Clark County Today News

Sen. John Braun warned about daycare fraud months ago, only to be dismissed by Democrat leaders. Now a damning audit proves him right — $37 million in questionable payments, representing 20% of all DCYF payouts to daycare providers. While Democrats demand higher taxes, they're wasting one in five dollars through gross incompetence or outright fraud. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion...

Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl breaks down Washington's traffic enforcement rules for private property after a reader's grocery store parking lot incident. Most traffic laws don't apply on private property, but serious crimes like vehicular assault and impaired driving still count. Learn when to call police, when to file collision reports, and why store security can't write traffic tickets. https:/...

Wednesday's Clark County Council meeting brought the 2022 anti-light rail resolution back into focus as public commenters questioned whether the voter approval requirement should still guide council decisions. The debate emerged during Glen Yung's appointment to the C-TRAN Board, where light rail disputes have created ongoing tensions. We're polling residents on whether the resolution remains rele...

Leandro Martinez Larumbe faces felony charges after Vancouver Police connected him to a March 12 crosswalk collision through witness descriptions of his distinctive face tattoos and matching vehicle damage. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries when struck at C Street and Evergreen Boulevard. Officers located the suspect's white van outside his residence with damage consistent with the...

Ridgefield School District brings together families of incoming kindergarten students on May 19 at the high school performing arts center. The districtwide event covers registration, transportation, food services, and offers opportunities to meet teachers. Spanish and Russian interpreters will be available, with childcare provided through Right at School. The gathering marks a unique opportunity a...

Sam Cardwell from Mountain States Policy Center explains why the Electoral College protects smaller states from urban dominance and preserves our federal republic. With 19 states joining the National Popular Vote Compact, he argues this constitutional system prevents candidates from campaigning only in the top 20 most populous cities while ensuring states like Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana maintain...

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez pulled in $1.3 million in three months while John Braun raised $356,000 in their closely watched 3rd District race. But the incumbent congresswoman won't say where she stands on Washington's new income tax that has voters fired up. Braun points out that only 7.8% of her donations came from within Washington State, with over $600,000 bundled from New York City financiers. Th...

Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Matt Segal to the Public Disclosure Commission just weeks after a recall effort launched over unfilled seats. Segal's firm, Pacifica Law Group, serves as Ferguson's private counsel and defended him in two high-profile campaign controversies. The appointment fills one of two vacancies that left the campaign finance watchdog panel struggling to maintain quorum during elec...

Washougal School District is implementing immediate security changes at three campuses after increased activity during school hours created safety concerns. Gates at Washougal High School, Gause Elementary, and Excelsior will be locked weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with new fencing and additional staff monitoring access points. Superintendent Aaron Hansen says student safety remains the top p...

Douglas Tweet presents compelling C-TRAN ridership data showing bus use across the I-5 bridge has dropped by half since 2006, questioning the IBR's $3.5 billion light rail investment when current Route 60 serves just 900 daily boardings. His analysis challenges IBR forecasts predicting 20-fold ridership growth by 2045, citing TriMet's history of inflated projections that consistently exceed realit...

Rep. John Ley exposes how Washington's property taxes have skyrocketed despite a supposed 1% cap, with one constituent paying $12,645 beyond inflation over 12 years. The 18th District representative questions why state spending has doubled while families struggle with unaffordable housing costs and rising utility bills from the Climate Commitment Act. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opini...

WSDOT maintenance crews will close the right lane of northbound I-205 near Salmon Creek Saturday evening to repair damaged guardrail sections. The closure runs from 7 p.m. Saturday through 1 a.m. Sunday between Exit 36 and the I-5 on-ramp. Guardrails provide critical safety protection by preventing vehicles from leaving the roadway during crashes. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/plan-for-ove...

Clark County's candidate filing period opens May 4 with online declarations encouraged through VoteWA.gov. Citizens can run for Congressional District 3, state legislative seats, county offices, judicial positions, and precinct committee roles. Online filing accepts credit cards while in-person filing requires cash or check. The filing window closes May 8 at 5 p.m., followed by a public ballot ord...

