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On this day, November 21, 1992, Oregon Senator Bob Packwood, issued an apology but refused to discuss allegations that he'd made unwelcome sexual advances toward 10 women over the years.




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Legislators Send Governor Letter Over Oregon CHIPS Act
Letter highlights alternative land options to farmland

Oregon Representative Anna Scharf (R-Amity) led 19 legislators from both sides of the aisle sending a letter to Governor Kotek requesting her consideration of private, member only golf courses as available land before taking farmland out of production.

Senate Bill 4, the Semiconductor Bill, passed out of the House on Thursday, April 6th and was signed by Governor Kotek. The bill dedicates $190 million to develop a grant and loan program to support semiconductor businesses looking to expand in Oregon, providing the opportunity for significant federal funding support provided by the CHIPS and Science Act that Congress passed and President Biden signed in August 2022. It also funds $10 million to help communities prepare land for manufacturing sites and $10 million for a University Innovation Research fund that will help public universities secure federal research grants.

During debate on the House floor, several members raised concerns about Section 10 of the legislation that provides the Governor broad authority over its implementation.

Lawmakers wrote, “We raised concern that farmland has inadequate protections in the bill – frequently reminding our colleagues that once farmland is paved over, it is lost forever. We challenged the mindset that farmland is the only available option for the land needed in Senate Bill 4.”

In the letter, the lawmakers proposed two alternative suggestions to farmland, including Pumpkin Ridge Golf Course in North Plains and Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha. “If we are going to look at open spaces and available land for semiconductors, we believe we should consider all open spaces – not just farmland,” wrote the lawmakers. “Large, open fields in the Willamette Valley are not purposeless. These fields are feeding our families, Oregonians, and the world. A member only golf course does not.”

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Governor Kotek gave a statement about the impact of the bill, “Oregon has been at the center of the semiconductor industry in the United States for decades. This bill is an absolutely essential tool for leading a coordinated effort with the private sector to ensure we can compete for federal funds to expand advanced manufacturing in Oregon. We are poised to lay the foundation for the next generation of innovation and production of semiconductors.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-04-13 15:40:39Last Update: 2023-04-13 20:28:43



Todd Nash Announces Run for Oregon Senate District
“It would be an honor to represent the citizens of Senate District 29 in the legislature”

Todd Nash, a Wallowa County Commissioner and President of Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, has announced his intent to run for Oregon State Senate District 29 in the 2024 Republican Primary Election. Senate District 29 is currently represented by longtime and well-respected legislator Sen. Bill Hansell who announced on March 3, 2023 he would not seek re-election after his term expires.

“Eastern Oregon has been well represented by Senator Hansell and I intend to carry on that tradition to give rural Oregonians a voice in the legislature,” said Nash. “There are a multitude of issues that need to be addressed and challenges that need to be tackled that will require experienced leadership in natural resources, economic development, and community-based issues if we are going to ensure rural Oregonians have the representation they deserve. I will be that leader and the voice we need.”

Nash has lived in Enterprise since 1968. He was elected as Wallowa County Commissioner in 2016 and has served as President of Oregon Cattlemen’s Association since 2021. In addition, he has been active with Association of Oregon Counties as Co-Chair of the Natural Resource Committee and on the Public Lands Committee at National Association of Counties. He is also the immediate past Co-Chair of the Wallowa County 4/H FFA Fair livestock Sale where he served for 15 years.

His work in the community has been acknowledged often. He has been the recipient of the Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce Award for Entrepreneur of The Year Award, Wallowa County Cattlemen of the Year Award and Honorary Cattlemen of The Year, the American Forest Resource Council’s Tillicum Award and many other state and local awards. Nash has been very active with the state legislature going back to 2010 helping to shape many state policies within farming, timber, ranching and natural resource issues. He has also worked with Oregon Department of Agriculture and is currently a State Weed Board Member.

In preparation for filing for the seat this September, Nash has opened a political action committee, developed an exploratory committee, and hired an Oregon campaign management firm.

“It would be an honor to represent the citizens of Senate District 29 in the legislature. I look forward to meeting with and listening to constituents throughout the district, learning their issues, and earning their trust and eventually their vote,” said Nash.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-04-12 15:36:34Last Update: 2023-04-12 15:56:14



Constitutional Carry Amendment Moves Forward
Constitutional Carry For Oregon submits 1,000 sponsorship signatures

The group Constitutional Carry for Oregon has submitted the required 1,000 “sponsorship signatures” to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, completing the next step in the process to get IP-21 on the ballot. In total, CCFO submitted 1,345 signatures, providing a buffer should some signatures prove invalid.

