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Happy Friday, Vancouver. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Vancouver Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead.
In today’s edition: Winter bazaar, photos with Santa, line dancing, and more.
Let’s get to it.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
A new civic emblem: Vancouver city council unanimously approved a flag featuring green for forests, blue for the Columbia River, and a white V for progress, to be raised at city hall November 28 — read the full story.
Community questions utility project: Residents in Clark County pressed PacifiCorp over a proposed 230-kilovolt line they fear could mar Mount St. Helens views, raise fire risk, and trigger eminent domain, despite safety upgrade assurances — read the full story.
Community-powered arts celebration: Vancouver’s Arts & Music Festival was named Southwest Washington Event of the Year and also won Best PR/Media Campaign, drawing over 50,000 to Esther Short Park and generating $1.6 million — 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.
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Turn up the cocoa at Creo Chocolate
Craving a chocolate upgrade? Skip the grocery aisle and head to Creo Chocolate, a bean-to-bar maker that roasts, grinds, and tempers every batch in-house. The result is bars and bonbons with clean flavors that turn the cocoa volume up.
Locals book build-a-bar sessions, watch the chocolate lab at work, and sample seasonal releases without feeling like tourists.
The family started Creo in 2014 after selling their small farm. They still source cacao directly from partner growers in Ecuador, yielding bright, nuanced chocolate that keeps winning awards.
Treat yourself, or bribe your neighbors, and explore more at the Creo Chocolate site today.
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Advertising with us is as easy as it gets. Fill out this quick form and we’ll get you in an upcoming edition!
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🫶 We got your back
Public building at crossroads: Clark County’s policy board weighed three paths for Sea Mar’s WIC site in downtown Battle Ground: sell it (possibly for $1 to Sea Mar), keep and renovate, or list at market. Renovations run about $1.7 million. With CDBG timing rules in play, the board took no action and asked Sea Mar to explore relocation, with an update in January. Learn more about the options.
Pocket change now, more later: Vancouver’s 2026 garbage, recycling, and organics rates will rise slightly, about 32 cents a month for a typical home and $3.74 for a 2-yard dumpster, after a council vote. The bigger bite is coming from utilities to fund a $175 million operations center and roughly $300 million in PFAS fixes, with water eyeing 5.5–6% hikes in 2027–28. Learn what’s changing and when.
Upgrade the kibble run: Skip the big-box shuffle and restock at Woodin’ You Pampered Paws, where holistic foods, smart supplements, and locally made goodies shine. They began by handcrafting feeders. When life’s busy, home delivery keeps chow and treats arriving on schedule, so your Saturday stays yours.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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🤝 Introducing local deals (just for you)
We’re launching a brand new segment to bring you exclusive local offers from trusted businesses right here in Vancouver. Think of it as your inside pass to the best local finds, discounts, and experiences.
The kind only available to Vancouver Brief readers.
Know a local business you love? Send ’em this newsletter and encourage them to get involved.
Own, manage, or market a local business? We’d love to feature you here for free. The only catch? Your deal has to be genuinely valuable and exclusive to our readers.
Email us 👉 [email protected] to get started.
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📆 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.
Have an event to share? Submit it here for free →
Today
🎸 Left of the Dial’s Alt-country Hootenanny @ Georgie’s Garage and Grill | Friday (11/14) at 7:00pm – Boot-scootin’ 80s alt-country hootenanny brings the twang at Georgie’s Garage & Grill. Portland’s Left of the Dial brings the twang, with Luther’s Boots and The Pati Rojas Band warming things up. Ten bucks, plenty of two-step, and zero pretense.
🎶 Glass of Hearts: Blondie tribute @ Billy Blues Bar and Grill | Friday (11/14) at 9:00pm – If you still know every word to Heart of Glass, Brass in Pocket, and maybe a deep cut or two, Billy Blues has your fix. Blondie and Pretenders tributes, tight and danceable, with hits, surprises, and zero pretense. Fifteen bucks at the door.
This weekend
🛍️ Winter Bazaar @ Cascade Middle School | Saturday (11/15) at 9:00am – Consider this your annual excuse to shop like a local magpie. The 11th annual Winter Bazaar packs 90-plus vendors with handmade candles, crochet, ornaments, treats, jewelry, and more, plus live tunes from the Evergreen High School band and orchestra. Gifts sorted, serotonin boosted, students supported.
💃 Footloose Performance @ Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies | Saturday (11/15) at 6:00pm – Kick off your Sunday shoes and get ready to dance in your seat! This high-energy musical brings the 80s classic to life with infectious tunes, electric choreography, and all the teenage rebellion your heart can handle. Perfect for anyone who believes life’s better when you cut loose.
🤠 Concrete Cowboys @ Ponderosa Lounge & Grill | Saturday (11/15) at 9:00pm – Ready to trade your desk for a dance floor? Concrete Cowboys roll in with high energy, Northwest-favorite country rock, the kind that turns even sensible shoes into two-steppers. Expect sing-alongs, grins, and a workout your smartwatch will brag about, no lasso required.
🥕 King Farmers Market| Sunday (11/16) at 10:00am – Sunday at King Farmers Market means you stock the fridge, feed the crew, and feel smug about it. Thirty farmers and food artisans, breakfast and lunch to graze, plus Food Hero activities for kids. SNAP accepted, matched up to $20 with Double Up Food Bucks.
🎸 The Red Yarn Band @ Alberta Abbey | Sunday (11/16) at 2:00pm – Think you know kids’ shows? This one’s Portland-grown roots rock with puppets, personality, and actual musical chops, not sugar highs. Red Yarn’s festival-tested, eight-time Best Kindie Performer status means the little ones dance, you smile, and everyone sleeps well.
🎤 Chasing Ebenezer “Compass” Album Release Concert @ Alberta Abbey | Sunday (11/16) at 7:00pm – Chasing Ebenezer is unveiling Compass with a release concert that actually gives you something to feel, and maybe hum on the drive home. Expect soul-stirring tunes, real musicianship, and directions you can trust, no app required, just good company and a well-tuned compass.
Next week
🎅 Vancouver Mall Photos with Santa @ Vancouver Mall | Monday (11/17) at 10:00am – Vancouver Mall is leaning into its inner Elf with a walk-through Santa set that’s more selfie museum than lap line, and it’s fun for grown-ups too. Book ahead for shorter waits and a call from Santa, then drop a coat to share the warmth.
🕺 Line Dancing @ Cascade Park Community Library | Monday (11/17) at 1:00pm – Dust off your boots, sneakers, or house slippers, and come learn some line dances for fun, exercise, and a little coordination rehab. No partner needed, just a willingness to laugh at your grapevine. Consider it cardio with better music, friendlier people, and zero pressure.
🤝 Business After Hours @ The Columbian | Tuesday (11/18) at 5:00pm – Clock out and mingle at the Chamber’s Business After Hours hosted by The Columbian, our hometown paper since forever. Get a behind-the-scenes tour, meet the publisher and editor, then sip, snack, and network while angling for merch, a full-page ad, and subscription deals.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
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🏠️ 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: Myra Brock (Premiere Property Group, LLC)
High above Vancouver Heights, this timeless modern shows off walls of glass, Columbia River to Portland skyline panoramas, and jaw dropping ceilings. An elegant staircase sidles up to a sleek built in bar, mid century notes wink throughout, and an open kitchen keeps the party together.
The owner’s suite channels a private spa with calm finishes and space to breathe. Sold fully furnished and beautifully styled, truly turnkey. Immaculate, stylish, and unforgettable, with a prime perch that keeps city perks close.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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