On an unexpectedly impressive evening for the entire community of Culver City, Police Chief Scott Bixby and his audience were equally weighted co-stars in an unusual program in Council Chambers.

At the timely request of City Councilperson Meghan Sahli-Wells, Mr. Bixby was invited last night to address an unknown audience — of illegal immigrants? Their sympathizers? Their opponents? The just-curious – about the Police Dept.’s policy regarding illegal immigrants.

Especially since the City Council is expected to make Culver City an official sanctuary city at its Monday, March 27 meeting.

Neither side knew what to expect.

By the end, though, everyone seemed pleased to have been there and quite actively participated.

Bristling questions were asked respectfully.

Mr. Bixby replied in a concise, unbuttered manner – as if he has been doing this all of his adult life.

He has.

Tall and erect at the podium, facing a large audience, Mr. Bixby was at his professional and public relations best.

The police chief declared once again what by now is a well-memorized mantra, that everyday law and order is the business of the Police Dept., not lurking in shadows, peering around corners, spying from safe distances to try and trap illegal immigrants.

Both he and his hugely involved listeners seemed satisfied with the implication that immigrants, legal and illegal, are as safe in Culver City as they are, say, in San Francisco.

Mr. Bixby suggested that his department may conduct more overt and regularly scheduled outreach than any law agency in the country.

Perhaps for that reason, audience and leader appeared entirely comfortable with each other.

Provocative questions were few, and they were handled professionally compactly, with no salad dressing leaking from the questions or the answers.

Maybe another such respectful give-and-take evening will be in order – as long as the current electric environment prevails.

Nearly all members of the audience