife in conversation during a P&R meeting that in closing the Crown Park Pool, they were hoping it would create a sense of urgency and enthusiasm in the public for a new community aquatic center. In our family, and our community of friends, it’s served to do just the opposite.”

McDonnell said the city rushed to build the community center outlined in Proposition 2.

“Looking at the big picture they’ve been trying to get a new pool for 18 years,” he said. “They’ve spent so much money trying to build a new pool, and we’re not any closer to it. It’s somewhat embarrassing. Between demolition costs and all their research I think we’ve spent $687,000, and that shows we’re not being very efficient. I still don’t think we’re any further getting the community a new pool.”

Pool
The projected cost of Proposition 2 is part of what is driving his candidacy.

What does he thinks the community wants?

“We want a pool,” he said. “We all agree on that. The location and the price tag of Proposition 2 are red flags. If we change the structure I can find out what the community wants. Then we can change the way the city interacts with the people.”

How would he change the structure?

“First, change the formats of the city council meetings,” he said. “Be more interactive with the people in the council chambers. Explain why we’re going in a certain direction. For example, Proposition 2 doesn’t make sense to me. There’s a lot of public frustration. I don’t know where the vote is going to go. If it passes you go with that, but I feel like the city has lost its way.”

“I think there’s a lot of different things that happen. As mayor I would hold myself accountable to the people. I would encourage participation. It’s about bringing people together to formulate the ideas and have them bubble up from the people.”

If elected, McDonnell would start by getting a feel for what the people are looking for. Then he would get to know and understand city staff, understand the expectations, and take the time away from his family to be successful in the job.

Aware of the demands and responsibilities, he said his experience in Loss Prevention is a great asset because it helps to evaluate stressful situations and find the best solutions.

He knows that change is inevitable, and he sees the growing frustration in city limits about trees being removed, along with crammed and poorly designed housing developments — but how would he navigate the Growth Management Act?

“We know the GMA is a big obstacle, it is something my wife and I have looked into, and honestly, been overwhelmed by. The overarching theme of our campaign is to have a community driven focus for the future, and there are many things that I would need to call on our community members to help us, as a city, navigate and challenge together. I’ve heard from folks about how the neighbors in Sunningdale Gardens studied these laws and went to bat to challenge the developers. They were able to get more green spaces and parks than were originally planned, and I think that’s great and it’s important to me that we live in a city where both our government and the people are on the same page when it comes to being willing to challenge and have high expectations of developers who work in Camas.”

Creating a 30-year vision

“I will work with the community to help put that vision together. I don’t have all the answers. Working with them the vision will come forth. Listening is being a leader. Have a discussion. Understand what the situation is. The community is the one trying to create a vision.”

What’s his vision for North Shore?

“I couldn’t tell you. I’ll assess the situation. We’ll figure it out — at the end of the day we would like a pool. I would like to understand what all the options are. I don’t really know. I’m not going to have all the answers. My skill set is in helping identify the direction we’re going to take, and make sure there are check-in’s all the way.”

McDonnell insists he isn’t funded by any large or small interest group.

“I have a 30-day campaign,” he said. “It’s a last minute kind of thing. It’s just friends and ourselves. We’ve had a few people donate.”

Learn more at www.writeinbarryforcamas.com where he also has a podcast discussing this journey. He is hosting a candidate Meet and Greet at Crown Park this Sunday from 2-4 pm.

Originally from Ireland, he, Anastasia, and their four children have lived in Atlanta, Florida, Colorado, and Camas. He has the support of his whole family.

Is he opening to debating Mayor Turk?

“I’d be open to a debate with Mayor Turk,” he said. “I think it would be healthy.”

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News Recap: Camas Community Aquatics Center Open House

This article is a recap of what City of Camas Administrator Pete Capell shared with the entire audience at the beginning of the Camas Community Aquatics Center Open House on Wednesday night. Lacamas Magazine provided a live stream of the entire proceedings on our Lacamas Magazine Facebook page. It included Capell’s presentation and about 45 minutes of a question and answer session between several residents and Camas Mayor Shannon Turk.

Why the city put the bond forward:

  • Various City Councils have studied the feasibility of a Community Center for over three decades.
  • Through numerous surveys, a year-round swimming pool and a recreational center have consistently been the number one requested amenity.
  • Cost was the same argument used against building the library 20 years ago. The library is now a community treasure and widely believed to have made a significant contribution to initiating the downtown renovation.

