Happy Friday, Vancouver. In today’s edition: Elevating women’s voices, Christmas Festival of Lights, Holiday High Tea, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Elevating women’s voices locally: Evergreen Habitat for Humanity has adopted a co-chief executive officer model, naming COO Lindsi Smith as co-CEO alongside Josh Townsley, reflecting the organization’s partnership roots and emphasis on shared leadership — read the full story.

Regional transit board tensions: After an executive session, C-TRAN’s board took no action on a 4-3-2 restructuring, leaving the review committee’s directive in limbo as Vancouver pushes for the plan without conditions — read the full story.

City unveils shelter progress: With construction underway, policymakers, donors, and partners toured Vancouver’s future Bridge Shelter site, where $7.55 million is committed so far and completion is anticipated in fall 2026 — read the full story.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Sip cocoa at Polar Express pajama party
• Explore evergreen communities at Columbia Springs
• Shop holiday gifts from young entrepreneurs
• Hear an uplifting holiday handbell story
• Shop Indigenous art with live flutist
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Holiday giving made easy: Furry Friends’ annual Giving Trees supply drive is underway, inviting donations for cats and kittens at host businesses around Clark County. Grab items from their wish list, like kitten formula, cat food, litter, and cleaning supplies, and drop them in bins. Prefer online? Ship items or donate. Every dollar saved on supplies frees up care funds. See the wish list and locations.

Levity with a lesson: Clark County Sheriff’s Office went a little viral this week, posting on Facebook a bodycam clip of a suspect running from deputies with the cheeky caption “0/5 stars. Would not recommend.” The humorous PSA urges people not to flee and says cooperating with deputies keeps everyone safer. Read the full story.

Low‑maintenance hair magic: Into soft, lived‑in color that grows out gracefully? SHADE Hair Studio in Evergreen Shores delivers balayage and blonding that look effortless, stay effortless. Owner-stylist Gabrielle Chase has been behind the chair since 2008, with R+Co and IGK staples in the mix for polished, natural results.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

✨ Christmas Festival of Lights @ The Grotto | Friday (12/12) at 5:00pm – If you like your holiday spirit delivered by real voices, not tinny speakers, The Grotto becomes a choral wonderland with nearly 160 concerts in the Chapel of Mary. Stroll the lights, join the carolers, catch the puppet shows, and grab cocoa.

🎸 White Album Xmas @ Alberta Rose Theatre | Friday (12/12) at 8:00pm – This annual mash-up of Beatles magic and holiday mayhem is back, and it’s every bit as delightfully weird as you remember. Expect high-energy performances, circus flair, and enough festive sparkle to power a small sleigh. Grab a seat and let this Portland favorite drop-kick you straight into seasonal cheer.

This weekend

🎁 Gifts of the Magi @ First Presbyterian Church | Saturday (12/13) at 9:00am – Let the kiddos flip the script this season with a sweet little “shopping” spree just for them. They’ll pick out small gifts for the grown-ups in their lives and even get help wrapping their treasures. It’s wholesome, heart-melting, and a great way to sneak some generosity lessons into the holiday hype. Perfect for kids, grandkids, and anyone who loves the look of a proud young gift-giver.

🛍️ Last Chance Holiday Bazaar @ Wy East Middle School | Saturday (12/13) at 9:00am – If you still need gifts, you are in good company. The Last Chance Holiday Bazaar, courtesy of the Wy’East Parent crew, is stacked with handmade finds, local goodies, and treat-yourself surprises. Swing through, support the kids, and leave looking unusually prepared.

🎅 Holiday Pet Portraits with Santa @ ReTails – The HSSW Thrift Stores | Saturday (12/13) at 11:00am – Santa’s back at ReTails for pet portraits, because let’s be honest, your pet may just become the star of your holiday card this year. Book an appointment, bring your phone or borrow theirs, let the elves snap it, and walk out ready to share. Friendly pets only, no divas.

🍰 Holiday High Tea @ Bleu Door Bakery | Sunday (12/14) at 3:00pm – Bleu Door’s holiday high tea is the final hurrah of the year, a proper 3 PM pause with merry bites, seasonal sips, and civilized conversation. It is $78, gratuity included, so you can focus on clotted cream, not math, and they try to accommodate diets.

❓ Wicked Trivia @ Advice Booth | Sunday (12/14) at 3:00pm – Calling all Emerald City die-hards, Advice Booth is hosting a Wicked-themed trivia night with Untapped Trivia, drink specials, sing-alongs, and a costume contest. Brush up on the book, both movies, and the Broadway show, score prizes, including cash, and finally justify knowing every lyric.

🎶 Taylor John Williams and the Alan Jones Quartet present A Very Christmas @ Alberta Rose Theatre | Sunday (12/14) at 6:00pm – Portland jazz legend Alan Jones joins his stepson, The Voice alum Taylor John Williams, to play A Very Christmas start to finish, all rich textures, soulful vocals, and sly swing. Think smoky Grinch, goosebump Ave Maria, and a holiday show worth skipping the mall.

Next week

❄️ Winter Wonderland @ Portland International Raceway | Monday (12/15) at 4:30pm – Take a slow lap at PIR for Winter Wonderland, the big holiday light show locals actually tolerate traffic for. Stay cozy in the car with 250-plus displays, or do the special bike or dog nights, then enjoy your thermos, your people, and a little well-earned seasonal cheer.

🏛️ Legislative Outlook @ Hilton Vancouver Washington | Tuesday (12/16) at 8:15am – Skip the rumor mill and hear straight from the folks we actually send to Olympia as lawmakers from the 17th, 18th, 20th, and 49th talk priorities for business, infrastructure, workforce, and more. Bring your questions, join 400 neighbors, and leave smarter, not louder.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/13 Bryan Martin @ Ponderosa Lounge – 9 pm
• 12/14 Game Face Improv Jam @ Curious Comedy Theater – 5:30 pm
• 12/15 Untapped Trivia @ Tough Luck – 7 pm
• 12/17 Wednesday Trivia @ Oakshire Beer Hall – 7 pm
• 12/19 Boyeurism Winter Extravaganza @ Alberta Rose Theatre – 8 pm
• 12/20 Winter’s Tale: A Handbell Concert @ Salmon Creek United Methodist Church – 4 pm
• 12/20 Nefarious Grime and more @ High Water Mark – 8 pm
• 12/20 Video Goth Dance Night @ Alberta Street Pub – 8 pm
• 12/21 Stumptown Soul Holiday Spectacular @ Alberta Rose Theatre – 6 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Vancouver edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Beth Wright (Coldwell Banker Bain)

Vancouver’s Fair Acres estate on 5.5 private acres, wrapped in evergreens and big-sky vibes. A grand family room sets the tone with soaring wood ceilings, gas fireplace, and a wet bar, sliding out to a covered patio and outdoor kitchen. Main-floor primary suite adds another fireplace and spa bath.

French Country kitchen shows off a Sub-Zero, island with cooktop and prep sink, walk-in pantry, and a charming antique cast iron stove. Flexible upstairs with full bath and sauna. Plum trees outside. Oversized three-car garage, plus a 2,040-square-foot shop with RV hookups, mechanic’s pit, industrial exhaust, and two oversized doors.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →