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On November 15, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee announced a four-week statewide set of restrictions in response to the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in Washington and across the country. There has been a spike in cases in Washington, with over 2,000 cases a day over the weekend. Average cases in the state doubled over the past two weeks. We are in a more dangerous position than we were in March.
We must act now to slow the spread of COVID-19 so that our hospital systems won’t get overwhelmed. To do this, we are being asked to limit our indoor interactions. The restrictions will impact our social plans, the way we work, the way we exercise, and the way we get food at restaurants. For those of us in Kirkland, our lives have been upended by COVID-19 longer than any other Washington city, and we are all feeling pandemic fatigue. But we must continue to be strong.
The restrictions are statewide, took effect Monday, November 16 at 11:59 p.m. and will remain in effect until Monday, December 14. The modified restrictions of restaurants took effect Wednesday, November 18 at 12:01 a.m. More information is available at www.kirklandwa.gov/COVID-19.
Along with the restrictions announced on November 15, please continue to wear face coverings in public and shared spaces, both indoors and outdoors, as required by the statewide mandate.
We can find creative ways to connect with those we love, and we can still support our Kirkland businesses by ordering ahead and taking advantage of pickup and delivery options. To help connect you with Kirkland businesses, the City of Kirkland has created ShopLocalKirkland.com, a digital marketplace for businesses throughout Kirkland. Peruse and purchase right through the website or contact your favorite Kirkland businesses directly.
Thank you for doing your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.
(Click the image below to view the video statement.)
Thanks to all who attended and gave comment during last night's virtual City Council meeting. The public is always welcome at Council meetings, which are a great way to have your voice heard while gaining a better understanding of how your City government operates.
For more information about Council meetings, including the Zoom link and instructions for providing public comment, please visit our City Council agenda webpage.
Here are a few highlights from last night's meeting:
2021-2022 Budget and 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Program
The Council reviewed and discussed the 2021-2022 Preliminary Budget, “Investing in a More Equitable, Safe and Resilient Kirkland.” Preliminary budget documents can be viewed on the City’s website. Council also reviewed and discussed Kirkland’s 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) which funds the City's capital needs related to capital projects such as transportation, parks, technology, water, sewer and surface water.
Also discussed at the November 17 Council Meeting:
- Small Business Saturday Proclamation
- The City of Kirkland’s allocation for the North East King County Regional Public Safety Communications Agency (NORCOM) budget
- Cooperative agreements with WSDOT for the design-build Construction and Project Coordination of the I-405/NE 132nd St interchange project
- The final update of the Sustainability Master Plan
To view meeting videos and minutes, and for more information about the Kirkland City Council, please visit the Council webpage.
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During warmer, drier weather, the west end of Park Lane was closed to vehicles in the evenings to provide space for socially distanced dining and shopping.
With the change of seasons has come rain, wind and cold, and it’s less enticing to spend time outdoors. In anticipation of the winter months, Park Lane has reopened to vehicles in the evenings. Coming this week, several 15-minute curbside pick-up areas are being added to make it more convenient to pick up orders of food and goods. These new curbside pick-up areas are in addition to the eight take-out-only stalls already available throughout downtown Kirkland.
To peruse and purchase goods and services offered by Kirkland-based businesses, go to https://www.shoplocalkirkland.com/ or contact businesses directly. Thank you for supporting Kirkland businesses!
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Have you checked out Shop Local Kirkland yet? New businesses are being added all the time!
Shop Local Kirkland is a new digital marketplace that makes it possible to find and purchase the exceptional goods, gifts, food and services that Kirkland businesses offer, many with contactless pickup and delivery options. From clothing and décor to restaurants and wine to business, health and wellness services, ShopLocalKirkland.com offers a fast, easy way to make purchases, and support Kirkland businesses in the process.
The Shop Local Kirkland initiative responds to the economic impacts of COVID-19 on Kirkland’s business community and is designed to help local businesses survive and thrive through WA State’s Safe Start Plan and beyond. Read the full news release here.
To peruse and purchase unique and trusted goods and services offered by Kirkland-based businesses, go to www.shoplocalkirkland.com.
