West Seattle, Washington
29 Thursday
Two followup food-related notes this afternoon:
(WSB photo from last week – the windows have since been further papered)
WHAT’S GOING IN AT THE EX-BASKIN ROBBINS: Since noting the disappearance of Admiral Baskin-Robbins 3 months ago, and the fact it had been on the market, we’ve been watching for signs of something new. Finally those signs emerged recently – work crews, equipment removal, window-papering, reader tips. No permit filings on record but after going by daily and talking to workers there today, we have a bit of info: They say it’s going to be a restaurant with Mediterranean food, to be called Gyros Heroes, and that they hope to be open in about three months. More details when we get them.
WEST SEATTLE PRODUCE: 3+ months after the much-loved produce-and-more business closed at 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW, forced out by impending redevelopment, it has yet to find a new location. We checked in this week after noting that they had hoped to announce a new location by spring, and we are now two weeks into that season. WSP’s reply: “We have not found a home yet. It’s been tough trying to find a place that will work for us in the area but we have not given up.”
Tomorrow morning at 9 am, West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) will be thronged for the annual egg hunt – the store’s busiest morning of the year. And what a year it’s been – as noted here two weeks ago, this is the locally owned, independent store’s 30th anniversary. And to celebrate, over the course of two weeks, the store randomly paid the tabs of 30 customers who had no idea in advance that they would be winning free groceries – they shopped, went to check out, and found out they won.
Owner Paul Kapioski said, “We wanted to say thank you and give back to our customers directly. What better a way than paying their bill? It was a lot of fun giving away groceries and hearing the customers cheer for each other when we did the drawings.”
The top winner Chelle walked away with $230 of free product. The lowest Jerry at only $3.99, told store staff, “I should have bought more.” $1,900 total was given away in two weeks.
Just announced – the winners of this year’s Westside Awards, presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce:
Business of the Year: Husky Deli
Emerging Business of the Year: Alair
Not-for-Profit of the Year: Senior Center of West Seattle
Westsider of the Year: Lora Swift
Also from the Chamber’s announcement this afternoon, the explanation:
Each year the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce reaches out to the West Seattle community for nominations of three local businesses and one individual who demonstrate results-oriented leadership, a cornerstone of a thriving economic region. Criteria for the awards include:
* A major or visible contribution in the past year that reflects commercial growth and achievement, innovation, creativity or community involvement
* Contributes and promotes the economic growth, stability and improvement of West Seattle
* Gives generously of themselves and/or staff in time and resources to community activities
* Consistently excels in customer service and business conduct
You’re invited to the awards breakfast where Husky Deli, Alair, the Senior Center, and Lora Swift will be honored – it’s at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 7:30 am May 1st, presented by Quail Park Memory Care Residences of West Seattle (WSB sponsor; opening later this spring). For ticket info and reservations, go here!
From commercial-real-estate listings/records and the WSB inbox:
WEST RIDGE PARK SOLD: New ownership for this sprawling rental complex that made news a decade ago for a canceled condo conversion. We received a news release today saying that Canadian-based real-estate trust RISE Properties Trust and Boston-based real-estate investment firm Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation have bought the 239-unit complex at 7901 Delridge Way SW. County records show the complex was sold by Grosvenor USA for $72.2 million. The announcement says West Ridge Park “features an average unit size of 987 sq. ft. and includes a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, as well as two-bedroom townhome-style units with accompanying garages in select units” and promises that, “Upon the execution of our business plan, residents will benefit from an upgraded living experience with premier access to nearby retail, leisure and recreational amenities.”
SALE PENDING FOR JUNCTION BUILDING: From a broker’s website, we learned that one of The Junction’s newer apartment buildings, 4400 SW Alaska, has a sale pending. (It also has its own website and a promotional video – see it here.)
ALKI PARCELS FOR SALE: We found that information while researching what is currently West Seattle’s highest-priced real-estate listing, $10.8 million for a package of Alki parcels that of course have their own website, alkidevelopment.com, where you can watch a marketing video consisting largely of lush aerials as well as enthusiastic descriptions of the rest of the peninsula, including the “ultra-hip Junction” (the same adjective is used on the listing website in reference to Admiral). The parcels, 1356-1370 Alki SW, currently hold a mix of small buildings.
