John Riggs was born and raised in Yakima. He moved away from Washington state for about 10 years, but moved back home, bringing along his wife and three kids. You'll find John in town snapping photos when he's covering new business openings, especially restaurants. He loves to help spread the word, and to encourage folks to shop local first. John also loves to travel, always looking for quick weekend getaways, attending events, and fan expos around the country. Don't be too shy to say, "Hi!"
John Riggs
This Washington Town is One of the Most Mispronounced in America
Washington State is no stranger when it comes to names of towns nobody outside of the locals can't pronounce. In our area alone we have Wapato, Toppenish, Selah, Ahtanum, Tieton, and not to mention Wenas that, if I wasn't local, I'd laugh uncontrollably every time someone mententioned Wenas...
Walmart Could Be Getting Rid of THIS — and I’m Glad
Remember when Walmart had greeters? They would actually be standing there on the way into the store welcoming you to Walmart.
Now we have employees who just judge you when you walk out and want to check your receipt.
I found myself at Walmart yesterday as my kid needed a few items for school...
This Tex-Mex Soup in Yakima Hits the Spot, Especially in Winter
At any restaurant, if my meal comes with the soup or salad, I'm picking soup 100% of the time. Soup seems to be a side for so many restaurants when it has every right to be front and center on any table at any time of year.
There are some spots for soup in Yakima and one places seems to stand out for amazing soup...
I Finally Did the ‘Holiday Light Fest’ and Sorry I Didn’t Do it Sooner
The Holiday Light Fest at State Fair Park is a new tradition in Yakima. I love the idea that you can stay in your car and drive along and see all the lights all around you to both sides, in front and even around. It's a very cool ordeal.
For various reasons ranging from me being out of town or being sick, I've never had the opportunity to experience this for myself until last night...
Celebrate Christmas with Krispy Kreme and the Fun December Doughnuts
Krispy Kreme is bringing festive fun to Christmas with special edition doughnuts inspired by the classic movie Elf! Enjoy three unique flavors, like the Buddy Makes Breakfast Doughnut with cake batter-flavored buttercream and mini M&Ms.
Starting January 1, 2024, Washington State will Have the Highest Minimum Wage
Washington State Labor and Industries (L&I) the minimum wage for Washington State will go up 3.4% from 2023 making minimum wage $16.28 an hour. That's higher than anywhere else in the entire country. That's more than California, more than New York, more than anywhere...
Washington State Adopts New Gun Laws
A 10-day waiting period, registration and background checks through the Washington State Patrol will be mandatory under the new gun laws in Washington State starting January 1, 2024.
When Are You Legally Allowed to NOT Wear a Seat Belt in WA?
Buckle Up!
It's something engraved into our heads when we get in the car to drive anywhere, you gotta put on your seat belt.
Yes, there was a time in the 80s I remember it seemed like seat belts were optional but I won't even put the car out of park until all my kids are safely buckled now...
If You Love Heat, This ‘Fuego Burger’ is Found at an Unlikely Place in Yakima
Enjoy a habanero-infused burger, tacos, burritos and more!
More Snow in the Weeks Ahead in Yakima, but It Won’t Stick… For Now
Unseasonably cold temperatures have Yakima residents wondering if they'll experience snow. Though it wasn't as widespread as some hoped, more snow could be on the horizon.
$500 Fine for Using a Snow Blower During These Hours in Washington and Oregon
In the coming months the snow will start to fall and, in lieu of using a snow shovel, you may opt to use a snow blower. They're big handy, they're neat, they come with more power, and, if you use it during a certain time frame, you may be fined $500 for your efforts...
Do This and Get a $500 Fine when Driving Over Snoqualmie Pass
Know before you go.
That's the mantra you should carry with you any time you leave Yakima, especially going over any mountain pass like Snoqualmie, Satus or any other road, really, going anywhere out of town.
Yakima is fortunate to be in a valley sometimes uneffected by elements at times...