Latest news with #Eslick
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LPR funding not included in Nashville Mayor's budget. Metro Council says debate isn't over
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — On Tuesday night, Metro Council will consider whether to change Mayor Freddie's O'Connell's budget. The changes include a property tax increase, however, it does not have funding for license plate readers. Metro Council approved the permanent use of LPR cameras last year, but after a six-month pilot, the program shut down. The cameras will not return unless a new contract is approved and funded. PREVIOUS | LPRs not listed in Nashville Mayor's proposed budget Some council members have encouraged private businesses and property owners to install their own cameras, as the city has not yet approved its own camera system. A new apartment complex coming to Hamilton Church Road in 2026 plans to include this technology. 'We want to make sure that you feel safe and secure; we want to build strong communities, and as I said, you can't build strong communities without being safe and secure,' said Alex Trent with Trent Development Group. District 32 Metro Councilwoman Joy Styles has encouraged private businesses and properties to install their own LPR technology while the program remains stalled citywide. 'They are working with us on great things like license plate readers being included and a gate being included,' Styles said. 'That is the accountability that we are missing in this whole city.' 'I think the private companies and apartments putting LPRs in place just shows how much Nashville wants and needs this type of technology,' added District 11 Council Member Jeff Eslick. Tennessee police departments share intel, use LPR cameras to track down theft suspect LPR cameras scan license plates and compare them to state and federal databases to help locate stolen vehicles and missing and wanted people. 'For the most part, it is going to help the everyday citizen, the taxpayer out there, live a safer life and feel better when they go to bed,' Eslick said. 'I think if we are going to add all this money to the budget and spend all this money to make people feel better, we should feel safer as well.' Eslick said funding for LPRs may come later. 'I think we are going to have to work out the budget, try to figure out where we are on that, and we can add LPRs,' Eslick told News 2. 'The amount that it costs to put the LPRs in place isn't something outside of what we could pull from something like the 4% fund.' | READ MORE | District 26 Council Member Courtney Johnston told News 2 that LPRs would not be included in her substitute budget proposal, saying in a statement: 'Putting that line item in any substitute would cause that substitute to fail with this council. That said, funding is not the issue. The issue is that we don't have support for LPRs from either the Mayor's office or the majority of the council to approve the contracts.' Eslick added that the conversation is not over. 'I think the budget is going to go through similar to what it is,' he explained. 'In a way, to kind of makeup for it, we will have LPRs on the agenda in the near future. Now, that doesn't mean it's going to pass. It's still going to be a struggle, but if we can just get it before us and start talking about it, I think we can find a way to get the common ground that we need.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DATA: Traffic stops in Nashville increased by more than 50% compared to this time last year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Traffic stops in Metro Nashville have increased compared to this time last year, according to data from the police department. The new data comes after the Metro Council passed a resolution urging the Metro Nashville Police Department and the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure to increase traffic enforcement. NOVEMBER 2024 | Metro Council calls for increased traffic enforcement from MNPD and NDOT Since taking office, Metro Councilmember for District 11 Jeff Eslick said that speed has been a top concern in the Old Hickory and Hermitage areas. 'Speeding is still an issue in and around Nashville — not just in my district,' Eslick told News 2. Though Eslick has previously sponsored a resolution asking the MNPD to increase traffic enforcement, not all Metro Councilmembers were on board at the time. 'We did not want to go back to the times where MNPD was stopping 7.7 times the national average for traffic stops when MNPD was stopping more Black drivers,' District 2 Councilmember Kyontzé Toombs said in January. A resolution passed in January with some amendments, including prioritizing enforcement for reckless driving, driving under the influence, speeding and distracted driving infractions. JANUARY | Metro Council passes amended version of traffic enforcement resolution 'The traffic stops did really decrease over a five- to seven-year period,' Eslick said. However, Eslick said it's encouraging to see the numbers go back up to catch drivers breaking the law. 'There are still some people out there — whether it's drag racing or just on the edge of it,' Eslick said. 'They seem to be living in a video game and doing what they want, and I think now the police are saying, 'We're looking. Be careful.'' Now, Eslick hopes to turn the focus to drivers speeding through neighborhoods and along secondary streets. 'We're looking for, potentially a tax hike here, so what are we getting for our money? I think that's a question that residents ask often. 'Is our city safe? Is our city clean? Is our money being spent most efficiently?'' Eslick said. 'And I think we are getting a little bit more bang for a buck compared to this time last year.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