NORTH MORGAN BUILDING FOR SALE: Another new listing in West Seattle is 6041 California SW, a mixed-use building with 24 apartments (described as “averaging 900 square feet”) and 34 offstreet-parking spaces, asking $8.6 million. (This too has a promotional video, describing West Seattle as “dynamic.”)
C & P SALE CLOSES: And one final note – the C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) sale has officially closed, three weeks after it was announced. County records show the sale price was $1,265,000, slightly over the original $1,250,000 asking price. We asked proprietors Cameron and Pete Moores if they had any further comment now that the deal is final; the reply, “The most important story we want to keep telling is our gratitude to the community for coming together and helping save this special place.”
It’s been a week and a half since Tully’s Coffee on Alki suddenly shut down, posting signs describing the closure as temporary. While the neon OPEN sign has continued glowing in the front window, the shop remains closed. Hours after our report, The Seattle Times reported Tully’s was closing all its shops, telling staffers it was because they were out of coffee. But other troubles seem to have percolated in the meantime. Reader Paul sent us images of a “pay rent or vacate” notice he reported seeing on the shop door Thursday evening; it said parent company Global Baristas hadn’t paid March rent, and that they had to pay $5,103 or vacate within three days, or else court action would be pursued for eviction. That’s already happened for some other Tully’s locations; court records show “unlawful detainer” complaints filed for two more just this week, in the 625 Union Station building on the south end of downtown and at 1171 NW Sammamish Road in Issaquah.
When we reported last November on the first-anniversary party at Ounces, North Delridge’s taproom and beer garden (3809 Delridge Way SW), we showed you the newly unveiled rendering of what has since taken shape in the outdoor space that was formerly under a tent. Now, it’s almost finished! We stopped by for a followup.
Above are Ounces co-proprietor Laurel Trujillo and the architect of their project, North Delridge-based Parie Hines of LD Arch Design (WSB sponsor). We talked with them at Ounces on Thursday afternoon. They say this will be mostly complete within the next two weeks or so.
Laurel assembled the tabletops; an Ounces bartender did the welding; and the contractor is Avid Builders, making it an all-West Seattle project.
(If you’re a fan of the old “spool” tables, don’t worry, a few of them are outside the structure on the north side.) The finishing touches will enable the space to be enclosed when need be – including garage doors on the way for both the north and south sides, and permanent material on the roof (which currently has a temporary covering):
Laurel says that after she shared her vision for the replacement of their former tent, “Parie nailed it” in one take. It includes some inspiration from Hines’s design for the West Seattle Nursery expansion. Laurel says you can watch for news of a grand opening when it’s all done in four to six weeks. But the timing will be a bit of a balancing act because she’s expecting something else in about six weeks – her first child – she and husband Andrew Trujillo are about to become parents as well as co-proprietors and spouses.
P.S. If you haven’t been to Ounces lately, or even if you have, you can get a peek at the project tomorrow when they host a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt – starting at 1:30 pm.
Congratulations to longtime WSB sponsor West Seattle Thriftway for achieving a milestone – 30 years in business! In our photo above are owner/co-founder Paul Kapioski (right) and assistant manager Brian Bixenman. When we stopped by the store for photos today – the first day of a two-week celebration – the first gift was given away! The independently owned store is randomly giving away free groceries 30 times, to 30 customers, in 14 days, during its #wst30for30 celebration. As explained by marketing manager Michele Grasso:
From March 14th through March 27th the store plans to randomly select a checkstand number twice a day, and 4 times on March 18th – its actual anniversary date. If you are in a transaction in the checkstand chosen, whether it be $5 or $500, the store will pick up your tab. We appreciate our community and customers so much and know we wouldn’t be here without them. Since only 2004, we’ve donated over $772K to local area schools and non-profits. In honor of our 30th anniversary we wanted a fun way to celebrate and give back directly to our customers at the same time!
