This Week in Kirkland

Slide into Summer with Safety Tips from Kirkland Fire Department Experts - May 21, 2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2255207/fan_mail/new] 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 current blood shortage, give a shout-out to the Kirkland Public Works team, bask in the glory of the Recycler of the Year Award, and take roundabouts for a spin. Plus, we recap the recent Council meeting and look forward to the 7 Hills of Kirkland Bike Ride, a resource and career fair, and the upcoming tour of Cascade Recycling Center. Show notes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260521 [https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260521] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2255207/fan_mail/new]

Get $100 to Talk Yard Care - May 14, 2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2255207/fan_mail/new] 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, alert listeners about a phishing scam, share summer safety tips, and preview the next council meeting. Plus, we learn all about a chance to share yard care insights and look ahead to upcoming events like Clean Sweep and the 7 Hills of Kirkland Bike Ride. Show notes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260514 [https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260514]

Your Garage Called: It Wants You to Visit This Free Recycling Event - May 7, 2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2255207/fan_mail/new] 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 Celebrate Kirkland Parade, explain new school zone speed limit signs, share bike safety tips ahead of Bike Everywhere Day, recap the May 5 City Council meeting, and spotlight Wildfire Awareness Month. Plus, we cover the NE 85th Street interchange opening, a gun safety class, the Kirkland Heat Pump Workshop, Green Kirkland volunteer opportunities, Bloodworks Northwest’s Oahu giveaway, and upcoming events like the Downsize and Declutter workshop and the Crabby Old Pharts Pea Patch ribbon cutting.  Show notes: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260507 [https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260430]

Free Leak Inspections and $250 to Fix Your Car - April 30, 2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2255207/fan_mail/new] 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 fire stations are glowing red, put the call out for a deep water exercise instructor, hear about honors for Kirkland’s International Night Market, boost Bike Everywhere Day, and share how to win a trip to Oahu by donating blood.  Plus, we preview the next council meeting and other upcoming events like the Downsize and Declutter workshop and the Spring Recycling Event. Show notes: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260430 [https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260430]

A Night of Gratitude, Community, Surprises, and Prizes - April 23, 2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2255207/fan_mail/new] 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 can help with mowing safety,  give a shout out to animal services, and share how to get pre-approved ADU plans. Plus, we recap the latest council meeting and tee up events like Conversations with Council, Junk in the Trunk, the spring recycling collection event, and the Senior Council Annual Art Show. Show notes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260423 [https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260423]