Tag Archive for: Camas

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City of Camas to Hold Open House on Crown Park Redesign

Camas, WA — Camas City officials are holding an open house Wednesday, June 27 from 6-8 pm at Lacamas Lodge to present and gather input about a new proposed Crown Park redesign plan.

Late last year, inspectors mandated closing the Crown Park Pool until it meets code, which would require hundreds of thousands of dollars in renovations. The Camas Parks and Recreation team said those renovations would only sustain the pool for a short period of time — and recommended closing the pool all together.

”The pool’s maintenance costs have risen dramatically in recent years,” said Camas City Parks and Recreation Director, Jerry Acheson. “The city subsidizes 50 percent of the pool’s costs.”

The city has been planning for alternatives, and presented various plans last year. They held a public forum this past winter on how to proceed with renovations, and the City Council voted to demolish the 64-year-old pool. A decision on what to put in its place — if anything — has not been determined.

City leaders are inviting the public to participate in Wednesday’s public open house, but supporters of rebuilding or renovating the pool aren’t impressed.

Local supporters of the Crown Park pool and park have created a group called Friends of Crown Park, and they feel their voice isn’t being heard by the city.

“I’m a little miffed over them (the city) repeatedly saying that ‘public input has been integral to the process’ when the massive amount of public input has pointed straight toward the residents’ desire to keep a pool in the park,” said Camas resident, Anastasia McDonnell. “Yet they haven’t taken any of the hundreds of voices across social media platforms, public rallies, and the 1,300+ signatured  petitions to heart in their plans. At all the public hearings I’ve attended there has been zero support for a splash pad.”

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

Crown Park Pool Memorial

Proposed Redesign

 

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What New Camas Fireworks Ordinance Means; When It Takes Effect

Camas, WA — At Monday’s public meeting, the Camas City Council voted 5-2 to adopt an ordinance to reduce the number of days that fireworks may be discharged from three to two. Effective 2019, fireworks may be discharged only on July 4 from 9 am to midnight, and on December 31 from 6 pm to 1 am on January 1 of the subsequent year. For 2018, the dates haven’t changed, but enforcement has.

On multiple occasions this year, the Camas City Council and Staff have been listening to public input about fireworks use within city limits. The four options presented to the public were as follows:

  1. Keep the ordinance intact, as is.
  2. Limit fireworks usage to only the 4th of July, and New Year’s Eve.
  3. Create a “safe and sane” ordinance, which limits which fireworks can be lit.
  4. Ban private Camas fireworks all together.

Monday’s vote adopted option 2.

 

The City of Camas issued the following statement:

“The Council heard from those seeking a total ban on fireworks, and empathizes with their concerns. The Council also heard from those who enjoy the Fourth of July celebration with family and friends, and recognizes their input.”

Until these dates and hours dates take effect in 2019, the city asks residents to heed the current schedule of approved dates and times for setting off fireworks in Camas and Washougal over the Fourth of July holiday, as shown below.

Fireworks

Fireworks schedule.

Enforcement

The Council also adopted a new ordinance for violations and penalties. Effective this year, the Fire Marshal, Camas Police, and Code Enforcement have the authority to issue citations for illegal fireworks or for discharging fireworks outside of the adopted days and hours. The first violation is $250, second violation is $500, third violation is $750, and $1,000 for each subsequent violation within a three-year period.

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

Public Hearings on Fireworks Usage

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Camas City Council Approves Grass Valley Development Plan

Camas, WA — After listening to three hours of presentations and public comments Monday night, the Camas City Council unanimously voted to approve the Grass Valley Master Development Plan, which is a combination of new commercial and residential construction.

The site, located at 192nd Ave and 38th Street, will be the new headquarters for Holland Partner Group, and is expected to bring 1,500 jobs to the area, said Camas City Administrator, Pete Capell. Holland’s campus development plans call for three new office buildings, totally 272,000 square feet with 1,000 parking spaces. The master plan includes a 20,000 square foot market, 12 apartment buildings (each with 24 units), a pool, and complex leasing office.

The apartment buildings were the source of great concern for a majority of the Awbrey Glen residents (off 192nd Ave). Thirty Awbrey Glen residents attended the long session, with six making public comments.

