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October 2, 2025
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. Check it out to learn how to snag Kirkland Ca$h and get $500 to plant trees in your yard!
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
Council will receive a briefing on recent outreach efforts by staff to help inform the community of different types of e-cycles and the rules that govern them.
Council will consider the Hearing Examiner's recommendation for the Northwest University Davis Building Master Plan Amendment.
Council will consider adopting a resolution that reaffirms a 2017 resolution declaring that Kirkland is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming city for all people.
Council will provide feedback on the feasibility report about converting the infields of Crestwoods Park (Field 4) and 132nd Square Park (Field 1) to synthetic turf.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss an update on the potential Kraken Iceplex and Community Center at the Houghton Park and Play site, as well as an update on the draft Speed Limit Setting Policy.
Meeting details:
The business meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and is preceded by a 5:30 p.m. study session. The agenda for the October 7 meeting will be available on the City website prior to the meeting on the Kirkland City Council agendas webpage. You can also receive meeting agendas in your inbox by subscribing to “City Council Agendas” on the Kirkland email lists subscription page.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City's:
Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
How to participate: Members of the public wishing to address the Council may do so in-person or via Zoom during the “Items from the Audience” part of the agenda. That part of the agenda occurs at the beginning of the Council’s business meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Information on the comment sign up process to provide comment to the City Council, and on attending the meeting virtually, is available on the City Council webpage.
Written comments can also be submitted to CityCouncil@kirklandwa.gov. For additional questions, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (425) 587-3190.
Stay in the know: you can also get a preview of what’s coming up at Council in the coming weeks and months by checking out the City Council Agenda Calendar. Please note: this calendar is subject to frequent change and does not constitute legal notice.
Houghton Beach Park Reopened for Water Activities
Houghton Beach Park has been reopened as of Wednesday, October 2, for swimming, wading and other water activities, by recommendation of Public Health – Seattle & King County.
Read more.
2025 Beach Testing Season Wrap-Up
King County has wrapped up another successful season of monitoring swimming beaches to help keep our community safe while enjoying the water.
From spring through early fall, scientists monitored 30 beaches and 4 creeks across Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, Green Lake, and smaller lakes.
Over the season, the Environmental Lab collected and analyzed more than 1,600 samples for bacteria and harmful algal toxins. Public Health reviewed these results each week to decide when to close or reopen beaches, helping prevent illness while keeping recreation opportunities open whenever possible.
In Kirkland this summer, the following beaches were tested:
- Juanita Beach - closed 5 total weeks
- Houghton Beach - closed 9 total weeks
- Waverly Beach - closed 0 weeks
While routine bacteria testing has ended for the season, monitoring for algal toxins continues into October since fall is peak season for toxic algae.
These efforts ensure swimmers have reliable, up-to-date information to make safe choices. Learn more about the program at kingcounty.gov/swimbeach.
You can help keep our lakes and streams clean! Please pick up your pet waste, avoid washing dirt or soap into streets and storm drains, and fix leaking vehicles to prevent auto fluids from entering waterways. Every small action helps protect the beaches you love.
And remember, it’s always a good idea to rinse off before and after entering the water.
Staying informed about all things City of Kirkland just got a little easier. The City announces the launch of a pilot of its newest outreach tool to enhance transparency and engagement, Rep’d. Rep’d is an innovative video platform that allows City staff to quickly and easily share short, plain-language answers to community questions.
“Although the concept of online video is not new, the benefit of the Rep’d platform is that it provides a seamless way for community members to submit questions and for City staff to record answers all within the same interface,” said Kirkland Mayor Kelli Curtis. “This efficiency will support the City in being more responsive to community questions on urgent and persistent topics. The City is always seeking out new and better ways to keep our community informed and engaged, and Rep’d is another tool in the City’s ever-expanding toolbox to do just that.”
Submit a question on Rep'd today!
The 5th annual Harvest Festival is coming up this Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Juanita Beach Park North (9703 Juanita Drive NE). Celebrate the arrival of fall with a beloved day full of family-friendly activities, food, and fun!