Aquatic Center Features & Benefits:

  • A recreational pool with slides and a lazy river are routinely top attractions in an Aquatics Center. This is included in the plans for our Aquatic Center.
  • There is a strong demand for a lap pool in our community. This includes high school students, a strong master’s program and everyday citizens who want to swim for exercise. We are surrounded by lakes and rivers. Teaching our kids to swim is a high priority.
  • The city and the school district have discussed the possibility of having every student in Camas School District receive swimming and water safety lessons as part of their curriculum. The community does not have a good place for senior citizens and teens to meet and partake in activities. The community rooms will fill this void.
  • There will be an indoor path that will allow for a safe and dry place to exercise.
  • A multipurpose gym will allow sports leagues (e.g. basketball, volleyball, etc), small groups and individuals to practice and play inside.
Aquatics Center
A Camas swimmer at Kelso. Local swim teams often have to travel long distances to compete.

Cost Comparisons:

  • The same architect that designed Firstenburg in 2006 used published building cost escalation factors to show that if Firstenburg was built in 2021, it would cost approximately $35.6 mil, as compared to the estimated building cost of $37.2 mil for the proposed Aquatic Center. It was also noted, our center has planned for a lap pool, while Firstenburg does not have one.
  • The City of Hillsboro expects to open a two-story 51,500 square foot community center in 2021 at a cost of $37 mil. Our Aquatic Center is planned to be 72,000 square feet.

Other planned amenities:

  • Frontage improvements to Lake Road, including trails and sidewalks.
  • Additional parking spaces (242) for both the Aquatic Center and Heritage Park boat launch.
  • Intersection improvements at Lake and Sierra, including a traffic signal.
  • Sports field improvements at Forest Home, Dorothy Fox and Prune Hill, which includes lighting and synthetic turf.

Property Tax impact:

  • If the bond is approved by voters, starting in 2021 residents will pay approximately $1.04 per $1,000 in assessed property value. This equates to approximately $500 per year for the median assessed valued house of $464,000. The property tax will likely decrease each year as new construction and property values increase. We will have a fixed debt service amount, so as property values increase, the rates go down.
  • In 2021 the projected $1.32 of school district bond levy taxes, as well as 12 cents in the library building levy tax are set to expire. This could then lead to a net reduction in taxes by 40 cents per $1000 of assessed property value.
  • With recent legislation to address statewide school funding, the school board will be deciding later this year whether to increase the local operating levy up to $1.00 for 2020.
  • The levy is for a maximum of $72 mil. If the levy passes, the city will secure competitive bids and pursue grants and private/corporate donations to reduce the amount taxpayers will pay. It is easier to obtain other monies, when you already have public funding.

Operating Costs:

  • Camas City Council has committed to not take away any funding from essential services to cover operating costs. The building costs will be covered by the bond.
  • The city anticipates operating costs will need to be subsidized by other city revenues. Current estimates of up to $850,000 in operational costs have been projected if operated by city staff. Due to an overlap in recreational services saving the city $400,000, the city would need to subsidize up to $450,000 per year. The YMCA could operate the facility with limited subsidy. The city also projects revenues and reserves to be sufficient to cover by the time we build.
  • Camas residents that pay taxes towards the center will pay lower membership and/or user fees.

Location:

  • The city’s preliminary analysis shows the proposed site will meet traffic, parking needs and protect the environment.
  • The roundabout at the intersection of Lake and Everett will be completed prior to the community center and will address congestion at that location.
  • This project has separate funding (partially by the state). If the project passes, the city will do further analysis regarding the site and are prepared to move the facility to another location if a better site is found.
  • Alternative sites were mentioned as previously being evaluated and/or discussed, and some will continue to be evaluated.

Crown Park:

  • Estimates to provide very basic and temporary repairs to the pool were $300,000. Over $2 mil was estimated for significant renovations with uncertain longevity. A replacement pool in in the same location was estimated to cost over $3.5 mil.
  • A new modern pool on the site could not be supported by adequate parking and we would only be able to operate it 10 to 11 weeks out of the year. The city is still committed to a master plan for Crown Park. This will be phased in over multiple years, beginning with a replacement basketball court next year.
  • If the proposition passes, the city wants to hear from the community as they proceed with the project. They will form advisory committees for the various aspects of the project and will hold additional open houses to share progress and gain feedback.

