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LSN Election Guide: City Council 2024 2/2/2024 Compiled by Delia Celeste Urbana-Champaign The Los Santos Network is dedicated to bringing you the most up to date information on the issues that impact your lives. This Election Guide seeks to serve as a font of information to give you the low-down on the candidates and to give you the information you need to make informed choices. We're going to kick off with some basic information on when the voting period begins and ends, how to figure out which District you live under and where to vote. Finally we'll round out with information packets sent to us by the candidates. Some candidates did not respond when asked to contribute to this guide, but rest assured the Los Santos Network will continue to try to get their take before election day so you can make the most informed decision possible. When to Vote Which District Do I Live In? Find your Primary Residence on the map below to figure out your District: Where Do I Vote? Voting will be conducted Online through the following City Government Web Portal, the Web Portal becomes active on February 10th until the 11th, and individuals naturally may only vote Once. Meet the Candidates Candidates are presented in the order by which they completed and submitted their Election Guide Information Packet. Northern District Race Josély Martínez (R) vs. David Wu (D) Campaign Theme Song Detailed Candidate Overview Campaign Theme Song Detailed Candidate Overview Western District Race Sophie Wu (D) vs. Daniel Park (I) Campaign Theme Song Detailed Candidate Overview Daniel Park (I) did not respond to contribution requests for this Election Guide. Central District Race Olivia Zhao (D) vs. Garrett Baker (R) Campaign Theme Song Detailed Candidate Overview Garrett Baker (R) did not respond to contribution requests for this Election Guide. He has however contributed this comment. Southern District Race Frank Buntz (R) vs. Eduardo Vargas (I) Campaign Theme Song Detailed Candidate Overview Eduardo Vargas (I) did not respond to contribution requests for this Election Guide. Los Santos County (Blaine) District Race Ted Cook (R) vs. Colton Reed (I) Neither Ted Cook (R) nor Colton Reed (I) responded to contribution requests for this Election Guide. Wrap Up All candidates were reached out to multiple times to contribute to the Election Guide and we'd like to thank them those that did contribute. We'll note that all candidates who contributed committed themselves to active involvement in the City Government and to attend a majority of City Council hearings. Finally, all those asked have committed themselves to working across party lines in order to best represent the needs of constituents. For further information on each of these candidates, see the links to their platform to see how you might get involved with their campaigns or to reach out to them directly with any questions. The Los Santos Network will continue to provide you up-to-date on all pressing City Council race updates. >Comments are enabled!

LSFD Responds Swiftly to Plaice Place Structure Fire 04/FEB/2024 In a recent statement released by the LSFD Community Liaison Office, details have emerged regarding the swift and coordinated response to the Plaice Place Structure Fire that occurred on the 2nd of February. The emergency call, received by the Los Santos Fire Department at 9-1-1, triggered the immediate dispatch of crucial units. At approximately 18:22, the scene saw the arrival of Truck 52, Engine 52, EMS-1, and CLO-4. Engine 52's Captain assumed incident command, conducting a quick assessment of the situation. Unfortunately, the structure was already fully engulfed in flames, prompting the decision to adopt defensive strategies due to the unsafe conditions for entry One of the key challenges faced by the firefighters was the discovery of power transformers ablaze, necessitating a call to Public Works to shut off power in the surrounding area. A pervasive gasoline odor further heightened the danger at the scene. During the incident, the nearby IMEX Logistics, a prominent trucking company, experienced a power outage that lasted for over three hours due to the necessary shut-off. The impact on their operations and the broader community was felt as their services temporarily came to a halt. Engine 52, now operating in defensive mode, initiated a powerful attack, deploying four lines to suppress the inferno. However, the situation took a perilous turn when a section of the structure collapsed during the operation. Despite the challenges, the Incident Commander declared knockdown around 18:47, marking a successful containment of the fire within 30 minutes of the firefighters' arrival. Miraculously, no injuries were reported during the incident. After extinguishing the blaze, the LSFD swiftly transitioned to overhaul procedures, completing the process by 18:54. The scene was then handed over to Public Works and SANFIRE for a thorough investigation. The units dispatched, including Engine 52, Truck 52, EMS-1, and CLO-4, showcased exemplary teamwork in collaboration with agencies such as LSFD, LSSD, and SANFIRE. Community Liaison Officer Sage Fowler, representing the Los Santos Fire Department, expressed gratitude for the dedication and expertise displayed by the emergency responders and emphasized their commitment to preserving the safety and well-being of the Los Santos community. As the investigation unfolds, the Los Santos Fire Department reassures residents that their ongoing efforts will shed light on the cause of the fire, contributing to the enhancement of preventive measures and overall community safety. Additionally, they extend their understanding to IMEX Logistics and other affected entities, acknowledging the temporary inconveniences caused by the necessary power shutdown during the firefighting efforts.

Election Results: City Council 2024 2/12/2024 Delia Celeste Urbana-Champaign The Los Santos Network is has compiled all the election results in one easy place for you to check out if your favorite candidate won or not. The election results were announced at midnight on the 12th of February, 2024 and LSNN covered the entire event live so you have the information you need when you need it. Northern District Winner Josely Martinez (R) - 60% David Wu (D) - 40% Central District Winner Olivia Zhao (D) - 70% Garrett Baker (R) - 30% Southern District Winner Frank Buntz (R) - 55% Eduardo Vargas (I) - 45% Western District Winner Sophie Wu (D) - 63% Daniel Park (I) - 37% Los Santos County Winner Ted Cook (R) - 75% Colton Reed (I) - 25% >Comments are enabled!

Explosive Action Unfolds at Bellicose MMA Event in Cypress Flats _______________ Price vs the Butcher Last night, the Sweathouse in Cypress Flats played host to an electrifying MMA event organized by Bellicose MMA, featuring intense matchups that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. One of the main attractions was the clash between Zhaire Price and Roy 'The Butcher' Mazza, a fight that ended in a clean knockout victory for Price. In an exclusive pre-fight interview, Zhaire Price revealed that his training camp leading up to the event had been exceptional, with SAFA champion Takenaka as his coach. When asked about his opponent, Roy 'The Butcher' Mazza, Price shrugged off any pre-fight banter, stating that he had never met Mazza but would soon face him in the octagon. As the tension escalated, Mazza confidently passed by, taunting Price with a menacing prediction. However, Price remained focused, expressing his determination to let his performance speak for itself in the cage. During the interview, Price also discussed his strategies and game plans for the fight, emphasizing his intention to dominate and showcasing his aggressive fighting style. The match unfolded as predicted, with Price securing a decisive victory, Event manager Derrick Chou praised Price's performance, highlighting his potential and natural comfort in the ring. Post-fight, Price attributed his success to his opponent's lack of preparation, citing the rookie status of Mazza. He capitalized on this vulnerability, employing a relentless offensive strategy that proved too much for 'The Butcher' to handle. Roy 'The Butcher' Mazza graciously acknowledged the defeat as a valuable lesson in his professional MMA journey. Determined to bounce back, Mazza expressed his availability for future fights, showcasing a resilient spirit despite the setback. _______________ Geisha vs Jad-ein Yong Unfortunately, the anticipated clash between Naoko 'Geisha' Mitsukuri and Ryeom 'Jad-eun Yong' Eui was canceled due to a car crash involving Mitsukuri. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family, hoping for a swift recovery. _______________ Kenny vs Rogov In a tumultuous matchup between Kenneth 'Kenny' Nakagawa and Michael Rogov, the fight concluded with a shocking technical knockout, leaving Rogov with a broken leg. The bout showcased the unpredictable nature of MMA, taking unexpected turns and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Nakagawa's victory was not without its challenges, as he initially struggled in the first round, resulting in a loss. However, the resilient fighter made a remarkable comeback in the second round, dominating his opponent with a display of skill and determination. The turning point occurred in a brutal performance in the round that followed. Nakagawa's aggressive strategy paid off, leading to the unfortunate injury sustained by Rogov—a broken leg that abruptly ended the fight. Post-fight, Michael Rogov gracefully acknowledged Nakagawa's prowess, recognizing him as a future champion. Despite the injury, Rogov praised Nakagawa's dominating performance in their previous encounter and admitted to focusing on rectifying his weaknesses leading up to this fight. Rogov acknowledged that, in the final round, Nakagawa's power proved insurmountable, resulting in the unfortunate leg injury he now faces. Rogov's words underscored the respect and recognition among fighters in the MMA community. Despite the setback, he expressed confidence in Nakagawa's potential and labeled him as an "unreal fighter" destined for the top of the MMA ranks. The aftermath of this intense battle leaves fans eagerly anticipating Nakagawa's future in the sport, as he continues to rise and make a lasting impression on the MMA scene. _______________ Bellicose MMA once again delivered an evening of unpredictable outcomes, reinforcing the sport's essence of resilience, skill, and unpredictability. As the fighters reflect on their performances, and fans eagerly await the next chapter, this event will undoubtedly be remembered as a thrilling showcase of MMA prowess and determination.

