Kirkland Views

• Simplicity Decor | Meet The Artists Saturday, December 12th

  Meet the Artists! You’re invited to meet three of Santa’s most talented elves! Come by to meet these local artists this coming Saturday at Simplicity Decor… Saturday, December 12th From Noon to 2:00 pm Suzanne Kaufman, Author of I Love Monkey Every child is a marvel, a unique gift to the world—but not every child [...]
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  Posted: December 11, 2009, 5:40am EST
  by Admin

• Kirkland Art Center | ‘has’ and The Art Shop open!

  has and The Art Shop open! Kirkland Arts Center’s Annual Fine + Functional Art Sale at Kirkland Parkplace 336 Parkplace, Kirkland 425-827-8219 Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM KAC has taken its annual holiday arts sale and transformed it into an exciting new retail venture: has. Conveniently located at the [...]
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  Posted: December 11, 2009, 5:25am EST
  by Admin

• Kirkland Fire Department News Release: Fire Destroys Kirkland Area Home

  FIRE DESTROYS KIRKLAND AREA HOME FIRE CREW ESCAPES ROOF COLLAPSE Video and photos of the fire can be seen in Wednesday’s article: Holmes Point Home Goes Up In Flames WHAT: Early this afternoon, a fire was called in at a home in unincorporated King County, north of the city of Kirkland, along Lake [...]
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  Posted: December 10, 2009, 4:38pm EST
  by Admin

• Auditions for Gordon Ramsay’s “Master Chef” to be held in Kirkland January 10th

  A new Fox TV reality show, Master Chef, featuring British restauranteur and reality television star, Gordon Ramsay, is scheduling auditions to be held at Sur La Table in Kirkland on Jan. 10 from 11:00am to 4:00pm. “This is a huge, nationwide search for the best amateur chef in America,” said executive producer [...]
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  Posted: December 10, 2009, 2:53pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• A Family Legacy at Georges – Pete and Athina Mangouras

  Number of comments: 1
  By Julie Metteer Athina – “Dad bought Georges in 1976, and we pretty much grew up here. The place started out as a donut shop called “The Hole in One”, then it was a short order restaurant, and then it was re-modeled into the restaurant.” “In the early days of the restaurant, [...]
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  Posted: December 10, 2009, 2:48pm EST
  by Julie Metteer

• Holmes Point home goes up in flames

  A fire engulfed a waterfront home in the 13000 block of Holmes Point Dr. NE around 1:20 p.m. Wednesday afternoon said City of Kirkland Fire Department officials. A man was at home when he heard crackling noises outside. When he went to investigate, he saw flames coming out of the [...]
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  Posted: December 09, 2009, 3:53pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Residents and Businesses Encouraged to Prepare for Winter Weather

  From the City of Kirkland News Room: Winter officially arrives December 21 and the City of Kirkland encourages its residents and businesses to prepare for this year’s weather season. In the event of snow requiring street maintenance, the City will give first priority for snow plowing on roads that are near [...]
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  Posted: December 09, 2009, 12:15pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• KUOW 94.9 FM to discuss Kirkland annexation Wednesday at 10am

  Number of comments: 2
  On Wednesday, December 9th at 10:00am, KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio 94.9 FM, will be hosting a discussion about “the benefits and failures of annexing.” The Kirkland City Council is considering annexing the neighborhoods of Kingsgate, Upper Juanita and Finn Hill, all of which lie in unincorporated King County. From the [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 3:32pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Hague joins Denny Creek Neighborhood Association to plant trees in Juanita Woodlands

  Effort will plant 1,100 trees to unique urban forest Metropolitan King County Councilmember Jane Hague joined nearly 50 volunteers from the Denny Creek Neighborhood Association December 5 to plant trees in the Juanita Woodlands. “It was great to see so many committed neighbors come out in cold weather to help restore [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 1:41pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Liberty 123 Farewell Party Wednesday, December 9th

  Number of comments: 5
  A local favorite on Park Lane says farewell to Kirkland On Wednesday, December 9th, Liberty 123 (located at 123 Park Lane) will be hosting a farewell party from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Everything in the store will be discounted 30% off. “Please join us at LIBERTY 123 for our farewell party; celebrate our success, [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 1:19pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Dooley’s Dog House collects $4,600 in donations for Homeward Pet

  During the last two weekends in November, Dooley’s Dog House took Pet Photos with Santa to benefit Homeward Pet Adoption Center, collecting over $4,600 in donations. Dogs and cats of every shape and size came in to sit on Santa’s lap, smile for the camera and say “cheese.” Dogs and [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 10:06am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Body found on Kirkland waterfront

  Number of comments: 1
  UPDATED Dec. 9 @ 8:15am The initial police investigation reveals the following information: The deceased was a 63 year old male who, lives just a little further south on Lake Wash. Blvd. from where the body was found. He was possibly walking home. Detectives stated that it looks like he fell right in [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 9:38am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Dooley’s Dog House collects $4,600 in donations for Homeward Pet

