📰 What's Making News

ZoomInfo Cuts 20% of Workforce, Shutters Israel Office

Vancouver-based software giant ZoomInfo laid off roughly 20 percent of its global workforce on Monday and announced it's closing its Israeli operations entirely. The cuts affect hundreds of employees across the company. ZoomInfo, one of Clark County's most prominent tech employers, has been headquartered in Vancouver since 2019 and remains a major presence in the local business landscape. It's a significant shake-up worth watching as the ripple effects play out locally. Read more from The Columbian.

La Center Walks Off in the Seventh on Elma's Late Collapse

Down 3-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh, the La Center Wildcats caught every break they needed — a pair of wild pitches and a two-out error by Elma opened the door for two runs and a dramatic 4-3 walk-off victory in Monday's District 4 opening-round baseball game. The win sends La Center to Tuesday's winner-to-state district semifinal against Montesano at Olympic Stadium in Hoquiam. If you love high school baseball chaos, this one had it all in the final frame. Full recap at The Columbian.

I-5 Right Lane Closures Near Ridgefield Tuesday, Thursday

Heads up if your commute takes you through north Clark County: WSDOT will close the right lane of I-5 near Ridgefield on Tuesday and again on Thursday for annual inspections of the weigh-in-motion scale. A second closure is also planned near Kelso. Plan a few extra minutes or adjust your route if you're heading north during work hours. Details from The Columbian.

Vancouver Lake Hosts Northwest Youth Rowing Championships This Weekend

Vancouver Lake Regional Park welcomes the USRowing Northwest Youth Championships this Friday through Sunday, bringing competitive young rowers from across the region to our backyard. The event is a testament to Vancouver Lake's growing reputation as a premier rowing venue. Whether you're a rowing family or just love watching athletes on the water, it's a great weekend spectacle — and a reminder that Vancouver punches above its weight in outdoor sports. More from The Columbian.

Junior League Baseball State Tournament Comes to Clark County in July

Mark your summer calendars: District 6 Little League will host the 2026 Junior League Baseball state tournament starting July 11 right here in Clark County. It's a big deal for local Little League families and a nice nod to the strength of youth baseball in our community. Stay tuned for venue details and volunteer opportunities as the tournament approaches. Read more at The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Ocean King Market Takes Over Old Gobi Mongolian Grill Site

A new seafood market is headed to east Vancouver — Ocean King Market plans to redevelop the former Gobi Mongolian Grill property into a dedicated seafood shop. Full details from The Columbian.

Fort Vancouver, Hudson's Bay Grads Power Alabama A&M to Bowling Title

Vancouver bowlers including Danny and Rose Ugbinada (Fort Vancouver) and MJ Westmoreland (Hudson's Bay) helped Alabama A&M win its first conference bowling championship in 12 years. Read their story at Clark County Today.

Southbound I-5 Lane Closure Near Exit 11 Wednesday

WSDOT will close the left lane of southbound I-5 near Exit 11 (SR-502) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 13 for guardrail repairs. Plan extra time if you're heading south through northern Clark County. Details at Clark County Today.

Women Veterans Housing Project in West Minnehaha Moves Forward

A long-planned housing project for women veterans in Vancouver's West Minnehaha neighborhood is making progress after years of delays. The Columbian has the update.

Boaters: Help Stop Invasive Mussels From Reaching Washington Waters

State officials are calling on anyone who recreates or works on the water to help prevent the spread of an invasive mussel species now classified as an "imminent threat" to Washington waterways. Clean, drain, and dry your gear every time. Learn what to do via The Columbian.

Camas Plans to Reactivate Well That Exceeded PFAS Limits in 2025

The City of Camas intends to bring back online a well that repeatedly tested above state limits for PFAS — the so-called "forever chemicals" — last year. The Columbian explains the city's reasoning.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, May 12

• Southwest Washington Watercolor Society Spring Exhibit — 10:00 AM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. More than 40 regional artists on display, with works judged by award-winning watercolorist Tess Myers. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Breakfast — 10:00 AM at Kitchen Table Cafe, 705 N.E. 136th Ave., Vancouver. A social breakfast gathering — call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Spruce-Up Day at Parker's Landing Historical Park — 3:00 PM–5:00 PM in Washougal. Volunteers of all ages are invited to help beautify this nationally recognized historic site — remove winter plants, trim spring growth, and weed garden areas. Free. More info
• Shut Up & Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Co-working for writers of all experience levels — focused writing time followed by casual chat. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Japanese Conversation Circle — 6:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Practice speaking Japanese in a group setting led by a Japanese-speaking volunteer. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Inspire Vancouver Information Session — 6:00 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Learn about this new $6 million-a-year grant program supporting public arts, culture, heritage, and science experiences in Vancouver. Free. More info
• An Evening with Jazz Singer Emily Braden — 7:00 PM at Heritage High School, Vancouver. NYC jazz sensation Emily Braden performs alongside PSU's Vocal Collective (directed by Sherry Alves) and Heritage Vocal Jazz. $10–$20; children under 8 free. More info

