📰 What's Making News

Washougal's Levi Kitchen Leads 250 Class Into His Own Backyard

This is the kind of story you just can't script. Levi Kitchen, the current 250 Class points leader with 261 points, races at the FLY Racing Washougal MX National on Saturday — literally hundreds of yards from his family home. Kitchen, who rides for Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki, heads into the weekend looking not just for a win but to inspire the next generation of young riders watching from the hillside. The 450 Class features its own fireworks with Jett Lawrence and Hunter Lawrence in the mix. If you've never been to Washougal MX Park on race day, this is the weekend to fix that. Full story here.

Port of Camas-Washougal Lands State Grant for "Industrial Symbiosis" Push

The Port of Camas-Washougal is about to spend the next year figuring out how one business's waste can become another's raw material — a concept called industrial symbiosis. Backed by state funding, the initiative aims to attract new industries, lower operating costs for existing businesses, and cut waste across the port's footprint. Think of it as matchmaking for manufacturers who don't know they need each other yet. It's an unusual economic-development play for a smaller port, and it could reshape what the waterfront corridor looks like in coming years. Read the details at The Columbian.

Ridgefield Raptors Surge Toward Playoffs After Rollercoaster Season

The Ridgefield Raptors are heating up at exactly the right time. After a season full of peaks and dips, the West Coast League club is riding an upswing with the playoffs now firmly in sight. Summer collegiate baseball is one of Clark County's quieter gems — affordable tickets, gorgeous evenings at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, and a roster full of players chasing bigger dreams. If you haven't made it out this season, the final stretch is worth the drive. Catch up on their run here.

Clark County Measles Cases Climb to 15 — Here's What to Know

Clark County Public Health reports six additional measles cases, bringing this year's total to 15. All six involve unvaccinated children who were exposed in private settings, and officials say there are no new public exposure sites at this time. Measles is highly contagious — it can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. If you or your kids aren't up to date on the MMR vaccine, your doctor's office or a local pharmacy can get you covered quickly. Details from Clark County Today.

Know a fellow Vancouverite who'd enjoy this? Send them a copy.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

Dragon Boats Hit Lake River Aug. 1 for Free Ridgefield Festival

The Catch-22 Ospreys — SW Washington's only all-survivor dragon boat team — take center stage at the Paddle for Life festival at the Port of Ridgefield on Aug. 1. The free event features racing, food trucks, a vendor village, and cancer screenings from Compass Oncology.

Clark County Health Inspections: Who Passed, Who Didn't?

The latest round of restaurant and food-service inspections covering July 13-18 is now public. Check the full list from The Columbian before your next dinner out.

Where to Eat Breakfast in Clark County, According to The Columbian

A new roundup spotlights morning spots across East and West Vancouver worth waking up early for. Read the full guide with specific picks here.

500,000+ Ford Broncos Recalled Over Engine Fire Risk

Ford is recalling more than half a million Broncos nationwide because a wiring harness in the engine compartment can short-circuit. If you drive one, check your VIN with Ford or read the recall details here.

Like what you're reading? Send it to a Vancouverite who should subscribe.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, July 25

• Mt. St. Helen's Summit Climb with MSHI – 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards — perfect for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• "Ride Around Clark County" Community Bike Event – 7:00 AM at Fort Vancouver. The 42nd annual RACC features five brand-new routes showcasing local sights, from an 18-mile family route to an epic 100-mile century ride. More info
• Help Restore Bird Habitat with Vancouver Audubon Society – 7:30 AM at Sam Walker Day Use and Picnic Area, Skamania County. Youth ages 10–18 and their parents are invited to pitch in removing invasives and supporting native birds and pollinators. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and sturdy shoes. More info
• La Center Our Days Celebration – 8:00 AM in Downtown La Center. Free all-day fun including a 5K fun run/walk, car show, pancake breakfast, kid zone, vendor market, beer garden, beautiful baby contest, bingo, live music, and a three-on-three basketball tournament. More info
• Cape Horn (Lower Trail) Work Party with Cape Horn Conservancy & WTA – 8:30 AM. Help brush back vegetation, restore a rocky talus section, and level shifting tread on this stunning Gorge trail. Note: you will not meet at the normal trailhead. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. The flagship year-round market with local produce, goods, and community vibes in the heart of downtown. More info
• Run the Ridges – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at Royal Ridges, Yacolt. A family-friendly trail run through the forest — runners and walkers of all ages welcome. $25–$50. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover at OMSI – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Engineers-in-training ages 3–5 and their families tackle playful hands-on building and design challenges. Bilingual program. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun – 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. All ages and abilities welcome, dogs too. Register online for your free barcode. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Spend a morning removing invasive species, maintaining trails, and improving the site. Tools, gloves, and guidance provided. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County Walking Tours – 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. The Clark County Historical Museum's knowledgeable guides lead you through the Historic Arnada Neighborhood — tree-lined streets, beautifully preserved homes, and stories spanning generations. $10–$12.51. More info
• Litter Pick Up at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park – 9:00 AM. Join Clark County Parks & Nature volunteers for a cleanup at this summertime favorite along the Columbia River. Tools provided. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours with WSU Extension Master Gardeners – 10:00 AM in Hazel Dell. Tour the historic "poor farm" turned demonstration garden — 79 acres on the Washington Historic Register with history going back to 1865. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Free assisted bridge play with a lesson, then game time with help available. More info
• Four Days of Aloha – 9:30 AM at Esther Short Park and Clark College. An immersive celebration of Hawaiian arts and culture featuring hula competitions, the Ho'ike, Concert in the Park, cultural workshops, and more. Ticketed. More info
• Jenks Music and Juggling! – 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM at Three Creeks Community Library. A high-energy music and juggling show that will dazzle and entertain. Free. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Vancouver. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Free STEAM education through aviation for all ages. More info
• Camas Days 2026 – 10:00 AM in Downtown Camas. Two full days of parades (grand parade at noon!), bathtub races, street vendors, a wine and microbrew street, kids' activities, live music, and more. Free. More info
• School Supply Swap at Kindred Vancouver – 10:00 AM. Bring extra school supplies you have and take what you need for the upcoming school year. Free. More info
• Wild Neighbors Nature Day at Columbia Springs – 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Vancouver. A free drop-in day of hands-on science and nature experiences — engaging for all ages, no RSVP required. More info
• Open Days and Hometown Summer Market at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, Woodland. Food, entertainment, vendors, and strolls through the beautiful historic gardens. No gate admission for the market. More info
• Stewardship Day at Mount St. Helens – 10:00 AM. Volunteer to remove invasive weeds, then join an optional 2.4-mile guided hike on the Hummocks Trail. Free, registration required. More info
• The Stuff of Legends Exhibit at AQUA Gallery – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver waterfront. Featuring Abby Ketcham's expressive stuffies and Carson Legree's vibrant paintings of mythological characters. Free. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park – 10:00 AM. Help remove ivy and non-native plants and spread mulch. Training, tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Family-friendly, great for teens. More info
• Intro to Bokashi Composting – 11:00 AM at Nature's Haven Nursery, Camas. Jennifer "Bokashi Jen" Posivak teaches you how to turn food scraps — including meat and dairy — into nutrient-rich soil, even in small yards. More info
• Art & Nature in the Park – 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, Vancouver. Fourth Plain Forward's free summer series brings art and nature activities to the neighborhood. More info
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus – 11:00 AM at Ridgefield Community Library. Physical comedy, juggling, magic, and plate spinning. Free. More info
• Reptile Man — The Fascinating World of Reptiles – 11:00 AM at Woodland Community Library. Live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters with the Oregon Reptile Man. Free. More info
• Angel Ocasio's Comedy, Magic and Stuff – 11:00 AM at FVRL Library locations. Silly antics, magic, juggling, and audience participation — bilingual fun for all. Free. More info
• Northwest Children's Theater Alumni Presents: Robin Hood – 11:00 AM at The Judy, Portland. A fast-paced, comedic take on the classic tale with NWCT alumni on stage and behind the scenes. $20–$25. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. $10. More info
• Oaks Park Historic Carousel 100th Anniversary – 12:00 PM–8:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Free carousel rides all day, historical displays, commemorative pins, and free birthday cake at 3 PM to celebrate 100 years. More info
• Blueberry Pancake Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill – 12:00 PM–4:00 PM, Woodland. Free blueberry pancakes at this historic water-powered grain-grinding mill. Free admission. More info
• North Clark Historical Museum: Territorial Days Exhibit – 12:00 PM–4:00 PM, Amboy. Explore "Territorial Days Through the Years" and the 140th anniversary of the Amboy Post Office. Free. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Wildcrafting at Mt. Hood Meadows – 1:00 PM. Join wildflower expert Jesse Eaton on an educational hike to learn about gathering plant materials for culinary and medicinal purposes. More info
• Kids Kitchen: Ice Cream in a Bag – 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library (virtual). A cooking club for K–5th graders — this month, make ice cream in a bag! Registration required. Free. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts Presents The Prom – 2:00 PM (matinee) and 6:30 PM at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. The Drama Desk Award-winning musical performed by MPA's summer intensive students. $16–$20. More info
• Shoestring Circus: Dreamland – 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM at Hazel Dell Commons, Vancouver. Aerialists fly, acrobats tumble, and delightful oddballs keep things just the right amount of ridiculous under the vintage big top. $17–$55. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Nature Photography for Beginners – 3:30 PM at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. Learn composition, perspective, and how to get the best shots — camera or cellphone welcome. More info
• Tween & Teen Video Game Night – 4:00 PM–6:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Nintendo Switch gaming, snacks, and new friends. No registration required. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team under the lights. More info
• Small Town Skate Night at Oaks Park – 7:00 PM–10:30 PM, Portland. Country hits from classic legends to today's chart-toppers with special guest DJ Danny Dwyer from 99.5 The Wolf. $20. More info
• VanCity Ballroom Saturday Social Dance – 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute beginner lesson followed by social dancing until 10 PM — ballroom, Latin, swing, and country. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Food, cocktails, local wine, and live performances on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Hot Summer Nights at The Neighborhood Refuge – 7:00 PM–10:00 PM, Ridgefield. The Low Keys perform live, with food and craft cocktails. $5 cover. More info
• Battle Ground Lake Interpretive Program: Leave No Trace – 7:00 PM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Park Ranger Breanna Friend teaches the seven Leave No Trace principles. Free (Discover Pass required for parking). More info
• Screening of Hitman Struck 1.2 – 7:00 PM at Hilton Vancouver, 301 W. Sixth St. A 52-minute feature film followed by Q&A with director, producer, and lead actor John Roco. Includes a signed poster. $25. More info
• Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute: Riverboat Ruckus – 8:00 PM–11:30 PM at Cascade Bar and Grill, Vancouver. Barry Minniefield and the Current perform, with The BSides opening. $5 cover. More info

