Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the volunteer Planning Commission.
The opening is for a four-year term that begins Jan. 1, 2022, and goes through Dec. 31, 2025.
The Planning Commission is a seven-member group that makes recommendations to the council on land-use planning, zoning and development in areas outside cities and about issues such as growth management, roads, public facilities, development regulations and applicable county ordinances.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, Clark County Council, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applications also can be emailed to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, 2021.
The following information is in response to a media request for information regarding a recent death investigation by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Date of death: 10/17/2021
Location: Vancouver, WA
Decedent Name: Karuo, Kfin
Decedent Age: 26 Yrs
Resident of: Vancouver, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Gunshot Wound of the Torso
Manner of death: Homicide
How injury occurred: Decedent shot by other person(s).
Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to the Vancouver Police Department.
Nikki J. Costa
Operations Manager
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Councilors is seeking applicants to fill one of three Clark County-recommended positions on the seven-member Fort Vancouver Regional Library District board of trustees.
The at-large position is designated for a Clark County resident living outside the Vancouver and Camas city limits. The term is for seven years and begins January 2022.
The board meets every third Monday. The meeting location varies among library locations. A schedule of public meetings is online at http://www.fvrl.org/about-us/trustees. Meetings currently are being held in a virtual format.
Library trustees are responsible for policies regarding the district's 15 locations, two bookmobiles, online services at www.fvrl.org and centralized headquarters. The service area includes approximately 464,000 people and covers more than 4,200 square miles in southwest and south-central Washington. It includes all of Clark County except the city of Camas, all of Skamania and Klickitat counties and the city of Woodland in Cowlitz County. Camas is served by the independent Camas Public Library.
The district operates community libraries in Battle Ground, Goldendale, La Center, North Bonneville,
Ridgefield, Stevenson, Washougal, White Salmon Valley and Woodland, as well as four outlets in the
Vancouver urban area including downtown, Cascade Park, Three Creeks and the Vancouver Mall. The
district also has two self-service locations in Yacolt and Yale Valley (Ariel), providing services to Yale Valley Library District patrons through an operational agreement.
People interested in serving should send a letter and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager's Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000, an email to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov or a fax to 360.397.6058.
Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19.
Applicants should discuss their understanding of: current challenges for public libraries; perspectives concerning public library services, facilities and materials such as print and electronic books and magazines, CDs, DVDs and digital resources; and the district’s funding as a junior taxing district.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Housing Options Study and Action Plan project’s eighth meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26 via Zoom. The meeting is open to the public and will be recorded.
The Project Advisory Group’s (PAG) purpose is to identify housing challenges within the unincorporated Vancouver urban growth area and opportunities to encourage development of housing that is affordable to a variety of household incomes through the removal of regulatory barriers and/or implementation of other strategies.
For information on how to join and participate in the meeting, please visit https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/housing-project-advisory-group.
The group will develop their draft recommendations for the Housing Action Plan. Once drafted, the recommendations will be made available to the public for review and feedback, along with opportunities to attend community engagement events that will be scheduled later this fall and early winter.
The Clark County Council and County Manager have appointed a volunteer PAG to provide input throughout the Housing Options Study and Action Plan project. The group represents a broad spectrum of interests including those most vulnerable to rising housing costs and displacement, people working in the housing industry, and parties responsible for housing-related regulations.
The group will utilize a consensus-based approach to creatively and collaboratively problem-solve issues regarding barriers in providing additional housing types in the unincorporated Vancouver Urban Growth Area. The group also will develop recommendations that will become part of the Housing Options Study and Action Plan. The recommendations will be reviewed and considered by the public, the Clark County Planning Commission and County Council.
Learn more about the project at www.clark.wa.gov/housingoptions.
Vancouver, Wash. – Due to an administrative error, the Clark County Elections Office sent an incorrect ballot to 2,120 voters residing in precincts 625 and 930.
The voters affected will receive the correct ballot and a letter of explanation.
For any of the affected voters who return an incorrect ballot, that ballot will be held until the end of the election to give the voters time to return the correct ballot.
The election office has added procedures to reduce the likelihood of this happening again and apologize for the confusion and inconvenience this mistake caused.
Voters who have concerns or question about this, or other election-related issues, should contact the Elections Office by calling 564-397-2345 or via email to elections@clark.wa.gov.
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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted its blue-green algae advisory at Vancouver Lake. The bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, at the lake dissipated and results from water samples collected this week showed toxin levels are no longer elevated.