For more information, go to www.camascommunityaquaticscenter.com

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Opinion: Former State Rep Liz Pike Opposes Prop 2 (Pool + Sports Fields)

I live just outside the City of Camas in rural Clark County, but if I were in the city, I’d be voting no on the proposed $78 million city owned swimming pool. It’s not government’s role to build recreational aquatic centers that unfairly compete with the private sector. $78 million for a community pool? (Editor’s Note: the total bond is asking for $78 million; the estimated pool build cost is $37 million). That’s outrageous! Residents are already overtaxed today between local levies for fire districts, local school levies and bonds, libraries, and enormous never-before-seen gigantic property tax hikes passed by the Washington State Legislature to fund massive public education increases. Where does it end? Most people are fed up with their property tax bill as it is.

Furthermore, imagine how much it will cost annually to maintain and operate a $78 million recreational pool! Where is that money going to come from? Don’t forget about all those new government workers that will also be needed to operate the facility. They come with huge legacy costs, not just new salaries, but new pensions and new benefit costs that taxpayers will be on the hook to pay for.

If the recreational aquatics center is such a brilliant idea, why aren’t private sector businesses clamoring to get in on this business model?

Instead of building extravagant public swimming pools that most citizens cannot afford, I recommend city leaders focus on attracting more family wage jobs to our industrial areas so that more residents can work where they live. In doing so, more industries will help shoulder the property tax burden now crushing many of our working families. More good jobs in Camas will also reduce commuter traffic on SR 14 and across the river into Oregon. City leaders would also be wise to prioritize improving transportation congestion within the city to manage the choke points resulting from the thousands of new houses they keep approving! Quality of life in and around Camas is diminishing from traffic problems at peak times.

Camas has been a beautiful place to live for many generations of working class families. With recent actions, it almost appears as if City leaders want to relegate Camas forever as an overpriced bedroom community where only the wealthiest families can afford to live. There’s an election coming up. City taxpayers should pay attention to those on the ballot that continue to advocate for higher spending as opposed to those who insist Camas live within its means.

Pike is a three-term Washington State Representative.

Past article about this bond measure: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2019/07/camas-takes-community-aquatics-center-design-sports-field-renovations-to-next-step.html

The Camas website regarding Proposition 2 is www.camascommunityaquaticscenter.com

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Local Leaders Speak at 2019 Camas State of the Community Event

It was standing room only at Thursday’s annual Camas State of the Community at Lacamas Lake Lodge, which featured addresses from Port of Camas Washougal Director Dave Ripp, City of Camas Mayor Shannon Turk, and Camas School District Superintendent Jeff Snell.

Camas School District School Board President, Doug Quinn, served as Master of Ceremonies while the Camas School Orchestra (Rose Hinchliff, Ireland McGree, and Luke Martinez) performed the prelude music and Autumn Sterle sang the National Anthem.

State of the Port of Camas Washougal

At the onset of his address, Ripp said the Port receives income from three sources: 1) Grove Field airport ($153,837 net); 2) The CW Marina ($417,859 net); and 3) Property/commerce center leases ($1,660,988 net).

Ripp then discussed the Port’s work on the Washougal waterfront development.

“We’ve been working on this since 2010,” said Ripp. “The site was originally a lumber mill, which closed down. We wanted to do something that enhances what’s there and have the public enjoy it.”

He explained obtaining the site was possible through a grant, which has two phases: 1) Cleanup; and 2) Planning. In 2014, the Port did the full cleanup, and in 2015, they built the park and trail, and purchased the remaining portion of the Killian site. Once the trail was finished, they looked at master planning, hired an outside firm, and then presented the public with three options, all of which include public access to the waterfront.

Camas
Master plan at Washougal Waterfront.

“In 2021 we want to put a shovel in the ground to get it moving,” said Ripp. “On June 7, the natural play area was opened to the public on June 7. This is our crown jewel of waterfront trail park.”

Ripp then explained the growth and success of the Steigerwald Commerce Center, which received $3 million in grants allowing the Port to double the building’s size. Six businesses are presently there, and the center is operating at 100 percent occupancy. They are now looking at Building 19, a 27,000 square foot facility purchased this year.

The new roundabouts are very helpful with business trade at the Commerce Center, said Ripp, though he acknowledges neighbor frustration.

State of the City of Camas

In her first State of the Community address, Mayor Shannon Turk spoke about four topics:

  • Infrastructure improvements
  • Economic development
  • Recreation opportunities
  • Communication

“The infrastructure improvements that we will be working on this year enhance safety and traffic flow on our roads and ensure the availability of clean water.”