Have a business and want to join? Registration is free and open to all Kirkland-based businesses, including home businesses and not-for-profits. Register your business at www.shoplocalkirkland.com. Questions? Need help? Please email shoplocalkirkland@kirklandwa.gov.
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When you think of the Kirkland Fire Department, you automatically think of sirens, bright red fire engines and flashing aid cars. But another crucial task fulfilled by our fire department is the investigation that occurs after a fire incident. This is where our Fire Prevention Bureau comes in, filtering through the ashy aftermath of a blaze to determine its origin and cause.
With the holiday season right around the corner, our Fire Prevention Bureau has some suggestions for increasing safety in the kitchen based on devastating fires that have occurred recently in the Kirkland community. You can never be too careful in the kitchen, especially around the holidays when you’re busy, there are a lot of things cooking, and distractions are rife.
Here are three tips for safe holidays from the Kirkland Fire Prevention Bureau:
Tip 1: Keep ceramic cooktops clear of towels, boxes, appliances, and other flammable objects
It’s tempting to set things on top of your ceramic cooktops, especially for those of us with smaller kitchens that lack counterspace. But never forget that there are coiled metal heating elements under that smooth, tempered glass. Anything flammable will burn with the right amount of heat, which means cardboard boxes, towels and other flammable items should never be stored on or near your cooktop. Do you lay a towel on the counter for drying hand-washed dishes? Make sure it’s positioned well away from your cooktop, as towels placed too closely to burners can easily ignite.
All it takes is for one of the burners to get inadvertently switched to the “on” position, and you’ve got a serious fire risk that could quickly get out of control.
Tip 2: When cooking, never leave food on the stove unattended
While it may seem unlikely that you’d start cooking something, wander off and forget about it, it’s something that happens. Always keep a close watch on food while you’re cooking and be ultra-careful to shut the burner off when you’re done. And while you’re cooking, be mindful of distractions, including phone calls or somebody knocking on the door. A serious cooking fire can become overwhelming in mere seconds. And keep your cooking surfaces clean, as accumulated grease can be a fire hazard.
Tip 3: Deny the fire oxygen
If you are ever faced with a kitchen fire, denying it oxygen is the most effective strategy for stopping the flames. If it’s in a pan, put a lid on it! Just like humans, fire needs air to breathe, so denying it oxygen is key. If a fire occurs inside an oven or a cooking appliance, never open the door or remove the lid, because the influx of air will give the fire strength. Importantly, learn to use a fire extinguisher and always have one in your kitchen!
For more information about the Kirkland Fire Department, please visit the Fire Prevention Bureau webpage.
Kirkland Fire Department’s Local 2545 is hosting its annual Fill the Boot Drive in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). This year’s fundraising efforts have been hindered by COVID-19, which has limited our firefighters’ ability to raise awareness and fundraise in a public setting. To help try and raise as much funding for the MDA as possible, the virtual Fill the Boot drive has been extended through the end of December. Every donation counts, no matter how big or small! Thanks for your support!
Visit: Kirkland Firefighters L2545 Fill the Boot to make a donation!
(Photo taken at the 2019 Fill the Boot Drive)
Are you itching for an excuse to get outside and put up your holiday lights? Have you been waiting for the opportunity to unleash your inner Clark Griswold?
Well that opportunity has arrived, with the Kirkland Parks and Community Services' first EVER Holiday Lights contest! We look forward to your cheer-infused displays of lights, music, inflatables, and holiday decorations of all kinds. Participation is easy! Decorate your home or business between now, (Monday November 16), and Friday, December 18. Judging takes place on Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20. To ensure optimal lighting conditions, our judging committee will drive by each location from 5 to 8 p.m. on those two days to see your display and take a photo.
Holiday Lights contest categories are: Best Home Display, Best Business Display and Best Apartment/Condo Doorway or Balcony Display
Register at https://bit.ly/3nAeohR.
Contest Rules:
1. Decorations must be visible from driveway.
2. Decorations must be available and lit up on December 19 and December 20 between 5 and 8 p.m. for judging.
3. Each category winner will win a victory yard sign (or window sign for businesses) to announce their special status to all who drive by! #braggingrightsfordays
4. Winners will be notified on Monday, December 21 and will be announced on the Kirkland Parks and Community Services Facebook page.
