Lomadias

You know more than me! I know little about who would be calling the shots. I like the idea though certainly. I would love to see a few more script jobs. I know often it's like "it's an rp server" etc but I feel that some of the script jobs only ADD roleplay, they don't detract and allows people more variety when there's no suitable work and no one is doing the business they want to RP!

Hmmmmmn interesting concept. When a lease vehicle expires, it's not like it's any good for anyone. No one other than the owner will be affected. At the moment these are OOC as we know. You pay or you don't. If you don't the vehicle vanishes. I don't know how to make that IC if it's the script way. No one can "reclaim" the car because no-one has the rights to it and I don't really want to then turn around like "the city has reclaimed your vehicle" because it's not the cities property. You can already use a vehicle dealership (player owned) that have lease payments and do it IC with them though. This is interesting though, I like the idea. I don't know how the logic would work but for example: - Player fails to pay their lease. They are given a "fine" for late payment along with the normal monthly fee. They have X days to pay. (We would need to figure this out for players away on approved inactivity because it's unfair for them to lose it. They could pay ahead of time but I don't want a player to have to faff if they forget.) - After X days has passed, the vehicle either moves to a new character or receives a flag of sorts. That flag/vehicles on the new character go into a list not unlike the trucking job. - Those signed up for repo work will select a job and use the appropriate vehicle to recover the vehicle. It cannot be vp'd etc. - It is taken to the designated spot, say the impound lot. Mix it up around the map to allow county roleplayers the same opportunity without going to the city etc. I would love to say let's try to have the rp with an angry character that wants to keep their vehicle, however that should be done IC with a vehicle dealership that offers their own leases. Perhaps as well this falls into a new vehicle scrapping system for old/ruined vehicles. At the moment we put them on a specific character but I'd love to see LEOs and third parties be able to repo and threaten to scrap vehicles. Not insured? Doesn't go into the void, goes to the scrappy and gives others the chance to RP them. Perhaps much like the random vehicle spawns for chopping, we could have the same for repos too to ensure the list is always populated. If less than 10 jobs, trigger a server vehicle. It's possible none of this is feasible with how the actual lease system works, but I think the idea warrants a discussion? @Selena thoughts too?

Property Management, we are a subteam of administrators that handle properties and businesses. You join the discord: https://discord.gg/a7H2sVBDCc

A lot of players strive for clubs, bars or breweries (we have quite a lot of breweries honestly), and sometimes its for the character or their enjoyment and the social aspect, and other times it's because its just popular and therefore deemed "easy" (debatable). But niche businesses can get popular too! Is it hard work? Yeah it can be, but players do appreciate a different hub to roleplay in and we'll support you in PM however we can. Script money? Means nothing. Come and join us in the PM discord. Players and admins are mega communicative on ideas and things there. Also, if a script doesn't appear to do what you need it to do, ask us if there's a way to make it work! We bend over backwards to try and make things work, or we speak to developers about tweaks and fixes to things. We're a hub of feedback, so I'm sure there will be some sort of help for you on discord.

State Announces Open Bidding for LS County Fire Hydrant Installation Initiative Written by Holly Miller In a proactive move towards bolstering safety measures within areas that suffer from slower response times, The State Government has announced plans to improve both times and efficiency in controlling fires out in the Los Santos County, after identifying areas where the service required dramatic improvements. With the introduction of the LS County Fire Hydrant Installation Initiative, the officials are targeting a weak area of fire safety infrastructure, committing to improve the service in hard-to-reach areas, ultimately with the vision to reduce the impact of fire hazards and improve firefighting capabilities. The initiative comes to life after a conjoint effort between the Los Santos Fire Department and SANFIRE, who evaluated the dire need for more fire hydrants following the Ron Alternatives Wind Farm incident on the 6th of February 2023, which had a direct impact on the efficiency on the firefighting capabilities to tackle the fire. Senator Adrian Rossi took to Facebrowser with the announcement, inviting local businesses with the knowledge, accreditations, and experience to apply for the bid to bring this initiative to life. Assistant PR Director Alex Jorgensen has provided a statement following the announcement of the initiative, giving a detailed overview of why such a service is vital to the future of fire safety in the County. The Ron Alternatives Wind Farm incident is still fresh in the minds of many, but for those unaware, SANFIRE also provided a short statement of coverage on the incident. The dangers that fires may pose are known to all, being a significant threat to businesses, workers, and nearby communities. The consequences of such fires can be devastating, resulting in property damage, environmental hazards, and potential loss of life. The Government has taken the findings of our local fire specialist agencies and will help to enhance safety measures to minimize the impact should a fire occur.