A 15-year-old suspect weighing over 200 pounds put a Vancouver Police officer in a headlock and attempted to grab his gun during a violent struggle on Washington Street. The juvenile tore equipment from the officer's vest and threw his keys across the parking lot before being arrested on multiple charges including attempted robbery and assault on law enforcement. One officer required hospital eval...

The Washougal Police Department secured a $50,758 state grant for a TruNarc handheld analyzer that uses laser technology to identify suspected narcotics through packaging. Chief Zane Freschette says the device enhances officer safety by eliminating direct contact with hazardous substances like fentanyl while providing immediate on-scene results. The grant covers equipment, training for 12 officers...

Dozens of recruits from across Southwest Washington and Oregon gathered at Skyview High School for the 15th annual Our Community Salutes ceremony. Future Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard members took their ceremonial oaths of enlistment as families and community leaders celebrated their commitment to serve. The Community Military Appreciation Committee event featured speeches from l...

Glen Yung accepted nomination to the C-TRAN Board of Directors despite his busy schedule, citing the importance of representing Clark County's unified voice. The 4-1 council vote came after heated public comment exchanges and Michelle Belkot's accusation that council behavior resembles "organized crime." The appointment follows months of controversy over light rail funding positions and board repr...

Ridgefield, La Center, and Camas mayors unite behind Transfer of Development Rights program that could save Clark County's vanishing farmland while supporting responsible urban growth. Their collaborative solution addresses the county's loss of 32% of agricultural acreage since 1992, offering farmers cash for development rights while directing density to areas with proper infrastructure. The Growt...

The Washington State Republican Party is calling for Justice Colleen Melody to recuse herself from the upcoming millionaire's tax case, citing potential conflicts of interest. Records show Solicitor General Noah Purcell, who strongly recommended Melody's appointment to Gov. Bob Ferguson, also discussed strategies for passing the 9.9% income tax with lawmakers. Attorney General Office staff have do...

Governor Bob Ferguson vetoed $500,000 for a proven retail theft program despite Washington losing $2.7 billion annually to organized crime. Mark Harmsworth from Washington Policy Center explains how the pilot program generated 402 law enforcement responses and filed 142 cases in King County alone. The decision abandons effective enforcement while retailers face escalating losses and consumers pay...

Virginia Mendez-Rodeman earned gold at the 2026 IBJJF European Championship in Portugal and became the first recipient of Battle Ground's new BiG Heart Award. The city's recognition program celebrates residents, organizations, and businesses making meaningful community contributions. Mayor Eric Overholser presented the commemorative heart-shaped stone during Monday's council meeting. https://www.c...

Clark County Council approved funding for 22 new deputy positions and support staff at the Sheriff's Office. Sheriff John Horch thanked councilors for the decision, which follows extensive collaboration between the Sheriff's Office, County Manager, Budget Office, and community members. Hiring begins in July to address longstanding staffing challenges and improve public safety workloads across Clar...

Jonathan Hines argues Clark County's affordable housing has become "unachievable" with median home prices outpacing wages by 3-4 times. The Vancouver resident connects housing costs to Growth Management Act restrictions and hefty impact fees that push developers toward luxury projects instead of starter homes. His letter tackles taxation concerns, parental rights erosion, and declining education s...

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program has increased projected toll funding from $1.25 billion to $1.5 billion, with construction and tolling both set to begin in 2028. IBR officials briefed C-TRAN directors on the $14.4 billion megaproject, explaining why light rail will stop at the waterfront rather than extending to Evergreen Boulevard in the first phase. Rep. John Ley warns toll rates could...

Ridgefield School District teams with CRESA and local law enforcement for a comprehensive emergency preparedness exercise Friday at Ridgefield High School. The 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. drill will simulate an environmental hazard scenario, testing evacuation procedures and family reunification processes. Dr. Charlotte Ellis emphasizes this multi-agency collaboration strengthens coordinated emergency respo...