To brighten the holidays for Bellevue families in need, residents are invited to donate toys at any of the city's nine fire stations from Saturday, Nov. 21, through Monday, Dec. 7.

The toys will go to children at the Crossroads Community Center's annual holiday party in December. Last year, more than 1,500 families turned to the center for help, and organizers say that number could be even higher this year.

To brighten the holidays for Bellevue families in need, residents are invited to donate toys at any of the city's nine fire stations from Saturday, Nov. 21, through Monday, Dec. 7.

The toys will go to children at the Crossroads Community Center's annual holiday party in December. Last year, more than 1,500 families turned to the center for help, and organizers say that number could be even higher this year.

City Council members on Monday closely questioned Sound Transit officials about the latest work to determine where a future light rail route will be located in downtown Bellevue.

The briefing by Sound Transit staff was the latest in a string of council updates on efforts to locate the East Link light rail line in a way that balances regional interests with the need to minimize neighborhood impacts and maintain mobility on local streets. Sound Transit hosts a workshop for the public Wednesday, Nov. 18, 4 to 7 p.m. (with a presentation at 5 p.m.) at City Hall.

A statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been placed at the Bellevue Regional Library downtown. Despite rain, hundreds, including included Meera Shankar, the Indian ambassador to the U.S., attended a dedication on Saturday, Oct. 17.  

The six-foot, bronze figure is a gift from India to Bellevue, honoring the people of the city where many Indian nationals who have settled and found success. Indian officials say that India has applied to the U.S. State Department for permission to establish a consulate in Bellevue. To serve the Pacific Northwest region, it would be the first consulate from any country here.

In the process of updating its long-range plan for parks and open spaces in Bellevue, the city has developed a five-minute survey to ask people how they currently use Bellevue parks and trails, and what types of parks and recreational facilities they would like to see in the future. 

Planners with the Parks & Community Services Department are seeking input from anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Bellevue. The survey is accessible from the department's home page or on the Bellevue Parks blog. The blog invites other discussions with park users too.