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About Valerie Gotten

ABOUT THE EDITOR: Valerie Gotten (aka Valerie G) is an abstract painter, former movie stand-in, and volunteers for "green events" to help raise awareness about global warming, and help preserve California's wilderness and natural beauty.

Author Archive | Valerie Gotten

Calif. Governor Brown Issues Legislative Update for July 13, 2012 – New Assembly Bills Signed

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Today, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that he has signed the following bills: First, AB 57 by Assemblymember Jim Beall Jr. (D-San Jose) – Metropolitan Transportation Commission. AB 1047 by Assemblymember Kevin Jeffries (R-Riverside) – Vehicles: motorcycle safety. Additional: – AB 1443 by Assemblymember Dan Logue (R-Chino) – Home [...]

Ballots and Bills, CA Government News, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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SF Mayor Lee’s Statement on Official Misconduct Hearings

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — “Enough is enough. The time has come for Ross Mirkarimi to begin dealing with the facts. The facts are that Ross Mirkarimi pleaded guilty to an act of domestic violence against his wife and he will be on probation for the next three years. His conviction and his probation [...]

CA Government News, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, City: San Francisco, Newsdesk
 
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Calif. Governor and First Lady Honor Pfc. Alejandro J. Pardo

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Pfc. Alejandro J. Pardo, who bravely gave his life in service to our state and nation. The Governor and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. In memorial, [...]

California NEWS INDEX, City: Porterville, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for July 11, 2012 to California State Council on Developmental Disabilities

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Donna Atteberry, 64, of Mountain View, has been appointed to Area Board VII of the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Atteberry has been a procedure writer and editor at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company since 2005. She was [...]

CA Government News, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Government Appointments, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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Calif. Governor Brown Signs California Homeowner Bill of Rights

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today signed the California Homeowner Bill of Rights to halt the “abusive tactics” of loan servicers and protect struggling homeowners who are trying, in good faith, to renegotiate their mortgages. “Californians should not have to suffer the abusive tactics of those who would push [...]

Ballots and Bills, CA Government News, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, City: Los Angeles, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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Calif. Governor Brown Issues Legislative Update for July 10, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that he has signed the following bills: First, AB 389 by Assemblymember Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) – Bleeding disorders. AB 1621 by Assemblymember Linda Halderman (R-Clovis/Fresno) – Physicians and surgeons: prostate cancer. ALSO: – AB 1727 by Assemblymember Jim Silva (R-Huntington Beach) – [...]

Ballots and Bills, CA Government News, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa Signs Ordinance Reforming Tax Structure for Auto Dealers

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Mayor Villaraigosa on Monday signed a City ordinance exempting new car dealers from the City’s gross receipts tax, or business tax, at KIA of Downtown. “Ending the auto dealer business tax is smart policy that will pay dividends for years to come,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “New dealerships mean new [...]

CA Business, CA Economic Development, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, City: Los Angeles, Newsdesk
 
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SF Mayor Lee and US Transportation Secretary LaHood Break Ground on New SFO Air Traffic Control Tower

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Today Mayor Edwin M. Lee joined U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Acting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael P. Huerta, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Director John L. Martin to officially break ground on SFO’s new air traffic control tower between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, east [...]

CA Business, CA Economic Development, CA Transportation, California NEWS INDEX, City: San Francisco, Newsdesk
 
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SF Mayor Lee Announces Pinterest Relocating to San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Pinterest CEO Ben Silbermann announced today that Pinterest, one of the fastest growing social media firms, will move from Palo Alto to San Francisco. Pinterest is currently finalizing plans for a long-term home in the SoMa neighborhood and has signed a short-term lease [...]

CA Business, California NEWS INDEX, City: San Francisco, Newsdesk
 
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Calif. Gov. Brown Issues Calif. Assembly Bill Legislative Update for July 9, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that he has signed the following bills: AB 482 by Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) – Ventura Port District: dredging contracts. AB 1199 by Assemblymember Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica) – School bonds: citizens’ oversight committee. ALSO: • AB 1253 by Assemblymember Mike Davis [...]

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SF Mayor Lee Announces Recipients of City Grants to Keep Neighborhoods Beautiful

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Today Mayor Edwin M. Lee and City Administrator Naomi Kelly announced 28 award recipients of the Community Challenge Grant Program (CCG), which provides matching grants to local residents, businesses, schools, non-profits and other community groups to make greening and beautification improvements, totaling $832,600. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission [...]

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Calif. Governor Brown’s Government Reorganization Plan Becomes Law

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — The most comprehensive overhaul of state government in decades became official on Tuesday following legislative approval of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s Reorganization Plan. The Governor’s plan, which will be implemented over the next year, cuts the number of state agencies from 12 to 10 and eliminates or consolidates dozens [...]

Ballots and Bills, CA Government News, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski

California Legislature Approves Resolution Opposing Citizens United Ruling

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — California today became the largest state in the nation urging Congress to draft a constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s controversial Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ruling. AJR 22 by Wieckowski and Allen seeks to restore balance to campaign finance spending. The state Senate voted 24 to [...]

