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January 23, 2025
What’s it like to battle wildfires in LA? This week’s podcast features Lt. Jon Hernandez of the Kirkland Fire Department and coordinator of Kirkland’s six firefighters deployed to LA. Hear Jon’s stories from the frontlines and what it takes to be ready for the call.
The Kirkland City Council met on January 21, 2025, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Council received an update on the City’s 2025 State Legislative Agenda
- Council received a briefing on the King County Metro K Line project
- Council received a special presentation by the Kirkland Performance Center
- The Mayor Proclaimed Day of Racial Healing, and Lunar New Year in Kirkland. Learn more about Day of Racial Healing in Kirkland, including resources about racial equity and immigrant resources, on the City's website.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed the 2025-2026 City Work Plan.
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 February 4, 2025.
It is with deep sadness that the City of Kirkland announces the passing of former City Councilmember Dave Asher, a dedicated public servant who left an enduring legacy of community leadership and civic pride. Mr. Asher passed away on January 15, 2025.
“Dave Asher embodied the spirit of Kirkland,” said Mayor Kelli Curtis. “His passion for our neighborhoods, his dedication to safe routes for kids, and his belief in the power of community made our city better in every possible way. Dave wasn’t just a leader—he was mentor and a friend to everyone who knew him. He will be truly missed.”
Read more.
The Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and Gesa Credit Union have selected Jim Lopez, Deputy City Manager for External Affairs, as the recipient of the inaugural “Chamber’s Gesa Kirklander of the Year Award”.
James Lopez is the Deputy City Manager for External Affairs at the City of Kirkland. As part of his duties with the City, Lopez is responsible for the administration of the City’s economic development, civic engagement, communications, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging programs. Prior to becoming the Deputy City Manager for External Affairs, Lopez served as Assistant City Manager and Director of Human Resources and Performance Management for the City of Kirkland.
Read more.
The Kirkland Business Workshops and Pitch Competition are back—offering entrepreneurs and business go-getters the tools to thrive. Now accepting applications for its second year, this dynamic series is designed to build the knowledge and confidence needed to start or grow your business.
This challenge provides an ideal setting for hands-on learning, with practical tools to help participants clearly communicate the value of their product or service and showcase the benefits their business offers.
Apply today.
Join us for our upcoming CPR class on Thursday, January 25, and gain the skills you need to save a life. This hands-on class will teach you how to perform CPR on adults and infants and how to use an AED in emergencies. Participants must be 12 years old or older and participants under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Fire-Department/Public-Education/CPR-Class.
Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Week is an opportunity to take action and remove hazards to help build safe, resilient communities. The goal is for fire departments to work alongside the community to reduce risks and protect what matters most: YOU and your loved ones.
Three ways you can participate:
- Test your smoke alarms & replace batteries if needed.
- Create or review your family emergency plan.
- Make sure your address is clearly visible for first responders.
Help us help our first responders, so we all stay healthy and safe!
Learn more at crrweek.org/
Cougars and coyotes are natural predators and have an ability to travel long distances so it’s not unusual for them to be spotted in Kirkland. Kirkland Police have received several reports of recent sightings in our area. Please consider taking the following precautions to protect your pets:
- Always supervise pets when they’re outdoors.
- Keep pets leashed on walks—don’t let curiosity lead them into danger!
- Make sure your pets are licensed and vaccinated.
While there’s been no aggressive behavior reported, it’s best to stay aware—there may be a “big kitty” nearby!
If you have an encounter with an aggressive predator you can report the interaction to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. For non-emergency poaching or violation reporting, or non-emergency dangerous wildlife complaints, call 877-933-9847, or submit an online report. You can also text your poaching/violation tip to 847411 (TIP411). In an emergency, call 911.
As temperatures drop, many of us turn to space heaters, fireplaces, and other heating equipment to stay cozy. While these tools help us beat the chill, it’s important to use them safely to protect your home and family. Here are some tips to keep your winter warm and worry-free:
- Give Space Heaters Some Space: Keep anything that can burn—like furniture, curtains, or bedding—at least three feet away from your space heater. Always turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Check Your Smoke Alarms: Make sure smoke alarms are working on every level of your home and test them monthly. A functioning alarm can give you the precious seconds you need in an emergency.
- Practice Fireplace Safety: Have your chimney inspected annually and use a sturdy screen to catch sparks. Remember to let ashes cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
- Plug Safely: Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip, which can overheat.
- Never Use the Oven for Heat: It might seem like a quick fix, but using your oven to heat your home is a fire hazard and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Heating equipment continues to be the second leading cause of home fires, but with these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and snug season.