Sunday, July 26

• 3rd Annual Hot Rods for Heroes Car Show – 8:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fast Specialties, 1200 NE 95th St., Vancouver. All cars and bikes welcome. Trophies, a huge raffle, vendors, and food. $20 entry fee with proceeds benefiting Clark County Veterans Assistance Center. More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamp – 9:00 AM. Meet at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver, then head to scenic locations for a full-body muscle and cardio workout. All fitness levels welcome. More info
• Crater Glacier Overlook Hike with MSHI Geologist – 9:00 AM at Mt. St. Helens. A specially permitted trek into the crater for a viewpoint overlooking one of the world's youngest and fastest-growing glaciers. More info
• Edible Plant Walks at Nature's Haven Natives – 10:00 AM, Camas. Tour the property with Allie to explore edible native plants, learn how to use them, then shop the nursery. Free, registration required. More info
• Picnic in Color! – 11:00 AM–3:00 PM in Downtown Camas. A free family arts and crafts celebration with tie-dye, interactive story time, puppet shows, duck decorating and racing, painting, and more. Bring a picnic! More info
• Kids Axe Academy at Firehouse Axes – 12:00 PM–1:30 PM, Vancouver. A 90-minute session for ages 10–14 led by an Axepert Coach, ending with a tournament. Limited to 8 kids per class. $15. More info
• Tween & Teen Creative Crafts: Map Masterpieces – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn cartography basics and create a map of real or imagined places. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Summer Plant Walk – 1:00 PM in Brush Prairie. A slow, intentional wander through a botanical garden and surrounding forest with herbalist Erin. Small group. $35. More info
• Board Game Social Club – 2:30 PM–5:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop in to play an old favorite or learn something new. Free. More info
• Sunday Sounds Concert Series – 6:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center Park, east Vancouver. Free live music with food and refreshments available from local vendors — or bring your own picnic. More info
• Jazz on the Lawn at Willful Wine – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at the Grant House, Officers Row, Vancouver. Pianist Greg Goebel joins Brent Follis and Friends. Full dinner and wine menu available. $20 cover. More info

Monday, July 27

• Audiobook Walking Club – 9:30 AM, hosted by Camas Public Library. Bring your audiobook and meet at a different outdoor location each month for a 60-minute walk plus optional social time. Free. More info
• Early Learners Play to Learn – 10:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. Hands-on early literacy activities for ages 0–5 and their families. Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall – 10:00 AM. Complete fun challenges, earn points, and enter for chances to win prizes all summer long. Running through August 14. More info
• Camas Library Storytime in the Park – 10:30 AM at Louis Bloch Park, Camas. Bring a blanket and enjoy a family storytime outdoors with library staff. Free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting – 12:00 PM at AC Marriott, Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome. Free. More info
• Pressure Canner Gauge Testing – 12:00 PM–1:30 PM at Second Mile Marketplace and Food Hub, Vancouver. Free testing to make sure your dial gauge is accurate before canning season. Bring lids with gauges attached. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop – 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet blending, splatter techniques, and color layering. No experience needed, all supplies provided. $35. More info
• Monday Trivia Night at Pour Choices Pub – 6:30 PM. Host Don Elliott brings the questions, you bring the crew. Can you dethrone last week's champions, High Bar Low Expectations? More info

Got a neighbor who'd appreciate this? Pass it along.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.