What's On
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Dubai Unmissables: 17 quintessential Dubai dishes and experiences
For your next outing, here are 17 unmissable foods and dining experiences to try in Dubai… Along with the weekly crop of restaurant debuts that call Dubai home, the city is also filled with some truly iconic foods that help shape its culinary landscape. Whether you just moved here, are visiting for the first time, or a long-time restaurant who's craving a familiar favourite, some of these landmark spots and dishes have been around since the seventies, while others are more recent but still impactful… 1. For new supper club fun: Tiff's Table Tiff's Table Tiff's Table is a brand-new supper club in Dubai, curated by South African-born chef Tiffany Eslick. Held in her cosy apartment with an eclectic tablescape, it brings together diverse guests for intimate dining experiences focused on good food. After training at the prestigious Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland, Eslick showcases seasonal, local ingredients, including produce from Emirates Bio Farm, Below Farm and Dibba Bay oysters to spectacular effect. The vibrant, welcoming atmosphere encourages solo diners to connect, making it the perfect setting for anyone seeking great food and new friendships. The next seating takes place on April 27, 2025. DM directly for reservations, or details of future supperclubs. @tiffstable 2. For lamb chops and silky hummus: Al Damyati Express Damyati If you're after five-star service and mood lighting, Al Damyati isn't your spot. But if you're here for 1kg of perfectly grilled, smoky lamb chops (Dhs200) that beg to be nibbled straight off the bone – welcome to old-school Al Damyati Express. The atmosphere? Think canteen-style with bright lights, no frills, just pure, carnivorous joy. And the best part? A massive, silky-smooth plate of hummus – perfect for dunking every juicy bite. Tucked away in Karama, this is the kind of place where the food does all the talking. And it's got a lot to say. Al Damyati Express, 43 Al Quds Street, Bur Dubai, daily 7am to 1am. Tel: (0)4 268 7555. @al_damyati_express_restaurant_ 3. For locally-sourced ice-cold milkshakes: Rumailah Farm Cafe Let's face it: a milkshake is just a way to eat double the amount of ice cream in half the time. And at Rumailah Farm's drive-thru, they take that mission seriously. Made with the freshest, creamiest dairy straight from their happy herd of Jersey cows in Fujairah, these shakes are a game-changer. The Mango Milkshake (Dhs23) is like sipping sunshine, while the Peanut Butter Milkshake (Dhs23) is pure, nutty indulgence. No artificial flavours – just rich, velvety goodness. Swing by their Jumeirah Road drive-thru, grab a shake, and prepare for a brain freeze that's 100 per cent worth it. Rumailah Farm Café, daily 8am to 3am, 809 Jumeirah Beach Road, Tel: (0)4 333 0001. @ 4. For locally-grown oysters: Dibba Bay Farm Shop A table by the seaside while enjoying some oysters is a pretty unbeatable pairing and, luckily for you, Dibba Bay's oyster shack – located in Dubai Fishing Harbour 2 – and its line-up of fresh oysters make it a reality. These locally farmed bivalves from the UAE's eastern coast are shucked to order and served in the traditional way with a selection of condiments, including mignonette, and cocktail sauce. We suggest ordering a dozen, alongside a plate of organic smoked salmon, local soft cheeses and bruschetta. Dibba Bay Farm Shop, Fishing Harbour 2, Umm Suqeim. Tel: (0)54 438 8537. @dibbabay 5. For spectacular hand rolls: Kokoro Hand Roll Bar Making waves in Alserkal Avenue, Kokoro Hand Roll Bar is all about, you guessed it, addictive open-faced temaki (hand rolls). You can enjoy them a la carte or opt for omakase-style sets of three to five, offering everything from the traditional spicy tuna to creative takes on surf and turf. Pair your rolls with a selection of small plates while soaking in the sleek, minimalist vibe of the space, complete with quirky rubber ducks – a playful tribute to the Texas-based chef, Daniel 'Ducky' Lee. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, daily noon to 12.30am. No reservations. ALSO: Nad Al Sheba 6. For the fishermen's catch of the day: Bu Qtair There was a time at Bu Qtair when you had to park on a dusty side street, place your order in a wobbly caravan, find a plastic stool, and then eat your dinner off polystyrene plates. It was fun and cute. Thanks to its runaway success, what was once a charming fish shack in a Jumeirah car park has evolved and now operates out of Dubai Fishing Harbour. Freshly-caught fish is seasoned well and cooked simply – it's as straightforward as that but, boy, does it deliver on taste and memories. Bu Qtair, Old 32B Street – Umm Suqeim, daily 1pm to 11.30pm (1.30pm on Fri). Tel: (0)55 705 2130. 