The advisory signs posted at the lake are being removed. However, educational signs about blue-green algae will remain year-round at Vancouver Lake and other waterbodies known to have harmful algal blooms. Public Health encourages people recreating in the lake to continue to watch for floating blue-green-colored scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas.
The warning advisories at Lacamas and Round lakes in Camas remain in place. Blue-green algae continue to be present at both lakes. People should avoid direct contact with water in areas with floating blue-green-colored scum and keep pets out of the water.
Public Health will continue to monitor Lacamas and Round lakes and update the advisories as conditions change. Information about current advisories is available on the Public Health public beach website.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County has implemented and currently operates eviction prevention rent assistance programs, to assist people who are low-income impacted by the pandemic. These programs have provided an unprecedented $27.4M in financial assistance to 3,630 households, paying for 28,807 months of rent and utilities since August 2020. Approximately $750,000 in financial assistance for rent and utilities is going out to about 100 additional households each week.
Referrals for 800 additional households to receive rent assistance including arrears will open on Monday, Oct. 18, at 9 a.m. Links and instructions to apply are below. Please note: the links will not be live until 9 a.m. on Oct. 18.
All applicants will receive a submission confirmation email. Tenants must be deemed eligible in order for assistance to be provided.
Applicants without access to internet may call, 360-695-9677 to refer by phone.
Applicants without phone or internet access may access applications through Share at the Fromhold Center located at 2306 NE Andresen Road, across from WinCo.
Clark County continues to work with rental assistance providers to have the capacity to open additional rent assistance spots. Additional spots are scheduled to open on the following dates:
Additional information, including the number of available waitlist spots and types will be made available via news release, website and social media posting, and through the Council For The Homeless website closer to the opening dates.
It is important that landlords and tenants understand there are additional significant COVID-19 related rental assistance resources, including arrears, for low-income households coming which will be made available to the community as capacity becomes available; and that based on federal and state funding requirements, any payments on behalf of tenants can only be made if the tenant remains in the unit when the payment is made.
Legal resource for tenants
Tenants seeking information about their rights should contact the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program: 360-334-4007 or NW Justice Project’s CLEAR program at nwjustice.org/get-legal-help or 888-201-1014 between 9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Youth under 24 may contact the Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, 206-494-0323 ext. 715.
ASISTENCIA DE ALQUILER RELACIONADA CON COVID-19
Vancouver, Wash. - El condado de Clark ha implementado y actualmente opera programas de asistencia con el alquiler, para ayudar a las personas de bajos ingresos afectados por la pandemia. Estos programas han proporcionado $ 27,4 millones en asistencia financiera a 3,630 hogares, pagando 28,807 meses de alquiler y servicios públicos desde Agosto de 2020. Aproximadamente
$750,000 en asistencia financiera para alquiler y utilidades se destinan a alrededor de 100 hogares adicionales cada semana.
Aplicaciones para 800 hogares adicionales para recibir asistencia para el alquiler, incluidos los atrasos, se abrirán el lunes 18 de Octubre a las 9 a.m. Los enlaces electrónicos y las instrucciones para solicitar asistencia se encuentran a continuación. Tenga en cuenta: los enlaces no estarán disponibles hasta las 9 a.m. del 18 de Octubre.
Todos los solicitantes recibirán un correo electrónico de confirmación de envío. Inquilinos deben ser elegibles para poder recibir asistencia.
Solicitantes sin teléfono o acceso a Internet pueden acceder a las aplicaciones a través de Share en el Fromhold Center ubicado en 2306 NE Andresen Road, frente a WinCo.
El condado de Clark continúa trabajando con los proveedores de asistencia para el alquiler para tener la capacidad de abrir aplicaciones adicionales de asistencia para el alquiler. Se ha programado la apertura de aplicaciones adicionales en las siguientes fechas:
La información adicional, incluida la cantidad de lugares y tipos de listas de espera disponibles, estará disponible a través de comunicados de prensa, publicaciones en sitios web y redes sociales, y a través del sitio web del Council For The Homeless cuando se acerquen las fechas de apertura.
Es importante que los arrendadores e inquilinos comprendan que existen importantes recursos adicionales de asistencia para el alquiler relacionados con COVID-19, incluidos los atrasos, para los hogares de bajos ingresos que se pondrán a disposición de la comunidad a medida que haya capacidad disponible; y que de acuerdo con los requisitos de financiamiento federales y estatales, cualquier pago en nombre de los inquilinos solo se puede realizar si el inquilino permanece en la unidad cuando se realiza el pago.