While we were there – customer Mina became the first free-groceries winner:
Who’s next? Maybe you! West Seattle Thriftway is on the southeast corner of California SW and Fauntleroy Way SW in Morgan Junction.
On the same day City Councilmembers were scheduled to have their first official discussion about the newest move toward a “head tax” (backstory here), more than 300 businesses around the city – including 50+ from West Seattle (our count of the names we recognized) – have signed a letter expressing concern. Here’s the letter and those who signed it (note that while it is dated March 9th, to our knowledge it is just being circulated today, March 14th):
The letter is similar to one circulated to West Seattle Chamber of Commerce members yesterday, in the name of the city’s Small Business Advisory Council, with an invitation for signatures. The new proposal is from a task force co-chaired by West Seattle’s City Councilmember Lisa Herbold and WS-residing at-large Councilmember Lorena González. It is not yet in the form of proposed legislation – that is expected later in the year. We weren’t able to monitor today’s council committee discussion but hope to link it here when the archived video appears on the Seattle Channel website.
West Seattle’s newest business opened today. The announcement from proprietor Jenny Melville:
West Seattle Pilates and Fitness is a new woman-owned business offering private lessons and group Mat/Props classes. WSP works with people who have varying injuries and pathologies as well as those who want to strengthen their body and minds. The owner has been a resident of West Seattle for the last 8 years and teaching Pilates for 7 years. West Seattle Pilates is located in the ActivSpace building (3400 Harbor Ave. SW).
Thanks to Teri Ensley (who you might know from Furry Faces Foundation) for the photo – as mentioned in our West Seattle Saturday highlights list, Jan’s Beauty Supply in The Junction (4517 California SW) is celebrating 34 years in business today, and you’re invited to stop by as the party continues until 5:30 pm. Cake, champagne, discounts – and memories!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Those four “free” parking lots in The Junction aren’t really free.
As you are probably aware, the West Seattle Junction Association – area merchants and other businesspeople – pays to rent them.
And now that rent is in danger of skyrocketing out of their reach.
Today, representatives of WSJA and the parking lots’ ownership organization, West Seattle Trusteed Properties, met with King County staffers to make their case against a property-tax bill that has doubled – a bill that is entirely passed on to WSJA to pay, by terms of their lease for the lots; a bill that’s now at a sum that would drain the association’s finances quickly.
WSJA executive director Lora Swift brought this up to the merchants at their February 28th meeting at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (the same one at which a different parking issue, the city’s street parking study, was another big topic, as we reported that night). The 2016 taxes for the parking lots – again, entirely factored into the rent WSJA pays – totaled $53,000, she told the merchants. For 2017, that went up more than 50 percent, to ~$80,000. And this year, the tax bill has almost doubled, to $158,000. This isn’t just because of the higher tax rates that have affected so many; it’s also because a mitigating factor called “cost to cure” was applied for 2014, 2015, and 2016, but has expired.
And, Swift noted at the merchants’ meeting, the $158,000 is not the entirety of the rent – which would be “well over $220,000” for the coming year if the higher rate stands.
The 228 spaces offered to visitors for 3 hours of “free” parking represent a “source of civic pride,” as she put it, something unique to the West Seattle Junction. “For us to lose (them) would be tragic.”
Whether you’re seeing this as you end your day or as you get it started … maybe you can spare a few minutes for a good deed, if you haven’t done this already: Nominate someone for this year’s Westside Awards! Today is the final day to get your nomination(s) to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, which will again this year present awards for:
Business of the Year
Emerging Business of the Year
Not-for-Profit of the Year
Westsider of the Year
Criteria for the awards include:
-Nominees will have made a major or visible contribution in the past year that reflects commercial growth and achievement, innovation, creativity or community involvement.
-Contributes and promotes the economic growth, stability and improvement of West Seattle.
-Gives generously of themselves and/or staff in time and resources to community activities.
-Consistently excels in customer service and business conduct.
Here’s the nomination form. See the lists of past winners by going here; this year’s awards will be presented at a breakfast event May 1st.
