This Week in Kirkland

Send us Fan Mail Adam Acampora breezes in from nearby Woodinville Wine Country to talk all about the wine and wonders of the Eastside. We also talk emergency prep, the importance of donating blood, how to win with the Recycle Right Pledge, what’s coming up at Council, and look ahead to fun events in February.  Show notes: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260115

Send us Fan Mail Special Projects Coordinator and This Week in Kirkland podcast regular Kate Ryan joins us to highlight the many volunteer opportunities in Kirkland including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service coming up on January 19. We also learn why it’s important to license Fido and Fluffy, how to send Christmas trees off to become compost, and why we “otter” look for wildlife in Kirkl...

Send us Fan Mail Our amazing podcast production team pulled together some of our favorite interview moments from 2025.  Hear harrowing tales from a wildland firefighter, quirky stories about animals on the loose in Kirkland, and what it took to become iconic voices in sportscasting and popular music.  Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail Education and Outreach Coordinator Marisa Allison from Kirkland’s Public Works Department joins us to talk about rainwater, water quality, counting bugs, and her flock of fowl.  We also share tips for preventing porch pirates, take some e-bike savvy for a spin, and chat about why composting holiday trees is the noble thing to do. Show notes: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#2025...

Send us Fan Mail We’re joined by former Kirkland mayor and current state representative Larry Springer who gives us a full-bodied look at what happens in the legislature. We also hear why people are flocking to cross the street with the Seahawks mascot, get tips for packing our cars for winter weather, and learn about holiday trees for salmon. Plus, we recap the recent jam-packed council meeting a...

Send us Fan Mail We are joined by Dave Tomson of SRM Development who illuminates us on Google Lights which opens December 5 at Feriton Spur Park.  We shine light on the many festivities brightening Kirkland including a “ribbon scramble,” ice skating, the 12Ks of Christmas, the Grand Menorah Lighting, and community bonfires. Plus, we share ideas for spreading joy this season.  Show notes: https://w...

Send us Fan Mail Cassie Joyner and Leanna Thomajan of the Kirkland Downtown Association tell us all about Winterfest wonders including ice skating, tree lighting, hockey cameos, carolers, alpacas, line dancing, and, of course, hot chocolate.  We also get into the giving season with Toys for Tots and serve up some tips for Thanksgiving. Plus, we recap the last City Council meeting and highlight upc...

Send us Fan Mail Carmine Dalziel , Executive Director of the Kirkland Community Foundation, explains how this month’s Ignite Kirkland campaign is one-stop shopping for supporting local nonprofit organizations.  We’ll also reflect on the new outdoor sculpture exhibit, get to the root of “treebates,” and get hot tips on what to do with used cooking oil. Plus, we’ll get a preview of the upcoming Coun...

Send us Fan Mail Environmental Education & Outreach Specialist Kate Schmiett tells us all about how managing leaves can mean healthier streams, safer streets, and happy plants and pollinators.  We’ll also get tips for avoiding drowsy driving, learn how Kirkland crews are gearing up for winter, and hear about upcoming events like a free CPR class, the Fisk Family Park ribbon cutting, and the Ki...

Send us Fan Mail We’re joined by Fire Chief Joe Sanford to celebrate a major milestone: every promise of Fire Prop 1 is now complete. Plus, it’s time to set your clocks back (and check your smoke alarms), thank our first responders, manage those falling leaves, prepare for storm season, getting ready for a safe and spooky Halloween, and much more.  Show notes: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20...

Send us Fan Mail Hear from Program Coordinator Quinn Glebe about the Kirkland Cares Low Income Support program that helps residents save on utility bills and other City fees. Plus, celebrate the completion of the Juanita Drive Corridor Improvements, a new picnic shelter at O.O. Denny Park, the Great Kirkland Tree Plant-Off, and a new pedestrian scramble in downtown Kirkland. Don’t miss updates on...

Send us Fan Mail Carly Pacekonis , Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, gives us simple steps for be more prepared for an earthquake. Plus, mark your calendars for Dia de los Muertos. New ballot drop box location. Submit an idea for safer roads in your neighborhood. Give input on the Draft Homelessness Action Plan. Get safety news, upcoming events, and more! Show note links: https://www.kirklandwa....

Send us Fan Mail Sergeant John Ness invites the community to take part in the Pink Patch Program. Plus, share your comments on the City's homelessness action plan. Have a fang-tastic time at the Pee Wee Monster Bash. Plant a tree at the Great Kirkland Tree Plant-Off. Celebrate Green Kirkland Week and tend to our natural spaces. Help make your neighborhood safer with the Neighborhood Safety Pr...

