Rainier Valley Light Rail Update

There's been a lot of talk recently revolving around the light rail opening soon in Rainier Valley. After five years of construction, Sound Transit’s light rail is nearly up and running and not everyone is excited.

I've put together a couple of links so you can catch up on all the news.


The Rainier Valley Post is an AWESOME blog and if you live in South Seattle it is a must read.
On the Light Rail Issue:
Here you can find local opinions a plenty with viewpoints ranging from semi-racist, to hyper-informed, most worth reading. There are a couple of different articles written on the subject, so be sure to check this blog out.


The Seattle Pilot has a recent article that expounds on the development, or lack there of, that the light rail has brought to Martin Luther King Blvd.

Seattle Transit Blog talks about similar development issues surrounding the transit line.

Public Purpose This was written a few years back and is the "against" in the light rail argument. It's pretty dense read, and if I had to summarize that main point of the article can be understood with this quote:

Sound Transit is hurrying to sign a 'full funding grant agreement" with the federal government. That will oblige the region to complete the project, without regard to its burgeoning costs, diminishing benefits, or the fiscal capacity of current taxing authority. This is a precarious moment in the history of Seattle and the region.

So there you have it. If you're in the area, and would like to chime in with an opinion, please feel free.


-Raj

Seattle Slugger Ichiro Puts Issaquah, WA Home on Market

According the Wall Street Journal, Seattle's Super Star right fielder, Ichiro Sazuki has put his Issaqua, Washington home on the market for $1.75 Million. The home was extensively remodeled in 2003 and boosts sweeping views of Lake Sammamish, the Cascades and Mt Baker.

Ichiro, or "一郎" to Manga lovers, has moved into new digs-also on Lake Sammamish. And while local agent Rick Minor decided against using the Japanese sluggers name (or symbol) to promote the listing, he did subtly eluded to the possibility . This, from the listing:

"Batter Up!..for this knock your baseball socks off luxury home with unobstructed views of Lake Sammamish, the Cascades and Mt Baker! This magnificent home is in a gated community with 8 custom luxury homes. A superstar remodel will leave you in AWE! Formerly listed as high as $3.2 MIL, now priced at a steal of a deal. Exotic stonework graces this one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Private patios, gardens & sports court. Step up, take a swing, hit a grand slam and make this your home base!"

The foul mouthed Ichiro has made over $75 Million since signing with the M's in 2001. Among his many baseball talents, perhaps Ichiro's most over looked skill is his ability to provide awesome quotes. The jet setting super start had this to say about upon hearing his club would be going to Cleveland instead of Chicago:

'To tell the truth, I’m not excited to go to Cleveland, but we have to,' Ichiro said through an interpreter. 'If I ever saw myself saying I’m excited going to Cleveland, I’d punch myself in the face, because I’m lying.' Ladies and gentlemen, 一郎!

You can check out additional pictures of the Ichiro's 5,000 sq home here.