Marie-Julie Flores, the visionary behind Sandy Shores Car Wash, brought together car enthusiasts from near and far for an exhilarating event - the Sandy Shores Muscle Car Show. With the help of Keith from High Desert Motorsports, a captivating raffle was organized, featuring the grand prize of a stunning Tulip M-100. This remarkable gathering showcased not only the beauty of muscle cars but also the passion and camaraderie shared among the automotive community. In addition to this, more people traveling and seeing Sandy Shores is something Marie has been trying to do as well, as it is a beautiful place! A Celebration of Muscle Cars: The Sandy Shores Muscle Car Show was a testament to Marie's love for muscle and classic cars and her desire to create a platform for showcasing their magnificence. The event featured an awe-inspiring array of cars, where owners proudly displayed their cherished vehicles, representing the epitome of power, design, and craftsmanship. From classic American muscle to modern marvels, the car show captured the essence of automotive excellence. A Jewel on Wheels: The Tulip M-100, the star attraction of the raffle, is a breathtaking masterpiece of automotive engineering. Known for its powerful engine, elegant design, and flawless performance, the Tulip M-100 exemplifies the epitome of a classic muscle car. Its sleek lines, roaring exhaust, and sheer presence command attention and ignite a sense of admiration in every car enthusiast's heart. The winner of the raffle was "Will"! Congratulations to him. The Sandy Shores Experience: Marie-Julie Flores, with her attention to detail and commitment to excellence, ensured that the Sandy Shores Muscle Car Show was a memorable experience for everyone involved. The event provided a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share stories, and indulge in their shared passion for muscle cars. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with fellow enthusiasts, exchange knowledge, and forge lasting friendships. We asked Marie: "What was your favorite car of tonight?" And Marie said "Oh, that's difficult. -- I saw a red Dominator GTT with a pretty lady next to it. I didn't get a chance to talk to her, it had faded livery on it. I think that's my favorite. But there were some strong contenders, there was a Visiris I believe, I haven't seen that before." Acknowledging the Collaborators: Keith from High Desert Motorsports played a pivotal role in the success of the raffle and brought his expertise and passion for muscle cars to the event. Through his collaboration with Marie's, the raffle added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation, making the Sandy Shores Muscle Car Show an unforgettable experience. With the triumph of the Sandy Shores Muscle Car Show and the overwhelming response from participants and attendees, Marie and her team at Sandy Shores Car Wash are already envisioning future iterations of the event. They aim to expand the show, attract even more exceptional vehicles, and offer an enhanced experience for all car enthusiasts. Interview with Marie: Neo Trudgill: Marie, before we really start the interview, can you tell us something about yourself and this carwash? Marie-Julie Flores: Before, it was Sandy Shores Used Autos, which I ran from 2020, that dealership was focused on trucks and muscle cars, I retired from that business, The car wash is a bit easier on the working hours, also because I live in Sandy Shores. Neo Trudgill: Can you tell us about your experience organizing the Sandy Shore's Muscle Car Show? How did you come up with the idea, and what motivated you to organize such an event? Marie-Julie Flores: This technically isn't the first time, we had another one, but this was at least two years ago part of the reasoning is to get some life into our town here, that's very important to me, people need to be out here to see this is a vibrant place. Neo Trudgill: There wasn't a lot of parking space, and some people had trouble finding a spot. Have you ever thought about organizing it somewhere else, but here in Sandy? Marie-Julie Flores: Hmm, I think we did well on the spot it's important that its in the middle of Sandy, there's lessons to learn for next time sure, Sandy struggles sometimes, so it's important to take the opportunities to help liven up the place get more people acquainted with the area who wouldn't otherwise be here, and of course it also about the cars. Neo Trudgill: Tell us about the raffle that took place during the event. How did you organize it, and what prizes were offered? Marie-Julie Flores: My friend from High Desert Motorsports Keith came up with that idea! he's planning some races on the redwood lights track in the future he had a heavily modified Tulip that he raffled, it went very well! There was a lot of interest in that! Neo Trudgill: Based on your experience, what advice would you give to someone interested in organizing a similar car show or community event? Marie-Julie Flores: You'll always have to have some friends around to hand out drinks or snacks, guide cars in the right spots especially in such a small location. Make sure everything is done safely, it doesn't have to be difficult either, if you have space for it, like we do then you don't need to involve the government or whatever, for community events in general, you'll want to make sure there's enough to do! Neo Trudgill: What factors did you consider while choosing the location? Marie-Julie Flores: Well, for me it was easy, I own this location, I know exactly how to manage it and how to coordinate cars here, so it was logical. Private is definitely preferred. Public land brings red tape, paperwork and problems. Neo Trudgill: What was your favorite car of tonight? Marie-Julie Flores: So I saw a red Dominator GTT with a pretty lady next to it. I didn't get a chance to talk to her, it had faded livery on it. I think that's my favorite. But there were some strong contenders, there was a Visiris I believe. I haven't seen that before. but that GTT just had it right. Maybe you took a picture of it! Sandy Shores Car Wash and the collaborative efforts with Keith from High Desert Motorsports brought the automotive community together in a truly remarkable way. The Sandy Shores Muscle Car Show celebrated the timeless beauty and power of muscle cars while fostering connections and camaraderie among enthusiasts. With the unforgettable raffle and the chance to win the coveted Tulip M-100, the event will be etched in the memories of car enthusiasts for years to come. All the photo's of this event. Please visit this link: https://mega.nz/folder/FxIGRCxR#lTU8qyEGHOD3Rge9Q3ho5w