UNVEILING THE UNDERBELLY: CRIME IN LOS SANTOS AND THE STRUGGLING GUARDIANS Written by Holly Miller Los Santos, a City known almost exclusively due to its rampant and forever climbing crime rate, harbours a shadowy underbelly fuelled by gang violence, organized crime, and poverty led crimes of desperation. As a stringer and journalist, my evenings are spent face to face with the end result; a vicious cycle of death and destruction. Some scenes make an article, some do not. This may be due to the lack of context provided by law enforcement on scenes, the lack of significant and grounding photography, or the coverage of another journalist. What doesn't change however, is a personal experience. At the start of my career with LSI, I had reached out to the LSPD to arrange a ride-along, getting an inside look into the department and witnessing the dangers facing them. A scene I attended completely changed my view and my once "invulnerable" belief, naïve as that was, was shattered. I'm thankful for this experience, and I had written an article on that scene, but could not share some of the graphic photography. I believe the public has a right to see what I saw, and what law enforcement officers saw responding to the scene. *WARNING, PHOTOGRAPHY CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGERY* Gang violence has become an omnipresent threat in the daily lives of Los Santos' residents. Rival gangs battle for dominance, leaving neighbourhoods scarred by gunfire and terrorized by their ongoing power struggles. Communities now find themselves trapped in a perpetual state of fear, where innocence is a rare commodity, and survival instincts are honed just to navigate the streets. This was an attack on the Motorcycle club. An organized hit, or random chance? Considering the sheer amount of dead at the scene, it's clear this was a targeted incident. With my partner shot in service, my eyes were widened in the most dramatic way possible. Night after night, law enforcement respond to a collection of calls, some life-threatening and some with the potential to escalate that way at the slightest twitch. The crime rate keeps rising, and as a stringer, the last few weeks have been among the busiest of my career. So, is law enforcement keeping up? From property thefts, to gang violence or vehicular crime, our officers are left scrambling to keep up. In the last week, 4 calls were placed by myself. An active shooting, a murder, attempted vehicle theft, and a hit and run during a police chase. Of each of these, the active shooting naturally received immediate attention with officers in the area within my presence in mere moments. However, no officer stayed behind in the hit and run when their suspect hit a motorcyclist and killed her. The murder in Davis required a member of the LSFD to flag down an officer after none responded to our calls, and no-one responded to the attempted vehicle theft. Do they pick and choose? Are they simply overwhelmed? Another call I placed had a single officer respond after around fifteen minutes, to three dead in Davis. I'm not completely convinced he responded to the call and wasn't simply passing, however we had been ignored by two other passing officers in that time. Coroners were left to handle the bodies without any kind of security, and considering how dangerous this area of Forum Drive is, that feels completely abhorrent. I left the scene myself the moment PD also vacated; news isn't worth my life. *WARNING, PHOTOGRAPHY CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGERY* It is true that shootings have become nothing more than a haunting soundtrack playing in the background to our Cities theme. Incidents are not isolated, forming a violence, echoing through every district; from Davis, to Hawick, stretching even to Vespucci. Innocent bystanders find themselves caught in the crossfire, while the sound of gunfire serves as a chilling reminder of the precariousness of life in Los Santos. Amidst this turmoil, the guardians of law and order, the Los Santos Police Department, face an uphill battle. Hindered by limited resources and overwhelmed by the sheer scale of crime, their efforts are often met with frustration and despair. The response times feel to grow longer, and the gap between crimes committed and justice served widens, eroding the public's faith in their ability to maintain order. Is this a fault, is it a false perception? It is difficult to tell, but being in the middle of it all when out reporting on these incidents, it only feels like it casts a heavy cloud over the City.

