17勛圖厙

  • Connecting people to an abundant life with Jesus Christ and preparing them for His return

Communication and Development

17勛圖厙 Announces New Media Resource Center

17勛圖厙 Announces New Media Resource Center 3691 1887 Ken Miller

Recently, 17勛圖厙 Executive Secretary Jos矇 Marin unveiled the new 17勛圖厙 Media Resource Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and walk-through.

The center was constructed on the lower floor of the Roseville administration building, where the former mail and copy room was located. This space was ideal, insulated from the buildings outer walls. Marin explained, This resource center will be a production tool to serve our churches, schools, and ministries, where the next level of equipment and production is available for use and instruction. He noted that the facility has already been used, providing a set for the annual Ten Days of Prayer and videos for conference directors and constituency meeting productions.

Studio usage is managed by the Communication and Development department. Laurie Trujillo, director, shared, We have established a usage policy that requires training with the 17勛圖厙s contracted video professional to ensure users are familiar with the studio and that its equipment is properly maintained. The studio is equipped with three cameras, a teleprompter, adjustable professional lighting, and an Apple computer with a large cinema display running professional software.

The space also contains three different backdrops to accommodate a variety of recording needs: a podcast/interview setting, a more formal look for program-style productions, and a youthful corner for informal presentations.

Trujillo concluded, We encourage pastors, teachers, and presenters to utilize this modern and helpful tool for sharing the abundant life found in Jesus Christ and preparing people for His soon return.

Featured in Northern Lights, January 22, 2026
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Bringing Christ to Christmas

Bringing Christ to Christmas 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The Christmas season is known for its fast pace, last-minute scurrying, good food, and time with familyand the same is true for our schools, churches, and ministries.

Faithful efforts continue to reach communities, offering opportunities to connect with neighbors. And its not all outreachtheres plenty of in-reach too. Offices trade gifts, share potlucks, and school rooms buzz with anticipation and seasonal crafting.

The Santa Rosa Church once again hosted its walk-through nativity, delighting visitors with live scenes performed by members, young and old. Pastor Brad Geinger shared, The Live Nativity is a special part of many community members holiday traditions. Over 25 years, it has become something we are known for in Santa Rosa. Perhaps most essential are the nearly 100 volunteers of all ages who participate. This same Live Nativity was my first church volunteer experience, and today it remains the starting point for many engaging in the Lords work.

The Carmichael Church recently hostedA Night in Bethlehem, an interactive walk-through nativity with live animals. Children guided their families from scene to scene, petting animals and joining in songs. Associate Pastor Melissa Howell shared, This gave Carmichael Church a chance to open our doors to the surrounding community and share the story of Jesus birth in a fresh way. Many attendees were visiting the church for the first time and some expressed interest in joining the congregation, while others said they wanted their children to be part of a faith community and asked to participate in future events.

In Placerville, over six nights, a diverse mix of peoplefrom the East Coast to just down the streetcame to connect, celebrate God, and experience a living picture of hope. Church members united, engaging their circles of influence and offering hundreds of volunteer hours, from construction to conversations and prayer. In the barn, at the feet of baby Jesus, tears were shed, and hearts were moved. Long after the lights faded, lives continued to be touched. For three hours each of the six nights, the church family came together to present Jesus to the community. As Andrew Uyeyama, Pastor, shared,The camaraderie was incrediblewe truly became a church family, and God interrupted many lives with light and hope.

All over our territory, this same theme runs through program after program: Bringing Christ to Christmas. Our Churches, schools, ministries, and members, young and old, share the gift of our spiritual community with neighbors, inviting them to connect with the story of Christmas in a hands-on, meaningful way.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Because of You: A Thanksgiving Letter to Our Faithful Supporters

Because of You: A Thanksgiving Letter to Our Faithful Supporters 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication and Development

This Thanksgiving, we pause with full hearts to say two simple words that carry eternal weight: thank you. Because of your generosity, prayers, and steady encouragement, the mission of the Northern California Conference continues to movequietly in living rooms and boldly in sanctuaries, in classrooms and dorms, at food pantries and baptisteries, along hospital corridors and at summer camps where young people say yes to Jesus.

