Brandy Slagle Staff reporter
Marcia Christian knows that a lot has changed when it comes to appropriate student-teacher classroom interaction in recent years.
She became responsible for coordinating training about bullying and sexual harassment in Battle Ground schools in 2003. Since then, on-site training has been given at each building in the district on a rotational basis. Christian said every site has to provide proof to her office that each employee has received the training.
Next school year the district will take extra measures in an additional training session at the beginning of the year to make sure new hires get the training before classes start.
“Every teacher also gets a handbook with details on all appropriate and inappropriate interaction with students,” she said. “I tell them that they should keep a copy in their desk drawer in case of questions that may come up.”
Christian said not all inappropriate student teacher contact is sexual in nature. Claims about teachers who may have physically interacted with students out of anger are also investigated by her office. If the claim sounds or feels like a legal matter in any way, she is responsible for taking further action.
Issues that have become more important in training, she said, include those related to boundary invasion.
“We caution our teachers against getting too close (emotionally) to students, about being involved in their personal issues,” she said. “We have to remember that we are professionals, not friends.”
Christian said she understands that many teachers bond with their students, but to keep themselves safe they need to limit themselves to professional relationships.
“We are telling them not to initiate personal contact with students,” she said. “It’s the hardest for primary school teachers, especially when the kids are so young and may reach out to them that way. But it’s all about protecting themselves.”
Christian said she reminds teachers that pedophiles don’t look different than anyone else. In fact, she said, it’s not uncommon for pedophiles to choose careers that bring them access to children, whether it be a boy scout leader, youth group councilor or a teacher.
It can be difficult for teachers to report on one of their co-workers for inappropriate student interaction, even more so if they aren’t positive there is a reason to be concerned. But Christian is there to remind them it is their responsibility. Teachers are legally obligated to make the report both to the principal and to police if they know of abuse. Failing to report abuse can mean facing gross misdemeanor charges.
Christian recently gave her training session at a May 28 special meeting for the Battle Ground board and some staff. The meeting was held after Roland Waters, father of a Battle Ground High School student, requested the school board hold a special session to make sure teachers were getting the correct information.
Superintendant Shonny Bria said she felt that the meeting went well.
“It’s a pleasure to have the ability to share with the community and parents improvements we have made to our policies,” she said.
Board president Frederick Striker asked Bria to meet with staff and determine if additional steps need to be taken, and to report back to the board in the future. He said the district polices are current with state guidelines and he felt pleased with the meeting, but wanted to “stay on-top and aware of the seriousness of this situation.”
Bria said a consultant may come in to review the materials, and staff is looking to fund the work through possible grants or provisions in their insurance policies. She said she plans on getting back to Waters after graduation has taken place.
“Maybe by that time we will have had some consultants come in to review our policies and give us suggestions,” she said. “Anything to help protect the children.”
Christian said she has no objection to outside entities looking through her materials.
“I think they could give me insight and help make it even better,” she said “We want to make sure our kids are safe and protected.”
Bill Myers staff reporter
Members of the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) Task Force voted 37-2 on June 24 to recommend that a new bridge be constructed over the Columbia River with light rail as for high capacity transit.
Members also voted to support the charging of tolls on the existing I-5 bridge as soon as possible.
The replacement bridge would be constructed downstream from the existing I-5 crossing which would be removed after completion of a new span.
The new span would carry north and southbound interstate traffic, including express busses, on three through lanes. Two or three auxiliary lanes in each direction would provide for traffic entering or leaving the routes, and separate guideways would support bike/pedestrian paths and tracks for light rail. Estimates of capital costs, to be funded by federal, state and local sources including tolling, range between $3.1 and $4.2 billion.
Task Force members did not settle on a preferred terminus in Vancouver for light rail. Terminus area options included Lincoln (Near Main and 39th streets), Kiggins Bowl (south of Main St. crossing over I-5), Mill Plain (at Mill Plain Blvd. and Washington St.) or Clark College, This decision, and details such as the number of auxiliary lanes, will be subjects of further study.
Meeting for the 23rd time, Task Force members heard a warm, congratulatory telephone message from Washington governor Christine Gregoire and more than an hour of public comments before making decisions. Some citizens said they appreciated the work of Task Force members. Other citizens were critical of project processes.
Columbia River Crossing project sponsors will now consider Task Force recommendations as they consider a preferred type of crossing, high capacity transit and transit terminus locations.