Significant improvements will be made on Brady Road from 16th Avenue to Pacific Rim Boulevard, which include the following:

  • Widening the roadway
  • Addition of bike lanes
  • Street lighting and landscaping
  • Center turn lane/median
  • Utility work begins this fall thru winter
  • Final work/paving — late summer 2020

A two-million-gallon reservoir will be built at NW 18th and Tidland to help the city maintain its commitment to providing clean, quality water to all areas of the city.

Turk also provided an update on the Lake/Everett Road roundabout, scheduled for construction from 2020 to 2021, and showed a fly-over traffic simulation, as seen here: https://youtu.be/iFlQ51XrSyM

The North shore subarea plan (the area north of Lacamas Lake) furthers the vision of our city leaders in the 1980s, she said, and is “setting up our city for the next three to four decades.” The area contains 800 acres of land, of which 160 acres is owned by the city for legacy land open spaces and land preservation (along the north shore).

The North Shore plan creates new developments including homes, shops, and master planned commercial development.

“It shows where we need to invest,” said Turk. “Visit www.camasnorthshore.com, where you can learn more or provide input by taking a survey.”

During the next portion of her talk, recreation opportunities, Turk discussed the Community Aquatics Center and Sports Field bond measure. The 78,000-square-foot multi-use facility includes a recreational pool, lap/competitive pool, community spaces, multipurpose gym, locker rooms, child watch area, and many other amenities. Turk worked with Camas City Council to put this project to vote, known as Proposition 2, on the November ballot. During her presentation, she explained the need for the new facilities, cited decades-long support for the project, and encouraged all Camas residents to continue to provide input on the design, location, and features of the project, which will continue to be refined after November 5.

“This provides an opportunity for seniors to be active and socialize, as part of an aging-in-place strategy,” said Turk. “It gives our children and teens an opportunity to play sports for fun through intramural programs, increasing their activity and connecting them with friends, instead of what they hold in their hand. And it allows us to ensure that all of our children in our city know how to swim and view our community center as a destination for fun diving, instead of swinging off rope swings or jumping off rocks. This is a 78,000-square-foot facility that is designed to highlight the natural surroundings. This is our concept and it is beautiful. That does not mean that things will not be tweaked or changed, but right now this looks awesome.”

Camas

“We did put a bond on the ballot and we are asking you to pay for this,” said Turk. “There’s $72 million for the center, $37.2 million of that amount goes to building the facility itself. The rest goes to offsite and onsite improvements including parking at Heritage Park, a roundabout that will help you get in and out of Heritage Park and proposed Community Center easily. It includes a light at Lake Road and Sierra … These costs are in here.”

Turk said the ballot measure also includes $6 million in sports field renovations (new turf, fields, and lighting).

Contractors will be selected for the project through a bidding process. The city expects to receive competitive bids, which will likely come in significantly lower than the estimated $78 million price tag. Private donations could further lower the overall cost. If the final price tag of the project is indeed less, the city will reduce the projected tax rate of $1.04 per $1,000 in assessed property value, and collect fewer taxes from residents. (Any new taxes would not start until 2021.)

Moving on to the final topic her presentation, Turk explained the city’s commitment to improving city communications. She emphasized the reintroduction of council ward meetings, as well as the inclusion of more open house events, surveys, social media posts, and project mailers.

Turk also introduced Camas 101, which is an eight-class program, starting in January 2020, that includes the following:

  • Learn more about your city
  • History of Camas
  • Role of Mayor and City Council
  • How projects are determined and funded
  • What the city actually does
  • Creating a connected and engaged community — wants people to learn about local non-profits.

“We instituted ward meetings in the spring and will do more in the Fall,” said Turk.

State of Camas School District

“Our focus this year is writing our collective story,” said Snell. “You give your best into that school year with all your hopes and dreams. You take each year’s lessons and apply them to the next year. We get to shape what those stories look like. We see and serve each student. Each means each of you will get something out of this.”

He’s also pleased that Helen Baller Special Education teacher, Amy Campbell, was named as Teacher of the Year.

“We’re excited she gets a platform to advocate for special education and to represent Camas School District,” said Snell. “I can’t think of a better person to do that.”

Snell provided a review of the challenges that McCleary legislation created, the stress it placed on levies and that they will continue to work within these constraints.

“We want to inspire them to be learners,” he said. “Standardized tests are one thing, but we need to do the very best we can with our students. They will be making decisions about our community and world.”

