Mike Madriaga

Freelance Writer and Journalist at Freelance

Multimedia Journalist (MMJ): trilingual freelancer, writer, videographer, photographer and post-production editor

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Articles

The deadly left-lane exit from 94 to Interstate 15

1 week ago | sandiegoreader.com | Cathy Rozy |Mike Madriaga

The deadly crashes at the highway 94 eastbound to I-15 northbound connector on April 3 and March 29 are the latest examples of growing safety concerns along the 94 corridor. Since November, this short stretch of freeway—from downtown San Diego to Lemon Grove—has become a hotspot for accidents, many of them fatal. On April 3, 619 News Media was among the first on the scene as emergency crews assessed the damage.
The best and worst of Game On Expo 2025 in Phoenix

2 weeks ago | phoenixnewtimes.com | Benjamin Leatherman |Mike Madriaga

Game On Expo respawned at the Phoenix Convention Center in early April for its 10th edition, unlocking a weekend of high scores, epic boss battles and esports glory. Noobs were pwned. Fantastic costumes were worn. And local gamers got the chance to meet the voice actors behind some of their favorite video game and anime characters.
Weed-infused supper club makes Phoenix debut with four-course dinners

2 weeks ago | phoenixnewtimes.com | Mike Madriaga

Her post racked up over 200 likes and a flood of affirming comments. What began as a half-baked idea quickly sprouted into a full-blown culinary concept. The Chartreuse Dinner Club, a cannabis-infused, four-course culinary adventure with vintage style and tons of flavor, was born. The concept started in New York, before moving to St. Louis and now, the club is making its Phoenix debut.
San Diego restaurants wising up to dine-and-dashers

2 weeks ago | sandiegoreader.com | Mike Madriaga

Dine-and-dashers are striking in droves, according to restaurant and bar workers in San Diego County. Photos and videos of these hungry thieves are frequently posted online by frustrated business owners and managers hoping someone will recognize the culprits.
Why disturb San Diego's dead?

3 weeks ago | sandiegoreader.com | Mike Madriaga

Digging up an Old Town grave with a wooden cross In recent months, there have been troubling reports of disrespect, vandalism, and accidents at cemeteries and memorials across San Diego County. On March 20, at around 9:00 pm, Irene T.
How a mother-daughter duo became Mesa's cinnamon roll queens

3 weeks ago | phoenixnewtimes.com | Mike Madriaga

Inside a nondescript strip mall off Guadalupe Road in Mesa, a warm, sweet scent spills out from Our Community Kitchen and its adjoining retail space, The Kitchen's Market — a shared culinary hub buzzing with artisan makers. This concept is home to Rolled Out Bakery, a cinnamon roll operation run by mother-daughter duo Erica White and Hannah Miles.
Pet drama in Ocean Beach, Skyline, North Park, Encanto, Chula Vista, and Interstate 5

1 month ago | sandiegoreader.com | Mike Madriaga

Chihuahua leads pursuers from downtown to I-8 From a determined Chihuahua sprinting for miles along the I-5 freeway to a French bulldog stolen in broad daylight — and even a pooch yelping from inside a U-Haul truck during San Diego’s Hot Chocolate Run — San Diegans have stepped in to save animals. But not every story has a happy ending. On March 20, a fire broke out in a second-story apartment on Del Monte Avenue in Ocean Beach.
Suddenly 80s cars are back

1 month ago | sandiegoreader.com | Chris Yuscavage |Mike Madriaga

San Diego’s car scene is shifting gears as 80s cars roar back onto the streets. Along with them, two other past trends are making a return: red-colored Club anti-theft devices and a renewed interest in learning how to drive stick shift. The driving forces behind these trends? Late-night TV host Jay Leno and rap star Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl halftime show. Over the weekend, a trip to the Giant Dipper roller coaster in Mission Beach offered a glimpse into this growing movement.
How one determined chef built Phoenix's greatest casual sushi spot

1 month ago | phoenixnewtimes.com | Mike Madriaga

In the heart of the Sunnyslope neighborhood in Phoenix, Sushi Friend is arguably a low-key star in the national sushi scene. The 1,400 sq. ft. casual restaurant earned a prestigious “Yelp’s Top 10 U.S. Sushi Spots 2023” accolade — an impressive feat considering there were up for the honor. To Phoenix, however, Sushi Friend is foremost humble local staple. Since it opened in 2021, it has doubled its team — to six employees.
They look forward to more Tesla crashes

1 month ago | sandiegoreader.com | Mike Madriaga

EV West, a custom car shop in San Marcos, is generating worldwide buzz for its high-profile clientele—an ironic twist when you consider the vehicles in the works are silent. During my recent visit, a 1962 Volkswagen bus pulled up. With its faded red paint and naturally worn parts, it glided quietly into the industrial complex.