The cities of Camas and Washougal, and the Port of Camas-Washougal, are charging ahead when it comes to establishing the proposed Economic Development Association. The consistent enthusiasm and vigor with which this endeavor is being pursued is good news for the local communities and its current and future residents and businesses, all of which are the intended benefactors.
In January 2010, officials from the cities of Camas and Washougal, and the Port of Camas-Washougal, came together during a public forum to discuss how the entities might work together to create economic development opportunities that would benefit the greater community. Today, nearly one year later, progress is being made with that goal in mind as the finishing touches are put on a draft "request for professional services" document. It is among the initial steps in the hiring process for an economic development director who will lead a proposed Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association. "I think this entire process has been deliberate," Washougal Mayor Sean Guard said Monday. "It has been focused on getting to a goal."
The city of Washougal is once again in the spotlight- -- and not in a good way. Police, eye witnesses and Mayor Sean Guard have given conflicting reports as to what happened on Christmas Eve as Guard was traveling on I-5, reportedly encouraging slower traffic to move out of the left lane through the use of flashing lights. What is not in question, however, is that Guard was driving a 1995 Ford Taurus that belongs to the city of Washougal to treat a family in need to breakfast and shopping. Although the act was one of kindness, Guard admits it was not an excursion associated with any kind of city business.
A new year is being welcomed with a juried art exhibit Friday, in downtown Camas. The theme of the Camas Winter Art Show is "Celebrate Camas," and includes works that highlight the City's natural setting, rich history and interesting architecture. As part of the First Friday event, downtown merchants will showcase the talents of local artists from 5 to 8 p.m., and the artists will be on hand to discuss their work and their inspiration.
A currently under construction Camas apartment complex is among the $28.8 million in new development and capital improvement projects being taken on by the Vancouver Housing Authority in 2011. The $7.5 million Camas Ridge development broke ground on Prune Hill in August 2010, and is scheduled for completion in mid-summer. It will provide 51 apartments, both market rate units and apartments available to those earning 60 percent or less of median income, which is approximately $71,200 for a family of four.
A longtime Washougal resident has been tapped to help lead the district office of Third District Rep.-Elect Jaime Herrera Beutler. Herrera Beutler (R-Camas) announced yesterday that Shari Hildreth will be the deputy district director. The district office will open Thursday, the day after Herrera Beutler is officially sworn into office in anticipation of the beginning of the second session of the 111th Congress. Joining Hildreth in Vancouver will be District Director Ryan Hart, former Clark County Republican Party chairman.
Firefighters and paramedics make their livings in a profession that has them coming to the aid of people who are facing some of the most difficult events of their lives. In helping victims of house fires, car wrecks and other crisis situations, these men and women have seen it all. And in Camas and Washougal, each year during the holiday season these same emergency personnel further extend that helping hand to assist in a very different way. Through the Christmas Activities Relief Organization Limited, for more than 50 years local emergency workers have been collecting, boxing up and delivering food and toys to brighten local families' holidays.
As 2010 comes to an end, it is natural to start to contemplate the past year, and begin looking to the future -- wondering what 2011 will bring. But, how about focusing instead on what our local history has meant for Camas and Washougal? And how the area's past has impacted its present and future? Answers to these questions and much more are available under one roof at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum in Washougal. It is truly one of the local area's best kept secrets. A place that should be explored and appreciated by the citizens of the Camas-Washougal communities that have such rich and diverse histories.
Land-line telephone service has been restored for nearly 900 Washougal Frontier Communications customers. According to Frank Aff, central office supervisor with Frontier Communications, the first cable was repaired by hand Saturday at approximately 9 a.m., with the second finished at about 3 p.m.
Helen Gerde first began serving in city government as an appointed member of the Camas Parks and Recreation Commission. She was then named to the Planning Commission, an entity she served on for two years before running for city council. She was first elected in 1995, running unopposed in all four of her bids for the seat. Last night, the city council selected Tim Hazen to fill the remaining year of Gerde's four-year term.
heather.acheson@camaspostrecord.com
