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Southern California water officials declare unprecedented water shortage

Any water suppliers that fail to comply could face large fines from the MWD for exceeding their monthly allocations

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Weymouth Filtration Plant in La Verne, Calif. (Photo Credit: Metropolitan Water District of Southern Calif.)

LOS ANGELES – Officials of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California declared an unprecedented water shortage emergency Tuesday, imposing drought restrictions that for the first time will limit outdoor watering to just one day a week in parts of Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties that are home to roughly 6 million Californians.

“The past three years are projected to be the driest in our state’s history, leading to drought conditions unlike anything we’ve experienced before,” an agency spokesperson wrote on Twitter.

“We are seeing conditions unlike anything we have seen before,” said Adel Hagekhalil, the district’s general manager. “We need serious demand reductions.”

The MWD’s board has never before taken such a step and the resolution adopted by the water wholesaler marks the first widespread water restrictions imposed in Southern California during this most recent period of extreme drought.

With the state’s major reservoirs at low levels, the MWD has been left without enough water to meet demands in parts of Southern California, officials said.

MWD’s board voted to adopt the emergency measures to “reduce non-essential water use” in certain areas. Cities and smaller water suppliers that get water from MWD are required to start restricting outdoor watering to one day a week, or to find other ways to cut usage to a new monthly allocation limit.

Any water suppliers that fail to comply could face large fines from the MWD for exceeding their monthly allocations.

The State Water Project delivers water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to farmlands and cities to the south. The project includes canals, pipelines, reservoirs and pumping facilities, which transport water to approximately 27 million Californians.

After a record dry start to 2022, California water officials slashed the project’s expected deliveries this year to just 5% of full allocations.

Areas that depend heavily or entirely on the State Water Project include northwestern L.A. County and Ventura County, parts of the San Gabriel Valley and parts of the Inland Empire.

The MWD imports water from the State Water Project and the Colorado River, serving 26 public water agencies across six counties that supply 19 million people, about half the state’s population.

Outdoor watering restrictions requiring major cutbacks in areas that depend on the limited supplies from the drought-ravaged State Water Project will take effect June 1.

UPDATE:

The Metropolitan Water District said Wednesday that the unprecedented decision to reduce outdoor watering to one day a week for about 6 million Southern Californians could be followed by even stricter actions in September if conditions don’t improve, including a total ban in some areas.

“If we don’t see cutbacks, or conditions do not get better, the Metropolitan board has given me the authority to ban all watering as soon as Sept. 1,” MWD general manager Adel Hagekhalil said Wednesday. “We know what this means to communities, we know what we are requiring here, but we’re facing a challenge. We do not have the supply to meet the normal demands that we have.”

Additional reporting from the Los Angeles Times and wire services

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Southern California

Triple A: Average gas prices near $5 in many areas

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.95, which is seven cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Gas prices in many metropolitan Southern California areas are now near $5 gallon after moving up by about a penny a day in the last week, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.95, which is seven cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.53, which is 12 cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.99 per gallon, which is six cents more than last week, 18 cents higher than last month, and 12 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is also $4.99, which is seven cents higher than last week, 13 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5, which is eight cents higher than last week, 13 cents higher than last month, and 16 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.87, which is six cents higher than last week, 19 cents higher than last month and seven cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.85 average price is eight cents more than last week, 28 cents more than last month, and two cents lower than a year ago today.

“Gas prices are likely to continue trending upward this spring as in prior years,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “To save money on gas, drivers should shop around for the lowest prices using a tool such as the free AAA Mobile app, keep their vehicle and tires well-maintained, and adopt a gentle driving style that avoids speeding, hard braking and jackrabbit starts.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 21, averages are:

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Southern California

Triple A: Gas prices stop rising

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.88, which is one cent higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – In most areas of Southern California, gas prices took a break from their typical pattern of increases in late winter and early spring, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.88, which is one cent higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.41, which is also one cent higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.93 per gallon, which is the same as last week, 15 cents higher than last month, and one cent lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.92, which is also the same as last week, 13 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.92, which is two cents higher than last week, 17 cents higher than last month, and one cent higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.81, which is one cent higher than last week, 14 cents higher than last month and five cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.77 average price is three cents more than last week, 20 cents more than last month, and 12 cents lower than a year ago today.