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Calif. Governor Brown Praises Decision to Open Silicon Valley Patent Office

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement in response to the United States Department of Commerce’s decision to open a new, regional patent office in California: “The Commerce Department’s decision to locate a new patent office in the Silicon Valley recognizes that California is the world capital [...]

California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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Calif. Driverless Vehicle Legislation Moves Forward – Senator Padilla Bill Would Establish Safety and Performance Standards

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Senate Bill 1298, authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), was passed by the Assembly Transportation Committee today on a bipartisan 12 to 0 vote. The bill would establish safety and performance standards for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles on California roads and highways. The bill now goes to the [...]

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Calif. Governor Brown Signs State Legislation June 27 and 28, 2012 (Round-up of Assembly Bills)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed the following bills yesterday: AB 1464 by Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield (D-Van Nuys) – 2012-13 Budget. AB 1465 by Committee on Budget – Transportation. AB 1467 by Committee on Budget – Health. ALSO: • AB 1470 by Committee on Budget – Mental health: State Department [...]

Ballots and Bills, CA Government News, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments to Merced Designated Local Authority for June 28, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Michael Amabile, 57, of Los Banos, has been appointed to the Merced Designated Local Authority. Amabile has been the owner and manager of España’s Southwest Bar and Grill since 1978. He served as mayor of Los Banos from 1994 [...]

CA Government News, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Government Appointments, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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Calif. Assembly Committee Kills Bill That Would Expedite Dismissal of Problem Teachers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/–– The Assembly Education Committee yesterday killed SB 1530, a bill that would have narrowly modified the dismissal process in cases where a teacher has been accused of sex, violence or drug offenses involving children. The Padilla Bill would have empowered school boards to act decisively in cases of sex, drugs or [...]

Ballots and Bills, CA Government News, CA Op-Ed and Opinion, California NEWS INDEX, Newsdesk
 
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Gov Brown

Calif. Governor Brown Signs California’s 2012-13 ‘Balanced’ Budget

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Wednesday signed a balanced state budget that protects funding for education and public safety while cutting $8 billion from government to close a $15.7 billion deficit and build a reserve of nearly $1 billion. The budget slashes spending in almost every part of state [...]

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Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for June 27, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Wednesday announced the following appointments: First, Christopher Reardon, 51, of Modesto, has been appointed chief deputy director at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Reardon has served in multiple positions at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation since 2003, including chief deputy director and [...]

California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Government Appointments, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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Calif. Bill to Protect Public’s First Amendment Rights and Access to 911 Services Passed by Key Assembly Committee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce today approved SB 1160 authored by Senator Alex Padilla with unanimous bipartisan support. SB 1160 would protect California consumers by preventing the arbitrary interruption of communication services used for calling 911 in an emergency. The bill now goes to the Assembly Judiciary Committee [...]

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O.C. Great Park Celebrates 7th Anniversary at Free ‘Growing the Park’ Event on July 14, 2012

IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ — The Orange County Great Park hosts this summer’s premier free family event to mark the Park’s 7th anniversary at the Growing the Park celebration, a mid-afternoon through evening community festival on Saturday, July 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event offers families the opportunity to watch vintage military [...]

CA Entertainment, CA Events, California NEWS INDEX, City: Irvine, Newsdesk
 
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2012 Flights and Sounds Summer Festival Brings Unique Musical and Cultural Experience to Orange County

IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Music lovers of all ages can enjoy a musical tour around the world when the Orange County Great Park, in association with Irvine Barclay Theatre, presents a diverse mix of internationally acclaimed musicians, dancers and exciting new artists at the fifth annual Flights & Sounds Summer Festival beginning Thursday, August [...]

CA Entertainment, CA Events, California NEWS INDEX, City: Irvine, Newsdesk
 
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SF Mayor Urges All Residents to Rethink Sugary Drinks and Hydrate with Hetch Hetchy Tap Water this Summer

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee this week, on the first day of Summer, issued a proclamation declaring a Soda Free Summer in San Francisco through August 2012. For the past five years, the Soda Free Summer initiative has sought to increase awareness about the health impacts of drinking sugar-sweetened [...]

CA General Editorial, CA Health, California Government, City: San Francisco, Newsdesk
 
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SF Mayor Lee Announces Completion of SFPUC HQ – North America’s Greenest Urban Office Building

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Today S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) officially unveiled its completed headquarters building at 525 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco. The 525 Golden Gate Headquarters is one of the few buildings in the world built to LEED Platinum standards and is [...]

CA Green Economy, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, City: San Francisco, Newsdesk
 
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San Francisco Enrolls In United Nations’ Making Cities Resilient Campaign

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced that San Francisco has become the first major U.S. city to join the United Nations’ Making Cities Resilient Campaign, an initiative to empower cities around the world to reduce the loss of life and property to disasters and protect the social, economic [...]

California Government, California NEWS INDEX, City: San Francisco, Newsdesk
 
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Calif. Bill to Disclose Permanent Spending Programs by Assemblyman Mike Gatto Clears Significant Legislative Hurdle

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Los Angeles) Assembly Bill (AB) 2220, a measure which would require disclosure to voters when a ballot initiative seeks to irrevocably and permanently dedicate taxpayer dollars to one program, was approved by the Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments by a bipartisan 4-1 vote. Since [...]

