Clark County Today News

The Clark County Council is set to hold a Nov. 18 hearing to consider adopting a five-year Local Homeless Housing Plan. Developed with the Council for the Homeless and supported by ECOnorthwest, the plan outlines local strategies to reduce homelessness through coordinated housing, services, and oversight. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-council-to-hold-hearing-on-local-homeless-plan/...

Clark County Today’s latest poll asks voters to weigh in on the separation of powers between the County Council and County Manager. As Charter Review Commission candidates debate the balance of authority, residents can share whether they believe the system is working or needs reform. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/poll-how-well-is-clark-countys-current-separation-of-powers-system-working...

Clark County Today continues its Charter Review Commission election series, highlighting candidates’ ideas on accountability and transparency in local government. From fiscal reviews to citizen committees and ethics reforms, candidates propose new measures to improve oversight and public trust. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/part-iii-charter-review-commission-oversight-and-accountability/ #...

C-TRAN board members received an update from the Interstate Bridge Replacement team showing light rail operations and maintenance costs dropping from $21.8 million to $10.3 million—but only because projected service to Vancouver was cut in half. Paul Valencia reports on local concerns over TriMet’s involvement and future funding. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/interstate-bridge-replacement-...

Elizabeth New (Hovde) of the Washington Policy Center examines how Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program has become a regressive payroll tax, disproportionately burdening lower-wage workers while benefiting higher-income earners. She warns that lawmakers’ proposed rate increases could mean another hit to workers’ paychecks. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-pfml-used-by...

Clark and Klickitat counties are hosting free Drug Take-Back Day events Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at several drive-thru sites. ESD 112 and Prevent Coalition partner with local law enforcement and health agencies to promote safe medication disposal and prevent misuse. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-and-klickitat-counties-host-drug-take-back-events-to-promote-safe-disposal/ #ClarkC...

Doug Dahl from The Wise Drive unpacks how Washington’s laws handle four-way stops, explaining why “first to arrive, first to go” isn’t exactly what the law says. He compares Newton’s gravity to driver rules, reminding us that being “almost right” is often good enough for safety. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-almost-right-about-four-way-stops/ #Opinion #TheWiseDrive #DougDahl #Wa...

WSDOT maintenance crews will close the eastbound SR 500 off-ramp to St. Johns Boulevard overnight Oct. 16–17 for guardrail repairs. Drivers should plan for alternate routes and expect delays during the closure. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/plan-for-overnight-off-ramp-closure-on-eastbound-sr-500-for-guardrail-repairs-oct-16/ #WSDOT #VancouverWA #SR500 #Transportation #ClarkCounty #TrafficA...

This letter to the editor from Pastor Brian Norris highlights Cherish DesRochers’ heart for service and leadership in Battle Ground, recognizing her work with Live Love Outreach and her compassion as a city council member. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-cherish-desrochers-is-one-of-those-rare-individuals-whose-compassion-and-commitment-extend-far-beyond-words/ #Opinion #LetterToTh...

Let’s Go Washington released new data showing record-fast progress on two initiatives—one on parents’ rights and another on girls’ sports—with over 60,000 signatures collected so far. More than half came from Democrats and Independents, according to founder Brian Heywood. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/lgw-releases-count-and-partisan-breakdown-on-first-60k-signatures/ #LetsGoWashington #Was...

This letter to the editor from Ridgefield resident Carley Meuchel urges Clark County voters to support Brad Benton for the Charter Review Commission, praising his commitment to safety, families, and fiscal responsibility. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-want-change-vote-brad-benton/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #ClarkCounty #BradBenton #Ridgefield #Elections #Community #PublicSafety...

The Clark County Council voted 4-0 to extend a moratorium protecting manufactured home parks from redevelopment, aiming to safeguard more than 2,000 homes and 5,000 residents from potential displacement. Councilors Michelle Belkot, Sue Marshall, Wil Fuentes, and Matt Little emphasized compassion and community stability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-council-extends-moratorium-ensuri...

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center highlights a new National Bureau of Economic Research report showing that high minimum wages lead to fewer jobs and shorter work hours. He argues that despite good intentions, policies like California’s AB1228 hurt entry-level workers and small businesses. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-after-a-year-of-high-minimum-wages-a-new-repor...

