City Of Vancouver Is Pushing Clark County Into Supporting A Homeless Shelter - Journey To Becoming Portland Continues
The City of Vancouver is relentlessly pushing the controversial "Bridge Shelter" (should be called the Van Mall Shelter) onto the County, and unfortunately, Councilors Marshall, Yung, Little, and Fuentes seem determined to follow Portland’s failed model by aligning with Vancouver on this issue. The City is even taking the approach that unless the County pitches in, County residents who are now homeless won't have access to services.
Do we need a homeless shelter? Most likely, yes. But the absolute worst entity to run it is the government. The best solution is a nonprofit organization with a proven track record—one that operates efficiently and actually helps people transition out of homelessness. An NPO can run a homeless shelter, like the City is proposing, at a fraction of the costs. Also, an NPO would most likely fundraise the money needed for renovations rather than putting the taxpayers on the hook for costs.
Government-run shelters are often burdened with excessive regulations and frequently operate as "wet" facilities, meaning they permit some level of drug or alcohol use. Instead of reducing homelessness, these models enable and perpetuate it. Worse yet, the "housing-first" and "harm-reduction" models have transformed homeless services into big business—and when the government takes control, it often becomes an ever-expanding industry that profits from failure rather than real solutions.
Also, look how the last homeless project Mayor Anne and the City of Vancouver pushed onto people, the Navigation Center, which was a complete disaster and cratered after just a few years and cost Vancouver taxpayers millions of dollars. They may have learned some, but they are still putting a facility in a mixed-use area, which is a very bad idea for a homeless shelter location.
If you want to stop this nonsense, make your voice heard!
Give comment this Wednesday at 1 PM for Council Time and help put an end to this misguided plan.
Council Time - Hybrid; join in person or WebEx
Participate in the following ways:
- In person, 6th floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA 98666
- Join by computer: WebEx Link
- Join by phone:
- Dial: 1-408-418-9388
- Webinar Number: 2492 192 3404
- Password: BOCC (2622 from phones)
- *3 to raise hand during public comment
Charter Review Commission - Do You Want To Help Shape Clark County For The Next 10 Years?
The Home Rule Charter: Our "County Constitution"
The Home Rule Charter is often referred to as our "County Constitution." While there are some advantages to having a Charter—Clark County being one of only seven counties in Washington State with one—there are also significant downsides, and ours has many.
Earlier this year, Greg Kimsey boasted about writing much of the Charter, which explains why it empowers many executive branch positions while stripping power from the people (the legislative branch). Unfortunately, the first Charter Review Commission served as a puppet for administrative elites and proposed several terrible amendments, including:
- A "woke" preamble (failed)
- Creating a DEI office (tried twice, failed twice)
- Allowing elected executive branch officials to appoint their successors, even if they committed a felony or were being removed from office (passed)
- Restricting initiative and referendum rights (one passed, two failed)
- Ranked Choice Voting (failed)
- Eliminating the Chair position (held by Eileen Quiring-O’Brien), which conveniently redistricted three Republican Councilors into the same district (passed)
- Adding phony non-partisan titles for County officials (passed) - Newsflash: This doesn’t magically remove politics from political positions. Instead, it gives voters less information and allows candidates to deceive voters.
What is the Charter Review Commission?
The Home Rule Charter requires review by a 15-member elected Charter Review Commission. Three members are elected from each of the five County Councilor districts. Under the Charter, the next election for commission members will take place in November 2025.
Here’s the relevant section from the Charter regarding the Commission:
Section 9.1: Charter Review Commission
- Election and Period of Office
- Five years after the adoption of this Charter and at least every five years thereafter, the council shall facilitate the election of a Charter Review Commission. The commission will consist of fifteen members, elected on a nonpartisan basis, with three representatives from each council district.
- Candidates shall file during the regular candidate filing period and pay a $25 filing fee.
- No primary will be held for this election. The election shall occur during the November general election.
- The member receiving the most votes shall convene the commission.
- The term of office for commission members shall be two years or until the commission concludes its work, whichever occurs sooner.
- Meetings may take place at appropriate times and locations within Clark County. Public notice of each meeting must be provided in a countywide newspaper and posted on the county’s website at least 14 days in advance.
- Vacancies
- Vacancies on the commission must be filled by the remaining members within 30 calendar days after the chair declares a vacancy. Notice must be provided to residents of the affected district within 10 days of the declaration. The selected replacement must reside in the district where the vacancy occurs and be approved by a simple majority vote of the commission.
- Financial Support
- Commission members shall serve without salary but will be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The County Council must provide the commission with necessary resources, facilities, and funding to fulfill its purpose effectively.
Interested in Becoming a Charter Commissioner?
If you’re interested in serving as a Charter Commissioner, please click the button below to send me an email with your name, address, and district. I’ll send you more information!