After a successful first year in Green Lake, The Inc. Community Coworking + Playschool is expanding to West Seattle. The nonprofit explains what it does as “community-driven, neighborhood-centric workspaces for parents which include onsite flexible drop-in care for their young children.” Its West Seattle location will be at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Admiral (3050 California SW), and starting April 2nd, it will be open 9 am-1 pm Mondays-Fridays, with drop-in care for ages 1-5. That’s just the Phase 1 plan; future potential phases are explained here, which is also where you can buy a membership, or just donate if it’s something you want to support but can’t or won’t use. But first – The Inc. is hosting an informal Meet-N-Greet Open House 10 am-noon next Monday (March 12th) with coffee, doughnuts, and a chance to see the space and meet the team.
(Added: WSB photo taken this morning)
8:56 AM: Two months after we first reported that the site of C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) had been put up for sale by its longtime landlord – C & P has just announced that its subsequent push to purchase the property was a success.
(WSB file photo)
From proprietors Cameron and Pete Moores:
Dear West Seattle and Beyond,
It is with the most profound gratitude that we can say we have raised the funds needed to purchase and preserve the coffee house.
Thousands of us stood together to say that community matters, and that a true community space like the coffee house is worth saving. That same spirit and kindness has always made C & P what it is.
All those who gave through the GoFundMe or by other means directly contributed to our effort to save C & P. From the countless friends and Neighbors who gave hundreds to the Fairmount Park student who shyly slid a dollar across the bar; every donation mattered. Please know with pride that we couldn’t have done it without you. We look forward to building friendships and community with you for many years to come.
This effort would not have been possible without the advice and expertise of so many from our community. Although resolute, Cam and I were over our heads many times during this process. Our motto was; “They don’t know the amateurs they’re dealing with!” Although there are too many to thank here, we would like to especially acknowledge our lawyers Eric and Brock, John Babauta and HomeStreet Bank, and our dear friend and broker Roger Steiner of RSVP real estate. Thanks also to our incredible C & P crew for putting up with us during this process. We couldn’t have done it without all of you.
Kindness has always been the cornerstone of C & P. For 15 years we have opened our doors and welcomed a neighborhood in. But it wasn’t until the place was in Jeopardy that Cam and I truly learned what community means. Your kindness and commitment has shown us clearly that the coffee house is more than four walls. It is a place where neighbors meet and strangers become friends. It is a place where music and poetry and art are essential. It is a place where social justice is expected and fought for. It is a warm cozy room on a cold day. It is a home. It is YOUR home.
With much love and gratitude.
Cam and Pete
The crowdfunding campaign that helped enable the purchase was launched less than a week after first word the property was on the market. Days later, the listing showed the owner had accepted another prospective buyer’s offer, but C & P said their lease gave them right of first refusal, and they continued working to muster their own offer. They founded C & P 15 years ago, and along with serving coffee and other beverages, it is an event venue and community center – hosting hundreds of gatherings, performances, fundraisers, and more.
ADDED 10:12 AM: We went over to the shop and got the photo of Cameron that we’ve added above. She says they cannot comment yet on details of the deal.
Two biznotes this afternoon:
SAMILA & CO. OUTLET BOUTIQUE: Starting today, a new “outlet” boutique is open in the commercial space in the live-work building at 4306 SW Walker Street – behind the California SW-facing brick building best known for Mioposto. It’s an “outlet” outpost of Samila & Co., based in Redmond, which offers evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and bridal wear.
Everything is off the rack. Our flagship store price range is $300-$800, so this will be a reflection of the those type of dresses at outlet prices starting at $99 and up and sizes 0-18. We are a pretty seasonal business and a destination store and fastly approaching prom season!
Though Samila is calling this a “pop-up,” it will have regular hours – but check the website, as the company tells us that what you see there now will likely change. Samila and Co. owns the space instead of leasing it, they told WSB, and is hoping to be there long-term.
PEP BOYS SIGNAGE: If you are a customer of Elliott Tire on Fauntleroy Way SW in The Triangle, you have probably already heard that the 10-store chain was sold last year to Pep Boys. When we stopped in recently to ask about it, we were told the transition was official in December but they were still waiting for signage. Thanks to the tipster who told us this afternoon that it is now up:
Elliott Tire was founded in 1978. After taking over the chain, Pep Boys now has 20 locations in this state, almost a thousand nationwide.
