Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is seeking applications from community-based organizations to support the county’s climate planning project. Organizations that work with, or are involved with, local populations experiencing high-risk for climate impacts can apply to deliver equity-centered public engagement activities. 

The goal of these activities is to help inform the design of policies that benefit those harmed by greenhouse gas pollution and communities most at risk to climate change impacts. Small contracts up to $10,000 will be awarded to community-based organizations that can demonstrate the capacity to deliver equity-centered public engagement activities to their community and gather feedback from those most at risk to the impacts of climate change. 

Interested organizations can apply on the Climate Change Planning webpage. 

The application deadline is 5 pm Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.   

Background 
Legislation passed in spring 2023 (ES2HB 1181) requires Clark County to add a climate change element to its Comprehensive Growth Management Plan by June 30, 2025. The new legislation crosscuts multiple topics in the comprehensive plan, including transportation, land use, parks, capital facilities and utilities, environmental and economic development, housing, rural and resource lands, and adds requirements related to reducing health disparities and prioritizing environmental justice. The legislation requires Clark County’s Climate Change Element to include new greenhouse gas reduction and climate resilience sub-elements and prioritizes community engagement and participation for populations most at risk for adverse climate impacts to health and wellbeing.  

To learn more about the project, visit the Climate Change Planning webpage. 

Update: An earlier version of this news release had the incorrect time for the reception. The correct time is 6-8 pm, Dec. 1.

Artists’ reception scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1, 6-8 pm

Vancouver, Wash. – The art exhibit Colors of Abstraction featuring the photography of Jeff Gracz and the paintings of Gregory Manin is on display at the Rebecca Anstine Gallery through February 2024. 

The gallery is on the sixth floor of the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. It is open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

A reception for the artists will be held at the gallery 6-8 pm Friday, Dec. 1. The event is sponsored by the Clark County Arts Commission. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. 

Jeff Gracz
Self-taught photographer Gracz created the images in the exhibit using a multiple exposure setting on his camera. Between three and seven exposures are used to create each composition. The camera is purposely moved between each exposure. The camera then combines the different exposures into one image. The original subjects can be colorful buildings, tumbleweed, driftwood, stones—anything is fair game.

Gregory Manin
Manin was born in Seattle and raised in Hawaii, California and Portland. He studied art and English literature at Portland State University, while also studying ballet and other forms of dance. Manin says, “Art happens where the inner world and outer world meet. The blank canvas becomes a space imbued with the possibility of discovering that meeting-place and making it visible for others.”

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement organizations will perform a training exercise this Friday, Dec. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 3. The training will take place in the Public Service Center parking garage and some meeting rooms in the building located at 1300 Franklin St. 

Residents and visitors in the area can expect to see a larger presence of law enforcement vehicles and personnel than would normally be seen on the downtown county campus. 

The Public Service Center will be open during normal business hours of 8 am to 5 pm on Friday, and county services will not be affected by the training. The office building is closed on the weekend. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works, Parks and Lands division is hosting an open house about the future Minnehaha neighborhood park, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13. Three park concepts and name options will be presented for residents to review and provide feedback. The concepts and name options will also be available for review and feedback via an online survey open through Jan. 5. 

This past August, Parks and Lands hosted an open house and online survey to gather community input about the future development of the neighborhood park property on Northeast 17th Avenue, north of Northeast Minnehaha Street. Staff and consultants have reviewed the input received from the community and created three draft concepts for the park’s development and selected three park name options. The Dec. 13 open house will include a light meal and a presentation from 6:30-7 p.m. where staff will share more information about the concepts. Before and after the presentation, residents are invited to view the concepts and discuss them with staff. 

An online survey is available on the project webpage through Jan. 5 for residents to review and provide input on the draft concepts and to vote on a park name. The survey is open to all residents, including but not limited to those who attend the open house. 