At issue is the height and location of apartment building structures to be built on the site’s southern border, which is adjacent to the Awbrey Glen subdivision. Residents feel the developer’s fence and proposed greenbelt weren’t enough to insulate them from the light, activity and noise that apartment life would bring.

“Awbrey Glen residents propose a compromise, they don’t want to stop development,” said Jiri Vasat. “We want to extend the green belt on the south side to 50 feet from the Awbrey Glen property line.”

Roger Young echoed Vasat’s comments, and asked developers to reduce the southern apartment buildings to two stories, rather than three. He also expressed concern about traffic congestion.

“We don’t want their windows looking into our living spaces,” said Young.

Others discussed their SEPA appeals, water runoff issues, and green belt mandates.

Attorney Randy Printz, who represented the project, presented the plan and offered multiple responses to the SEPA appeals and said the “development meets all code requirements” and urged the council to vote to deny the appeals, and clear the way for the development to proceed.

Camas City staff and councilors have been reviewing project plans for many months.

 

Grass

The campus that will be built.

 

After three hours of presentation and public comments, City Councilor Deanna Rusch motioned that the SEPA appeal be denied, which was seconded by Councilor Anderson. The council voted unanimously, which constituted a final order on the matter. The Grass Valley Development project will begin as soon as possible.

”I encourage residents to work with developers to discuss remaining issues,” said Camas Mayor, Scott Higgins.

Rusch said “this is a healthy development for Camas.”

Printz said the developers will break ground this summer, and completion will be some time in the summer of 2019. The project is a $164 million private investment.

”We will likely build a large component of it at one time to minimize the construction related impacts, so it’s not under construction for several years,” said Printz.

Project Images

 

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The Liberty Theatre Turns 91 — Brings on “Raiders of the Lost Ark”

Camas, WA — The historic Liberty Theatre turns 91 on June 14, and the operators are having a low-key celebration with a special showing of Steven Spielberg’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

“This isn’t a benchmark year, so we’re not not having all the hoopla and swag bags like we did last year,” said the theatre’s operator, Rand Thornsley. “We’re having a 6 pm special showing of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark,’ which is a community pick. We put out a poll and that was the top pick of our customers. Last year was very successful.”

For the record, “Wizard of Oz” placed second in the poll.

Thornsley’s group took over theatre operations in 2011 on St. Patrick’s Day, which is their operational anniversary, but the community is more in tune with the historic anniversary — and its opening in 1927.

This summer, the Liberty will present a Drones concert, as well as some “Beatles” programs. And, they have a few anniversary classics coming: such as “American Graffiti” to coincide with the downtown Camas Car Show in July; Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” celebrate its 6oth anniversary in July; and “Treasure of Sierra Madre,” which celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Liberty

The theatre opened in 1927.

A few fun Liberty facts:

  • It’s classic vintage, not a multiplex. “We don’t do things like Regal does. We show a lot of different movies at a lot of different times,” says Thornsley.
  • Prices are more family friendly. General admission is $4.50 and $5.50 for adults. Tuesdays are $4.50.
  • Concessions are at a price point that’s affordable.
  • The big theatre seats 300. The little theatre has 29 seats.
  • They make it all happen with a staff of five.
  • Concessions — popcorn is simple, with no artificial ingredients. It’s quality popcorn, made with sea salt, and canola oil, plus butter if you want it.

To learn more, visit www.CamasLiberty.com

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Award-winning Camas Author Announces New Oregon-Based Mystery

Camas, WA — Award-winning Camas author and playwright Gary Corbin has announced the release of his fifth novel, The Mountain Man’s Badge, with launch events and book signings in venues around the greater Portland/Vancouver area.

The Mountain Man’s Badge will be released to bookstores on June 20, 2018, although it is available for pre-order on Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and on the author’s web page (www.garycorbinwriting.com).

The Mountain Man’s Badge is the third installment in Corbin’s acclaimed “Mountain Man Mysteries” series, from Double Diamond Publishing of Camas, WA.

About The Mountain Man’s Badge

Mountain Man Lehigh Carter, drafted into serving as acting sheriff of Mt. Hood County after exposing his predecessor’s corruption, is compelled to arrest his new father-in-law for the murder of Everett Downey, the most despised man in town.

