Your Weekly News from the La Mesa Chamber |
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La Mesa Businesses Can Apply for the $1 Million of CARES Act Funds
Beginning Monday, August 24th at 8:00 a.m.
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Applications are available on Monday, August 24th at 8 a.m. as it’s time to begin allocating the $1 million of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES Act) Funding, approved by the City of La Mesa and allocated by the County and State of California. La Mesa businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are able to apply for funds from this program that provides up to $5,000 per eligible business to be used for rent, utilities, insurance. payroll, costs to modify their business to comply with the County health orders and more.
This Program is available to eligible small businesses on a first come, first served basis - see more details. The East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC) has been chosen to administer the program for the City. For questions businesses should contact Cat Kricorian the ECEDC representative by phone at 619-258-3670 or at cat.kricorian@eastcountyedc.org. |
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La Mesa Businesses Have Until August 31st to Apply for La Mesa Business Assistance Funding |
The La Mesa Business Assistance Fund has several more days to accept applications for funding from generous local donors that want to assist businesses that were damaged on May 30th. We are excited to distribute funds from Randall Lamb Associates, Albert’s Mexican Food, The La Mesa Lions Club, Gary Green and Jeff Phair, partners in the La Mesa Summit Estates development, The La Mesa Strong T-Shirt Team, several personal and anonymous donors. The La Mesa Chamber is grateful for these caring donors and we are honored to be able to fulfill their wishes. Apply for funds by filling out the application form online: https://tinyurl.com/lmbusinessassistancefund or call the office 619-465-770 to request a form that can then be emailed to the Chamber at: chamber@lamesachamber.com. The deadline to apply for these funds ends on August 31st. |
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Up Close and Personal with Marie Callender’s
Via New “La Mesa Live” Video Series
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We are excited to share our third interview with this week’s featured Chamber Member, Marie Callender’s. Our informative and unique video series, La Mesa Live has been created to promote and spotlight our members and their businesses. We want to provide you an “up close and personal” opportunity to meet our members and learn about their business.
Today’s video and tour is a perfect opportunity for you to meet Owner-Operator Joe Flaherty of Marie Callender’s and have him show you around his restaurant. So, take a look and remember Marie Callender’s seasonal fresh peach pie is only available until Labor Day – so you better hustle over to grab one. You won’t regret it!
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Marvin Sears, owner of Studio M.I.F. has been a tremendous partner on this series. Did you miss our first two interviews and your opportunity to meet those businesses? No problem! Take a look at lamesalive.lamesachamber.com, see our interviews to date and meet those members. Remember, we have begun our series with restaurants due to the restrictions of the pandemic on that industry. We will be introducing you to other members and their businesses as our La Mesa Live series continues. |
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Welcome to Our New Chamber Members! |
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Cloud Chasers
We are a local, family-owned enterprise, carrying an innumerable variety of products, with prices you?ll be fond of, consisting of vape juices & devices, as well as tobacco, cigarettes, hookah & more.
8152 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
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Total Thermal Imaging
Total Thermal Imaging of San Diego provides superior thermal imaging services as well as training and certification nationally and internationally.
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Spa Piel
Eyelash Extensions, Eminence Organic SkinCare, Hydrafacial, Microblading, Microneedling, Microdermabrasion, Massage, Makeup, Training, Tanning, & Waxing.
8291 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
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Time Zone
About Time & Time Zone have been serving the San Diego community for over 24 years. If you are looking for a trusted and reliable timepiece repair and service company, look no further.