Recurso legal para inquilinos
Los inquilinos que busquen información sobre sus derechos deben comunicarse con el Programa de Abogados Voluntarios del Condado de Clark: 360-334-4007 o el programa CLEAR de NW Justice Project en nwjustice.org/get-legal-help o 888-201-1014 entre las 9:15 am y las 12: 15 p. M. Los jóvenes menores de 24 años pueden comunicarse con el Asesor Legal para Jóvenes y Niños, 206-494-0323 ext. 715.
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UPDATE: The original release had an incorrect number of openings listed in the headline. There are a total of four vacancies.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting applications to fill four vacancies on a seven-member Parks Advisory Board for terms that begin Jan. 1, 2022.
Board members serve three-year terms. Upon expiration of a term, a member can apply again. There is no limit on how many terms a member can serve. The Parks Advisory Board advises the Clark County Council and county staff on parks planning, acquisition, development and related issues. Applicants must be residents of Clark County.
Volunteers with a passion for parks, working knowledge of recreational facilities, and the ability to commit to volunteer hours beyond monthly board meetings are encouraged to apply. The county also is looking for people who can bring ethnic, cultural, social, and geographic diversity to the group.
Clark County Washington is a growing and diverse community with many residents speaking languages other than English. The Parks Advisory Board values our community’s diversity and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. The board encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Although not required, we encourage candidates who can fluently speak a language in addition to English to include that information in their application.
The advisory board meets from 4 to 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. The board typically meets at the Public Works Operations Center, 4700 NE 78th St., Bldg. B-1, which is served by C-TRAN’s Route 78. The board currently is holding its meetings virtually using WebEx.
Interested applicants should submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or by email at michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Nov. 12, 2021.
More information about the parks board is available on the county’s website, www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/parks-advisory-board.
Vancouver, Wash. – In light of the ongoing pandemic, the Clark County Council has decided to keep its public meetings in a virtual format through the end of 2021 at which time councilors will re-evaluate and consider whether to open meetings to in-person attendance.
The council made the following cancellations to its regular meeting and Board of Health schedules for November and December:
The council’s last regular meeting of 2021 will be 10 am Tuesday, Dec. 7. The Board of Health’s last 2021 meeting will be 9 am Wednesday, Dec. 8.
Council meeting agendas, participation instructions and a public comment form are on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings. If there is a need for a special council meeting, that meeting information will be noticed and made available on the same web page.
County employees and visitors entering county buildings are subject to the governor’s face covering mandate which requires everyone over the age of five to wear a face covering regardless of vaccination status.
Residents can get up-to-date COVID-19 information including infection data and how to get vaccinated on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/public-health/novel-coronavirus.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Auditor’s Recording Department recently implemented a new recording software which allows customers to enroll at no charge in a program that sends email notifications when a document is recorded with their name, address, property ID number, business name or property legal description.
Anyone wishing to enroll in the recording system, called Landmark must have an email address and can enroll using some or all of the following criteria:
Users can find their property identification number, parcel number and the abbreviated legal description on the Property Information Center at https://gis.clark.wa.gov/gishome/property/.
If a document is recorded under the same name, address, property identification number or abbreviated legal, an email notification will automatically be sent to the customer at the email provided when they enroll. This is a free service provided to Clark County residents.
Residents can enroll in the Landmark recording software on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/auditor/recording-overview.
County Auditor Greg Kimsey said, “Property owners occasionally contact us with concerns that documents may have been recorded against their property without their knowledge. Residents with an email address and access to the internet can now sign up and receive an email if documents are recorded against their property or name, at no cost. In addition, the new recording system has made it easier for people to search for recorded documents.”
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County recently celebrated local individuals and employers at the 21st Annual Clark County Disability Employment Awareness Month Awards event. The award ceremony and celebration honors the role people with developmental disabilities have in assisting us to achieve a dynamic, productive workforce and recognize the leadership of the business community. The event also celebrates October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The following is a list of the award recipients for each category:
The event was held Wednesday, Oct. 6. A video of the event can be viewed at CVTV.org.
For more information or about this event please contact Emily Harris at emily@gowise.org or (503) 750-9776.
Clark County Public Health is encouraging residents to take precautions during Halloween activities to reduce the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.