At a packed Vancouver event on the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA, Club America, and Firmly Planted Action leaders called on youth and church communities to “meet the moment.” Voices like Ruby Ruiz, Heidi St. John, and pastors Rich Blum and Sam Sanden urged courage, faith, and civic engagement. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/organizers-at-local-turning-point...

Paul ValenciaClarkCountyToday.comWe usually take a couple of weeks in between episodes of The Study of Sports. Then again, history is being made around us. We’ve never seen Heritage football at 6-0, and we’ve never seen the Seattle Mariners up 2-0 in the ALCS. We had to rally everyone together for an emergency edition of The Study of Sports. Wait, did I just write that the Mariners are up 2-0 agai...

Clark County Charter Review Commission candidates outline contrasting opinions on the balance of power between the County Council and County Manager. Some praise the system’s checks and balances, while others say it gives too much control to the unelected manager. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/part-ii-charter-review-commission-candidates-express-positions-on-separation-of-powers/ #ClarkCou...

Vancouver City Council approved a $9.38 million contract with Tapani Inc. to build the Bridge Shelter, a 120-bed facility providing safe, low-barrier housing and on-site supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. The project involves partnerships with Do Good Multnomah and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-vancouver-selects-contractor-for-bridge...

This letter to the editor from Camas resident Brad Jensen raises concerns about City Council candidate Masha Eshghi’s campaign and potential conflicts of interest involving city contractors and supporters. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-look-who-is-publicly-supporting-masha-eshghi/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #Camas #MashaEshghi #BradJensen #LeslieLewallen #CityCouncil #Elections...

Evergreen Habitat for Humanity is offering $1.5 million in subsidy support for first-time homebuyers in Clark County. The program helps families earning 30–80% of the area’s median income purchase affordable homes across the county. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/evergreen-habitat-for-humanity-announces-1-5-million-in-subsidy-support-for-first-time-homebuyers/ #ClarkCounty #EvergreenHabitat...

Vancouver Fire Department crews responded to a gas line leak at Main and East 7th streets in downtown Vancouver, closing the block and evacuating 21 people from seven nearby locations. The leak was secured within an hour, and no injuries were reported. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vfd-responds-to-gas-line-leak-in-downtown-vancouver/ #VancouverWA #VancouverFireDepartment #PublicSafety #Gas...

Drivers using southbound I-205 in Vancouver should expect overnight lane closures Oct. 14–15 as WSDOT crews repair and replace traffic sensors between Fourth Plain Boulevard and Burton Road. The work will take place from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/expect-overnight-delays-on-i-205-in-vancouver-for-utility-work-oct-14/ #VancouverWA #WSDOT #I205 #TrafficAdvisory #RoadWork...

This letter to the editor from former Idaho State Senator Mike Jorgenson praises Camas City Council member Leslie Lewallen for her transparency and accountability, urging voters to support her reelection. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-leslie-lewallens-record-is-spotless/ #Opinion #LetterToTheEditor #Camas #LeslieLewallen #MikeJorgenson #CityCouncil #Elections #Leadership #Transpa...

The Vancouver Fire Department responded to a fire at Fourth Plain Commons, where sprinklers helped control the blaze before firefighters arrived. Four apartments were affected, and the American Red Cross is assisting displaced residents. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vfd-responds-to-fire-at-fourth-plain-commons/ #VancouverWA #VancouverFireDepartment #Firefighters #PublicSafety #FourthPlain...

Rep. John Ley outlines transportation architect Kevin Peterson’s plan for a high-level express bridge designed to ease congestion on the I-5 corridor, contrasting it with the costly IBR project. The proposal adds capacity, improves flow, and emphasizes affordability. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-a-viable-alternative-that-reduces-traffic-congestion/ #JohnLey #Transportation #Kev...

Clark County Council adopted a resolution denouncing political violence in all forms in recognition of Charlie Kirk, with Michelle Belkot reading the measure and Ross Wiley of Turning Point USA accepting by video; four councilors signed while one did not. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/clark-county-council-adopts-resolution-condemning-political-violence-in-recognition-of-charlie-kirk/ #Clar...