  During the last two weekends in November, Dooley’s Dog House hosted Pet Photos with Santa, a smashing success which collected over $4,600 in donations to support Homeward Pet Adoption Center. Over the two days of photo shooting, every size and shape of dog and cat were brought in to sit on [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 9:30am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Merrill Gardens to host fundraiser for fallen officers December 9th

  UPDATED Advance response to the fundraiser pasta dinner at Merrill Gardens has been great so far! Thanks to Les Utley, General Manager at The Heathman Hotel, we will be adding a silent auction for a weekend getaway package at the Heathman Hotel. For those who cannot attend the dinner and have asked [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 8:54am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Evergreen Medical Center acquires new robot-assisted surgery platform, the first on the Eastside

  Number of comments: 2
  Evergreen Hospital Medical Center today added the latest generation of the da Vinci Surgical System, a robot-assisted surgery platform. At this time Evergreen is the only Eastside hospital equipped for da Vinci surgery. The equipment adds one more advanced operating room tool for Evergreen surgeons who have led the way [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 3:39pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Come enjoy the Christmas Ships, Christmas carols and a beach bonfire tonight at Houghton Beach

  Number of comments: 2
  Looking for something fun to do tonight? Come down and enjoy the festive music and a warm beach bonfire as the Argosy Christmas Ships visit Houghton Beach tonight at 8:55pm. As in years past, a beach bonfire will keep everyone warm as they listen to the Pacific Sound Chorus singing the [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 8:14am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• LETTER | When will the criminal justice system change?

  Number of comments: 1
  By Patty Tucker WHEN are we going to stop the senseless killing of our good citizens? WHEN are we going to hold citizens responsible for their actions? WHEN are we going to hold our court system to follow the penalties that juries have imposed on criminals? This past Sunday we lost 8 of our [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 7:10am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Kirkland City Council prepares to pass annexation ordinance by year end

  Number of comments: 10
  At the December 1 Kirkland City Council Study Session, annexation and the budget were front and center. With concerns or reservations about annexation expressed by only two councilmembers, it appears that Kirkland will proceed with annexation before the end of the year. Annexation is on track for passage by the Kirkland [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 8:58am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• LETTER | Budget manipulations results in mutations

  Number of comments: 7
  By Bob Style At 52 minutes and 18 seconds into the Council’s study session, Councilmember Asher questioned his ability to get to cause what was happening to the budget. He asked how come one week after the council fired 43 full time positions because of budget shortfalls; staff came up with [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 7:27am EST
  by Robert L. Style

• Free Tickets on Argosy Christmas Ship – Call by 4PM TODAY

  Argosy Cruises has just made an offer for free tickets on the Dec. 3rd Christmas Ship sailing from Kirkland at 7:00 PM Thursday December 3rd. Act fast as there is a limited number of tickets available. You must call 206-623-1445 by 4:00 PM TODAY! Remember to mention you read about it [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 1:02pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Giving Thanks in Kirkland

  By Jeff Heinz The day after Thanksgiving started  the same as most mornings. Large soy vanilla latte, from UCL in Juanita (MMmmm), in one hand, and my camera in the other. If you know me, this does not sound unusual. In fact you may ask, “Dude, what’s wrong?” if you ever [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 10:18am EST
  by Jeff Heinz

• Urban Coffee Lounge invites you to help the Kirkland Firefighter Benevolent Association

  Number of comments: 1
  During the month of December, visit Urban Coffee Lounge (located at 9744 NE 119th Way in Juanita Village) and order a mocha for a good cause. For each “Goldberg” Mocha sold this month, UCL will be donating one dollar to the Kirkland Firefighter Benevolent Association in remembrance of Terence. Stop [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 8:15am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• VIDEO | Kirkland Tree Lighting Festival

  Number of comments: 2
  The Kirkland Tree Lighting Festival was a spectacular success and fun for the whole family. Downtown was lit up with lights in the trees, garland on the storefronts, carriage rides on the streets and songs filling the air. The big event of the evening was the lighting of the tree [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 11:53am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• LETTER | Listening to the citizens

  Number of comments: 6
  By Robert L. Style Honorable Councilmembers: Your agenda for Tuesday is jam packed, so much so that citizens may find it impossible to address their concerns within the allowed three minutes.   If they are concerned about only one issue, the entire time can be directed to that issue; however, if they want to [...]
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  Posted: November 27, 2009, 4:57pm EST
  by Robert L. Style

• Kirkland Arts Center’s new shop ‘has’ opens at Kirkland Parkplace

  Kirkland Arts Center has taken its holiday arts sale of the past and transformed it into an exciting new retail venture: has. Conveniently located at the core of downtown Kirkland, our new store has offers extended shopping hours seven days a week, art-making activities for kids, and special in-store events. Come to has [...]
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  Posted: November 26, 2009, 8:53am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Goodbye Third Floor Fish Café; restaurant to close after December 19th

