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April 3, 2025
This week, we’re talking to Laura Gettleman, a longtime Kirkland resident with a legendary Mariners bobblehead collection that could very well be the largest in the world! Tune in for a fun conversation about baseball fandom and some unforgettable Mariners moments.
Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on April 1, 2025, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Council adopted the 2025-2026 City Work Program, which identifies several high priority projects for the City over the next two years.
- Council reviewed the 2025 work plan for expanded Council engagement with the community.
- Council received a briefing on the draft Planning Work Program that guides the Planning and Building Department's work over the next three years on long-range planning projects.
- The Mayor Proclaimed Autism and Other Neurodivergence Acceptance and Appreciation Month, Language Access Month, National Arab American Heritage Month in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
- Financing options for the Houghton Village property.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City of Kirkland Facebook page and the City YouTube channel, in addition to the livestream on the City website. Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
To watch the Council discussions on the specific agenda items outlined above, visit the City’s website. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on the City’s website.
The next City Council meeting is on April 15, 2025.
Correction: 10,000 Downloads
In last week's article celebrating 10,000 podcast downloads, we accidently stated 10,000 episodes. That would put us at over 192 years of podcasting. While we can't wait to cross that milestone, for now, we are incredibly grateful to our listeners for helping us cross this one.
If you haven’t listened yet, now’s the perfect time to join in.
Tune in now: kirklandwa.gov/podcast
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 can follow up with you.
Join us for an evening where Kirkland’s spirit of community shines bright. Join in celebration and connection at the 2025 State of the City Address and Community Appreciation Night on May 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave.
“You never know quite what to expect at this annual event,” said Councilmember Penny Sweet. “Community Appreciation Night is an evening of laughter, celebration, and togetherness for our Kirkland community and volunteers. Let’s celebrate what makes Kirkland great: community!”
The night is a dynamic mix of entertainment and civic pride. Enjoy an engaging address from Mayor Curtis about Kirkland’s shared vision for the place we call home, plus live performances, and heartwarming volunteer recognition. It’s an evening designed to bring us together—through music, stories, and shared appreciation for the people who make Kirkland special.
Attendees will enjoy:
- A lively social hour with light bites
- Surprise performances by City staff and volunteers
- The annual State of the City address from Mayor Curtis
- Recognition of dedicated volunteers who give their time to help Kirkland thrive
Admission is free. Registration is required. To register, please submit this form
Spring cleaning fever is here, and our Parks department has the perfect event to help you clear out the clutter—or find some new treasures.
Join us for our NEW community Junk in the Trunk sale on Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Houghton Park & Ride/Play lot. Come to explore the many vendors for a fabulous day of treasure hunting.
Plus - there will be food trucks!
Visit kirklandwa.gov/CommunityBuildingEvents or call 425-587-3336 to find out more.
To register as a vendor (household items, clothing, small furniture, and more) visit https://tinyurl.com/5n87ad4m or call 425-587-3336. Registration deadline is April 25 by 5 p.m. Cost to vend is $35.
Be the spark behind the celebration! Join the Celebrate Kirkland Planning Committee.
We’re seeking community members (age 18+) to help with advanced planning for the Celebrate Kirkland Fourth of July event. Meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month at City Hall in the Peter Kirk Room from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
The Community Planning Committee assists both before and during Celebrate Kirkland with each central parade element, including float area staging, coordinating veterans, the Kid’s Parade, Kid’s Pavilion, Parade Route coordination, and grandstand.
Please contact Jazmine Quintero at jquintero@Kirklandwa.gov or call 425-587-3312 to learn more about joining the planning committee. Or express interest in joining the committee here!
Calling all artists aged 50+! If you’re passionate about creating and want to showcase your work, the 15th Annual Senior Art Show is your opportunity to shine. This vibrant exhibition will run from May 9-23, 2025, at Merrill Gardens in Downtown Kirkland, offering a fantastic platform to display your art to the community.
Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, or working in any other medium, we welcome all forms of creativity. To learn more or to submit an application, simply email Scouncil@kirklandwa.gov.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of an inspiring celebration of senior talent!
