[NEWSLETTER #36] SASG Updates - 2024 Year In Review
Posted: 07 Jan 2025, 02:59
Introduction
So it's January 2025, and another year has passed us by here at the State Government. Serving the general public is always at the forefront of what we do, and this yearly newsletter will highlight not only what we have achieved within the State Government, but also our plans going forward.
Major Events of 2024
2024 had several major events, some positive and some negative. Here we reflect on those and how they have each defined our state and brought change. We also highlight the people involved, brave people who have fallen in the pursuit of justice and to bring safety to the public.
Moving into 2024 there was a rise in the number of executive orders signed off by the Board of Governors, at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 we saw threats made to the state by an organization known as "The Shadows" and as a result, executive orders #4 and #5 were signed. Executive Order #4 temporarily suspended the Writ of Habeas Corpus for five days for members of "The Shadows" and directed law enforcement to actively dismantle the group's operations. It also imposed a ban on face concealment in vehicles for a period of 72 hours and restricted the movement of "The Shadows" near government-funded organizations. Additionally, the order authorized enhanced security measures for members of the Board of Governors, including Code 2 escorts, to ensure their safety.
The situation got worse when, on December 17, 2023, a member of "The Shadows" assassinated a governor of the state. This act of violence underscored the group's continued disregard for human life and governance, prompting the declaration of a State of Emergency through Executive Order #5. This order extended the suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus to seven days and officially designated "The Shadows" as a terrorist organization. The success of these executive orders resulted in the State Government pursuing further executive orders in states of emergency within the state, when a criminal organization threatens the state in which we all live.
On the 10th of March, 2024, the new boutique mechanic shop in the city was formed under the name of Benny's Original Motorworks. Collie Fegan was chosen to be its CEO and in the last 10 months Benny's has grown spectacularly beyond our initial expectations. They have hosted many events for the public, and also provided a great service to complement Bayview and Los Santos Customs. We here at the State Government are extremely happy with how this project has gone and wish Mr. Fegan and Benny's the best moving forward.
In August 2024, we announced a change in the leadership of the San Andreas Judicial Branch. Hope Kant was appointed as the Branch Administrator and Ren Sanchez was appointed Deputy Branch Administrator. With their skills combined, they were tasked with pushing through numerous policy changes, developing the divisions of JB, and exploring new avenues for speedy justice whilst also engaging with the public.
Their progress has been great over the year and Ren has since moved over to the State Government as Assistant Governor, with Hope pushing forward with progressing the Judicial Branch. They have closed a lot of cases, opened up bench trials for speedier cases, set up a court clerk structure for faster training of new Judges, and reduced the backlog of cases to a manageable level.
We look forward to seeing what is in store for 2025 with the San Andreas Judicial Branch.
Notorious serial killer Sophia Falcone escaped Bolingbroke Penitentiary State Prison in September 2024, but thanks to the hard work of the officers of the Los Santos Police Department's Gangs and Narcotics Division she was apprehended and her reign of terror was stopped once and for all. Her criminal record spanned 43 felonies, and after her prison break she embarked on a sadistic rampage across the city, finding multiple victims.
Click here to view the special press release on her capture.
Executive Order #8 was signed on the 15th September, 2024, which utilized executive powers to order the execution of Sophia Falcone, to prevent further violence, and to uphold justice for her victims and maintain the safety of the citizens of San Andreas.
The government still wants to commend everyone involved for their efforts in apprehending this murderer and bringing her to justice. We have also been working behind the scenes with the San Andreas Department of Corrections to facilitate security increases, and adequate logging of prison breaks to ensure those who do attempt an escape receive their justice swiftly and are incarcerated where they belong.
The Board of Governors have been investigating the prison break with the help of numerous departments and the conclusion of that will be released in due time alongside other recommendations to prevent anything like this from happening again.
Back in November, we welcomed the new CEO of Weazel News, Marco Davis. Since taking leadership he has rebranded the company as 'Weazel Network' and we have seen a rise in the availability of advertisers, and more Weazel presence at events as well as new original broadcasts. Over the Christmas period, we have also seen Weazel give great coverage of the many events across the state, keeping people up-to-date with what is going on and their LifeInvader has been extremely active.
