Building stronger relationships for community and police is the focus of an upcoming forum, "Police and the Community, Building Bridges of Understanding and Collaboration." The forum is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 17, 6 to 9 p.m. at the North Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th Ave. NE.

Featured speakers include: Bellevue Police Chief Linda Pillo and King County Superior Court Judge Steve Gonzalez. The program will also include facilitated discussions to foster dialogue and understanding between police, youth and people of color.

Sponsored by the Bellevue Parks & Community Services Cultural Diversity Program, the event is part of a series of "Eastside Conversations on Race and Culture." It coincides with expanded outreach efforts by the Police Department.

The goal of "Eastside Conversations" is to strengthen relationships, build trust and foster positive communication between the public and the police to make the community feel connected and safe. The forums help participants gain experience talking about race and culture and encourage commitments to take future action. 

The "Eastside Conversations" series is cosponsored by the Bellevue School District, Parent Advisory Council, Eastside Asian Pacific Islanders, Institute for Community Involvement, Black Council of the Eastside, Japanese Americans Citizens League Lake Washington Chapter, Eastside Latino Leadership Forum, City University, Main Street Mediation and Communication Services, Bellevue Community College and Bellevue Entrepreneur Center.

Light refreshments will be provided. Interested participants are asked to RSVP to Callie Shanafelt at cshanafelt@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-7922.

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