  Number of comments: 6
  The Puget Sound Business Journal is reporting the closure of the long-time Kirkland restaurant. After 15 years in Kirkland, the Fish Café will close. Pay a visit, say goodbye and soak up to view while you can. The Third Floor Fish Cafe restaurant at 205 Lake Street South in Kirkland will shut [...]
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  Posted: November 25, 2009, 2:51pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Thanks to Our Local Scouts for Giving

  By Debra Sinick Hi Rob, Were you a Boy Scout or Girl Scout when you were a kid?  Do you remember how much fun it was?  The weekly meetings, making new friends, and working hard to earn badges.  I was a Girl Scout and a Brownie back in Connecticut where I grew [...]
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  Posted: November 25, 2009, 1:56pm EST
  by Debra Sinick

• Lake Washington School Board Approves Two Levies, One Bond for February Election

  School Board Approves Two Levies, One Bond for February Election Two levy renewals, bond to modernize Juanita High School and prevent overcrowding Redmond, Wash. – At its November 23 meeting, the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors, unanimously approved resolutions for three funding measures to place on the February 9 ballot. [...]
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  Posted: November 24, 2009, 12:01pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Kirkland Traffic Alert: Tree Lighting Ceremony, November 28

  Kirkland commuters should expect traffic delays due to the Kirkland Downtown Association’s (KDA) annual Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held on Saturday, November 28, 2009. The following downtown roads will be closed from approximately 2:00 to 9:00 p.m.: Eastbound and westbound lanes of Lake Street from Central Way to 2nd Avenue [...]
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  Posted: November 24, 2009, 11:56am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• King County Elections Certified Election Results: Annexation Rejected by PAA

  Number of comments: 10
  This morning the King County Canvassing Board certified final election results.  Kirkland’s proposal to annex the Finn Hill, North Juanita and Kingsgate neighborhoods, which appeared on the November 3, 2009 ballot as Proposition A, is among the results certified.  The following results were posted on the King County Elections website [...]
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  Posted: November 24, 2009, 11:17am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Argosy Christmas Ship Festival Returns to Kirkland

  The Argosy Christmas Ship festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition for 60 years. Its main purpose is to bring communities together to celebrate the holiday season. From the flotilla of ships to the crowds of people who gather onshore, this celebration is one of the gems [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 9:46am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Who has the right of way at traffic circles?

  Number of comments: 2
  The Seattle P-I has posted a reader question asking who gets the right of way at traffic circles (also known as ’round abouts’ to our friends from the British Isles). Kirkland neighborhoods have many such traffic circles — Norkirk alone must have over three hundred. Even the casual observer will [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 9:35am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• New images of Hector’s and Waterfront Market

  Number of comments: 1
  At the November 16 Moss Bay Neighborhood Association meeting, the architect of Hector’s and The Waterfront Market redevelopment on Lake Street gave a presentation on the project which included some new renderings. “Rick Chesmore of Chesmore/Buck Architects was our next guest. Rick described the Hector’s Property remodel and expansion that is [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 9:30am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Winter Driving Season Tips for Snow and Ice

  Number of comments: 1
  Jeff Foster sent in this account of a collision at the Kirkland Costco Tire Center that involved a black Subaru and a tree on November 22nd. Kirkland Fire Department Ladder 26 and Aid Car 22 responded to an accident and took one injured person to the hospital. Jeff sent in [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 7:33am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Donations in memory of Chuck Morgan

  A request has been made that we publish information about making donations in memory of Chuck Morgan. If you would like to make a memorial donation, please consider the following: Kirkland Performance Center Please make checks payable to: “Kirkland Performance Center” (In memory of Chuck Morgan) 350 Kirkland Avenue Kirkland, WA 98033 or A Park Bench in [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 4:23pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Deck the halls with boughs of holly…

  Over the past week, scores of volunteer elves have toiled long and hard to hang wreaths, bows, garland and lights in preparation for the Annual Tree Lighting Festival on Saturday, November 28th from 4-8pm. From the KDA website: Each year, thousands of people come DOWN to hear festive music, enjoy the [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 7:35am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• LETTER | The start of something new in city politics

  By Bob Style It was refreshing to hear the good ideas that came out of last night’s neighborhood meeting in Juanita, ideas that are needed to improve the relationship between neighborhoods and the city.  Too many good ideas have died on the vine not to mention the money wasted trying to appease [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 8:07pm EST
  by Robert L. Style

