Tag Archive for: Vancouver

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Storm Water Partners: Ways to Keep Our Waters Clean

Vancouver, WA — As the weather warms, it’s important to remember that small habits can have a large impact on stormwater. Car washing, cleaning up after your pets and lawn care all impact our waters in Clark County. The City of Camas is sending out reminders about proper water usage, which come from Storm Water Partners. Here are some tips:

Watering

When irrigation systems overwater or water sidewalks, driveways and streets, the runoff picks up pollutants and transports them to our streams via the storm sewer.  It’s also a waste of water and money.

Ensure your irrigation system is only watering the landscape where it can infiltrate into the soil.  

Pets and animals

When it rains, pet waste left on the ground from dogs, cats, horses, ducks, and other pets washes into storm drains and streams, polluting our water and posing health risks to children and pets.

Animal waste carries harmful bacteria, parasites and nutrients.  And with over 110,000 dogs and 30,000 horses in Clark County alone, it adds up.  In fact, E. coli is a primary pollutant in many of our local streams and lakes. 

Lawn care

Follow the manufacturer’s directions precisely for mixing and applying herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides and use them sparingly.  

NEVER apply when it’s windy or rain is expected, or over water, within 100 feet of a well, or adjacent to streams or other waterways.

Use manufacturer’s directions in applying fertilizers and sweep up spills that fall on driveways and sidewalks before they can wash off. Organic fertilizers’ slow release of nitrogen is less likely to pollute than synthetic fertilizers.

Visit www.stormwaterpartners.com to learn about ways you can minimize your impact.

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Clark College Orchestra Winter Concert Features Viola Soloist Brett Deubner

The Clark College Orchestra performs their Winter Concert of the 2022-2023 season under the baton of Music Director/Conductor Dr. Donald Appert on Wednesday, March 8, 7:30 pm at Skyview High School Auditorium, 1300 NW 139th St, Vancouver, WA. 

The program features soloist Brett Deubner performing Dr. Appert’s Viola Concerto and Eric Whitacres’ The River Cam, and the orchestra also plays Shostakovich Symphony 1. The admission is free and open to the public. Donations to the Orchestra General Fund accepted at the door.

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

American violist Brett Deubner has established himself as one of the foremost violists of his generation. As a sought after soloist who has performed with orchestras on five continents, Deubner has redefined the role of “solo artist” and given the viola a new standing in the world of classical music through his virtuosity, commitment to championing new music and dedication to fostering the next generation’s young artists.

As a concerto soloist, Deubner’s debut with the Grammy award-winning New Jersey Symphony Orchestra premiering Lalo Schifrin’s Triple Concerto resulted in numerous subsequent engagements throughout the U.S. and abroad. Deubner went on to perform worldwide as one of this century’s most important viola soloists appearing with more than 80 orchestras in 11 countries to unanimous approval for “the warmth and sparkling” quality of his playing. (Doblinger Press, Vienna) To date Deubner has received over 50 viola concertos composed and dedicated to him and he has made 20 CDs on various labels such as Naxos, Centaur, Innova and Albany to critical acclaim and glowing reviews.

In 2017, Deubner received the United States Congressional Certificate of Recognition for his commitment to music and education. In 2019, Deubner received a Latin Grammy nomination for “Best Classical CD Recording” for his recording of Houston Dunleavy’s Concerto “A Kiss Before the World’s End” with the Orquesta de Heredia of Costa Rica. He is a recipient of the 2022 Global Music Awards Silver Medal for his recording “Transfiguration” an album of works by Stanley Grill for two, three and four violas of which he recorded all the parts.

In 2022-2023, Deubner will perform 10 viola concertos with orchestras in North and South America as well as Europe. In addition to recording with Deubner’s piano partner Allison Brewster Franzetti in a highly acclaimed debut album “Mother Earth,” this season he will release his debut “Solo” album featuring works composed for him. In the fall of 2022 he will make concerto recordings in Prague with the Czech Chamber Philharmonic and in Estonia with the Laanesaarte Kammerorkester.

A devoted and passionate chamber music collaborator Deubner has performed with Pinchas Zukerman, Joseph Kalichstein, Andre Michel-Schub, the Tokyo Quartet, Vermeer Quartet, Colorado Quartet clarinetists Guy Deplus and Alexander Fiterstein, as well as flutists Ransom Wilson and Carol Wincenc. Brett Deubner makes his home in the New York Metropolitan area where he is currently on the string faculty of the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College in New York. He is on the faculty of the Round Top Festival in Texas. He plays on a viola made for him by Alejandro Bacelar and is officially endorsed by D’Addario, the world’s largest strings manufacturer, as a solo artist who uses the Kaplan Amo strings exclusively.