Marco has been bringing his experiences to Weazel Network and has surprised many people with the progress he has been making with the company. We all look forward to seeing what 2025 has in store under Marco's leadership!
At the beginning of December, we uncovered an unfortunate situation during a routine inspection of the San Andreas potable water supply and Land Act Dam, where we found elevated contaminants that deemed the water unsafer for human consumption. Executive Order #9 was signed into action to inform the public of the State Emergency and giving advice to the public to boil water. During this period, we also limited the maximum price of bottled water in general stores to a cap of $750.
To prevent radon from further leaking into the water reservoir, we installed a canvas to act as a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane which is a type of synthetic membrane used in civil engineering and environmental projects to control fluids or gas migration. This is a durable and chemical-resistant material with UV stability and should require low maintenance throughout its lifespan.
We have also checked in with Farmers and have been conducting random inspections of how they dispose of waste, as we found that the source of the parasites was farmers incorrectly disposing of waste. We will keep doing these inspections until we have full certainty that compliance is standardised. Thanks to the efforts of the Public Works Division the water is back to being safe for everyone to drink!
Finally, at the end of 2024, we had Executive Order #10 in which we declared a state of emergency in response to violent assaults on law enforcement by the Lost MC gang and their affiliates. Following multiple deadly incidents, including ambushes, armed standoffs, and attacks on corrections facilities, the order authorizes extensive measures to suppress these threats. These include mobilizing the National Guard, suspending certain legal protections, targeting affiliates like Midnight and OTF, and imposing strict restrictions on members of the Lost MC. Additional amendments have refined and extended these provisions, particularly focusing on gang affiliates' criminal activities and law enforcement coordination. The order emphasizes the government’s commitment to neutralizing gang-related violence.
Death of a Governor & Executive Orders
Moving into 2024 there was a rise in the number of executive orders signed off by the Board of Governors, at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 we saw threats made to the state by an organization known as "The Shadows" and as a result, executive orders #4 and #5 were signed. Executive Order #4 temporarily suspended the Writ of Habeas Corpus for five days for members of "The Shadows" and directed law enforcement to actively dismantle the group's operations. It also imposed a ban on face concealment in vehicles for a period of 72 hours and restricted the movement of "The Shadows" near government-funded organizations. Additionally, the order authorized enhanced security measures for members of the Board of Governors, including Code 2 escorts, to ensure their safety.
The situation got worse when, on December 17, 2023, a member of "The Shadows" assassinated a governor of the state. This act of violence underscored the group's continued disregard for human life and governance, prompting the declaration of a State of Emergency through Executive Order #5. This order extended the suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus to seven days and officially designated "The Shadows" as a terrorist organization. The success of these executive orders resulted in the State Government pursuing further executive orders in states of emergency within the state, when a criminal organization threatens the state in which we all live.
Formation of Benny's Original Motorworks
On the 10th of March, 2024, the new boutique mechanic shop in the city was formed under the name of Benny's Original Motorworks. Collie Fegan was chosen to be its CEO and in the last 10 months Benny's has grown spectacularly beyond our initial expectations. They have hosted many events for the public, and also provided a great service to complement Bayview and Los Santos Customs. We here at the State Government are extremely happy with how this project has gone and wish Mr. Fegan and Benny's the best moving forward.
SAJB Leadership Changes
In August 2024, we announced a change in the leadership of the San Andreas Judicial Branch. Hope Kant was appointed as the Branch Administrator and Ren Sanchez was appointed Deputy Branch Administrator. With their skills combined, they were tasked with pushing through numerous policy changes, developing the divisions of JB, and exploring new avenues for speedy justice whilst also engaging with the public.
Their progress has been great over the year and Ren has since moved over to the State Government as Assistant Governor, with Hope pushing forward with progressing the Judicial Branch. They have closed a lot of cases, opened up bench trials for speedier cases, set up a court clerk structure for faster training of new Judges, and reduced the backlog of cases to a manageable level.
We look forward to seeing what is in store for 2025 with the San Andreas Judicial Branch.
The prison break & subsequent capture of Sophia Falcone
Notorious serial killer Sophia Falcone escaped Bolingbroke Penitentiary State Prison in September 2024, but thanks to the hard work of the officers of the Los Santos Police Department's Gangs and Narcotics Division she was apprehended and her reign of terror was stopped once and for all. Her criminal record spanned 43 felonies, and after her prison break she embarked on a sadistic rampage across the city, finding multiple victims.
