This Week in Kirkland

40 Episodes
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By: The City of 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.

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Catch Up on Kirkland’s Cat Burglar, Dunk Tank, and Giant Trucks - September 3, 2026
Yesterday at 11:00 PM

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With no guests this week, we spend some time ruminating on Kirkland's famous (and infamous) wildlife and extra fun upcoming events that may or may not involve some form of dunk tank. Plus, we talk recent (cat) burglar escapades, surveys, webinars, volunteer opportunities, and e-bike safety. This is a fun one!

Show notes: kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260903


What Do Cool Cars and Canine Cannonballs Have in Common? - August 27, 2026
08/27/2026

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Kirkland Neighborhood Resource Officer Tiffany Trombley joins us to talk about the Kirkland Police Department’s Cadet Program, the upcoming Cadet Car Show, and guest-favorite British Bake-Off. Plus, we chat fun ideas for the upcoming Fall season, back-to-school safety, beach and road closures, upcoming events, and how you can lend your voice to inform the Kirkland City Council. 

Show notes: kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260827


Answering the Call with Crews, Trucks, Helicopters, and More - August 20, 2026
08/20/2026

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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 road closures, heat pumps, and more.

Show notes: kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260820


Lion (Dance), Dogs, and Reindeer, Oh My! Kirkland Events Bring the Magic - August 13, 2026
08/13/2026

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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 team makes the magic happen. Plus, we talk road closures, KPD’s community classes, e-riding safety, how to win a $3K gift card, volunteer opportunities, and more! 

Show notes: kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260813


Maps, Umbrellas, Movies, and More Make Kirkland the Place to Be - August 6, 2026
08/06/2026

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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-motorcycles, the Junior League Softball World Series, and maps, maps, and more maps.

Show notes: kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260806


Kirkland Goes International with the Junior League Softball World Series - July 30, 2026
07/30/2026

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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 Kirklander and Seattle Sounders FC photographer Corky Trewin to talk softball, softball, and more softball. Plus, we discuss this week's Kirkland happenings, e-cycle safety, and more!


Show notes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260730


As Jimothy Takes Over the Internet, Free Hot Dogs Take Over Kirkland - July 23, 2026
07/23/2026

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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 closures, staying safe in the heat, e-cycles, the how-to of naming things, and more! 

Show notes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260723


Jugs, Tubs, Bottles, and Cups, Plus $10,000 in Gas Money - July 16, 2026
07/16/2026

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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 beach closures, summer movies, blood drives (with an awesome prize), National Night Out, and more! 

Show notes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260716


Your Summer Side Quest: 8 Ways to Make Kirkland Better - July 9, 2026
07/09/2026

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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 Service Commission, and the RCR Community Advisory Board. Plus, we cover cold water safety, the Houghton Beach closure, NE 85th Street construction, and highlights from the latest City Council meeting.

Show notes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260709


E-Bike Safety 101, Plus a Chance to Win Free Mariners Tickets - July 2, 2026
07/02/2026

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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), National Night Out, e-bike safety, and more. Plus, we share how you can have a chance to win a pair of Mariners tickets!

Show notes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260702


Telling Stories and Building Community Through the Kirkland Initiative - June 25, 2026
06/25/2026

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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, we talk new City Hall for All programming, road safety, beaches reopening, and more!

Show notes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260625


Roundabouts Galore, Plus a Chance to Win $10,000 in Gas - June 18, 2026
06/18/2026

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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, SEA26 transit options, and more. Plus, we talk all about how you can donate blood for a chance to win a $10,000 gas card.

Show notes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260618


Celebrate Kirkland Returns with Horse Dancing, Karaoke, and Endless Fun - June 11, 2026
06/11/2026

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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 with Council, cold water shock, volunteer opportunities galore, and there's even a recycling pop quiz—so get your thinking caps on!  

 

Show notes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260611 


Food, Fun, and Freebies at the Juanita Friday Market - June 4, 2026
06/04/2026

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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 kittens.) We branch out with a tree survey, walk through the now-opened section of the Cross Kirkland Corridor, and dive into the Houghton Beach reopening. Plus, we talk about pet licensing, CPR training, the recent Council meeting, volunteer opportunities, and fun upcoming events like the Senior Art...


Mariners Tickets, $5000 in Rebates, and How to Be a True Winner - May 28, 2026
05/28/2026

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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 be wise about our waterways and water wisely, commiserate over a possible southbound I-405 closure and bacteria at Houghton Beach, and get excited for Celebrate Kirkland. Plus, we preview the upcoming council meeting and chat about celebrations of art and restrooms.

Show notes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260528


Slide into Summer with Safety Tips from Kirkland Fire Department Experts - May 21, 2026
05/21/2026

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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 Bi...


Get $100 to Talk Yard Care - May 14, 2026
05/14/2026

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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


Your Garage Called: It Wants You to Visit This Free Recycling Event - May 7, 2026
05/07/2026

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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 op...


Free Leak Inspections and $250 to Fix Your Car - April 30, 2026
05/01/2026

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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 event...


A Night of Gratitude, Community, Surprises, and Prizes - April 23, 2026
04/23/2026

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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...


Why Kirkland’s Senior Art Show Is a Must-See - April 16, 2026
04/16/2026

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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 submitting art and viewing the Senior Art Show, tourism grants, a new website for police jobs, work zone safety, booster seats, and what’s on the next council meeting agenda. Plus, we preview oodles of great events including the annual spring plant sale, Conversations with Council, Junk in the Trunk, Community Appreciation Ni...


