Los Santos

On the evening of November 17th, a possible hostage situation at the Ganton Gentlemen’s club resulted in a homicide investigation. The criminals involved are currently known. However, on the same scene, a cyan four door sedan approached officers on the perimeter. One male leaned out of the vehicle, firing shots towards officers. The vehicle then sped off into the sunset, leaving several officers returning fire. While the investigation and scene wasn’t bad enough, the officers who were working to keep the public safe, were also subject to shooting of their own. Detectives gave chase on the vehicle through Ganton. It was also confirmed that the vehicle contained three individuals, all masked for the occasion. Short Chase To East Los Santos Following the initial shots fired, they got a report of additional shots fired. This resulted in a short chase to East Los Santos, just outside of the police station. The male shot towards officers and they returned fire, with one officer getting hit with shots. Following the shots fired, one male was down. The status of this male is unknown, however he looked to be in a bad way. This was a result of the gunshots between the officers and the suspect. Shortly afterwards, a male appeared with a Wooden Baseball Bat. He proceeded to run towards officers, hitting several officers with his bat. Officer Swanson was a victim of the bat attack, resulting in serious injury. The extent of the injuries are unknown at this time. We are investigating this matter further. However, it seems they could be linked to the Ganton Homicide. 0 0

On the evening of the 17th November 2024, the LSPD received reports of a possible hostage situation in the Gentlemen’s Club in Ganton. The report included six armed individuals inside the building. As we arrived on the scene, the street was full of vehicles, all attending the club. Once the police had arrived on scene, they were quick to gear up with Kevlar Body Armor, Shields and High-Powered Firearms, ready to enter the building. Shortly after, the SWAT division from the Los Santos Police Department arrived. In an armored truck along with an unmarked SUV, they contained the building quite quickly. We spoke to Officer Melanie Swanson on the scene, who said; “LSPD were called to a possible hostage situation at the building behind us. Supposedly six armed individuals. Our teams are well equipped and have recently undergone training.” Within a few minutes, six males emerged from the building. The LSPD contained them very quickly, commanding orders to ensure the safety of both themselves, and the public. With nearly every officer in the force on scene, the six males found themselves outnumbered, very quickly. Sergeant Parker and Detective Marzella were impeccable. They controlled the group with precision, ensuring each male was detained without risk. One by one, the males came forward to the officers, following commands to be detained safely. With reports of six armed males at the address, each one was treated with suspicion. After safely detaining the six males, the SWAT team along with the LSPD raided the gentlemen’s club. Going room to room, looking for any more individuals along with weapons used in the offence. Several officers also secured the scene outside, transporting those arrested to custody for further investigation. This is another example of the fight against crime. Ganton is becoming a hotspot for serious incidents such as this one. With people at risk or getting injured on a daily basis. While the police are working around the clock to detain criminals, it seems the fight is increasing. Shortly after entering the building, the team confirmed that the building contained a body. The identity of this body is unknown currently, however we are pursuing leads. Possible Hostage Situation Becomes Homicide Following the arrest of six males and the SWAT team entering the property, it was quickly discovered that a body was inside. Very quickly, the scene became a homicide and all of the arrested individuals have been detained for 48 hours to allow for prompt investigation. At the time of writing, the males remain unidentified. We would be interested to know who this group of people are and their links to crime. If you know anything, feel free to call our hotline on 534235. The police also arrested several bystanders on the scene, ensuring anybody involved was detained for further investigation and to prevent risk. Strong Nose, Strong Results We also saw Sergeant Whitelock and Oscar in action for the first time. Oscar was searching the perimeter for firearms, ammo and evidence. He searched high and low for any evidence, but struggled to find anything. Further proving the individuals didn’t stash or drop weapons outside the club. As we covered in a previous article, the K9 unit is a great addition to the Los Santos Police Department. A useful tool in the fight against crime. Fantastic Work From The LSPD Overall, a fantastic effort from the LSPD. The scene was quickly secured and the males were detained without issue. The officers acknowledged the risk to both themselves and the public and worked like a well oiled machine to deliver results. This seems to be a turning point along with the new Interim Mayor, providing the change that this city needs. The fight against crime continues, but so does the LSPD and our safety too. 0 0

