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November 12, 2013

Camas budget hearing is Nov. 18

On Monday, Nov. 18, the city of Camas will hold a public hearing on its proposed $66.7 million 2014 budget. To fund the budget as recommended, the City Council will need to boost its property tax levy and use its banked taxing capacity, which has accumulated since 2009 because the city did not use its 1 percent annual property tax levy increase that is allowable by state law. The amount of money the city can increase its levy by each year is limited to 1 percent of the previous year's levy. The city is also limited by a statutory maximum rate of $3.60 per $1,000 of assessed value.

November 12, 2013

Camas grapples with downtown parking issues

Parking in downtown Camas. It's a complicated issue that can draw emotions including frustration, anger and exasperation. While a handful of businesses are lucky enough to have their own parking lots, the majority of merchants in the downtown core share customer on-street parking limited to two hours, with some areas of 10-minute and 6-hour parking spots as well. It's an issue that over the years has come up time and time again. A city-sponsored committee attempted to tackle some of the problems in 2009. "This animal has been one we have grappled with," said Councilman Steve Hogan. "It's kind of like dancing with a bear. Once you start dancing, you don't get to determine when to stop. It seems the bear does."

November 12, 2013

WSD approves sportsmanship agreement

After some inappropriate spectator behavior at local high school athletic events, as well as other incidents in the area, the Washougal School District is taking action. A code of conduct agreement has been drafted and will be given to parents of all student athletes at the start of every sports season. It requires refraining from using profanity, obscene gestures, berating players and coaches, showing excessive displays of anger or frustration, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, complaining or arguing about officials' calls, arguing with coaches, or refusing to obey the instructions of security officers, among others. Spectators do not have to sign the agreement in order to be held to these standards. "We have had enough situations come up between this year and last year, as well as situations occurring in Clark County, around the state and nationally involving unsportsmanlike behavior by parents and spectators," said Aaron Hansen, Washougal High School principal. "We have expectations and standards for our coaches and for our athletes, but we haven't had any for our parents or guardians until now."

November 5, 2013

Credit union makes contribution to DogPaw

Lacamas Community Credit Union recently donated $250 to a local non-profit organization to benefit the Washougal Police Department K-9 unit. Members of Dog Owners Group for Park Access in Washington volunteered to raise money for the purchase and training of Ranger, who is the successor to the now retired WPD K-9 Dingo. The group exceeded its initial goal of $15,000.

November 5, 2013

Photography workshops for women are offered

The founder of the Camas Camera Club will provide workshops for female photographers. The "Practice Camera Confidence" sessions, taught by Kirsten Muskat, will be held Thursdays, Nov. 7, 14 and 21, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at locations in Camas and Vancouver.

November 5, 2013
Elida Field and friend Danielle Baker enjoyed attending "The Beat Goes On" gala, in September. Field's heart art received a People's Choice award and was purchased for $25,000. Proceeds from the sale of 25 fiberglass hearts by area artists will build a heart and vascular surgical suite at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. Field will host an open house at her new studio in Camas Friday, and she will participate in a county wide tour Saturday and Sunday.

Elida Field to host open house at new studio on Friday

A local artist will soon open a studio and art gallery in downtown Camas. The space has been renovated for Elida Field, a professional artist, art instructor and consultant. She will host an open house Friday, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at 735 N.E. Sixth Ave. On Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Field will be among the participants in the Clark County Open Studios Tour. For more information about the open house, call 901-0031, or visit www.elidaart.com.

November 5, 2013

Liberty Theatre to serve beer and wine, starting Nov. 15

People who want to drink beer or wine while watching a movie in downtown Camas will soon get their wish. The Liberty Theatre has received a beer and wine license from the Washington Liquor Control Board. Starting Friday, Nov. 15, beer and wine will be available to purchase at the Liberty refreshment area. "We are re-working the concession area so that there will be a beer and wine station on the west end of the counter," said Rand Thornsley, managing director of The Rootstock Capital Management LLC.