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San Diego County was Removed From the State’s Watch List on Tuesday, August 18th – What’s Next? |
We have been removed from the watch list, but local businesses are still under restrictions. For now, all all current restrictions on businesses or other activities, including those required to operate outdoors, remain in place. The restrictions will continue even after the 14-day period unless the state provides additional guidance. The County has requested guidance from the state, and we are hopeful that this coming week, we will have a definite response and direction on how we can proceed to hopefully, open businesses and other industries that have been forced to close. We urge all San Diegans to continue to wear facial coverings, keep six feet apart, avoid large gatherings, frequently wash your hands and stay home if you are sick. |
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DMV Expands its Health Screening and Temperature Check Protocols to Protect Customers and Employees |
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In the latest action to protect health and safety of its customers and employees, beginning August 20, the California Department of Motor Vehicles is expanding its health screening questions and temperature checks currently in place for behind-the-wheel drive tests to all customers and employees entering the DMV facility. Customers are required to wear face masks, there is access to hand-washing stations, customers are offered a text messaging system allowing them to wait outside the building until notified it is their turn to be served. Entry into the building is metered. Expanded online services are at dmv.ca.gov/online to eliminate the need to visit a field office. Behind the wheel driving tests have been resumed. The DMV recommends customers use its online services, expanded virtual services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. Customers can use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn options to complete DMV tasks. |
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53% of Restaurants Closed Amid Coronavirus have
Shuttered Permanently
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Per Yelp research data as of June 15, there were nearly 140,000 total business closures on the website since March 1. When compared to similar research on the website released in April, which showed more than 175,000 business closures, these latest numbers indicate that more than 20% of businesses closed in April have reopened. In March restaurants had the highest numbers of business closures compared to other industries. During the peak of the pandemic, the number of diners seated across Yelp Reservations and Waitlist dropped essentially to zero. In early June, numbers of diners seated are down 57% of pre-pandemic levels. Yelp data does illustrate how some restaurants have been able to weather the storm, with takeout and delivery searches up 148%, with Yelp predicting this off-premise trend could be here to stay. While the pendulum has swung toward group dining, perhaps due to pent up demand after three-plus months of safer at home orders and dining room closures in some markets, this interest could be short lived. Extended closures will further challenge operators who are burning through cash to maintain rent, labor and other costs. Restaurants with the strongest balance sheets and best access to capital have the best chance to endure sustained closures. Through the pandemic chains like Taco Bell, Domino’s and McDonald’s have announced massive hiring sprees. Source: Restaurant Dive – Alicia Kelso.
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Disney Revenue Dropped More than $8 Billion |
For months this prominent entertainment company was facing financial disaster unlike any in history. The company revealed that as a result of the coronavirus pandemic it took in just $11.8 billion in revenue and $1 billion in operating income in the three-month period that ended in June, the height of lockdowns in the country. The lockdown has forced Disney to consider different approaches and look for new opportunities. Mulan, the action-adventure reboot that has been delayed several times, will now be on Disney Plus in the U.S. beginning September 4 at a rental cost of $29.99. Theme parks saw a plummet from $6.58 billion to $983 million, a plunge of 85 percent. The Disney studio, which did not release any major new movies to theaters, saw revenue drop from $3.8 billion during the quarter last year to $1.74 billion this year, a slide of 55 percent. One of the rare bright spots in the quarter was Disney Plus, the streaming service the company launched in November. Disney now has 60.5 million subscribers worldwide after moving movies to the service. The service is growing more than analysis predicted, reaching 54.5 million in May and added six million subscribers since. Disneyland will also need to reopen if the company wishes to restore its theme parks to its past glory; the park remains closed under California orders. The parks are key to Disney’s financial fortunes, with $6.76 billion in operating income last fiscal year, that division was the most profitable of any unit besides television. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Steven Zeitchik.
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S&P 500 Closes at a Record High |
Wall Street clawed back the last of the historic frenzied losses unleashed by the new coronavirus, as the S&P 500 closed at an all-time high on August 18th. The eclipse of the S&P 500 previous record closing high of 3,386.15 was set on February 19th, before the pandemic shut down businesses around the world and knocked economies into their worst recession in decades. The stock market’s spring back to an all-time high also means that the gut-wrenching, nearly 34 percent plunge for the S&P 500 from February 19 through March 23 was the quickest bear market on record, clocking in at just one month. By comparison, it’s taken the average bear market 19.6 months to bottom out, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. Tremendous amounts of aid from the Federal Reserve and Congress helped launch the rally. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Stan Choe, Alex Veiga, & Damian J. Troise.
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Officials Look to Reshape December Nights |
Balboa Park’s annual December Nights holiday blowout could look very different this year due to the pandemic. City officials are looking at ways to put on this longstanding celebration while maintaining state and county safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. This won’t be easy as December Nights typically draws 350,000 people to Balboa Park over one weekend. For many it is the kickoff to the holiday season. They are looking to doing the event over multiple weekends, due to the number of people that attend. The decorated trees, holiday photos, more than 100 food vendors, rides for children, live performances and shopping at the museums and stopping in all of the International Cottages, proves to be a challenge in this year’s planning. Officials are finalizing plans within the next few months, while they work through the details. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Mike Freeman
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Huntress Steakhouse and Mister A’s Launch “At Home” Dinners |
One of the counties’ newest fine-dining restaurants, the month-old Huntress Steakhouse downtown, and one of San Diego’s oldest upscale eateries, Mister A’s, have launched “at home” dinner options to supplement their new outdoor dining menus. Huntress is now offering 88 outdoor seats, 22 of its own at 376 Fifth Avenue in San Diego and 66 more on the nearby former patio of long-shuttered Dick’s Last Resort. Huntress is also offering a new “Huntress at Home” program, where diners can cook or reheat or cook a dinner for two to four prepared by executive chef James Montejano. The options are filet mignon, caprese salad, potato gratin, and more. All dinners come with fresh bread and dessert. The 55-year old Mister A’s restaurant in Banker’s Hill reopened and offers on-site dining on the wrap-around patio on the 12th floor of Manchester Financial Center. Executive chef Stephane Voitzwinkler offers two-dining options, starting at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. They also offer an “At Home” version of its full menu with mobile ordering. |
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New Movie Theater Protocols |
As movie theaters come back to life across the country, the National Association of Theater Owners is helping to take the guess work out of safe-operating practices in the era of COVID-19. Over 300 companies representing more than 2,600 theater locations in the U.S. have already signed on to the Cinemasafe Program. In this new pandemic world, moviegoers need to know that there is a consistent, science- and experience-based set of health and safety protocols in place no matter what theater they “visit.” The guidelines outline comprehensive mask policies, which are required for employees and patrons with a few exceptions for children under 2 years old and when consuming concessions – but only when approved by state and local health authorities. Most indoor movie theaters shuttered in mid-March to help prevent the spread of the virus. This week they have started to slowly reopen locations. The protocols and the way they are developed have demonstrated a serious effort by movie theater owners to examine every aspect of their operations, identify potential risks, and reduce them. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Laura J. Nelson & Maya Lau.