He said the Garver Theatre is coming back online from the 2016 bond.

Read more about the last State of the Community address here: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2018/09/mayor-higgins-snell-deliver-camas-state-of-the-community-speeches.html

Camas
Camas School District Superintendent Jeff Snell.
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All Paws on Deck Event This Saturday to Benefit Local Humane Societies

Camas​ DECA is excited to invite all residents and their four-legged friends to​ ​All Paws On Deck ​on ​Saturday, September 21, 2019. T​his event will run from 10 am to 2 pm, ​and will support our local humane societies!​​All Paws on Deck​ will be a fun-filled day on 5​th Avenue from CEDAR to BIRCH, w​here we will celebrate with our furry friends. There will be a variety of exciting games, food, shopping, face painting, and crafts to keep your family entertained. As for Fido, there will be an obstacle course, talent show, and most importantly, a crowning for the ​Dog Mayor of Camas​! Supporting small and local causes are the best ways to better our world; a little goes a long way.

“We all love our animals,” says Suzie Downs, marketing teacher and DECA advisor from Camas High School. Downs has been a mentor to her students as they’ve planned and coordinated A​ ll Paws on Deck. “​ There’s been a lot of buzz going on about it already… but we can’t stop pushing [to raise awareness]” she tells her Marketing 2 class.

Though she has been a huge contributor, Downs is not the head behind All Paws- in fact, the event was created, coordinated, and will be facilitated by Camas Senior Megan Bauer, who has volunteered regularly at the Southwest Washington Humane Society for the past 4 years.

“I wanted to create an event to help the community…” she said when asked about her reasoning for putting on this event. “Animals come [to shelters] with needs… I wanted to give [Camas] a voice to show that we support our societies.”

All Paws on Deck ​is a shining example of what students can do through DECA. By giving students the resources needed to take action in their community, DECA enables students enrolled in marketing classes to not only be educated on business and professionalism skills but also encourages them to create new ideas and take initiative in implementing them in their community.

All Paws

Camas DECA students will be volunteering at the event, and A​ ll Paws on Deck​ has also partnered with several vendors such as Naturally Healthy Pet and the Downtown Camas Business Association, all with the goal of raising at least $1500 dollars for both the Southwest Washington Humane Society and West Columbia Gorge Humane Society. Though the event is free, Camas DECA is hoping that people will donate to the cause or enter into a drawing to win amazing prizes donated by local establishments such as the Camas Fire Department and Petsmart.

Animals play a very important role in each of our lives; after a long workday, they are always ready to greet us when we walk in the door and snuggle with us when we need a friend. Our DECA chapter hopes this event will help these animals find their forever home- so will you help us get All Paws on Deck?

To vote for Dog Mayor, click here: https://all-paws-on-deck.webnode.com/dog-mayor/

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Plein Air & Art Event Happening All Day at Camas First Friday

New art additions to the Downtown Camas “Plein Air & Art Event” for September 6th’s Camas First Friday will have people enthralled and dancing in the streets. As in prior years, plein air (open air) artists will set up their easels in Downtown Camas and paint downtown buildings or landscapes from 9 am to 4pm. Accomplished local artists and multiple live music venues will be featured throughout downtown, as well. New this year will be “dual artist” live paintings and free dance lessons with local dance instructor Daniel Martinez. 

The finished plein air art pieces will be on display at the Camas Gallery, 408 NE 4th, from 5-8 pm that evening. The community will vote for its favorites and “People Choice Awards” will be given. These works of art will then be auctioned off at the Dinner in White on the Columbia, a benefit for the Washougal Library Building Fund, on Saturday, September 7that Marina Park at the Port of Camas Washougal.

Other art features, music, and activities that night are: 