7. For knock-your-socks-off feta brûlée: Three by Eva In a city filled with Middle Eastern food institutions, Three by Eva –opened in 2021 – may still be one of the new kids on the block. But thanks to its smash-hit homage to homely Arabic cuisine, crafted by mother and daughters Eva Halasa, Emilie, and Lilian, it has already cemented itself as an icon. One standout dish? The unforgettable feta brûlée – a marriage of feta, dates, and thyme, with the cheese caramelised into a delicate, crackling coat. It's a flavour tripwire of sweet and savoury, best enjoyed with their homemade walnut and dates sourdough bread. This gorgeous dish (and its flame-torched top) is just one of the many must-try items at the Al Wasl eatery – now also available at their new home in Time Out Market – proving why Three by Eva remains one of Dubai's most beloved homegrown spots. Three by Eva, Villa 53, Al Wasl Road, Jumeira 2, daily 9am to 1am. Tel: (0)4 576 2888. @threebyeva. ALSO: Time Out Market 8. For high-end Emirati cuisine: Gerbou Until now, Emirati cuisine has been overlooked in the fine-dining world, rarely given the spotlight it deserves. Gerbou aims to change that. Opened in February, this architecturally-stunning Nad Al Sheba gem is celebrating local flavours with a contemporary touch, blending Emirati tradition with modern technique. Championing the UAE's growing farm-to-table movement, chef Ionel Catau and Emirati pastry chef Sahar Al Awadhi source well over half of their ingredients locally. Fujairah prawns, kissed by the grill and brightened with za'atar salsa verde, sit alongside a staple chicken machboos, topped with locally grown vegetables and spiced in homage to the UAE's deep-rooted culinary ties with India, among other mezze treats and mixed grills. Put it to the top of your must-visit list. Gerbou, Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba, from 7pm. Tel: (0)4 222 6888. 9. For street-side shawarma: Set Alsham Shawarmas come in many forms – chicken or beef, packed with pickles and veggies, slathered in hummus or dripping with garlic sauce. In Dubai, finding a great shawarma is never a challenge, but some stand out above the rest. We're especially partial to the Syrian-style meat shawarma from Set Alsham on Beach Road. Wrapped in their house-made saj bread, grilled to crispy perfection, and served with a special garlic sauce, it's a shawarma experience worth seeking out. The extra char from the grill gives it that irresistible smoky crunch – simple, satisfying, and delicious. Set Alsham, Beach Road, daily 11am to 2am. Tel: (0)52 785 6449. @shawarma_set_alsham 10. For real-deal kunafa: Feras Restaurant & Sweets Among Dubai's iconic foods, kunafa is the golden child. This beloved Palestinian dessert is a rich, buttery indulgence that deserves the spotlight. Since kunafa is so dear to our hearts, we'll happily order a 1kg wheel (Dhs105, good for up to six people) from Feras, a Dubai institution that has been serving truly magical kunafa for decades. It starts with clarified butter-soaked filo dough, layered with mild cheese curd, then baked to golden perfection. A final drizzle of rosewater and orange blossom syrup and a sprinkle of pistachios complete this irresistible masterpiece. Feras Restaurant & Sweets, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, daily 8am to 2am. Tel: (0)4 341 3123. 11. For the perfect steak frites: CQ French Brasserie As you've probably noticed, we're in the midst of a steak frites renaissance, with restaurants offering everything from casual, neighbourhood-style dishes to indulgent, luxe versions worth every penny. Dubai's culinary scene can easily support multiple steak-frites-only spots, as evidenced by the long lines at Le Relais L'Entrecôte that opened earlier this year. However, we still have a soft spot for an old favourite, albeit with a fresh name: CQ Brasserie – formerly Couqley – the Dubai OG. It's a place that remains close to our hearts. A perfectly sourced steak frites, served with an outrageously delicious buttery sauce, paired with a bottle of wine, is just Dhs349 for two on Mondays. It's a deal that's hard to beat. Mövenpick Hotel, Cluster A, JLT, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (0)4 514 9339. @cqbrasserie 12. For dining in the desert: Sonara Camp You can keep your sunset at the beach, thanks, but for us, the real magic happens in the desert. That's where the colours pop and the serenity hits a whole new level, especially as the evening chill rolls in and you find yourself pulling your blanket a little tighter. Book a spot at Sonara Desert Camp, where you'll descend a massive wooden staircase into a crater, all under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights, for an unforgettable BBQ dinner. This stunning location could easily coast by on its views and serve up mediocre food, but the cuisine here is genuinely top-notch. Add in a fire show and a falconry display, and you've got a sunset dining experience you'll never forget. Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dhs690 adults, and Dhs280 children (low season), Dhs890 adults and Dhs390 children (high season), Dhs990 adults and Dhs450 children (peak season), drinks sold separately. Tel: (0)50 336 7909. 13. For a picnic by the beach: ODEON Dubai Why settle for soggy sarnies and a packet of crisps when you can elevate your beach day with a gourmet picnic, all thanks to ODEON? This underrated French restaurant and deli takes the hassle out of preparing a picnic, offering a ready-made hamper filled with indulgent treats. For just Dhs250, you'll get two made-to-order sandwiches on fresh baguette, tailored to your taste, plus two refreshing juices of your choice. Add to that a pack of Petrossian truffle chips for that extra touch of luxury, a fresh fruit cup, four mini pastries from the patisserie, and a bottle of still water. It's everything you need to enjoy a perfect, hassle-free picnic by the beach. ODEON Dubai, Jumeirah 3, daily 8am to 10pm, Tel:(0)4 340 2272. @odeondubai 14. For relaxed food hall dining: Neighbourhood Food Hall Neighbourhood Food Hall breezed onto the scene in 2022 in Motor City, bringing well-known names alongside exciting newcomers. While there's been plenty of changeover over the years, the current lineup includes new Oriental Dining serving Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine, the popular burger joint High Joint, the authentic Tacos Los Hermanos, and the breakout