YEA OR NAY? Voting Commences For New Director Of Fish And Wildlife – Roger Stanfield Written/Photography by: Holly Miller May 27th, State Capitol — As members of the public flooded into the gallery, Senators gathered at the table in preparation to hear the proposal of Captain Roger Stanfield’s appointment to Director of Fish and Wildlife within the San Andreas Park Rangers agency. In attendance within the committee reviewing the proposal, saw Republican Senator’s Shepherd, Rossi and Goodwater, and Democratic Senators Jones and Garcia, each using their floor time to appropriately pose difficult questions to Captain Stanfield, should he be approved for the change of position. The public gallery was no less filled, with a large gathering of Park Ranger’s offering their support to Captain Stanfield. Throughout the evening, the gallery remained respectful as all eyes fell to the front. Our Journalist Holly Miller attended the committee’s vote, and a broken down, transcribed recording covers the process for those that were unable to attend. THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE HEARING After all were gathered, seated and settled, Senator Rossi followed the usual welcome to the attendants, both public and official. The matter at hand progressed swiftly, and after the pledge of allegiance was headed by ex-police chief Branch Goodwater, the session began. Senator Rossi: This committee is now in session. We are gathered here today for the nomination of Mister Roger Stanfield to the position of Director for the Department of Fish and Wildlife, nominated by our Lieutenant Governor, Mister Noah Wade. Mister Stanfield, I would like to give you five minutes on the microphone to just introduce yourself to this body and everyone present. R.Stanfield: Nice to meet you all, I'm Captain Roger Stanfield, commander of the Rangers' operations division. I came to this state from Texas, where I served 5 years previously as a Texas Game Warden in a very similar capacity to that of the Rangers here since settling in San Andreas I have served almost 30 years with the Rangers, primarily in the field under the umbrella of patrol, achieving various supervisory and eventually command positions within the department. Following this, Senator Jones began with her allotted seven minutes to pose her questions to Captain Stanfield. Senator Jones: Mister Stanfield, I'll start us off with a very general question: can you list us your general goals, desires and aims for the department you would be heading? R.Stanfield: Certainly, first and foremost some of my goals are dependent on the passing of the new conservation bill mainly that of the establishment of an independent committee as per its contents, which as of now stands as the primary focusing on ensuring that plans, restrictions, and other regulatory measures can be put forth, discussed, researched and either put into action or not for the benefit of the state's ecosystem, with focus being on establishment of seasons. After that my plans are to work closely with you all in the legislature to positively produce programs and or plans to incentivize the people of this state to invest in the county in regards to hunting and fishing, especially commercial fishing. Which would benefit the economy overall as well, those are just a few aims of mine at this time, as I said, dependent on the passing of legislation. Senator Jones: Thank you, Mister Stanfield. You worked under your predecessor, Frank Dooley. Last year he was here as well, saying his piece just like you are now; have you taken inspiration from his leadership for your career? How has your time so far affected your goals going forward? R.Stanfield: My interactions with the Frank Dooley were limited as he was far removed from me in terms of chain of command especially early in my career with the Rangers, I do not personally attribute my leadership ability to him, but appreciated his mature attitude in general. And could you elaborate on the context of my time so far? Did you mean as in as a Ranger? Senator Jones: Yes R.Stanfield: Well my time in the Rangers has been many things, but on the basis of brevity I'd simply say it's been rewarding as well as arduous, but I believe anyone who has served in law enforcement can relate to that, we've come a long way. And have had to deal with much, but overall I'm happy to see how much the agency has improved and grown since I first joined, and hope it continues. Senator Jones: To elaborate — sorry, to elaborate, what I'm looking for is something of an anecdote of issues you've ran into throughout your career that you intend to rectify, if any. R.Stanfield: The main issues we've come into contact with would more than likely be the issues revolving around the HAPA bill and the court cases revolving around it. That was a major morale hit, to rectify that? Well, closely working with ya'll can certainly help us rectify that by reaching out. Senator Jones: Thank you for that answer. Final question. As Director of the department, you will be put in charge of taking responsibility for the budgets your department requests. Do you have any history with budget management, and are there any particular fiscal matters that are already on your mind for the next budget request of your department? I understand that you may not have come prepared with documents to aid you in this question, so you can keep it broad. R.Stanfield: I have some experience in terms of operations costs in the managing of our largest division in the Rangers, ultimately putting forward those proposals up the chain of command. As for the second part, absolutely, I'm hoping to find additional funding for future programs designed to attract more people out into our parks as well as actively take part in our State's conservation efforts by introducing culling programs of invasive species for starters, those are certainly already being mulled over in my head. After Senator Jones’ line of questioning, the floor moved to recognize fellow Democratic Senator Garcia for her allotted ten minutes of time. Senator Garcia: Mister Stanfield, your predecessor during his nomination hearing spoke about offering public education programs, such as state park history classes, guided tours of the facility and the construction of a museum in the department of fish and wildlife headquarters building. Have these programs in your opinion succeeded and how will you be intending to forward the aim of public education services? R.Stanfield: I believe the foundation of those programs were put in place and achieved but ultimately have not reached their full potential. It's only recently too actually that I was talking with our community engagement guys and other command members about education specifically as I believe there were some talks about possible classes on outdoor ed for example being discussed with ULSA, this may have just been some wishful thinking, so I'm definitely excited to see where that goes. In general though, I fully intend to move forward with these sort of programs, and hopefully with the close relationship between other organizations as well as the legislature, it can become a reality. Senator Garcia: Why do you believe those programs did not reach their full potential, Mister Stanfield? R.Stanfield: Multitude of reasons, I think the major setbacks I mentioned earlier dissuaded some from engaging in the same manner as they had prior. And as a result they're no longer with the agency, I've seen many recently that have a renewed and genuine excitement and enthusiasm after hearing about the new bill. Which I haven't seen in a long time. Senator Garcia: I see. Mister Stanfield, the department of fish and wildlife comes with the responsibility of protecting our waters, including those off the coast. In our waters, since nineteen-seventy-two, lies a very large artificial reef of rubber tires. This was a failed experiment of past administrations and commonly viewed as an environmental disaster. Will your office aim to start underwater environmental clean-up efforts off-shore? R.Stanfield: This was something I was not aware of, I'm sure our guys in the marine unit would be thrilled to assist in efforts to clean up and start reaching out to other agencies as well, and after this I'd actually like to get more details from you too. If you don't mind. The floor moved to recognize ex-police chief Branch Goodwater next, using his ten minutes to turn the focus more onto that of the agency of the Park Rangers. Senator Goodwater: Thank you, Lieutenant Governor - Captain Stanfield, thank you so much for being here this evening. It's great to see your colleagues from the Park Rangers here to support you. Surely, that's a testament to their faith in you as a leader of the agency. I've got two simple questions, ones that I have no doubt you'll be able to answer without having to think too hard. My first one is this... Senator Goodwater: What do you think the biggest issue is that the San Andreas Park Rangers are facing today? Certainly there are many, but, I'm curious what the agency is currently battling as a group. Also, I don't mean internally by any means. What I'm asking is, what are the things you encounter that make your jobs most difficult? R.Stanfield: I think currently the biggest issue is the overall feeling that the support for our agency is lacking in a general sense for me as former patrol ops head I'd say lack of equipment, as well as the increased violence our Rangers are seeing in the County. Many of the issues we'd been facing have either already been rectified or are in the process of changing. Senator Goodwater: Understood. And in your recent experience, has cooperation from other agencies been amicable, or do you believe there's room for a more cohesive bond between the San Andreas Park Rangers and other law enforcement agencies? R.Stanfield: I think there's definitely room for improvement in regards to how we're perceived as a whole by other agencies, excluding Fire Marshals as we work very closely, and the support and or cohesive bond as you put it definitely has room to improve. And as of right now I think they're currently the relationship has been the best it's ever been currently, our air unit for example has probably put in more flight hours on mutual aids than our own. Senator Goodwater: Well, I'm sure the other agencies are appreciating that! Certainly, the budget for jet fuel will have to be bumped up a bit.. hah'. I appreciate your time, Captain Stanfield. I'm sure the Chair will allow time for closing remarks. I yield. After an intense session of questioning for the Captain, the floor was opened for all to pitch in their final questions. Senator Jones was the first and only to request time for closing comments: Senator Jones: Thank you. Mister Stanfield, I want to say that I appreciate a man with a forward vision heading into a position of responsibility. The way you've answered our questions today give me the impression you are a straight-forward person who wants to get things done. The rangers in the gallery here to support you show us your team-building capabilities; do you have anything to say before I motion to take this to a vote? R.Stanfield: Just that I appreciate the kind words and positive outlook on my nomination and that I hope to be workin' close with ya'll soon. The motion moved quickly towards the closing vote. With all attending Senators unanimously voting YEA, moving the nomination on to the final stages. No doubt, many eyes will be on Captain Stanfield's promises and subsequent performance following his appointment if successful, with several planned proposals and changes which brighten the future of the Park Rangers.

Fire in Little Seoul Wrong place, wrong time ...

Little Seoul Fire Sees Vehicle Decimated Written By: Holly Miller May 27th 2023, the Fire Department were called to a burning vehicle in a parking lot in Little Seoul on Palomino Avenue, crossed with South Rockford Drive. After dispatching units and arriving on scene, firefighters burst into action, containing the fire initially to prevent the spread to nearby buildings. In a populated area such as Little Seoul, the spread could cause devastating effects for inhabitants and local business owners. Fortunately, the fire was handled quickly, and Fire Marshalls joined firefighters on scene to investigate the cause and impact of the fire. They were joined by the Los Santos Sheriff’s department, who worked to help secure the scene and keep both officials and the public safe. Assistant Chief Casey Harper was the Public Information Officer responsible for the scene, and a statement was issued promptly to verify the incident handling and outcome. Assistant Chief Casey Harper: SANFIRE were also able to provide a statement to Media personnel. Deputy Fire Marshal Alex Jorgensen: With arrival under ten minutes, the fire was contained and handled rapidly, which undoubtedly made a huge impact to the overall severity of the incident. We commend the quick actions of the involved agencies in their efforts managing the incident.