Send us Fan Mail Johannes Bonin , Executive Chef at L’Experience Paris, shares tales spanning from a London Michelin-star kitchen to Dubai’s pastry scene, and why he chose Kirkland for his latest culinary adventure. Plus, Houghton Beach reopens, Harvest Festival fun, Fringe Festival kicks off, and a new tool called Rep’d makes it easier to get answers from your City. Learn how to snag a $500 tree...

Send us Fan Mail David Lynx , Executive Director of the Kirkland Arts Center, talks about Kirkland's first Fringe Festival and how to join in this creative celebration. Plus, Houghton Beach closed at least one more week. Plan for CKC detours for pipe repair in South Kirkland. Get a free gun lockbox at our giveaway event. Shape the vision for the Green Loop. Obey the rules with political signs...

Send us Fan Mail Lucia Flores-Wiseman tell us about her journey and the soulful stories behind her voice. Plus, this week's beach water updates. Emergency proclamation for pipe repair work along the CKC. Could you go a whole week without driving? Take part in National Preparedness Month. Join the City of Kirkland team. Stay up to date with City Council. Upcoming events, and more!   Show notes...

Send us Fan Mail David Barnes shares how PSE customers can get $1000 now and $500 per year with this energy hack. Plus, beach closures. Plan your weekend with Umbrella Fringe Festival. See how your business can get the energy savings (like the City did!). Don't head to the pool as the season is over. Get back to school help at the Library. Stay up to date with City Council. Get crisis support...

Send us Fan Mail Guests Daniel Lazo, Erika Mascorro, Ryan Fowler, Kristina Hudson, and Gena Jain share the details of what's in store at City Hall for All. Spoiler - it's A LOT! Plus, Juanita Beach re-opens to swimming. Get excited for Umbrella Fringe Festival. Become a steward with Green Kirkland Partnership. Stay up to date on City Council. Get prepared this National Preparedness Month...

Send us Fan Mail Katelyn Mullikin, Counselor with Youth Eastside Services at KTUB, shares about the counseling, crafting, music, and more that is available at KTUB. Plus, Juanita Beach is closed, and Houghton Beach is open. What the City is doing to deter birds at the beach. A new partnership with King County Sexual Assault Resource Center. Reminder of School Zone safety cameras and rules of the r...

Send us Fan Mail Mo Hercules, co-owner of The Remontant, shares the inspiring story behind launching her business in Kirkland, and tells how you can score free Kirkland Ca$h when you visit. Plus, Houghton Beach is closed. Upcoming Labor Day City Hall closure, travel tips, and home safety reminders. A welcome to our new Fire Department Deputy Chief. An opportunity to care for Kirkland parks. Upcomi...

Send us Fan Mail Daniel Nidzgorski from King County water testing takes us behind the scenes of testing our beach water and answers your top questions, busts some myths, and shares three tips every beachgoer should know. Plus, stay out of the water at Houghton Beach. Get ready for Parks recreation registration. A fond farewell to Chief of Police Cherie Harris. Join the Community Police Academy, Gu...

Send us Fan Mail Christian Lash, Special Projects Coordinator, shares about Co‑Working Day and what support is available for your business ideas. Plus, latest beach closure info. A look at recent KPD headlines and how officers are working to keep our community safe. Last chance to apply for event grant funding. Celebrate National Farmers Market Week. Stay up to date with City Council. Donate blood...

Send us Fan Mail Officer Tiffany Trombley and Cadet Sergeant Ethan Keegan join us to talk about Kirkland’s annual Cadets Benefit Car Show. Plus, Houghton Beach closes and Juanita Beach opens. Mark your calendars for the International Night Market. Stay up to date with City Council. Know what to do in a disaster with CERT classes. Recycle batteries, textiles, lightbulbs, plastic film, and more the...

Send us Fan Mail Cara and Larry Marion, owners of Spud Fish & Chips, serve up some stories (including urban legends!) surrounding the scrumptious seafood of this Juanita area mainstay, including a special treat for podcast listeners!  Plus, still stay out of the water at Juanita Beach, get ready for Kirkland's first International Night Market, and get emergency preparedness tips (and vegg...

Send us Fan Mail Steve Allen and Louie Kotsakis share why the Junior League Softball World Series is a home run for Kirkland families. Plus, stay out of the water at Juanita Beach. Stay safe on the water with these tips. Stay in the know on summer road and trail construction. Get the City Council meeting recap. Prevent wildfires. Upcoming events, and more.  Show note links: https://www.kirklandwa....