It is no secret that speeding is a large scale issue in Los Santos. On a daily basis, vehicles are seen speeding through Los Santos and driving dangerously. From people on their commute to work, to people visiting the local shop. It is very rare that drivers stick to the imposed speed limit. The LSPD are working hard to tackle this issue, however Los Santos is home to several speeding hotspots. One of those speeding hotspots is Alameda Street. A vital route from Ganton to Idlewood, this road is used on a daily basis by most residents of Los Santos. However, it is also used for excessive speeding and vehicle accidents too. Just yesterday, a vehicle accident occurred on Alameda Street. The accident was between a Subaru Forester and a Volvo S60. This isn’t the first accident that has happened on this stretch of road either. Several weeks ago, a Los Santos Traffic Operator had a collision with a vehicle on the same corner. The vehicle in question pulled out of the Idlewood Motel at speed, causing an accident. What Needs To Happen? Speed kills. It’s simple. The government need to take action on Alameda Street and other similar streets that act as a race track for dangerous drivers. Stop signs are not enough. We need to see physical speed restraints such as Speed Bumps. They should also be paired with some form of speed management system, such as speed cameras. Don’t forget, Alameda Street is also home to a lot of people who walk and cross the road. These are at the most risk, especially if a vehicle loses control at such speeds. We have written to Interim Mayor, Emma Nilsen to ask for an official comment and strategy against vehicle speed and Alameda Street specifically. 0 0

In recent weeks, it seems the government have been in a battle regarding the parking ordinance. With vehicles being towed and clamped, people grew concerned about the legality behind traffic services. However, in recent days, we spoke to Cletus Taylor, Director Of Los Santos Traffic Services about the matter. We also discovered some important developments in regards to the parking ordinance. New Parking Ordinance The parking ordinance has been completely rewritten for 2024 and includes several key changes following public feedback. These changes will improve both the parking situation in Los Santos and also the penalties towards vehicle owners. You can view the Full Parking Enforcement Ordinance here. In essence, many of the parking violations that resulted in your vehicle being removed, have been replaced with penalties in the form of a fine. This comes direct from the Los Santos Government. Key changes include; § 201 – Prohibited Parking (Major Offenses) Vehicles may not be parked in the following locations and will be subject to immediate towing: a. Within or within 5 feet of any intersection or crosswalk [PCT001.1] b. On private property without authorization [PCT001.2] c. Abandoned on any roadway [PCT001.3] d. With three or more wheels on the sidewalk [PCT001.4] e. Within ten feet of a bus stop [PCT001.5] f. In marked no-parking zones [PCT001.6] g. In tunnels, on bridges, or on highways [PCT001.7] h. Blocking emergency services, exits, or fire lanes [PCT001.8] § 202 – Citation Violations (Medium Offenses) The following violations will result in citations with specified penalties: a. Expired parking slip in pay-to-park zone [$250] [VC002.1] b. Parking against flow of traffic [$500] [VC002.2] c. Snow-route violations during plowing operations [$500 + Impound] [VC002.3] d. Parking outside marked spaces [$250] [VC002.4] e. Parking in construction/maintenance zones [$500 + Impound] [VC002.5] f. Parking without required special permits [$250 + Impound] [VC002.6] g. Handicapped zone violations [$500] [VC002.7] h. Within 15 feet of fire hydrant [$250-$750] [VC002.8] i. In pay-to-park lots without payment [$500] [VC002.9] j. In maximum timed zones beyond posted time limits [$500] [VC002.10] Note: Fire hydrant violation fines increase by $250 for each repeat offense by same registered owner, maximum $750 Cletus Taylor, Los Santos Traffic Services Director Following the release of the new parking ordinance, we spoke to Director Cletus Taylor about traffic enforcement and towing in Los Santos. He said; “Parking enforcement is about keeping our city tidy. People shouldn’t be parking their vehicles across sidewalks and driveways. As a vehicle owner, you are responsible for your own vehicle and parking. It’s important that you are mindful of what you are blocking or interrupting. In recent days, the parking ordinance has been rewritten by the government. Personally, I feel that the penalties for parking offences in Los Santos were viable. However, the new changes will help vehicle owners to keep their vehicles, on the road. Where they belong. Make no mistake though. We don’t care about your position. Your knowledge. Your job title or role in the community. Parking enforcement is not to be taken lightly. We will continue to enforce strict traffic laws against vehicles in Los Santos. We will also use the full strength of the law against those who disrupt or hinder our traffic operators. Do the right thing. Park properly and enjoy what this great city has to offer.” What Does This Mean? Overall, the parking ordinance has been revised to reduce the amount of towing in Los Santos. This keeps vehicles on the road, and reduces the costs to vehicle owners. A positive change. We will continue to liaise with the government on their parking ordinance and policies as we continue into Q4 2024. 0 0