Your gifts do more than fund programs; they open doors. In our churches, seekers find welcome and members find hope. Bible studies flourish, new believers step into the waters of baptism, and congregations discover fresh ways to serve their neighborhoods. In our schools, students learn in Christ-centered classrooms where teachers pray, mentor, and inspirewhere worship, service, and scholarship are woven together. Across our ministries, compassion becomes tangible: meals shared, burdens lifted, stories told, and faith renewed.

Scripture reminds us, Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever (Psalm 107:1). We see that enduring love reflected in you. Some of you give quietly each month. Others offer time, expertise, or special gifts that launch new efforts. Many of you intercede for pastors, educators, students, and volunteers by name. However you give, you are part of a living testimony that gratitude is not just a feelingits a way of life.

We also know this year has asked for perseverance. Families have navigated uncertainty, churches have carried heavy needs, and leaders have made hard decisions. Yet in every challenge, your faith has shone like a steady light. You have reminded us that mission advances best when Gods people move togethereach one bringing a gift, a prayer, a word of encouragement. As Paul wrote, You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11).

So today we give thanks for youfor your trust, your partnership, and your sacrificial love. Because of you, children hear the name of Jesus spoken with joy. Because of you, students discover purpose. Because of you, neighbors are served and congregations are strengthened. Most of all, because of you, the gospel continues to go forth with hope.

May your table be filled with peace, your home with gratitude, and your heart with the nearness of Christ. From our Conference family to yoursHappy Thanksgiving, and thank you for being part of this beautiful story God is writing among us.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025

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From the Fireline to the Frontlines of Faith: Lloyd Ogan Leads Sierra Chaplaincy With Heart and Mission

From the Fireline to the Frontlines of Faith: Lloyd Ogan Leads Sierra Chaplaincy With Heart and Mission 3990 2117 Ken Miller

On August 14, at a change of command ceremony, the Sierra Chaplaincy program welcomed Lloyd Ogan as interim executive director and senior chaplain. A longtime member of the Camino church and board chair at El Dorado Adventist School, Ogan now steps into a role that blends his extensive operational leadership with a pastoral heart shaped by decades of service.

Ogan stands among a rare few Adventists to hold such high-level positions in public servicea distinction shared with leaders like Rear Admiral (ret.) Barry C. Black, former U.S. Navy chief of chaplains and current U.S. Senate chaplain (since 2003), and Desmond T. Doss, the WWII medic and Medal of Honor recipient who saved lives without carrying a weapon.

Sierra Chaplaincy, a faith-based nonprofit with a secular mission, supports El Dorado Countys first responders and community members during their most difficult momentsproviding presence, prayer, crisis intervention, and emotional support. Whether responding alongside law enforcement, comforting grieving families, or uplifting firefighters after a tough call, chaplains serve as a crucial link between those who protect the community and the community itself.

A 36-year veteran of the fire service, Ogan dedicated 33 years to the Sacramento Fire Department, rising through every rank to become deputy fire chief of operations and later acting fire chief. He has also led as interim fire chief for the El Dorado County Fire Protection District and interim division chief of operations for the Turlock Fire Department. Alongside his leadership in emergency services, he has served for more than 20 years as a hospital and fire chaplain and holds a ministerial license with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Through every act of service, Sierra Chaplaincy is living the gospel in real time, said Jim Lorenz, vice president for ministry at the Northern California Conference. Its about more than responding to emergenciesits about building trust, meeting unique needs, and connecting people to the abundant life Jesus offers.

Update on Rio Lindo Adventist Academys Care and Recovery

Update on Rio Lindo Adventist Academys Care and Recovery 1639 2048 Ken Miller

On Thursday, August 28, a student tragically passed away during an all-school activity. As a close-knit boarding community, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy canceled classes and activities through the weekend. After consulting with counselors, school administrators decided to resume classes and activities today, Tuesday, September 2, to restore routine and provide structured support.

