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
136 episodes
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 ...
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30:56
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...
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36:55
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...
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28:48
$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 ...
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32:19
Smoots and Stories with the Police Chief - February 26, 2026
Kirkland Police Chief Mike St. Jean gives us the run down on what it’s like to be in law enforcement and all of the exciting ways the community can get to know their police department. We announce the much-awaited reopening of the southe...
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35:42
Get in the Know About Getting in the Know - February 19, 2026
Kirkland’s Communications Program Manager and mainstay podcast host David Wolbrecht does double duty as a guest of the show to tell us all about how to stay informed and engaged with your local city government. We also chat about adoptin...
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31:55
The Hot New Trend of BYOT - February 12, 2026
What’s on your mind, Kirkland? We’re joined by Community Engagement Coordinator Luana Hancock who is making it easier than ever to connect with your friendly neighborhood councilmembers. We also chat about virtually touring the local rec...
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34:26
Of Markets, Muskrats, and Free Maui Trips - February 5, 2026
The City of Kirkland’s own Charlie Shannon tells how vendors can apply to join this summer’s Juanita Friday Market while we dream up fresh possibilities. We also learn about new firefighters, the upcoming orientation for Green Kirkland s...
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28:23
Why Kirkland is 35,000 Items Smarter + How to Get Rosetta Stone for Free - January 29, 2026
Kirkland library experts Meredith Selfon and Amy Faulkner give us the inside scoop on local library resources that might surprise you, from Mandarin story times and crafternoons to snagging bestsellers and accessing newspapers from around the g...
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33:49
$10,000 for Your Business and Our Wine Tasting Winner - January 22, 2026
City of Kirkland’s own special projects coordinator Christian Lash tells us why the Kirkland Workshops and Pitch Competition offer a kinder, gentler shark tank and a prime opportunity for current and aspiring businesses. We also learn ab...
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22:28
How to Win $1,000 in Wine Tastings, an Alaskan Cruise, and Free Garbage Service - January 15, 2026
Adam Acampora breezes in from nearby Woodinville Wine Country to talk all about the wine and wonders of the Eastside. We also talk emergency prep, the importance of donating blood, how to win with the Recycle Right Pledge, what’s coming ...
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33:55
Kirkland’s 2,300+ Superheroes and How You can Be One, Too - January 8, 2026
Special Projects Coordinator and This Week in Kirkland podcast regular Kate Ryan joins us to highlight the many volunteer opportunities in Kirkland including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service coming up on January 19. We also lea...
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19:31
Favorite Podcast Moments from 2025 - December 31, 2025
Our amazing podcast production team pulled together some of our favorite interview moments from 2025. Hear harrowing tales from a wildland firefighter, quirky stories about animals on the loose in Kirkland, and what it took to become icon...
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27:36
12 Baby Chicks, 2 Happy Ducks, and Composting Your Holiday Tree – December 18, 2025
Education and Outreach Coordinator Marisa Allison from Kirkland’s Public Works Department joins us to talk about rainwater, water quality, counting bugs, and her flock of fowl. We also share tips for preventing porch pirates, take ...
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28:17
3 Lessons for Life and Legislating with Rep. Larry Springer - December 11, 2025
We’re joined by former Kirkland mayor and current state representative Larry Springer who gives us a full-bodied look at what happens in the legislature. We also hear why people are flocking to cross the street with the Seahawks mascot, get tip...
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35:12
Get $10 in Kirkland Ca$h, Cookies, and a Free Light Show to Boot! December 4, 2025
We are joined by Dave Tomson of SRM Development who illuminates us on Google Lights which opens December 5 at Feriton Spur Park. We shine light on the many festivities brightening Kirkland including a “ribbon scramble,” ice skating...
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26:52
2 Free Tickets to the Must-Go Festivity of the Season - November 20, 2025
Cassie Joyner and Leanna Thomajan of the Kirkland Downtown Association tell us all about Winterfest wonders including ice skating, tree lighting, hockey cameos, carolers, alpacas, line dancing, and, of course, hot chocolate. We als...
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28:08
37 Ways to Make Kirkland Better PLUS $500 in Rebates for Your Yard - November 13, 2025
Carmine Dalziel, Executive Director of the Kirkland Community Foundation, explains how this month’s Ignite Kirkland campaign is one-stop shopping for supporting local nonprofit organizations. We’ll also reflect on the new outdoor s...
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24:39
The 640-Gallon Perk You Don’t Want to Ignore - November 6, 2025
Environmental Education & Outreach Specialist Kate Schmiett tells us all about how managing leaves can mean healthier streams, safer streets, and happy plants and pollinators. We’ll also get tips for avoiding drowsy driving, le...
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26:12
How 1 New Station, 3 Renovations, and 20 Firefighters Fulfill the City's Promise to Make Kirkland Safer - October 30, 2025
We’re joined by Fire Chief Joe Sanford to celebrate a major milestone: every promise of Fire Prop 1 is now complete. Plus, it’s time to set your clocks back (and check your smoke alarms), thank our first responders, manage those...
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29:36
4 City Discounts You Might Qualify For - October 23, 2025
Hear from Program Coordinator Quinn Glebe about the Kirkland Cares Low Income Support program that helps residents save on utility bills and other City fees. Plus, celebrate the completion of the Juanita Drive Corridor Improvements, a ne...
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30:07
Do These 3 Things When the Earth Starts Shaking - October 16, 2025
Carly Pacekonis, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, gives us simple steps for be more prepared for an earthquake. Plus, mark your calendars for Dia de los Muertos. New ballot drop box location. Submit an idea for safer roads in your nei...
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21:34
The Kirkland Police Pink Patch Program is Back This Month - October 9, 2025
Sergeant John Ness invites the community to take part in the Pink Patch Program. Plus, share your comments on the City's homelessness action plan. Have a fang-tastic time at the Pee Wee Monster Bash. Plant a tree at the Great Kirkland Tr...
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28:57
$500 Rebates to Plant Trees, Plus Get Kirkland Ca$h if you L'Experience Paris (while supplies last) - 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. Plus, Houghton Beach reopens, Harvest F...
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28:07
Act Now: 2 Free Tickets to Fringe Kickoff Concert + Fun Ways Fringe Will Surprise and Delight - September 25, 2025
David Lynx, Executive Director of the Kirkland Arts Center, talks about Kirkland's first Fringe Festival and how to join in this creative celebration. Plus, Houghton Beach closed at least one more week. Plan for CKC detours for pipe repa...
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26:56