This Week in Kirkland
Want to stay connected with your local government? Hosted by Deputy City Manager Jim Lopez, the official podcast of the City of Kirkland brings you timely topics and noteworthy news every week. It’s policy, parks, events, and democracy, so join us for the civic conversation straight from City Hall. Made in Kirkland, Washington.
Episodes
157 episodes
Answering the Call with Crews, Trucks, Helicopters, and More - August 20, 2026
In this no-guest episode of This Week in Kirkland, we talk about how Kirkland's Fire Department supports Fire teams all over Washington during wildfire season. Plus, we chat fun upcoming events, a recent site selector visit, beach and ro...
Lion (Dance), Dogs, and Reindeer, Oh My! Kirkland Events Bring the Magic - August 13, 2026
We're joined by Jazmine Quintero and Charlie Shannon from Kirkland's Parks and Community Services team (a.k.a. the Department of Fun) to talk about a slew of upcoming City events and get a behind-the-scenes look into how the Parks...
Maps, Umbrellas, Movies, and More Make Kirkland the Place to Be - August 6, 2026
This week brings another no-guest episode which means another drive through our new segment, The Roundabout! We ruminate about community connection, creativity, and the best Star Wars movie. Plus, we talk wildfire smoke safety, e-bikes vs. e-mo...
Kirkland Goes International with the Junior League Softball World Series - July 30, 2026
In this week's episode, we're joined by former UW Huskies football player and Team Captain of Holla's Huskies, Terry Hollimon, Junior League Softball World Series International Tournament Director Steve Allen, and legendary Kirkla...
As Jimothy Takes Over the Internet, Free Hot Dogs Take Over Kirkland - July 23, 2026
In another no-guest episode, we contemplate Jimothy the raccoon's viral moment and how we can find a little bit of Jimothy in all of us. We also talk about the upcoming Junior League Softball World Series (featuring FREE hot dogs), beach closur...
Jugs, Tubs, Bottles, and Cups, Plus $10,000 in Gas Money - July 16, 2026
Waste Management Outreach Coordinator Grace Fletcher and City of Kirkland Recycling Pro Rukia Yosif are here to teach everyone how to recycle right and tell us all about the 2026 Sort Smart Tournament. We also talk freeway and bea...
Your Summer Side Quest: 8 Ways to Make Kirkland Better - July 9, 2026
It’s a no-guest week, and we’re highlighting 8 ways to better your community this summer from Green Kirkland volunteer events and City Hall for All to Conversations with Council, summer concerts, Rec-n-Roll, Heritage Park cleanup, the Civil Ser...
E-Bike Safety 101, Plus a Chance to Win Free Mariners Tickets - July 2, 2026
We're joined by Kirkland Communications Program Coordinator and PIO Angela Brown and Kirkland PD Community Services Unit Sergeant James Hill to get the lowdown on summer safety, fireworks (and why they're not permitted in Kirkland...
Telling Stories and Building Community Through the Kirkland Initiative - June 25, 2026
City of Kirkland Community Engagement Coordinator Daniel Lazo and Kirkland Initiative alumni Grace Brown join the podcast to talk all about the power of community building and how it's the backbone of the Kirkland Initiative. Plus...
Roundabouts Galore, Plus a Chance to Win $10,000 in Gas - June 18, 2026
The City's new Communications Program Specialist Danika Harrod joins the podcast for the first time and takes part in a fun new segment called 'The Roundabout.' We dive into beach closures, affordable housing, the final CKC connection, S...
Celebrate Kirkland Returns with Horse Dancing, Karaoke, and Endless Fun - June 11, 2026
Celebrate Kirkland's Maryke Burgess and Omar Mohamed hop on the podcast to give us all the deets about the upcoming July 4th festivities and what you can expect at the 27th annual Celebrate Kirkland Parade. We talk Conversations w...
Food, Fun, and Freebies at the Juanita Friday Market - June 4, 2026
Charlie Shannon and Kayla Robertson with the Juanita Friday Market stop by the studio to tell us all about the market magic, including how to get a free tote bag and win prizes on opening day. (Note: Prizes do not include free kit...