Beginning Thursday evening and continuing through the weekend, mental health professionals provided support to students and staff. Adventist Health Ukiah and the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office sent chaplains. Area pastors came to campus and joined students and staff in prayer and worship. A chaplain noted this was especially effective because a strong support network already existed on campus.

On Sabbath, four Paws As Loving Support (PALS) Comfort Teams (therapy dogs and handlers) offered what they called soft paws and gentle support.
On Monday, September 1, the Sonoma County School Crisis Response System of Support team collaborated with Rio educators and staff to deliver Trauma-Informed Teaching sessions, providing talking points for classroom conversations, and connecting staff with county resourcessupport that will benefit the school for years to come.

Lauren Heinrich, Northern California Conference (17勛圖厙) School Mental Health Clinician, and Albert Miller, Vice President for Education, are coordinating ongoing counseling for those who request it. Our purpose right now is to support our students and staff the best way we can, Miller said. On behalf of the Rio community, thank you for your prayers and the many offers of help.

As one parent observed, Rio is the best place for their child right now because of the campuss community of care. Experts agree that healing from trauma occurs in the community, not in isolation. Rio is focused on restoring relationships, strengthening community, and walking together toward recovery. We appreciate your continued prayers.

Media inquiries: 17勛圖厙 Communications Office laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com | (916) 886-5642.

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Safe and Respectful School Culture: The Role of the Education Code in the Northern California Conference

Safe and Respectful School Culture: The Role of the Education Code in the Northern California Conference 5142 3428 Ken Miller

By Laurie Trujillo, CFRE
17勛圖厙 Director of Communication and Development

Over the past few months, we have highlighted how our ministries work to fulfill the Northern California Conferences purpose of connecting people to a more abundant life with Jesus and preparing for the Second Coming. This month, we asked: How does our school system achieve this mission? The answer was found in an unexpected placethe Pacific Union Conference Education Code.

What is the Education Code?

The Pacific Union Conference Education Code, adopted by the Northern California Conference, is more than a manual of operational policiesits a spirit-led, values-based framework designed to foster safe, nurturing, and spiritually grounded learning environments. Rooted in biblical principles, it governs every aspect of our school operations, including staffing, curriculum, financial stewardship, professional conduct, and student safety.

Ellen G. White once wrote, True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study… It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man (Education, p. 13). This holistic vision is reflected in the Education Codes dual focus: protecting students and honoring educators.

Albert Miller, Superintendent of Schools for the Northern California Conference (17勛圖厙), explains, Were not just filling classrooms. Were calling people to a ministry. Our educators are spiritually grounded and professionally equippedtrained not only to teach, but to mentor students into thoughtful, Christ-centered lives.

How Does the Education Code Protect the Children in Our Care?

It affirms student well-being through a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, aligning with 17勛圖厙 policy that requires immediate reporting of any suspected child abuse or neglect. Comprehensive screening and trainingincluding background checks and abuse prevention certificationsare mandated for all school personnel by 17勛圖厙 policy and supported by the Code.

To further safeguard students, schools must conduct regular safety audits, maintain effective emergency protocols, and create environments where students feel emotionally and physically secure. Grounded in Christian compassion, 17勛圖厙 holds all staff to the highest standards of integrity and respectful interaction. Confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms for students and their families ensure that every voice is heard, and every concern is taken seriously.

Safety goes beyond compliance, Miller says. While we meet all of Californias legal requirements for working with children, for us, its more than legalits deeply moral. We want every child to feel safe, seen, and loved.

How Does the Code Uphold the Dignity of Employees?

It safeguards the dignity of those called to teach. Investigations involving staff must be conducted in a confidential, fair, and impartial manner. Employees are guaranteed due process, including the right to respond, access support, and receive updates.