Donald Appert has appeared as a guest conductor in Japan, Australia, Central America, and throughout Europe.  In Italy La’ovadese wrote, “…the performance of the ‘Serenade in C Major’ of Tchaikovsky, under the exceptional direction of Appert, was in such a style that it brought out the elegance and grace of the melodic lines with Mozartian inspiration.  …The L’Orchestra Sinfonica Città di Grosseto… performed the Barber ‘Adagio’ with rare effectiveness, emphasizing its intrinsically rich melody.”  Giornale di Sicilla praised his interpretation of Nielsen’s First Symphony as “lyrical with an airy freshness,” and his conducting as “precise, painstakingly accurate, and diligent.”  In the United States, he has appeared as a guest conductor of the Vancouver (Washington) Symphony, the University of Texas – Arlington Symphony Orchestra, the Eastern Washington University Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Central Arkansas Symphony.He currently serves as the Music Director/Conductor of the Oregon Sinfonietta and the Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland.

Dr. Appert was awarded the 2020 Winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Programming. He won this same award in 2011 and in 2015 was named an Honored Artist by The American Prize Competition.

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Clark County Elections Office: Voters’ Rejected Ballots Can Still Be Counted

Vancouver, WA — Approximately 4,000 mailed ballots countywide were rejected from last week’s election, the vast majority of which are due to signature matching issues, said the Clark County Elections Office Tuesday. Affected voters were mailed a letter explaining the resolution process.

Greg Kimsey, Clark County Auditor, issued this statement on Monday, which explains how to resolve these signature match problems:

“Voters who have had their ballot rejected due to their signature on their envelope not matching the signatures contained in their voter registration record or because the signature is missing from their ballot return envelope may resolve those issues up until 5 pm on Monday, November 28.

“Signature update forms are sent to all voters with rejected ballots with a letter explaining how they may resolve their signature issue so their ballot can be counted. The letter explains that voters have until 5 pm Monday, Nov. 28 to return the completed form, so their ballot may be counted.

“Elections’ staff understands candidate campaigns are contacting voters regarding rejected ballots. The Elections Office strongly encourages voters to only return their signature update forms directly to the Elections Office, by USPS, or via someone they know and trust. The forms must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28.

“Elections Office staff are not visiting voters at their residences or texting them. If a voter has provided the Elections Office their phone number on their ballot return envelope and have not returned their signature update form, they will be called within three business days before the Nov. 29 certification date to remind them to return their signature update or missing signature form. Phone numbers provided to the Elections Office are exempt from public disclosure and are not provided as part of any public records request.

“Voters may check their ballot status online at https://clark.wa.gov/elections/wheres-my-ballot/ballot-status-tool 

“After entering first and last name and date of birth they may select BALLOT STATUS to learn if their ballot has been accepted or rejected.”

His message concluded, stating that voters may contact the Elections Office at 564.397.2345 or [email protected] with questions regarding the status of their ballot or how to resolve signature issues.

Approximately 3,300 ballots have left to be counted from last week’s election.

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SR 500-NE 182nd Ave: Intersection Improvements, 10-day Road Closure

Vancouver, WA — Beginning as soon as August 3, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will work to construct a roundabout in east Vancouver, between the intersection of Fourth Plain Boulevard, also known as SR 500, and Northeast 182nd Avenue. Crash data collected over a five-year timeframe between 2013 to 2017 showed that this intersection had a significant amount of crashes, most of which were rear-end or T-bone crashes. Installing a compact roundabout at this intersection will improve safety by reducing the potential for these severe types of collisions, while keeping traffic flowing through the intersection. 

What to expect

Once construction begins, travelers can expect construction noise and nighttime single lane closures throughout the duration of the project. Beginning as soon as Wednesday, Aug. 3, the intersection of Fourth Plain and NE 182nd Avenue will be fully closed for 10 days, for the installation of the roundabout. 

During the full closure, a temporary traffic signal will be used at NE 88th Street and Ward Road to help keep the traffic moving safely throughout the area. Travelers will need to use an alternate route and should plan ahead for delays. 

Why roundabouts?

A roundabout at this location offers the greatest safety benefit by reducing the potential for severe collisions, while keeping connectivity and improving travel efficiency through the intersection. 