IP-21 seeks to amend the Oregon Constitution, establishing the right to carry concealed firearms without a permit. At present, 26 U.S. states are already constitutional carry states.

The text of the amendment is simply:

AMENDS CONSTITUTION: Establishing right to carry concealed firearms without permit.

PARAGRAPH 1. Section 27, Article I of the Constitution of the State of Oregon, is amended to read:

Sec. 27. (1) The people shall have the right to bear arms for the [defence] defense of themselves, and the State, but the Military shall be kept in strict subordination to the civil power. (2) The right described in subsection (1) of this section includes the right to carry, without a permit, a concealed firearm.

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After the Secretary of State’s Office validates the sponsorship signatures, which may take up to ten days, the Attorney General’s Office will generate a ballot title. Barring legal challenges to that title, the process of gathering the 160,551 signatures for the initiative to appear on the November 2024 ballot will begin thereafter. CCFO has until July 5, 2024, to submit signatures.

Constitutional Carry for Oregon is a grassroots volunteer effort. The three chief petitioners are: Joel Pawloski, a retired Army Lt. Colonel in Marion County, Kerry McQuisten, the former mayor of Baker City in Baker County, and Jean Sampson, former city council member of Clatskanie in Columbia County. More information can be found at www.ConstitutionalCarryforOregon.com.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-04-12 14:51:18Last Update: 2023-04-12 15:21:42



Kotek Announces Funding Amounts, Local Goals for Homelessness
Will rehouse more than 1,200 households, create over 600 new shelter beds

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has announced how much funding each region within Oregon's homelessness state of emergency will receive from the state, as well as the specific outcomes local communities are expected to achieve with the emergency dollars.

On her first full day in office, the Governor declared a homelessness state of emergency and urged the legislature to pass an early investment package to meet specific goals in reducing unsheltered homelessness by January 10, 2024.

“Oregonians are demanding urgent action and accountability. That’s why this emergency funding is tied to specific, local action plans that will reduce unsheltered homelessness,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “The state will continue to provide technical assistance and partner with local communities to make sure this money makes a difference on the ground.”

Critics have pointed out that Governor Kotek has presided over the largest increase in homelessness in Oregon's history and that her hostility to housing providers has led to the housing shortage in Oregon. They also point out that the abundance of money allocated for homelessness hasn't seemed to solve the problem.

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The following funding amounts are based on many factors, including the appropriation made available by the legislature, detailed plans that local communities submitted, and a detailed formula developed by Oregon Housing and Community Services: HB 5019 appropriated $85.2 million for local homelessness emergency plans. OHCS will reserve $3 million to ensure the goals of the emergency order are achieved. An additional $3 million will be used for a statewide landlord incentive, available to landlords participating in local rehousing efforts. The requests from all regions within the emergency order totaled $98.8 million, so there were not enough funds to provide each region with its full funding request.

In addition, the early funding package included $33.6 million to help prevent homelessness for an estimated 8,750 households. This funding will be distributed statewide through existing eviction prevention programs.

Recognizing that unsheltered homelessness impacts communities in every part of Oregon, the legislature also approved $26 million to address homelessness in the counties that do not meet the threshold of the emergency order.

The Governor's Office reviewed the Community Plans and funding requests to ensure that each region has the resources and technical assistance they need to meet specific goals to reduce unsheltered homelessness in their community. OHCS is sending each region an announcement of its funding amount today and will include an updated timeline for finalizing grant agreements with the goal of funding being available to communities by April 28, 2023.

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“I want to thank everyone who has stepped up to help move this work forward – including staff at the state and local level who have been working diligently to make sure we have solid plans to quickly distribute these emergency funds,” Governor Kotek said. “This alone won’t solve this crisis, but it is a significant downpayment on our efforts. It will build the new, outcomes-oriented infrastructure we need to address homelessness heading into next year.”

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the state housing agency have supported the establishment of Multi-Agency Coordinating groups in emergency areas that will serve as the core infrastructure of the emergency response.

MAC groups have been providing the planning, coordination, and operational leadership to bring real, measurable improvements on the ground. They will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of funds, working with their communities to help move individuals and families into housing stability.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-04-12 14:24:09Last Update: 2023-04-12 14:51:18



Oregon Senate Passes Key Curriculum Transparency Legislation
“Every parent deserves a seat at the table in their child’s education.”

The Oregon Senate has passed SB 409, a bill that brings greater curriculum transparency to Oregon. This bill, which passed with bipartisan support, promotes student success by empowering parents with the knowledge of what their kids are learning in the classroom, and aims to improve communications and trust between parents and teachers.

