📰 What's Making News

Sen Siam Thai Kitchen Takes On New Ownership Along Highway 99

If you're a fan of Sen Siam Thai Kitchen at 9900 NE Highway 99, here's one to watch: the restaurant has filed for an assumption of its beer and wine license with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, which typically signals a change in ownership. The Highway 99 corridor spot appears to be staying in the restaurant business under new hands — good news for regulars who love the menu. We'll keep an eye out for any changes to hours or offerings as the transition moves forward. See the license filing here.

Clark County's Big Road-Project List Gets a Refresh

Clark County has updated its transportation capital projects plan as part of its required compliance with the state's Growth Management Act. The revised large-projects list looks largely similar to the 2022 version, but it's a key piece of the county's ongoing effort to update its 20-year growth plan. If you've been wondering which road widenings, interchange upgrades, or new connections are on the horizon, this is the document to dig into. The Columbian has the details.

Raptors Fall to Walla Walla in a One-Run Heartbreaker

The Ridgefield Raptors dropped a close one on Thursday night, losing 4-3 to the Walla Walla Sweets. Ridgefield held the lead before the Sweets rallied for three runs in the bottom of the sixth, then locked down the final three innings to seal it. It's the kind of game that stings, but one-run losses often mean the team is right there. Catch the Raptors at home at the RORC next time they're in town — summer baseball at that stadium is hard to beat. Full game recap here.

Allen's Pick: Perennials That Bloom From Spring Through Fall

Columbian gardening columnist Allen has rounded up his favorite perennials that keep blooming all season long — exactly the kind of low-maintenance, high-reward advice Clark County gardeners need in early July. Whether you're filling in bare spots or planning ahead for next year, his picks are tailored to our Pacific Northwest growing conditions. It's a great read to pair with your morning coffee and a walk through the backyard. Read the full column here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Columbia River Fishing Report: 87 Boats, 366 Bank Rods Counted June 28

The latest lower Columbia River fishery report tallied 87 salmonid boats and 366 Washington bank anglers between Rocky Point/Tongue Point and Bonneville Dam during the June 22-28 survey period. If you're planning a weekend on the water, the full species-by-species breakdown is worth a look. Read the full report.

Salmon Creek Hoops Fans: Where's Your Pickup Game?

A north Vancouver resident is crowdsourcing open-gym options for evening pickup basketball near Salmon Creek — churches, schools, rec centers, you name it. The thread is already collecting suggestions, so if you know a court with regular runs, jump in and share your spot.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, July 5

• Rendezvous Days 2026 in Yacolt — 6:00 AM at the Town of Yacolt. The final day of this weekend-long celebration featuring opening ceremonies, awards, and even an Air Force fly-over. Free admission. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI — 6:00 AM. A single-day guided scramble to the summit of Mount St. Helens with professional mountain guides. Designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• "Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year" Volunteer Clean-Up Events — 8:00 AM. Surfrider chapters across Oregon are hosting cleanups to collect trash and fireworks debris left behind after the holiday. All ages welcome and gear is provided. More info
• "Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year" Volunteer Stewardship Day — 8:00 AM. WA State Parks hosts beach cleanup events at five state parks including Cape Disappointment. No pre-registration needed — just show up and help. More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamps — 9:00 AM at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver. Full-body muscle and cardio workout at scenic Vancouver locations. All fitness levels welcome. Fill out a waiver at nwpersonaltraining.com before attending. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship year-round farmers market with local vendors, produce, and more. More info
• Classic 7 MX Series Event — 10:00 AM at Washougal MX Park, Washougal. Motocross racing action with general admission starting at $20. More info
• Farm Days at Pomeroy Farm — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Traditional arts and crafts, live demonstrations by local artisans, and hands-on experiences. Admission $3 for ages 6+, free for 5 and under. More info
• Kids Fest at Pomeroy Farm — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Fun for the whole family. Admission $3 for ages 6+, free for 5 and under. Free parking. More info
• Forest Floor Ecology Hike with MSHI — 10:00 AM. Uncover the world of snails, slugs, and salamanders on Mt. St. Helens with an MSHI Wildlife Biologist. You might spot rare Van Dyke's Salamanders and Malone Jumping Slugs. More info
• Intro to WA Native Butterflies and Caterpillars — 10:00 AM at Nature's Haven Nursery, 6403 NE 277th Ave, Camas. Learn which native plants best support Northwest butterfly species and their caterpillars. More info
• "Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year" Local Beach Volunteer Events — 10:00 AM. Grab your family, some buckets, and trash grabbers and head to your favorite Southwest Washington beach for a post-holiday cleanup. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 11:00 AM departing from Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, and stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. Fares $16–$24. More info
• Make a Full-Size Broom — 11:00 AM–1:00 PM at Vampire Unicorns, 3510 NE Third Ave, Camas. Learn to make a full-size, functional broom in this hands-on workshop. $125. Register at vampireunicorns.xyz. More info
• Fruit Jar Workshop — 3:30–5:30 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Make a lidded vessel using pinch pot and coil techniques in this beginner-friendly class for ages 8+. $75. More info

