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Rebozo Festival Inc. announces 2027 grant application now open

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CAMARILLO — Rebozo Festival Inc., is pleased to announce that awards of up to $20,000 will be granted to qualified non-profit organizations that focus on the cultural, social and/or educational needs of the Ventura County community. The application process will open September 1st and will close September 30th, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

Rebozo Festival, Inc., encourages non-profit organizations that meet the following requirements to apply:  Nominated organizations must be located in Ventura County serving primarily Ventura County Latino residents and must be an IRS 501©(3) non-profit organization/institution or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a qualified organization/institution.

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Bilingual commentary — National Debt: Should We Be Concerned?

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This morning I woke up to the disconcerting news that our national debt had attained an ominous level: $40 trillion dollars (that’s $40,000,000,000,000). Sure, it sounds like a lot of money, but what exactly does that portend for us, our children, and our grandchildren?

Lots of bad things, as it turns out. Apparently, the United States can bury itself in debt just as individuals can. What happens when we as individuals find ourselves drowning in debt?

Our credit rating drops because we can no longer be trusted with fiscal management. So too the United States.

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Business, Education, Government, Local, News

Making Waves: Port of Hueneme hosts ‘Sustaining the Seas Summit’ in recognition of World Oceans Day

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PORT HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme marked World Oceans Day with its fourth annual “Sustaining the Seas Summit” on Tuesday, August 18, at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard.

The Summit brought together Port of Hueneme staff, environmentalists, maritime companies, and community organizations for robust discussions on sustainability and the challenges facing the world’s oceans.
 
“We have an ambitious but achievable goal to reach zero-emissions status at the Port of Hueneme by 2030,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jason Hodge. “As leaders in clean port operations, it’s exciting to bring together leading minds in environmental stewardship in pursuit of real progress when it comes to protecting our oceans.”

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Downtown Oxnard — Latin Jazz Legend Pete Escovedo comes to Downtown Oxnard on Aug. 29

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Join us Saturday, August 29, at beautiful Heritage Square for a special night of Latin jazz, soul, and incredible live music featuring legendary percussionist Pete “Pops” Escovedo and acclaimed musician and musical director Peter Michael Escovedo.

Opening the evening will be Oxnard’s own Fundi & Friends, bringing their signature jazz and soul sound to the Square.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors approves renaming Ventura Family Justice Center in honor of late Judge Colleen Toy White

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved renaming the Ventura County Family Justice Center in Ventura as the Judge Colleen Toy White Family Justice Center, honoring the late Ventura County Superior Court Judge whose decades of public service transformed how the county supports victims and other vulnerable members of the community.

Judge White devoted 41 years to serving the people of Ventura County, including 18 years with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, where she served for 10 years as Chief Assistant District Attorney. She was elected to the Ventura County Superior Court in 1994 and served 23 years on the bench before retiring in 2017. During her judicial career, she served as Presiding Judge, Assistant Presiding Judge and Family Law Supervising Judge.

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Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: Pam Grau’s ‘A Woman’s Painted Journey’

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For decades, I worked primarily as a non-representational painter, creating heavily textured abstract works rooted in emotion and material exploration. Several years ago, however, a health crisis forced me to step away from many of the toxic materials I had relied upon. What initially felt like a loss became an unexpected opportunity—a chance to rethink not only my process, but the very nature of my self-expression.

Out of that transition emerged a new visual language that combines digital tools with hand-painted papers, collage, drawing, photography, and paint. These works blend traditional and contemporary processes into layered visual narratives inspired by travel, gardens, changing seasons, nature walks, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.

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City Impacts in Oxnard invites partners for Thrive Together 2026 on Sept. 24

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… The evening brings together more than 200 community members, business leaders and families for an Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony, Youth Art and Business Showcase, along with a BBQ dinner, live music, art auction and networking. City Impact is now inviting local businesses, foundations and community partners to sponsor the event and stand alongside the Hispanic entrepreneurs and young artists it celebrates.

“Every sponsor at Thrive Together becomes part of the story we’re telling about Ventura County’s small business community,” said Cynthia Torres, Executive Director of City Impact. “Their support directly funds the mentorship, wellness resources and creative programs that help our young people and entrepreneurs grow.”