Sponsors include the Washington State Department of Transporation (WSDOT), Oregon State Department of Transportation (ODOT), Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District (TriMet), Clark County Public Trasnportation Benefit Area (C-TRAN), Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC) and the Metropolitan Regional Government (Metro). These agencies, together with the cities of Vancouver and Portland, comprise eight local agencies that are sponsoring the project.
Project work will now shift to specifics such as a financing and tolling plan, number of lanes and design of the bridge, highway and interchange design, pedestrian and bicycle guideway, light rail alignments and travel demand management.
Task Force members at the meeting completed a list of 20 supplemental positions for consideration by project sponsors. The list contained an expression of support for “imposing tolls on the existing I-5 bridge as soon as legally and practically permissable to reduce congestion by managing travel demand as well as providing an ongoing funding source for the project.” Support was also expressed for a public vote on funds needed to implement the light rail line, the development of an “aesthetically pleasing, sustainable and cost-efficient river crossing..,” and development of a “world class” bicycle/pedestrian facility..”
At the meeting, project communications manager Danielle Cogan presented an overview of public sentiments based on surveys. Surveys in 2008 showed strong support for a replacement bridge with light rail. A small sampling indicated citizen support or are about evenly divided about tolling, except in Clark County zip codes 98661, 98685 and 98686 where more respondents opposed tolling.
Public comments were allowed before the Task Force decisions.
Retired Purdue University automotive engineering professor Stephen Citron said CRC project technical reports and data indicate that southbound traffic on three lanes in 2030 will face 20 hours of stop and go traffic each day. He said project data shows southbound traffic on the existing bridge in 2030, with a “no-build option,” would face about half as much stop and go traffic.
Two speakers said the CRC study process violated federal environmental impact guidelines because the study did not sufficiently explore all bridge options.
Jantzen Beach resident Barbara Nelson said, “We don’t need a signature bridge design. Just do a simple design that will allow us to see our mountains.” She said she supports a replacement bridge with light rail, “...the sooner the better.”
Another speaker said traffic projections in the study were false and misleading. He also said viable alternatives were discarded from the study.
Bill Hidden said he supports a replacement bridge and complimented Task Force members on their work.
Portland attorney Larry Epstein said light rail could doom his tug boat client. He asked for a realignment of Marine Drive.
A Battle Ground resident said tolls could cost him $5,000 per year, “a heavy burden for my family.” He said upgrades to Burlington Northern Sante Fe rail lines should be considered for commuter rail. “Don’t add more pollution with more cars,” he added.
A spokesperson with the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce said the Chamber supports a replacement bridge with light rail.
John Charles said a “no frills” bridge with three lanes in each direction is all that is needed. He said taxpayers could save at least $1 billion if light rail were not part of the project.
Vancouver activist Jerry Oliver also urged a scaled down version. “No business would enter into a compact to spend a billion dollars to serve 15,000 clients,” he said.
A Hayden Island resident said island residents are closer to shopping areas in Vancouver than in Portland. He said Hayden Island residents should be exempt from tolls.
Two citizens said no one listened to their comments about the project.
Another citizen said tolling of only cars and trucks is discriminatory.
“I’d like to see a show of hands of everyone in this room who came here by public transportation,” said Jim Howell. No hands went up. He said rail services should be emphasized and that rising gas prices will push freeways into a secondary role in the future.
Jantzen Beach floating home owner Margaret Johnson said she and fellow moorage residents support the replacement bridge/light rail approach.
Another Hayden Island resident said she wants to see a “beautiful bridge, appealing to the eye and soul...”
Portland resident Jim Karlock said it will take 150 years to break even on carbon dioxide emissions caused by construction of a new bridge. He said light rail will cost $9 per trip. “You need to start over,” said Karlock.
On May 2, the CRC project initiated a 60-day public comment period with the release of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Comments were due by July 1.
The Columbia River Crossing Task Force was formed in 2001. Members are elected officials, business representatives and other community leaders. A related study is underway to determine appropriate alignments of high capacity transit corridors within Clark County.
Parades in Ridgefield and Yacolt, fireworks in Vancouver, and campgrounds in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest will all attract visitors over the Fourth of July weekend as the nation celebrates its independence.
Here is a summary of some of the activities available over the next few days.
Ridgefield celebration
Two days of fun will take place in Ridgefield on Fri.-Sat., July 4-5, highlighted by a Fourth of July parade.
Clark County Fire & Rescue firefighters and city employees will serve a pancake breakfast 7-10 a.m. in the Ridgefield Community Center, 210 N Main Ave. Registration for the annual fun runs also start at 7 a.m. in front of Ridgefield Hardware Store at the corner of Pioneer St. and Main Ave.