Click here to view the special press release on her capture.
Executive Order #8 was signed on the 15th September, 2024, which utilized executive powers to order the execution of Sophia Falcone, to prevent further violence, and to uphold justice for her victims and maintain the safety of the citizens of San Andreas.
The government still wants to commend everyone involved for their efforts in apprehending this murderer and bringing her to justice. We have also been working behind the scenes with the San Andreas Department of Corrections to facilitate security increases, and adequate logging of prison breaks to ensure those who do attempt an escape receive their justice swiftly and are incarcerated where they belong.
The Board of Governors have been investigating the prison break with the help of numerous departments and the conclusion of that will be released in due time alongside other recommendations to prevent anything like this from happening again.
Marco Davis Appointed Weazel News CEO
Back in November, we welcomed the new CEO of Weazel News, Marco Davis. Since taking leadership he has rebranded the company as 'Weazel Network' and we have seen a rise in the availability of advertisers, and more Weazel presence at events as well as new original broadcasts. Over the Christmas period, we have also seen Weazel give great coverage of the many events across the state, keeping people up-to-date with what is going on and their LifeInvader has been extremely active.
Marco has been bringing his experiences to Weazel Network and has surprised many people with the progress he has been making with the company. We all look forward to seeing what 2025 has in store under Marco's leadership!
Contaminated Water Supply
At the beginning of December, we uncovered an unfortunate situation during a routine inspection of the San Andreas potable water supply and Land Act Dam, where we found elevated contaminants that deemed the water unsafer for human consumption. Executive Order #9 was signed into action to inform the public of the State Emergency and giving advice to the public to boil water. During this period, we also limited the maximum price of bottled water in general stores to a cap of $750.
To prevent radon from further leaking into the water reservoir, we installed a canvas to act as a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane which is a type of synthetic membrane used in civil engineering and environmental projects to control fluids or gas migration. This is a durable and chemical-resistant material with UV stability and should require low maintenance throughout its lifespan.
We have also checked in with Farmers and have been conducting random inspections of how they dispose of waste, as we found that the source of the parasites was farmers incorrectly disposing of waste. We will keep doing these inspections until we have full certainty that compliance is standardised. Thanks to the efforts of the Public Works Division the water is back to being safe for everyone to drink!
Executive Order 10
Finally, at the end of 2024, we had Executive Order #10 in which we declared a state of emergency in response to violent assaults on law enforcement by the Lost MC gang and their affiliates. Following multiple deadly incidents, including ambushes, armed standoffs, and attacks on corrections facilities, the order authorizes extensive measures to suppress these threats. These include mobilizing the National Guard, suspending certain legal protections, targeting affiliates like Midnight and OTF, and imposing strict restrictions on members of the Lost MC. Additional amendments have refined and extended these provisions, particularly focusing on gang affiliates' criminal activities and law enforcement coordination. The order emphasizes the government’s commitment to neutralizing gang-related violence.
Administration Bureau
The Administration Bureau has brought many updates in 2024, a lot are behind the scenes which aren't visible to the public but the effects are there nonetheless. Firstly we have applications for ex-felons, supporting the SADOC's felon reformation and parole programs we are committed to giving opportunities to those who have turned their lives around. These do not come without stipulations or extra requirements but for those willing to go the length, there are opportunities.
Secondly, we have the creation of the Legal Affairs Division, a division focused on newly created systems and formats to enable us to handle our legal affairs in a more structured manner. Internal Affairs was also restructured this year to provide further accountability not only for our staff but also for those handling the IA reports.
Secondly, we have the creation of the Legal Affairs Division, a division focused on newly created systems and formats to enable us to handle our legal affairs in a more structured manner. Internal Affairs was also restructured this year to provide further accountability not only for our staff but also for those handling the IA reports.
Public Relations Bureau
Following some tragic controversies within the bureau in the last 12 months, leadership has changed a few times. Now, the founder of the Public Relations Bureau, Solomon Cobb is back and ready to bring transparency back to the Government.