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Bilingual report — 8th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day (Sept. 19) brings farmers and the public together

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SANTA BARBARA — Ever wonder where great-tasting fruits and vegetables are grown? Find out at the 8th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day, Saturday, September 19. Visit farms in Santa Barbara County to learn how fruits, nuts, produce and wine are produced, harvested and delivered.

Twenty farms and agricultural organizations will open their doors from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during Santa Barbara Farm Day. Guests will experience behind-the-scenes farm tours, tractor rides, produce tastings and giveaways, and plenty of kid-friendly exhibits all at no cost.

Ag participants this year range from large, international agricultural operations to family-run, organic farms.

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Education, Local, News, Sports

Ventura College Athletics unveils new brand identity and spirit logo

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VENTURA — Ventura College Athletics has unveiled a new visual identity and spirit logo, bringing a bold, unified look to all the teams and programs that make up Pirate Athletics. Developed through a collaborative process involving student athletes, athletics staff, college leadership, and key stakeholders, this refreshed look honors the past while making way for the future with a modern, unmistakably Pirate brand.

“Our athletics tradition is an important part of the Ventura College story, and this new identity honors that history while giving our student-athletes, coaches and supporters a renewed sense of pride and connection to the college,” said Luca E. Lewis, president of Ventura College. “It reflects who we are today and the direction we are headed—grounded in tradition, connected to our community and committed to a future of continued excellence. This is a meaningful expression of our enduring legacy and our vision for the future.”

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Business, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Veterans

Business Community unites to salute local heroes on Sept. 25 at 29th annual Military Appreciation Dinner

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CAMARILLO — The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) invites the community to honor local service members at the 29th Annual Military Appreciation Dinner on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. The event will take place from 6:00 to 9:30 pm at the Holiday Inn Oxnard-Ventura, located at 600 E. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard, CA 93036.

“Our local military personnel and their families are an integral part of Ventura County,” said Andy Conli, President & CEO of the WVCBA. “The Military Appreciation Dinner is a powerful tradition that allows our business community to stand together, say thank you, and celebrate the incredible sacrifices and volunteer contributions these heroes make both on and off duty.”

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Ventura Music Festival — Friends, join us in October!

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Tea & Trumpets

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 at 3 PM

THE HISTORIC PIERPONT INN

A lively local favorite returns to the beautiful and historic Pierpont Inn for an afternoon of tradition. Guests are welcomed with a full afternoon tea: warm scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and a tempting array of pastries, served in one of Ventura’s most gracious settings. The music comes courtesy of a spirited brass quintet, whose program moves easily between classical favorites and jazz standards. LEARN MORE

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Ventura County Animal Services — FREE PET Adoptions this Saturday! 1PM-6PM

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CAMARILLO — FREE ADOPTIONS this Saturday, August 22 at Ventura County Animal Services!  Browse our adoptable DOGS, CATS, and BUNNIES to see who you’d like to take home!

Adoption Appointments can be made online from 9:00am – 10:30am.  Shelter opens at 1:00pm sharp!  While walk-ins are welcome, appointments get priority.  Tap/click here to learn about our adoption process.

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Ventura Art & Chalk Festival returns to Ventura Harbor Village Sept. 12–13

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VENTURA  — The sidewalks of Ventura Harbor Village will become colorful canvases when the Ventura Art & Chalk Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by Rotary Club of Ventura, this free, family-friendly festival celebrates creativity, community and giving back against the beautiful backdrop of the Ventura waterfront.

Throughout the weekend, talented chalk artists will transform ordinary pavement into  extraordinary works of art, creating colorful, large-scale pieces right before visitors’ eyes.  Guests can stroll along the harbor, meet artists, watch their creations take shape and  experience the fascinating process behind this unique form of temporary public art. This year’s festival will feature more than 30 chalk and craft artists, bringing together an exciting variety of artistic styles and mediums, including artist duos and 3D artists.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Assessor’s Office issues public advisory regarding false property tax claims targeting seniors

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VENTURA — The Ventura County Assessor‘s Office warns seniors and all local property owners about a current trend regarding misinformation on reducing or freezing property taxes. The Assessor’s Office has received numerous calls, emails, and in-person visits from property owners inquiring about a supposed federal program that allegedly freezes property taxes. This misinformation is being spread through fraudulent online claims, social media posts, and scam phone calls encouraging property owners to file a non-existent federal IRS form “1098-SR” to reduce or freeze property taxes. No such form exists, and these messages are not legitimate.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

SBCC’s Fall Semester starts Monday, Aug. 24

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College welcomes students of all ages, attending in-person or via its extensive selection of online courses, on its first day of classes, Monday, August 24.