Need someplace for your cat(s) to stay while you’re away? Cat Sitting Hotels is a new WSB sponsor, and here’s what they want you to know about what they do:
Cat Sitting Hotels was established in 2011 in Bothell, relocated to West Seattle in January of 2017, and in October of 2017 expanded into the space next door and doubled the size of the Hotel (now there’s the West Side and the East Wing). In West Seattle, we’re on the way to and from the airport for most of our previous customers (as they typically leave their kitties with us when they’re traveling) and also can fill a very big need in the Seattle area for really great luxury cat boarding with loving care from a staff who all have cats of their own and truly love them.
Cat Sitting Hotels began several years ago when the founder / owner needed to travel and looked into having his 4 cats boarded, and found that what was available was mostly smallish cage-like accommodations. Knowing he couldn’t leave them locked up in a small space for a week, he built the first 4 kitty suites in his living room for his own 4 cats. They were huge 4′ wide and 4′ long wood frame enclosures where they’d have plenty of room to move around plus a table and shelves to jump up and down from or sleep on. After returning, then procrastinating for a few months about taking them down, the idea came to care for other people’s kitties in these nice big comfy enclosures. It soon became a cat lover’s dream and his business building in Bothell was converted into the first Cat Sitting Hotel.
Quickly realizing he wasn’t the only one who was so deeply concerned about leaving their precious companions out of their own care, a webcam system was created so feline parents could see their kid from anywhere in the world where they could get internet access. Other recent high-tech options have recently been added such as the Petcube which allows our guest kitties’ parents to both view them and play laser light with them from the screen of a mobile device, or for those whose kitties aren’t into laser play, the Petzi includes the webcam and can dispense treats by touching your tablet’s feeder control. There are also available food bowls which only open for the kitty with that bowl’s tag on the collar, which keeps the food fresher and ensures that only your kitty can eat your kitty’s food. They can be especially helpful for guest cats from the same home but who have different / special diets.
Cat Sitting Hotels is at 3513 SW Alaska. See more photos and info at catsittinghotels.com or call 425-442-1941.
We thank Cat Sitting Hotels for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
It’s Westside Awards nomination time! Just announced:
Each year the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce requests the West Seattle community to nominate outstanding businesses and persons for the Westside Awards.
Business of the Year
Emerging Business of the Year
Not-for-Profit of the Year
Westsider of the YearWhat makes this award special is the nominations come from the West Seattle community and the nominees are judged based on specific criteria. Criteria for the awards include:
-Nominees will have made a major or visible contribution in the past year that reflects commercial growth and achievement, innovation, creativity or community involvement.
-Contributes and promotes the economic growth, stability and improvement of West Seattle.
-Gives generously of themselves and/or staff in time and resources to community activities.
-Consistently excels in customer service and business conduct.
Please note that a nominee does not have to be a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
Here’s the nomination form. You have until March 9th to get your nomination(s) in. Past winners are listed here; this year’s winners will be honored at the annual Westside Awards breakfast on May 1st.
This afternoon, C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) became the third place that Historic Seattle has “heart-bombed” with Valentines and group photos. Executive director Kji Kelly explained a bit about the organization’s mission as the photo op was organized:
The @HistoricSeattle event at @candpcoffee pic.twitter.com/Xl6BhYN34Q
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) February 13, 2018
The gathering happened one day before proprietors Cameron and Pete Moores celebrate their coffee shop/community venue’s 15th anniversary:
Nothing to announce yet regarding their bid to buy the bungalow and the land it sits on – as we reported last Friday, they told us that the deadline for their counter-offer, after the site’s owner tentatively accepted one from a developer, is on hold.
Today we are welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Project 968. Here’s what proprietor Michael Browder wants you to know:
Our mission is to provide every member and client access to researched protocols to increase the effectiveness of their workouts and provide individualized support in a community setting.