Since there are no primaries for Charter Commissioners, it’s crucial to identify and support the three best candidates from each district. Coordination is essential to avoid splitting votes, as happened last time.
Quick Facts About the Charter Review Commission:
- Serious Responsibility: This is an opportunity to bring much-needed reforms to Clark County.
- Term of Office: Two years or until the commission’s work concludes, whichever comes first.
- Representation: Only three commissioners will be elected from each of the five County Council districts. [Click HERE to find your district.]
- Commitment: Be prepared for at least two meetings per month, with the potential for more during busy periods.
- Election Timing: Commissioners will be elected in the November 2025 general election (no primary election).
Lincoln Day Dinner - Tickets Available Here
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Info: HB means the bill originated in the House and SB means the bill started in the Senate. Bills must pass both chambers and be signed by the governor before becoming law, so there is still time to make your voice heard on each bill.
The links will allow you to read each bill and track its progress. The links at the left of the page will allow you to sign up for email notifications, voice your opinion to your legislators, register your “con” against the bill, or testify at hearings.
HB 1178: REDUCING SENTENCING ENHANCEMENTS FOR GUN CRIMES AND GANG MEMBERS
- Eases and even eliminates certain sentencing enhancements, including for: Sexually motivated crimes, crimes committed with a gun, parents who cook METH around kids, and gang members who recruit children to commit felonies.
HB 1125: JUDICIAL DISCRETION TO END PRISON SENTENCES EARLY
- Gives judges discretion to reduce the sentences of convicted felons, including those convicted of violent crimes and murder.
HB 1296/SB 5181: ERODING PARENTAL RIGHTS
- Denies parents access to all curriculums.
- Codifying the right for teachers to keep secret files on students without parents being aware or having access.
- Penalizes teachers who refuse to teach gender ideology.
- Threatens the funding of schools that refuse to comply with the mandates of gender ideology.
HB 1217: RENT CONTROL
- Places limits on owners’ ability to raise rents, security deposits, and late and move-in fees.
- Rent control has historically led to substantial increases in housing and rental costs, limited housing supply, and a downturn in development.
HB 1334: INCREASING PROPERTY TAX REVENUE
- Changes how inflation is calculated and shifts the Consumer Price Index, which could lead to property tax increases of up to 6% per year.
HB 1163: PERMIT-TO-PURCHASE A FIREARM
- Prohibits the transfer of a firearm without a permit.
- Requires proof of completion of firearm safety training in order to obtain a permit to purchase a firearm.
- Applies application, transfer record, and recordkeeping requirements to all firearm transfers.
HB 1386: 11% TAX ON GUNS AND AMMO
- Imposes an 11 percent excise tax on the sale of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition. This is in addition to current existing taxes.
SB 5126: MENTAL HEALTH NETWORK IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
- Establishes a comprehensive statewide network for student mental and behavioral health in public schools.
- Allows schools to provide legal and medical services to students without parental notification.
SB 5174: BANS WOOD BURNING STOVES
- Adopts and amends rules and statutes and sets state emission standards and other requirements for wood stoves, fireplaces, and forced air furnaces.
- Prevents the sale of homes if the standards are not met.
HB 1531: ALLOWS GOVERNMENT VACCINE MANDATES
- Mandates state and local health officials to implement and promote evidence-based measures, including immunizations and vaccines to control give judges discretion to reduce the sentences of convicted felons, including those convicted of violent crimes and murder.
- Prohibits local governments from enacting rules/policies against the mandates.
- Contains an emergency clause, which means it would take effect immediately, and citizens would be prevented from pursuing a referendum against it.
The American Legion Tum Tum Post 168: 4th Annual Windhaven Ride for Veterans - Sponsorship Opportunity
Help Us Support Our Heroes: Invest in Life-Changing Equine Therapy
The American Legion Tum Tum Post 168 is proud to host the 4th Annual Windhaven Ride for Veterans on August 16th, 2025. This fundraising event directly supports the Windhaven Veterans Program, a vital service offered by Lifeline Connections.
The Challenge:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition affecting countless veterans. Traditional talk therapy often proves challenging, with a 42% dropout rate due to the emotional intensity of reliving past traumas. This leaves veterans struggling with anxiety, depression, a diminished quality of life, and far too often suicidal ideation.
The Solution:
The Windhaven Veterans Program offers a unique and effective alternative: equine-assisted therapy. This program, entirely free for veterans, boasts an astonishing 81% completion rate. Veterans partner with magnificent horses, build trust and learn valuable coping mechanisms to manage their PTSD symptoms. The results are life-changing, with veterans reporting significant improvement in well-being and a renewed sense of hope.
Why Sponsor?
By sponsoring the Windhaven Ride for Veterans, you're directly investing in the well-being of our local heroes. Your contribution will:
- Provide scholarships for veterans to participate in this life-changing program.