  • Elida Field’s “Art, Women & Wine” artists will be showcased in participating merchant locations; Meet the artists, enjoy the art, and be entered to win prizes from the merchants. Participation lists can be found at the DCA table in Journey at 304 NE 4th Ave. Look for stores with the red balloons.
  • Local dance instructor Daniel Martinez will be offering FREE dance lessons for the community sponsored by the Downtown Camas Association. Come learn dance steps that you might even use with the outdoor live music that night. Meet at Body Bliss Yoga Studio at 417 NE Birch at 6pm for the lessons. Everyone is invited. Daniel is known for his fun and engaging classes and the DCA is glad to partner to bring this art form to the event.
  • Outdoor dining and live music with 4 bands sponsored by Nuestra Mesa from 5-9pm, 228 NE 4th.
  • Camas Gallery will be hosting two “dual artist” live paintings starting at 4:30pm with two paintings each being done by popular local artists. Two will be painted by Anna Norris and Heidi Curley and another two being created by Liz Pike and Sarah Bang. Each artist starts on a painting and then every 15 minutes, switches places with their painting partner until they feel the painting is complete. This art activity is a crowd favorite.
  • Art Show in Attic Gallery featuring Emmy Award winning artist David Allen Dunlopwho will also be plein air painting the mill during the day. There will also be the dynamic live classical music of the Lily Burton String Trio.
  • Art Guessing Game in select locations–guess the artist of a picture of a famous piece of artwork and be entered to win.
  • Open Mic Night at Journey Church, 6-8pm. Sing a song, play guitar or do a stand-up comedy routine. Each performer has 10 minutes to perform. This is a ‘family friendly’ event so youth are welcome to participate. Sign-ups start at 5:30pm. 
  • The Hidden Bronze Bird Tour will have a twist with each of the 14 bronze birds in Downtown Camas showing off something for the night. Find the birds and find out what they have and be entered to win a special prize basket. 
  • Kids’ art crafts, including The Paint Roller Mobile Paint Party where children can paint rocks; chalk art; and the sixth annual DCA First Friday Coloring Contest. 
  • Live music at multiple locations throughout downtown including Birch Street Uptown Lounge, Salud Wine Bar and A Beer at a Time.
  • Shop, dine, & have artful fun in Downtown Camas
Plein Air

This event is sponsored by Camas Gallery who will be hosting the plein air art that night and Elida Art Studio, which coordinates the art throughout all the downtown businesses.

“This event truly celebrates the love of the arts and showcases the art focus our town is developing,” says Carrie Schulstad, director of the Downtown Camas Association (DCA). “We have such talented local artists of all kinds in our community—painters, potters, dancers, musicians, hair art stylists, tattoo artists, you name it! We are thrilled to be able to feature so much wonderful talent on this day and expose people of all ages to such diverse creativity. Join us for an incredibly artful experience!” 

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

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Kris Cavin, Lacamas Magazine Collaborate to Produce ‘@KCFreshInc Meets Burger’

Given America’s love affair with burgers, the major hit of last year’s Feast@316 Burger Contest and the fact that Kris Cavin, aka @KCFreshInc eats three to four burgers a week, it’s fitting we came to this collaboration — and production — of a new Lacamas Magazine Web Series we’re calling “@KCFreshInc Meets Burger.”

The series will star Cavin, a Country Financial insurance agent, and local photographer extraordinaire, as he visits diners, restaurants, and burger joints across the region in search of the best burgers.

“We have so many great restaurants in the area,” said Cavin. “And some get overlooked, and these places have amazing burgers. We’re gonna shine a light on some of these places, and also cover the ones people know about. There’s a lot of love going into food preparation here in Clark County, and beyond, and we’ll have fun covering this, and maybe we’ll even break some news. I’m grateful to Lacamas Magazine for making this happen.”

Cavin, better known as @KCFreshInc to all his Twitter followers volunteers his time as a photographer capturing images at area sports events, and people often refer to him as KC these days.

“I absolutely love Camas,” said Cavin. “We raised our kids here, they went to Camas schools. We’re proud Papermakers, and love promoting the great things happening here and around SW Washington.”

Burger
The Jalepeno Burger with Cream Cheese was featured at Grains of Wrath.

The series already filmed the first episode, which featured the Build Your Own Burger at Washougal Times (formerly called Hellers) in Washougal.

“I had no idea they serve such a great burger,” he said. “Guess I better not give away anymore details.”

In each episode, Cavin will visit each establishment, meet the owners and operators, and tell a little about the place. The burger’s rating is based on the following criteria:

  • Burger quality
  • Quality and ratio of condiments
  • Quality of bun
  • Quality of sides
  • Value to price

Each area will receive a star and an ultimate ranking.

“It really is just about having fun,” said Cavin. “We love burgers — so let’s talk about what makes a great burger.”

The first episode will appear on the Lacamas Magazine YouTube Channel in the coming days. Stay tuned. To learn more, visit www.youtube.com/lacamasmagazine

See a recent Lacamas Magazine food article about burgers: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2019/08/the-new-burgerim-the-story-behind-the-restaurant.html

Columbia River
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