• Fire Dept. Advisory: Household Fire Season, Prevention Tips

  KIRKLAND ENTERS HOUSEHOLD FIRE SEASON COOKING AND HOT ASHES START MOST FIRES What: Kirkland Fire Department data covering the last 5 years, identify cooking as the primary cause of fires the Department responds to and hot ashes as the next most frequent cause. Nationally, cooking accounts for the majority of unintentional fires and [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 10:22am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Kirkland Police Department is changing the color of their patrol cars

  UPDATED The Kirkland Police Department is changing the look of their police vehicles. Out with the color blue — the Black and Whites are coming back. During a presentation made to the City Council, Police Chief Eric Olsen explained some of the reasoning behind the new look. Why bring back Black and [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 9:30am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Burglary and Assault Suspect Arrested

  On November 19 at approximately 3:15 AM, a family residence in the 13100 block of 107th Pl NE, Kirkland, WA, had their home broken into by the brother of one of the occupants. The suspect forcibly entered the residence using a hatchet. The occupants were threatened with the hatchet and [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 3:29pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Downtown Kirkland’s ‘Days of Giving’ campaign to help local charities

  Kirkland Downtown Merchants Bring the Spirit of Giving Back, with the ‘Days of Giving’ Campaign The holidays are a special time of year. The Kirkland Downtown Association is committed to fostering relationships and giving to organizations that address social and economic needs in our community. A group of downtown merchants, led by “A” [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 9:15am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• LETTER | Representative Rouse Without Reason

  Number of comments: 6
  By Bob Style It rarely happens but when it does, it’s sickening.  Our council who we elected to represent us has reneged on what we have entrusted them to do: represent us. Let’s look at the series of events. First, backroom deals were made with the county to select a method of annexation that [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 3:56pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Kirkland Police Department Makes Several Arrests on Drug and Weapon Charges

  The Kirkland Police Department (KPD) executed a search warrant on a residence early this morning which resulted in several individuals being arrested on drug and weapon charges. The residence is located in the 10900 block of NE 118 Street. KPD had received information from citizens and the Kirkland Parks Department [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 3:35pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• December Kirkland Events Guide

  The City of Kirkland has prepared the following Kirkland Events Guide: ARTS & CULTURE A WORLD OF ARTS… NEAR YOU–AT THE KIRKLAND PERFORMANCE CENTER CHECK WEBSITE FOR FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE December performances include Theater Simple’s The Snow Queen, KPC’s Old Time Holiday Show, Charles Phoenix’s Retro Holiday Slide Show, Lyric Light Opera’s Sound of [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 10:58am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Traffic Alert – NE 85th Street Corridor increased congestion due to geotechnical borings

  TRAFFIC ALERT NE 85th Street Geotechnical Borings (NE 85th Street Corridor and Intersecting Side Streets) What: The City of Kirkland has issued a permit to a geotechnical consulting company to perform geotechnical borings and soils reconnaissance on NE 85th street from 120th Avenue NE to 132nd Avenue NE, and at the intersection [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 9:51am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• SR 520 Bridge Replacement Animation provided by WSDOT

  Number of comments: 2
  This simulation shows Option A, one of three west side design options currently under environmental review for the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project. Option A is most similar to today’s configuration, with the addition of a second Montlake drawbridge over the Montlake Cut. This WSDOT video depicts preliminary design [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 6:22am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• 2009 Turkey Trot Photos

  Number of comments: 3
  Despite a little rain, an expected 750 people turned out to support Hopelink by participating in the 9th Annual Turkey Trot in Kirkland on November 15th. The walk started at Marina Park and made a journey along Lake Washington Bld to Carillon Point and back. Jeff Heinz, Kirkland resident, has provided us [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 5:59am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Juanita Tourists

  By Jeff Heinz On my way to the Turkey Trot on Sunday, I had to pull over and let this sink in a little. Are those ducks standing under the awning, in front of the Barber Shop, to stay out of the rain? I watched the couple for several minutes as [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 7:49am EST
  by Jeff Heinz

• Juanita Neighborhoods Meeting to discuss Annexation and City Budget

  The Juanita Neighborhoods invites neighbors and others interested in our little corner of Kirkland to its upcoming meeting, Thursday, November 19th from 7-8:30 pm. Our meetings are held in the community fellowship hall of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church (on the corner of 100th Ave NE and NE 124th in Juanita).  [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 6:11am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Month of Concern for the Hungry fills eastside food banks

  77,000+ pounds of food, close to $10,000 received The Eastside Month of Concern for the Hungry, “Share What You Can,” campaign is excited to announce that from September 26 through October 24, 2009, East King County food bank shelves were filled thanks to the 77,000+ pounds of food collected and [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 2:46pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• City of Kirkland’s Green Building Program Branches Out

  Free Consultations, Enhanced Web Site Now Available The City of Kirkland has expanded its Green Building Program that includes enhanced information on its website, www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/greenbuilding free consultations for proposed sustainable building projects, and educational kiosks in City Hall. The improved website and kiosk promote the five qualities of a green [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 1:18pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Views of Kirkland

  Turkey Trotters help Hopelink Marina Park Construction crane on Lake Street Juanita Bay Park Park Lane
  
  Please visit KirklandViews.com for the rest of this story and more... We welcome your comments. You are invited to join in the conversation.