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New Rebate Opportunity for Your Business |
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The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District partnered with the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) to launch a new incentive. This opportunity will make electric vehicle charger installations easier and more affordable for businesses, commercial properties, multifamily residences and local government facilities throughout San Diego County. Properties serving disadvantaged and low-income communities are eligible for additional savings.
Discover how much you can save on eligible equipment and installation costs during a free webinar on Thursday, August 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Panelists will provide an overview of the project, including funding, rebate amounts and eligibility.
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From SDG&E: Save Energy with a Smart Thermostat for Your Business |
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We understand that it can be difficult to reduce your business’ monthly energy bill, but did you know incorporating smart thermostats in your business can help save both energy and money? Smart thermostats allow businesses to have greater control over energy use because temperatures can be controlled remotely. Businesses can run energy-efficient schedules and optimize their system performance, leading to a more predictable monthly bill.
When you participate in SDG&E’s Business Smart Thermostat Program, SDG&E will remotely adjust your thermostat(s) when an event day is called when demand for energy is highest. For every smart thermostat you register (up to 4 qualified thermostats), SDG&E will give you $50 for each thermostat you buy. Find out if you qualify at sdge.com/business-thermostat. |
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Friday's Tacos & Slushee Wine Rita's at La Mesa Wine Works |
Exciting NEWS
Tacos & Slushees & Froserita & Sangria
FRIDAYS 5-8
Albert's Fresh Mexican Food
Three Tacos with Rice & Beans $8
Patio is OPEN
Hours: Thursday - Saturday 3 - 8 | Sunday 12 - 5
Sunday Funday: Slushies $5
August: $99 Case Special - 2017 Rose' of Barbera
Call to make a reservation: 619 741.0700 | 8167 Center Street, La Mesa, CA 91942 | See newsletter
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Businesses Who Are NOT Open
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- Bars, breweries and wineries not serving food
- Places of worship
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Hair salons & barber shops
- Personal care facilities (spas, facials, eyelashes, etc.)
- Massage parlors
- Tattoo parlors
- Offices for non-essential businesses
- Indoor malls
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Member Restaurants Offering Outdoor Dining |
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Anthony's Fish Grotto
Dine by the Lake and enjoy the ambiance from 11:30am - 8pm.
9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
7 days a week from 11am-10pm - Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Curbside Service, & Delivery. Walk-in, first come, first serve service.
5500 Grossmont Drive
Brew Coffee Spot
Our patio is open daily from 8am to 3pm! First come first served. No reservations required.
Online ordering through Clover | Take out
6101 Lake Murray Blvd. in La Mesa
Cucina Basilico
Patio service Tuesdays - Sundays: 4.30pm-9 pm
(619) 825-3171
7200 Parkway Dr. in La Mesa
Hooleys Public House
Dine under the (3) tents right by the restaurant.
Tue - Thur 4 - 9 pm | Fri 4 - 10 pm | Sat 11 am - 10 pm | Sun 11 am - 7 pm
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277
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La Mesa Wine Works
A cooperative Tasting Room featuring Premium Wines from San Diego County Wineries
8167 Center Street, La Mesa, CA 91942
Thursday - Saturday 3-8 & Sunday 12-5
Little Roma
Dine on the patio that surrounds the restaurant.
Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm | Sun: 4pm - 8:30pm
5575 Baltimore Drive, Suite 104 in La Mesa
Marie Callender's
Patio dining available!