Its goal is to foster a professional culture of trust, transparency, and growth, emphasizing respectful communication and restorative practices. We dont rush to judgment or jump to conclusions, Miller explains. “Clear expectations matter, but so does restoration.

How Impactful Are These Policies and Practices?

In todays complex world, 17勛圖厙s adoption of the Pacific Union Conference Education Code serves as both a shield and a compass, protecting the vulnerable and guiding educators in their sacred mission.

Recently, a student sent us a letter: I didnt grow up Adventist and struggled in public school, never seeing much purpose in learning. That changed when I enrolled in an Adventist school near our new home. Expecting the same thing, I was surprised to be met with compassion, patience, and a teacher who helped me discover both Jesus and a love for learning. For the first time, I cared about school, found subjects I enjoyed, and began dreaming about the future with Jesus in my life. Even with severe ADHD, I feel accepted and respected. I look forward to attending the academy near my home.”

With 31 schools, more than 2,000 students, and over 200 educators, 17勛圖厙s education system is the longest-running evangelistic effort in our territory. In 2024, school-age children and youth accounted for 18% of all 17勛圖厙 baptisms.

Adventist education is more than academics, Miller concludes. Its about shaping livesone heart, one mind at a timefor this life and the life to come.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 5, 2025
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Statement from the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Statement from the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 150 150 Ken Miller

The facts surrounding the Feather River Seventh-day Adventist School shooting have become more apparent after yesterdays late afternoon with the Butte County Sheriffs Office and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Key facts confirmed yesterday include:

–Both seriously wounded kindergarten students are being treated and remain in critical condition. Sheriff Kory Honea explained that these two boys have a long road to recovery. Let us continue to keep these boys and their families in prayer.

–The perpetrator was Glenn Litton, who was later confirmed to be a lapsed Chico Seventh-day Adventist church member and former student at Paradise Adventist Elementary and Chico Adventist Schools. Sheriff Honea reported that he suffered from mental illness and had a lengthy criminal background. As a convicted felon, Litton did not legally own the firearm used in the crime.

–Law enforcement continues to seek information that will help illuminate Littons motive. Still, writings attributed to him suggest that he imagined himself to be a lieutenant in what appears to be a fictitious organization called the International Alliance.

–Sheriff Honea confirmed that the attack was an isolated incident and that Litton died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators later discovered that he had scheduled to visit another nearby Adventist school on December 5.

–Sheriff Honea paid tribute to the efforts of Feather River principal and teachers who acted swiftly and decisively to protect students as soon as the threat was detected.

With the information provided by Sheriff Honea, the CHP Commissioner, the Butte County District Attorney, and the FBI in coordination with other federal entities, it does not appear there is any active threat to our schools, churches, or other Adventist institutions and that Litton was acting alone. As a result, many Adventist schools will resume classes today, and special efforts are being made to ensure counseling support is available to all families and students.

Chico, Yuba City and Feather River Adventist Schools will remain closed as weprioritize care and support for staff, families, and students. Please continue to pray for all our students, especially those hospitalized, and our faculty, staff, and families.

All questions related to this incident should be directed to Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication, at (916) 886-5642 or laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com

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Donate to the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund

Donate to the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund 4800 2700 Ken Miller
The Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (17勛圖厙) has established the Feather River Adventist School Victims Fund to provide a trusted avenue for support. This fund is dedicated to directly supporting the students, families, and staff of Feather River Adventist School, all of whom have been deeply impacted by this senseless and violent act.
In alignment with our values and ethical stewardship, we want to clarify that this fund supports the entire Feather River Adventist School community, not just two specific families. If you wish to restrict your support to Elias Wolford or Roman Mendez and their families, you may indicate this in the check memo lineor the notes section of the online giving form. Because 17勛圖厙 is a conduit for support, ensuring that 100% of the contribution benefits those affected, gifts are not tax-deductible.
Please visit the . Or send your contributions to Northern California Conference, C/O Feather River School Support, 2100 Douglas Blvd, Roseville, CA 95661. If you have questions, you can email our Director of Communication and Development, laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com. Your support will play a vital role in helping our community heal and rebuild.