Clark County’s COVID-19 case rate is slowly decreasing but remains very high. Last week’s case rate of 450.9 cases per 100,000 residents over 14 days is comparable to peak rates during the winter months.
“We want people to be able to enjoy Halloween. But with virus activity still high, it’s important to take precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “You can still have fun while celebrating safely.”
Pumpkin patches
Outdoor activities are often lower risk than indoor activities. But crowded pumpkin patches can pose a higher risk for the virus to spread, especially if additional precautions are not taken.
Reduce the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 when visiting pumpkin patches by taking these steps:
Halloween parties
Celebrating at home with other members of the household is the safest option. Going to crowded Halloween parties and gatherings with people from multiple households are higher risk activities where COVID-19 transmission can occur. It’s safest to skip these activities.
People who choose to attend gatherings can take simple steps to make the events less risky:
Trick-or-treating
Large groups of trick-or-treaters going door to door can pose a higher risk for virus transmission – for people giving and receiving candy.
Make trick-or-treating safer for children and adults by taking these steps:
People who plan to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters can also take steps to make the visits safer:
With a little care and creativity, everyone can celebrate Halloween safely.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is seeking community feedback about proposed changes to the county’s Solid Waste Enforcement code. The last full review of Clark County Code 24.12 was about 30 years ago.
Public Health conducted an internal review process and is proposing updates to language, titles and responsibilities, and references. Additional proposed changes would better define and clarify standards and implement policy changes in the interest of protecting the environment and public health.
Public Health is seeking feedback to ensure the proposed code updates accurately represent the county’s solid waste enforcement capabilities and protect the environment without placing excess burden on county residents. The intent of the code is to allow Public Health to pursue education, guidance, and necessary enforcement in a manner that residents deem fair, equal and without undue burden.
Public Health is not proposing changes to its overall response and enforcement strategy. But Public Health is proposing several changes aimed at improving the county’s ability to protect the environment and public health. These proposed changes are intended to:
Public Health is accepting public comments on the proposed code changes through Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. Comments can be submitted through an online tool that outlines major changes, provides rationale for the changes, and collects feedback. Comments can also be submitted via email to cement@clark.wa.gov">CCSolidWasteEnforcement@clark.wa.gov.
Following the three-month public comment period, Public Health staff will review and consider all comments. A description of any additional changes, along with rationale for those changes, will be provided on the Public Health website. Public Health will then present the proposed code changes to the Clark County Council for approval.
Additional information about the code revision process, supporting documents for proposed changes and steps for submitting public comment are available on Public Health’s Solid Waste webpage.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Commission on Aging will hear about the economic impacts related to COVID-19 on older adults’ personal finances. The meeting will include guest experts and a discussion about what our community members can do to economically recover in 2021 and beyond.
The discussion will take place during the Commission on Aging’s monthly meeting at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20. Meetings are currently in an online format.
Meeting guests include:
For information on how to join and participate in a commission online meeting, please visit https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.
The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members. For more about the commission, please visit www.clark.wa.gov/aging.
Commission meetings are carried on CVTV Channel 23/323 and online at www.cvtv.org. To see replay times, go to www.cvtv.org.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Community Services is seeking applications for programs providing Homeless Crisis Response System services. There will be approximately $2,574,000 available in the following categories: permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing, transitional housing, new shelter capacity and services, homeless outreach, and targeted prevention assistance. Applications will also be accepted to provide a core system program, Rent Well.
All services provided must be in line with the Clark County Homeless Action Plan.
Applications and instructions will be available Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, online through Bonfire. Links to the applications will be located at www.clark.wa.gov/community-services/applications. To be added to the stakeholders list or if you need assistance or program information, contact Beth Landry at eth.Landry@clark.wa.gov">Beth.Landry@clark.wa.gov.
Important Dates:
Contracts will begin July 1, 2022.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Community Services is seeking applications for anti-poverty programs that help people reach self-sufficiency. There will be approximately $250,000 available in the following categories: physical health targeting dental and food assistance; income and asset building targeting credit repair and financial planning/budgeting services; and support services providing transportation assistance.
Services provided must be in line with the Clark County Community Needs Assessment.
Applications and instructions will be available Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, online through Bonfire. Links to the applications will be located at www.clark.wa.gov/community-services/applications. To be added to the stakeholders list, or if you need assistance or program information, contact Rebecca Royce at ebecca.royce@clark.wa.gov">rebecca.royce@clark.wa.gov.
