It's fun to read about the neighborhood from folks who live elsewhere, and Sherwin Lee does a decent job from the outside looking in, today in a P-I blog. It's also good to see that Darryl Smith continues to inspire as an ambassador of community.
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.