“Indications are that this pause may be temporary, since Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices have been on the rise this week,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Drivers should shop around for the best gas prices near them by using a free online tool such as the AAA Mobile app.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 14, averages are:

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Southern California

Triple A: Southern California gas prices rise for second week

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.87, which is 13 cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices are up for the second week in a row as local refinery maintenance continues to affect production, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.87, which is 13 cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.40, which is eight cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.93 per gallon, which is eight cents more than last week, 22 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.92, which is six cents more than last week, 20 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.90, which is nine cents higher than last week, 21 cents higher than last month, and the same as last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.80, which is eight cents higher than last week, 22 cents higher than last month and five cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.74 average price is 12 cents more than last week, 18 cents more than last month, and 11 cents lower than a year ago today.

“According to Oil Price Information Service, one local refinery has announced it will be undergoing maintenance for a week starting today, while the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that West Coast refinery production rates and gasoline imports increased over the past week,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Gas prices may continue to experience upward pressure as demand grows in the next few months.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 7, averages are:

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Southern California

Election Day is Tuesday: How to vote & where

Vote Centers will open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM and on Election Day, March 5, from 7 AM to 8 PM to vote in person or return a ballot

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Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) Dean C. Logan announced that 525 additional Vote Centers will open for the Presidential Primary Election on Saturday, March 2.

Vote Centers will open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM and on Election Day, March 5, from 7 AM to 8 PM to vote in person or return a ballot.

A full list and map of Vote Center locations and wait times is available online here: (Link)

First-time voters who missed the registration deadline can visit any Vote Center, complete a Conditional Voter Registration, and cast a ballot in this election. Voters can also update their registration information, including their party affiliation, to receive their preferred party’s ballot or request a crossover ballot.

The quickest method to participate in this election is to return the Vote by Mail ballot by mail (no postage required) or in person at any Official Ballot Drop Box or Vote Center location.

Registered voters should have already received a ballot by mail. After submitting their ballot, California voters can track their ballot through a tool called “Where’s My Ballot?” It sends notifications via email, text or voice call.

Return ballot by mail

You can mail in your ballot as long as it is postmarked by Tuesday, March 5. You can also drop off your ballot at a secure box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can find a ballot drop-off location by visiting caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.

Vote early in person

More than 100 voting centers opened on February 24 across Los Angeles County for residents to cast in-person ballots for the upcoming presidential primary election.

The centers will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can cast their ballots at any center, regardless of where they live in the county. A list of nearby locations can be found online at locator.lavote.gov.

On March 2, more than 600 vote center locations will open across the county.

Return ballot in person

You can drop off your ballot at any polling location or your local county elections office by 8 p.m. on March 5. To find your polling location visit www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place and enter your address.

Vote in person on Super Tuesday elections day

To vote on Election Day, you must go to your designated polling place. You can find where your polling place is located by putting in your home address in poll locators on websites including Vote.org, Google.com or on your local elections website.

Voter info by county

Los Angeles County

Orange County

Ventura County

Riverside County

San Bernardino County

Click here for your SoCal guide to Super Tuesday and the 2024 California primary election.

Metro offers free rides and ballot box drop-offs

The Los Angeles area regional transit agency Metro is again offering free public transit rides on Election Day to help voters reach the polls.

Metro issued a map of its route lines which includes nine locations that have dropoff boxes for ballots. The free rides include all Metro buses, trains, bike share and Micro rideshare.

On Election Day – Tuesday March 5 – polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. but the free rides continue until midnight.

The Super Tuesday ballot includes the presidential race, California’s U.S. Senate seat, multiple seats in Congress and many local races and measures.

Ride free election day Tuesday

Ballot drop off at 9 stations. Voters can safely and securely drop off their ballots at these Metro station Vote-by-Mail drop boxes:

  • El Monte Bus Station
  • Harbor Freeway Station
  • Harbor Gateway Transit Center
  • Hollywood/Western Station
  • North Hollywood Station B
  • Norwalk Station
  • Westlake/MacArthur Park Station
  • Wilshire/Vermont Station
  • Union Station (East Portal)

Metro’s plan trip Google/Apple maps, http://metro.net

LA County polling locations etc http://lavote.gov


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Southern California

Triple A: Local gas prices resume climbing after brief pause

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.74, which is ten cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices began climbing again this week after a brief week-long pause in most areas, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.74, which is ten cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.32, which is five cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.85 per gallon, which is five cents more than last week, 27 cents higher than last month, and one cent higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.86, which is five cents more than last week, 27 cents higher than last month, and one cent higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.81, which is four cents higher than last week, 25 cents higher than last month, and four cents more than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.72, which is four cents higher than last week, 32 cents higher than last month and two cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.62 average price is four cents more than last week, six cents more than last month, and 15 cents lower than a year ago today.