  
  

  [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 9:01am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Letter | Budgetary head in the sand

  Number of comments: 1
  By Robert Style At the latest budget study session, the council was still in denial as to what to do. The entire session was around how to make up for the “structural” difference in the budget, better know as a gap, deficit, debt, or shortfall. The plan is to cover the $13.1 [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 5:24pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Annexation drops below 60% threshold for first time

  Number of comments: 2
  UPDATED Nov 24 @10:45AM Today, another 15 votes were counted in the annexation race and the YES votes increased by 0.02%, however, annexation still remains below the 60% threshold needed for approval. With 10,813 votes counted, the latest tally has the YES vote at 59.94% with 6291 YES votes and 4205 [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 5:19pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• LWSD Superintendent proposes two levy renewals and a bond to renovate Juanita High School

  Superintendent Kimball Proposes Two Levies, One Bond for February Election Two levy renewals, bond to renovate Juanita High School and prevent overcrowding At the November 9 meeting of the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors, Superintendent Chip Kimball presented his recommendations for funding measures to place on the February 9 ballot. [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 8:33am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Ben & Jerry’s to close this Sunday to remodel; Grand re-opening in March

  Ben & Jerry’s in downtown Kirkland will temporarily close for remodeling this Sunday and they will re-open in March of next year. Until then, we look forward to celebrating their grand re-opening with plenty of Chunky Monkey. “This winter, while the Kirkland Waterfront Market building on Lake Street is renovated, Ben [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 3:22pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Transit Center Construction starts November 16, southbound 3rd Street to Close

  City of Kirkland Public Works Construction Update Notice: Downtown Kirkland Transit Center What: Construction is ready to begin on the Kirkland Transit Center project in downtown Kirkland.  Bayley Construction has been selected as the contractor for the project and URS Corp will provide construction management services. What to expect:  Bayley Construction has [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 9:47am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Annexation leading by 19 votes; Election results update tonight at 4:30PM

  Number of comments: 7
  UPDATED Nov. 12 @ 6:06 PM UPDATED Nov. 12 @ 4:16 PM Proponents of annexation are watching the King County election results with nervous anticipation. As the results slowly drip in, it is clear that annexation is the only contest in Kirkland that remains undecided. The most recent update to the election [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 8:44am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• A solemn procession

  A solemn procession of fire engines, EMS and support vehicles from as far away as Duvall and Kent, joined the Kirkland Fire Department in honoring the memory of one of their own, Firefighter Terence Goldberg. The procession drove down Market Street through Kirkland, to Bellevue, where a memorial service will [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 11:31am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Letter | Observations on the election

  Number of comments: 10
  By Jim Hitter Kirkland Views, It was just last Tuesday that the long drawn out Kirkland election drama played out. What happened and why? Here are some of my own observations. Kirkland voters were well able to make some fine distinctions when it came to filling out their own ballots. The fact that [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 8:25am EST
  by Admin

• What’s Next for the Annexation of Kingsgate, Finn Hill and North Juanita?

  Number of comments: 10
  A number of questions have arisen regarding “What’s Next?” for the annexation of Kingsgate, Finn Hill, and North Juanita. By Toby Nixon The annexation ballot measure combines three separate matters into a single question: the annexation itself, approval of the zoning code, and assumption of a proportionate share of the city’s existing [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 5:52pm EST
  by Toby Nixon

• Kirkland Traffic Alert: Turkey Trot Event, November 15

  Commuters should expect traffic delays due to the Turkey Trot event to be held on Sunday, November 15, 2009. The following roads will be closed from 1:00 p.m. until the final participant passes at approximately 1:20 p.m.: Eastbound and Westbound lanes of Kirkland Avenue from Lake Shore Plaza Drive to Lake Street [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 5:46pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• King County pharmacies to offer H1N1 vaccine for at-risk people

  Limited amounts of vaccine available; some pharmacies taking appointments now KING COUNTY, WA – To provide another option for people prioritized to receive H1N1 vaccine, selected King County pharmacies are receiving limited supplies to begin vaccinating. A total of 15,000 doses of vaccine have been allocated to pharmacies, with more [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 3:53pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Kirkland Fire Department mourns loss of Firefighter

  From the Kirkland Fire Department: From his first day on the job, Firefighter Goldberg set out to make a difference and, as a rookie, was significantly involved in developing the Department’s Strategic Plan. During his career, he served at three different fire stations; earned a number of certifications including Advanced Pump [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 11:03am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Port of Seattle joins County, others in preserving Eastside Rail Corridor