Residents can attend the Dec. 13 open house in person or online. The in person open house will be hosted in the cafeteria/commons of Minnehaha Elementary School at 2800 NE 54th St. Signage will direct attendees to enter through the school’s north entrance. In addition to the school’s ADA parking spaces, additional spaces will be reserved for attendees with mobility limitations. Handouts translated into Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian will be provided. Interpretation and other accommodations can be requested by contacting Lynde Wallick, project manager, at lynde.wallick@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.5882. To participate online, residents can join the meeting via Webex using the information on the project webpage. To receive an email reminder and one-click link to join the meeting, residents can register for the Webex meeting on the project webpage. Registration is not required. 

A recording of the presentation portion of the meeting, presentation slides, and handouts will be posted to the project webpage within two weeks after the event. 

More information about the master plan project, open house events, surveys, public input opportunities and more can be found on the project webpage at clark.wa.gov/public-works/minnehaha-neighborhood-park.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language. 

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy on the five-person board that advises the county on noxious weed control. Applicants must live in weed board district 2, south of Northeast 99th Street and east of Northeast 50th Avenue. Weed board districts are not identical to county council districts; please refer to the map on the weed board webpage. Residents of the district engaged in farming or ranching activities, including growing Christmas trees, hay, grapes, or raising cattle or other livestock are encouraged to apply.

Members serve four-year terms. There is no limit to how many terms a member can serve. The open term will begin upon appointment and expires Dec. 31, 2024.

The Noxious Weed Control Board meets four times annually, usually on Monday mornings at the 78th Street Operations Center at 4700 NE 78th St. Meetings are also available to attend online. 

Interested residents can call 564.397.6140 or email weed.board@clark.wa.gov to receive an application packet. Applications should be mailed to the Noxious Weed Control Board, 4700 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 or emailed to weed.board@clark.wa.gov. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

More information about the Noxious Weed Control Board, including meeting agendas, minutes and audio recordings, is available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/weed-board. 

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language. 

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Arts Commission is seeking applicants for Clark County Poet Laureate. The position is for two years beginning May 1, 2024.

The commission has extended its deadline for applications to Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.

Every two years the Clark County Arts Commission selects a Poet Laureate to engage our county in the literary arts. Duties include promoting poetry as an art form, expanding access to the literary arts, and encouraging poetry as a regional voice that contributes to a sense of place.

This is a volunteer position with grant/stipend options available. Applicants must:

• Be a Clark County resident, over 18 years of age, and a practicing, published poet.
• Have a commitment to community outreach and collaboration and interest in promoting equity and inclusion through the arts.
• Have the flexibility to shape a scope of work that reflects their interests, skills, and abilities.

Application forms and a position description are available on the Clark County Arts Commission website. 

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Vancouver, WA — The Clark County Auditor’s Office is accepting letters of interest from citizen volunteers who wish to serve on the county’s official Audit Oversight Committee, along with the County Auditor and a member of the County Council.

Responsibilities of the committee include:

• Recommending internal audit priorities.
• Reviewing and analyzing audit reports.
• Ensuring that management has initiated appropriate action in response to audit reports.
• Apprising county councilors of audit activities and results.
• Ensuring that no unreasonable restrictions are placed on auditors.
• Reviewing effectiveness of county financial and accounting functions through discussions with auditors. 
• Coordinating internal audits with external audits to prevent duplication and maximize effectiveness. 

The committee meets two to four times per year. In addition, committee members read draft audit reports and hold discussions with audit staff as needed. 

Community members with backgrounds in auditing, accounting, finance, government, business operations or related experience are encouraged to submit letters summarizing their qualifications and reasons for serving. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey will review the applicants and provide a list of nominees to the Clark County Council, who will make the appointment. 

Letters may be sent by email to auditor@clark.wa.gov. They may also be mailed or delivered to Audit Services, 1300 Franklin St., Suite 575, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. 

Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Dec.  22, 2023.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Solid Waste Education and Outreach team encourages the community to celebrate this holiday season by taking steps to reduce waste and properly dispose of items that cannot go in curbside garbage or recycling carts.