Still learning on the job, Lehigh continues to investigate loose ends that don’t add up, but ambitious prosecutor Ray “The Reverend” Ferguson seems intent on blocking him at every turn. Soon, Lehigh suspects that those most intent on pinning the murder on George McBride have reasons far more sinister than blocking Lehigh’s agenda of reform.

Can Lehigh uncover the truth behind the crime without becoming the killer’s next victim?

Book Launch and Signings: CapsN’Taps, Vintage Books, and more

 To help promote the book, the author will kick off a series of release events and book signings. The first event is a launch party at Camas’ popular taproom, CapsN’Taps, on the book’s launch date, June 20, from 6-8 PM. Corbin will sell and sign books directly, and CapsN’Taps will offer $2 off any beer to customers who purchase a copy of the book at the event.

“CapsN’Taps hosted the launch party for my very first novel, Lying in Judgment, which was a blast,” Corbin says. “They’re also featuring my books as prizes in their Trivia Mondays in June, so folks who haven’t read the first two books could win a copy and catch up on the series before the 20th. Beer and books—what a great combination!”

On June 23, Corbin will read from the new novel and sign books at local favorite Vintage Books, 6613 E Mill Plain Blvd in Vancouver, at 1 PM. Copies of all books will be available for sale at the event.

“Vintage Books has been amazing at finding readers for my books, and they’re incredibly supportive of local authors,” Corbin says.  “Vintage was one of the first to put my books on its shelves. It’s a great local bookstore with great selection and terrific event programming. I can’t say enough good things about it.”

Other events include book signings at The Coffee Cottage in Newberg, OR on July 11, and at Jan’s Paperbacks in Aloha, OR on July 14.

Full details of all events are available on the author’s website, garycorbinwriting.com.

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Events: Camas First Friday All About Dog Days of Summer!

Camas, WA — June’s First Friday celebration is all about the Dog Days of Summer. Running this Friday, June 1st, from 5-8 pm, participants will get to enjoy a fun talent and fashion show with prizes, along with vendor booths, children’s craft stations, a dog breed guessing activity in participating businesses, and so much more.

There will also be a dog and owner look-alike contest! Bring your favorite pooch (leashes required) and make a fun night of it. The Downtown Camas Association thanks Naturally Healthy Pet in Downtown Camas for sponsoring this event.

The Doggie Fashion Show & Owner Look Alike Contest starts at 6 pm; and the Doggie Talent Contest starts at 7 pm. For the Fashion Show, the judging will be for Funniest, Cutest, and Most Creative. For the Talent Contest, the judging will be for most clever, most difficult, and cutest talents. Sign up when you get to First Friday at the DCA table, up to 15 minutes before each event. The contests, crafts and other fun will be between 4th and 5th on Cedar Street. No cost to enter.

There will also be vendors! Dog Specific Vendors coming to the “Dog Days of Summer” are:

PNW Visiting Vet

Must Love Dogs NW

Polka Dot Paws

Deborah’s Creations

Wigglin’ Home Boxer Rescue

Pup Town Cafe

High Expectations Dog Training

WCGHS (West Columbia Gorge Humane Society)

Other activities for First Friday include:

So much going on all over town! Shop, dine, enjoy the galleries, listen to live music, and more!

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IMPACT CW to Host Summer Meals Food Drive For Needy on June 10

Washougal WA — Camas and Washougal community members are being asked to help make an impact on the lives of school families who need a little help with summer meals.  IMPACT CW (Camas-Washougal), organized by St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Washougal, will be held on Sunday, June 10 from 11am to 2pm at Parker’s Landing Historic Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal, to collect donations and fill food boxes.

“We are asking the community to drive up and drop off their food donations,” said Beth Raetz, Impact CW Committee Member and Church Office Secretary. “If they can, we’d love to have them stop for a while, help fill boxes, enjoy a free BBQ lunch and listen to an outdoor concert by the Camas-Washougal Community Orchestra.”

St. Matthew Pastor Bob Barber started the event and continues to be a driving force. According to Raetz, the event grew from a sermon series “Be the Difference,” which culminated in going shopping and packing boxes during the Sunday morning worship service for the first event.  Barber is the 2018 Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce’s selection for Citizen of the Year.

Although many people are conditioned to make food donations around the holidays, Raetz explains that there is another critical need at this time of year.  “We are targeting families in the schools who receive free breakfast and free lunches and are a part of the backpack programs,” she said. “When school stops for summer those meals end.  These kids may get into a summer meal program but there could be several weeks before they start.  These meals will help to bridge that gap.  It just gives them a boost.”