hits, chef Akmal's new pizza spot Pizzeria Funkcolio, and Al Naqa Lao Kebab House, which have taken the city by storm. Neighbourhood Food Hall, Motor City, Sun to Thur noon to 11pm, Fri and Sat noon to midnight. Tel: (0)55 856 9696. @neighbourhoodfoodhalls 15. For Japanese-style ramen: Kinoya Neha Mishra was already a ramen star before opening Kinoya. After a wildly successful run of sold-out supper clubs, she opened her first restaurant in The Greens, and the accolades have kept rolling in. At Kinoya, you can try the shio paintan ramen, made with a rich, creamy chicken broth – the first bowl Mishra ever crafted. Another standout is the spicy duck ramen with smoked duck slices and crispy shallots. The restaurant's interiors evoke a laid-back Japanese vibe, from the main seating area and private dining rooms to the ramen counter, where lucky guests can watch Mishra work her magic. Kinoya, The Onyx Tower 2, The Greens, daily noon to 1am (closed Mondays). Tel: (0)4 220 2920. @ 16. For authentic food tours: Frying Pan Adventures Despite Dubai's abundance of white-clothed, Michelin-starred dining rooms, many would tout that Old Dubai is the epicentre of food culture in the city. If you want to peel back the shiny skin of Dubai and experience it like the locals do, Frying Pan Adventures is your ticket. Their tours take you off the beaten path to discover alleys, people, foods, and stories that only long-time locals know. You'll feast on mouthwatering pani puri, crispy falafel, shawarma, and biryanis, all while learning about the migration and community that shaped Dubai's diverse food scene. With passionate guides sharing tales of the city's evolution, you'll leave feeling more connected to the heart and soul of Dubai's culinary culture. Still the best, still the one and only worth doing. Tours start from Dhs435. 17. For homegrown beachside burgers: Salt There are only a few foods that are suitable to be eaten while wearing soggy swimwear. Pizza, tacos – go ahead. Afternoon tea? Not so much. Burgers, however, are the ideal fodder after a splash in the sea, and their diminutive cousins, sliders, even more so. Salt Burger on Kite Beach has the perfect blend of food, packaging, location and seating. Stroll off the beach, knock the sand off your flip flops, and join the queue for the most moreish, tasty, juicy sliders in Dubai (the fries are awesome, too). And when the sun starts to dip… wow, the scene is idyllic. Salt, Kite Beach, 24/7. Tel: (600) 555551. @findsalt
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill to protect seniors' roommate options considered in Olympia
Feb. 7—OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature took a step last week toward making senior housing costs more stable. House Bill 1204, which passed the House Housing Committee Jan. 30, would allow residents of senior mobile and manufactured home communities to have at least one roommate, as long as that roommate also meets the age requirements of the park. "It's a national problem with mobile homes, especially senior mobile home communities, that the properties are being purchased, and in some instances, there has been a lack of maintenance and upgrades in the communities," said State Rep. Carolyn Eslick, R-Sultan, who introduced the bill. "And that new person or corporation starts doing all the work, and then they start increasing the land leases." It's fairly standard for a tenant in a senior manufactured home park to sign an agreement that they won't have anyone living in the home with them except a caregiver, Eslick said. But when the lot rent increases, a senior homeowner is often left with a home they can't afford to keep. "In the past, it's always been a good place for retirement," Eslick said. "If you're on Social Security, you could live in a mobile home park and survive for your term. Well, because they can raise that lease, they are raising it to the point where the homeowner now cannot afford to live and pay for their utilities and the land lease that has been implemented. "My friend had barely enough money to buy her mobile home a year ago when she bought it in a park in Everett," Eslick said. "It started off at $700 and she could make that. And then within six months, it went up to $900. January one, it's at $1,400. That is her Social Security check." Washington has no limit to how much rent can be increased, according to which means that a manufactured home park owner can charge pretty much whatever it wants to, as long as it gives notice to the tenants. That may be difficult enough for, say, apartment dwellers, but owners of manufactured homes don't have the option of just packing their furniture and moving elsewhere. According to it can cost as much as $14,000 to move a manufactured home from one property to another, assuming the home is even in movable condition. "In four years, these corporations can quadruple their money, because now the land lease warrants the increase in the value of the property," Eslick said. "It's squeezing out the senior citizens, because they can't move their mobile home. If they get behind on those leases, they're done. They have to move, and they could be homeless." Allowing roommates could allow the resident to defray some of those costs, Eslick said. The homeowner could rent a room to another senior in exchange for money, or for groceries or housework or whatever is needed. "We could do this for the seniors, to help them be able to increase their income," Eslick said. "It's twofold: They increase their income so they can keep up with their land lease, but also, it's a social thing for them. They now have somebody living with them, and people live longer when there's more relationship building."
