West Seattle, Washington
10 Thursday
Thanks to Mike Munson for the latest look at progress on the Lowman Beach Park shore-restoration project. What you’re seeing above is the small section of seawall that’s been replaced rather than removed at the north edge of the park. Today was the scheduled end of the latest extension of the timeframe for nighttime work, so we asked Seattle Parks for a status report. Here’s the response from spokesperson Karen O’Connor:
Today was the last date for night work with the Noise Variance Permit. The contractor (was expected to) work until 7 PM at the latest and there will not be an extension of the night work Noise Variance Permit. We have the in-water work window extended to 2/28, Monday of next week. This allows the contractor to work below high water line. All the work will be done during the daytime.
In terms of project update, the contractor has completed the seawall installation. Some beach grading will need to be completed this week to backfill around the seawall. The Contractor is on track of completing in-water work before the 2/28 deadline. They will finish the Pelly Creek section early next week, which is above high tide line, and lawn restoration and landscape will occur in the coming weeks.
When complete, the project will have removed the old crumbling seawall and restored that section of the shore, as was done years ago with the south shore of the park. The old tennis court has been removed and will not be replaced; while Seattle Parks has said it would consider the idea of a smaller sport court, such as pickleball, elsewhere in the park, it would have to be community-funded, and no campaign for that has surfaced so far.
(Added: Photo sent by Stewart L.)
6:28 PM: Seattle Fire had a big “rescue extrication” response on the way to a reported car-flip crash in the 1300 block of Harbor SW [map]. But the first crews on scene report no one is trapped, so they’re downgrading the response. Updates to come.
6:54 PM: Our crew talked to police at the scene. They say the driver may have fallen asleep while driving. He is being taken to the hospital by private ambulance.
(Added: Photo sent by Stewart L.)
7:12 PM: Police say the street has reopened, after the car was turned back over and towed.
(SDOT camera image, during Tuesday morning’s snow)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One month from today – on March 23rd – the West Seattle Bridge closure will mark its second anniversary. Yesterday, as noted in our morning traffic watch, marked 700 days since the shutdown.
Also, it’s been exactly two weeks since Mayor Bruce Harrell said the ongoing concrete-drivers strike would delay the reopening if it weren’t resolved by February 20th. We’re now three days past that date. Not only is there no sign of a resolution, there’s not even a hint of progress; the most recent development involved the employers taking the strikers to court to try to limit picketing, while the strikers sent a letter “demanding to return to negotiations immediately.”
So where does all this leave the schedule for reopening the bridge? Even before this, no exact date had ever been announced. The contract between the city and repair contractor Kraemer North America set a “substantial completion” deadline of June 30th, so the city has long said it expected reopening in “mid-year 2022.” SDOT won’t say whether each day without concrete is an added day past midyear; when we checked in with them at the end of last week, a department spokesperson said they “are still monitoring the situation and continuing to advance other work to keep the overall project moving forward.” Last week, for example, some of the tangential maintenance work – like removing the Jersey barriers for replacement – was under way. This week, according to the most-recent weekly update, crews planned to “continue assembling scaffolding on the east work platforms so we can begin exterior epoxy crack injection and carbon-fiber wrapping on that side of the bridge.”
SDOT reports to the mayor, so we asked if he’s doing anything further to try to avoid further delays. Here’s the response we received last night from spokesperson Jamie Housen:
Mayor Harrell recognizes how crucial restoration of the West Seattle Bridge is for the neighborhood’s — and entire City’s — transportation needs and quality of life.
The mayor has continued to advocate to both sides to come back to the bargaining table so they can reach a fair agreement and end the work stoppage. That includes offering City Hall as a place to meet (during his State of the City address).
We are looking at alternatives and further workarounds. The biggest issue is logistical in that specialized reinforced concrete blocks and structures must be poured on-site to hold new steel cables, which are essential to strengthen the bridge. Concrete drivers from other counties are honoring the local strike and are unavailable. Concrete is meant to be mixed locally because of the nature of the product. It can only be in the truck for about 90 minutes before it starts to lose strength. Concrete isn’t available within a few hours’ travel time from the bridge construction site.
Meantime, public briefings about the bridge status are happening less frequently since the Community Task Force is only meeting every other month. The bridge contract requires weekly and monthly updates for SDOT from the contractor; even before the concrete-strike delay, we requested copies of those reports, and SDOT told us we had to go through the public-disclosure-request process (which takes weeks if not months). We may get some new information at tomorrow night’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting – the WSTC is scheduled to talk with Councilmember Alex Pedersen, who chairs the City Council’s Transportation Committee.