Reducing holiday waste

When planning gatherings with friends and family, these tips can help reduce waste and make the holiday season a little greener:

• Holiday meals: Avoid over-buying at the grocery store by taking stock of what’s already available in the cupboards and using the “Guest-imator” online tool to determine how much food is needed based on the number of guests. Prevent food waste by making to-go plates for guests, using leftovers to create tasty new meals, and composting food scraps.
• Table settings: Cut down on disposables when hosting gatherings and instead opt for reusable dinnerware. Paper plates, cups, napkins, and plastic cutlery end up in the landfill. 
• Holiday decor: Rather than buying new holiday decor for upcoming celebrations, find new-to-you items at thrift stores, consignment shops, or online buy-nothing groups.
• Gifts: Purchase experiences like horseback riding lessons or musical performances, memberships to museums, gift cards to local restaurants, or recycled goods from local vendors. And consider wrapping gifts in more sustainable alternatives to wrapping paper, such as recyclable newspaper, brown paper bags, or scarfs.

Disposing of holiday waste

The holiday season often means more garbage and more types of waste. Follow these tips to ensure proper disposal of items that cannot go in curbside garbage or recycling carts:

• Batteries: Take batteries to designated disposal sites; do not place them in garbage or recycling carts. Several retail stores across Clark County now offer free battery disposal. To find locations, visit the Public Health website or download the RecycleRight app. Batteries that end up in household garbage or inside of recycling carts can explode and pose a significant fire risk. 
• Block foam: To recycle block foam, drop it off at Earth Friendly Recycling in Vancouver or become a member of a subscription specialty recycling service, such as RecyclePlus or Ridwell. Block foam can also be placed in curbside garbage carts, but it cannot go in curbside recycling carts. 
• Air pillows, bubble wrap, bubble mailers and plastic packaging: These plastic film products can be placed in bins for recycling at many local grocery stores and all three Clark County transfer stations. Plastic film cannot go in curbside recycling carts because it can get tangled in the machinery that sorts recyclables.
• String lights: Holiday string lights can be taken to a specialty recycler or should be placed in the garbage. Find specialty recyclers at www.recyclingdoneright.com or on the RecycleRight app. Holiday string lights cannot go in curbside recycling carts. 
• Gift wrap: Gift wrap with non-paper decorations, such as glitter, foil and plastic elements, should be placed in the garbage because the decorative pieces are not recyclable. Gift wrap that does not have glitter, foil or other non-paper decorations can be placed in curbside recycling carts. 

To find disposal options for hundreds of other items, visit www.recyclingdoneright.com or download the free RecycleRight app. For more holiday waste-reduction tips, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website.

Vancouver, Wash. – This holiday season Clark County Public Health urges residents to safely dispose of batteries – and doing so just got easier! Several retail stores across Clark County are now accepting batteries for safe disposal at no charge. 

Batteries that end up in household garbage or inside of recycling carts can explode, posing significant fire risks during transportation and at transfer stations. These fires can cause serious harm to sanitation workers and can damage costly equipment at Clark County transfer stations.

The new battery disposal sites accept a variety of batteries from Clark County households, including cell phones and rechargeable batteries, which often pose the biggest safety risk when not disposed of properly. Battery disposal is limited to 10 batteries per person per day. Larger quantities of batteries should be taken to a county household hazardous waste facility for proper disposal. To ensure safe disposal, all battery ends should be taped, or batteries should be placed in sealed individual bags.  

Free battery disposal is available at the following retail locations: 

• Ableman TV Repair & Electronics Service, 13714 NE 28th St. #23, Vancouver
• Amboy Hardware & General Store, 40600 NE 221st Ave., Amboy
• Battle Ground Ace Hardware, 1605 W Main St., Battle Ground
• Evergreen Habitat for Humanity Store, 10811 SE Second St., Vancouver 
• Main Street Ace Hardware, 2515 Main St., Vancouver
• Parkrose Hardware (Hazel Dell), 8002 NE Sixth Ave., Vancouver 
• Parkrose Hardware (East Vancouver), 16509 SE First St., Vancouver 
• Salmon Creek Ace Hardware, 13009 NE Hwy 99 #109, Vancouver

The free battery disposal program is provided by Clark County Public Health and Waste Connections of Washington. For more information about the types of batteries accepted, visit the Public Health website or download the RecycleRight app.  