Following a recent announcement regarding Vehicle & General Taxes, Interim Mayor Emma Nilsen has also released an announcement in regards to the LSPD. In previous months, the LSPD has had many issues. From corrupt officers to wrongdoing overall. We did try to liaise with the previous mayor to tackle these issues, but heard nothing. However, it seems Emma Nilsen is looking to take a stand early on the situation. The announcement from Emma Nilsen included several sections. Strengthening the Los Santos Police Department, Ensuring the Safety of Los Santos, Upkeeping New Vehicle Mandates and Swift And Safe Response to Violent Crime. We have covered the announcement below. Strengthening the Los Santos Police Department The announcement from Interim Mayor Emma Nilsen said; “The LSPD is at the heart of our city’s safety efforts, and we must make sure our officers have the tools, resources, and support they need to carry out their mission effectively. I am committed to ensuring that our police force is well-equipped, well-trained, and held to the highest standards of accountability. This includes increasing investment in training programs that focus on de-escalation, community policing, and handling sensitive situations with care. Additionally, I am advocating for more advanced technology and equipment to support law enforcement efforts while also ensuring the safety and well-being of our officers and residents alike.” Ensuring the Safety of Los Santos With safety being at the top of our priority list, it’s great to see that the Interim Mayor has taken action on this matter early. “To keep our city safe, we must take a proactive approach to preventing crime while addressing existing issues head-on. I am calling for enhanced coordination between the LSPD, community organizations, and local leaders to tackle public safety in a way that is both compassionate and effective. I believe in a city where police work in partnership with the community to prevent crime before it happens, and I will ensure that we invest in programs that promote community engagement, youth outreach, and conflict resolution.” Upkeeping New Vehicle Mandates “Another important focus of mine is to ensure the success and enforcement of the new vehicle mandates we’ve put in place. As part of our efforts to improve environmental standards, public safety, and overall infrastructure, it’s crucial that these mandates are enforced fairly and consistently. I will work with the LSPD and city departments to ensure that these regulations are upheld, ensuring that vehicles on our streets meet safety and environmental standards. We want every driver to feel safe and confident in our city, and that includes knowing that all vehicles on the road are operating responsibly.” Swift and Safe Response to Violent Crime “The safety of our residents is non-negotiable, and that means we must have swift, decisive responses to violent crime. I am committed to ensuring that the LSPD has the resources and support needed to respond to violent incidents quickly and effectively, with an emphasis on minimizing harm to victims, officers, and the broader community. We will be implementing strategies to ensure that violent crimes are investigated thoroughly and that those responsible are brought to justice as swiftly as possible. At the same time, we will prioritize keeping our officers safe by equipping them with the tools and training to handle these situations with the utmost professionalism and care.” Interim Mayor, Emma Nilsen finished the announcement with; “We can—and will—make Los Santos a city where everyone feels safe. This is a city for families, for workers, for business owners, and for those who are just starting out. By strengthening the LSPD, ensuring the enforcement of vehicle mandates, and addressing violent crime swiftly and safely, we will continue to build a city that stands as an example of safety, fairness, and opportunity for all. I look forward to working alongside our law enforcement officers, community leaders, and residents to make these goals a reality. Together, we will keep Los Santos safe for generations to come. Thank you for your trust and your commitment to making this city a better place for everyone.” Positive Changes, But At What Cost? It seems Interim Mayor, Emma Nilsen is taking many steps in the right direction. However, the public are concerned. As with any mayor, some negative steps are due to come in the following days. People are worried about the next few announcements as the city continues to decline with crime, drugs and firearms. Hopefully Emma Nilsen can clear this up. 0 0