From recent high school graduates enrolling in college for the first time, to career-minded students desiring two- or four-year areas of study and beyond, SBCC’s credit programs provide multiple pathways to earn a degree, certificate or transfer.

Adult learners are equally empowered through the School of Extended Learning’s programs, working on their vocational skills, GED, ESL or exploring various creative offerings.

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Business, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, Local, Locales, News, Noticias, Women

Hilda Zacarías, longtime Allan Hancock College Board of Trustee, announces resignation

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SANTA MARIA — Hilda Zacarías announced her resignation from the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees at their meeting on Tuesday, August 18, effective immediately. After 14 years of service on the board, Zacarías is moving outside the area she represented as a trustee.

“I have often said that my tenure as a trustee of Allan Hancock College has been my favorite public service,” said Zacarias. “This is not the same college I first came to in 1986, and it is not the same college I joined as a trustee in 2012. I have witnessed both individual and institutional transformation, and I am proud to have supported policies that strengthened our inclusive and enriching community of learning.”

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Events, Government, Health, Local, News

Trump Administration moves to eliminate Roadless Rule, threatening Los Padres National Forest

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CENTRAL COAST — The Trump administration has formally proposed
eliminating the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a move that could remove longstanding protections from more than 44 million acres of national forest lands across the country, including 635,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest.

On August 18, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S. Forest Service had filed a proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule in its entirety. A public comment period is open through September 21.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Ventura County Fire Dept. — Division Chief Anthony Occhipinti promoted to assistant chief of training and development?

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THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) is proud to announce the promotion of Division Chief Anthony Occhipinti to Assistant Chief of Training and Development.

Chief Occhipinti’s promotion to Assistant Chief of the newly reorganized Training and Development Bureau will enable him to assume responsibility for managing all aspects of recruitment, training, and professional development for our firefighters. Most recently, Chief Occhipinti served as a Division Chief, overseeing daily operations for the department. His 14-year fire service career began with VCFD’s hand crew, and he has served every rank in the department with assignments to both support and engine companies, as well as our wildland and aviation division.

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Ventura County Clerk-Recorder partners with California Office of the Secretary of State to host One-Day Apostille PopUp Shop on Sept. 10, 2026

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VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Clerk-Recorder is partnering with the California Office of the Secretary of State (SOS), to bring back the popular Apostille Pop-Up Shop to the Ventura County Government Center, on Thursday, September 10, from 9 AM to 3 PM.

SOS Pop-Up Shops are one-day events held throughout the year in counties across the state to provide customers with the convenience of accessing in-person Apostille services without traveling to SOS offices in Sacramento or Los Angeles.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — SBA Offers Relief to California Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the 2026 Los Palos Incident

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Low-Interest Disaster Loans Now Available

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in California to offset economic losses caused by the 2026 Los Palos incident (Boyle Heights Fire), which occurred June 17 – 25. SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs on Aug. 10.

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Ventura County nurses and health care professionals to hold speak out to save Santa Paula Hospital

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VENTURA — Registered nurses and healthcare professionals at Santa Paula Hospital (SPH) in Santa Paula and Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) in Ventura will hold a speak out at Ventura County’s Board of Supervisors hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 18, to protest changes in services and possible closure of SPH proposed by Ventura County Healthcare Agency Administration and County Board of Supervisors. Nurses and health care workers at SPH and VCMC are represented by California Nurses Association/Caregivers and Healthcare Employees Union (CNA/CHEU), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), the country’s largest nurses union.

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Business, Education, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Port of Hueneme hosts regional dive teams for advanced maritime search-and-rescue training

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PORT HUENEME — Seven regional bomb squad and search-and-rescue dive teams including Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Bomb/Arson Unit and Search & Rescue, Los Angeles Police Department Bomb Squad, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office Search and Recovery, and Riverside County Sheriff Search and Rescue recently gathered at the Port of Hueneme for an Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX)-Coastal Trident Event DELTA, a four-day exercise focused on underwater operations and emerging technologies.