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County last month detected suspicious activity on the county network. The county, with the assistance of third-party specialists, immediately launched an investigation into the nature and scope of the activity. The investigation determined that the suspicious activity was the result of a sophisticated cyberattack. The county is working to determine the nature and scope of any potentially impacted data. 

Clark County worked diligently to securely restore the functionality of its network. At this time, the county website has been restored and the network is secure. FAQs on the incident can be found on the county’s website. 

“Clark County takes the security of our network and data very seriously,” said County Manager Kathleen Otto. “As soon as we discovered the suspicious activity, we took steps to confirm the security of the county network and launched an investigation.” 

Clark County also engaged cybersecurity specialists to assist with the remediation, containment, and investigation of the event.

This is the most updated information available. Clark County will provide more information to the public as it becomes available.

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The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a pedestrian death on East Mill Plain Boulevard on Nov. 13, 2023.

This individual died on 11/13/2023 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Mata, Daniel Joseph  Age: 76 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Blunt force injuries

Manner of death:  Accident

How the injury occurred: Pedestrian struck by pickup truck 

Place of injury: City street

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 Vancouver Police Department.

Media release issue date: 11/16/2023

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County and city of Camas representatives recently kicked off a process to enter into an interlocal agreement to cooperatively work to improve water quality in the Lacamas watershed. Staff plan to have a final agreement to present to city and county councils for approval shortly after the new year. Implementation of actions to address water quality issues will begin in spring 2024. “Goals for measurable improvement in watershed and lake health must be set and action immediately taken,” said Clark County Councilor Gary Medvigy. The Lacamas watershed is on Washington state’s list of polluted waters, for high bacteria levels, warm water temperatures, high pH, and low dissolved oxygen levels. Each summer, toxic algae blooms close the lake for recreation and water contact.

The drafting of the interlocal agreement follows a recent gathering of local agencies and nonprofits to identify ways to collaborate to reduce toxic algal blooms in Lacamas lakes. Over 100 representatives of federal, state and local agencies came together for the Lacamas Watershed Symposium on Oct. 25, hosted by the county’s Clean Water Commission. The nine-member volunteer community advisory group hosted the symposium to establish a shared understanding of the science and data driving management decisions in the watershed, identify focus areas for future action and investment, inspire a call to action and coordination between stakeholders, and confirm shared responsibility for actions to protect and restore clean water. 

While the Lake Management Plan for Lacamas, Round and Fallen Leaf lakes was completed by the city of Camas, over 80% of the watershed that drains into the lakes is in unincorporated Clark County. “Strong collaboration will be necessary as we work to develop a sustained program with Clark County, the Department of Ecology and others, with the overall goal of improving water quality for all those who enjoy our lakes,” said Camas Mayor Steve Hogan. 

To solidify the collaboration needed to successfully improve water quality in the lakes, Clark County Council voted to enter an interlocal agreement with the city of Camas to outline how the agencies will work together to address water quality issues and implement improvement strategies. 

With the goal of reducing toxic algae blooms and improving water quality to support recreation, wildlife and ecological services, agencies have been creating a foundation for action in addition to the interlocal agreement, including: 

• Clark County’s investment of over $750,000 annually on activities in the watershed including stormwater facility maintenance and inspections, capital projects and stream monitoring. 
• Camas’ Lake Management Plan, which used water quality monitoring and sampling data to create and release a draft report which identifies actions to improve water quality in the lakes (engagecamas.com/lacamas-lake-management-plan). 
• The Washington Department of Ecology has been conducting a detailed study of pollution levels and sources in the watershed and will publish a detailed Lacamas Source Assessment report in December, including recommendations for focusing pollution reduction efforts along Lacamas Creek. Preliminary results indicate high nutrient pollution levels in tributaries including China Ditch, Lower Fifth Plain Creek, Spring Branch Creek, Lower Lacamas Creek and Dwyer Creek. 
• Clark Conservation District’s Poop Smart program, supporting landowners with septic system inspections and maintenance, and assisting livestock owners with manure best management practices (poopsmartclark.org). 

The county has served as a partner in both the Department of Ecology’s watershed study and the city of Camas’ Lake Management Plan by providing technical input and monitoring resources. 