Every so often, we get reports like this one from Tim:
Writing to let you know I was ‘swooped’ by—what I believe was a Barred Owl (last night around 10:45) on 37th Ave between Southern and Rose in Gatewood. [map]
White and speckled underneath, it had a large wingspan, narrowly missed me, then landed on the nearby rooftop. It watched as I walked, then motioned to dive again before I quickly got inside. Having read a previous article on WSB, I can now see I was doing everything wrong: hat and headphones (luckily, I recently had my COVID ponytail cut off)!
Last such report we published was in September. Here’s what you need to know about owls (check the “preventing conflicts” section).
(Video by Tom Trulin)
Three months after a near-record spawning season concluded in Fauntleroy Creek, some of the results are coming into view! Judy Pickens from the Fauntleroy Watershed Council shares the details:
Last Saturday, volunteer Dennis Hinton spotted the first “home hatch” left in November by 244 coho spawners in lower Fauntleroy Creek. About an inch long, they’re now emerging from loose gravel to begin feeding on vegetation and insect larva in the cold water.
With so many spawners leaving fertilized eggs, we are expecting a big crop of fry to be learning to hunt for food. They already know how to avoid predators, such that only experienced monitors have a chance of seeing them.
Starting in mid-March, volunteers will check soft traps daily to count how many smolts survived their year in the upper and lower creek to head for saltwater. Then in May, schoolchildren will be releasing fry in Fauntleroy Park through the Salmon in the Schools program.
The Fauntleroy Watershed Council continues to welcome community involvement and support for this rare resource, a salmon-spawning creek in the city – here’s how you can help.
(Belted Kingfisher and snack, photographed by David Hutchinson)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and beyond, here’s what’s happening for the rest of your Wednesday:
CURRENT COFFEE: As reported here last night, this is opening day for the new coffee shop at 2206B California SW, until 3 pm.
DINE OUT FOR ALKI ELEMENTARY: The Alki Elementary PTA benefits if you get food and/or drinks and/or gift cards from Mission Cantina (2325 California SW; WSB sponsor) this afternoon/evening:
Mission Cantina serves authentic Mexican dishes made from scratch, using locally-sourced, fresh ingredients.
Their menu features traditional tacos and enchiladas and tortas, long-line-caught sustainable fish and vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options.Their masa tortillas and sauces are made in-house from vegetarian ingredients.
Their extensive collection of tequila, mezcal, sotol, raicilla, bacanora and craft margaritas and cocktails will inspire you to try something new.
Dine Out 4 pm-10 pm
Happy Hour from 4-6 pmA percentage of sales from dine in, take out, and online giftcards will be donated to Alki Elementary PTA. We’ll see you at Mission Cantina!
HPAC: As previewed here, the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge meets tonight at 7 pm online, with agenda items including the 1.25-million tank planned for the West Duwamish Combined Sewer Overflow Control Project. More info, and the attendance link, can be found here.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Something for our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Congratulations to the West Seattle High School girls’ basketball team! They move on in the regional playoffs after a victory at home last night, defeating Liberty High School from Issaquah, 47-42. Next, head coach Darnell Taylor and the Wildcats face Auburn HS at 8 pm Friday (February 25th). That game is at Puyallup HS (105 7th St. SW), and a victory would mean a trip to the state tournament at the Tacoma Dome.
6:04 AM: Good morning.
WEATHER
Cold again today, not expected to get out of the 30s again today.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES TODAY
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of reroutes/cancellations. And one more reminder: New bus stops at Alaskan Way/Jackson opened on Saturday.
Water Taxi‘s on its regular schedule.
Ferries: WSF continues the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
701st morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge:
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Are movable bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
Even more food news tonight – Justin Cline, who founded Full Tilt Ice Cream in downtown White Center 14 years ago, just announced he’s adding something new at the same storefront: Elder Gods Pizza, which will serve vegan pizza, Detroit pan style. Pre-ordering starts tomorrow. The story’s on our partner site White Center Now.
(Photo by Kara Wallace)
That’s a look inside Current Coffee, which opens tomorrow in the former Caffe Fiore space at 2206B California SW. Here’s the announcement from its proprietor:
Seattle-born and West Seattle resident Tyler Meurk will open Current Coffee this Wednesday, February 23rd.