Director Solomon Cobb wrote:For the last year I have been bringing news to the general public and with Weazel News having a new CEO I thought I would step back from my news adventures. When looking for what to do next I saw an opportunity to restore the public relations bureau to its former glory and reinstated as Director to use the position to ensure the people of Los Santos do not remain in the dark about important things happening.
I am going to ensure more regular newsletters on general updates within the state. I will be bringing back business highlights, specifically looking to showcase successful business leases from those who have taken up those opportunities. Secondly, I will be maintaining the points of contact page and the correspondence box. I am well aware the responses from the correspondence box have not been up to par over the last year or two, but moving forward we will be actively participating in these correspondences and encouraging them.
Myself and the rest of the PR team will be out and about in public over the coming months so if you see us with our SASG badges or blue (or pink) state government vehicles, feel free to flag us down and talk as we are always open to hearing what you have to say.
Department of Economic Development
In March 2024, we introduced a new Business Rebate program to alleviate financial pressures on business owners. This initiative provides refunds for various expenses, including license fees, Weazel News fees, and security costs, and offers affordable catering support for event-based businesses like nightclubs, restaurants, and bars. The program aims to boost small business activity and increase public events across the state. Director Marc Ericsson emphasized the program's role in supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant event-hosting environment, with hopes of its continued evolution to further benefit San Andreas’ economic landscape. This system is still not utilized as much as we had hoped so if you're a business owner reading this, click here!
In April 2024, the San Andreas State Government successfully merged the Business Licensing Bureau (BLB) and the Property & Housing Bureau (PHB) to form the Department of Economic Development (DoED), aiming to streamline processes and foster economic growth. This merger enhanced efficiency by consolidating overlapping tasks and reducing administration required, therefore improving the delivery of service to the public. While the change minimally affected citizens' access to our services, it did create a more cohesive system for managing business licensing and property affairs. The department, led by Director Marc Ericsson, now operates with a unified approach, promising to better support small businesses and housing development, thus paving the way for a more prosperous San Andreas.
There have been many successful business leases throughout the year and as the State acquires new businesses, we have been putting more and more up for you to get. Currently, we have 2 general stores and 1 gun store available for lease, bringing our total to 3 general stores, 2 gun stores, 2 gas stations, a boat dealership, and an aviation fuel station. These leases provide a unique chance for individuals to test their business ideas with a fixed-term commitment, offering invaluable experience and the flexibility to explore ownership without a long-term investment.
We have some other things in the works for early-to-mid 2024 to start implementing some of the suggestions raised at the business summits we held earlier in 2024, showing our dedication to listening to valuable feedback from small and large business owners.
In April 2024, the San Andreas State Government successfully merged the Business Licensing Bureau (BLB) and the Property & Housing Bureau (PHB) to form the Department of Economic Development (DoED), aiming to streamline processes and foster economic growth. This merger enhanced efficiency by consolidating overlapping tasks and reducing administration required, therefore improving the delivery of service to the public. While the change minimally affected citizens' access to our services, it did create a more cohesive system for managing business licensing and property affairs. The department, led by Director Marc Ericsson, now operates with a unified approach, promising to better support small businesses and housing development, thus paving the way for a more prosperous San Andreas.
There have been many successful business leases throughout the year and as the State acquires new businesses, we have been putting more and more up for you to get. Currently, we have 2 general stores and 1 gun store available for lease, bringing our total to 3 general stores, 2 gun stores, 2 gas stations, a boat dealership, and an aviation fuel station. These leases provide a unique chance for individuals to test their business ideas with a fixed-term commitment, offering invaluable experience and the flexibility to explore ownership without a long-term investment.
We have some other things in the works for early-to-mid 2024 to start implementing some of the suggestions raised at the business summits we held earlier in 2024, showing our dedication to listening to valuable feedback from small and large business owners.
Law Review Committee
The Law Review Committee, which helps give power to the people in the Great State of San Andreas through publicly elected representatives who draft, propose, and debate legislation alongside representatives of various Government Departments, has been hard at work improving this Great State. Some of their notable highlights this year include work toward a statute of limitations, statute and precedent law, and breach of trust law.
On top of this, Lueitenant Governor Whitehorse, who oversees the LRC, has been dedicating their time to increasing the efficiency of the committee, working alongside the Board of Governors to explore how this branch of government can better serve the great people of the State of San Andreas. We encourage everyone to be on the lookout for changes coming in 2025 and for individuals interested in serving on the LRC to visit their site when elections roll around again.
