I hope you had a fun and happy Halloween, and that you enjoyed the extra hour of sleep this past weekend.
By now I am sure you have heard, seen or read about the recent allegations of excessive use of force against four San José police officers. Most of you have probably also seen the cell phone video obtained by the San José Mercury News. I know that many community members are outraged and demanding answers from the Police Department and the City Council. As a former San José police officer, I find myself in a unique position.
I spoke to the Chief's office soon after I learned of this incident and I want to assure you that he is taking this very seriously and is following protocol. All four officers have been placed on administrative leave and the police department is conducting a criminal investigation while its Internal Affairs (IA) unit monitors the entire process. Once the department completes its investigation, the findings will be forwarded to the District Attorney's (DA) Office for review and to determine whether any criminal charges will be brought against the officers. If what the officers did is found to be criminal misconduct, then they will need to take responsibility. I do expect people to be held accountable for their actions.
I have complete confidence in the police department and how it is handling this case. I would also like to point out that there are checks and balances to this process. The DA, the Independent Police Auditor and the police department's own IA unit will all have oversight of this case. Not to mention the various police watch dog groups that have been vocal and following this case closely.
As a City Council, I think that for now, we need to sit back and let the police department continue with its course. Now is not the time to get political. Some see this as an opportunity for political gain or posturing, but I think that we should be supporting the chief in his efforts to do what is right and fair.
We will be hearing a lot more about this case in the coming weeks and months, and I would like to caution people not to rush to judgment. In the end, we all must remember that police officers, like anyone else, are innocent until proven guilty.
The City of San José has found a way to improve its communication with residents during major emergencies. The City is participating in a new countywide reverse 911 system, called AlertSCC, which is essentially a mass emergency alert notification system. With AlertSCC, users will receive timely and pertinent information in case of a major emergency, no matter where they are located. Click here to learn more about this new potentially lifesaving program and what you need to do to ensure that you are included. I have already registered my household, and I highly encourage you to do the same.
Although many leading economists believe that we are pulling out of our global recession and declaring that the worst is over, the City of San José has yet to see the rosier forecast. We are facing a staggering budget shortfall heading into the next fiscal year and have had to continue to lay-off City and Redevelopment Agency employees. We are down to the bare bones and cannot continue with our current strategy of cutting every department by the same percentage. Since I took office three years ago, I have been pushing for the City to adopt a more common sense approach for tackling our budget woes. To read more about how I would like to prioritize essential city services, please click here. This is not rocket science. Most of us have already prioritized our needs versus our wants when it comes to running our own households.
An issue that up until recently has been generating quite a bit of interest is that of the Sunshine Reform Task Force's proposals relating to the release of law enforcement records. In a close 6-5 vote, the City Council decided to protect the privacy of crime victims by not releasing certain law enforcement records to the media. Click here to read about how I voted on this issue and why.
I'm proud to announce that the City of San José's Starbird Youth Center, in District 1, has been awarded Silver LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The Center joins the West Valley Library as the 2nd District 1 public building to achieve LEED certification. This is just another example of how District 1 is, "One Community Inspiring Our City." To learn more about this recent achievement, click here.
Another group leading the way and exemplifying our district motto is District 1's Youth Advisory Commission (YAC). I would like to applaud the YAC on publishing their first electronic newsletter -- a newsletter designed by youth for youth. Click here to read the first issue. The District 1 YAC E-newsletter will be sent out on a quarterly basis to schools and youth organizations and posted on their Yahoo Groups and Facebook. This is a first for the City's Youth Commission - the first ever youth newsletter created by any YAC members in the City of San José - and plans are underway to use the District 1 youth newsletter as a model for other district YACs to create their own.
With the onset of colder weather and the flu season, I hope you and your family stay healthy. Soon it will be time for us to reflect on all that we are thankful for as we enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.
Your Neighbor,
P.S. Community office hours will be held in the district on Wednesday, November 4, from 6:30- 8:00 p.m. at the West Valley Library, and on Thursday, November 19, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at the Cypress Senior Center. Please note that I will not be at this Wednesday evening's office hours, however my staff will be happy to assist you with any issues or concerns that you may have.