Featuring beloved WA roasters and introducing specialty coffee farmers from around the world, as well as selling natural wines and local beers, Current Coffee is a North Admiral destination for gathering with friends and neighbors. Tyler’s bond with Seattle’s coffee culture runs deep: For the last 14 years, he has worked as a barista, café manager, sales representative, and now owner/operator.
Tyler and his wife Katie (an entrepreneur who owns the local jewelry gallery Supply Chain) are committed to investing in West Seattle and delighting its residents through their businesses. In concepting Current Coffee, Tyler took inspiration from the movement of the waters that encircle West Seattle. Using “Current” is also a nod to discovering the rotation of seasonal coffees that Tyler will feature in his café. In keeping with the connection of community, Current Coffee features an immersive and captivating mural by West Seattle artist Jennifer Ament. Come by for a fresh pour!
Hours will be Wednesdays-Sundays 7 am-3 pm.
Two pandemic-related votes of note at this afternoon’s City Council meeting:
EVICTION-MORATORIUM EXTENSION FAILS: District 3 Councilmember Kshama Sawant proposed a resolution to extend the city eviction moratorium until the pandemic public-health emergency ends, countering Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s decision to end it on February 28th. The proposal was rejected, 3-5. Only West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold and West Seattle-residing citywide Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda joined Sawant in voting for the extension. (Councilmember Tammy Morales did not attend the meeting.)
EXTENSION PASSES FOR FREE STREET-CAFE PERMITS: Councilmembers unanimously approved extending the pilot program that “enables restaurants and other retail storefronts to utilize streets outside of their businesses for outdoor dining or displays,” as described by its sponsor, District 6 Councilmember Dan Strauss. The program was previously set to expire at the end of May; now it will continue through January 31, 2023. In the meantime, the city is expected to develop the rules and fees for a permanent program.
Three food-biz notes:
TACONTAINER CHANGING: Thanks to Kathy for the tip. After 13 months, TACOntainer – the taco stand in a small repurposed shipping container at 2530 Alki Avenue SW – is closing. But the container is staying. Proprietor Victor explains, “We’re concluding our TACOntainer operations due to family reasons, unfortunately. This will be our last week for now. We might open a few more times before mid-March but that is uncertain at the moment. Our friends (another Mexican food vendor) will take over our spot and the name will change and the concept will change, but the container will stay.” Victor says there should be more news on that in mid-March, and if his family situation allows, “We hope to be able to come back in a year or so.”
NO-NAME DINER NO MORE: Just down the street, at 2738 Alki Avenue SW, the No-Name Diner has closed. We noticed a sign on the door recently that said “closed for remodeling.” But according to a social-media post, the restaurant closed at the end of January, with proprietor Renae explaining, “A good friend named Vittor and our chef Shawn, along with a small team, will be starting up a whole new concept for a restaurant, and The No-Name Diner will be no more.” The location has gone through a long list of concepts since the sudden closure of Alki Bakery there in late 2010 – before No-Name, it was It’s BBQ Time in the Kitchen, which followed Alki Chicken and Waffles, which was preceded by B’s Po Boy, and before that Fatburger from fall 2013 to early 2017, following Bada Bistro‘s less-than-five-month run, after two years for the Beachside Café.
3 MORE DAYS IN WEST 5 AUCTION: When West 5 in The Junction announced its closure, there was mention of an auction. That auction is happening online right now and has three days to go – with items including its most-famous signage, indoors and outdoors:
Dozens of other items too, as shown here, where you can bid until 8 pm Friday.
(Photo courtesy Shirlee – cleanup trucks on Roxbury Monday)
As reported here yesterday, eastbound SW Roxbury was shut down between 8th and Olson for about eight hours on Monday after some kind of spill toward the end of the corridor. We followed up today to ask what they’d found out and why it took so long. Via SDOT, Seattle Public Utilities, and King County Road Services, here’s what we found out: The spill stretched across half a mile of the eastbound side of the street and was determined to be motor oil. The cleanup took so long because “of the extent of the spill, the number of drainage structures affected, precautions needed to work safely in the ROW, and the time it took for emergency cleaning contractors to arrive.” SDOT used “granular absorbents and sand,” subsequently removed by a sweeper truck, to clean the road, while SPU “coordinated emergency storm drain cleaning of 10 storm drain structures that were affected.” Investigators don’t know how it happened or who’s responsible.
Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
ATM THEFT ATTEMPT: Thanks to Bolo for the tip. The US Bank drive-up ATM in The Junction – stolen in an early-morning heist five years ago – was again the target of would-be thieves early Monday. We say “would-be” because they failed, according to the police-report narrative we obtained today. It says that US Bank corporate security reported the theft attempt was caught on video just before 3:30 am Monday. Two people drove up in a “small to midsize silver DUV with a gray/black bottom”, pried open a “plastic base plat” on the ATM, attached a cable from the truck, tried to pull the ATM off its base, but failed and left.
ROAD-RAGE GUNFIRE: This was reported just after noon on Saturday, according to this police summary made available today:
(The) reporting party (RP) reported a shooting that occurred at SW Avalon Way and SW Spokane St. This incident started as a road-rage disturbance at the large intersection of Delridge Way SW and SW Spokane St. The RP was driving eastbound on SW Spokane when the suspect’s vehicle was driving “aggressively” past multiple vehicles. The RP indicated the suspect vehicle nearly struck or may have slightly struck his vehicle after a merge in which the suspect cut him off. This enraged the RP, who merged in behind the suspect’s vehicle and began following him after honking and a mutual exchange of middle fingers (between himself and the suspect). At the intersection of 11th Ave SW and SW Spokane St, the suspect leaned out the driver-side window and fired approximately 4 times at the RP’s car. The suspect then quickly drove away, continuing eastbound on SW Spokane St up and onto the West Seattle Bridge, toward 1st Ave S/ 4th Ave S/ S Columbian Way and the I-5 North/South Interstate on ramps. The suspect’s vehicle was described only as a 4-door newer Lexus Sedan, black in color, with no other distinguishable or unique markings. The RP’s vehicle had what appeared to be new damage, consistent with bullet damage.
STOLEN VAN: West Seattle resident DMD says this happened near the airport, but is hoping neighbors here will be on the lookout for it too:
Flew out of Seattle for vacation. Van was stolen from the Seattle Airport Marriott parking lot between Feb 11-20 2022. It’s a 1998 Ford E-350 lifted four-wheel drive van. It is burgundy red with a large black winch bumper on the front. A case was opened with the police so any tips to me, them, or both are appreciated!
Call 911 if you see it – then let DMD know by texting 206-240-8993. (3/2 UPDATE: It’s been found, in north Seattle.)
1:32 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – a whale sighting west of Alki, closer to the Bainbridge Island side of the Sound. She says they’re not heading in any clear direction right now and that the type of whale – orcas or baleen – hasn’t yet been discerned either. But if you’re at the beach, with binoculars, take a look!
1:45 PM: Kersti says whale-spotters have since deduced this was a “false alarm” – waves from a ship.
Last week, Chief Sealth International High School athletic director Ernest Policarpio told us about Seahawk wrestlers on their way to the state tournament at the Tacoma Dome. Today, he shares a photo and update:
Congrats to a great postseason for our wrestling team! We had 7 wrestlers make it to state and four of them placed in the top 8!
Senior Delaney Graves – 140 lbs – 2nd in State
Junior Saleen Kelly – 155 lbs – 6th in State
Freshman Micah Policarpio – 170 lbs – 7th in State
Senior Ethan Heathershaw – 195 lbs – 5th in StateWith the wrestlers in the photo from left are Coach Joey Richards, Daron Camacho, Sergio Lopez, AD Policarpio, Maurice Dolberry, and kneeling is Coach Alexia Ramos.
(Reminder to take care of your neighborhood birds – hummingbird feeders, too – in the cold weather)
The National Weather Service insists sunshine is on the way. Still very lightly snowing as of this writing, though. If any other weather-related changes come in (text 206-293-6302), we’ll add to this list, but here’s what we have for now:
WARM-UP CENTER/COLD-WEATHER SHELTER: If you or someone you know needs a place to go, as reported here last night, 3618 SW Alaska is the place. They’re also in need of various donations, as our story mentioned, to support the people they serve.
NO GOLF: Seattle Parks says the snowfall has closed the West Seattle Golf Course – too much for golfing, not enough to open the course for “winter activities.”
FOOD FUNDRAISER CANCELED: Chef Gino Williamson won’t be out at 5441 Delridge Way SW because of the weather, but look for him 11 am-7 pm tomorrow.
CITY COUNCIL: Their weekly meeting is at 2 pm, online, with items including a proposal to extend the eviction moratorium despite the mayor’s decision to end it. The agenda explains how to comment; Seattle Channel is where to watch.
DEMONSTRATION FOR RACIAL JUSTICE: 4:30-6 pm at 16th/Holden, Scott leads the weekly demonstration for racial justice. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Meeples Games (3727 California SW) welcomes families 6-8 pm to this weekly hosted game-playing night.