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Loving Others in an Election Year

Loving Others in an Election Year 150 150 Ken Miller

By Steve Allred

Religious liberty is a term that we hear frequently in the political battles of todays culture. Christians of all political persuasions are concerned with different issues in our world that impact religious liberty.

For example, some of my Christian friends are concerned with the freedom to be able to express their religious beliefs in the workplace without fear of losing their jobs or being denied a promotion. They are concerned with the freedom of religious institutions. to adhere to their beliefs regarding who they hire or Christian schools being able to uphold lifestyle standards for their students. They fear the intolerance of secularism and worry that political correctness and cancel culture are leading to the loss of religious liberty.

On the other hand, I have Christian friends who are alarmed by the rapid growth of a militant brand of Christianity, calling itself Christian Nationalism, that seeks to insert itself into politics to control the government. They are concerned that posting the Ten Commandments in public buildings and having government-sponsored prayer in public schools is not necessarily the way of Jesus, who offers us the freedom to choose in matters of faith. My friends are also concerned with Project 2025, a new political project that mandates Congress encourage a communal rest day on Sunday. They are alarmed as they see the wall of separation between Church and State disappearing.

My good friend observed that Adventists often occupy the uncomfortable middle on many issues. Historically, weve been a minority faith in a world that caters to religious groups who are in the majority. As a result, we sometimes find ourselves siding with other minority non-Christian faiths on religious liberty issues since they are often advocating for the same protections we are (e.g., Sabbath protections in the workplace). We also seek to be faithful to certain biblical principles (e.g., regarding sexuality) that run afoul of the progressive agenda. As a result, we sometimes find ourselves siding with other Christian groups on these issues where we share common ground. But, all things considered, we often occupy the uncomfortable middle.

Additionally, we do not exclusively identify with any political party or ideology as a church. We are not a Republican church or a Democratic church. We are non-partisan. We also do not believe that politics should shape our faith. We believe biblical principles should shape our worldview; from that foundation, we should make our political choices.

Of course, we can and should make our voices heard on issues that matter to us. And we should do so respectfully and with love. But I suggest to you that our world needs more from us than shouting and Facebook posts on the hottest religious liberty (or other political) topics of the day.

God has given us a higher calling than the political pundits and talking heads on TV or radio. In this tense election year, I suggest four scriptural principles and ideas to consider as you fulfill your calling as a follower of Jesus in the real world.

Your Primary Citizenship Is in Heaven

First, remember that your ultimate allegiance is to the kingdom of God, not to any nation on earth or to any politician: For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:20, NKJV. The apostle Peter puts it this way:

Live as foreigners and exiles色 1 Peter 2:11, NIV. This should remind us not to become too preoccupied with politics or let any political ideology become an idol in our hearts. We are citizens of Gods kingdom before any other kingdom or nation.

No Earthly Nation Is Gods Kingdom

Second, dont forget that the kingdom of God is not of this world, as Jesus put it in John 18:36. Gods kingdom is an entirely different kind of kingdom from the political machines of this world. You might remember the story of King Nebuchadnezzars dream in Daniel chapter 2. In the vision, the king saw a statue made of various types of metal. These metals represented the kingdoms of the world: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the strong and weak nations of our world today, represented by the feet of iron and clay. But the kingdom of God was symbolized by a stone cut from a mountain without hands. (not of human origin) that destroyed the nations of the world and became its unique kingdom. The kingdom of God is not an extension of any nation on this planet, nor will it be set up on earth before the second coming of Jesus. We cannot venerate any country or nation as Gods nation. His coming kingdom is not of this world.

Praying for Your Political Enemies!

Thirdly, the apostle Paul reminds us, in 2 Timothy 2:1-4 to pray for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Why? Because God wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. That all includes your worst political enemy! Pray for the salvation of our nation’s leaders on both sides of the aisle.