Monday, July 6

• Camp Hope of SW WA — Summer Camps for Kids — 9:00 AM. Outdoor discovery camps for ages 6–17 featuring science explorations, creative crafts, and adventurous learning in nature. 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 caregivers. Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Mall. Complete fun challenges, earn points, and enter for chances to win prizes all summer long through August 14. More info
• Community Harvest Volunteer Day — 10:00 AM. Join Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo for weekly volunteer gathering rooted in stewardship, shared labor, and food access. More info
• Storytime in the Park — 10:30 AM at Dorothy Fox Park, 2023 NW 23rd Ave, Camas. Camas Library staff lead a family storytime outdoors. Bring a blanket! All ages. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Art Workshop — 11:00 AM–12:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. Guided by art instructor Tricia Hall, participants with dementia explore hands-on projects encouraging expression and connection. Free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Monthly Potluck — 1:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for info. More info
• Line Dancing — 1:30–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Lace up your dancing shoes (or any shoe, boot, or slipper) for this free drop-in class. More info
• Summer Movie Mondays at Camas Public Library — 2:00–4:00 PM. This week's film: Ice Age. Free, but registration required at CamasPL.org/movies. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30–3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Sodas and Stories — 4:30–5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Teens in grades 6–12 make a dirty soda and explore new Young Adult book releases. Register at CamasPL.org/sodas. Free. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party — 5:00 PM at Big Al's, Vancouver. Cheer on your favorite FIFA World Cup 26 teams on massive screens with stadium energy. More info
• Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series — 6:00–8:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Adaptive Sports Northwest welcomes everyone to try adaptive cycling. Bring your own bike or try one of theirs. Helmets required. More info

Tuesday, July 7

• Takohachi Duo — 9:30 AM at Three Creeks Community Library (with an 11:00 AM show as well). This vibrant Japanese street theater tradition weaves folktales into a dynamic, interactive kamishibai experience. Free. More info
• StoryWalk at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM at Dorothy Fox Park. Follow the path to read So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner. Ongoing through July. Free. More info
• Art Chat at Ridgefield Community Library — 10:30 AM–12:00 PM. Bring a piece or two of your own art to share, or just come for the camaraderie. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies — 10:30–11:30 AM at La Center Community Library. Make your own squishy stress-busting toy. Free. More info
• Q-Tip Painting Kids Camp Make and Take — 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Create colorful floral artwork using Q-tips instead of paintbrushes. $5. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults — 12:30–2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Practice speaking and listening in a supportive environment. Free. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe — 2:00–3:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Celebrate the living traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand through dance and authentic music. Free. More info
• Teen and Tween Tabletop RPG: Character Creation Workshop — 3:00–4:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver. Learn the basics of Dungeons and Dragons character creation from step one. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Teen Hangout: Introduction to Stop Motion Animation — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Make storyboards, sets, and learn how to shoot a short film. Free. More info
• Tween and Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30–6:30 PM at various FVRL locations. Play Dungeons and Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 1E. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Dedicated writing time for writers of all experience levels — no readings or critiques. Free parking. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Page Turners Book Club — 6:30–7:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A book club for fourth through sixth graders and their adults. Register at CamasPL.org/pageturners, pick up the book, and keep it for free after the meeting. More info

