According to a report by Amnesty International in 2004, an estimated 368,000 people in Washington State had been victims of racial profiling by law enforcement authorities. This report helped to highlight a growing public perception of unequal treatment of minorities by police officers.

The city of Bellevue and its police department are holding a forum next week to create a better dialogue between officers and those they're bound to serve.

"The police and community need to be in the same room together and start a conversation," said Kevin Henry, cultural diversity coordinator for the city of Bellevue. "With the growing diversity of Bellevue, the community needs to connect with the police who are there to serve their needs."

The meeting, titled "The Police and the Community - Building Bridges of Understanding and Collaboration," will be held Wednesday, Sept. 17 at the North Bellevue Community Center.

Bellevue Police Chief Linda Pillo and King County Superior Court Judge Steve Gonzalez will be speaking. The program is designed to have participants voice their opinions and have the city's leaders listen...

Rising mortgage payments have paved the way for scammers who peruse foreclosure listings. Grasping at any offer for help, their victims have paid for false promises, been cheated out of equity and, in severe cases, were tricked into transferring ownership of their homes...

A significant increase in mental illness and behavioral problems among adolescent African- American males demonstrates the need for new approaches to treatment and better understanding of the complex challenges facing these youths, according to a policy paper issued by Community Voices: Healthcare for the Underserved, an advocacy group based at Morehouse School of Medicine...

A fundraiser for Seattle jazz legend Buddy Catlett is Sunday, Sept. 14th from 5 to 11 p.m. at The Pampas Room, 90 Wall St., Belltown. Catlett is suffering from a failing heart valve, and friends recently moved him into an assisted living facility. They're trying to raise money to help keep him there as well as help with his medical expenses. Organizers are calling upon the Seattle music community to help share some of their time and talent at the event to help raise some of the money Catlett needs...

Leon Hendrix, the younger brother of Seattle icon Jimmy Hendrix, performs with his band the Leon Hendrix Mysterience at Hendrix Fest, Sept. 7 at Magnusen Park.  The Hendrix Fest, part of the 24th Annual Peace Concert Series, included performances by Cafe Authors and Shotty...

The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers for both local and national disaster responses.

"Our volunteers who are already established locally are the first ones to be deployed when there is national disaster response like Hurricane Gustav," said American Red Cross Serving King and Kitsap Counties Readiness Manager Dave Nichols.  "Now is a good time to fill out an application and get trained to be a disaster volunteer...

Global Rhythms: The Griot's Song, is a one-time only event bringing together three of Mali's most outstanding Griots, or traditional praise singers: Abdoulaye Diabate, Mamadou Diabate, and Yacouba Sissoko. The show is Thursday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Seattle Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave...

The Attorney General's Office is warning Washington residents that they should not provide Social Security numbers, bank accounts or other personal information to callers claiming to be from the government.

Washington consumers who receive benefits have previously reported receiving calls from cons posing as government employees. Government agencies will never call or e-mail you to ask for your bank account or Social Security number; they already have the information...

A Day of Hope and Healing is being held in Seattle to help people overcome their anger, self hate, low self-esteem, rejection, hopelessness, ability to forgive, violence and suicidal thoughts...

What's happening for you in Portland this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of free community events to fill your spare time. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below.