Coming together at the symposium, agencies and organizations shared information about these efforts and identified ways to work together to amplify results and address lake water quality issues with short-term and long-term actions. The forthcoming interlocal agreement will outline shared responsibilities during the implementation of recommended actions. 

A recording of the symposium’s presentations and copies of the presentation slides are available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/clean-water-commission. When the interlocal agreement is presented to the Clark County council, it will be posted at clark.wa.gov/councilors/clark-county-council-meetings. 

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor.

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language. 

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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The report indicates that a systematic approach to organizational growth and maturity is needed. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Auditor’s Office this week released an audit report of Clark County Public Works’ management, oversight, and delivery of capital transportation projects between 2016 and 2022. The report is available on the county’s website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/auditor/audit-reports.

Auditors found that Clark County Public Works has historically had a less formal, face-to-face work culture. Several efforts by Public Works to develop more formal systems and practices have been unsuccessful due to ineffective processes to manage organizational change. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Works experienced significant, organization-wide turnover. At the same time, the move to remote work for some employees fundamentally changed the work environment and staff interactions. These challenges led to a breakdown in some of the existing informal controls.

The report identifies opportunities to better integrate key Public Works staff and manage organizational change. Increasing the reliability of data in key systems and adopting efficiency measures would improve Public Works’ ability to manage capital projects and resources. Consistent use of best practices would improve the transparency of decision making and documentation of compliance with regulatory requirements. The report notes that Public Works has already begun to address many of the recommendations. 

“Public Works has continued to deliver capital transportation projects despite significant turnover and uncertainty,” said Auditor Greg Kimsey. “Implementing our recommendations will enable Public Works to achieve more consistent outcomes on capital projects and be better positioned to meet future challenges.” 

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council this week approved using American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding to establish a Public Defense office. The office will be staffed by 10 full-time employees: one senior public defender, six public defenders and three legal assistants. 

The two-year ARPA funding will be the foundation to begin the Public Defense office as the county transitions away from its current practice of contracting with local defense attorneys. After the two years, funding for the office will come from indigent defense contract savings in the general fund.

Currently, Clark County is the largest county in Washington that utilizes a contractor model without attorney oversight to provide indigent defense services. A public defense office will help centralize and maximize administration and be able to address sustainability in indigent defense services as Clark County grows. A public/indigent defense attorney often is assigned to some of the most vulnerable population in a community. 

“As we transition our office from a contract model to a county public defense office, it is important to give a huge thank you to our dedicated indigent defense attorneys in our county,” said Deputy County Manager Amber Emery. “We have a lot of work to do with the transition and I am excited to be leading this effort for the county. Our first step is to hire a Director of Public Defense, the recruitment will take place in December and January.” 

The Public Defense Director will report to the Deputy County Manager’s office.

The approved staff report is available on the county’s website. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Finance Committee is scheduled to be held on the second floor of the Public Service Center, Room 243 at 9:30 am Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023.

Pursuant to RCW 42.30.030(2), which encourages public agencies to provide for public access to meetings, this meeting can also be viewed via Teams or joined telephonically. 

Participants can also join online or telephone via Teams.

• To join virtually, please follow these instructions:Dial-in number: 1-213-262-7043
• Phone ID: 962 527 516#
• Meeting ID: 227 873 357 251
• Passcode: pUwEvD
• Join online here.

See the agenda for the meeting on the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/treasurer/investment-reports-meetings. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health has extended the application period for the Public Health Advisory Council position held by a dentist practicing in Clark County. The three-year term for the volunteer position begins as soon as it’s filled and ends Sept. 30, 2026. 

The Public Health Advisory Council typically meets 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except the month of December. One meeting each quarter will be in-person at locations across the county. Members may also join council committees that meet periodically throughout the year depending on committee scope and priorities.

The Public Health Advisory Council reviews priority public health needs and makes periodic recommendations to the Board of Health to enhance community health and wellbeing. The council may provide community forums or establish community task forces, as assigned by the Board of Health. And the council reviews and makes recommendations to Clark County Public Health and the Board of Health for the annual budget and fees. Over the course of the current terms, members can expect to support Clark County Community Health Improvement Plan priorities, a public health legislative agenda, and more.