This bill requires local school boards to post on their websites the following information for every course of study offered by the school district: the title and description of textbooks and instructional materials used and a link if available, a syllabus, and identification of the state's academic content standards that are satisfied by the course. It also requires updates within 30 days after changes are made.

“Accessing school curriculum is not an easy and transparent process in Oregon. I’ve heard stories from parents who’ve even had to submit a public records request to learn about what’s being taught in their child’s school,” said Representative Lily Morgan (R-Grants Pass), a co-chief sponsor of the bill. “If this process was easier and more accessible, then we could cut to the chase and know exactly what our kids are learning in the classroom.”

“We know that parental involvement is the key to student well-being and success,” added Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook), a co-sponsor of the bill and Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Education. “By empowering parents with the knowledge of what their children are being taught, we are better positioning them to be able to help their children learn essential skills like reading, writing, and math.”

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“SB 409 is a step in the right direction for Oregon’s kids and parents. But we are not done yet. In the spirit of this legislation, it is my hope that school districts will voluntarily post their own specific curriculum on their websites,” said Senator Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer), a co-chief sponsor of the bill. “Every parent deserves a seat at the table in their child’s education. I will keep standing up for curriculum transparency and parental rights in Oregon.”

SB 409 is now headed to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-04-12 14:08:36Last Update: 2023-04-12 14:24:09



Crack Down on Organized Retail Theft
Increase penalties for those convicted of organized retail theft

This week the Oregon State Senate passed Senate Bill 340 with little opposition, which is said to significantly increases penalties for organized retail theft repeat offenders. Organized retail crime refers to groups operating multijurisdictional, coordinated schemes or enterprises to commit a variety of financial crimes, and sometimes include violent tactics.

Under SB 340, individuals convicted of organized retail theft will face harsher penalties. The new law will also amend and strengthen current statutes to allow law enforcement and prosecutors to aggregate the value of stolen property over 180 days for purposes of proving the crime of organized retail theft, and allows prosecutors to add multiple theft transactions together if they were against the same or multiple victims within a one-year period. Finally, it will create more accountability for people who threaten retail workers while committing theft.

The US Chamber of Commerce reports that 57% of retailers have reported a rise in organized retail crime in the past year. These thefts often involve networks of criminals who target high-value merchandise, causing significant financial losses for retailers, increasing costs for consumers and an unsafe work environment for retail workers.

Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene) said, “Organized retail theft is a threat to consumers, employees, and local businesses. The passage of Senate Bill 340 is a strong statement that we will not tolerate organized retail theft in our state and will work to ensure safe communities for all.”

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Senator Brian Boquist (R-Polk & Yamhill) has a different opinion. Voting against the bill, he says, “SB 340 is a pathetic response to retail theft in which prosecutors have refused to prosecute retail theft. When District Attorneys came under political pressure for allowing massive retail theft, we get this bill. It does nothing. It makes a crime of repeat offender theft but District Attorneys do not prosecute the first theft so the public gets nothing. Police and Sheriffs are told not to arrest retail thieves as public prosecutors will not take thieves to court. Now to combat public outrage that hurts the reelection of elected officials we get this bill referencing “repeat property offenders.” Since thieves are not being charged by elected District Attorneys the first time, then, what repeat offenders exist for a judge to sentence? Enforce existing laws. Then SB 340 extends the theft statute of limitations and allows charge bundling to make it look like prosecutors were powerless in the past. They were not. RICO and other ORSs allowed prosecution but DAs have not prosecuted. The closure and departure of corporate stores is 100% the fault of failing District Attorneys. This bill is purely political. Where is the Attorney General?”

SB 340 is the product of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force, which is made up of industry and labor stakeholders that could be negatively impacted by organized retail crime. SB 340 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-04-12 11:45:54Last Update: 2023-04-11 18:02:58



Senate Republicans Force Votes on Safe Communities
Democrats voted down the entire package

Last week Oregon Republicans attempted to withdraw sixteen pieces of legislation from committee for a vote on the Senate floor to make our communities safer. While the valley has experienced several shootings within a week, the Democrats voted in lock step to say ‘no’ to safer communities. This comes just after House Democrats largely rejected a ‘Safe Schools’ package following the Nashville school shooting. Instead they double down on restricting gun ownership by lawful citizens.

Senator Fred Girod (R-Lyons) said, “Sixteen. Today, we brought forward sixteen bills that deserved to be considered. Bills that would have cracked down on fentanyl dealing, increased the number of patrol troopers on our highways, and made necessary fixes to Ballot Measure 110, (which decriminalized the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs and diverted some marijuana tax dollars to a grant program). There’s no reason that can justify why they failed.”