Studies have shown that roundabouts are safer than traditional stop sign or signal-controlled intersections. The Federal Highway Administration determined that roundabouts can increase traffic capacity by 30 percent to 50 percent compared to traditional intersections. 

For more information about this project visit: 

https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr- 500-ne-182nd-ave-intersection-improvements 

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18th District Rep. Larry Hoff announces he will not seek reelection in November

Representative Larry Hoff, R-Vancouver, announced Monday that he will not seek reelection to the Washington State House of Representatives in November. Hoff, who is serving his second term as a state representative for the 18th Legislative District, says that while there is more work to do, it is the right time to retire.

“I am deeply honored to have had this opportunity to represent and serve the community I have called home for more than 40 years,” said Hoff. “I have given it my all every day, working on behalf of my constituents and developing public policy in a bipartisan manner for the benefit of all Washingtonians. It is now time for me to fully shift my focus to my family—especially my grandson who I can’t wait to spend more time with fishing, hunting, and making memories.”

Hoff quickly rose to prominence in the House Republican Caucus, being named ranking member of the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee after just one term in office.  Last year, the Washington Farm Bureau named Hoff its 2021 Legislator of the Year in the state House of Representatives.

“From day one, I have strived to bring common sense to Olympia,” said Hoff. “I have fought hard against onerous regulations while advocating for policies to help keep our state competitive, grow jobs, revitalize struggling communities, and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Hoff has developed a reputation as a hard worker who takes his role as a full-time legislator seriously. That is one of the things House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox says he admires most about the 18th District lawmaker.

Natalia's

“There are not many people I respect more in the Legislature than Larry Hoff,” said Wilcox. “Larry has been a vital member of our caucus and a tremendous force for good during his two terms in office. Not only has he been our leader on labor issues, but he has also worked diligently to make life more affordable for Washington families as a member of the Appropriations Committee. On the College and Workforce Development Committee, he has pushed to expand apprenticeships, maximize awareness of tuition and grant options, and increase support for our trade schools. In addition to this work, he has also been deeply involved in our efforts to fix Washington’s affordable housing crisis. Larry cares deeply about our state and has made it his mission to make it a better place to live for all Washingtonians. I will miss him greatly, as will our entire caucus.”

“In order to be successful in this job, you must be fully committed to public service,” added Hoff. “While there will be long days and even longer nights, serving in the Legislature is a noble venture that is incredibly rewarding when you put in the time and effort. There is no better feeling than being able to help someone who has nowhere else to turn. That has been my favorite part of the job and what I will miss most.”

During his time in office, Hoff has been appointed to and served on the Legislative Ethics Board, the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee and I-900 Subcommittee, the Washington State Building Code Council, and the Washington State Institute for Public Policy.

Hoff says he hopes he is remembered most for his dedication to his district, his work ethic, and his willingness to work across the aisle.

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Flash Wash Approaches First Anniversary; Run By Camas Grad

Vancouver, Wash. — A 2018 Camas High School graduate and her team are taking an east Vancouver car wash to a whole new level of service, quality and performance.

Flash Wash, adjacent to Sinclair gas station at 164th and Cascade Park Drive in Vancouver, is nearly a year old now, and Alexa McCallum, a proud Papermaker alumnus, is pretty excited about the work they’re doing.

“We’re building out Flash Wash, will start building out in Washington and Oregon, then California, then all over the country,” said McCallum, who runs the car wash. “It’s fun, it can be stressful at times. It is a career, and most people don’t know that. The money is there. The car wash industry is booming. A lot of people are building car washes and we don’t see it a lot on the west coast side. On the east coast they are very professional, very customer service oriented, and memberships are a huge thing. We’re following the east coast model and our customers love it!”

Flash Wash offers three washes, which can be purchased as monthly memberships with unlimited visits:

  1. Flash Wash ($29.99/month) is a premium wash with ceramics that add an extra coating on your vehicle along with a longer lasting shine and protection. The ceramics help bead off the rain.
  2. Bolt Wash ($23.99/month) comes with wax and clear coat protectant, which adds an extra protectant on your vehicle.
  3. Spark Wash ($14.99/month) is a basic service that cleans your vehicle without wax and wheel cleaning.

Flash Wash offers a special $5 memberships for the first month, which then goes into a recurring charge. 