- Promote a safe and supportive environment for healing.
- Honor the sacrifices made by our veterans.
Sponsorship Levels and Benefits:
We offer a variety of sponsorship levels, each with unique benefits. For detailed information on giving options and sponsorship levels, please refer to the attached charter or visit our website at wrfv.org/sponsor.
Together, Let's Make a Difference
Your generous support will ensure veterans in our community have access to this critical program. Help us build community, honor our heroes, and change lives.
Contact Us Today!
We invite you to partner with us for this meaningful event.
- Visit https://amboytumtumpost168.org/wrfv_sponser/ to directly contribute.
- Contact us at [email protected] for more information.
- Call us at 360-524-4014 to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
Together, we can ensure our veterans receive the support they deserve.
Sincerely,
The American Legion Tum Tum Post 168
Feel free to contact John Nanny directly if you have any questions, your consideration is super appreciated!
John E. Nanney
WRFV Chair
951-288-5004 – cell
360-524-4014 - cell
STILL WAITING ON PDC COMPLAINT: DID RSD OFFICIALS USE PUBLIC RESOURCES IN SUPPORT OF LEVIES?
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO EXPLAINING PDC COMPLAINT & ALLEDGED VIOLATIONS
A recent public records request has revealed alarming potential violations by Ridgefield school officials and staff, who have been using school resources to support Propositions 12 and 13 behind the scenes. These violations include the Superintendent meeting with the Citizens for Ridgefield Schools (CFRS) executive chair on school grounds and utilizing school resources to organize campaign-related activities. The Superintendent even tasked her executive assistant to help coordinate meetings and organize "For" statements for the voters’ pamphlet.
Here is a summary of the alleged violations:
- Superintendent Dr. Jenny Rodriquez: Used school resources and facilities to meet with CFRS officials and directed her Executive Assistant to coordinate meetings and activities related to campaign efforts.
- Executive Assistant Dani Taylor: Used district resources to arrange meetings between CFRS and Ridgefield School District (RSD) staff and officials, and to manage deadlines for the voters’ pamphlet "For" statements.
- Director of Communications Joe Vajgrt: Recruited and organized committee members for the "For" statements in the voters’ pamphlet, and met with the CFRS chair and Superintendent at school facilities using district resources.
- District Teacher Kerri Upton: As a board member of CFRS and District employee (Teacher), used school resources to share campaign strategies, attend campaign-related meetings, and collaborate with the Superintendent.
- Board Members: Used district resources to coordinate with Kerri Upton, acting as the liaison between CFRS and the Ridgefield Board, to organize efforts in support of the school measures.
The Law and Its Importance
RCW 42.17A.555 prohibits the use of public facilities, directly or indirectly, to support or oppose a ballot proposition. This law is critical in ensuring that taxpayer-funded resources are not weaponized against the public—especially in cases involving tax-raising ballot measures. Unfortunately, Ridgefield school officials appear to have disregarded these legal protections.
Pattern of Violations
A few weeks ago, I filed a Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) complaint about a November 19, 2024, Ridgefield School Board meeting. During this meeting, several board members used their positions, public facilities, and taxpayer-funded resources to promote CFRS. They even recruited for open CFRS board positions and encouraged attendees to "sell this" to the public, referring to the levies—clear violations of RCW 42.17A.555.
While preparing that complaint, I submitted a public records request for all communications between RSD officials, staff, board members, and CFRS representatives. Last week, I received the first installment of just 42 emails. Yet even this limited batch of documents reveals a deeply ingrained culture of disregard for the law and the taxpayers by Ridgefield school officials. These records show staff, teachers, and board members willingly engaging in illegal actions to gain an unfair advantage in securing more taxpayer funding in the name of education.
A Culture of Disregard for the Law
This should not come as a shock. Ridgefield has already endured not one but two illegal teacher strikes, blatantly violating RCW 41.56.120, which prohibits public employees from striking. Now, it’s clear that Ridgefield education officials and staff have acted like laws do not apply to them, as they use taxpayer-funded resources to push a 41% levy increase—or 110% if both measures pass—despite opposition from many taxpayers. These strikes have greatly contributed to the almost 70% operational budget increase just from 2019-2024.
A New Complaint Filed
On Friday, January 17, 2025, I filed a second PDC complaint which has been forwarded to an investigation with the PDC, but the evidence already paints a damning picture of district officials knowingly violating the law. During the November 19 board meeting, they repeatedly acknowledged their awareness of the legal restrictions yet flaunted them anyway.
This behavior underscores a troubling culture in Ridgefield’s education system—a culture that prioritizes power and funding over accountability to the law and the taxpayers who fund these institutions. If taxpayers approve these levies, in spite of the RSD lawlessness, more will surely come.
READ DOCUMENTS FROM PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST HERE
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