Wednesday, July 8

• Rebecca Anstine Gallery: Impressions of the Pacific Northwest — 8:00 AM–5:00 PM at the Sixth Floor Gallery, Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. A new exhibit featuring Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+). More info
• Marine Park Beach Clean-Up — 9:30–11:30 AM at Marine Park, Vancouver. Walk the shoreline collecting litter and debris to protect the Columbia River. All tools provided. Registration required at cityofvancouver.us. Free. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM in Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves. On view through September 30. More info
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus — 10:00–11:00 AM at La Center Community Library. Physical comedy, juggling, magic, and the mesmerizing art of plate spinning. Free. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM. The annual exhibition showcasing painting, sculpture, and mixed media by Camas School District high school students. On view through August 1. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books — 10:00 AM in Downtown Camas. Pick up a passport and search for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses all month. Completed passports earn prizes. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Explore period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM in Vancouver. Tours by reservation or walk-in. More info
• Reading in the Wild — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6, pairing stories with nature activities. This week's theme: Mammal Mania! More info
• Camas Farmers Market + Berry Days — 3:00–7:00 PM on Birch Street in Downtown Camas. Berry-themed kids crafts, trivia, and a vote for Camas' Favorite Berry. Complimentary berry shortcake for the first 300 customers starting around 4:30 PM. More info
• Teen and Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Decks provided. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Create: Origami — 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Fold a selected monthly origami pattern. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try this fun, team-oriented sport at no cost. Ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM in Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6, beginner lesson at 7, social dance 8–9:30 PM. $5–$10. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. More info
• Gemstone Necklace Workshop — 6:00–8:30 PM at Craft Collective, 21506 NE 83rd St., Vancouver. Learn to design and knot a necklace using colorful gemstones and silk cord. No experience needed. $65. More info
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting — 6:30–8:00 PM at 40 et 8, 2809 NE 78th St., Vancouver. More info

Thursday, July 9

• Coldwater Lake Trail Work Party — 8:30 AM. Volunteer with the WTA Backcountry Response Team along the gorgeous Lakes Trail at Coldwater Lake with views of Mt. St. Helens. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM. The beloved show is back for its 6th year — come see what the Camas community has created. On view all July. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Lookout Mountain Wildflower Hike — 10:00 AM. Join the Washington Native Plant Society for a moderate 2.6-mile wildflower hike near Mt. Hood with forest, meadow, and rocky outcrops. NW Forest Pass required. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Planning Meeting — 12:00 PM. Call 360-892-8944 for info. More info
• Dinosaur Garden in a Jar at Camas Public Library — 3:00–4:00 PM. Build a tiny prehistoric world in a jar. All materials provided. Registration required (opens June 13). Free. More info
• Lumos Hearth and Home Grand Opening — 4:00 PM at 12709 NE 115th Ave #112, Brush Prairie. Ribbon cutting at the locally owned business's new showroom featuring fireplaces, stoves, hot tubs, and outdoor living products. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween and Teen Tabletop RPG Adventure — 4:30–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Play Dungeons and Dragons. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Reptile Man — The Fascinating World of Reptiles — 5:00–6:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters with the Oregon Reptile Man. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for fun group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles at 10 mph on flat terrain. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting — 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 NW 129th St., Vancouver. Dinner included. Call 360-521-5584 for info. More info
• Pints for Alzheimer's — 6:00–8:00 PM at Prairie Tavern, 14925 NE Caples Road, Brush Prairie. $1 per pint donated all day to the Walk to End Alzheimer's SW Washington. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Waterfront Park. Free live music on the north shore of the Columbia River. Bring a picnic or grab dinner at a waterfront restaurant. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs — 6:30 PM online. Learn to draw wildflowers with colored pencils, hosted by the Washington Native Plant Society with artist Crystal Shin. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting — 7:00–9:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter, 1600 W. 20th St., Vancouver. Open to experienced and novice woodturners. Free. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic featuring Ghost Terrestrea — 7:00 PM at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Open mic for original works follows the featured poet. $5 suggested donation. More info

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