“Harvest Festival is one of those special traditions that makes Kirkland feel like home,” said Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold. “Whether you’re here for the food trucks, live music, or pumpkin bowling with the kids, it’s a chance to connect with neighbors and make lasting memories.”
Festival highlights include the Rustic Bites Round Up of food trucks, live music, artisan food and craft vendors, photo booths, and apple cider pressing. You can also enjoy friendly competitions like pie eating, corn shucking, and even a pickleball tournament. The Kid’s Korral is back, featuring faux cow milking, ring toss, horseshoes, pumpkin bowling, crafts, pony rides, and a special visit from Gwendolyn the Cow.
In the spirit of harvest, please show support by bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to those in need. Donations will be accepted in the food collection tent.
This free community event is made possible by generous support from Amazon, Ziply Fiber, Humana, and Neal Smiles Orthodontics.
Onsite parking is limited. Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, or take transit. A complimentary bike valet will be available. Shuttle service will run every 15 minutes between the North Kirkland Community Center (12421 103rd Avenue NE) and the festival from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
For the latest event updates, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/CommunityBuildingEvents or call 425-587-3336.
At the September 16 City Council meeting, Mayor Curtis proclaimed September 15 through October 15, 2025, as National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month in the City of Kirkland.
This year, the proclamation was read twice. Once at the City Hall for All event on September 13, and received by Lucia Flores Wiseman, Mexican-American singer-songwriter from Seattle and “The Voice” finalist.
The second reading was at the September 16 City Council meeting, and received by Maru de la Peña, an active Kirkland Resident serving on the City's Senior Council and member of the King County Promotores Network.
Each year, Americans observe this month by commemorating the histories, cultures, contributions, and influence on American society of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Twenty-three countries identify as Hispanic, Latinx, or both.
The observation, which began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, was a push to recognize the contributions the Hispanic and Latinx community had made during the Civil Rights Movement and the growing awareness of the United States’ multicultural identities in the 1960s. Read more.
Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a cherished holiday in the Hispanic/Latinx community, celebrating and remembering loved ones with traditional activities, food, music, and more.
Kirkland Parks and Community Services invites the community to join in this free, all-ages celebration at the Peter Kirk Community Center on Saturday, October 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, call 425-587-3336 or visit kirklandwa.gov/CommunityBuildingEvents
When every second counts, would you know what to do? Learn CPR/AED & first aid skills in a free class offered by the City in partnership with the Medic One Foundation. You'll practice critical skills like bystander response, CPR for adults and infants, choke-saving procedures, bleeding control, Epi Pen and Narcan administration, burn care, and broken bone splinting. Participation is free; certification cards are available for $30.
Learn more and sign up: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Fire-Department/Public-Education/CPR-Class
The City of Kirkland is on the lookout for a Financial Operations Supervisor – someone who is just as comfortable leading a team as they are diving into the details. Think of this role as the engine that keeps our financial systems running – overseeing purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and mail services. You’ll keep things moving, solve problems on the fly, and make sure everything adds up.
What makes this role different? At Kirkland, we don’t just crunch numbers – we create impact. You’ll serve the community with your expertise, belong to a workplace that values collaboration and inclusion, and thrive with opportunities to grow and benefits that support your whole self. That includes 100% City-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums, retirement, generous paid leave, training opportunities, and more!
If you’re looking for a career where finance meets purpose (and a team who knows how to get the job done while having fun), this is it.
Learn more and apply today at kirklandwa.gov/jobs.
Every year, National Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11, 2025) reminds us that preventing fires starts at home. This year's theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in your Home" focuses on a technology that powers our daily lives - phones, e-bikes, power tools, laptops, and more.
Lithium-ion batteries are reliable, but if they're not used properly, they can pose fire risks. That's why this year's theme highlights three simple steps to keep your home safe: buy, charge, and recycle responsibly.
- Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This indicates the product meets important safety standards.
- Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don't overcharge your device. Unplug or remove the battery when it's fully charged.
- Recycle batteries responsibly. Don't throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
The seasons are starting to turn and the first leaves are falling. We may think of fall as the time trees die back, but it's actually the perfect time to plant trees in the northwest, since the cool, damp months allow them to establish their root system before next spring.