  Number of comments: 4
  The Port of Seattle will be joined by several local agencies in preserving the Eastside Rail Corridor and placing it in public ownership.  King County, Sound Transit, the City of Redmond, Puget Sound Energy, and the Cascade Water Alliance will partner with the port in maximizing the corridor’s benefit for [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 2:30pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Construction Begins on the New Kirkland Transit Center; Library to reopen Dec. 5

  Sound Transit Notice: Kirkland Transit Center Transit Center Construction Set to Start, 3rd Street to Close. Construction is ready to begin on the Kirkland Transit Center project in downtown Kirkland.  Bayley Construction has been selected as the contractor for the project and URS Corp will provide construction management services. Bayley Construction has [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 2:09pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Downtown Tree Lighting- KDA makes a call for donations

  The annual Tree Lighting in Marina Park is a wonderful way to start the season in joyous spirit. Past years have had choirs singing, live reindeer, Santa photos and hot cocoa for the kids. It is a time fun for all ages. This year, the Kirkland Tree Lighting will take [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 8:13am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Mind the Gap! Kirkland’s 2009-2010 budget shortfall climbs to $13.1 Million

  Number of comments: 4
  Just two days after the election, the City of Kirkland announces a Special Study Session for the City Council to discuss some sobering news: the 2009-2010 mid-biennial budget “gap” has risen to a whopping $13.1 million. The table below summarizes the revised shortfall projection and the staff’s recommended strategies for closing [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 4:57pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Now what? With a Yes to annexation and a No to new taxes, big changes are coming to Kirkland

  Number of comments: 10
  The voters have spoken. While the final results are being tallied, it looks the message is clear. The majority of voters want change in Kirkland’s leadership and they don’t want to pay increased utility taxes. The majority of voters in the annexation areas want to officially become a part of [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 8:05am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• UPDATED Election Results – Margins widen in council races and annexation

  UPDATED Nov. 6 @4:45 PM CITY OF KIRKLAND Ballots Cast/Registered Voters:  11690/ 28631 40.83% Council Position No. 1 Martin Morgan 22.88% Joan McBride 76.88% Council Position No. 3 Penny Sweet 67.88% Brad Larssen 31.96% Council Position No. 5 Amy Walen 63.39% Karen Tennyson 36.33% Council Position No. 7 Tom Hodgson 33.08% Doreen Marchione 66.67% PROP 1 Proposition No. 1 YES [...]
  
  Please visit KirklandViews.com [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 4:34pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Houghton Community Council Receives 67% Approval

  Number of comments: 5
  The Houghton Community Council will continue to represent its community as it gets the seal of approval from voters with over 67% in preliminary election results. http://www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/Planning/HCC.htm HOUGHTON COMMUNITY MUNICIPAL CORP Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 1255 / 4596 27.31% Proposition No. 1 Continuation Of Community Municipal Corporation YES  722 67.98% NO  340 32.02% Source: King County Elections Thanks to [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 8:51am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Thank you to all of the candidates

  Number of comments: 3
  Kirkland Views would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown by each of the candidates and their supporters over the course of this election. One simply cannot endure the trials of a contested campaign for elected office without a true sense of civic duty. For this, we thank [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 7:04am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Preliminary Election Results – Annexation Passes and Prop 1 Utility Tax Fails

  Number of comments: 10
  Welcome to Kirkland! Preliminary election night results are in and it looks like Annexation of Kirkland’s Proposed Annexation Areas has passed and Kirkland’s Prop. 1 Voted Utility Tax has failed at the ballot. These results combined with the preliminary results from the City Council races means big changes are coming to Kirkland. [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 10:03pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Preliminary Election Results for Kirkland City Council

  Number of comments: 10
  UPDATED Preliminary election night results are in. With 23.93% of registered voters counted, it looks like Kirkland has elected Joan McBride, Penny Sweet, Amy Walen and Doreen Marchione to the City Council. These four women occasionally campaigned together as they were largely supported by the same majority of Kirkland citizens. Likewise, [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 7:10pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Visionaries Sought for Kirkland Neighborhood Plan Updates

  Visionaries Sought for Kirkland Neighborhood Plan Updates Central Houghton, Lakeview residents wanted for advisory groups At a recent event hosted by Kirkland’s Planning and Community Development Department,residents from the Central Houghton and Lakeview neighborhoods participated in a unique exercise, known as World Café, that involved simultaneous group conversations about the future land use, transportation, housing [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 3:22pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Election Results Schedule: 8:15pm tonight

  Get the latest rundown of election results for Kirkland City Council at http://www.kirklandviews.com/2009/11/03/election-results/ At 8:15pm, mail ballots counted on election day results will be posted to the Web. As of  11/2/2009 8:00pm 24.33% of the ballots mailed have been received by King County Elections. We will update this page as new information comes in. Results [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 10:48am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Election Day – Mail Your Ballot Today