Important Dates:
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is requesting applications for two volunteer positions on the Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees.
One position represents district 1 and the other represents district 3. A district map is on the county’s website. Terms for both positions begin Jan. 1, 2022 and end Dec. 31, 2023.
The Board of Trustees oversees the work of the Clark County Mosquito Control District. The board establishes policy, manages expenditures and approves contracts for services. Clark County Public Health provides administrative services for the district.
The Board of Trustees is comprised of one member from each city or town in Clark County and three at-large members appointed by the Clark County Council.
The board meets quarterly on the second Tuesday of February, May, August and November. The meetings begin at 7 pm and are currently being held virtually.
For more information, visit the Board of Trustees website.
Applicants should send a résumé and letter of interest to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000. Applications also can be sent by email to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.govor fax to 564.397.6058.
The application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Nov. 5, 2021.
Vancouver, Wash. – Flu season is approaching, and the virus that causes COVID-19 continues to circulate at high levels, putting a strain on local hospitals. Flu vaccination provides the best protection against influenza illness and can help to reduce the burden on local hospitals.
Flu activity was low last year because of flu vaccination, physical distancing, masking, school closures, business and event restrictions, and limited travel. But with many of the COVID-19 restrictions lifted this year, flu has a higher chance of spreading in the community.
“We can’t predict how severe this flu season will be, but we can all do our part to prevent flu illness and hospitalizations by getting vaccinated,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “And those not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 – or those who are eligible for a booster dose – can safely get flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.”
Flu can occur in any month, but transmission primarily occurs October through May. It can take up to two weeks for protection from the flu vaccine to build up. Getting immunized now ensures protection once flu activity intensifies, and protection will last throughout flu season.
The flu vaccine is safe and recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Immunization not only protects the person receiving the vaccine, but higher immunization rates also help to protect those most vulnerable to complications. Young children, pregnant people, people 65 and older and people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease and long-term health conditions are at greatest risk of complications from flu.
While most people with flu do not need to seek medical care, flu symptoms can be severe. Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches and fatigue. People who have flu symptoms and are in a high-risk group, or who are worried about their illness, should contact their health care provider.
Many flu and COVID-19 symptoms are similar. Health care providers may recommend testing for both flu and COVID-19 while both viruses are circulating.
Flu vaccine is widely available at local medical offices and pharmacies. Call the Help Me Grow Washington hotline at 800.322.2588 to find nearby flu vaccine locations.
In addition to immunization, everyday practices can reduce the chance of catching or spreading flu and COVID-19.
To learn more about flu, flu vaccine and flu activity in Washington visit www.KnockOutFlu.org. Learn more about the similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19 on the CDC website.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the local civil service commission for the Sheriff’s Office created under state law (RCW 41.14).
The five-member commission is required to oversee certain employment and personnel matters. The primary focus is to ensure that pre-employment testing and hiring is fair, valid and non-discriminatory. The commission also presides over appeal hearings. Civil service commissioners are appointed by the Clark County Council.
The vacant, at-large seat is open to Clark County residents. The six-year term will begin on Nov. 2, 2021.
The civil service commission meets monthly, or more often as needed, for two to four hours. Members typically meet during regular business hours.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens and registered to vote in Clark County. They must have lived in the county for at least two years and show an ability to balance interests of job applicants, current employees and the Sheriff to ensure effective law enforcement services. Education and experience in personnel administration, a legal environment and/or law enforcement are highly valued.
Applicants should submit a letter of interest and a current résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA, 98666-5000. Applications can also be emailed to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.
The commission will review applications, call for interviews, and make recommendations to the county council.
Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, 2021.
Vancouver, Wash. –Clark County is seeking applicants to fill one open position on the Clean Water Commission.
Terms for the open positions begin January 2022 and end December 2024.
The nine-member advisory group makes recommendations to the Clark County Council about services, policies and financing needed to meet federal and state requirements for water quality and stormwater management improvements.
Applicants can live anywhere in Clark County. Unincorporated residents and people with analytical skills and/or experience with environmental issues are encouraged to apply.
The commission meets 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of every other month, beginning in January. Currently, public meetings are being held via WebEx video conferencing. Once in-person public meetings resume, they will be held in conference room 698 in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street.
Interested residents must submit a letter and résumé to Justin Maynard, Clark County Clean Water Division, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or by email at cleanwater@clark.wa.gov.