The University of San Andreas (ULSA) has recently established an Aviation Club, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage in aviation-related projects and pursue their passion for flight. With 11 dedicated members, the club is making strides towards offering affordable aviation options and training for students. Led by Melissa Briggs, an intern at the San Andreas Aviation Administration (SAAA), the club aims to broaden access to aviation and inspire future pilots. The Birth of ULSA Aviation Club The ULSA Aviation Club was founded on the 3rd of June, 2023, by Melissa Briggs, a student and an enthusiastic intern at SAAA. Melissa's vision for the club was to create an avenue for students to explore aviation in a more affordable way and receive training from an early stage. Recognizing the high costs associated with aviation, Melissa sought to break down barriers and provide accessible opportunities for aspiring pilots. ULSA Campus (2023) Melissa's Dream of Affordable Aviation Melissa Briggs is passionate about making aviation accessible to students who otherwise might not have the means to pursue it as a hobby or a potential career path. She aims to revolutionize the aviation industry by offering affordable options for young enthusiasts, enabling them to explore the skies and receive training at a fraction of the usual cost. The ULSA Aviation Club Projects Currently, the ULSA Aviation Club is actively involved in five projects, with one of them nearing completion – the Flexwing Microlight. The club boasts a diverse team comprising three engineering students, one programming student, a chemistry major, and SAAA Engineer Tony Carlton, who supervises the ongoing Microlight project. This collaboration highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the club and the enthusiasm of students from various backgrounds towards aviation. The Flexwing Microlight Project The Flexwing Microlight project, one of the club's main endeavors, is close to fruition. The aircraft is designed to be lightweight and cost-effective, making it an ideal choice for aspiring pilots on a budget. Under the guidance of Tony Carlton, the team has been meticulously working on constructing the Microlight, aiming to provide a safe and efficient aircraft for future club members and aviation enthusiasts. However, the project isn't finished yet, they are aiming to finish the Microlight within the next couple of weeks. There will be an announcement regarding this, as the Aviation Club will be organizing a public event at Sandy Airport. Melissa Briggs next to the "almost" finished Microlight. There are still a few minor adjustments that have to be done to the engine before it can be installed on the Microlight. ((The microlight was almost finished with the exception of an engine at the back, currently it had all the electrical and mechanical parts to allow it gliding capabilities but lacked thrust due to having no engine at all.)) A Vision for the Future Melissa Briggs envisions a future where the ULSA Aviation Club plays a vital role in training student pilots to assist park rangers or firefighting departments in preventing and combating forest fires. She hopes that in the years to come, student volunteers from ULSA will be flying air ambulances, further expanding the impact of the club's endeavors. Interview with Melissa Briggs Neo Trudgill: "Melissa, as you said, this could be useful for students volunteering to help the FD, but the microlight is a stunt plane, so is this even related to one and other?" Melissa Briggs: "Currently we are working on a Microlight and from where I am Microlights and paragliders are used by Texas Fire Department to observe forest areas for fires and emergencies. Since they can fly much lower than a helicopter or plane due to its compact design. " Neo Trudgill: "Is the FD informed about this project?" Melissa Briggs: "They are informed about both of our projects, however they do not currently offer a volunteer program for students, it's something I want to work on in the future. Yet, as you can tell, we are a bunch of students at the end of the day, and first we have to prove to the good folk of LS that we can accomplish this. It's why we want to make our first official flight a public event. " Neo Trudgill: "What measures will you implement to ensure the safety of participants and visitors involved in your project?" Melissa Briggs: "Currently we have a lot of safety measures in place. First checking everything by an engineer, SAAA helped us with that. So we'll have a certificate for it. Second, safety and training go hand in hand with each other. We'll have safety training before any students are allowed to fly the Microlight. Miss Kaneko does the medical checks on all of the students. Lastly we have all backing from SAAA meaning they actually help us when we decide to fly that means we can entirely close a runway, and have ground crews of us so we ensure the safety of all participants also we also have waivers everyone needs to sigh and then get checked by our medical team basically" Neo Trudgill: "Are there any regulatory or legal considerations you need to address for operating the "Microlight" plane for educational purposes? How do you plan to handle these aspects?" Melissa Briggs: "Well according to the United States aviation code, you do not need a pilot license to be able to fly a microlight. so by all means were going far and beyond to make sure we'll educate people. As I said each pilot will sign a waiver." Neo Trudgill: "What resources or support did you need to bring your project to fruition?" Melissa Briggs: "Well, I'll talk about both our projects if that alright. For both of our projects, we needed three things. We needed material, we needed supervision, and finally we needed a legal team. Materials in the legal team were covered by ULSA, microlight for example had to get its wing from a company. while the engine and chassis were made by students using recycled materials. for the training purposes, SAAA and Blaine Aviation were kind enough to help us with their facilities and their instructors." Neo Trudgill: "How do you plan to ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of your project? Are there any plans for continuation beyond the initial phase?" Melissa Briggs: "Oh surely, Ideally as i said we can use the microlight to do even more events, as i said, we'd like to help other folks like FD as volunteers. We want to keep our gorgeous SA safe. We also would like to build even more microlights, perhaps we can even build a sparrow. Or even a smaller microlight helicopter. We can even build a havoc as it is considered an Ultralight and there are kits we can use. Currently, we have three teams, we have builders who build the equipment, we have ground crew, who supports the pilots and builders and lastly our pilots, and we will have something to do with all these teams constantly. Here I'd like to mention that we are doing our best to keep our nature safe It was one of the reasons we wanted to use recycled materials. " Neo Trudgill: "So, you've had five projects in total. What are the names of all those projects?" Melissa Briggs: "Currently the other three projects needs to be talked with the team however essentially I really want to help students get their pilot licenses for this reason I have a fundraiser event around aviation in mind, and as I said we also want to get people in contact with the industry leaders. One of my dreams is to get in contact with people who work in the industry and start offering even more internships programs for students for that reason why we have our builders team, I want to host an event to showcase what we managed to build. Another project will be about hosting field trips and show our club members how airfields work whatever does, and how they can pursue to work at an airfield when the time comes." Neo Trudgill interviewing Melissa Briggs at the ULSA Campus' students lobby. The ULSA Aviation Club represents a pioneering initiative aimed at making aviation more accessible to students and inspiring a new generation of pilots. Under the leadership of Melissa Briggs and with the dedication of its members, the club is actively pursuing projects that offer affordable aviation options and practical training opportunities. As the club continues to grow and flourish, it has the potential to revolutionize the aviation industry, opening doors for aspiring pilots who dream of taking to the skies.

"The Ramp House": A Thrilling Paradise for Extreme Sports Enthusiasts The world of extreme sports just got a whole lot more exciting with the grand opening of "The Ramp House," a state-of-the-art BMX skate park that promises to be an adrenaline-fueled haven for riders of all skill levels. Nestled in La Mesa, Del Perro Flyway by Supply Street, "The Ramp House" is set to revolutionize the BMX scene, offering a thrilling experience like no other. With its awe-inspiring features, cutting-edge design, and commitment to fostering a vibrant BMX community, this park is poised to become the ultimate destination for extreme sports enthusiasts. The Ramp House had their grand opening on the 9th of June in 2023. Sarah Byrne, the creator and implementer of this wonderful project, set it up together with the support of a number of friends. It all started six months ago when Sarah Byrne was introduced to BMXing, and taught how to do tricks on a BMX bike by her f friends and a professional coach. Over the course of months as they got involved more, they realized that the outdoor skateparks in Los Santos were often unsafe. They wanted to create a safe-space for all the skaters, BMXers or just people who want to enjoy the vibes and draw graffiti art without worrying about safety. Show your inner urban artist, “Draw Everywhere” motto where you can spray graffiti on any and every object you see, on every wall. State of art and intricate designed ramps for the best tricks you can perform on your board or BMX. Dedicated snack bar with awesome food and chill spots, overlooking the entire park where you can relax, vibe and eat. They even record their customers doing tricks sometimes, by hiring a private photographer. The Ramp House are planning to dynamically change the skatepark every other month with new ramps. They also plan to expand on the community front, more competitions, fundraising for causes, getting the locals involved and making sure that people find a safe place to do what they enjoy doing. As riders step into The Ramp House, they'll be greeted by an expansive playground specifically designed to cater to the demands of BMX riders. The park boasts a diverse range of ramps, jumps, and obstacles that have been meticulously crafted to challenge riders and inspire them to push their limits. Whether you're a freestyle rider looking to perfect your tricks or a seasoned professional seeking new challenges, "The Ramp House" has something for every BMX or skateboard enthusiast. One of the standout features of The Ramp House is its commitment to rider safety without compromising on the thrill factor. The park has been constructed with high-quality, durable materials that ensure a smooth riding surface, reducing the risk of injuries. Additionally, safety measures such as strategically placed padding, well-maintained rails, and proper signage provide riders with peace of mind as they explore the park's various sections. "The Ramp House" also goes beyond providing a thrilling experience; it aims to create a vibrant community. The Ramp House is not just a skate park; it's a testament to the boundless spirit of BMX riders and their unwavering dedication to their craft. It stands as a sanctuary where riders can come together, challenge themselves, and create lifelong memories. With its world-class features, commitment to safety, and vibrant community, "The Ramp House" is set to redefine the BMX landscape and become an iconic destination for riders seeking an electrifying experience. So, grab your BMX or skateboard, strap on your helmet, and get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey. The Ramp House awaits, beckoning riders to test their skills, conquer new heights, and embrace the thrill of extreme sports. It's time to experience the rush of "The Ramp House" and witness the incredible moments that will unfold within its boundaries. Get ready to defy gravity and unleash your passion at The Ramp House.