Praying for Yourself and Gods Church

Finally, I recently had a conversation with a friend who used to serve as a missionary in Rwanda. We all know about the terrible genocide that occurred there a few decades ago. Christians who worshipped side by side in church one morning were killing each other the next. Why? My friend told me he believed that tribal identity was more important to the killers than their identity as citizens of the kingdom of heaven. Could this happen to us here as well? Could our political ideologies and political parties become more important to us than our identity as citizens of the kingdom of heaven? Ask God to show you if your political views have become an idol in your heart. And then pray that he will give you and all of His church love for those who are different from us and even love for those who may hate us.

As followers of Jesus, we have the solution to our divided world. While the kingdom of God is not of this world, God wants to reveal His kingdom through you in this world. Its the kingdom of grace, not the kingdom of glory just yet. That kingdom is revealed within you, Jesus said (Luke 17:21) that the world is transformed when Gods kingdom shines through His people.

Reaching out to Someone on The Other Side

Do you want to do something concrete to promote religious liberty and grow the kingdom of God? In Luke 6:27-28, Jesus gave us a recipe for loving our enemies something bound to make a difference in their lives: 圬o good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Right now, think of a person or family on the other side of the political or ideological divide. Send up a prayer for them and write it on your calendar to pray for them every day. Then, within the next few days, invite them to do something with you where you can grow a friendship. When you get together, listen to them and hear their perspective without arguing or condemning them. And, at the right time, you can also share your perspective. Or maybe God wants you to be friends and not talk about politics!

This kind of love is what our divided and hurting world desperately needs. When we, Gods church, live this out in our homes, workplaces, and churches, peoples lives will be changed. This love is the secret weapon of the kingdom of God that will ultimately win the battle between good and evil.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 24, 2024
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A Service Journey

A Service Journey 3834 2197 Ken Miller

Sixty-nine 17勛圖厙 educators and pastors, each boasting 25 years or more in service, were honored during the recent Mark Blue Lecture Series.

Each recipient was presented with a distinguished service pin commemorating their unwavering commitment to ministry.

Reflecting on this remarkable milestone, Jose Marin, 17勛圖厙 Executive Secretary, remarked, “We are privileged to celebrate the remarkable dedication of our pastors, teachers, and principals who have devoted their careers to serving Jesus within the Northern California Conference.”

25 Years of Service

Melbert Baga, OwenBandy, ShawnBrummund, Jaime Calvo, DavidCarreon, HeatherDenton, JasonEyer, JohnGilley, RobertKurtz, LindaLamb, JaniceLeigh, DonaldMackintosh, JoAnnMoon, Lisa Nuss, IraParrish, RicardoRincon, MichaelRosich, MichaelThompson, AubreyScarbrough, Darren Smith, SusanWalters. James Wood Jr., GlenWahlman

30 Years of Service

TaniaDuncan, TonyaGreenwood, DavidGoymer, VernonJeske, TimothyJudson, RobertKearbey, HyunKim, EstherMelgar, GuadalupeNegrete, JerryNelson, LylyNguyen, JWilliams, GeraldSpeyer, TamaraTurk, CherylWood,

35 years of Service

ThomasAdams, EdwinBrown, FrederickDana, BradleyDavis, KrisDunlap, WalterGro麍, GeorgeHilton, CaroleLeBarre, JohnLinhares, RichardMaloon, RobertMason, AlbertMiller, RichardNelson, RobertRobinson

40 years of Service

DouglasBrown, Daniel Freedman, GeorgeJackson, NancyMatthews, LisaPaulson, DavidPeckham, JamesPedersen, DorothyPhelps, Mason Philpot, RonaldPickell, LarryUnterseher, DavidVixie, MarvinWray, BruceYingling

Data from the 17勛圖厙 Secretariat

Featured in Northern Lights, April 11, 2024
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