  Number of comments: 1
  Political gamesmanship was again played at last night’s Kirkland City Council meeting. However, that is now par for the course and really no surprise. Of particular interest in this election was the Sterbank Review of the Bank of America fiasco from last year in which actions taken by City Staff [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 6:55am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Merrill Gardens at Kirkland named project of the year for senior housing communities in United States

  MultiFamily Executive Magazine (MFE) chose Merrill Gardens at Kirkland as the winner of the Grand Award for Senior Living at the annual MFE and Developer Awards in Las Vegas recently.  At the ceremony, awards were presented to recognize exceptional projects and programs across 16 categories. The Merrill Gardens at Kirkland [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 5:11pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Where there’s smoke, there’s fire

  Number of comments: 9
  For those of you who have yet to vote in this election, one lesson to learn is this: do your homework. There are falsehoods and dirty tricks being played to persuade you to vote for certain candidates. Learn about the candidates and the controversies surrounding them. This observer can say that [...]
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  Posted: November 01, 2009, 6:30pm EST
  by Rob Butcher

• Downtown Merchants Participate in Pumpkin Carving Contest

  The KDA merchants competed in a Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest which helped make the downtown look spooky and ready for trick or treaters. The participating merchants’ jack-o-lanterns were scored by a group of volunteer judges.* The overall winner was The Kirkland Arts Center with their elaborate Halloween Dragon. Honorable mentions were [...]
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  Posted: November 01, 2009, 10:19am EST
  by Rob Butcher

• LETTERS | The Clear Choice for City Council

  Number of comments: 4
  By David Aubry Dear Editor: It is apparent to even the most casual observer that Change is needed on Kirkland’s City Council. Which candidates will bring this change? The primary theme of Kirkland Council candidate Karen Tennyson’s recent campaign mailer documenting ‘differences’ between herself and Amy Walen is Ms. Tennyson’s City experience [...]
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  Posted: October 31, 2009, 4:44pm EDT
  by Admin

• LETTERS | Save the Rangers

  By Diana Mercedes Howell Dear Editor: Our Parks Department vows to: “Encourage …groups and individual residents to get involved.” Since 2,000 Juanita Bay Park Rangers have contributed 12,000 volunteer hours enlightening the next generation of young people and enriching visitors’ knowledge of nature and wildlife. In 2008, rangers rounded up over 500 [...]
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  Posted: October 31, 2009, 6:18am EDT
  by Admin

• The Vial of L.I.F.E.–End of Daylight Savings Time-update your personal medical information for emergency first-responders

  By Debra Sinick Have you ever called an ambulance for help?  It can be a pretty scary experience.  When you’re rattled because you’re hurt or someone else is, it’s hard to keep all the medical information straight.  I’m sure you’ve also heard of ambulances pulling up to homes and the injured [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 5:16pm EDT
  by Debra Sinick

• Eastside Corridor Tolling Study Open House Nov. 5th

  As part of the Eastside Corridor Tolling Study, WSDOT is considering adding an additional lane on I-405 that combined with the existing HOV lane could operate as two express toll lanes, creating a 50+ mile corridor from Puyallup to Lynnwood. To involve the public and gather feedback, they are hosting a [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 4:59pm EDT
  by Rob Butcher

• Turkey Trot at Marina Park November 15th

  It’s Turkey Trot time of year again. The annual fundraiser benefitting HopeLink is November 15th at Marina Park. The roundtrip (3 mile or 5K) walk to Carillon Point and back  is a fun way to help support a worthy cause. For photos from last year’s Turkey Trot, please visit: http://www.kirklandviews.com/2008/11/16/hopelink-turkey-trot-kirkland-events-photos/ Event Location: Marina Park [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 11:25am EDT
  by Rob Butcher

• Evergreen Hospital to Begin Screening Visitors for H1N1 Flu

  Due to the increased numbers of H1N1 (swine) flu patients, Evergreen Hospital Medical Center will screen everyone entering the hospital for flu symptoms beginning Monday, Nov. 2. Visitors with flu symptoms will be asked not to enter the hospital. Those seeking medical care will be screened and directed to appropriate areas [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 5:01am EDT
  by Rob Butcher

• Allegations of theft and vandalism are completely false says No Kirkland Annexation Committee

  Number of comments: 10
  By Scott Brady The allegations that I, and the No Kirkland Annexation Committee (NOKA) members have stolen or destroyed any signs is completely false.  We are not thieves.  Please do not refer to us as such.  Every campaign has suffered destruction of signs, including ours. I have contacted KOMO 4’s management about [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 3:10pm EDT
  by Admin

• These sorts of shenanigans have no place in Kirkland government

  By Paul Hall Dear Editor, I sent this letter to Karen Tennyson and I submit it as a letter to the editor in Kirkland Views: I was disappointed in the deceptive way that you implied the support of Matt Gregory in your latest mailing. The selectively edited, out of context quote from the Reporter, was [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 3:03pm EDT
  by Admin