Wednesday, May 13

• TOPS WA 1056 — 8:15 AM weigh-in, 9:30 AM meeting at Fourth Plain Nazarene Church, 16807 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A supportive weekly wellness group. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (60+). More info
• Homeschool Open House at Pomeroy Farm — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM in Yacolt. Grades 2–5 explore "Children's Work & Play on a Pre-Electric Farm." Great for groups under 20 students. $8. More info
• The Big Pickle Fundraising Pickleball Tournament — 10:00 AM–1:30 PM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Friends of the Children hosts a day of friendly pickleball competition with food, music, swag, and raffle prizes. All skill levels welcome. $199–$250. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver. Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row featuring period furnishings and military memorabilia. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, Vancouver. Free tours by reservation or walk-in for small groups. More info
• Spice of Life: Growing Herbs — 10:00 AM at the Community Room. WSU Master Gardener Terrie Phillips covers planting, growing, harvesting, and preserving the most popular garden herbs. Free. More info
• Family Storytime (Ages 0–5) — 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library, Children's Program Room. Stories, songs, and fun activities for little ones and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. A midday pause with quiet music. Free. More info
• Music Therapy Song Circle — 1:00–2:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Felida neighborhood, Vancouver. Licensed music therapist Kelly Aloia leads this free, open-to-everyone session. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Open game play — 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 or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create: Origami — 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in and fold a fun monthly origami pattern. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Adventures in Art: Experimental Acrylics — 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. A relaxed, drop-in session for adults to explore acrylics — no experience needed, all materials provided. Free. More info
• Teen Songwriting Workshop — 5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Songwriter Taylor Miranda teaches how to generate ideas, understand song structure, and share original music. Registration required. Free. More info
• Live Music at The Grant House — 5:00–7:00 PM at Willful Wine inside The Grant House, 1101 Officers Row, Vancouver. Solo musicians perform weekly. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at The Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM lessons, 8:00–9:30 PM social dance at 109 W. Ninth St., Vancouver. East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop for all levels. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Gardening with Compost Workshop — 6:00–7:30 PM at Waste Connections, 9411 N.E. 94th Ave., Vancouver. Learn how to create a fertilizer-free garden using Bokashi, vermicompost, trench compost, and more. Free — register at clarkcountycomposts.org. More info
• Yoga and Tea — 6:00–7:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 109 W. Seventh St., Vancouver. Restorative yoga with Tiffany from Space to Bloom, plus tea waiting for you afterward. $20. More info
• Poetry Street PNW Open Mic — 6:15–7:45 PM at Camas Public Library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave. Read your own poetry, share a favorite poet's work, or just listen. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting — 6:30–8:00 PM at the 40 et 8, 2809 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Chapter 4's regular monthly gathering. Free. More info
• Science on Tap: The Silken Thread — 7:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. A fascinating talk on five insects that shaped human history — from silkworms and the Silk Road to fleas and plague pandemics. More info
• WNPS Workshop: Managing Forest Fires in the South Mt. Adams Region — 7:00 PM at 77 N.E. Wauna Ave. Columbia Land Trust's Adam Lieberg discusses ecological forestry and restoring dry forests in the Mt. Adams area. More info

Thursday, May 14

• General Federation of Women's Clubs — Battle Ground — 2:00 PM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 14208 N.E. 249th St., Battle Ground. Social time followed by a presentation on scams by Laurie Hansen at 2:15 PM, plus club business. Free. More info
• On the Road Tour: Hidden Ridgefield — 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, departing from 78th Street Heritage Farm, Hazel Dell. Visit Shovel and Thumb landscaping, Millennium Farms heirloom gardens, and All Seasons Plants nursery, with lunch at Ridgefield Craft Brewing. $35. More info
• Beacon Rock Trail Day Work Party — 8:30 AM at Beacon Rock State Park. Volunteer with Washington Trails Association to help maintain trails in one of the Gorge's most popular parks. Camping available Saturday evening for two-day volunteers. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instructor Michael Walker (Ruby Life Master) covers slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Round Table Discussion — 12:00 PM at Cascade Park Library, 600 N.E. 136th Ave., Vancouver. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Clark Native Plant Center Spring Plant Sale — 12:00–6:00 PM at Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Native plants grown by Clark College students — perfect for pollinators. Sale continues Friday and Saturday. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Children's Program Room. LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons — all experience levels welcome. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Color Their Worlds Gala & Auction — 5:00 PM at ilani Cowlitz Gathering Room, Ridgefield. Educational Opportunities for Children & Families' biggest event of the year — dinner, auction, and community celebration. More info
• Art Exhibiting Workshop — 5:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Artist Sharon Svec leads a free workshop on preparing artwork and artist statements for public exhibition opportunities, including the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival. More info
• Cool Islam Presents Stage & Screen — 5:30 PM at The Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. End-of-year student performance followed by a screening of "Time Hoppers: The Silk Road." $15–$25. More info
• Mid-Century Modern Vancouver — 6:00 PM at the Red Cross Building, Vancouver. State Architectural Historian Michael Houser explores mid-century modern architecture and the local designers who shaped Vancouver — including Day W. Hilborn, Donald Stewart, Keith Bradbury, and William D. Cassady. Free. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting — 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 N.W. 129th St., Vancouver. Dinner included. Call 360-521-5584 for info. Free. More info
• Online Watercolor Painting with Ronna: The Burrowing Owl — 6:00 PM, online via Bird Alliance of Oregon. Paint this charming ground-dwelling owl in watercolor — Ronna shares tricks for capturing its rufous brown feathers and yellow eyes. More info

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