Pre-parade activities throughout downtown start 10 a.m. Following the 11 a.m. parade, activities shift to Abrams Park, located at the east end of Division. St. Lions Club volunteers start grilling salmon and chicken for 4th of July feasts at about 11:30. Live music will start at noon. Food and beverage and arts and craft vendors will be open noon-4:30.
Saturday activities begin 10:30 a.m. with a downtown Pet Parade starting in front of Zebrun’s Deli in the 300 block of Pioneer St. Participants of a cruise-in will arrive in downtown at 4 p.m., with antique, classic, custom, rods, sports cars, and motorcycles. Live music by the Fabulous Fairlanes gets underway for a street dance at 6 p.m.
For more on the Ridgefield Fourth of July festivities, please see pages A11 - A13.
Yacolt
Last year, Mayor Joe Warren decided that the time had come to reinstate Rendezvous for the Fourth, a Yacolt event from years past. This year, the city will celebrate its 100th birthday during Rendezvous. All events will take place in the Yacolt Little League park.
The high points of Rendezvous will be a 10 a.m. parade and the fireworks display. Warren hopes people participate in other activities and eat lunch or supper at the Yacolt barbecue stand that will sell hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad and baked beans for $5 per plate.
A tent set up with memorabilia from the town’s history will be open for visitors.
Evening events will begin at 6 p.m. with a performance by the Edward Street Band, playing country and rock music. The fireworks will start at 9:45 p.m. For more on the Yacolt festivities, please see page A18.
Vancouver Rodeo
The 38th annual Vancouver Rodeo will kick off Wed., July 2, 7 p.m., at the Clark County Saddle Club, 10505 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver, and continue daily through July 5.
Over 400 cowboys and cowgirls will compete in the four-day event. Events will include barrel racing, bronc riding, roping and bull riding. The event will also offer activities for young enthusiasts, including free pony rides.
Dances will be held immediately after each show on all four days. Admission will be $10 for adults, and $8 for age 8 and above, with under age 8 free.
Vancouver fireworks
The annual July 4 celebration at the Vancouver National Historic Reserve is the largest patriotic tribute held in Clark County. Event officials say the show attracts about 65,000 people annuallly.
This day-long event will take place between Fort Vancouver Way and Reserve Street.
Festivities begin at 9 a.m. with Shel Bailey & the Big Package, followed at 10 a.m. by the Sing 4th vocal competition. Musical entertainment continues throughout the day with the Satin Love Orchestra at 8:35 p.m., and others. Family games, puppet shows and free movies are planned. Bi-plane rides will be offered and a climbing wall set up for visitors to scale.
A blood drive by the American Red Cross will take place noon-6 p.m. near Pearson Air Museum. Walk-in donors welcome 695-8522.
Vendors will set up booths for arts and crafts as well as refreshments. Fireworks begin at 10:10 p.m. and will last for 30 minutes.
Fireworks stands
Fireworks can be purchased at stands throughout Clark County.
Legal fireworks are sold from a licensed fireworks stand and are clearly labeled with the name of the item and manufacturer, and instructions for proper use. Items such as firecrackers and bottle rockets, M-80s, M-100s, and blockbusters are illegal and can cause serious injury or even death.
Legal fireworks may only be used from noon to 11 p.m. on Sat., June 28, and then from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Sat., July 5. On July 4 only, fireworks may be used until midnight. It is illegal to use fireworks at all other times. Fireworks may not be used in public parks.
Campgrounds
A number of campgrounds, roads and lower-elevation trails on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest will be open in time for the July 4th holiday.
The Johnston Ridge Observatory at Mount St. Helens is open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission to Johnston Ridge and Coldwater Lake is $8 per person, with children age 15 and under free.
The Gotchen Creek Ranger Station, built in 1909, will be open to the public on Sat., July 5, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. It’s located nine miles north of the community of Trout Lake on the south side of Mt. Adams.
Pomeroy steam logging
A historic steam logging operation will be featured Sat.-Sun., July 5-6, at the Pomeroy Living History Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt.
A new spar tree and a 32,000 pound steam donkey will be in operation for visitors to view, along with antique saws and trucks. Hay wagons will transport visitors to the logging site.
Admission will be $6 adults, and $4 for children ages 3-11. Hours are Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. More information is available by calling 686-3537.
Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge
The Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge will be celebrating the Fourth with activities for all ages at the Carty Unit.