Here’s a chance to make a difference and possibly win a dream getaway! BloodWorks Northwest is hosting a blood drive at Kirkland City Hall on April 23 & 24, giving you the opportunity to help save lives in our community. As a bonus, donors can enter to win a trip to Hawaii!
Donating blood is a simple act with a big impact.
Schedule your appointment today!
Heads up, transit riders! King County Metro is bringing back fare enforcement. That means if you ride Metro, be prepared to show proof of payment—whether it’s your ORCA card, a Transit GO Ticket, or a paper transfer slip.
Metro’s goal is to ensure a fair and accessible transit system for all riders. Stay informed and make sure you’re ready for the change!
For more details, visit kingcounty.gov/metro.
124th Avenue Northeast
Work continues on the east side of the street on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Drivers exiting businesses will encounter “Right Turn Only” access to 124th Avenue Northeast. Bicyclists will merge with traffic. This project is on schedule to be finished in June. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 124th Street
Kirkland's contractor is upgrading two pedestrian crossings on Northeast 124thStreet near North Kirkland Community Center. Drivers will encounter traffic control that will reduce travel lanes near 105th Place Northeast and 101st Court Northeast from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The pedestrian crossings are being upgraded to High intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) signals that pedestrians will engage to cross the street. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Central-Way-NE-124th-Street-Pedestrian-Improvements for project updates on Thursdays.
Central Way from Lake Street to Market Street
Drivers on Central Way will encounter restricted parking from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and lane shifts from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m from Market Street as a Kirkland Contractor updates the center island medians for pedestrian safety. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Central-Way-NE-124th-Street-Pedestrian-Improvements for project updates on Thursdays.
100th Avenue Northeast
OMA Construction may briefly alternating traffic at various locations or if necessary, briefly stop traffic between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign for project updates on Thursdays.
Juanita Drive
Juanita Drive will be reduced to one lane periodically between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 128th Street with flaggers controlling the flow of traffic. Paving is expected shortly, but is dependent on dry weather to occur. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor for project updates on Thursdays.
Additional Construction Projects
Find out about additional construction projects here.
Solarize Eastside
Date: April 8 & May 15
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Kirkland City Hall, Council Chambers, 123 5th Ave
Thinking about solar energy? Join an upcoming workshop to learn more!
Solarize Eastside is a limited-time program that helps homeowners go solar with discounted prices, trusted local installers, and quality WA-made equipment.
Going solar can feel overwhelming. Solarize Eastside simplifies the process by securing competitive pricing, pre-vetting contractors, and offering free workshops to answer your questions.
Learn more on the event page.
Pitch Competition
Date: Wednesday, April 9
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave
See what’s next in Kirkland’s business scene!
This exciting event brings together local entrepreneurs, startups, and business owners as they pitch their best ideas in front of a live audience—competing for $5,000 prizes in multiple categories, including People’s Choice.
It’s also a great chance to network with investors, business leaders, and fellow innovators. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Join in, cheer on the pitches, and see what ideas take flight!
6 Pillars of Brain Health
Date: Thursday, April 17
Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland
It’s never too late to take charge of your brain health! In this interactive session you will learn about the six pillars of a brain-healthy lifestyle. Discover how living an active life – by learning more, being social, staying fit, eating right, getting enough sleep and managing stress – can support brain health. This session will provide you with actionable steps you can take along with resources to learn more.
Presented by AARP Speaker Kay Tomlinson.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/2bwb74fx or call 425-587-3336.
Stewardship events for Earth Month
April is Earth Month and you can help your local forests and natural areas with the Green Kirkland Partnership. Activities in spring include weeding, mulching, and tending to new plantings. Celebrate the joy of spring at a park near you!
All are welcome and tools/training are provided.
Visit the Green Kirkland calendar to register to volunteer and learn more!
Stewardship Events in April
Josten Park - Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 09:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Juanita Open Space #1 - Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
OO Denny Park - Sunday, April 20, 2025 | 12:30 PM to 02:30 PM
Rose Hill Meadows Park - Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Juanita Bay Park (main lot) - Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Kingsgate Park - Sunday, April 27, 2025 | 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM
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Catch the excitement of Kirkland’s 2024 Fourth of July Parade and get involved by joining the Celebrate Kirkland Planning Committee to help make this year’s event even bigger and better!