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Yahoo
MNPD looking to hire traffic enforcement, SROs to fill gap in officer shortage
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Metro Nashville Police Department is looking to hire new officers with and without experience. While the MNPD is looking to grow the force with new officers, it's also hoping to move experienced officers into open lateral positions, including school resource officers and traffic enforcement positions. MNPD arrests students, including 12-year-old, for allegedly making unrelated threats of mass violence 'We are looking for somebody to be able to step in and say, 'I am able to tell the difference between a noncrime fighting stop and just a regular traffic stop,'' said Jeff Eslick, council member for District 11. For years, the growing city of Nashville has felt the impacts of an officer shortage, like many other Tennessee cities. As of Friday, Metro Police has 1,556 officers and is approved to hire about 100 more. 'People want better control of the roads,' Eslick explained. 'You see people driving recklessly, passing down the middle lane, and then there is also some really bad wrecks.' Last week, a resolution to improve traffic enforcement was passed by Metro Council. This comes after a 91% decrease in Nashville traffic stops between 2015 and 2023, following a report called 'Driving While Black,' which found MNPD disproportionately stopped Black drivers from 2011 to 2015. 'We need to make sure for the mass of people that we are creating a safe place,' Eslick said. 'I think there is a balance. We have dash cams, body cams, we have a community review board.' Antioch High School to have third permanent school resource officer, per MNPD According to the MNPD's job posting, the traffic division has openings in the aggressive/impaired driving unit, motorcycle officer program, and traffic crash investigator unit. 'I'm hoping some of the people that look for these lateral positions really have a passion for safety,' Eslick said. 'Maybe this is somebody who has been a different position but has noticed the increase in fatalities and the brazenness of people to drive down the middle lane or to weave throughout traffic as if it was some type of race.' However, they are also looking to expand their school resource officer program, adding more SROs to elementary schools. '[We are] really looking for a candidate who really stands out in terms of having that good moral compass, really has good communication skills, and can easily connect with adolescents,' said Mo Canady with the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). According to an MNPD spokesperson, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) have two SROs in high schools, and as of last week, Antioch High School added a third SRO. Meanwhile, middle schools in the district each have one SRO, including seven elementary schools. 'You have the opportunity to impact adolescents in a really powerful way,' Canady said. 'This is about going in and really being an advocate for the youth in your community, helping them to become the people that they are going to become as adults,' he added. | READ MORE | A Tennessee state lawmaker reintroduced a bill for the 2025 legislature that would allow public charter schools to hire honorable discharged veterans and retired law enforcement officers to serve as SROs, pushing for closing the gap. 'We've worked incredibly hard in the General Assembly to keep students safe in Tennessee classrooms. School resource officers are invaluable to achieving this goal, but there are unfortunately many schools across the state that are still without an officer. This proposal will open the role up to experienced and qualified individuals who have honorably served their nation and communities, helping alleviate the SRO shortage of approximately 500 while prioritizing school security. Keeping students safe will continue to be a priority for Tennessee Republicans.' Rep. Tim Rudd 'Sometimes when retired officers can be brought in, especially to fill some of those gaps in elementary schools, it's working really well,' Canady explained. 'Now we have got to make sure we have some really good perimeters around this. They still need to be the right selection.' Pay for the lateral job openings range from $73,000 to $89,000 annually. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