“It’s a really good deal,” said McCallum. “And we want the public to know that a part of our tunnel recycles some of our car wash water. Most of our tunnel runs off fresh water but some of it is recycled water. And we feel like we offer the best car wash in the area.”

McCallum also emphasizes the importance of the ceramics at Flash Wash. Citing concerns about chemical staining from naturally acidic contaminants in the environment, she said the ceramics help reduce those contaminants from bonding to a vehicle’s paint.

“Ceramics are more durable, and they will produce a deeper gloss and shine than traditional wax,” McCallum added. “I also want people to know that Flash Wash is a great place to work, that we have a great team, and that Flash Wash wants to give back to the community. You can contact us via our website: https://flashwashcarwash.com/contact-us/ “

After graduation from CHS, McCallum ventured off to Southern California, but soon realized her heart was in the Pacific Northwest, and chose to return and help expand her family’s business.

“We have plans to build more Flash Wash’s here in the Pacific Northwest, and we continue to grow our memberships every day,” McCallum said. “I just thrive off what we do. I love my team and staff. I love waking up every day and coming here. I’m around positive people who have an outlook on business, as well.”

Hours: 8 am – 8 pm seven days a week.

Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day only.

If you wish to apply to work at Flash Wash, click here: https://flashwashcarwash.com/careers-2/

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Permit Activity Continues to Surge as Home Buying Demand Continues

Vancouver, WA –The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) reports another month of surging permit activity in Clark County. Single-family residential (SFR) and town home permits are seeing large gains when looking at year-over-year and annual total data tables published by Clark County’s Community Development Department.

This year, 98 SFR permits were issued in April, compared to the 51 SFR permits in April 2020. The BIA is anticipating 2021’s permit issuance totals to meet or exceed the 2020 total of 1,121 SFR permits issued.

Avaly Scarpelli, BIA’s Executive Director said “the increase in permit activity for April is likely due to the work stoppage during the same time last year. Because the governor neglected to classify housing construction as ‘essential’ under the first Stay-at-Home order, our members were more concerned with finding ways to keep their employees on payroll last April. It’s hard to submit and receive processed permits when so there’s so much uncertainty, and the county’s staff had to adapt processes to the new virtual environment; there was a significant learning curve and a backlog as a result of the governor’s judgement error.”

Home
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A more interesting finding, however, is the number of town home permits processed this year compared to April 2020. Last year, zero permits were issued, whereas April 2021 saw an issuance of 37 town home permits.

In a recently released Housing Trends Report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 16 percent of adults are planning to buy a home in the next twelve months – up from 10 percent year-over-year. Among that group of prospective buyers, 42 percent are looking to buy a newly built home and 30 percent an existing home. This growth is driven primarily by millennials, whose interest doubled from 16 percent in the first quarter of 2020 to 32 percent in the first quarter of 2021.

“Many of our builder members are focusing on meeting the demand for more affordable housing options, especially for millennials entering the housing market for the first-time,” Scarpelli adds. Members report newly built town homes are especially popular among this younger demographic because these homes are generally more affordable, more energy efficient, and lower-maintenance than an a newly-built SFR or existing home.”

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Local Builder Tackles Childhood Cancer Through Building Of A St. Jude Home

Vancouver, Wash – When Tony Marnella, Marnella Homes, was approached with the idea of building a St. Jude Dream Home Showplace house, he didn’t hesitate before saying “Yes!” As a cancer survivor himself, Tony is passionate about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital because it is one of the only institutions that offers care at no-cost to the family. At St. Jude, no family receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food, because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

As one of the first Showplace homes in the Pacific Northwest, the goal is to donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the home to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support their mission: Finding Cures. Saving Children.

Macey is a local St. Jude patient. Diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, called a Craniopharyngioma, at just five years old, she underwent initial surgery at Doernbecher. But when the tumor returned just eighteen months later, her parents turned St. Jude, where doctors see her type of tumor on a regular basis – more cases than anywhere else in the world. Macey’s mom Courtney says that when she reached out, the oncologist called her back within minutes. They quickly made arrangements to get Macey and her mom to Memphis, where Macey was treated with Proton Beam Radiation. The hospital is home to the only Proton Beam Radiation machine calibrated especially for children. Macey is now a happy, healthy seventh grader here in Clark County. Her family is excited to see support for St. Jude in their home community through projects like the St. Jude Dream Home Showplace being built by Marnella Homes.