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Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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EN ESPAÑOL: INTRODUCCIÓN A LA INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL PARA PEQUEÑOS NEGOCIOS

August 24 @ 6:00 pm

Este taller introduce a los propietarios de pequeñas empresas a los fundamentos de la Inteligencia Artificial y cómo puede aplicarse en las operaciones diarias de un negocio. Los participantes aprenderán qué es la IA, cómo la utilizan actualmente las empresas y dónde puede generar un mayor impacto. La sesión incluirá ejemplos prácticos relacionados con marketing, servicio al cliente, creación de contenido, productividad y crecimiento empresarial. Precio: GRATIS.

HAGA CLIC PARA REGISTRARSE

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SB Museum of Art — Basil Kincaid Visits SBMA for Talk, Artist Workshop

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Basil Kincaid, whose work is featured in the exhibition Remixed, joins SBMA Assistant Curator Lauren Karazija, to explore ancestry, connection and conversation. Crafted from salvaged fabrics, quilts offer far more than physical warmth—they retain the indelible traces of past lives. Describing quilting as a “spiritual technology,” Kincaid engages in a dialogue across time and space through lived-in materials charged with the enduring energy of loved ones. Tickets are selling quickly; reserve yours today at sbma.net.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Educación, Education, En español, familia, Family, Home, Local, Locales, News

Bilingual report — My Way Home — Last chance to RSVP for Aug. 18 Community Focus Group: Accessory Dwelling Units

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My Way Home is in the early planning stages of exploring a new ADU program focused on education and financing. We’re hosting a virtual Community Focus Group to hear your experiences, questions, and ideas. Your input will help us understand what our community needs and help shape a program designed to better serve Ventura County.

Community Focus Group: Accessory Dwelling Units

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Music Academy of the West’s 2026 Music Note Gala raises $1.2M for music education and community access

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View in Browser Audra McDonald headlined the sold out celebration honoring Cheryl Goldberg in support of scholarships and transformative music education programs SANTA BARBARA  — The Music Academy of the West raised a record-breaking $1.2 million at its 2026 Music…

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Business, Cultural, Family, Health, Local, News, Women

Santa Barbara Breast Surgeon Dr. Rosa Choi joins Cottage Health to expand access to specialized breast care

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SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara breast surgeon Rosa Choi, MD, has joined Cottage Health to launch the Cottage Breast Health Clinic, located at 2400 Bath Street, Suite 102, in Santa Barbara.

Dr. Choi has more than two decades of experience in the community as a board-certified surgeon providing specialized care for patients with breast cancer, benign breast conditions and other breast health concerns.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue caring for patients through Cottage Health and to build a program centered on personalized breast care,” said Dr. Choi. “It is important for patients to understand their diagnosis, feel informed about their treatment options and have confidence in the decisions they make about their breast health.”

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Finance, Government, Immigration, Local, News, Seniors, Women, Youth

El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard announces 36th annual Latino Leadership Awards Fundraising Campaign

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OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services has officially launched its fundraising and sponsorship drive for the upcoming 36th Annual Latino Leadership Awards. Established in 1990, the awards recognize outstanding individuals and businesses that have made substantial contributions to uplifting Ventura County’s Latino community.

“Our donors deserve to know that their generosity translates directly into high-quality, professional support for local agricultural and service-sector families,” said Yvonne R. Gutierrez, Executive Director. “The Latino Leadership Awards allow us to honor local excellence while raising vital funding to keep our immigration and education services responsive, credible, and fully accountable.”

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Santa Paula Latino Town Hall — Please Join Us: Defend health care in the Santa Clara Valley – 10:30 am August 18

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You are invited to make public comment before the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and stand with our community in defending hospital-level health care in the Santa Clara Valley.

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 – 10:30 a.m.
Ventura County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Board of Supervisors Meeting Room
Hall of Administration
800 S. Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009

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Ventura County Civic Alliance (VCCA) Aug. 15, 2026 Livable Communities Newsletter

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Can Ventura County Still Take Care of its Own?

On Monday morning, September 14, the Ventura County Civic Alliance will host our Future of the Region conference in Camarillo. The conference theme is “Can Ventura County Still Take Care of its Own?” and we will dive into demographic shifts impacting our region.

Ventura County, like many parts of the state and nation, is experiencing a decline in the birth rate leading to changes in healthcare with an aging population, impacts to education from declining enrollment and the overall economy as we lose young workers. These and other challenges impact every city in the County.

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