Now in its fourth year, IMPACT CW is growing. “This year we are continuing to invite groups to get involved and help out,” said Raetz.  “We have high school students working on their community service hours, scout troops, church groups, businesses and families volunteering to help.  It is so wonderful to see families from little ones to big ones all helping to fill up boxes.”

Once the boxes are filled, they will be packed in a U-haul truck and on Monday morning will be delivered to Camas and Washougal schools who will then connect the boxes with families in need.

Schools are currently working to identify those families who could use some help.  “Last year we made 140 boxes,” said Raetz. “This year we expect the need will grow to 200.”

Non-perishable food donations can be made in advance of the event and dropped off at St. Matthew Lutheran Church at 716 Washougal River Road ,Tuesday through Friday from 9:30am to 1:00pm.  Financial contributions can be made through www.gofundme.com/impactcw or checks made out to St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

For more information, contact Raetz at the church office at 360-835-5533.

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Camas Boys Track & Field Wins State — With Chiawana, Issaquah, Bothell

Mt. Tahoma Stadium, WA — Yes, you read that headline correctly. Camas Boys Track and Field won the State Championship Saturday in a four-way tie with Chiawana, Issaquah, and Bothell. For the record, Walla Walla earned 36.5 points.

So, how did that happen?

Daniel Maton’s first place victories in the 800 and 1600 meter events put Camas in contention, and going into the final event — the 4 x 400 Relay — Issaquah was ahead with 36 points, with Camas, 32; Bothell, 29, Chiawana, 27, and Walla Walla, 30.5.

Chiawana’s victory in the 4 x 400 Relay earned them 10 points, putting their final score at 37 points. Bothell earned second place, giving them eight points, also putting their final score at 37 points. Walla Walla’s third place finish earned them 6 points, for a total haul of 36.5 points. Camas placed fourth for 5 points, which put them at 37 points overall. And, a last place finish for Issaquah earned them just one point, which was enough to make it a four-way tie for first place.

”It was really one for the ages,” said Boys Head Coach, Jon Eagle. “Amazing. It was a surreal last part of the meet. It was very long odd for it to turn out the way it did. Go Papermakers!”

Mason Gross, William Schultz, Bryce Leighton, and Daniel Maton ran the 4 x 400 Relay for Camas.

State

From left: Daniel Maton, William Schultz, Mason Gross, and Bryce Leighton. Photo from District Meet.

”I’m pretty sure it was the first time that’s ever happened at State,” said Leighton. “It’s pretty crazy, it’s awesome that we managed to get first as a team, though. I’m really proud of our entire team and program, even everyone who didn’t go to State, for working so hard and getting to where they got.”

Leighton said there were 15 other Papermakers at State.

 

Event Results

Blake Deringer placed 7th (11.21) in the 100 meter event, and 6th (22.43) in the 200 meter event.

William Sun placed 6th (40.11) in the 300 meter hurdles.

Matt Williams placed 8th (169-03’) in Javelin.

David Connell placed 5th (9:17.03) in the 3200 meter event. LJ Floyd placed 11th (9:40.47).

Maton won both 800 meter (1:51.02) the 1600 meter event (4:07.50), setting personal records in both. His two victories were essential to the team’s ultimate victory, but as the math shows, every point and individual team member placement led to the overall success at this year’s State competition.

 

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Clark College President Addresses CW Rotary; Club Recognizes Camas Student

Washougal, WA — Robert Knight, President of Clark College, addressed the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club Thursday morning on the benefits of community colleges, as well as plans for the school’s future. Rotarians also recognized Camas High School sophomore, Yozen Fang, for his academic achievements.

In his speech, Knight said he’s pleased with the strength of Clark College, which was established in 1933.

“The way we teach is changing,” said Knight. “And, our teachers are some of the best out there — I know our students are getting a quality education.”

He said two-year colleges like Clark address a demographic of youth that aren’t ready for the size of four-year universities.

“We get them ready, and with our small class sizes, around 20 students per class, teachers get to know the students by name,” said Knight. “And, as parents we’re saving you a lot of money. They’re getting the same quality education as they would at a large university for these first two years. They’re the same classes. Then you can go on to become a Duck, a Beaver, a Huskie, or a Cougar.”