While the city is improving with taxes, the quality of driving is still on a decline. At 21:25, on the 15th November 2024, two vehicles had an accident on the corner of Alameda Street where it joins Idlewood Motel. The accident was between a Subaru Forester and a Volvo S60, with both vehicles being severely damaged as a result. The corner has been a common spot for accidents in the past, however nothing has been done to prevent further incidents. No slow down signs, no caution signs, nothing. While the corner remains blind by the wall and sharp turn, accidents will continue to occur. Who Was At Fault? While the person responsible wasn’t clear, it seems the somebody had cut the corner, causing the accident. With both parties being investigated by the LSPD, it appears a job for the insurance. Overall, both vehicles became severely damaged. Luckily both drivers remain uninjured and in a good position. With a vehicle the size of a Subaru Forester involved, they are lucky that it wasn’t much worse. Also, a stop sign is present on the rail crossing. It seems this sign wasn’t acknowledged as it should’ve been, which is designed to prevent such accidents and speed, especially in the corner. What Needs To Happen? Signs need to be installed on the corner as a priority. The corner along with the rail line crossing are a common spot for dangerous driving and accidents. This won’t change unless somebody makes a difference. However, Alameda Street as a whole is a common place for car accidents. With several accidents occurring near the Idlewood Gas Station. 0 0

Following the recent announcement of Vehicle Taxes, Interim Mayor Emma Nilsen has also confirmed a reduction in general taxes too. This comes after her recent appointment as Interim Mayor, following Victor Chase leaving his position without notice. Existing Taxes TAX_TOBACCO: 12%TAX: 15%TAX_WEAPONS: 14%TAX_PROPERTY: 10%INCOMETAX: 10%TAX_GENERAL: 10%TAX_INCOME: 4%TAX_FUEL: 10%TAX_ALCOHOL: 12% New Taxes TAX_TOBACCO: 10% (-2%)TAX: 10% (-5%)TAX_WEAPONS: 12% (-2%)TAX_PROPERTY: 7% (-3%)INCOMETAX: 10% (Same)TAX_GENERAL: 10% (Same)TAX_INCOME: 4% (Same)TAX_FUEL: 8% (-2%)TAX_ALCOHOL: 9% (-3%) Overall a positive change. With an overall tax reduction of 5%, this should positively impact the residents of Los Santos. Combatting inflation and keeping all round costs lower, providing more disposable income. Another great move from Interim Mayor Emma Nilsen, we look forward to seeing what happens next. 0 0

Another day, another announcement from our Interim Mayor, Emma Nilsen. On the 15th November 2024, Mayor Emma Nilsen announced her plans to make the economy stronger and more resilient. This announcement included Vehicle Import Taxes, Overall Vehicle Taxes and her focus on lowering Taxes as a whole. We have covered the announcement below. Lowering Vehicle Import Taxes The first part of the announcement is in relation to Vehicle Import Taxes. Interim Mayor Emma Nilsen said; “One of the key components of this plan is reducing the general tax on vehicle import fees from 20% to 15%. This will lower the cost of importing vehicles into our city, making them more affordable for local dealerships and, ultimately, for you—the consumer. Whether you are purchasing a new car, a used vehicle, or looking for a more environmentally friendly option, this reduction in import fees will help make transportation more accessible for all of us.” Substantial Reduction In Vehicle Taxes The second part included overall vehicle taxes. Interim Mayor Emma Nilsen said; “In addition, I am advocating for a significant reduction in vehicle taxes, which have become a heavy financial strain on many of our families. Lowering these taxes will make it easier for residents to afford their vehicles, reduce costs for businesses that rely on transportation, and provide a much-needed break for individuals and families who depend on their cars for work, school, or daily activities.” Broader Focus On Overall Tax Reductions Finally, Interim Mayor Nilsen said; “But I am not stopping here. I believe that, as a city, we need to embrace a broader approach to lowering taxes and making our community more affordable. My goal is to reduce taxes wherever possible—whether it’s on businesses, property, or the cost of government services. This will provide relief to local residents and foster a more business-friendly environment, allowing both individuals and companies to invest in their futures.” What Does This Mean For You? Lowering vehicle taxes across the board will result in more affordable vehicles available for purchase and also more affordable vehicle running costs too. Emma Nilsen mentioned that this was an attempt to empower people and to encourage more spending in the community. “By lowering taxes and fees, we empower people to spend more of their hard-earned money in the community, which in turn will help stimulate our economy and create new opportunities for growth. We can reduce financial stress on families, support small businesses, and attract new investments to our city. These proposals are a part of my vision for a more vibrant, sustainable, and affordable city. I am committed to working with the City Council to ensure that these tax reductions are implemented in a responsible and balanced way, maintaining the financial health of our city while making life easier for our residents. I encourage you to share your thoughts with me on these proposals and look forward to hearing your feedback. Together, we can build a stronger future for our city. Thank you for your continued trust and support.” Overall, this is a positive step from the new mayor. While this could be a way to win over the public for harsh changes in the future, this should put more money in the pockets of residents. Let’s hope this continues in the following days. 0 0