St. Jude
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“The Sedona” is a Southwestern inspired, net-zero, 3-bedroom 2.5 bath, 2,827 square foot home. Individuals interested in purchasing this home and supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital should attend the NW Natural Parade of Homes (September 10-26; details at www.ClarkCountyParadeofHomes.com) and/or contact Marnella Homes at 503-654-6642.

Marnella Homes has spearheaded the appeals for donations of labor, materials, and/or services with the assistance of the Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA).

The BIA reports the following members are among some of the top donors to-date:

  • All County Plumbing – 100% donated plumbing installation 
  • Breaking Ground Excavation – 100% donated sitework
  • Gale Contractor Services – 100% donated insulation
  • James Hardie with assistance from FiberMount – 100% donated siding materials
  • NW Custom Electric – Donation of electric labor
  • Willamette Carpentry – 100% donated trim labor

Trade partners interested in assisting in the build of the home should visit https://www.marnellahomes.com/stjude to make a donation or contact Marnella Homes at 503-654-6642 to provide more assistance.

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Clark County COVID-19 Activity Rate Declines For Sixth Consecutive Week


Vancouver, WA —  Clark County Public Health reports that the county’s activity rate is 105.4 cases per 100,000, which is down from 137 cases per 100,000 a week ago.

This list illustrates the steady decline since middle January. Recent COVID-19 activity levels (rate is calculated weekly):

  • Jan. 25: 401.2 cases per 100,000
  • Feb. 1: 310.5 cases per 100,000
  • Feb. 8: 262.2 cases per 100,000
  • Feb. 15: 209.8 cases per 100,000
  • Feb. 22: 137.0 cases per 100,000
  • March 1: 105.4 cases per 100,000

The latest daily COVID-19 data is as follows:

  • 31 new cases 
  • 18,408 cases to date
  • No new deaths
  • 223 total deaths to date (201 confirmed, 22 suspect)
  • 237 active cases (in isolation period)
  • 19 COVID-19 patients hospitalized
  • 3 people hospitalized awaiting COVID-19 test results

In addition, the percent of COVID-19 tests coming back positive dropped below 5% during the most recent week for which we have data (Feb. 7-13), representing two weeks of decreasing positivity rates.

The number of tests administered has also slowly decreased, with about 5,300 tests being administered in the most recent week of data. However, test data is preliminary and may change as additional negative results are reported. 

Clark County Public Health updates this data weekly (on Tuesdays) on their COVID-19 data webpage to reflect the most recent numbers available: https://clark.wa.gov/public-health/covid-19-data

COVID-19
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BIA of Clark County: 35,000+ Families Will Be Priced Out of Homes This Year

Vancouver, WA – The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) estimates that 35,605 Clark County families will be priced-out of purchasing a home in 2021.

This estimate comes from the newest version of a study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The study states that for each $1,000 increase in the cost of median-priced newly built homes in Clark County, 985 prospective buyers will be pushed out of the market, up from 781 prospective buyers in 2020.

“This study illustrates how even a relatively small increase in housing prices can dramatically impact housing affordability and accessibility for our neighbors,” said BIA’s Executive Director Avaly Scarpelli. “Unfortunately, with lumber prices on the rise again and the recent implementation of the Washington State Energy Code, housing affordability will continue to worsen in 2021.”

Between mid-April and mid-September 2020, the cost of framing lumber climbed more than 170%. According to NAHB analysis, this resulted in an increase of more than $16,148 in the price of a new single-family home. Lumber price increases will result in an additional 15,905 buyers being priced-out of homeownership, up from our estimate of 12,612 in 2020.

If the estimates provided by the Building Industry Association of Washington are correct, the price of a newly constructed home will rise as much as $20,000 due to the implementation of a stricter Energy Code, effectively pricing-out another 19,700 families.

When considering the increase in lumber prices and the cost of energy code compliance, a total of 35,605 buyers will be priced-out of purchasing a home in 2021.

This estimate does not take into consideration the other variables that can increase home prices: additional regulatory barriers, labor shortages, and the looming rise of interest rates as soon as 2022. All of these factors work together to prevent families from achieving their dreams of homeownership.

“Our elected leaders need to recognize and take accountability for the consequences of their policy decisions. We cannot complain about a housing affordability crisis and then pass policies negating any efforts made to make housing more attainable. The homebuilding industry agrees with the notion of increasing energy efficiency and working towards more sustainable structures. However, when the families in our county and state cannot afford to have a roof over their heads, it’s time for our elected officials to consider postponing expensive mandates,” added Scarpelli.

Camas
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