Potluck tomorrow from noon to 2pm at Highland Park
Mari
Join us at Highland Park from 12:00–2:00 PM for a community potluck! Bring a dish to share and enjoy great food, fun, and conversation with your neighbors.
To help reduce waste, please bring your own cup, plate, and cutlery.
We hope to see you there!
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Highlights from the Recent KAN Meeting: A Look at Public Safety and Health in Kirkland
At our latest Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods (KAN) meeting, we had the pleasure of hearing from two distinguished community leaders: Chief of Police Cherie Harris and Dr. Ettore Palazzo, CFO of EvergreenHealth.
Farewell and Gratitude to Chief Cherie Harris
Chief Cherie Harris, who has led the Kirkland Police Department for over nine years, will be retiring later this year. Under her leadership, the department has implemented numerous innovative and community-focused initiatives, including:
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Use of Crash Tech and body-worn cameras
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A gun buyback program offering gift cards
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Free gun lock giveaways
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Deployment of drug detection handheld devices
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De-escalation training for officers
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A strong focus on team-based problem-solving
Chief Harris emphasized the department’s commitment to building trust and safety within the community through thoughtful, modern policing strategies.
If you're interested in learning more or getting involved, consider signing up for the Community Police Academy:
🔗 Kirkland Community Police Academy – Now Accepting Applications
Dr. Ettore Palazzo on EvergreenHealth’s Past, Present, and Future
Dr. Ettore Palazzo, CFO of EvergreenHealth, shared insights into the evolution and ongoing mission of our community hospital. Originally founded in 1968 as Evergreen General Hospital, the Kirkland campus has grown into a comprehensive health system that:
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Provides 345 acute care beds
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Offers a full spectrum of services—from maternity to end-of-life care
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Does not turn away patients, regardless of their ability to pay
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Operates as a public hospital district, meaning it is partially taxpayer-funded and accountable to residents
EvergreenHealth is seeking voter approval on August 5 for a modest levy increase to continue expanding its services. The proposed measure would:
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Add approximately $0.50 per $1,000 in assessed property value (about $35/month per home)
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Help expand primary care, enhance mental health services, and more
Dr. Palazzo stressed that this investment is essential to keep pace with the growing healthcare needs of our community while ensuring that care remains accessible to all.
Both speakers reflected the values that make Kirkland a strong, connected, and forward-thinking community. Many thanks to Chief Harris for her years of service, and to EvergreenHealth for continuing to provide compassionate care.