Mariners Tickets, $5000 in Rebates, and How to Be a True Winner - May 28, 2026
Kirkland Community Foundation Executive Director Carmin Dalziel tells us how Ignite Kirkland makes it easier than ever give where you live. We learn how to win Mariners tickets and lunch at the Terrace Club, chat about why we should both...
Slide into Summer with Safety Tips from Kirkland Fire Department Experts - May 21, 2026
Kirkland Fire Department’s new Deputy Chief Gary Smith and new EMS Captain Doug Tomczak stop by the studio to celebrate EMS Week with us as well as share copious tips for staying safe at home and in water. We sound the alarm on a ...
Get $100 to Talk Yard Care - May 14, 2026
Host Jim Lopez and podcast regulars David Wolbrecht and Nate Gettleman give the rundown on what Kirklanders need to know this week. We provide a brief recap of the recent Community Appreciation event, announce Kirkland’s next Fire Chief, ...
Your Garage Called: It Wants You to Visit This Free Recycling Event - May 7, 2026
We’re joined by Rukia Yosif, Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator for the City of Kirkland, to talk about the popular Spring Recycling Collection Event and how residents can make the most of it. We celebrate the return of the...
Free Leak Inspections and $250 to Fix Your Car - April 30, 2026
We’re joined by Ryean-Marie Tuomisto, Water Quality Program Coordinator for the City of Kirkland to get the scoop on free vehicle leak inspections and why they are so important for keeping our lakes and streams clean. We learn why the fi...
A Night of Gratitude, Community, Surprises, and Prizes - April 23, 2026
Special Projects Coordinator Kate Ryan dons her “guest hat” to paint a vivid picture of what to expect at the upcoming State of the City and Community Appreciation Night. We talk about what’s next for the Houghton Park and Play, how you ...
Why Kirkland’s Senior Art Show Is a Must-See - April 16, 2026
We explore art, emotion, inspiration, and the world with Kirkland Senior Council member and Senior Art Show organizer, Scott Emmons along with past art show winners, Heather Ebey and Kathy Coart. We learn all about submitti...
Don’t Miss the Scoop on Free Ice Cream - April 9, 2026
We sit down with Molly Moon Neitzel ahead of her ice cream shop’s opening in downtown Kirkland. Plus, we discuss tips for safer driving, removing trees on your property, and how to save time and money on ADUs.Shownotes:
Bingo! How One Kirkland School Could Win Over $2,000 - April 2, 2026
We’re joined by Eva Odderson and Tanushri Goyal with Sustainability Ambassadors who lay down the facts on school commute carbon emissions and provide winning tips for Transit Bingo. We also talk about Conversations with Coun...
Free Trip to Hawaii? How to Win a Dream Vacation - March 26, 2026
We share the mic with Karen Dawson, Community Engagement Liaison with Bloodworks Northwest, who busts myths about donating blood and explains how we can all be winners. Plus, we celebrate improvements to the Totem Lake Urban Center, dig ...
Kirkland Youth Talk AI, E-bikes, and No-Bake Cheesecake - March 19. 2026
We are joined by members of the Kirkland Youth Council, Layan Sattout and Devan Harbani, to learn all about the upcoming Youth Summit and what’s on the minds of Kirkland teens. We also put feelers out for a new fire chief, get fes...
Release the Green with 4,700 of Your Neighbors + Win a Trip to Oahu - March 12, 2026
We are joined by Leslie Myers, Clean Energy Product Manager with PSE who energizes us over the Green Power Challenge. We also share how to throw out that old couch, put feelers out for parade planners, talk FIFA, and celebrate Kirk...
$10,000 in Instant Rebates to Perfect Your Indoor Climate (and Help the Outdoor One, Too) - March 5, 2026
Kurt Hellmann from Energy Smart Eastside stops by to tell us all about often-misunderstood technological wonders known as heat pumps. We also learn how a Kirkland police investigation led to more than recovering a stolen bike, how ...