“According to Oil Price Information Service, the latest Energy Information Administration data is showing increased refinery production on the West Coast while gasoline inventories declined,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Gas prices are likely to increase further in the next few months as consumer fuel demand grows in the spring and summer months.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 29, averages are:

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Southern California

Triple A: SoCal Gas Prices Pause

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in Southern California is $4.64, which is the same as a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Local gas prices in most areas remained unchanged for the week after three straight weeks of price increases, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.64, which is the same as a week ago. The average national price is $3.27, which is one cent lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.80 per gallon, which is the same as last week, 14 cents higher than last month, and three cents lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.81, which is one cent more than last week, 23 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.77, which is two cents higher than last week, 19 cents higher than last month, and two cents more than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.68, which is the same as last week, 30 cents higher than last month and four cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.58 average price is unchanged from last week, four cents lower than last month, and 14 cents lower than a year ago today.

“Although refinery maintenance continues to cause some production outages in Southern California, indications are that the regular unleaded gasoline supply is sufficient for now,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe.

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 22, averages are:

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Southern California

Heavy rain at times with flash flooding, landslides & mudflows

The storm will affect the area through Wednesday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain- potential for flooding, rock slides & mudslides

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NWS/KTLA 5 Live Radar screenshot February 19 at 11:00 AM

LOS ANGELES – As heavy rainfall hampered the President’s Day commuting traffic, around the Southern California region the latest storm system is bringing heavier precipitation and a more likely threat of flooding to Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Calabasas until 6:00 PM.

“Radar and automated rain gauges indicated light to moderate showers overspreading the warned area,” NWS said Monday morning. “Heavier showers will overspread the warned area throughout the day.”

The storm is expected to dump 2 to 5 inches of rain along the coastal areas and valleys of metro Los Angeles through Wednesday morning with higher totals in the foothills and mountains

The Los Angeles Times noted that compared with the historic storm that pummeled the region earlier this month, forecasters expect “much less rain” for Los Angeles County this time but warned that there are still concerns about the prospect for flooding, landslides and mudflows — particularly in the Santa Monica Mountains and Hollywood Hills — because of the soaking Southern California received from the previous storm.

KTLA 5 News is bringing current conditions up-to-date in its live updating here: (KTLA)

From KTLA:

The Emergency Operations Center in Los Angeles has activated “Level 2” preparedness to respond to the storm.

” Emergency crews remain ready to respond to the effects of the storm and potential of mud and debris flows, power outages and roadway obstructions,” city officials said.

Latest:

105 FREEWAY ON-RAMP CLOSURE

Related

A SigAlert has been issued for the Hawthorne Boulevard on-ramp to the eastbound 105 Freeway due to roadway flooding.

The closure will last for an unknown duration, CHP officials said on X, formerly Twitter.

L.A. COUNTY EVACUATION WARNING

An evacuation warning has been issued along Santa Maria Road north of Topanga Canyon Boulevard near Woodland Hills, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Lost Hills Station.

The warning, issued due to possible mud and debris flows in the area, began at 9 a.m. Monday and lasts through 9 a.m. Wednesday.

NWS Forecast: A strong storm will affect the area through Wednesday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain (2-5 inches of rain, except 4-8 inches in favored mountains and foothills), mountain snow (1-3 feet above 7500 feet), strong south to SE winds, potential for flooding, rock slides and mudslides, and possible power outages. The heaviest rain and most significant impacts will be tonight through Tuesday Stay safe: avoid low-lying areas and large waves at the coast, be prepared for coastal flood impacts Monday and Tuesday mornings. Monitor the latest weather forecast.

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Southern California

Significant rainfall moving into water-logged SoCal

The heaviest rain and most significant impacts will be Sunday night through Tuesday. Flood watches have been issued for much of the region

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NWS/Los Angeles Blade Graphic

OXNARD, Calif. – A strong storm will affect most of Southern California through Wednesday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain (2-5 inches of rain, except 4-8 inches in favored mountains and foothills), mountain snow (1-3 feet above 7500 feet), strong south to SE winds, potential for flooding, rock slides and mudslides, and possible power outages. The heaviest rain and most significant impacts will be Sunday night through Tuesday. 