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Fraud or Smart Investment? Who are Mint Capital LLC? Written by Holly Miller - 27th May 2023 In modern day society, it has become increasingly more common to see and hear of people falling victim to believable scams and fraud. From internet campaigns to charity events with hidden agendas, people fall foul of the convincing advertising campaigns and “to good to be true” promises. Los Santos is no different, with instances in the past where organizations appear, offer compelling investment opportunities, then disappear without a trace. How does a scarred community trust going forward? The latest suspect in this pool of fraudulent activity rose to notoriety over social media hub, Facebrowser. Mint Capital LLC built its network of followers on the platform, and quickly captured some attention from known public figures who warned against the page’s alleged intentions. But is that really the case, and are these concerns justified? (Public Facebrowser user account for Mint Capital LLC) Following worries over activity following charitable donations in support of the LGBTQ+ community, the question of the groups legitimate operation arose. With Lieutenant Governor Noah Wade taking to Facebrowser to make a powerful statement, essentially calling the City Government into action to investigate claims against Mint Capital LLC. (Public Facebrowser comment by Lieutenant Governor Noah Wade) Following this statement, Medical Director of Pillbox Hill Medical Center Danielle Bordeaux responded with a comment of her own. (Public Facebrowser comment by Director of PHMC, Danielle Bordeaux) With highly regarded figureheads of the community calling the City into action for such a cause, Los Santos Insider reached out to the City Government for comment. Journalist Holly Miller was able to speak with City Operations Officer Bianco Russo on the topic. INTERVIEW: BIANCA RUSSO - CITY OPERATIONS OFFICER H.Miller: So there has been waves over social media about groups such as Mint Capital LLC? If the name sounds familiar at all? B.Russo: Yes, I've read about that group over the news. H.Miller: I couldn't help but notice Mr. Wade throwing a low jab at the City Government, asking what is being done about it. B.Russo: I see. I'm not one for the politics but since there are no legislative backing we have to ensure an action from our end, I don't know what is Mr. Wade is about. There are no laws regarding registration of organisations and on top of that, charities. I'm checking the approved Special Event Permits that we have given, to see whether we have authorized any event done by the group. H.Miller: Interesting, may I ask if they are registered full stop? Under Mint Capital LLC? B.Russo: No. None whatsoever. I'll inform both the Department of Finance and the cooperating agencies to take action as per stated in the Penal Code. H.Miller: Thank you so much. May I ask the Cities advice to anyone investing in or donating to charities that are suspected of fraudulent activity? Is there anything they may do to prepare themselves, or reclaim their investments? B.Russo: Of course. If they suspect that a business or an organisation is not registered nor approved by any government agency, they can freely inform the Department of Finance via phone or an e-mail. Law enforcement will be informed if it turns out for the worse and a subsequent legal action will be taken against the offenders. B.Russo: I've contacted the Department of Finance and they said they are already investigating the issue. So with the City Government in a full swing investigation, Los Santos Insider reached out to the page holders of Mint Capital LLC, with the intent to gather both sides of the story. With their image threatened with alleged misuses of service, they offered an in-depth response to questions posed. The interview was conducted over Facebrowser, with no mention of a public meeting or telephone arrangement. INTERVIEW: UNNAMED REPRESENTATIVE - MINT CAPITAL LLC H.Miller: Are you aware of the on-going investigation with the City Government and what is being done to cooperate with them? Mint Capital LLC Representative: No Comment. H.Miller: What can you tell us of the temporary partnership you had with the LGBTQ+ page, where you are accused of using it as a front to extort donations? Mint Capital LLC Representative: Well, you know how it is in the business world - rumors and accusations can spread like wildfire. Unfortunately, these allegations are simply baseless. We engage in various collaborations and partnerships to expand our reach and connect with different communities. We have managed dozens of various pages. As for any claims of extortion, as I said, we are not affiliated with the group and I assure you they hold no merit regarding us whatsoever. H.Miller: Who IS Mint Capital LLC? Can you name your leadership team for transparency for the community? Mint Capital LLC Representative: The identity of our organization's leadership team is not something we typically disclose publicly. We believe in maintaining a certain level of privacy for the individuals involved. However, rest assured that our team consists of experienced professionals dedicated to ensuring the success and growth of our company. H.Miller: Has your business so far been successful? Are there any case-studies you would share with us where clients have received their initial investment back, plus some? Mint Capital LLC Representative: Success is a subjective term, wouldn't you agree? While we cannot disclose specific case studies or individual client information due to confidentiality reasons, we take pride in the investments we facilitate. Our aim is to provide opportunities for growth and financial gains. We encourage our clients to conduct their own research and make informed decisions regarding their investments. H.Miller: Can you give us more insight into how your investment scheme specifically works? Where is the money coming from, what are people actually investing in? Mint Capital LLC Representative: Our investment scheme operates within the bounds of legality and regulations. As for the source of funds, we work with a network of partners and investors who believe in our vision. The investments themselves vary and depend on the specific opportunities available at any given time. However, I must stress that our approach is entirely transparent and compliant with relevant laws. H.Miller: What would you say to the doubters on social media, and the stirring within the rest of the community to put minds at ease? Mint Capital LLC Representative: We would say to them, take everything you read online with a grain of salt. Our company has a track record of satisfied clients who have benefited from their investments. As for concerns within the community, we assure you that we operate with integrity and have our clients' best interests at heart. We urge caution, research, and confidence before investing money into schemes or charities. Those officially supported and advertised by known public entities are vetted and approved through the Government. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Using the representatives own words, "take everything you read online with a grain of salt". Los Santos Insider encourages anyone with personal experiences with Mint Capital LLC to step forwards and reach out for comment. You may email [email protected] ((Forum PM Lomadias)).