Bellicose MMA Fights Showcasing Female and Male Warriors Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has emerged within San Andreas one of the most electrifying and inclusive combat sports of our time. In a recent event that captivated audiences worldwide, an exhilarating night of MMA fights showcased the prowess of female fighters, while the other took center stage with male warriors. This MMA event happened last Friday evening, June 2nd, 2023. A Display of Skill, Power, and Tenacity Amélie Lévesque vs Pamala De'Leon The anticipation and excitement were palpable as two highly skilled female fighters stepped into the octagon. The bout was a testament to the growing popularity of women's MMA and the exceptional talent possessed by these athletes. With lightning-fast strikes, impeccable grappling techniques, and an unwavering resolve, these women showcased the depth of their abilities. Both fighters entered the arena with determination etched on their faces, ready to prove their mettle. Throughout the match, the combatants exchanged a relentless barrage of strikes, demonstrating their technical proficiency and resilience. The crowd erupted with each impactful blow, applauding the skill and toughness displayed by these awe-inspiring women. What made this fight even more extraordinary was the mutual respect and camaraderie between the competitors. While they fiercely battled inside the octagon, their sportsmanship was evident, as they embraced after the final bell rang, showing the true essence of MMA. Lévesque’s game plan was rather basic, she said. She is a primarily Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter with a third degree brown belt. De’Leon knew this. Lévesque said De’Leon is an aggressive fighter and Lévesque took that to her advantage. She was able to land a high kick which made De’Leon rather dizzy, throughout the fights. Lévesque then says the event was organized very well by Bellicose MMA. The DJ, Security and commentary was excellent, she said. She also thanked De’Leon afterwards for the competition. This fight meant a lot to Lévesque, debuting in The Dome, in front of so many people. Main Event: Male Warriors Leave It All in the Octagon Joseph Yang vs Didac Fraga As the atmosphere reached a fever pitch, the spotlight shifted to the main event—an epic clash between two male warriors. The anticipation for this fight was off the charts, with fans eagerly awaiting the showcase of technical brilliance, sheer power, and unwavering determination that characterize elite-level MMA. Yang and Fraga, known for their dominant presence in the MMA world, stood face to face, eyeing each other with unwavering focus. The crowd erupted with a deafening roar, creating an electrifying atmosphere that sent shivers down the spines of everyone in attendance. From the moment the fight began, it was clear that these warriors were willing to push themselves to the limit. Thunderous strikes and calculated take downs reverberated throughout the arena, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. Yang noticed the way Fraga moved in the first round and because of that he knew what to do, to beat Fraga. Yang expected more from Fraga. He said it was one of his easiest fights. Yang already said at the press conference “I’m not gonna drop a single round”. Round after round, the combatants showcased their versatility, transitioning seamlessly between various martial arts disciplines. Yang had a very good start to round one, where Fraga had to take a few hard blows. Fraga was close to coming back in the second round, until Yang hit Fraga straight in the stomach with a front kick. It was hard to breathe for Fraga, and Yang ended this main fight in a 3 - 0. Ernest Ochoa (left) vs Michael Rogov (right) ending in a 0-2 for Rogov Conclusion: A Historic Night for MMA The event featuring both female and male MMA fights marked a significant milestone in the sport's evolution. It shattered gender barriers and emphasized that skill, technique, and determination know no bounds when it comes to fighting in the octagon. The fights showcased the raw power, incredible technique, and unwavering determination that make MMA Comments are ENABLED for this article. Username: Comment: Article brought to you by

From the EDITING ROOM • May 27th, 2022 - 11:00PM EDITOR'S ROOM: Daily News and News Network enters negotiations for an advertising partnership. The proposed deal will see the Los Santos Daily News showcase advertisements by the Los Santos News Networks within it's ad-space. The Daily News prides itself on unbiased, timely and honest reporting. We take every measure underneath the sun to see that our articles come out at a consistent rate while maintaining the quality that it's known for, including a rigorous review process prior to the publication of each piece as well as a staunch ethics policy that forbids the Daily News, it's affiliates and it's employees from accepting gifts, bribes and "freebies." Integrity makes or breaks a paper. Without our integrity, there is no trust. And if there is no trust, there is nothing. As the Daily News continues to grow, recently being revitalized from it's former dormant state, there's been bigger and bigger demands as to the content produced and the overall output of the Daily News. A full blown expansion like what the Daily has planned requires more funding. Without any desire to listen to investors and to sell parts of the company, to remove ourselves beneath the San Andreas New Group/SANG umbrella, and to ensure that our integrity and independence is respected, we have to ensure that any and all methods to procure funding ends with the paper's integrity in mind. The Los Santos Daily News and the Los Santos News Network has formally entered negotiations for an advertising partnership, where companies who wish to advertise with either corporation may sign a deal with both simultaneously. Any and all existing advertisers with the News Network shall be The deal with mean that banner-ads that would be shown in News Network's print division will be also showcased within the Daily News' ad-space. The Daily News will retain all rights as to what is and isn't shown within our ad-space to ensure that no business whose essence goes against our core values will be present on either our e-paper or our print paper. The News Network in turn will provide the Daily News with a larger source of income for future expansion in exchange for advertising. Los Santos - Courtesy of Getty, June 16th 2014, Al. Dov. What does this mean for the paper? The paper shall retain it's status as an entity beneath the San Andreas News Group. It will not be incorporated beneath the Los Santos News Network's umbrella, nor is the Daily open to a deal that would require so. Our ideals, beliefs, and policies, will remain ours and SANG's. All that will change for the reader is that banner-ads will become more prevalent. Outside of our advertising-related webpages, there shall be no branding associated with News Network on the Daily. The content scheduled to be release, as well as all content in the future, will remain firmly the Daily News' content. Our writing is ours, and it shall stay so until this paper dissolves. Our policies remain exactly the same, and there shall be no influence from News Network's editor's room. The inverse is true, where the News Network will continue to write their own articles and produce their own broadcasts, with the Daily News holding no say over the content of which. Our policies when it comes to what advertisers will be allowed on the Daily remains the same. Any business that promotes sexual or illegal content shall not be added into our adspace, nor shall political campaigns that breach our ToS. (i.e. no attack ads) The benefits gained from a deal like this will be apparent within the coming months. The deal will enable us to expand to bring on more writers, hire more freelancers, and allow us to focus solely on delivering the truthful and accurate reporting that we've been known for. If at any point that the Daily News feels as if this deal causes inadvertent influence on our journalistic practices, whether it's from pressure of News Network's advertisers or otherwise, we will exit out of the deal and any contract signed. With the monetary benefits from this deal, the Daily will be able to expand to hire more reporters, more journalists, and gain a wider reach across to the citizens of Los Santos County. We're more than happy to work alongside the News Network to support our county's local businesses while delivering the highest quality journalism to our readers' doorsteps. Comments are enabled: Username: Comment:

Interview with Secretary of Labor Herbert Brennan; "The County has really experienced a rapid decline in industry across the board in the recent decades" BY MICHAEL GOLD Los Santos, SA - 13th of May, 2021, The LSNN hosted a live interview with The Secretary of Labor Herbert Brennan to discuss the new projects and job opportunities offered to the County citizens. Michael Gold with Herbert Brennan in LSNN Studio Michael Gold: Good evening Los Santos. This is Michael Gold and you are watching LSNN live. I am very pleased to have The Secretary of Labor Herbert Brennan with me tonight. Mister Brennan, pleased to have you, and thanks for accepting our invitation on such short notice. Herbert Brennan: Thank you for having me, Michael. The last time we spoke I've told you I'll appear on your show when I'm ready to announce the next big project of the Department of Labor. Michael Gold: That's true, and here we are today having you with us, and this means we have some new projects to be discussed as you already stated sir. Let us start with the commercial fishing in the county? What can you tell us about that project? Herbert Brennan: First of all, the County has really experienced a rapid decline in industry across the board in the recent decades. I've always fought that trend. The project of Commercial fishing is not without backing of the people of the County. I've talked about this the first time on your show. The strength of our economy is in the small businesses and the middle class. We're opening this field for small businesses, family companies rather than huge corporations. The accent is on the residents of the County, and the jobs that the industry brings. In spirit of the Department's motto we've already created programs which will stimulate and revive economy of the County. The ball is on the other side of the court now. In the State Senate where, hopefully, we'll be able to propose our amendments to The Hunting Act, introducing commercial fishing which will be regulated by the Department of Fishing and Wildlife. Michael Gold: That's very pleasant to hear, thank you for the clarification. Switching to the hunting act, when I was at Paleto Bay few weeks ago, I have pumped into few folks out there and they were so upset because of the increasing rate of crimes such as armed robberies in the county. They all were positive that the current hunting regulations caused that. People could now walk with a rifle and say that it is for hunting purpose. Do you have any comment on this issue? Herbert Brennan: Now, I'm not the State Ranger, nor Director of Fish and Wildlife. I recall being presented on the meeting between the Sheriff and the residents of the County in Paleto Bay few weeks ago. I'm confident that the Sheriff's Department, along with the State Rangers are looking into these potential abuses. I, myself, am a hunter. I hunt regularly in that area. There's always a patrol of State Rangers present. I have my confidence in the Sheriff's Department and Rangers. Michael Gold: We have already talked about the fishing project. Is there any projects that are currently being cooked for the County mister Brennan? Is there any new jobs introduced for our folks out there? Herbert Brennan: Indeed, there are. I must say to you, and to everyone watching and listening, especially to the residents of the County that their Government has not forsaken them. Commercial fishing is sorta of a test run for us in line of many projects that we plan for the County. Michael Gold: Can we have a small exclusive sneak peak? Herbert Brennan: We've mentioned already that the industry of the County has been neglected for past decade, and more. We're aiming in revitalizing the industry of the area in the future. I'm sure the residents of the County will understand my words. That's all I can say for now. Michael Gold: Sir, I know that you have a busy schedule so we are going to jump to our last question tonight. Allow me first to announce that it is out of the main topic we are discussing tonight, a bit of a drift. Lately there has been a very important topic that most of Los Santos citizens were discussing everywhere, it is the Capital Punishment. I want to ask you sir as a citizen of Los Santos not as Secretary of Labor, are you with or against the Capital Punishment, and why? Herbert Brennan: We've witnessed a raising trend among ranks of conservatives and red states which is paying off. A Marshall Project review found that in roughly half the states with an active death penalty system, Republican lawmakers have recently sponsored or written bills to ban or constrain the punishment, or to help potentially innocent prisoners avoid it. Although many of these bills are unlikely to pass, their sheer volume suggests a significant shift in conservative views. The trend is good. Polls are encouraging that more and more conservatives are against death penalty in favor of life sentence. Michael Gold: Does this mean that Herbert Brennan the Citizen of Los Santos is with those who are against the death penalty? Herbert Brennan: This topic is no place for a joke, but as my friend and long time colleague once said "This is San Andreas. We are all liberals". But, you are right. I am against death penalty as it opens moral dilemmas, and potential danger of sentencing of innocent people. I'm in favor of life imprisonment. Michael Gold: Thank you for the plan and clear answer mister Brennan. Today we were delighted to have The Secretary of Labor Herbert Brennan at our studio. Thank you very much sir for attending. Herbert Brennan: Pleasure, Michael. Michael Gold: So that was all for tonight ladies and gentlemen. This was Michael Gold, and you were watching LSNN live. It is your RIGHT to KNOW.

Interview with the newly born security firm; Holland Private Security management speaks to LSNN BY MICHAEL GOLD Los Santos, SA. On the 3rd of May 2021, The newly born security firm known as Holland Private Security - found by Frank Jansen (CEO) and his two fellows, James Beenhouwer (COO) and Jan Bakker (HR director) - has shown a growing potential in a very short period of time. Only one month since they introduced themselves to Los Santos, and here they are having different contracts with clients that trust the firm and their services. LSNN was inside Holland's office, and were able to make three interviews with three different members of the management team behind the firm. We were introduced more to them, and their firm that gives multiple security related services to the Los Santos community. Holland Security officers during an event Supervisor of Security: Jessica Russell Michael Gold interview with Jessica Russell (Video) HR Director: Jan Bakker Michael Gold interview with Jan Bakker (Video) Chief Operations Officer: James Beenhouwer Michael Gold interview with James Beenhouwer (Video)