BASKETBALL: The West Seattle High School girls play a must-win regional-playoffs game at home (3000 California SW) tonight, 7 pm vs. Liberty High School from Issaquah. Our preview includes the ticket link.
TRIVIA X 2: Two venues to play tonight – 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7:30 and 8:30 pm at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).
BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!
There’s more on our calendar – and if you have something to add for the future, email us the info at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather Thursday to remember Colleen Mary Doyle. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with her community:
Colleen Mary Doyle passed away peacefully at her home on February 15, 2022 with her family by her side.
Colleen was born on April 29th 1945 in Seattle and was the middle of three children. She lived her entire life in Seattle, where she attended Holy Rosary School, met her husband Thomas Walior, and where they raised their four children, Daimon, Joe, Shannon, and Erin.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Walior.
She is survived by her sons Daimon (Olympia, WA), Joe (Seattle), Shannon (Seattle), and her daughter Erin (Seattle).
Five grandchildren: Katie, Danny, Sam, Josh, and Mira. Also, one great-grandchild, Delilah Lou.
She was a part of many stewardships in her parish of Holy Rosary in the last decade of her life. Colleen was a devoted and beloved wife and mother and will be terribly missed by her entire family and anyone who had the opportunity to call her friend.
Funeral will be Thursday, February 24th, 10:30 am, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4210 SW Genesee St.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
8:35 AM: As commenters have noted, snow continues.
8:59 AM: Seattle Parks says West Seattle Golf Course (and others in the city) are closed because of the weather. Meantime, the National Weather Service has yet to publish any advisories or indications about how much longer this is expected to last.
9:31 AM: Still snowing.
Earlier:
================================
6:03 AM: Good morning. After the late-night snow, extra caution is in order.
WEATHER
Cold and windy today, not expected to get out of the 30s.
REMINDERS
8th SW sewer repair – This week, crews are expected to start up to 3 weeks of work on 8th SW between Roxbury and Cambridge, which means parking restrictions and lane closures.
Midwinter break – No classes this week for Seattle Public Schools and those who follow its schedule.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES, LIGHT RAIL TODAY
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of reroutes/cancellations. Also remember the new bus stops at Alaskan Way/Jackson that opened on Saturday.
Water Taxi‘s back in service. (Added: No Vashon service this morning because of the weather.)
Ferries: WSF continues the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
Light rail: Here’s the Sound Transit holiday schedule.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
700th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge:
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Are movable bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
11:06 PM: Last weekend’s forecast hinted at snow tonight – and that’s come true. We’re seeing some here in Upper Fauntleroy, and hearing from other parts of West Seattle too, including Genesee Hill and The Junction. Anyone else?
11:29 PM: We’ve heard in comments and tweets from people all over the peninsula. It’s lightly coating cars, planting strips, and decks. … No advisories, and the evening forecast update only had a “slight chance of rain and snow showers.”
11:53 PM: Trouble on the streets already – crash at 63rd SW and Beach Drive. One person reported hurt, and SFD’s on the way.
One local team is still in the postseason playoffs – the West Seattle High School girls’ basketball team. They have a must-win regional-playoff game Tuesday night, and they get to play it at home, 7 pm vs. Liberty High School from Issaquah. If you’re interested in going, here’s the ticket link.
(Shelter/center lobby, WSB photo from December)
Below-freezing nights are in the forecast all week, so West Seattle’s only emergency shelter has reopened its doors. It’s in the Veterans Center/American Legion Post 160 building in The Triangle, operated with volunteer help and donations, so center manager Keith Hughes emailed us with some requests for anyone who can help:
The Warm-Up Center and Cold Weather Overnight Shelter will be open this week and possibly into next week. We could really use the community’s support again, with men’s-size socks, gloves, stocking caps, T-shirts, and underwear. We have plenty of cots and blankets now, and we thank you all for those.
In the food department, our needs are: Coffee, creamer, pancake mix, instant oatmeal, instant hot-chocolate mix, granola bars, and grocery-store gift cards so we can get milk, eggs, and other fresh items. Thank you so much for your kind and generous support.
The center/shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska, 206-932-9696.
We’re updating this separately since our previous coverage was in the morning traffic watch: Eastbound Roxbury has finally reopened between 8th SW and Olson Place, more than 8 hours after some kind of spill slickened the road and led authorities to close it. We’ll be following up tomorrow to see what they determined had happened and why it took so long to clean up.
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