What a night ...

Committee of the nomination to Director of Fish and Wildlife Department - Roger Stanfield

Totally situational and personal preference. If I'm passively RPing, my /me's are books, because it's for /my/ character. I like to write them, so I'm gonna. If I'm with a close IC friend, or someone I know OOCly is similar or I'm friendly with I'll be much the same. If it's a crowded environment, or I'm not sure on the RP I'm entering, I'm shorter. I get a feel for it, and go from there. Sometimes I know a lot of the information in my /me might be missed or just not really "appreciated"? I like to leave it there as an option for a player to pick up on and use, but oftentimes I'll just opt not to clog their chat if I feel that way. I find my typing style is greatly influenced by the cliques my character is with. One clique brings out shorter, snappier wording, while another brings more engaging descriptions. I LOVE to read long /me's or /do's (maybe that makes me very suited to PM kek), but if I'm in a crowded place I'm not reading them. My char looks around the interior of your car, and you spend a min writing me a paragraph on what she'll see? Sick. You want to write "it's a bit dirty, there's trash in the footwell", equally fine! I think a "good" roleplayer is able to adjust to both. You can both appreciate the development of your character, and justly describe it where required, but you also adapt in situations where it's simply not necessary, and create yourself a style that feels like you. Writing more than someone else also doesn't make you more literate at all. Either your RP gets to the point immediately, or its focus is trying to build immersion. It's writing style, not a question of literacy.

Report the rule-breakers. If factions are involved, admins let a member of IFM know and they handle the factions. We've closed these locations before, including K-Town too, but all that really achieves is removing a roleplay avenue that should be dealt with either IC or administratively. Report them, they'll be punished. If they're in a faction, they might get a faction strike and so on. We will not be closing this for the sake of a few reports. This happens everywhere, if it's not at the LTD, it'll be in Grove, or the phone store or beyond. It's just because the LTD is a popular hub, people will pick a new hub. Punishing "a few" by taking it away, only punishes "the many". Illegal role-player's need more love in terms of properties, hubs and so on, we're not going to start removing them from those that roleplay well. I will lock this, I think the outcome is widely accepted as "no" and I think there's been plenty of discussion around it. If you want to reword the topic to encompass a discussion, let me know. What I have done, is made IFM aware of the thread and accompanying reports, and we are all in agreement. If there is a theme around the same names, factions etc, it'll be handled accordingly. Else, lets not take opportunities away just because there's a couple bad apples. What I do think might help, is adding more stores or areas for people to post up at. I had a chat with @Igloo about this the other week but since I've been on LOA I've not made any progress. PM will look into areas where we can try to help with some of these aspects too and see if that helps. Gang areas need some love in general, especially in regards to properties and so forth which we try our best with.

All of that needs to fixed, that's a HUGE oversight and issue in my opinion. Good luck proving MG when it's claimed it's "just pot luck" with the house choice. I wouldn't be surprised if this was already used. Forget "trust" when it comes to MG, remove it entirely and don't fall back on "punish if it happens".