When it comes to pedestrian safety, it's a shared responsibility. As drivers, it's crucial to be vigilant and proactive around crosswalks to keep everyone safe. Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when approaching crosswalks:
Do: Slow Down Early
As soon as you notice there’s a pedestrian crossing ahead, ease off the accelerator. Giving yourself enough time to slow down allows for safer stopping and prevents any sudden last-minute braking.
Don’t: Rush Up and Brake Last Minute
Don’t wait until the last second to slam on your brakes when you’re already at the crosswalk. This is dangerous and could lead to accidents. Anticipate and begin slowing down as soon as you spot the crosswalk.
Do: Stop for Pedestrians
When you see someone about to cross, make sure to stop well before the crosswalk and wait for them to safely cross. Pedestrians have the right of way—always respect that.
Don’t: Try to Beat the Buzzer
If you see a pedestrian waiting to cross, don’t try to race through the crosswalk before they step out. With the Rapid Flashing Beacons signaling the pedestrian’s intent, wait until they have safely crossed before continuing on your way.
By following these simple steps, you’re helping keep Kirkland’s streets safer for pedestrians, drivers, and everyone in between. Let's work together to create a community where everyone can move around safely.
In our continued effort to foster a sustainable community, we're excited to invite you to take the WM Recycle Right Pledge. By committing to recycle right, you can help increase the recycling of plastic containers, glass bottles, and metal, and reduce contamination from plastic bags, food, and liquids.
By taking the online Recycle Right Pledge, you commit to making recycling more convenient and effective in your home by taking actions such as clearly marking recycling and garbage bins, and by properly disposing of beyond the cart items. You will also pledge to educate yourself and family and friends on how to recycle right this could include actions such as displaying your recycling guides on your refrigerator and sharing the WM recycling 101 video. Check out the online pledge to learn more!
As a thank you for your commitment, by taking the pledge, you will be entered to win a month of free WM garbage collection service. Winners will be notified by phone or email.
Our WSDOT and Sound Transit partners made significant progress with their full closure of NE 85th Street a couple of weekends ago. Here you can see they set new bridges for I-405 southbound and northbound. I-405 is planned to be in its future alignment on these new bridges this Spring.
Want to stay in the know on Kirkland’s biggest construction project?
Join WSDOT, Sound Transit, and the City on February 4 at 12 p.m. for a public quarterly update on the I-405/NE 85th St interchange.
Learn about upcoming construction work, ask questions, and find out how to stay informed. Save your spot and register now.
Can't make it? A recording of the meeting will be available on the WSDOT project page under "Related Links."
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
116th Avenue Northeast
Drivers near Lake Washington High School will encounter 116th Avenue Northeast reduced to a single lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. north of Northeast 70th Street. Kirkland's contractor is building sidewalks and stormwater improvements for the first Transportation Benefit District funded project. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/tbd
124th Avenue Northeast
Kirkland’s contractor continues work on the east side of the street, 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. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue
132nd Avenue Northeast
Drivers traveling on 132nd Avenue Northeast will encounter sidewalk construction from NE 95th Street to Lake Washington Technical Institute. Traffic is reduced to a single lane controlled by flaggers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kirkland's contractor is building sidewalks and stormwater improvements for the second Transportation Benefit District funded project. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/tbd
Juanita Drive
Juanita Drive will be reduced to one lane periodically this week between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 128th Street with flaggers controlling the flow of traffic. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor
Heat Pumps, Cool Incentives Workshop
Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Time: 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Kirkland City Hall, Council Chambers, 123 5th Ave
Have you thought about improving your home's energy efficiency? Want to learn more about heat pumps? Join your neighbors for a workshop to learn about the benefits of heat pumps, different heat pump configurations, how to shop for a heat pump, and how to take advantage of rebates and incentives.
Attendees will have access to a contractor discount through AirGanic and the ability to qualify for the Energy Smart Eastside Fuel Switch rebate at the event.
Learn more at https://www.energysmarteastside.org/
Register here.
Lunar New Year Celebration – Year of the Snake
Date: Saturday, February 1
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland, WA
Join us for a festive afternoon with light refreshments, fun arts & crafts, and captivating performances by the Seattle Chinese Arts Group! Explore an educational gallery showcasing the history and traditions of Lunar New Year.
Open to all – everyone’s welcome!
Parking is limited, please consider parking at the Peter Kirk Municipal Parking Lot or street parking.
Learn more at kirklandwa.gov/CommunityBuildingEvents or call 425-587-3336.
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Meet the team behind Kirkland Emergency Management—helping you plan, prepare, and stay safe before, during, and after disasters.