“For years, Democrats have voted with criminals, not victims,” said Deputy Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles), who made a motion to withdraw SB 430, a measure that would enhance sentencing for criminals whose assault causes lifechanging injury. “Today, we had an opportunity to vote to strengthen our communities and provide justice for victims of crime. For reasons I can’t fathom, the majority party said no to even having a discussion.”

An article by The Oregonian Editorial Board over the weekend noted that roughly 16,000 more people left Oregon than moved in from 2021 to 2022. It cited housing unaffordability, homelessness, increasing taxation, drug addiction crisis, untreated mental illness, gun violence, traffic deaths, and educational mediocrity as reasons why. Furthermore, a recent DHM Research survey found that just 3 in 10 of Oregonians think the state is headed in the right direction.

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“Process matters. We were promised a bipartisan session, yet what we’re seeing is an extreme, partisan agenda that fails to meet the needs of Oregonians we represent,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend), who made a motion to withdraw SB 664, a measure that would criminalize threatening to commit a terroristic act. “Democrats showed their hand today by rejecting reasonable measures improving community safety.”

The complete ‘Safe Communities’ Package Republicans propose includes such things as creating crimes of patronizing a trafficked child, controlled substances homicide, and threatening to commit a terroristic act.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-04-11 12:14:23Last Update: 2023-04-11 17:55:46



Wood Stove Turn-in Event
“Old” wood stoves pollute the air

Washington County Oregon is now offering a $250 incentive to residents who turn in their old, "uncertified" wood stoves or wood stove inserts or those certified between 1986-1992.

Only 40 stoves/inserts will be accepted at this one-day event. This is the third consecutive year for the turn-in event. The first two years brought in 36 old wood stoves.

When: Saturday, May 6, 2023, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Far West Recycling, 6440 SE Alexander St., Hillsboro

What qualifies for the $250 reward?

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Washington County says that "old" wood stoves pollute the air and can harm the health of the owner and their neighbors. In addition, anyone selling a home with a wood stove or fireplace insert in Oregon must ensure it was certified to meet emissions performance standards at the time of manufacture. If it was not certified, state law requires it to be removed, destroyed and disposed of when a home is sold.

Washington County says that interested participants must register online ahead of time. Only 40 stoves will be accepted. Additional instructions are provided on Washington County’s webpage.

“This is a great opportunity for Washington County residents who want to get rid of their old wood stove and don’t want to replace it with a new one,” said Washington County Housing Rehabilitation Specialist Tim Davis. “For those who want to replace their old wood stove with a new one, our Wood Stove Exchange Program is a better option.”

Under the Wood Stove Exchange Program, qualifying residents can receive a rebate of $1,500-$4,000 when they replace their old or uncertified wood stove with a cleaner heating device. Some households may qualify for a full-cost replacement, depending on their income.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-11 11:48:08Last Update: 2023-04-11 12:24:56



Republican Leaders Defend Public Right to Hearings
Democracy dies in darkness.

Oregon Republican Senate Leader Tim Knopp and Senator Brian Boquist sent Senate President Rob Wager a letter on Senate Bill 393-A. The new 7-page “gut and stuff” amendment to SB 393, which now incorporates gun regulations, passed out of the Senate Committee on Judiciary along partisan lines without the public’s input.

Kevin Starrett, Oregon Firearms Federation reports that the committee members had no idea what the bill does, but passed it to a floor vote anyway. He says, “In defending it, Prozanski took the bizarre position that it would save lives by adding a 72-hour waiting period before a person could take possession of a gun they bought. In his garbled explanation he could not even keep the different bills straight. What is clear, is that along with all the other elements of these bills, anyone with any firearm’s magazine will be subject to arrest after it becomes law.”

On the Senate floor, Senate Knopp said, “Yesterday, a chair you appointed to a Senate committee you created reported Senate Bill 393-A out of committee. It was introduced as a benign study bill. Neither the base bill, nor the [gun control] gut and stuff amendments ever received a public hearing. OLIS shows zero items of posted testimony. SB 393-A is now headed to the Senate floor having received zero public input on a bill that affects a Constitutional right. This is offensive to the character and tradition of democracy and diminishes the legitimacy of the Senate...Don't let democracy die under your watch.”

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To weigh-in on the public’s right to have a voice in all legislation, contact Senate President Rob Wanger, 503-986-1600, email Sen.RobWagner@oregonlegislature.gov.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-04-10 00:15:44Last Update: 2023-04-10 00:26:03



Drone Cops in Portland
PPB authorized to begin pilot UAS program

On April 5, 2023, the Portland City Council authorized the Portland Police Bureau to purchase and operate Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) commonly referred to as “Drones” in a limited pilot project.