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Pacific Bluffs Resort Spa - A Dive Into Recently Renovated Hotspot Written/Photography By Holly Miller - 25th April 2023 It becomes immediately clear that, whilst there are a variety of venues to explore and experience in Los Santos, there are few that offer an experience parallel to that of the Pacific Bluffs Resort, located close to the heart of Chumash. The resort rests within an area of immense beauty, a short and pleasant drive outside of City limits, providing that sense of escapism with little interruption to the hustle and bustle of your everyday responsibilities. The expansive estate sits along the rolling, golden sands of the beach, a portion of it private to attending members. It is difficult not to be captivated by the picturesque surroundings and breathtaking sunsets, easily viewable from one of the many excellent outdoor vantage points. While this article covers the many facilities the resort has to offer, we also take a more personal look at the motivations and love for the project by the owners, and leave much of the reviewing to personal experiences. This is not a location that may simply be summed up with words on a page; we implore our readers to see this idyllic resort for themselves. Our journalist Holly Miller writes from a first person perspective, covering an exclusive discussion with Elizabeth Ricci, co-owner during an in depth tour of the resort.. (Pictured Above: Exterior entrance to Pacific Bluffs Resort) Immediately upon arriving at the impressive venue, I was greeted with warm smiles and a professional image. It was difficult not to be distracted by the building's traditional, stunning and familiar architecture. The exterior of the building provides that classy feel, the kept landscaping and distinguished tile entranceway only adds to this effect. It feels complete, and this is only heightened when you step inside. Greeting me at the resort was Elizabeth Ricci, renowned next to her husband for their efforts in organizing many of the most memorable events the City has held. Their creativity seems to know no bounds, and as much is evident in discussion with Elizabeth. The pride of the Ricci's achievements thus far are impossible to hide, and nor should they be. Whilst humble and contributing their success on factors outside of their own involvement, the efforts of the two business owners should be recognized. E.Ricci: “Can't take too much credit, this place... has been a part of the city for years, and a lot of what we are doing here is building on what was already here.” These achievements were immediately apparent, as we were quickly met by a regular member of the resort. Quick to praise the couple and the resort, detailing the facilities “immaculate” and “five-star”, I had high expectations from the very beginning. RECEPTION & LOUNGE (Pictured Above: Entry into the open-plan lounge, and stylish staircase to upper level) After a quick introduction, explaining some of the many facilities that the resort has to offer, from the indoor pools and spa, to the event hall and upcoming hotel, we began our in depth tour. We began with the reception, a modern and stylish décor which flows wonderfully from the traditional exterior. Light fills the room, and the windows placed high up on the towering exterior walls capture the essence of the beauty Chumash holds, and allows it to seep into the room. With a sleek, modern staircase leading to another small lounge area, the flow of the room wonderfully compliments the land on which it is based. The light oak wooden framing and light walls help to reflect the sunlight and make the already impressive entrance even more stunning. (Pictured Above: Modern yet simple window architecture) This theme is followed as we progress into a sprawling lounge with large, unobstructed views of the ocean. E.Ricci: “Often in the morning we find members in here with their friends, just using it as a space to chat, have meetings, to have a cup of coffee.” You can certainly see why. The area has a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, and it is evident the only interruption would be deciding which beverage to enjoy while you peer up through the skylights to enjoy the natural glow of the sun's casting light. (Pictured Above: Open plan lounge with excellent views) With a complimentary bar within this lounge space, there is little reason for a guest to start their day elsewhere. The perfect location to start the morning, hold a meeting with business partners or receive friends and guests taking advantage of your membership perks. (Pictured Above: Lounge bar) SPA (Pictured Above: Spa, with pool, loungers and pool-bar) Next, we saw ourselves through a set of solid wooden doors and found ourselves at one of the main attractions the resort is so well known for; the spa. The rippling blue glow from the water is complemented by the light wood and familiar traditional style, and hints of green, natural foliage add to the flow and relaxing atmosphere the room portrays. To describe the spa would do it little justice, however the sauna, unisex changing rooms, pool bar and hot-tub carry this aura throughout. A running theme throughout the resort is the comfort and safety of guests. E.Ricci: “We are very intolerant of discrimination, this is all unisex. The comfort and safety of our members is important so we have indoor private security that patrol the site and work mainly for us.” Peace of mind is a welcome experience for guests, and there is nothing that I have seen that would provide anything other. HOTEL Continuing on through the spa, we came to the next, highly anticipated area for the resort; the hotel. A sleek, modern finish sweeps down the hallway, reiterating the class and grandeur that is consistent throughout the resort. Simply put, the “five-star” rating provided by the earlier guest is easy to understand. (Pictured Above: Hotel hallway, feeding several of the seven rooms) E. Ricci: “...it is just seven rooms, but you get the sea view and use of the facilities while here even if you are not a member.” The hotel renovations are almost complete, and there is no mistaking that upon their completion, many will flock to seek the full resort experience they can get only minutes from their home. UPPER/CLUB LOUNGE (Pictured Above: "Club" lounge, an area of more traditional style.) A smaller, more personal lounge space is accessible up the main stairs from reception, and it emanates the class from the rest of the resort. E.Ricci: “Some of our members like to smoke so we send them up here where they can enjoy an old fashion club feel the way this place probably one did look.” This is one of the many areas of the resort where one begins to appreciate the creativity and inspiration the Ricci’s have drawn to design the venue and make it one that showcases class, just as much as it creates memorable moments. OUTDOOR FACILITIES (Pictured Above: Right side of the large outdoor area with main pool) Coined “the best part”, immediately accessible from the upper lounge is the first sweeping balcony the resort boasts. E.Ricci: “This is the main reason people come and stay here.” And you can certainly see why. For a moment, I forgot my responsibilities and dropped all professionalism to simply soak in the view; and it is endless. All around, the golden glow from the sand and deep blue hue of the ocean fill your gaze to completion. Pure, and utter relaxation and satisfaction, and this is why so many come to visit. E.Ricci: “I think there is so much mental illness and stress in the city, and the violence and muggings, it is nice to provide a place people can go when they want, and can just... spend an hour here.” (Pictured Above: Left side of outdoor terrace, complete with bar and balcony stairs to the beach.) Elizabeth and I spent several moments appreciating the natural beauty afforded to us, and conversation flowed like water. This is a precious moment you will not miss upon visiting, as Elizabeth is as personable and approachable with all guests. A refreshing insight into entrepreneurialism that focuses not on black suits and ties, but building relationships and sharing relatability. E.Ricci: “I don't want this place to feel unwelcome to anyone despite their background. It looks rich, but you shouldn't feel uncomfortable here if you are not rich. Everyone should be allowed to get away sometime. It starts with the price, I could probably double it and fill this place with senators and business owners only. But honestly, I just strive to make sure everyone has the same experience if they are the mayor or drive a taxi.” (Pictured Above: Private beach for members only) Stepping back down to the ground level of the resort, we began a closer look down to the beach. The resort has a long stretch of private beach for members to enjoy, frequently patrolled by local security. Not only this, but Lifeguards have also extended their patrol down past the resort as well, ensuring some extra security and safety for members taking a quick dip in the ocean. As we continue, we move past storage units and onto the large courtyard which features tennis courts, basketball and the entrance to the event hall. (Pictured Above: Upcoming event hall) E.Ricci: “The long term plan is to turn it into a wedding venue.” Having witnessed the creativity of the Ricci’s with Fantasia Hall, I have high expectations for this event hall and if it follows in Fantasia’s footsteps, it will be the centerpiece to many weddings and otherwise unique events to come. AN INSIGHT We circled back around to the patio area near the pool, and continued to appreciate our positions. During this time, I took the liberty to speak on more personal topics with Mrs. Ricci, which paved an inspiring and eye-opening look into the motivations and passions of the couple and what is to come in future. Affectionately named their “retirement project”, it became very clear that the love and passion the Ricci’s have for the resort is immense. Moving forward to build Pacific Bluffs into their family history, the two have used the experience to “reprioritize” following exciting personal circumstances, and the dedication they have already poured into the resort is inspiring. We moved on to cover the stress and heavy weighing responsibilities that such a large project impose. E.Ricci: “A lot of stress is self imposed if that makes sense. We could probably do less, and trust this place to provide, and... people would be happy. But for now.. I am not quite ready to call this place a success. To early, and I care.” Considering the resort has been open for only two weeks, and their member count already amounts to over forty regular visitors, it is hard to imagine what success may look like in Mrs. Ricci’s eyes, however based on what I have seen thus far, it will undoubtedly be as impressive as the milestones already hit. E.Ricci: “Currently we are gaining members mostly on word of mouth and reputation. Members may bring two friends when they visit as long as the friends leave when they leave, and so the membership fee only really makes sense when you have been here.” We discussed hitting the limit, the ultimate completion and that point where one calls a project “done”. I already had a doubt that there would be such a limit, however when asked if there was one I was not surprised by the answer. E.Ricci: ”No. And I wouldn't want that. Complacency is the death of a real life relationship, and I think that is the same when it comes to a business. The plan is to invest most of our money from this place into filling it with staff. I'd love to see someone run the restaurant, the hotel, the wedding part of the venue. It is more expensive to have in house security, we have a groundskeeper already working here. We have a regular bartender. We want to hire a contracted masseuse for the upstairs gym when that is done.” As is evident, plans are huge and looming, and no doubt the years ahead are filled with plans to fulfil the potential of the resort and go beyond expectations. E.Ricci: “My long-term plan to possibly build staff accommodation, we have the space, but... long term plans.” The conversation took a wholesome direction as we continued, speaking of staff and employment. It is clear that the Ricci's value their staff team, treating them more akin to friends than employees. E.Ricci: “It sounds so cheesy, but while money is an incentive, I find a lot of staff just want to feel respected and appreciated. The people who work with us are currently all people I'd gladly call friends. “I am sure there will be people who won't fit in, but... as I said, I don't want anyone here, members or staff to feel... unwelcome. I value dependability in a staff member above all else, and I'll happily do whatever they need to make them feel like they want to stay. Be that money, or treatment.” (Pictured Above: The exterior terrace of the upcoming restaurant.) The balance between Elizabeth and her husband is very interesting. Observing one with a more traditional creative flair, and the other with a more out-of-the-box vision, the two compliment each other well to bring a variety of events and activities to the resort. The resort will utilize local business partnerships to expand on services offered and support smaller entities. While not yet in a position to publicize these partnerships, an off record insight into plans promise a very exciting set of services available directly from the resort from well known and highly regarded businesses. It isn’t difficult to see why they call the resort a home away from home. I certainly got that feeling during my brief tour and conversations with Elizabeth. While this is no review of the facilities, this article is aimed at providing an insight into the ownership, plans and celebrating the successes in such a short time. After only two weeks, we have high hopes for the resort and hope to bring a full review in future.