ALERTSCC |
PRIORITIZING CITY SERVICES |
SUNSHINE REFORM TASK FORCE |
New Reverse 911 System
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What We Must Do, Should Do and Would Like to Do The City of San José is facing yet another year of budget deficits. The projected deficit for FY 2010 - 2011 is $96.4 Million. We have cut the fat out of our budget and have laid-off City and Redevelopment Agency employees. Our situation has been further exacerbated by the terrible job the State legislature did of closing their deficit by taking funding from local municipalities. Unfortunately for the City, we cannot do the same. We must make difficult decisions and have the courage to change our approach to budgeting. |
Opening Police Records Threatens Public Safety On October 20, 2009, I along with five other City Councilmembers voted against the Sunshine Reform Task Force's recommendation to open certain police records and statistics to the public. I voted against the recommendation for several compelling reasons including: the counsel of experts in the field, my personal experience as a 14-year veteran of the San José Police Department, and the cost of implementation at taxpayer’s expense. |
| WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DISTRICT 1? | ||
Homework Center |
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| Social Dance Tuesday, November 3, 10, 17, 24 2009 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Cypress Senior Center - 403 S. Cypress Avenue, San José Social Dance is back at the Cypress Senior Center! Live music is provided by Glen Weberg, The Casuals, Bigger than Life, and Musikmakers. The cost to attend is $4.00 per person. For more information call Cypress Senior Center at (408) 244-1353 or click here to view the flyer. |
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Retail Business Forum "The Impact of San Jose's Bag Ban on Your Business" |
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Computer and Internet Tutoring |
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Office Hours |
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Homework Center |
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Computer and Internet Tutoring |
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Lynhaven School’s 1st Annual Silent Auction Night Out |
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| Typhoon Relief Fundraiser Saturday, November 7, 2009 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. St. Francis of Assisi Church Gathering Space: 5111 San Felipe Rd. San José Please join the effort to help typhoon victims in the Philippines. The event will feature live music and dance. Admission is $10 and all proceeds benefit the victim s of Typhoon Ondoy. Please click here for more information. |
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2009 Unison in Industries Conference |
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2009 Housing Transitions Tour |
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| West Valley Branch Library Book Sale Saturday, November 14, 2009 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. West Valley Branch Library - 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José The perfect present may just be a bargain book from the Specials Table at the West Valley Library Book Sale on November 14. A wide assortment of books in prime condition will be offered - along with many tables filled with bargains of all kinds. The prices are unbeatable, and the selection is impressive. Sale includes DVDs, CDs, video and audio tapes. Become a member - join the Friends of the West Valley Library and enter the sale early when the best selections are available. For more information, please call the West Valley Branch Library at (408) 244-4766. |
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| Caregivers Count! Saturday, November 14, 2009 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sobrato Center for Nonprofits, Cupertino Room A and B - 1400 Parkmoor Avenue, San José The Santa Clara County Aging Services Collaborative will be holding a Caregivers Count! Conference on November 14th to discuss how to better take care of yourself so that you can care for your loved one. The conference is in line with our Healthy Aging Initiative, part of which is devoted to supporting caregivers in Silicon Valley. Topics will include dementia, Medicare navigation, and much more. For more information, or to register, visit www.healthtrust.org/caregiverscount. |
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| Baby Boomer/Senior Expo Tuesday November 17, 2009 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Santa Clara Convention Center - 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara The show gives an opportunity for baby boomers, seniors, family of seniors and caregivers to meet experts. This full day Expo and Seminars include topics such as: affordable housing for, independent living, home care assistance, home improvements, long term care, real estate, wealth creation, wills, travel, estate planning gifts, raffle prizes and much more! For more information call (408) 972-1985 or click here to view the flyer. |
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| FREE 2-Hour Home and Family Disaster Preparedness Training Tuesday, November 17, 2009 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. West San José Community Center - 3707 Williams Road, San José Imagine, In Two Hours You Can Learn: Ways to reduce the risks of loss and injury before disaster strikes, How to create a family disaster plan, What you should include in your personal and family disaster supplies , About opportunities to become even more involved and disaster prepared. Click here to view the flyer for more information. |
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| Community Leadership Academy: CAP Approved Training: How to Handle Your Grant Money Wednesday, November 18, 2009 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Kirk Community Center, 1601 Foxworthy Avenue, San José The in's and out's of administering and reporting your CAP Cycle 23 Grant efficiently. Now that there is money in your neighborhood association bank account, you need to learn "best practices" of making sure your organization remains financially sound, what the financial responsibilities are of managing your Cycle 23 Grant and ways to keep your grant money in order. This includes tracking, reporting and administering your grant For more information please call (408) 554-6391. |