5. Registration closes Friday, December 18 at noon.
After fifteen years serving students, families, and schools in the Lake Washington School District, the Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) had to make major changes when the pandemic hit last spring. Now, they’re thanking the people who have kept LWSF’s services running despite all obstacles! Through the month of November, LWSF will be giving thanks to donors, local businesses, volunteers and hard-working program leaders who’ve had to switch gears to continue meeting the needs of the LWSD community.
Check out their latest posts of gratitude on LWSF’s Facebook page.
LWSF would also like to thank the City of Kirkland for their help in funding the LINKS mentoring program where a caring adult volunteer is paired with an elementary student to provide additional social-emotional support.
To learn more about LWSF’s services and programs, visit www.lwsf.org
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Out of an abundance of caution, the StyroFest recycling event on Saturday, December 5, is cancelled to protect staff and community health and safety. Our team is currently planning recycling events for 2021 and will share more information soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
For more information about recycling in Kirkland, visit: Kirkland Solid Waste Division.
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Kirkland Arts Center
Registration Open for December Intensives/Winter
Online, virtual classes plus live in-studio
Check out exciting offerings from new instructors and renowned returning instructors, like Michael Ottersen! Learn more about wheel throwing, charcoal portrait drawing, collage making, ceramics, painting, mixed media creation and much more! Many classes available via Zoom, with some in-studio offerings available as well.
For more information on winter classes, visit the Kirkland Arts Center website! To dive right in and register for classes, visit the class catalog.
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Extra yard waste FREE in November
November 2020
There are no fees for extra yard waste in November!
Help reduce the risk of localized flooding by clearing fall leaves from storm drains and streets. Use a rake to remove debris from your neighborhood storm drains and roadways. Dispose of leaves and branches in your gray yard waste cart. Extra yard waste is free throughout the month of November! Place in paper yard bags, reusable paper yard waste bag or container labeled “Yard” (65lb limit each). Plastic bags are not accepted.
For more information about surface water management in Kirkland, please visit our webpage.
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City of Kirkland FREE Sandbag Filling Stations
Ongoing this winter
Public Works Maintenance Center (915 8th Street) and at the North Kirkland Community Center (12421 103rd Ave. N.E.)
Kirkland Public Works staff have positioned two free sandbag filling stations for community members who have concerns about localized flooding or have experienced it in the past. If you've experienced flooding in your neighborhood, you're encouraged to have a supply of sandbags on hand as a preparedness measure.
Each self-service station offers sand and bags that are free to Kirkland residents and businesses. Shovels are not provided, so be sure to bring your own. City provided bags have attached tie-strings. The stations are located at the Public Works Maintenance Center (915 8th Street) on the west side of the parking lot, and at the North Kirkland Community Center (12421 103rd Ave. N.E.) in the southernmost part of the parking lot.
These two stations are accessible 24 hours a day.
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I-CERV, City of Kirkland, Lake Washington School District, Nourishing Networks
11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday, November 21
Ismaili Jamatkhana in Kirkland (12505 115th Ave NE, WA 98034)
Volunteers will accept donations to benefit families and children in the Lake Washington School District (LWSD), serving the cities of Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, and Sammamish. Food drive participants are welcome to donate suggested items, including but not limited to: soup, oatmeal, pasta, rice, peanut butter, jelly, snack bars, canned goods, cereals, stuffing/cornbread mix, gravy, cranberry sauce, household essentials, and baby essentials.
This event will be contactless with all COVID-19 safety and health guidelines in place. Volunteers from the LWSD, Nourishing Networks, City of Kirkland, and I-CERV will wear PPE during the event with adherence to social distancing recommendations.
The objective of the initiative is to assist families in need and to use LWSD’s platform, since meals may be picked up at six designated schools throughout the district.
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Kirkland Downtown Association presents the Kirkland Winter Market
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, December 12
Marina Park
Face masks are required to enter the market.
Join the Kirkland Downtown Association on the second Saturday of December for a holiday-themed market! Shop for winter produce, dried flowers, artisan foods, locally roasted coffee, fresh baked goods, wine, and homemade crafts. Get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses, passionate vendors and local craft-makers!
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