Interview with Omar Ortiz, Anthony Ramirez's lawyer speaks after his client execution; "I am against capital punishment all together. There's no human way to kill a person" BY MICHAEL GOLD Los Santos, SA. On 27th of April, 2021, the date set for the execution of Anthony Ramirez, the killer of Deputy Corner Stacy Nguyen. LSNN was able to get an exclusive interview with Omar Ortiz the lawyer of Ramirez in the LSNN studios on the day of the execution. Michael Gold and Omar Ortiz in the LSNN studio Michael Gold: Good evening Los Santos, this is Michael Gold and you are watching LSNN live. On the 4th of April, 2021, and before dawn, Anthony Ramirez was arrested by Police Officer II Eduardo Rojas, on El Rancho Boulevard, Cypress Flats. The nineteen years old was accused of killing police Officer ranked as Deputy Corner Stacy Nguyen. As stated in the autopsy record, Officer Nguyen suffered from three rifle caliber rounds to the head, with exit wounds meaning no bullet fragments were collected during the autopsy. However, one 9mm round was recovered from her abdomen area. The head caliber rounds had damaged the brain, which lead to her death. His honor Michael McMurrary was the assigned judge of the case and District Attorney's Office Prosecutor Melanie Cromwell was the Prosecutor. On the 21st of April, 2021, the final hearing for State of San Andreas v. Anthony Ramirez was held in Greg E. Joplin courthouse, on Ginger Street, in Little Seoul. The defendant, Anthony Ramirez, has been indicted on the charges of First Degree Murder, Possession of a Prohibited Firearm or Explosive Device and Discharging a firearm in public. The purpose of the hearing was for summary judgement. Ramirez throw a speech in the courtroom, while every one listened. In his speech, Ramirez plead guilty. After Mr. Ramirez's statement, Justice McMurray stated that he finds mister Ramirez guilty on all charges, then he announced a 15 minutes recess in order to debate sentencing time. "Now to address mister Ramirez. I find it the highest of crimes for you to take a life of one of our peace officers of this great state. Due to the gravity of these crimes and your complete disregard at the time the total lack of care for life and the highly violent nature of the murder, this court sentences you to Capital Punishment, death by lethal injection", said Justice McMurray, announcing Ramirez's punishment. Today 27th of April, 2021, is the day Ramirez was executed. And today we have in the studio Mister Omar Ortiz, Ramirez lawyer. Welcome Mister Ortiz. Omar Ortiz: Thank you, Mister Gold. It's a pleasure to be here with you today. Michael Gold: Mister Ortiz, first we would like to know how were you approached and by whom to take the case? Omar Ortiz: I was approached by the partner of Mister Ramirez. She reached out, extremely sick with worry as you could imagine. Michael Gold: Accepting such a case with very narrow chance of winning, is very difficult to accept, let me first show my admiration for you stepping to take such a case. Can you please tell us why did you accept it? Knowing that losing is more probable. Omar Ortiz: Well, Mister Gold. A case isn't just about winning or losing. It's about the individual. Mister Ramirez certainly had a tough life, he went through things that you could probably not even fathom. The case to me, wasn't about winning. It was about ensuring Mister Ramirez had a fair trial, as he's entitled to like every other citizen within this great state. Michael Gold: Speaking of which, do you believe Mister Ramirez had a fair trial? Omar Ortiz: I believe from a legal standpoint, his trial was fair yes. Although I am firmly against capital punishment. Michael Gold: Are you against the capital punishment in this specific trial or in general Mister Ortiz? Omar Ortiz: I am against capital punishment all together. There's no human way to kill a person. The lethal injection can take awhile to actually bring about a persons death, it can take multiple doses. It is also stated to, likely be rather painful. Not only that, it makes a public spectacle of the persons death. An entire nation watching your death. Regardless of the crime, any execution violates a persons right to life. Mister Ramirez was expecting his first child, a son. This child will never meet their father. Their only knowledge of their own father will be nation spread news articles of his death. It's barbaric, to say the least. Michael Gold: Some citizens, who would be on the opposite side, seeing the capital punishment is just justice, they would say that the officer as well might have children that will never see her again because of Mister Ramirez act of extreme violence against her, and they would be in favor of executing him, to bring justice to the lady. Don't you believe that this opinion is correct as well? Omar Ortiz: My heart goes out to the family of the officer. That is without a doubt. I can't even begin to imagine how they are feeling. Yet growing up, my mother always told me that two wrongs don't make a right. Mister Ramirez would of faced justice within the prison system. Yet he wasn't given that chance, he was murdered. The only difference being his murder carried a seal of approval. Incarceration is supposed to be about two things. The first being justice, the second being rehabilitation. Yet with capital punishment, neither of these are achieved. The only thing accomplished was revenge. Michael Gold: This will lead us to the rehabilitation topic. I can say from your words that you are supporting it and you want to see the state pushing it forward, how do see this system will add value to our community? Omar Ortiz: I feel work is definitely needed in terms of rehabilitation. As of current, the prison system within our state is focused more around the punishment and breaking down of incarcerated individuals. Yet what I believe we should be doing is working with these individuals and building them up to a point they can once again be a positive and functional member of general society. If you look at the countries where this outlook on incarceration is supported, you will see they have much lower rates of re-offending. Our current system puts these individuals at a much greater risk of re-offending. To put it in perspective, look at the case of Toa Asau. A homeless child, living on the streets with no food or water. Yet we put him to trial- as an adult. We then sentenced him as an adult. We placed him in an adult facility, within the same holding unit as adults. We are the only western nation that does such things. Michael Gold: Point proven mister Ortiz. Now let's go back to the day of the final hearing. We all saw Ramirez having a statement that he prepared trying to convince the judge and the courtroom that he has changed. "I'm a reformed man. The US rehabilitation programs really did come through. I'm closer to my God. I went through tens, maybe hundreds of books. You can confirm that I've been on good behavior. I'm really a reformed man. I think, with the rehabilitation I've been through, I can be once again be a productive member of society. I hate myself for what I did. I think about it day and night. It's nothing I thought I'd be capable of doing. There's not much more to be said. Your honor. I plead guilty. I was caught on camera. I only ask the courts for mercy with my sentencing and a second chance at life. I'm still young and have a lot to look forward to" Stated Ramirez. Ramirez plead guilty on that day, and even the judge re-asked him about it. Were you the one behind this move mister Ortiz? How did you two co-ordinate? We saw you support him by patting his back after he finished. Omar Ortiz: First of all, that speech was not prepared. Mister Ramirez stood up and spoke on the spot from his heart. Mister Ramirez made his own decision to speak to the people within the courtroom. He was also true in his words. He had changed, he had found faith within the system, attending church and reading books from the library. He became very interested in earning an education, on better himself as a person. Mister Ramirez- before being placed within the system, faced a number of difficulties. Addiction, notably. Yet he had come to accept this. He was ready to admit this. He was at a stage, where he was able to progress and own up to his actions. Mister Ramirez really did regret his actions. He was torturing himself on a daily basis. He found it hard to live with what he had done. This was the first time he had ever been convicted of a violent crime like that. Yet he didn't try to hide from it. He was ready to face it. That was the only purpose of his speech. To express his emotions to the courtroom, he was after all, human just like the rest of us. Michael Gold: Sir are you the one who advised him to plea guilty in that courtroom? Omar Ortiz: Mister Ramirez made the decision himself and I'll admit, I was proud of him. Michael Gold: Such a big case that took all that media coverage, how do you feel after losing the case? And are you still in contact with the family? Omar Ortiz: I spoke to Mister Ramirez' partner before coming here. I expressed my condolences and checked that they were comfortable with us discussing his trial and punishment on the news today. I will remain in contact with them and offer my support. The loss of the case means nothing to me, the loss of Anthony Ramirez' life does. Michael Gold: We send our condolences to both families for their loss. Human being life is very precious, and needs to be kept always as that. This interview with the first public speech of Mister Ortiz after the last hearing of the case. You have seen it exclusive on our screen, LSNN. Thank you for being with us mister Ortiz. Omar Ortiz: Thank you for having me, Mister Gold. Michael Gold: So, Los Santos this was all what we have for tonight. I am Michael Gold, you were watching LSNN live. Our aim is to keep you always informed, it is your RIGHT to KNOW.

Welcome to the Los Santos 2020: Election Night Special. Polling stations opened at midnight on September 25 and closed on September 27 at 18:00/6PM. Results will be reported live as soon as they become available. We expect them to arrive around 19:00/7PM. Updates will be posted in the lower "updates" tab (( comments )). For more information about the election, click HERE. A tie has been declared, meaning that City Hall will be split between Democrats and Republicans equally, each party receiving three seats. OFFICIAL RESULTS CENTRAL DISTRICT RESULTS Richard Orosco (D) Alex Flynn (R) Alex Flynn receives 67 votes and wins the Central District election. Richard Orosco receives 62 votes. NORTHERN DISTRICT RESULTS Manjot Singh (D) Jonathan Spencer (R) Jonathan Spencer receives 39 votes and wins the Northern District election. Manjot Singh receives 25 votes. WESTERN DISTRICT RESULTS Tanya Sun (D) Joshua Shepherd (R) Tanya Sun receives 132 votes and wins the Western District election. Joshua Shepherd receives 94 votes. EASTERN DISTRICT RESULTS George Valencia (D) Thomas Busch (R) George Valencia receives 36 votes and wins the Eastern District election. Thomas Busch receives 20 votes. SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESULTS Wallace Abbasi (D) Jose Ortiz (R) Wallace Abbasi receives 34 votes and wins the Southern District election. Jose Ortiz receives 30 votes. BLAINE DISTRICT RESULTS Badar Khan (D) Joseph Hoffman (R) Joseph Hoffman receives 45 votes and wins the Blaine District election. Badar Khan receives 9 votes. © 2020 Los Santos News Network. All rights reserved. (( COMMENTS HAVE BEEN ENABLED, AS THE RESULTS ARE POSTED. ))

District Councillor Candidates Confirmed ADRIAN WINTER The Office of the City Clerk has confirmed the finalised list of candidates taking place in the upcoming District Council elections in an exclusive, late-night update to LSNN. Both Democratic and Republican candidates have been hitting the campaign trails hard over the past few weeks, but a final list of candidates has only just been confirmed this evening. See below: WESTERN DISTRICT: Tanya Sun (D), Joshua Shepherd (R) NORTHERN DISTRICT: Manjot Singh (D), Jonathan Spencer (R) CENTRAL DISTRICT: Richard Orosco (D), Alex Flynn (R) EASTERN DISTRICT: George Valencia (D), Thomas Busch (R) SOUTHERN DISTRICT: Wallace Abbasi (D), Jose Ortiz (R) BLAINE DISTRICT: Badar Khan (D), Joseph Hoffman (R) Most interestingly, there are no independent candidates in the running whatsoever for these roles: all are members of either the Democratic or Republican parties. No more individuals can register to be part of the polls - this is the final list. Polling stations will open up in each district at 6am on the 25th of September 2020, and will close at 6pm on the 27th of September 2020. During this time, residents of each local area will have the chance to choose who will represent them as District Councillor. LSNN has been conducting exclusive interviews with these candidates over the past few days, having attended many of the events organised by the two main political parties. As such, more information regarding each candidate, their policies and their overall popularity rating will follow in upcoming articles. Stay tuned and be sure to subscribe ((follow this forum in the top right hand corner)) for the most up-to-date developments. VISIT OUR WEBSITE - CLICK HERE