Luckily, there's still time to make use of tree rebates and pre-paid certificates are still available through 2025! The Tree Rebate City program provides up to $500 per property for planting qualifying trees on your property.
Rebates and certificates can also cover the necessary amounts of compost and mulch during planting, as well as watering bags to help your new trees thrive next summer.
Trees help prevent flooding in our neighborhoods, provide shade for our homes, and help filter pollutants to provide clean water for Lake Washington. Planting trees is an easy, affordable way to help the environment on your own property.
WM has been Kirkland’s partner in sustainability for years, and this past summer, ten WM Recycle Corps interns got to work educating the Kirkland community on recycling, composting and waste reduction.
This summer, the Recycle Corps interns distributed thousands of cart tags to Kirkland residents, looking to increase participation in food scrap composting. Customers should put food scraps and food soiled paper in their compost instead of the garbage. Composting food scraps not only decreases garbage generation, but it also gives a second life to these scraps in the form of nutrient-rich soil! However, be careful – avoid putting plastic, glass, or produce labels in your compost.
The Recycle Corps interns were also at Kirkland events throughout the summer, such as a Juanita Friday Market, Wednesday Farmers Market, and Kirkland Kids' Concert. Keep an eye out for them next summer to get your recycling and waste-related questions answered at the Recycle Right® booth!
Even if you didn't personally receive a cart tag or catch the interns at events this year, Kirkland residents can still build their sustainable community by Recycling Right and following the guidelines!
The Recycle Corps internship is an effective way for WM to help Kirkland achieve sustainability goals, one face-to-face conversation at a time. WM is so proud to be active in Kirkland. The Recycle Corps will be back in your community next summer!
City of Kirkland Mayor Kelli Curtis proclaimed this week a Week Without Driving. From September 29 through October 5, people are choosing to replace driving with walking, rolling, riding, and other options for getting around to discover what it’s like to be a non-driver in Kirkland. For those of you who have been participating, we’re interested in finding out what you’ve learned.
- Has this week made you realize just how much you love riding your bike?
- Did you discover a local café or a shop you never noticed before?
- How many buses did you need to take to get to work?
- Did your walking route feel a little less safe than you expected?
- How did non driving affect your schedule?
- Are there places that just aren’t feasible to get to without a car?
- Check in with your fellow participants about their experiences. You might find you might have similar thoughts.
- What physical, logistical, and social barriers did you and your fellow participants discover?
You’ve gained insight as a non-driver this week, but now’s the time to start thinking about what you can do with your new understanding. This upcoming weekend would be a great time to get together for a last walk, roll, or ride to come up with ideas to make things more accessible for everybody.
Cross Kirkland Corridor Trail Closure Alert
Starting September 29, a section of the Cross Kirkland Corridor Trails between NE 52nd Street and 108th Avenue NE will be closed for approximately two weeks while King County repairs a sewer pipe.
Learn more about the work and sign up for updates at kingcounty.gov/wtd/kirkland-ckc
100th Avenue Northeast
Drivers will encounter traffic control at various locations along 100th Avenue Northeast for work on sidewalks, driveways, and plantings. Pavement markings will be applied along the new street.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign for project updates on Thursdays.
124th Avenue Northeast
Work continues on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. A new signal at Northeast 120th Street will be turned on, and the hawk signal is expected to be operational the week of September 22.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.
Goat Hill
Kirkland's contractor is expected to complete final tasks over the next few weeks. Residents should follow onsite traffic control for the most up to date information.
As always, visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/goathill for project updates on Thursdays.
Central Way Street Preservation
Night paving is complete but work remains on the Central Way Paving Project to raise the utility access holes throughout the project area. Drivers will encounter lane shifts as the crew moves along Central Way. Uniformed Police Officers (UPO’s) will be used at intersections as Lakeside Industries crews finish the final tasks. Permanent pavement markings will be applied shortly as well, and is a weather dependent task.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/overlay for project daily updates during paving.