Graphic by National Weather Service LA/Oxnard

Although the upcoming storm isn’t expected to bring the same amount of rainfall to Southern California as the previous one, NWS meteorologist David Gomberg told KLTA the storm still poses a threat.

“Even though the rainfall totals aren’t as significant as last week, we could see some fairly high-intensity rainfall,” he said. “That presents its own risk as well. Kind of a shorter duration, higher intensity with any potential thunderstorm activity, or just even heavier shower activity.”

Flood watches have been issued for much of the region.

Gomberg adds that the biggest concern for the region is that the soil in the ground is still very saturated.

“There hasn’t been enough time related to do much drying, so we are more vulnerable than normal,” Gomberg added. “It’s not going to take as much rain, in terms of amount or intensity to cause some additional issues.”

In the Los County region, the City of West Hollywood is urging residents to stay informed and use caution during continued heavy rains.

The heavy rains, which are currently forecasted to take place Sunday, February 18, 2024 through Wednesday, February 21, 2024. A National Weather Service flood watch is in effect for Los Angeles County from 4 p.m. on Sunday through 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

During heavy rains, stay prepared:

  • Keep emergency supplies, such as a flashlight, water, food, a first-aid kit, portable radio, and extra batteries on-hand and easily accessible.
  • Clear all drains and rain gutters on your property and dispose of all trash and yard trimmings properly to avoid blocking drains.
  • Know how to turn off utilities.
  • Monitor forecasts to be aware of weather that may impact the area.
  • Subscribe to receive Alert LA County emergency notifications by email or text message by signing up at https://ready.lacounty.gov/alerts and subscribe to Nixle public safety alerts by texting your ZIP code to 888-777.

As a reminder, driving in rain, whether a drizzle or a heavy downpour, can be dangerous. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. Adjust your driving style for wet roads and reduced visibility. The following tips will help ensure driving safely during rainy days: slow down; turn on headlights; use windshield wipers; maintain a safe distance; avoid heavy braking; watch for standing water; let off the accelerator when hydroplaning; and ventilate your car during rain.

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Southern California

Triple A: Gas prices continue upward for third week

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.64, which is five cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices are still rising this month as refineries in the area are conducting both planned and unexpected maintenance due to equipment breakdowns, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.64, which is five cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.28, which is 13 cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.80 per gallon, which is eight cents higher than last week, 17 cents higher than last month, and eight cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.80, which is six cents more than last week, 15 cents higher than last month, and eight cents more than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.75, which is five cents higher than last week, 10 cents higher than last month, and nine cents more than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.68, which is nine cents higher than last week, 21 cents higher than last month and nine cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.58 average price is two cents higher than last week, nine cents lower than last month, and six cents lower than a year ago today.

Casinos, like any other businesses, may be affected by changes in transportation costs. If a casino relies on goods and services that are transported by vehicles running on gasoline, increased gas prices could lead to higher operational costs for the casino.

“Southern California refineries are continuing to report planned and unplanned maintenance, which creates supply uncertainty and drives up prices at the pump,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Local gas prices tend to rise throughout most of the early months of the year, so drivers should make sure they are shopping around for the best pump price and economizing on fuel usage as much as possible by combining trips, driving the speed limit and avoiding sudden braking and ‘jackrabbit’ starts.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 15, averages are:

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Southern California

Triple A: Gas prices rise for second straight week

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.59, which is three cents higher than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade graphic

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices continued rapidly upward for the second straight week as refineries started producing the more expensive ‘summer blend’ gasoline and undergoing annual maintenance, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.59, which is three cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.15, which is the same as a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.72 per gallon, which is six cents higher than last week, the same as last month, and six cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.74, which is seven cents more than last week, one cent lower than last month, and eight cents more than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.70, which is five cents higher than last week, three cents lower than last month, and 10 cents more than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.59, which is 10 cents higher than last week, one cent higher than last month and eight cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.56 average price is two cents lower than last week, 21 cents lower than last month, and five cents lower than a year ago today.

“Oil Price Information Service on Wednesday reported a few announced planned and unplanned shutdowns at Southern California refineries that could affect supply,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Since this is the time of year with lower demand, it is unknown whether the shutdowns will cause enough of a supply shortage to require imported gasoline, which typically pushes prices up until the imported supply arrives.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 8, averages are:

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