Burglar killed while attempting to escape Dante Rosenberg Attempted burglary ends up with dead burglar thanks to quick sheriff response On 23rd of July, by quick response of Sheriff Department, a burglar was prevented from escaping. Sources told LSNN that the burglar attempted to break into a house at Magellan Avenue by breaking windows. It is not know if he managed to get in or get anything from the house. Allegedly the house alarm went off and deputies responded to the scene. Burglar, who was still on scene, tried to escape by getting into his vehicle and attempted to ram an deputy who was on a sidewalk. The burglar was killed on sight by police, said the eye witness. The subject was armed with pistol and hammer. It's not know if owner of a house or anybody else was in the house. Deputies on scene did not comment on the matter and referred journalists to the Media Relations team. LSNN has requested a official statement from the Sheriff Department, and will post it when we've received. Photography of the incident: #ads

Adrian Winter recording the latest LSNN news updates for radio stations News Updates Now on Radio Stations LSNN is proud to unveil its brand new radio news updates, being published across several new partner radio stations. The two-minute long updates, currently voiced by Journalist Adrian Winter, will play regularly throughout the day and be updated at least once per week depending on what's happening in the city. To hear the first update, click here: LSNN News Update 1.mp3 "We believe this is a huge step forward for news provision in the city. Not everyone had the time to read articles, but most people listen to the radio in their car, at home or at work. Now they can enjoy high quality news updates as well as their favorite music" comments Ashley Cross, Owner at LSNN. The new updates were piloted on Playback FM - a radio station taking Los Santos by storm thanks to its popular DJs and commentary. Following positive feedback from listeners, the partnership will continue and the station will continue to play news updates from LSNN for the foreseeable. Radio stations currently signed up to the LSNN radio news package include: Playback FM (Station 108) Cross FM (Station 3) IndieRox (Station 50) Other Los Santos-based radio stations are encouraged to get in touch with LSNN if they're interested in receiving the news updates free-of-charge by joining the partnership programme. Email our management team by clicking here. lsnn.gta.world

Meet the new Fire Chief! Callie Palencia Los Santos News had the chance to sit down with the Fire Chief Randy Sikes Los Santos News Network was able to setup a meeting with the newly inaugurated Fire Chief Randy Sikes and Freddy Mellet to talk about the future of the Fire Department and the plans of the future. We learned a lot of new things, including the new station that will be opened shortly! (Left to right) Freddy Mellet, Randy Sikes, Callie Palencia. Full Interview Callie Palencia: What changes do you plan on bringing forward to the department Randy Sikes: My immediate goal is to review and update our policies and procedures, allowing them to be better understood and clarify what is expected of my employees. We're also in the process of replacing most of our fleet, starting with our engine companies. Our technical rescue capabilities are being expanded with the purchase of new rescue trucks. And lastly, we're looking forward to expanding our operations into Paleto Bay and the surrounding areas through our volunteer program and hope to push for funding in doing so. Callie Palencia: When do you plan on making the purchase, any time soon? Randy Sikes: The purchases have been made and the trucks have been spec'd out. We purchased five new engines, a heavy rescue, HazMat, and off road rescue vehicle.We're awaiting for them to finish testing before they come to us. They have to be thoroughly tested by the manufacturer. --- Callie Palencia: The Fire Department has undergone heavy scrutiny from the public lately, especially with the past riots, How do you plan on improving the Fire Department's reputation? Randy Sikes: I'm happy to address specific concerns if you have them. With that said, going forward with our Public Relations team, we'll be getting more involved in the community by hosting community meetings where we can have discussions with the public and address any concerns they may have. --- Callie Palencia says: What do you feel can be improved within the Fire Department? And how will you tackle that Randy Sikes: Of course, this is one of the most important questions for a new Fire Chief. There is always room for improvement; one thing that we have to do is keep moving forward and not remain stagnant. We hope to lead by example in implementing a structure that works. Part of our recent improvements was the establishment of our Fire Academy, in which we bring on new candidates in an extensive training program that prepares them for the real deal. The academy streamlines the whole recruitment process, in contrast to individualized training in the past which took a lot of time and resources. Our training instructors have been doing a fantastic job in that regard. Lastly, my goal is to be as transparent as possible with my employees and be open to feedback and suggestions from both my employees and the public. This allows me to push forward changes that are most effective. --- Callie Palencia: I see, and speaking of transparency, how do you plan on being more transparent with the public; this can be anything from expenditures, general internal affairs data. I believe the old fire chief... Hunter? Was happy to release data upon request, when I did ask about it. Randy Sikes: Of course. We publish a monthly newsletter to the department which is a great source for finding relevant information of what's going on, as well as recognizing outstanding members and their accomplishments. Along with the previously mentioned community meetings, that should also allow further transparency in giving the public a platform to let us know about their suggestion and issues. Along with that, I will be happy to release internal affairs statistics and comment on completed investigations. These should all be seen in the near future from our ever-growing Public Relations division who are doing some outstanding work. --- Callie Palencia: Do you plan on opening any other Fire Stations? Randy Sikes: Yes, currently we have plans to open two more stations. Station One in Paleto Bay was previously closed due to manpower limitations, and we will be reopening it as a volunteer station in the near future. Station Two, in Rockford Hills, will also be opening very quickly. It'll house our headquarters staff, and all of our administration functions. We'll also consider staffing it with response vehicles, but that's long term. Last month, we also opened Station Six at Los Santos International Airport, which services LSIA, contains our Fire Academy, and houses our Air Operations Division. Needless to say, we're expanding pretty quickly. And that's also in great part to Chief Hunter. He had a vision of what he wanted the department to be, and I'm now helping carry it out. Callie Palencia: I see, when you say fully staffed Volunteer station, will that 100% volunteers? Randy Sikes: It will likely be a hybrid of paid staff and volunteers; at least at first. Our Captains are all full-time staff, so the station would have to be managed by them. That may change, depending on the needs of the department. --- Callie Palencia: Mental Health is a complex issue to cover, especially with Firefighters and EMS, how do you plan on supporting your staff that may suffer from mental health issues? Randy Sikes: Of course, this is something that hits very close to me. It's widely known that firefighters and other first responders undergo God's work on a day-to-day basis and often have to experience trauma that very few could imagine. There's a lot of mental pressure that can be seen from our employees as a result of what they experience in their jobs and we've made extensive efforts in allowing periods of leave on the basis of mental health. Every year across the country, there are more suicides in first responders than actual line-of-duty deaths. Part of the problem regarding mental health is the fear of talking to a psychologist; a stigma has risen around it not just in the fire department, but in general life. In an effort to help our staff in difficult times moving forward, we'll be expanding our network of available psychologists and chaplains that our staff can reach out to at any time. Another thing we'll be implementing is something that fire departments across the world already do, and that's a critical incident stress debriefing. This can be activated after a serious call where the attendees can sit down with one another and talk about what happened in an open forum. Sometimes when you bring outside people in to deal with these situations, it can cause us to be closed off. So what this does is allow them to talk about it with those who were actually there. The other thing I'll be addressing is the way we discipline staff who may be suffering from PTSD. In the past, it's common that people who are suffering from PTSD get little to no support from their department and I want to make sure we're not doing that. If someone's suffering, we need to be there to support them so they can move on. When striking down hard on employees because of bad behavior that stems from depression or PTSD, that pushes them further downhill. Instead, we need to take a step back and see why a member is acting out and get them the help we need before resorting to disciplinary action. Los Santos News thanks the Fire Department Media Relations and the Fire Chief for sitting down with us. Further Reading LSFD website LSFD Photos (Ran by Freddy Mellet) lsnn.gta.world

