You have indeed reached the right person, and thank you so much for your message. The panel was removed temporarily for maintenance reasons, and we will be replacing it soon.

I very much appreciate you taking the time to send us this message. Although we do regularly inspect our facilities and artwork, it is the often the sharp eyes and ears of people like you that serves as our best line of defense against vandalism.

Best regards,

Jennifer Babuca

I was walking up MLK this morning on the way to the light rail station when, before I had finished my first cup of coffee, I was confronted with the absence of one of our beloved reflector art panels. What villainy is afoot? Does anybody know what happened?

I have a message out to Sound Transit about it and will post if I find out anything.

She wrote a really nice post about Robert.

I will really miss this kind and gentle man.

We learned today of the death of Robert Hansen, a longtime vendor of the newspaper downtown and in the Rainier Valley.

…

Born in Seattle and raised in the Rainier Valley, after high school at Rainier Beach Robert spent 15 years hawking food and beverages in the stands at the Kingdome. Years later, he could still reel off the barks he’d use to attract business: “Ice cold beer! Freeze your teeth, give your tongue a sleigh ride,” he’d say as he strode through the stands with a tray of cups. He worked as a baker, a laborer, a meat processor and a cook. He sold newspapers throughout much of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Within six months of Real Change’s first edition in August 1994, he began selling the paper. He was a frequent presence at the Seward Park PCC, downtown near the seats of local government, and at the weekly Columbia City Farmers Market.

Read more at Real Change.

Today, Columbia City is seen as one of the most diverse, active, and vibrant communities in Seattle. Its historic district has drawn in tourists, and mobility has been facilitated by Link Light Rail's new station. But nothing is more impressive than the neighborhood's 180 degree transformation. Several events that were part of the initial grassroots revitalization efforts still exist: the Columbia City BeatWalk, the Rainier Valley Garden Tour, a farmers market, and the Columbia City Gallery. Despite the rapid gentrification (which even Darryl admitted was a necessary step in renewal), the neighborhood is now ethnically, socially, and economically diverse.

In Columbia City, I think that's the Toby Building (this isn't its most flattering picture, but you know it).

It has a storied history as a neighborhood anchor. It has all the stature, solidity and permanence of the landmark district. Its assertive corner bay is a focal point, as if to say, "Here you are, welcome to our crossroads".

Thing is, I've never thought the ground floor space lived up to its 100% calling. For years, it's been home to the Technology Access Foundation, a well-recognized local nonprofit focused on students of color. TAF seems like a great program — I just think this institution would have been better located in a second story or on a side street. In any case, TAF has now moved a few blocks south to Genesee.

The building is owned by Pioneer Human Services, and they provide 27 units of affordable, transitional apartments in the two floors above. Pioneer believes that "every individual has untapped potential and, given the chance for change, can become a contributing member of our community." I sure hope they apply this same thinking to this drowsy storefront.

TAF gave its notice ages ago, and the space is vacant now. So I'm hoping there are some active proposals in the works. Apart from Jesse's CCCC/LLL idea, what other options are out there?

Now I'm looking forward to cold local brews on tap. Beer floats, anyone?

Boy was the wait worth every lick. Had a plant root based flavor that was odd but delicious. They were out of the Mexican chocolate - can't wait to try that one.

Good people; great ice cream; fresh made waffle cones tasty as well.

Mikala