The gym name is Project 968, where 968 is the alphanumeric equivalence to YOU. Our approach to fitness is to take the typical gym experience and improve it by adding personal attention and providing instruction in a more intimate setting. The concept of the gym is simple; provide a small functional space for community members to exercise freely and allow members to feel they have a sense of ownership. Couple that with a non-pushy sales approach, free daily workouts that can be done on your own schedule and a weekend boot camp.
In addition to providing a warm and inviting place to work out, Project 968 is about supporting the local community. Although we have been open just a few weeks, we are participating in the West Seattle Art Walk, have donated to three school auctions, and offer our local seniors 50% off their monthly membership with provided exercises to specifically help them as they age.
I have been in the fitness industry for a decade and have had the privilege to work with a wide range of individuals from 8 to 70 years of age differing in physical capabilities and goals. My skillset includes general fitness, athletic performance, weight loss and increasing strength, flexibility and mobility. Every member and client of Project 968 will be provided with up-to-date training protocols to enable them to reach their desired results while staying injury free.
If you want to experience a different approach to gym memberships and personal training, we encourage you to stop by the gym and join our Saturday boot camp or do one of our daily workouts as our gift to you.
I look forward to welcoming you and showing you why we are different.
Michael Browder, West Seattle resident
4617 37th Ave SW | 206-504-7661
www.project968.com | info@project968.com
We thank Project 968 for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
The latest list of “Only in Seattle” small-business-related grants was announced today by Mayor Durkan, and it includes $10,000 for a West Seattle collaboration. The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and West Seattle Junction Association are working on what WSJA executive director Lora Swift describes as “an outreach piece connecting new residents to small business in West Seattle.” The grants announced total $1.2 million distributed between 23 neighborhood business districts around the city, as listed here.
Two rounds of upcoming citywide awards will celebrate sustainability – and both have West Seattle ties.
HEART OF SEATTLE AWARDS: Adam Werner of Clean Air Lawn Care in West Seattle sent word of these – not just because his business is nominated, but also because, as he points out, other West Seattle businesses are too. You can vote here; note the locally linked businesses in the dining, grocery, and sustainable-services categories.
SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP AWARDS: You can’t vote on these – the finalists already have been chosen – but the event at which they’ll be announced is happening here in West Seattle, and you’re invited. Sustainable Seattle will present the awards the night of March 2nd at a party at Brockey Center on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. Finalists are listed here, and they include West Seattle restaurant Mashiko in the Business category as well as Plant for the Planet (which has a WS group) in the Resilience category. Tickets include a cocktail reception, dinner, and auction, and you can get yours here.
(WSB file photo)
It’s been a full month now since first word that the 5612 California SW site of C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) had been put up for sale. Days later, proprietors Cameron and Pete Moores – who have been leasing the Craftsman house on the site for 15 years, not only selling beverages but also running it as what many consider a community center – launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise some of the money needed to buy it. And though their landlord tentatively accepted another offer, they said they had right of first refusal. At that time, a deadline was mentioned. We’ve been checking in with the Moores, including a conversation with Cameron today, and she says that deadline is no longer in play. Other than that, she says, there’s nothing to report – they’re still working toward a purchase, and there are “many moving pieces” in the situation. She stresses that they are endlessly thankful for all the community support. (That includes the upcoming “heartbombing” event organized by Historic Seattle next Tuesday.)
Water feature FTW @westseattleblog West Seattle Nursery best in show! #nwfgs2018 pic.twitter.com/woCxYcTkeK
— Pacific Horticulture (@PacHort) February 8, 2018
That video tweet is just one of the tips we got about this big news – congratulations to West Seattle Nursery for winning multiple awards at the biggest gardening event of the year. From Marie McKinsey:
The Northwest Flower and Garden Festival is running now through Sunday at the Washington State Convention Center. We are happy to say that our display garden – Wabi Sabi: Embracing Flawed Beauty – was awarded the Founder’s Cup (best of show) award. We also won a Gold Medal, awards for Best Use of Horticulture, Best Use of Color and the Garden Design Magazine award. We are honored, happy and a bit overwhelmed!
You can read more about the display garden – including its plant list – on the WS Nursery website. For info about the Flower and Garden Festival downtown, go here.
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