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Before the Debut: An Inside Look at Local MMA Star Malik Hussien Written/Photography by Holly Miller - 21st April 2023 Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has seen its popularity in Los Santos skyrocket in recent months, with events held frequently at some of the Cities largest sports venues. The sport captivates fans with its fast-paced and intense fighting style, promising that each fight is vastly different. With his debut fight in Los Santos just around the corner, rising star Malik Hussien recently sat down with journalist Holly Miller, to discuss his journey to the ring and what fans can expect from him in the upcoming fight. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Hussien's training, his motivation, and his aspirations as he prepares for his first professional fight. Our interview brings us to familiar sports hotspot Vespucci Sports, located along Palomino avenue. Oftentimes, the street bordering the venue is littered with the vehicles of attending members, however during a quiet early afternoon, our journalist Holly Miller had the gym to herself along with Hussien. (Pictured above: Exterior of hotspot "Vespucci Sports", located on Palomino Avenue) Before our interview began, Hussien was quick to praise the publicity of the sport, speaking on the topic of providing local youths an outlet for their frustrations, and a safe space for them to work on not only their physique and general fitness, but also their mentality, promoting a keen work ethic among younger members of the community. Hussien: “When a lot of folk fight day-to-day, over all types of things, it's a given they'd enjoy a sport centered around it. This type of thing has gotten a lot of kids off the street in the past.” (Pictured above: Rising star Malik Hussien ahead of his interview with Los Santos Insider Journalist, Holly Miller) Interview With Malik Hussien During our interview, which took place at Vespucci Sports, Hussien upheld a relaxed and confident composure, demonstrating his professionalism ahead of his debut fight which holds a huge degree of pressure for any competitor. Q1 (Miller): “Well first things first, what does it mean to you, to be a fighter?” A1 (Hussien): “It's an age old test of your physical capabilities, really. That's like... the idea behind it. You really know the hard work paid off when the other guy hits the canvas.” Q2 (Miller): “Of course, and that's the end goal I suppose isn't it. Is that "knockout" the end result you strive for, for every opponent?” A2 (Hussien): “Well, you meet guys who have more technique than power and might run the rounds to get a point decision. But, if you can get a finish early in the fight, you gotta take that no matter who you are. You would be a fool not to. Why leave the win down to chance? Right?” Q3 (Miller): “Would you strive for a knockout or a submission?” A3 (Hussien): “I have a stand up background, I'd rather see the fight finish standing up than on the ground. Not to say I don't train for it, everybody should.” Q4 (Miller): “What fighting style do you prefer?” A4 (Hussien): “Out of all I've learnt? I mean, boxing is something that's always been considered something you need dedication to master. I respect boxers, and I really lean toward being a boxer when I'm in the octagon or a ring.” Q5 (Miller): “I will admit, I am quite the amateur in terms of boxing or MMA, but what would you personally say is more technical to learn?” A5 (Hussien): “MMA is super broad, a lot of styles and backgrounds compete in it. Boxing I'd say is one of those things that you master and then it's about who's got a better strategy. In MMA, you had the better repertoire for that fight and you used it well, So I'd say MMA just because of how broad it is.” Q6 (Miller): “What started you on your journey within the sport?” A6 (Hussien): My older brother back home was always a boxer, and he took after our grandfather before he passed, he was big on it too. I took a liking to MMA when I realized how you can mix the boxing in with the rest to really make something out of your fighting style. Q7 (Miller): “What about the support from your brother, leading up to an event like your upcoming Debut? Is he proud?” A7 (Hussien): “Yeah, folks back home are proud of me for sure. I call up a lot, and they're in the loop. One day I'll rake in enough to fly them all out here for one, for sure.” Q8 (Miller): “Would you say that's part of the motivation for you to compete; your family?” A8 (Hussien): “Yeah, for sure. I want something for myself too, might as well do that doing something I love to do.” Q9 (Miller): “You mentioned back home, did you actively compete there?” A9 (Hussien): “I did, mostly in amateur boxing and kickboxing.” Q10 (Miller): “How is your career in that regard; are you where you want to be?” A10 (Hussien): “I want to get to a stage where I'm fighting big money fights and stuff like that, appearing in Bellicose as well as SAFA events.” Q11 (Miller): “Seeing as your debut is creeping ever closer, how are you feeling about it?” A11 (Hussien): “I'm confident I'll put on a good show, I've been working on my technique as much as possible. Putting the hours in here, and out on the roads first thing in the morning.” Q12 (Miller): “On that topic, what does a "day in the life" of Malik Hussien look like for you, leading up to a fight?” A12 (Hussien): “Aha, well in the last week I'll be chilling out and relaxing. But the weeks leading up to it is always a training camp of sorts. Watch the other guys tapes, get some ideas brewing and a game plan goin, then we start cooking in here.” Q13 (Miller): “Ah your opponent. What would you say about his current form, based on what you've seen?” A13 (Hussien): “Aha, I won't do any name dropping, you can read the cards, but we all spar out here and I ain't impressed with what I've seen. If you roll on with any doubts they'll show in the fight.” Q14 (Miller): “Well saying that, there must be some sort of nerves you have to put to bed before a fight. Do you have any pre-fight rituals to help with that?” A14 (Hussien): “We all have different ones. It really depends, but I usually just try to enjoy the week before as much as possible so I can go into the fight feeling positive.” Q15 (Miller): “What has your reception been like so far here in Los Santos? How have your fans shown support for you?” A15 (Hussien): “Occasionally people will message me on social media and give me words of encouragement, I'm still a new face here though. Got things to prove. Give it time.” Q16 (Miller): “An exciting start nevertheless, would you say your biggest fans are your family? Is anyone here in Los Santos going to be ringside yelling your name?” A16 (Hussien): “I'm gonna get a good team together with time, I'm a free agent with no management right now though. So I would say my family, yeah.” Q17 (Miller): “What do you think separates you from other fighters?” A17 (Hussien): “The work I put in, I'm in here all the time tryna better myself. Don't get me wrong, I take time off, but some people miss days. You won't see that with me.” Q18 (Miller): “If there was one thing you would be remembered for, in your career as a professional MMA fighter, what would it be?” A19 (Hussien): “This is a long shot, and not many people hang up the gloves with it, but I want an undefeated record.” (Pictured above: Hussien demonstrating his capabilities and physique ahead of the debut.) Hussien demonstrated his impressive physique, confidently on form ahead of his performance on April 29th. Vespucci Sports provides him the space and equipment to keep in top shape, and we look forward to following Hussien’s career, starting with a post-fight interview after his upcoming performance. Filled with industry leading fitness equipment, it is a well equipped venue for any rising star to build their competitive career. (Pictured above: Some of the many facilities at Vespucci Sports.)