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Padilla Bill to Require Translation of Ballot Initiatives and Petitions Approved by Calif. Assembly Elections Committee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Calif. Senate Bill 1233 authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) was approved by the Assembly Elections Committee today. SB 1233 would require the Attorney General to issue a title and summary of all ballot initiatives and petitions in all languages covered by the Federal Voting Rights Act for circulation. The [...]

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San Francisco Mayor Lee Launches ImproveSF Food Justice Challenge For Central Market

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — SF Mayor Edwin M. Lee on Monday announced the second ImproveSF challenge centered on food justice in Central Market, challenging the innovation community to find social justice solutions to improve access to healthy foods for residents in the Central Market/Tenderloin neighborhood. “Access to fresh, healthy food is a tremendous [...]

CA Government News, California NEWS INDEX, City: San Francisco, Newsdesk
 
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S.F. Mayor Lee Launches U.S. Mayors Open Government Innovation Partnership

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — On Monday, S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee, as Chair of the first U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) Technology and Innovation Task Force, announced the Open Government Innovation Partnership – a call to action to help cities advance and prioritize innovation to drive job growth, economic development, improved efficiency and [...]

California Government, California NEWS INDEX, City: San Francisco, Newsdesk
 
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Calif. Governor Brown

Calif. Governor Brown Directs State Agencies to Revise Flammability Standards

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Today, in an effort to protect public safety by reducing the use of toxic flame retardants, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. has directed state agencies to revise flammability standards for upholstered furniture sold in the state. Governor Brown has asked the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and [...]

CA Environment, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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California Gov. Brown

Calif. Governor Brown Announces Government Appointments for June 15, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Alex Arredondo, 51, of Brea, has been appointed to the California State Board of Optometry, where he has served since 2007. Arredondo has worked in private practice since 1992. He worked for Dr. John Hernandez, O.D. from 1989 to [...]

CA Government News, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Government Appointments, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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Calif. Governor Brown Signs Legislation including AB 1519, AB 1743 and AB 2262

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -– Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that he has signed the following bills: AB 1519 by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) – County employee retirement boards; and AB 1743 by Assemblymember Nora Campos (D-San Jose) – Student athletes: scholarships. Additional bills signed: – AB 2262 by Assemblymember Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) [...]

Ballots and Bills, CA Government News, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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Calif. Governor Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring Flag Day

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Proclamation Declaring Flag Day: On June 14th, 1777, in the midst of our struggle to free ourselves from the colonial rule of Great Britain, the Second Continental Congress adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as the flag of the nascent United States of America. Since that day, our flag has served [...]

CA General Editorial, California NEWS INDEX, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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Calif. Governor and First Lady Honor Cpl. Taylor J. Baune

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Cpl. Taylor J. Baune, who bravely gave his life in service to our state and nation. The Governor and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. In memorial, [...]

CA General Editorial, California NEWS INDEX, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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Calif. Governor Brown Announces Govt. Appointments for June 13, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Robert Boneso, 50, of Paso Robles, has been appointed to the 16th District Agricultural Association, Mid-State Fair Board. Boneso has been vice president at Boneso Brothers Construction since 1999. He worked at RP Richards Inc. from 1985 to 1999, [...]

CA Government News, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Government Appointments, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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O.C. Great Park Moves Forward With $22.8 Million, 30-acre Expansion

IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ — The Orange County Great Park Corporation today announced it is moving forward with a 30-acre expansion of the Great Park. USS Cal Builders, Inc., headquartered in Stanton, Calif. was selected in a public bid process and awarded the $22.8 million contract for construction. The funds for the completion of the [...]

CA Business, California NEWS INDEX, City: Irvine, Newsdesk
 
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San Francisco, China’s NDRC Sign Agreement to Strengthen Ties in Sustainability

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced that San Francisco signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the 3rd Annual US-China Energy Efficiency Forum in Beijing, China with the Chinese government’s top economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). San Francisco’s signing partner for the MOU about sustainable [...]

CA Business, CA Economic Development, CA Green Economy, California NEWS INDEX, City: San Francisco, Newsdesk
 
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S.F. Mayor Lee & President Chiu Introduce Measure to Reform San Francisco’s Business Tax Structure

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — SF Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Board President David Chiu on Tuesday introduced a proposal to reform the City’s current anti-job business tax structure for the November 2012 ballot. After months of thorough analysis by the City Controller, economic modeling by the City Economist and inclusive outreach to San [...]

Ballots and Bills, CA Business, CA Government News, California NEWS INDEX, City: San Francisco, Newsdesk
 
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Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for June 12, 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, Ryan Brooks, 41, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California State Board of Pharmacy, where he has served since 2008. Brooks has been the vice president of government relations at CBS Outdoor since 2002. He was director [...]

CA Government News, California Government, California NEWS INDEX, Government Appointments, Newsdesk, Office of the Calif. Governor
 
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