From all of us at the City of Kirkland, we wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
City administrative offices are closed on November 24 and 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational. City services normally accessible through email, the Our Kirkland service portal, and over the phone will resume at 8 a.m., Monday, November 28.
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The regular City Council meeting scheduled for December 6 has been cancelled. The City Council will hold a special meeting on December 13, 2022.
This will be a hybrid meeting, and community members are welcome to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom. Limited socially distant seating will be available in the Council Chamber, as well as some limited overflow seating.
It is with heavy hearts that we add our voices to those across the country expressing shock, outrage, and profound sadness over the senseless violence against the LGBTQIA+ community in Colorado this weekend. Although miles away, this tragic loss of life hits home here in Kirkland.
We do not yet know with certainty the motive of this horrific attack. However, we cannot ignore that this attack on the LGBTQIA+ community occurred on the eve of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Created to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender African American woman who was murdered in 1998, November 20 honors transgender people whose lives have been lost to senseless violence, transphobia, self-harm, and structural inequities.
Those we lost this weekend, this year, and in years past deserve to be honored and remembered. Their lives mattered, and they will forever be missed by their friends, family, partners, and community.
This weekend’s tragedy underscores that there is still so much work to be done in our communities and across the nation to ensure that we can live together with care and respect for each other. Kirkland is committed to this work.
We will continue to advocate for and promote inclusion.
We will continue to stand alongside LGBTQIA+ organizations, community members, and allies to help raise awareness of the importance of inclusion, protections, and respect for those who are transgender.
We will continue to work towards a Kirkland where everyone belongs.
We are strengthened by the rich diversity of Kirkland community members of all identities. To our LGBTQIA+ community members – especially youth – we see you, we grieve with you, and you belong here.
The Kirkland City Council
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Want to Serve on the King Conservation District Board?
King Conservation District (KCD) is holding its annual Board of Supervisors Election. The window to file as a candidate is open December 5 through 9, 2022.
KCD is a special purpose district committed to helping people engage in stewardship and conservation of natural resources. It serves over two million people in 34 cities and unincorporated King County. The election will take place January 24 through February 14, 2023, via online ballots.
What should be in the 2023-2024 Budget?
The City Council held the third public hearing on the budget on November 15. The Council is anticipated to adopt the 2023-2024 budget at its December 13, 2022, meeting.
Give feedback and learn more about the budget by visiting the City’s webpage.
Wondering what's going on in your neighborhood?
Kirkland Neighborhood Associations are your connection to sustaining and improving the sense of community that Kirklanders enjoy. Your association represents your neighborhood in communication with the City Council and staff, can offer valuable input to the City on neighborhood planning, and can receive funding from the City to help enhance the quality of life in your neighborhood. For information on how to get involved, check out the Neighborhood Associations page on the City website.
How can I contact the City with questions, requests, or suggestions?
You can always contact City staff through the Our Kirkland service portal, available on the web and mobile app. Submitting your comments through Our Kirkland ensures the right staff receives the information and is able to follow up with you.
Mark your calendars - KPD is once again hosting an in-person Gun Safety Class:
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Kirkland Police Department, Totem Lake Room 11750 NE 118th Street, Kirkland, WA 98034
This will be an informative presentation to discuss personal firearms safety inside the home. Kirkland Police Officers will teach firearms safety and proper storage techniques. Participants will receive a complementary small personal safe and gun locks for attending.
Attendees must be 21+ years old and reside within the City of Kirkland. Space will be limited to 20 people.
Note to attendees: Please DO NOT bring personal firearms to the class, as there will be inert training aids utilized as part of the presentation.
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Kirkland Fire Station 24 has received a Gold Firehouse Station Design Award from Firehouse Magazine, a national publication that has published Station Design Awards for the last nine years. The 2022 awards are a showcase of the most advanced designs in seven categories of fire and emergency service facilities across the country.
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 Small Business Saturday is November 26, 2022, and this is a perfect time to support the Kirkland community by shopping local. Our small businesses need you this year, and you can show your support by shopping with Kirkland Ca$h. To participate, simply stay in a participating Kirkland hotel, and you’ll receive up to $100 to spend around town—From unique boutiques to spas, salons, restaurants and much more, there is an array of great ways to #ShopSmall with Kirkland Ca$h all season long. Details at KirklandCash.com.
The Kirkland Landmarks Commission voted to designate The Barth House as a City and King County historic landmark. Built in 1912, the home marks the transition away from Peter Kirk’s vision of a steel mill town and towards a suburb of Seattle. The home retains almost all its original windows, siding, and major features such as layout and porches.
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The kitchen is usually the heart of many homes, especially during the holidays. So, keeping fire safety in mind in the kitchen is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you start organizing the family feast, remember, by following a few simple tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep everyone at home safer from fire.
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Stay in the kitchen when food is cooking. Don’t walk away from the stove, even for a minute.
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Stay home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
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Keep kids away from the stove. Kids should stay at least 3 feet away from a hot stove.
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Make sure kids also stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
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Keep knives out of the reach of children.
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Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, blender or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
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Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high or in a locked cabinet.
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Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
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Keep the kitchen floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pet bowls or bags.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them regularly.
