Ben Watanabe

Washington

Social Media Producer and Reporter at The Everett Daily Herald

@everettherald journalist covering Everett and transportation. formerly @whidbeyrecord. once ate a 12-inch cheesecake in a single day and didn't vomit

Articles

An ode to Buzz Inn Steakhouses, a Snohomish County institution

Oct 7, 2023 | heraldnet.com | Ben Watanabe

Decades after indoor smoking became illegal, I still expect to see and smell the smoke when I walk into the Buzz Inn Steakhouse on Evergreen Way in south Everett. That’s all long gone, a vestige of when restaurants had smoking and non-smoking sections. Today, it’s still the same neighborhood fixture, only well-ventilated.
Street Smarts columnist signs off from a dream job

Aug 6, 2023 | heraldnet.com | Ben Watanabe

This is my stop. I wanted to be a reporter at The Daily Herald since I was a kid. In a lot of ways, this job was a dream come true. After just over three years guiding the handlebars of Street Smarts, seven years at The Daily Herald and almost 13 years with Sound Publishing, my days pedaling (maybe it should be peddling) are over. I’m leaving journalism to become a teacher.
In light rail’s path, Casino Road businesses brace for impact

Aug 5, 2023 | heraldnet.com | Ben Watanabe

EVERETT — Los Gavilanes thrums. Bakers mix eggs, flour, salt and water to make dough for fresh bread daily. Others decorate intricate cakes. Butchers chop and slice meat. Blenders whirl for fresh juice smoothies. Customers stream in throughout the day. Card readers beep, and cash registers chime and clang. The store at the nexus of Casino Road and Evergreen Way carries brands and staples for Hispanic and Mexican communities in Everett.
In light rail’s path, Casino Road businesses brace for impact

Aug 5, 2023 | businesspostexaminer.com | Ben Watanabe

EVERETT — Los Gavilanes thrums. Bakers mix eggs, flour, salt and water to make dough for fresh bread daily. Others decorate intricate cakes. Butchers chop and slice meat. Blenders whirl for fresh juice smoothies. Customers stream in throughout the day. Card readers beep, and cash registers chime and clang. The store at the nexus of Casino Road and Evergreen Way carries brands and staples for Hispanic and Mexican communities in Everett.
2 hospitalized after motorcycle crash on Highway 530

Jul 31, 2023 | heraldnet.com | Ben Watanabe

The driver and passenger were ejected from the motorcycle Sunday afternoon west of Darrington. DUI was suspected, according to the state patrol. DARRINGTON — Two people were hospitalized Sunday afternoon after crashing on a motorcycle along Highway 530 west of Darrington. They were westbound on the highway around 4:25 p.m. when the motorcycle went off the road to the right, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Everett bike lanes’ white curb, paint confuse drivers on Madison

Jul 30, 2023 | heraldnet.com | Ben Watanabe

Bike lanes have come to Madison Street in Everett. The city chose to restripe the pavement after having the asphalt redone this summer. Skinnier vehicle lanes and some other changes made room for bike lanes in each direction on both sides of the road. Like most things that change, it hasn’t been universally popular. At some intersections, the green paint on the roadway stands out. In others, a white line marks the boundary between bike and vehicle lanes.
County gives Everett $4M for replacement shelter purchase

Jul 27, 2023 | heraldnet.com | Ben Watanabe

EVERETT — Snohomish County is giving $4 million to the City of Everett so officials and staff can find a new site for a shelter that has operated since 2019 near downtown. But that location won’t be the Waits Motel, which is being considered for city-ordered condemnation and demolition. Staff in an Everett City Council document made it clear the money wouldn’t be used to convert the 24-room motel at 1301 Lombard Ave., into a shelter, which some nearby residents opposed.
Child care, mental health set for $2M in federal funding from Everett

Jul 27, 2023 | heraldnet.com | Ben Watanabe

Riley, 7, left, and Under, 6, wait for breakfast at Tomorrow’s Hope Child Development Center on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / Herald file) Cost increases and shuttering child care centers prompted the city to dedicate ARPA funds to addressing the problem.
Everett passes code changes that could boost ADU construction

Jul 24, 2023 | heraldnet.com | Ben Watanabe

Since 2020, only 53 “mother-in-law” units have been approved, with another 11 under review. New rules could streamline the process. EVERETT — More small homes in back yards, in converted garages and next to existing homes could be on the way in Everett after code changes for accessory dwelling units. The Everett City Council unanimously approved Wednesday a suite of changes under consideration since last year.
Drivers must reroute so salmon have a better commute near Mill Creek

Jul 23, 2023 | heraldnet.com | Ben Watanabe

Human travelers who use 128th Street SE, also called Highway 96, will be a little inconvenienced this weekend to make sure fish have an easier commute in North Creek. Westbound lanes were set to close 10 p.m. Friday until 10 p.m. Sunday west of Dumas Road and Elgin Way near McCollum Pioneer Park. Only the right lane will be open for eastbound traffic over the weekend. The detour for westbound travel is 6.5 miles around the closure.