Market Street @ 9th Avenue
Work on the Stores to Shores Greenway project may temporarily close one direction of Market Street around 9th Street to build the greenway facilities. This project is also working in the Highlands neighborhood on the Greenway route. Short detours will be posted onsite for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/storestoshores for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 85th Street: I-405 to 6th Street
Northeast 85th Street is a single lane in each direction from I-405 to 6th Street for the NE 85th Street shared-use pathway project. The Cross Kirkland Corridor is closed at Northeast 85th Street to Northeast 87th Street. Work will begin on wall construction and the stormwater system near 6th Street, and continues on the bridge foundations.
Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Shared-Use-Pathway for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 85th Street: 122th Avenue Northeast to 120nd Avenue Northeast
On Northeast 85th Street east of I-405, daytime work will close a westbound lane on the north side of Northeast 85th Street between 120th Avenue Northeast and 122nd Avenue Northeast. Daytime work will reduce eastbound traffic to one lane between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Overnight, traffic will be impacted from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as Kirkland’s contractor upgrades the stormwater facilities and other utility work.
Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Eastbound-3rd-Lane for project updates on Thursdays.
Umbrella Fringe Festival
Date: Friday Oct 3 - Sunday Oct 5
Location: Various Locations, Downtown Kirkland
Join us downtown THIS weekend Friday through Sunday, Oct 3–5 for interactive art, live music, performances, and more. Don’t miss this exciting *new* Kirkland tradition.
Check out the full lineup and plan your weekend: https://kirklandartscenter.org/kirkland-fringe-festival/
Property Tax Workshop
Date: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 1 - 2 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave
Save Money, Worry Less: Property Tax Relief for Qualified Seniors in King County
Could you be eligible for these tax savings? Please join us for this informative presentation where you will learn about eligibility requirements, how the program works, and the application process.
This is a free event.
Pre-registration is required. Register today at https://tinyurl.com/3s2r28am or call 425-587-3336
Halloween Costume Swap
Date: Saturday, October 11th
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Kirkland City Hall, 123 5th Ave
Cost: This event is entirely free!
We are excited to announce that the Halloween Costume Swap is back this month! You are invited to donate clean and gently used costumes, masks, hats, and accessories at two convenient locations: City Hall (123 5th Ave) and the North Kirkland Community Center (12421 103rd Ave NE). Donations will be accepted during the week of October 6th to 10th.
For more information about the costume swap, visit the Costume Swap webpage. Don’t miss this opportunity to refresh your Halloween wardrobe while promoting sustainability in our community!
Fall Recycling Collection Event
Date: October 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology - South Parking Lot, 11605 132nd Ave NE
Do you have hard-to-recycle items piling up at home? Not sure what to do with them? Well, the Fall Recycling Collection Event can help you get rid of many of those items legally, safely, and without sending them to a landfill. Bring items like batteries, electronics, paper for shredding, scrap metal, and scrap wood for no charge. Other select items will be accepted for small fee.
For more information, visit this page.
Pee Wee Monster Bash
Date: Friday, October 31
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Fee: $16 per child
Location: North Kirkland Community Center at 12421 103rd Ave NE
Join us for a Bootastic Time at the Pee Wee Halloween Monster Bash sponsored by Lake Washington Pediatric Dentistry!
The ultimate preschool party, this event is perfect for little ones aged 1-5 and is packed with fun, games, and treats for your tiny terrors.
What to Expect:
👻- Creepy cool crafts
🧟- Monster Ball Bowling
🧛- Little Vamp Skee Ball (a fang-tastic game!)
🐊- Swamp Fishing
👹- Meet the Rock Monster
🍪- Monster Munch Cookie Stroll
🕸️- And much more!
Costumes encouraged! Bring your cutest little goblins, witches, and monsters for a morning of magical spooky fun (but no scares!)
Spaces are limited, so sign up now!
Visit Kirklandparks.net or call 425-587-3336 before this Monster Bash vanishes into the mist. Don’t miss out on a fa-Boo-lous time!
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What does the Youth Council do? Watch our video to find out about past and future exciting projects.