• Bank of America Project Review released to public

  Redacted version of Sterbank Report now available from City of Kirkland UPDATED: As of October 14, 2009, the total amount billed by attorney Bob Sterbank, of Kenyon Disend PLLC,  for the Bank of America report was $8,993.47. The City of Kirkland has just released what is being called the “Bank of America [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 12:19pm EDT
  by Rob Butcher

• 100 Hounds of Kirkland Calendar available Nov. 12

  Calendar available Nov. 12 with “100 HOUNDS OF KIRKLAND” book coming spring 2010 Catharine Handfelt, Kirkland photographer and creator of “100 Hounds of Kirkland”(TM) — a series of photographs showcasing canines all over Kirkland — today announced that the “100 Hounds of Kirkland 2010 Calendar” will be available for purchase on November [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 11:28am EDT
  by Rob Butcher

• Do you have the guts to change the status quo?

  Number of comments: 4
  By Kiri Rennaker Dear Editor, Having served on the Planning Commission for over nine years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with a majority of the current Council members. I have worked with Jim Lauinger, Mary-Alyce Burleigh, Tom Hodgson, Jessica Greenway and most recently, candidate Karen Tennyson. With the exception of [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 10:20am EDT
  by Admin

• Google’s new Kirkland campus – now open for business

  Wednesday’s official opening of the new Google campus in Kirkland has sparked a flurry of news stories, interviews and video tours on local blogs. Xconomy has posted an article by Gregory T. Huang titled, “Google Kirkland Is Hiring, and Other Highlights from the Company’s Northwest Birthplace” which discusses some of the happenings [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 8:12am EDT
  by Rob Butcher

• Metropolitan Market brings much needed refresh of Houghton Center

  Number of comments: 5
  The Houghton Center is undergoing a major facelift as they prepare for the arrival of a new Metropolitan Market, hopefully in 2010. The old Houghton Market is long gone and only a shell of the building remains. This past week a rendering was posted shedding light on what the future [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 2:56pm EDT
  by Rob Butcher

• Quote from Kirkland Reporter Verified

  Number of comments: 1
  By Friends of Karen Tennyson Matt, Rob and readers of Kirkland Views: In response to a posting which appeared yesterday, please note that Matt Gregory was quoted (August 19, 2009 edition, Kirkland Reporter) as stating: “I feel that Amy is not qualified,” said Gregory, adding that Walen has never been on any neighborhood [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 9:59am EDT
  by Friends of Karen Tennyson

• Creative parking in Totem Lake

  It seems that parking is so scarce in parts of Totem Lake that people have resorted to parking along side of the railroad tracks in what appears to be the rail right of way.  These photos show cars parked along the unused BNSF railroad tracks north of NE 124th next to [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 8:37am EDT
  by Rob Butcher

• Annexation – Facing a tough choice

  Number of comments: 10
  By Robert L. Style KOMO TV’s coverage of the missing or mutilated yard signs had three major points, one from each side of the annexation issue and one from the media. The media harped on what was happening to the signs.  They thought it was news.  What should have been news were the reasons [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 7:49am EDT
  by Robert L. Style

• Matt Gregory says Tennyson campaign tactic “misrepresents the integrity I uphold”

  Number of comments: 3
  By Matt Gregory Upon my return from two weeks vacations abroad, I was shocked to find yesterday that my name and past quote from the Kirkland Reporter were highlighted on the recent Karen Tennyson mailed flyer. People have since contacted me about this as they took it as an implied endorsement, [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 1:41pm EDT
  by Admin

• Replacing the SR-520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge

  Enclosure: [download]

  State Representative Larry Springer discusses the future of the bridge over the big water in Capital Ideas, a podcast produced by the Washington State House Democratic Caucus. One of the most pressing, most expensive, and most controversial projects in Washington state today is the proposed replacement of the State Route 520 [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 9:10am EDT
  by Rob Butcher

• End sign theft and vandalism says Pro-Annexation group

  Number of comments: 5
  Citizens for One Kirkland, the registered campaign committee supporting the annexation of Kingsgate, Finn Hill, and North Juanita into the city of Kirkland, today called upon opponents of annexation to cease the widespread theft and vandalism of pro-annexation campaign signs. “More than 90% of the campaign signs we put out a [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 10:34pm EDT
  by Rob Butcher

• Kirkland’s Pace Race Was A Success

  Number of comments: 1
  By Debra Sinick Sunday was really cold. It was a bone chilling 39 degrees. I froze while standing outside for a couple of hours,  but a great day was had by those who participated in the PACE race in downtown Kirkland.  I’d like to tell you I was a runner or [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 9:29pm EDT
  by Debra Sinick