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| Office Hours Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Cypress Senior Center - 803 Cypress Avenue, San José Join the Councilmember to share your thoughts or ask questions - no appointment necessary! For further information, please call the District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901. |
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| Reading to Rover Thursday, November 19, 2009 3:30 p.m. West Valley Branch Library, Storytelling Area - 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José Read to a dog in the library! These gentle, well-trained dogs will be here in the afternoon for children who would like to practice reading to a furry friend. For more information, please call the library at (408) 244-4766. |
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| teensReach Meeting Thursday, November 19, 2009 4:00 p.m. West Valley Branch Library - 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José TeensReach is West Valley’s advisory and volunteer group for teens ages 13-18. Get involved, earn volunteer hours, and be a leader! They also offer monthly training for new Reading Buddies volunteers directly after the meeting. For more information, please call the library at (408) 244-4766 |
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| Game On! Teen Gaming Party & Tournament Friday, November 20, 2009 4:00 p.m. West Valley Branch Library - 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José Please join for a fun afternoon of gaming! Participants will be playing Nintendo Wii, Guitar Hero, and classic board games. You can also compete in our mini-tournament for a chance to win a cool prize! Snacks will be served. For ages 12-18. For more information, please call the library at (408) 244-4766. |
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| Cypress Senior Center Thanksgiving Dinner Friday, November 20, 2009 11:45 a.m. Cypress Senior Center - 403 S. Cypress Avenue, San José Celebrate Thanksgiving with the seniors at Cypress Senior Center. Suggested donation is $2.50 for people over 60 and $5.00 for people under 60. For more information or to sign up please call (408) 241-5377 or click here to view the flyer. |
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| United Neighborhoods of Santa Clara County Neighborhood Mixer Saturday, November 21, 2009 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Roosevelt Community Center - 901 East Santa Clara Street, San José This event is an opportunity to get to know other Neighborhood Leaders in a casual setting. networking, partnering and exchanging ideas strongly encouraged. All neighborhood leaders are welcome to attend regardless of UNSCC membership status. For more information, call Ginny Yandow at (408) 363-9886 or e-mail at rsvp@unscc.org. |
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| South Bay Guitar Society: Adam Del Monte Saturday, November 21, 2009 2:00 p.m. West Valley Branch Library, Community Room - 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José Come out for an exciting live music preview from the South Bay Guitar Society. Accomplished flamenco & classical guitarist/composer Adam Del Monte will perform excerpts from his upcoming concert and will take Q&A from the audience. For more information, please call the library at (408) 244-4766. |
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| District 1 Night at Downtown Ice Tuesday, December 1, 2009 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Circle of Palms between the Fairmont Hotel and San Jose Museum of Art - Downtown San José Councilmember Pete Constant invites you to District 1 skate night at Downtown Ice. Skate under the stars - and palm trees - in the heart of downtown San Jose's holiday activities. For the special event Decemeber 1, print out the coupon at http://www.sjdowntown.com/districtskate.html and bring it to the rink December 1. Buy one adult admission and get one free admission on this special night for District 1 residents. The deal includes skate rental. (Not valid with any other discounts or promotions. Proof of District 1 zip code required at time of purchase). For more information call 279-1775 or visit www.sjdowntown.com. |
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| IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS | ||
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| Holiday Book Drive Please donate children's books in NEW condition, in English or Spanish, to distribute at the Santa Programs at East Side libraries this holiday season. Books will be collected for the month of November at the West Valley Branch Library on 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José. For more information, please call Daisy Porter at (408) 244-4766 or e-mail her at daisy.porter@sjlibrary.org. |
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| City of San José Home Repair Program The City of San José's Home Repair Program offers technical and financial assistance to lower-income property owners for the correction of critical health and safety repairs, such as roof replacement, plumbing and electrical repairs. The assistance is provided through grants and low or no-interest loans to the property owner. For more information, call (408) 975-4440 or click here to view the flyer. You may also visit the website at http://www.sjhousing.org/program/repairs.html. |
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| Youth Activism Fellowship opportunity for 18-24 year olds Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 American Legacy Foundation Youth Activism Fellowship. This program provides an opportunity for young adults ages 18-24 to build leadership in the tobacco control movement through training, coaching, peer to peer networking, and direct action. This program embodies and promotes Legacy's mission to build a world where young people reject tobacco and anyone can quit. Drawing on imaginative, practical and effective strategies to reach young people with their message, members sharpen their skills and organizing experience to work passionately as tobacco control and prevention advocates in their communities. To apply please click on the following link: http://fs17.formsite.com/youthactivism/form460132587/form_login.html. The application deadline is Monday, November 30, 2009. |
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| Clean Slate Tattoo Removal Program Clean Slate Tattoo Removal Program is now enrolling for the upcoming Cycle. Requirements to enroll: Gang-Free , Between the ages of 14 and 25, Going to school, working or enrolled in a job-readiness program Professional Laser Removal Treatment of exposed gang-related tattoos is FREE if the following is completed: 10-Week Enrichment Program Topics include but are not limited to: Job-Readiness, Self-Evaluation, Domestic Violence Awareness and Healthy Relationships 30-hours community service (program provides assistance in completing hours) Take the next step toward change. Call the Clean Slate Tattoo Removal Program at (408) 251-7757 to get more information on how to refer or enroll. Click here to view the application. |