On top of this, Lueitenant Governor Whitehorse, who oversees the LRC, has been dedicating their time to increasing the efficiency of the committee, working alongside the Board of Governors to explore how this branch of government can better serve the great people of the State of San Andreas. We encourage everyone to be on the lookout for changes coming in 2025 and for individuals interested in serving on the LRC to visit their site when elections roll around again.
Government Security Bureau
The Government Security Bureau, whose primary responsibility is the protection of SASG properties and staff, has undergone major leadership changes and restructuring under the leadership of its newest Director, Lester Conway. Director Conway's vision for GSB has brought new life into this Bureau, which plays such a core part in the day-to-day operations of the SASG. His commitment to ensuring that GSB agents are highly trained and motivated public servants has led to both increased recruitment numbers and improved performance in a variety of situations.
Director Conway isn't finished, though; his hope for 2025 is to continue the upward trajectory GSB saw in 2024, further refining the Bureau's training strategies and security protocols.
Director Conway asked that we extend a huge thank you to his incredible team, and he's excited to work with them all in the New Year. We're incredibly grateful for all their hard work making it possible for this government to work for the people of the Great State of San Andreas.
Director Conway isn't finished, though; his hope for 2025 is to continue the upward trajectory GSB saw in 2024, further refining the Bureau's training strategies and security protocols.
Director Conway asked that we extend a huge thank you to his incredible team, and he's excited to work with them all in the New Year. We're incredibly grateful for all their hard work making it possible for this government to work for the people of the Great State of San Andreas.
San Andreas Aviation Administration
The San Andreas Aviation Administration has soared to new skies in 2024 under the leadership of Administrator Gordon Graves, who was appointed as the agency's lead in early 2024. The SAAA, which oversees all aircraft operations within the state, ushered in some fun and exciting changes for 2024, including the addition of Avatiants Sports Desk, which allows for licensing and certifications for skydiving.
On top of this, 2024 saw the introduction of three new state-of-the-art helicopters made available for purchase on the market in San Andreas. This, coupled with reduced fees for some aircraft, demonstrates their commitment to making aviation both safe and accessible. The SAAA also introduced reduced fees for aircraft registration as well as flight school lessons.
They’ve also brought aviation to the free market with the introduction of private flight schools, where those dedicated to the art can offer lessons to those interested. This, alongside mechanic courses for those wanting to do maintenance on aircraft, marks a significant expansion.
Looking over the horizon for 2025, the SAAA hopes to introduce fixed-wing aircraft into the skies of San Andreas and is actively working to make this prospect a safe and tailored experience that fits the needs of our Great State.
Those interested in learning more and staying up to date with all things SAAA should visit their noticeboard here.
On top of this, 2024 saw the introduction of three new state-of-the-art helicopters made available for purchase on the market in San Andreas. This, coupled with reduced fees for some aircraft, demonstrates their commitment to making aviation both safe and accessible. The SAAA also introduced reduced fees for aircraft registration as well as flight school lessons.
They’ve also brought aviation to the free market with the introduction of private flight schools, where those dedicated to the art can offer lessons to those interested. This, alongside mechanic courses for those wanting to do maintenance on aircraft, marks a significant expansion.
Looking over the horizon for 2025, the SAAA hopes to introduce fixed-wing aircraft into the skies of San Andreas and is actively working to make this prospect a safe and tailored experience that fits the needs of our Great State.
Those interested in learning more and staying up to date with all things SAAA should visit their noticeboard here.
Christmas 2024
Christmas 2023 had our complaints box full of people saying that the state did not do enough to bring festive cheer, it was mostly complaints that all we did was put up a few small Christmas trees at unfortunate locations near roads. So this year we shuffled around some finances by replacing our team of 20 cleaners with 1 single janitor. With those cost savings we were able to finance many more decorations across the state, you can see a lot of them below:
Christmas 2024 Decorations
CONTACT INFORMATION
Solomon Cobb
Director | Public Relations Bureau
San Andreas State Government
✉ [email protected]
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Oliver Dutch
Senior Official | Public Relations Bureau
San Andreas State Government
✉ [email protected]