We wish you a safe and wonderful holiday season!
Be aware of garbage, recycling, and yard waste service changes this holiday season.
WM observes three annual holidays: Thanksgiving Day (Nov 24), Christmas Day (Dec 25), and New Year's Day (Jan 1).
Weekday holidays will delay collection by one day for the remainder of the week. For example, if a holiday falls on a Thursday, Thursday customers will be collected on Friday and Friday customers will be collected on Saturday.
For more information, and service alerts, visit WM Kirkland.
Due to an abnormally dry summer and fall, and with rain finally here, we've extended our tree rebate deadline to November 30, 2022. 🌲🌳
Perfect planting season is here, so be sure to claim your rebate soon!
Join the 10th Annual Toys for Tots community event in Kirkland Dec 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. near Kirkland Costco along 8525 120th Ave NE.
Kirkland Fire Crews, Marines and the Tacoma Stars will be joining this year to wave and collect donations and spread the holiday spirit!
Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys that allows parent to select for their child to surprise on Christmas morning. Parents request these toys through certified charities. Toys can be dropped off or the QR code that is on the poster can be used to donate via PayPal or Venmo.
Last year, our community raised over $12,000 and filled over 68 boxes with Toys. We were the 2nd largest Toys for Tots event in King County last year, bested only by the KIRO News event. All donations stay in King County.
Besides the Dec 3 – 4 event, toys are collected now– Dec 14 at these local businesses: Coldwell Banker Bain (Kirkland), LEE Johnson Auto Family locations, Lynn’s Bistro, Acropolis Pizza & Pasta, Jay’s AutoCare, Kirkland Downtown Association, FTG Physical Therapy (4 locations).
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On Friday, Dec. 2, Kirkland neighbors are invited to celebrate the start of Google’s Musical Holiday Lights with an evening of hot chocolate and cookies, a petting zoo, a photo booth, and the annual musical holiday lights on the Cross Kirkland Corridor. The event opens at 5 p.m., carolers will take the stage at 5:15 p.m., and the program begins at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Penny Sweet will flip the switch to turn on 10,000 LED lights with a show custom-programmed to holiday music by Google Kirkland engineers. Parking is limited, so those who can are encouraged to take public transportation, bike or walk to the show. The event is free and open to the public.
Google’s Musical Holiday Lights will be available for public viewing daily from Dec. 2-early January from 5-10 p.m. each night.
What: Google’s Musical Holiday Lights on the Cross Kirkland Corridor
When: Friday, Dec. 2, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Feriton Spur Park on the Cross Kirkland Corridor. 509 6th St. S Feriton Spur Park, Kirkland, WA 98033 (directly behind Google Building E)
To get there, walk or bike along the CKC, take Metro’s 245, 250, or 255 bus or parking is available. Parking will be based on a first come first serve basis. Please utilize Google Building D L1 for your parking needs.
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 The Best of 425 is back and voting is open. Casting a vote is a great way to support local business and to say thank you if you had an exceptional experience or service. Your vote will help choose the best restaurants, businesses, shops, activities, and people of the Eastside. You can cast one vote per category and vote in as many or as few categories as you like. The Best list will be published in a future issue of 425 Magazine. Voting ends Friday, January 6 at 5 p.m. Cast your votes today!
Northeast 132nd Street at I-405 – Juanita/Kingsgate
Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists will encounter continued construction as WSDOT’s contractor builds a new interchange for Interstate 405.
For questions about this traffic control, or other questions about this project, call WSDOT’s project hotline at 425-224-2433.
Northeast 124th Street – Juanita
Drivers continue to encounter construction at 116th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 124th Street, where a Kirkland contractor is constructing a new right-turn only lane to improve traffic flow.
Interwest Construction is shifting between day work and night work to get the sidewalks formed and poured. The project also builds a wide sidewalk with street trees and street lighting along the northwest side of 116th Avenue Northeast. Most work on the project is expected to be complete by the end of the year, with a final paving occurring in Spring, 2023.
Date: Saturday, December 10, 2022
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Drive
Light Up Kirkland is a magical event held at Juanita Beach Park. Partake in some cocoa and cookies as you stroll on the grounds of the park to view a winter wonderland of lights, followed by a bonfire on the beach and music from local students. Argosy Cruises will swing by with their Christmas Ship and provide more musical entertainment from the water. This event is free.
Questions? Call 425-587-3336
Find more information on the event page.
Juanita Elementary Holiday Bazaar & Silent Auction
Location: Juanita Elementary School, 9635 NE 132nd St
The annual Juanita Elementary Holiday Bazaar is a neighborhood favorite featuring local artisans and small businesses. Shop for the holidays from a wide variety of local artisans and bid on silent auction baskets while benefiting the school’s Outdoor Ed program.
Browse vendors and find more information available at the PTA webpage.
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Eastside residents have an opportunity to learn about and purchase discounted heat pump systems through Energy Smart Eastside, a multi-city energy efficiency program.
Heat pumps are highly efficient heating (and cooling) systems that use less energy than traditional electric heating systems and can result in lower utility bills.
To qualify for the Energy Smart Eastside discount, attend a free, 1-hour virtual workshop.
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