TEST DRIVING THE LAMPADATI KOMODA The devil wears Prada A trend that is repeated often by most of the greatest car manufacturer is to hide real beasts behind a gentleman suit. Apparently, there’s no reason why that car could be scary: they use to be smart 4-door car, with enough space for four adults plus their luggage, with a clean and elegant line, exotic materials used in the interiors and comfortable seats… Until you start the engine. There are many cars that can be a great example of the above mentioned, but there is one that outstands over all them: the Lampadati Komoda. Nothing but 510 break-horsepower hidden under many pounds of Italian design and sophistication. It is ten in the morning and time for heading to the offices in Maze Bank. You wake up in your magnificent luxury mansion, dress up your favorite suit and you decide giving your chauffeur a free day: you feel like driving today! You head then into your garage and you choose the car that will wrinkle the less your suit: there she is. Awaiting with that dark red metallic color, these low-profile tires, and these round shapes. She will not be outstanding too much in the parking-lot between the other mortal’s cars. Will not break your vertebral column each time you step onto a bump on the road. Her electronics will take care of the stability, the grip, to economize the engine… so the only thing you will have to do is choose the direction in which you want to go. And the speed, of course. She is the ideal choice for your driving day. So, you leave home, and head the Maze Bank tower in which your posh office is waiting for you. You feel comfortable sinking in the Italian leather, and the car is being driving in casual mode. Not much noise. Not a big effort on your side. You made it to the work in a reasonable short period of time. It is going to be a hard day in the office, but at least the drive to there was pleasant and relaxing. Time to go home. You see your watch, 15:00. Too much for today. And also the shareholder meeting was all except quite. You are angry, you have too much adrenaline on your body to release. Without saying a word to anyone you head back to your Lampadati Komoda, you open it, throwing your jacket to the rear sit. This time you will not head directly to home. Time for the long route. And enough of the comfortable mode for today. Let’s move the driving mode selector to “race”. You feel it: the red-dressed beauty is slowly turning into a beast. The suspension gets lowered few inches. The exhaust valves get opened. Now you can hear through these giant exhaust mufflers inside which you can fit your fist something that you didn’t realized it was there: a huge bi-turbo 3.2-liter V6 engine, capable of developing 510 break horse-power and tons and tons of torque is ready to make your day. This is not going to be as pleasant as the morning drive. The suspension feels harder, the direction feels tighter. With only turning a selector, you have erased your business car, and you’ve obtained a sports sedan as payback. Pedal to the metal. Time to run. You left half of the rear tires on the floor in front of the main entrance. Everybody knows what you are going to do. You now left behind the city and you face a curvy road outside the town heading Richman. Is here where your beauty will proof her value: the quick double-clutch gearbox operated by paddle shifters will allow you to quickly shift down before a corner to seize the maximum of the engine break, decreasing the speed of the vehicle quick in cooperation with the Brembo competition brake system; to then, use the power of the 510 Italian stallions hidden behind the hood to accelerate back from whatever to 60 in less than few fractions of seconds. Maximum speed? Well, you managed to realise that in 7th gear full-throttle the speedometer was stopping around the 132 mph when you were in the highway. But this is a mountain road. There is not much time to speed-up before having to brake again to take the next corner. The precise suspension system will help you out with that, allowing you to shift from a left turn to a right corner with precision and without losing grip. One thing is true: thanks God you took that driving course with a Hotring not much time ago and you learned how to use the throttle pedal. With such a big amount of power only applied to the rear wheels, is easy to lose the tail. Maybe for the mediocre drivers. You belong to another world. And that kind of pleasures make you forget a horrible tough day and convert it to remarkable. After few minutes driving as a mad man, having burned most of the petrol tank; you feel more relaxed. Time to go back home. Chameleonically the car will become again acity vehicle when you move the driving mode selector back to “comfort”. You reach your home and you park your partner back where she was. She might not be a supercar. She was meant to be designed to be a businessman vehicle. And indeed, she is. However someday somebody thought businessman can also have hard days. And they may need to release some adrenaline. Thanks whoever you are to bring us the sport sedans. Berta K. Torres LSNN

FROM MIRROR PARK TO THE WORLD A TAIL-ENGINED LEGEND TURNED TO MASTERPIECE Is a fact. Los Santos is a city that smells gasoline. Despite southern San Andreas is not a territory in where any car manufacturer will base their operations, thanks to the high average acquisition power of the population is normal to see high-end cars driven around the streets. That opened the door to many well-known after-market brands to get established in the area, giving to the world real conversions which can be described as a mixture of geniality and craziness. Is the case that City Drivers brings on it's first release. Nathan, a young technician from QuickFix, already well-known for being one of the best modification workshops all over the state; showed to our cameras his toy: a 3.7 liter twin-turbo engineered Comet that has been brought to another dimension. Not happy with the 650 horsepower than this beast already gives with the stock engine, Nathan decided to start working on improving the technical specs of his beauty soon after he purchased it. First stop: the Engine Control Unit. The brain of the car was reprogrammed to optimize the synchronization between the valves' opening and closing and the ignition and to inject a richer mixture of fuel. Consumption increase? Maybe, but being completely honest who gives something for free? The exhaust was changed as well. The stock system was ripped off and brand-new competition parts were put in place. Less opposition to the exhaust fumes to go out, more power available for moving the car. That also gave the beast a refurbished sound and she now delights our eyes with some flames appearing randomly when shifting down. No engine rework could be considered complete without changing the turbochargers for two monstrous Garret units that will provide a huge air flow and more pressure, with the aim to bring on more torque and power on the high-end revs. Nevertheless, no car could be able to be driven without moving that insane amount of horsepower down to the ground. With that objective, the transmission also suffered changes: new competition clutch, and a lighter aluminum free-wheel to increase the acceleration and saving some weight at the same time. The tyre width was also increased in order to gain more grip. No greater opportunity to seize and change the rims for a set of carbon wheels. Less weight, more resistance. A big rear wing was put in place to bring in more downforce and the front spoiler was reworked to reduce understeering. The suspension and the new ceramic brakes installation completed the setup. Stronger springs and a shorter length to drop down the center of gravity and make the car agiler on the cornering, and ceramic disks and high-power brake calipers to dissipate a higher amount of energy. The masterpiece was completed with a new paintjob using a metallic competition yellow color. The result... Well. Sometimes words cannot be enough. City Driver had the chance get behind the steering-wheel for a test drive and try push the beast near to the limit. Impressive. That huge engine laying on top of the rear train gives the car a huge grip when accelerating, so the 0 to 60 time gets seriously decreased. How many seconds? To be honest, I don't know as I had to concentrate on maintaining a proper direction. But I might say that not more than 3. And it results so easy to burn-out when starting. If you do so at full throttle, a long trace made half of smoke half of burned rubber will be left behind. The competition braking system is amazing but feels so different from a normal stock car for the big amount of strength that is required by the driver. Nevertheless, is not needed a long distance in order to completely come to a stop. Cornering is not an easy operation, either. What can you expect with that power and a huge heavy engine pushing you from behind? The direction is precise, and it's easy to brake and start a corner even maintaining some pressure on the throttle pedal to make the car flatter at the turning entrance thanks to the brake system. However, is at the exit when the beast can attack and surprise a rookie driver. Is it better to be gentle with the right pedal and measure out the pressure that you depress with. Otherwise the tail soon will try to overtake you. Oversteering appears easily and driving this machine near to her limit is a task only possible by experienced professional drivers. Thank you to Nathan and his Comet for such a great experience. This city was a common passion, which are the cars. And the described above is just one more chapter of what can be found around Los Santos streets. Another example of how good our city workshops can be, and how far goes the desire of an enthusiast owner to obtain the strongest sensations from his machine. Gasoline runs in Nathan's veins, and possibly inside most of ours’. Berta K. Torres - City Driver LSNN