Brad Miyake, Bellevue's acting city manager, will travel to Japan March 7-15 as part of a delegation of 10 prominent Japanese Americans building "people-to-people" connections with Japanese leaders.

"Improving cultural and economic relations between the U.S. and Japan is of great importance to me and to the city of Bellevue, as we become a more diverse and international city," Miyake said. "I'm pleased to represent the city in this visit, and look forward to connecting with my Japanese culture and establishing long-lasting, valuable relationships with Japanese government and business leaders, as well as my fellow delegates."

Brad Miyake, Bellevue's acting city manager, will travel to Japan March 7-15 as part of a delegation of 10 prominent Japanese Americans building "people-to-people" connections with Japanese leaders.

"Improving cultural and economic relations between the U.S. and Japan is of great importance to me and to the city of Bellevue, as we become a more diverse and international city," Miyake said. "I'm pleased to represent the city in this visit, and look forward to connecting with my Japanese culture and establishing long-lasting, valuable relationships with Japanese government and business leaders, as well as my fellow delegates."

A new program by Bellevue's Probation Services offers work in lieu of jail. "It kind of feels good just being a part of the Bellevue community and helping instead of sitting in jail," said Ryan Trimble, a program participant.

Trimble and others talk about their work experiences on the latest edition of Lake to Lake, a video news show available on the city's YouTube channel and on Bellevue TV. Also featured this month are segments on calling 8-1-1 before you dig, surviving a heart attack and warning signs of a financial scam.

Also, update on Downtown Livability

Following a public hearing that drew eight speakers, the City Council extended a temporary ordinance restricting the number of unrelated people who can live together in a residential dwelling.

This spring, Bellevue Parks & Community Services will unveil a new feature designed for thrills. Check out this sneak preview!

When residents weigh in on the design of East Link stations next week and next month, the Bellevue Light Rail Permitting Citizen Advisory Committee will be there with them. The new group, appointed by the City Council in September, is profiled in this month's issue of It's Your City, which landed on doorsteps last week.

The newsletter also features a Council Corner column in which John Stokes explains how your council members act regionally to achieve great things for the city and an introduction to the city's new mayor, Claudia Balducci, and new deputy mayor, Kevin Wallace. It's Your City