The application deadline is 12 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1, 2021.
More information on the Clean Water Commission is available on the county’s website, www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/clean-water-commission.
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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is downgrading the advisories at Vancouver Lake and Lacamas and Round lakes in Camas. The danger advisories at all three lakes are being downgraded to warning.
Blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are still present at all three lakes, but test results from water samples collected this week show toxin levels are no longer elevated.
As long as algae are present, toxin levels could increase as conditions at the lakes change. Public Health is advising people to avoid direct contact with water in areas with floating blue-green-colored scum. The toxins produced by blue-green algae can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets.
Health officials are recommending:
The danger signs at the lakes will be replaced with warning signs. Public Health will continue to monitor the blooms at the lakes and collect water samples to test toxin levels. Public Health will collect water samples for testing every two weeks, rather than weekly, at the request of the laboratory that analyzes water samples. Signs will be updated as conditions change.
The boat launch at Lacamas Lake’s Heritage Park is currently closed. City of Camas Public Works department is conducting the annual lake drawdown to facilitate dam inspections and repairs.
Additional information about blue-green algae and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website.
Vancouver, Wash. – Businesses and individuals who are making a difference in the lives of people with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities will be honored Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at the Disability Employment Awareness Awards.
Five Community Awards will be presented at the event which will take place virtually this year. The event also celebrates October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Register online at: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eih928si13be55de&llr=6ajwdndab
Award recipients will be honored at the 21st Annual Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration which will take place virtually on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. The virtual ceremony runs from 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Awards will go to a large employer, small employer and an employee with a developmental or intellectual disability as well as people being honored for their extraordinary service to those with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
The Clark County Community Awards honor the role people with developmental disabilities have in helping achieve a dynamic, productive workforce and recognize those in the business community who have demonstrated leadership in employing people with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Emily Harris at emily@gowise.org or (503) 750-9776.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young announced today he is lifting the ban on outdoor debris burning in unincorporated Clark County, effective immediately.
Young urges residents to be vigilant when burning and always attend a permitted fire until it is completely extinguished and cold to the touch.
Permits are required for burning yard debris and land clearing. For more information, visit the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/code-administration/outdoor-burning.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Master Composter Recycler program is offering a series of free composting webinars this fall. The seven webinars will highlight personal changes that can help protect the planet.
Here are the webinars offered this fall:
Pre-registration is required for all webinars. To register, visit the Master Composter Recycler webpage. Participants will receive a confirmation email after successful registration. Recordings of previous webinars are also available on the Master Composter Recycler website.
The Master Composter Recycler program educates the community about easy ways to reduce waste, increase recycling and create healthier homes. For more information about the program, visit the website, call 564.397.7333 or email mcr@clark.wa.gov.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County has implemented and currently operates eviction prevention rent assistance programs, to assist people who are low-income impacted by the pandemic. These programs have provided an unprecedented $25.2M in financial assistance to 3,447 households, paying for 25,867 months of rent and utilities since August 2020. Approximately $750,000 in financial assistance for rent and utilities is going out to about 100 additional households each week.
Referrals for 1,200 additional households to receive rent assistance including arrears will open on Monday, Sept. 27, at noon. Links and instructions to apply are below. Please note: the links will not be live until noon on Sept. 27.
All applicants will receive a submission confirmation email. Tenants must be deemed eligible in order for assistance to be provided.
Applicants without access to internet may call, 360-695-9677 to refer by phone.
Applicants without phone or internet access may access applications through Share at the Fromhold Center located at 2306 NE Andresen Road, across from WinCo.
Clark County continues to work with rental assistance providers to have the capacity to open additional rent assistance spots. Additional spots are scheduled to open on the following dates:
Additional information, including the number of available waitlist spots and types will be made available via news release, website and social media posting, and through the Council For The Homeless website closer to the opening dates.
It is important that landlords and tenants understand there are additional significant COVID-19 related rental assistance resources, including arrears, for low income households coming which will be made available to the community as capacity becomes available; and that based on federal and state funding requirements, any payments on behalf of tenants can only be made if the tenant remains in the unit when the payment is made.
Legal resource for tenants
Tenants seeking information about their rights should contact the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program: 360-334-4007 or NW Justice Project’s CLEAR program at nwjustice.org/get-legal-help or 888-201-1014 between 9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Youth under 24 may contact the Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, 206-494-0323 ext. 715.
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