Clark County Public Health promotes healthy communities and environments, health equity, and disease and injury prevention. With community partners, Public Health works to promote healthier choices; ensure the safety of food and water; reduce environmental waste and contamination; and protect people from disease outbreaks through monitoring, early detection and swift response. 

Those interested in an appointment to the advisory council should submit a brief letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000. Applications can also be emailed to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov. For questions about council participation and what to expect as a member, email PHACAdmin@clark.wa.gov. 

The application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Dec. 15. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted its algae advisory at Lacamas Lake. The bloom of cyanobacteria at the lake dissipated and is no longer present.

The warning signs posted at the lake are being removed. Educational signs about harmful algae will remain year-round at Lacamas Lake and other waterbodies known to have harmful algal blooms. Public Health encourages people recreating in the lakes to continue to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. 

Public Health has concluded its routine monitoring of Lacamas Lake and other local waterbodies and swim beaches for this season. Routine monitoring of designated swim beaches will resume in the spring. 

Public Health will continue to respond to public reports of algal blooms, which can be submitted on the Public Health website. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging focused the last part of 2023 on community engagement for people 60 and older. At its November meeting, the commission will reflect on their three-part speaker series that explored ways to support individuals, businesses and community groups understand best practices for engaging with older adults and reviewed their priority community engagement strategies. They will also discuss dissemination of materials to help foster community-wide awareness of available aging resources. 

The Commission on Aging meeting will be at 4:30 pm Wednesday, Nov. 15. Meetings are currently held in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: 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 recognizes that older adults are valuable contributors to the vitality of this community. To encourage and support older adults for their contributions, the Clark County Commission on Aging established a program to recognize older adults who go above and beyond in service.

The recipient of the 2023 Silver Citizen Award is Pat Suggs. Pat is a resident of Washougal and has devoted her volunteer time to the Camas-Washougal community through a variety of organizations. 

Pat volunteers with Unite! Washougal and leads the Unite! Washougal Community Coalition working to increase community connection and thereby reduce substance misuse and underage drinking. Pat and her husband Ernie started the Weekend Backpack Program for the Children’s Home Society of Washington over 10 years ago, providing breakfast, snacks and lunch items to kids for the weekends. 

Pat also serves her community as a reading buddy through the Washougal School District reading to, and tutoring, kids in the Dual Immersion Spanish Language program at Hathaway Elementary. She volunteers with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Camas-Washougal in the Reach for the Stars through Books program; is Co-Chair of Washougal Safe (WSAFE), a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to students in need and is an active member of the Camas-Washougal Historical Society Board of the Two Rivers Heritage Museum.

The award presentation will take place at the commission’s Wednesday, Nov. 15 meeting at 4:30 p.m. The event will use a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.

The award recognizes the valuable contributions older adults make to the vitality of the community and is open to any county resident 60 years or older who has enhanced the community through their life’s work, engagement of others, volunteerism and or other impactful acts of service to the community for any age group. The next nomination period will begin in summer 2024.

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, visit www.clark.wa.gov/aging. 

Vancouver, Wash. – The Parks and Lands division of Clark County Public Works has identified the need to replace the roofs of several structures at Hazel Dell Community Park, for the long-term preservation and usability of these structures. A roofing contractor will replace the roofs on both picnic shelters, the restroom building and a small shed. 

While the park will remain open during work, access to these facilities will be limited: 

• Restrooms, Nov. 17-19. 
• Picnic shelter at the playground, Nov. 20-23. 
• Main picnic shelter, near the parking lot, Nov. 25-27.

Work will begin at 7 a.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m. on weekends. No work will occur on Thanksgiving day or the day after (Nov. 23-24).  

Visitors are reminded to avoid work zones and never enter areas that are closed with cones, signs, caution tape or other barriers. 

Work and closure dates are weather dependent and subject to change. Updates to the project schedule will be posted at clark.wa.gov/public-works and on social media. 

To receive information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language. 

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works/news para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works/news. Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

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