In her first day as Interim Mayor, Emma Nilsen has worked to take solid action, quickly. The Los Santos Government announced the New Vehicle Mandate for 2024 on the 14th November. This document includes information on vehicle modifications, limits and restrictions. We did not expect to see such progress made within the first day, however it’s great to see that Mayor Nilsen is taking action on the concerns in and around Los Santos. The Vehicle Mandate The full vehicle mandate can be viewed here. However, we have included the key points below, so that the public know what is legal, and simply, what isn’t. Purpose & Scope The key objectives of the Vehicle Mandate are to; The mandate is also applicable to all vehicle owners, modification professionals, and individuals who make changes to vehicles in any way, whether for appearance or performance. Mission Statement The Vehicle Modifications Mandate aims to protect public safety, environmental health, and road safety by regulating potentially dangerous modifications. This includes: The aim is to balance vehicle customization with safety. Regulation on Unauthorized and Non-Compliant Vehicle Modifications Illegal Upgrades: Any modifications using parts that don’t meet state laws or aren’t approved by regulatory bodies like the DMV or Quality Control authorities. Non-Compliant Components: These are parts that lack certification, aren’t recognized by governing agencies, or fail to meet required safety/quality standards. The examples of these unauthorized and non-compliant modifications include; To confirm, all vehicle parts must be certified and stamped with the needed regulatory identifiers. Only certified parts should be used for modifications. In Summary:Make sure all vehicle modifications are legal, safe, and properly certified. Unauthorized parts and modifications not only put your vehicle at risk but can also lead to legal penalties. Always check that parts are approved and meet safety standards to avoid fines and keep your vehicle roadworthy. High Performance Vehicle Regulations The power output threshold has been increased in the new vehicle mandate. Before, the limit was 800 horsepower. However, in the improved mandate, the limit is now 1000 horsepower at the crankshaft or wheels. Power Output ThresholdVehicles that exceed 1000 horsepower after modifications are marked as illegal, as the limit is 1000hp for any NON-Original vehicle with the amount of Horsepower.This applies to vehicles whose engine or performance parts are modified to produce more than 1000 horsepower at the crankshaft or wheels. Factory-Produced 1000+ Horsepower VehiclesVehicles originally manufactured to produce over 1000 horsepower (e.g., factory-spec 1000+ HP cars) are exempt from modification restrictions.However, the engine’s factory specifications cannot be altered in any way. Conclusion Along with other changes, the main change is the increased limit of horsepower. You can read the full mandate here. This is a positive sign in the appointment of Interim Mayor Emma Nilsen. We hope to see further changes. 0 0

Following the recent announcement of Emma Nilsen as Interim Mayor, we also wanted to cover Victor Chase, the previous mayor. In an official statement from Governor Blackwood, he said; “Governor Blackwood today issued Executive Order 001-2024 appointing Emma Nilsen, the City’s Chief of Finance, as Interim Mayor of Los Santos following the unexpected departure of the entire city leadership. This emergency action comes after the sitting mayor and all members of the City Council abandoned their posts without notice, creating an unprecedented crisis in municipal governance.” Victor Chase along with all other members of the City Council abandoned their positions, without any prior notice. In a time when the mayor was needed, he couldn’t deliver. Much like with the Crime and issues in Los Santos. Truth be told, Victor Chase had under delivered on several occasions. His level of commitment wasn’t what this city needed. Questions had been raised prior to this announcement in regards to the previous mayor and how he was, or more important, wasn’t working to better the city. On the 13th November 2024, we wrote to Governor Blackwood and Emma Nilsen as the Chief Of Finance in regards to the current status of the mayor. Email to Governor Blackwood: Email to Emma Nilsen: Both couldn’t comment at the time. We also had a story due to release in regards to the status of the mayor, however Governor Blackwood was prompt at addressing the nation. Ex-Mayor Victor Chase, Failed The truth is, Victor Chase failed. The crime rate has risen, taxes have risen and nothing has been done about either. Victor Chase had the opportunity to make a difference and didn’t. Hopefully the new mayor can make a difference. 0 0