The Cathlapotle Plankhouse will be open from noon-4 p.m. for tours. From noon-3 p.m., there will be live animals from the Oregon Zoo and there will also be a live Bird of Prey display. Information is available by calling 887-4106.
Bonneville Dam
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will again offer guided tours of the Bonneville Lock and Dam second powerhouse located on the Washington side of the Columbia River.
Visitors will learn about the Bonneville Lock and Dam’s history, operations, power generation and fish passage. Guided walks will occur daily at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. starting Fri., July 4, and continuing through Sept. 1.
Church barbecue
A free barbecue will be held Fri., July 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Venersborg Church, 24317 NE 209th St. in Battle Ground. For more information, contact the church at 687-6071 or visit www.venersborg.org on the internet.
Indian artifact collection
The Northwest Coast Indian artifact collection, presented by Ralph and Shirley Bozorth, will be exhibited during special event weekends, July 5-6 and July 12-13, at the North Clark Historical Museum at 21416 NE 399th St. in Amboy.
Regular museum hours are noon-4 p.m. Admission is free and donations are welcome. For more information, call (360) 247-5800.
Sing-along
The Vancouver Folk Singers will conduct a potluck and sing-along Sat., July 5, at Genealogical Society annex, 715 Grand Blvd., Vanocuver. Potluck at 6:15 p.m., singing at 7 p.m. Bob, 253-9715, Ted, 883-3030.
Ken Vance staff reporter
The La Center City council voted June 25 to approve a $5 monthly increase in sewer rates. The increase will take effect in August.
After struggling for much of the current calendar year with the idea of increasing rates during a difficult economic time, council members voted 4-1 to approve the increase. Council member Bill Birdwell cast the lone vote of opposition.
The rate increase is designed to help pay for a $13.7 million improvement to the city’s sewer treatment plant, which has reached its capacity. The renovations to the plant will also be funded by a $10 million loan from the Washington Public Works Trust Fund, to be paid back over the next 20 years at an interest rate of 0.5 percent.
The council also approved a $400,000 annual loan from the city’s reserve fund to guarantee the rates. The repayment schedule for that loan has not been determined, and in the future, the council will have the discretion to convert the loan to a grant if it chooses.
The council held its second public hearing on the proposed sewer rate increase on April 9. At both hearings, citizens of the city expressed strong opinions about the increase. As a result, Mayor Jim Irish tabled the vote on the increase at the April 9 meeting, asking that alternatives to the increase be considered.
After weeks of deliberating and evaluating alternatives, the council was once again presented with the rate increase as the only feasible option.
“We’ve been looking for other strategies, but I haven’t found any other revenue other than rate increases and SDCs (Systems Development Charges),’’ said Ray Bartlett, a consultant hired by the city to do a rate analysis on the sewer.
Irish had asked Bartlett and city staff to explore including the increase in rates for individual ratepayers, other public funding sources, the use of the city’s reserve fund, restoring the former tax rate of the existing card rooms, various mechanisms to seek funding from potential developers at the I-5 junction, and the curtailment of other services by the city.
Several citizens expressed a desire for the city to restore the gambling tax on the existing card rooms. Prior to 2002, the card rooms paid a 15 percent gambling tax, which was reduced to 10 percent in 2001. The State of Washington allows up to a 22 percent tax and the average tax on non-tribal casinos is 12-12.5 percent, according to Irish.
From 2002 to 2007, the card rooms collectively would have paid more than $10 million in additional taxes if the rate had not been reduced to 10 percent. Representatives of the card rooms have pointed out that the city’s reserve fund, which has a balance of more than $17 million, was amassed from revenue generated from the card rooms.
Members of the city council and staff were reluctant to increase the gambling tax because, just like the ratepayers, the card rooms are facing difficult financial times. Through the first five months of 2008, card room revenue was down more than 5 percent from last year, according to city officials.
Sewer rates could increase even more in the future. In fact, the council will have to vote again just after the first of the year about rates in 2009. Forecasts by Bartlett and city staff indicate the rates could increase to $55 in 2009 and to $65 in 2010.
“The citizens need to know that we kept it as low as possible,’’ said Mayor Jim Irish. “Yes, it will come up again in six months, or seven months, but that’s because the city chose at this time to keep the impact of raising the rates lower so as not to have rate shock. The city is still looking for other revenue options, investments, etc.’’
In recent estimates, the city projected $5 increases in sewer rates each year through 2012. However, the slow housing industry forced them to reassess projections. For example, original projections estimated 25 SDCs for La Center in 2009. To date, there have been only six.
The new schedule of rates also increased the current rate for SDCs from $7,200 to $7,800.