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THE CHRONICLES OF VALRISE(TCOV) DOCUMENTARY #001 FEATURE: GUSTAVO FLACO — FROM GUADALAJARA TO CASTOR   Through Mohamed Tattaglia, I was introduced to one of his closest friends, Gustavo Flaco, a Mexican citizen whose journey to Los Santos is unlike any other story I have documented.   I began by asking Gustavo what it felt like being a Mexican living in Los Santos.   According to him, the city has treated him well.   “People in Los Santos aren’t racist,” he explained. “We have Pakistanis, Arabs, Jews, and people from all kinds of backgrounds living here.”   When asked about work, Gustavo laughed.   “Work? It’s been a long time since I did that.”   Today, he earns most of his income through real estate and vehicle deals. He explained that he has tried other activities over the years, including deer hunting and tobacco farming, but neither generated the kind of income he was looking for.   However, the most memorable part of our conversation came when I asked what brought him to Los Santos.   His answer was simple.   “I ran away from death, brother.”   Gustavo then shared a story that began years ago in Guadalajara, Mexico.   As a young boy, he admired his older cousin, Gerardo. According to Gustavo, Gerardo was everything he wanted to be: tough, smart, charismatic, and respected. Eventually, after persistent requests, his cousin allowed him to spend time around his gang.   For several years life seemed normal, until Gerardo became involved in a serious dispute with gang leadership. Gustavo explained that his cousin had allegedly been withholding part of the proceeds from drug operations. When the gang leadership discovered this, they reportedly placed a bounty on Gerardo.   Knowing his life was in danger, GUSTAVO chose family over loyalty to the organization.   According to Gustavo, he secretly arranged assistance through a rival cartel from another city. In exchange for valuable information regarding gang operations, they agreed to help Gerardo and Gustavo escape.   The escape itself was far from glamorous.   Hidden inside a farmer’s truck beneath hay and cargo, the pair traveled north toward the United States border.   “It was hot and smelled like hell,” Gustavo recalled.   Eventually they crossed into the United States illegally and began a new chapter of their lives.   Gustavo also mentioned receiving assistance from an Italian friend named Antonio during those difficult years.   For four years he remained separated from his cousin after Gerardo adopted a false identity for safety reasons. Only later were the two able to reconnect.   When asked what lesson life had taught him, Gustavo answered immediately:   “Familia por todos.”   Family On Top.   Toward the end of our conversation, Gustavo spoke passionately about what he wanted people to remember.   “I want them to remember us — me, Mooh, and Olmo.”   Those names led us to one final destination: CASTOR.   Gustavo personally showed me the location and explained its significance. What began as a place shared by a few close friends gradually became a recognizable landmark within Los Santos. According to him, people often visit to see their unique vehicle collection, including rare vehicles such as a one-of-a-kind Vortex:   Over time, Castor evolved from a simple residence into a gathering place known throughout parts of the city.   For Gustavo Flaco, Castor represents more than cars or property. It represents friendship, survival, family, and the journey that brought him from Guadalajara to Los Santos.   Published by: Lenny Barny   Founder & Documentary Journalist The Chronicle of Valrise (TCOV)   Every Citizen Has a Story.

THE CHRONICLES OF VALRISE(TCOV) FEATURE: MOHAMED TATTAGLIA — THE MAN BEHIND THE IDEAS My first encounter with Mohamed Tattaglia dates back to December 2025, when he allowed me to photograph both himself and one of his most recognizable vehicles. Known to many by the nickname “Mr. Bean,” a reference proudly displayed on his license plate, Mohamed has become a familiar face within Valrise’s automotive community.   Having spent three years in Los Santos, Mohamed shared that one of his personal goals is to one day earn the title of Citizen of the Year.   When asked how his journey began, he was quick to point out that he is not actually a tuner.   Instead, Mohamed described himself as the creative mind behind many vehicle projects. According to him, he comes up with concepts and ideas while talented tuners help transform those ideas into reality.   What started as a hobby of purchasing inexpensive vehicles and modifying them with friends gradually evolved into a passion that earned him recognition throughout the city.   When discussing the most challenging project he has ever been involved with, Mohamed pointed toward his iconic “Mr. Bean” vehicle. He explained that several respected tuners, including Shermaine, Milan, and Steven, contributed their skills to help perfect the build.   Asked what separates a good tuner from a great tuner, Mohamed laughed before giving a simple answer:   “TURBOHAUS.”   For aspiring tuners and vehicle enthusiasts, his advice was equally straightforward: be creative, bring new ideas to the city, and success will follow.   During the interview, Mohamed proudly showed off what he considers his greatest automotive achievement: a Phoenix that has won numerous tuning competitions. Equipped with armor and performance upgrades, the vehicle remains one of his prized possessions. According to Mohamed, the build was completed by AEC, a group he described as one of the original and most influential names in Valrise’s tuning scene.   He spoke highly of AEC’s legacy, mentioning creative tuners from earlier generations such as James and Peace, whom he credits for helping shape the city’s automotive culture.   Today, Mohamed no longer focuses heavily on tuning projects. Instead, he spends much of his time buying and reselling houses, vehicles, and other assets.   The conversation also offered a glimpse into his personal life. Mohamed revealed that he and his friends, Gustavo Flaco and Omo Flaco, live together at the Idlewood Motel. Over time, their presence and collection of unique vehicles became so well known that many citizens began referring to the motel as “CASTOR.”   Although he insists he is not a tuner, Mohamed Tattaglia’s influence on Valrise’s automotive community is difficult to ignore. Through creativity, collaboration, and a passion for unique ideas, he has helped leave a lasting mark on the city’s car culture.   Published by: Lenny Barny   Founder & Documentary Journalist The Chronicle of Valrise (TCOV)   Every Citizen Has a Story.