Portland Police Bureau personnel assigned to the Specialized Resources Division testified in front of City Council on March 22, 2023, regarding the program. PPB will begin a year-long pilot project, using drones in limited areas. PPB says that the sUASs are expected to cost under $80,000.

sUASs are widely used in the public sector, as well as by nearly every law enforcement agency within the Portland Metro area. The regulated use of sUASs by the PPB Investigations Branch will provide improvements in safety for both officers and community members. Additionally, the use of sUAS technology in crime / major crash scene events reduces inconvenience to the public by minimizing documentation time at a scene.

PPB sUASs are exact or slightly modified versions of commercially available products and will be clearly marked with City of Portland or Portland Police logo. During the pilot phase, PPB will use the drones in two areas: Traffic Division and the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit.

The Traffic Division will use a drone to: The Metro Explosive Disposal Unit will use a drone to:

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“I’m pleased PPB will begin this pilot using drones on a limited basis,” said Chief Chuck Lovell. “Drones have proven to drastically reduce personnel time at crash scenes, increase safety and decrease the amount of time the public may be impacted when it comes to situations such as road closures. During this critical staffing period, PPB continues to look for innovative ways to help us do our jobs more efficiently and effectively.”

The Bureau will follow ORS 837 Unmanned Aircraft Systems as well as its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which prohibits the drone equipment from: PPB will begin to train and license pilots and operators including training on current laws, FAA regulations and the Bureau’s SOP and identify equipment needs, tests and procedures. This pilot project would begin in about 60 days.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-09 12:35:33Last Update: 2023-04-09 14:39:47



Washington County Republican Party Stands Behind President Trump
“We condemn the unending political attacks”

The Washington County Republican Party of Oregon has now given a statement asserting support of President Donald J. Trump and blasting the Department of Justice and law enforcement agencies for political weaponization of the country's justice system.

The statement reads as follows:

"We, the Washington County Republican Party Executive Committee of Oregon, publicly condemn the weaponization of the judicial system and law enforcement agencies with respect to the indictment of President Donald ). Trump."

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The statement continues, "As Republicans, we believe in the rule of law and order and stand for justice for all. We are crossing a line that has never been seen in American history where political opponents are harassed and persecuted by those in positions of power. Our country is being torn apart by these unprecedented actions and a two-tiered system of justice."

It concludes, "We in the Washington County Republican Party of Oregon stand against the unwarranted indictment of President Donald J. Trump and condemn the unending political attacks leveled against him and other conservatives."


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-08 15:23:09Last Update: 2023-04-08 16:35:33



Boshart Davis Welcomes Portland’s Commitment to Rose Quarter Project
It is the 28th worst freight bottleneck in the nation

In response to the City of Portland’s letter to the Oregon Department of Transportation reaffirming their commitment to the Interstate 5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project, Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany), Co-Vice Chair of the Joint Transportation Committee, issued the following statement:

“The large tax increases in House Bill 2017 -- passed into law during the 2017 Session -- came with a directive and a promise: build the Rose Quarter. Nearly seven whole years later, the project has not made significant progress.

“I am committed to finding a cost-effective path forward that meets the needs of the entire state. The Rose Quarter was identified in House Bill 2017 as a project of statewide importance, and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project magnifies that significance. These two projects are linked and we cannot do one without the other to solve the transportation issues that each present.”

“I am encouraged by Portland’s recent letter showing renewed commitment to the Rose Quarter project. I look forward to working with them to tackle Oregon’s transportation challenges.”

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Critics of the delay say that the letter -- signed by Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioners Mingus Mapps, Carmen Rubio, Dan Ryan and Rene Gonzalez -- was written to deflect criticism of the delay. The letter concludes:

The City of Portland intends to build on this momentum to ensure the success of this catalytic project. We are confident that ODOT’s Rose Quarter project will not only relieve congestion, improve safety, and enhance developability of the district – but that it will do so in a way that recognizes, addresses, and prevents the repetition of the injustices suffered by communities of color throughout Portland’s history. We are optimistic that by continuing to work closely alongside other project stakeholders, we will advance this once-in-a-generation project to enhance our state’s largest event district and reconnect the Albina neighborhood.

According to the Project website. I-5 between I-84 and I-405 is the top traffic bottleneck in Oregon and the 28th worst freight bottleneck in the nation as of 2021.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-04-07 23:58:53



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