He also discussed the growing demand for vocational education, and wants to change the attitude toward trades.

“Parents need to know there’s a growing demand for these kinds of jobs, and they need to know they’re paid high wages,” said Knight. “So we’re working on changing those perceptions. We also need to think about going to school year-round, instead of taking summers off. That’s a old way of thinking.”

Additional points:

  • Clark College owns several acres of land to build a northern campus in Ridgefield, of I-5 exit 14. The school bought the land several years ago, and is getting the funding to build there.
  • Clark College Columbia Tech Center Campus is a big success, and helps students in Camas, Washougal and East Vancouver get to Running Start classes quickly.
  • The Running Start program has 2,400 students.

Yozen Fang

Rotarians also honored Yozen Fang, a soft-spoken Camas High School sophomore, as their club’s Student of the Month, for his academic achievements.

“Students are always given praise by staff,” said Rotarian, Ron Carlson. “According to your teachers, Yozen, they say you’re an inspiration to the work ethic of CHS. Your ability to experience defeat and never give up is amazing. You are very successful, and … you are slowly … shedding some of your shyness in the school. Another teacher said ‘underneath that quiet exterior is a sharp and witty mind. He diligently works on his work and is faithful to every teammate he works on in his research projects. While he is quiet, his math work is excellent. He is very talented, very bright.’”

Fang writes in Japanese using highly skilled terms.

Fang said he loves to go on long walks, and read.

Rotary

Camas High School sophomore, Yozen Fang, was recognized as the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club’s Student of the Month at the group’s weekly meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Fireworks Hearing: Camas City Council Listens to 30 Citizens Monday Evening

Camas, WA — Thirty Camas residents spoke in a filled City Council chamber Monday night to express their opinions about fireworks usage within city limits.

The city is seeking public input about whether to make changes to the existing fireworks ordinance, and is considering four options:

  1. Keep the ordinance intact, as is.
  2. Limit fireworks usage to only the 4th of July, and New Year’s Eve.
  3. Create a “safe and sane” ordinance, which limits which fireworks can be lit.
  4. Ban private Camas fireworks all together.

Mayor Scott Higgins opened the hearing and emphasized that citizens had a three-minute time limit.

“I urge you to be respectful and honor each other,” said Higgins. “Please don’t treat people negatively.”

Of the 30 who spoke publicly, 11 are in favor of a ban, while 21 are in favor of keeping the fireworks ordinance as is, or limit usage to only one day during the 4th of July holiday, and New Year’s Eve.

The first five citizens spoke in favor of banning Camas fireworks all together, and gave impassioned testimony supporting their positions.

”I only see one viable option,” said Gary Fields. “A total ban of fireworks. Do the right thing and outlaw them.”

Scott Culbertson said: “I think we need to consider a ban. We have a change in climate, and summers are getting hotter and drier. There’s too much noise, and I have to leave Camas and then worry that things will catch on fire.”

Mandy Stonewahld referred to Prune Hill as “Prune Hill Baghdad” while addressing the council.

“The fireworks continue for hours on end, from 8 pm to 2 am, and they last for days,” she said. “We are concerned about our elderly, we’re concerned about those with special needs and the undo stress it places on them. Camas military vets suffer from PTSD, and we watch our neighbors try to one up each other by spending more money. Maybe we can push for a compromise and limit them to one day?”

Gabriel Kern spoke in favor of keeping the fireworks ordinance as is.

“I’m an Eagle Scout,” said Kern. “I represent the young families of Camas, and we want our fireworks. We love our 4th of July celebrations. Some of my favorite memories are coming together on this holiday.”

Kern’s father, a retired military colonel, said: “Prune Hill is not Baghdad. I bring my family together for fireworks, and I love seeing neighbors getting together. We just need to manage it better.”

”I’m married to an ex-military guy,” said Julie Brown. “We teach our children to use them responsibly. This is a holiday that brings us together, and we need to teach our kids respect.”

The City of Camas will continue to gather public input in the coming weeks before presenting all information to the City Council. Council member, Steve Hogan, said the council expects to vote on this issue in June, and noted that any change won’t be effective until 2019.

The City of Camas welcomes your comments. Please email Bernie Bacon at bbacon@cityofcamas.us or call 360.817.1591.

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

 

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