Don’t Miss the Scoop on Free Ice Cream - April 9, 2026
04/09/2026

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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: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260409


Bingo! How One Kirkland School Could Win Over $2,000 - April 2, 2026
04/02/2026

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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 Council, appreciate our volunteers, announce life-saving training, and share ideas for burglary prevention. Plus, we preview the next council meeting and look forward to the the Kiwanis egg hunt, drive-in Mufasa, and Green Kirkland Partnership stewardship events.

Shownotes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260402


Free Trip to Hawaii? How to Win a Dream Vacation - March 26, 2026
03/26/2026

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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 into Earth Month, talk clean sweeps, and tee up “This Night in Kirkland.” Plus, we share upcoming events like the Parks Job Fair and Coffee with a Cop.

Shownotes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260326


Kirkland Youth Talk AI, E-bikes, and No-Bake Cheesecake - March 19. 2026
03/19/2026

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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 festive about Fix a Leak Week, and provide a heads up about the Houghton Transfer Station. Plus, we recap the most recent council meeting and talk about Station Area Plan zoning, more Metro in Kirkland, ST3 updates, and upcoming events.

Shownotes: www.kirklandwa.gov/po...


Release the Green with 4,700 of Your Neighbors + Win a Trip to Oahu - March 12, 2026
03/12/2026

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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 Kirkland firefighters’ successful stair climb to raise money for a good cause. Plus, we preview the next council meeting and give a rundown of March events like the Shamrock Run, Coffee with a Cop, Conversations with Council, Kirkland Pitch, and the Kirkland Parks Job Fair.

Shownotes: www.kirklandwa.gov/pod...


$10,000 in Instant Rebates to Perfect Your Indoor Climate (and Help the Outdoor One, Too) - March 5, 2026
03/05/2026

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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 to get your wellness on at PKCC, when spring and summer recreation registration starts, and what to watch out for when driving this weekend. Plus, we recap the latest council meeting and share exciting upcoming events like the Women in EMS & Fire Workshop, the Kirkland Shamrock Run, Wheels & Reels drive-in movies, and the Kirkland P...


Smoots and Stories with the Police Chief - February 26, 2026
02/27/2026

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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 southern portion of the Cross Kirkland Corridor, give a heads up on some upcoming weekend freeway closures, and share why filling the boot is so meaningful. Plus, we preview the next council meeting and talk about events like the Lunar New Year Celebration.

Shownotes: www.kirklandwa.go...


Get in the Know About Getting in the Know - February 19, 2026
02/20/2026

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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 adopting highways, job openings, steward orientation, stormwater, and stuff for teens and littles to do. Plus, we recap the latest council meeting and share all of the great events coming up over the next week. 

Shownotes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260219


The Hot New Trend of BYOT - February 12, 2026
02/13/2026

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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 recycling center, the polite way to dump your cooking oil, ways to give some love to our parks, what’s coming up at council, and why we’re fans of vans. Plus, we share fun upcoming events that involve cocoa, French pastries, and dogs.

Shownotes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260212


Of Markets, Muskrats, and Free Maui Trips - February 5, 2026
02/06/2026

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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 stewards, what happened at the last council meeting, and what events are coming up in February. Plus, we share our gratitude for Kirkland blood donors and announce how to enter to win a luxury hotel stay and roundtrip airfare to Maui.

Shownotes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260205


Why Kirkland is 35,000 Items Smarter + How to Get Rosetta Stone for Free - January 29, 2026
01/30/2026

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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 globe.  We also learn the importance of donating blood, why practicing a fire escape plan is critical for saving lives, and how to help kids through the LINKS program. Plus, we look ahead to the next council meeting and highlight fun upcoming events.

Shownotes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260129


$10,000 for Your Business and Our Wine Tasting Winner - January 22, 2026
01/22/2026

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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 about Conversations with Council, the rules of the road for electric bikes and scooters, and how to reduce food waste. Plus, we get a recap of the latest council meeting, hear about fun upcoming events, and draw the lucky winner of Woodinville Wine Country wine tasting passports.

Shownotes: www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260122


How to Win $1,000 in Wine Tastings, an Alaskan Cruise, and Free Garbage Service - January 15, 2026
01/16/2026

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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 up at Council, and look ahead to fun events in February. 

Show notes: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20260115


Kirkland’s 2,300+ Superheroes and How You can Be One, Too - January 8, 2026
01/09/2026

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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 learn why it’s important to license Fido and Fluffy, how to send Christmas trees off to become compost, and why we “otter” look for wildlife in Kirkland’s parks. Plus, we recap the first city council meeting of the year and share some fun upcoming events including the winter drive-in movie series.

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Favorite Podcast Moments from 2025 - December 31, 2025
12/31/2025

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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 iconic voices in sportscasting and popular music.  Enjoy!


12 Baby Chicks, 2 Happy Ducks, and Composting Your Holiday Tree – December 18, 2025
12/18/2025

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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 some e-bike savvy for a spin, and chat about why composting holiday trees is the noble thing to do.

Show notes: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20251218


3 Lessons for Life and Legislating with Rep. Larry Springer - December 11, 2025
12/12/2025

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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 tips for packing our cars for winter weather, and learn about holiday trees for salmon. Plus, we recap the recent jam-packed council meeting and list holiday events that will keep you jingling all the way.

Show notes: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20251211


Get $10 in Kirkland Ca$h, Cookies, and a Free Light Show to Boot! December 4, 2025
12/05/2025

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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, the 12Ks of Christmas, the Grand Menorah Lighting, and community bonfires. Plus, we share ideas for spreading joy this season. 

Show notes: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20251204


2 Free Tickets to the Must-Go Festivity of the Season - November 20, 2025
11/21/2025

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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 also get into the giving season with Toys for Tots and serve up some tips for Thanksgiving. Plus, we recap the last City Council meeting and highlight upcoming events like Small Business Saturday.

Show notes: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/podcast#20251120