THE CHRONICLES OF VALRISE (TCOV) INTERVIEW #005 FEATURE: SABRINA POPE — ANSWERING THE CALL TO SAVE LIVES While exploring Valrise, I had the opportunity to speak with Sabrina Pope, a dedicated member of the San Andreas Fire Department who has spent approximately nine months serving the city’s residents.   During our conversation, Sabrina explained that her passion for helping others was inspired by her mother, a nurse who spent her life caring for people in need. Watching her mother’s dedication motivated Sabrina to pursue a similar path and make a difference in the lives of others.   When asked what she finds most rewarding about her profession, Sabrina answered without hesitation: seeing patients recover and walk again after receiving medical care. For her, knowing that she played a role in helping someone through a difficult moment is one of the greatest rewards of the job.   Like every first responder, Sabrina faces challenges. She identified timing as the biggest obstacle in emergency medical services. According to her, reaching patients quickly can often mean the difference between life and death, making every second count during an emergency.   She also noted that one of the biggest misconceptions citizens have about EMS workers involves response times. Many people underestimate the challenges emergency personnel face when trying to reach patients as quickly as possible.   Reflecting on memorable experiences throughout her career, Sabrina said there have been countless moments that have stayed with her. However, one story stood out. She recalled treating a citizen named Polo M, and over time the two developed a friendship that extended beyond that initial medical call.   When she’s off duty, Sabrina enjoys furnishing homes and spending time with friends, often going out to eat and relax away from the demands of emergency services.   As our conversation came to an end, Sabrina shared a simple message for the people of Valrise:   “Be kind and show respect.” Sometimes the most meaningful advice is also the simplest.   Published by: Lenny Barny   Founder & Documentary Journalist The Chronicle of Valrise (TCOV)   Every Citizen Has a Story.      

THE CHRONICLES OF VALRISE (TCOV) INTERVIEW #004 FEATURE: MATTHEW MURPHY — BEHIND THE BADGE While visiting the Los Santos Casino, I had the opportunity to speak with Officer Matthew Murphy of the San Andreas Police Department.   Having served for nearly five months, Officer Murphy described law enforcement as the best job he has had so far. According to him, the role comes with significant responsibilities, including protecting citizens and ensuring public areas remain free from potential threats.   When asked what citizens often misunderstand about police officers, Murphy responded that many people believe officers use force against citizens without reason.   "People think we're doing it on purpose," he explained. "But we're just doing our job."   Murphy noted that Valrise has recently experienced an increase in criminal activity, requiring officers to remain alert and investigate suspicious behavior whenever necessary. He emphasized that these actions are intended to maintain public safety rather than inconvenience law-abiding citizens.   Interestingly, the interview itself provided an example of the challenges officers face. While we were speaking inside the casino, an individual entered and began publicly advertising the sale of weapon and RPG cases. Officer Murphy laughed and pointed to the situation as a perfect example of the type of activity law enforcement encounters on a regular basis. "A quick example is happening right in front of you," he remarked.   Despite the responsibilities that come with wearing the badge, Murphy described himself as an ordinary person dedicated to serving the community.   The conversation offered a glimpse into the perspective of an officer working to balance public safety, community expectations, and the growing challenges facing law enforcement in Valrise.   Published by: Lenny Barny   Founder & Documentary Journalist The Chronicle of Valrise (TCOV)