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Elder Abuse Financial Scam Alert San José's Police Department (SJPD) Financial Crimes Division has thoroughly investigated this fraud scheme and trace the origins to overseas perpetrators. SJPD and PRNS' Senior Services ask that all residents receiving these letters and emails immediately destroy and/or delete them. They also request that friends, caregivers and relatives give close attention vulnerable seniors citizens who may be taken in by this hoax and make them aware of the scheme. For information on Elder Financial Abuse please contact San Jose Police Department, (408) 277-5339. For information on the City of San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department please contact Mona Favorite-Hill, (408) 793-5589 or mona.favoritehill@sanjoseca.gov . Please click here to view the flyer. |
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Calabazas Library Closure
To ensure that you receive the items you have requested, the pickup location for your pending holds must be changed. All pending requests with a pickup location of the Calabazas Branch will be cancelled when the library closes. For more information, call the Calabazas Branch at (408) 996-1536. |
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PETE IN THE NEWS
October 27, 2009
San Jose Mercury News, Pizarro: Advice for a new father
His colleague on the San Jose City Council, Pete Constant, has earned considerable cred in my book as the father of five young children. One bit of advice he passed along was this: "Once they are older, if you are busy or work a lot, make sure you schedule time to spend with them - ust like any other appointment you would make. And keep the appointment; no rescheduling."
October 21, 2009
San Jose Mercury News, Council rejects greater public access to police records
"We're being asked to do something no other city in the state is being asked to do. It's wise to take some advice from people who have sailing experience, and they are saying, 'Don't do it. It's a bad idea.' Constant, a former police officer, echoed that sentiment, saying the worries and fears expressed by at least one victims' rights advocate who spoke at the meeting as well as Santa Clara County District Attorney Dolores Carr and San Jose Police Chief Rob Davis should be taken seriously. Access to more detailed police records can pose unforeseen problems, he said.
October 7, 2009
The Metro Fly, iGotta Problem
Everything from graffiti to gang wars, potholes to public nuisances can be reported directly to the city, along with a picture and GPS location, through the new app called CitySourced. Councilman Pete Constant, who now monitors the complaints, is optimistic about the app's potential: "I think it's going to be just a steady flow of information so that we can deal with things without small problems becoming big problems."
October 2, 2009
California Chronicle, City's Annual Walk to End Domestic Violence Reminds Us: It Can Happen To Anyone
The program will begin at 11:00 a.m. (registration starts at 10:30 a.m.) in the West Plaza area in front of San José City Hall. The program will include a victim´s tribute and remarks by a survivor of domestic violence. Vice Mayor Judy Chirco, Councilmember Nora Campos, and Councilmember Pete Constant, City Manager Debra Figone, and District Attorney Dolores Carr will participate in the program.
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Councilmember Pete Constant
District 1, City of San José
200 East Santa Clara Street,
18th Floor
San José, CA 95113
Telephone: (408) 535-4901
Fax: (408) 292-6448
Pete.Constant@sanjoseca.gov
www.sjdistrict1.com
Inside this Issue:
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Pete's Message
Helpful Links for D1 Residents:
Service Providers for D1 Residents:
277-4528 |
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535-3850 |
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535-3570 |
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Cypress Senior Center |
244-1353 |
Moreland West Community Center |
871-3821 |
Starbird Teen Center |
984-1954 |
West San José Community & Policing Center |
249-6580 |
277-8900 |
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| 808-2000 | |
Calabazas Branch Library |
996-1536 |
West Valley Branch Library |
244-4766 |
554-6391 |
Connecting to your government:
Important Phone Numbers:
City Hall Call Center |
535-3500 |
277-5305 |
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277-3208 |
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578-7297 |
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277-2762 |
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535-3555 |
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Bulky Item Pickup |
535-5300 |
Cable TV Complaints |
535-3500 |
277-4528 |
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Crime Prevention— Neighborhood Watch |
277-4133 |
Dead Animal Collection |
578-7297 |
535-3850 |
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277-3700 |
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Emergency Services |
277-4595 |
535-3515 |
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Green Team |
283-8500 |
299-7300 |
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998-5200 |
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723-4114 |
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99-TREES |
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Parks Concerns |
793-5510 |
Police Information |
277-2211 |
975-4480 |
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277-4444 |
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279-7900 |
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Senior Programs |
277-4561 |
277-3158 |
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296-8290 |
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Street Light Repair |
277-5517 |
277-4373 |
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535-5300 |
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277-4341 |
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792-5010 |
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535-3500 |
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Youth Services |
535-3570 |
The Neighborhood Limelight
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