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Artistic Expression or Vandalism? Graffiti in Davis Sparks a Debate Written by Holly Miller, April 11th 2023 (pictured: Brouge Avenue, defaced business property) In recent months, Los Santos has fallen victim to a shocking increase in the amount of graffiti cropping up across the City and County respectfully. While some see this as a freedom for artistic expression, others claim it to be nothing more than vandalism. While some claim that graffiti is creative in nature, showcasing a real passion and skill. Other’s claim graffiti is crude and acts more as a simple statement; territory. In this article, we will explore the different perspectives on graffiti in Davis, and try to shed light on the complex relationship between graffiti, gangs, and the community. (pictured: Brouge Avenue, defaced private property) In gang-populated areas, graffiti has become a common sight on public property, storefronts and private residences. Riding through the street’s of Davis one early Sunday morning, our liaison Holly Miller was able to capture a staggering amount of “tags” from local gangs, all crawling over each other in their fight for territory and control. But, the question remains; is that all graffiti is? Residents in areas of high gang-affiliated activity live and breathe the lifestyle, and are accustomed to the paint that stains the walls of Brouge Avenue, or Grove Street. Gangs also use symbols to tag properties and mark them. This allegedly can be to indicate there is wealth attached to the property, or belonging to a rival gang member. These symbols are unique to the marking gang, a hidden language used to communicate intent and common thinking. Stereotypes arise in other areas of the community, heavily associating the presence of any graffiti to assume criminal activity and violence, but the culture surrounding tagging is deeper than this. Riding through Davis, it quickly becomes apparent that the area indeed has high levels of gang activity. Fences, walls and stores are painted with tags from local gangs, an attempt to stamp their mark on an area they deem their territory. Inter-gang relationships demonstrate this as a constant battle for control over turf, and the violence in this area of the City often reflects this. Shootings and brawls over gang conflict have given the area a violent reputation that shows no sign of changing any time soon. (pictured: Grove Street, police activity) So, is Davis only filled with gangs tagging their principles or their motto’s? Riding deeper into the streets show that this is not the case. Garages and alley’s have a share of deeply impressive art, expressing creativity, relevance and personal attachment. Time is spent on these pieces, they are perfected and nurtured to completion, but often this is not appreciated. Looped in with the “graffiti” term as a whole, it became a sub-genre of art, taking on a stereotypical and negative tone. (pictured: large scale graffiti on public parking block) As impressive as some graffiti may be, there is still an exorbitant range of negativity that exists surrounding it. The City is forced to consider the thousands of dollars spent per year, deploying the public works department to clean graffiti from stores and sidewalks. Hours of time that individuals spend dedicating to keeping the streets looking clean and under control, when this is simply a façade of the truth. Business owners are left to their own devices, forced to spend their earnings on supplies to aid them in the removal of the paint themselves, all the while reminded that their property has been tagged. This creates feelings of suppression, fear and results in a community suffering with closed businesses and empty streets. Can the City do anything further to combat this growing epidemic? Is it safe to deploy civilian workers to a highly volatile area to remove tags? And what of our law enforcement agencies patrolling regularly in an attempt to keep the peace? More should be done to encourage creative expression in more meaningful ways, but it is a two horse race. Do the citizens of the Davis area want to change the impact they have on their local area, or will the streets of Grove, Carson and beyond remain an area of the City to avoid at all costs? Future articles will explore more insight into the complex nature of gang culture through the eyes of law enforcement agencies.

It's a development thing, but I will bring up the suggestion!