Mon-Thur & Sun: 11am-8pm | Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
6950 Alvarado Rd. in San Diego
Nonno's Ristorante Italiano
Dine in with reservations, or carry out
5314 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa
Sycuan Casino Resort
Enjoy the Viewpoint Neighborhood Kitchen patio!
Restaurant & Bar | Thursday - Sunday: 5PM-10PM
Brunch | Saturday & Sunday: 8AM-2PM
The Lunch Box Cafe and Deli
Dine-in service, takeout or delivery!
Tue - Fri: 7:30am - 2:00pm | Sat: 7:30am - 1:00pm
8751 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
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Member Restaurants Offering Take Out / Delivery |
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Anthony's Fish Grotto
Takeout & dine-in: 11:30am - 8pm
Retail market: 11:30am -7pm
9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa
BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse
7 days a week from 11am-10pm - Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Curbside Service, & Delivery. Walk-in, first come, first serve service.
5500 Grossmont Drive
Brew Coffee Spot
Patio open 8-3 daily | online ordering | take out
(619) 246-1244
6101 Lake Murray Blvd. in La Mesa
Cali Comfort BBQ
Take out: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. 7 days a week.
619-337-0670
8910 Troy Street in Spring Valley
Cucina Basilico
Takeout: 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
(619) 825-3171.
7200 Parkway Dr. in La Mesa
Dream Dinners
Easy, Homemade Meals
5208 Jackson Dr #116 - La Mesa
Edible Arrangements
Free delivery! 8237 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
El Pollo Loco
10 a.m. - 10 p.m. for drive through meals.
4990 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa
Himalayan Cuisine
Take out: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday - Thursday
Friday & Saturday: 11am - 10pm
(619) 461-2503
7918 El Cajon Blvd #P in La Mesa
Hooleys Public House
Patio dining, takeout & delivery
Tue - Thur 4 - 9 pm | Fri 4 - 10 pm | Sat 11 am - 10 pm | Sun 11 am - 7 pm
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277
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Little Roma
Patio dining or delivery.
Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm | Sun: 4pm - 8:30pm
Delivery hours: M-Sat 11am- 9pm | Sun 4-8:30pm
5575 Baltimore Drive, Suite 104 in La Mesa
Los Pinos Taco Shop
Takeout: Mon - Sat 10:30am - 9pm.
Sunday 4 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
(619) 462-5031
5646 Lake Murray Blvd in La Mesa
Marie Callender's
Patio dining,take out and delivery available!
Mon-Thur & Sun: 11am-8pm | Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
6950 Alvarado Rd. in San Diego
Nonno's Ristorante Italiano
Dine in with reservations or carry out.
5314 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa
Red Lobster
Takeout: Sun - Thurs: 11am - 10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am - 11pm
(619) 463-4449 | 8703 Murray Drive in La Mesa
San Pasqual Winery
Mon - Thur: 12 - 6 PM | Fri - Sat: 12 - 8 PM | Sunday: 12 - 5 PM
Order pick ups and bottles to go. Limited wine service on our patio. Visit La Mesa Wine Works, for service on our spacious patio! 8364 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
Surf Rider Pizza Co.
Takeout: Tuesday - Sunday 11:30am - 7:30pm
8381 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
The Lunch Box Cafe and Deli
Dine-in service, takeout or delivery!
Tuesday to Friday: 7:30am - 2:00pm
Saturday: 7:30am - 1:00pm
8751 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
Valley Farm Market
Fresh meat, chicken and fish, as well as milk, eggs, bread and fresh produce. Products are available on a “first come, first served” basis.
9040 Campo Rd. in Spring Valley
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Show Off Your Membership With Pride! |
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"Most consumers (59%) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It is 29% more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a
company uses good business practices and 26% more effective for communicating that a business is reputable."
Quoted from "The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce"
Not only do we provide members a physical plaque to display at their place of business, we also provide a way to further brand your business by providing a Virtual Plaque to display right on your website. Membership in a chamber of commerce has come to signify corporate citizenship and excellence, and your website is your storefront to the consumer and the world. Just place it on your website with a link back to www.lamesachamber.com or to your personal business page in our directory. |
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Special Thank You to Our Premium Members |
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Grossmont Center
At Grossmont Center, you’ll be reminded why our center has thrived since 1961 because it’s where friendships are made, family bonds are strengthened and memories are created.
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #213 in La Mesa
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Boston Beer Company
Edible Arrangements
Power Plaques.com
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Sandra Small/ Photographer |
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SMIB Management, Inc.
The Little Warehouse
Self Storage
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AAA Imaging
American Medical Response
Barnes & Noble -
Grossmont Center
Benchmark Financial
Community Spectrum
Discovering My City Magazine
DMZ Visual Marketing
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EDCO Waste & Recycling Corp.
Frazier Farms
Hallman Jewelers
Kostedt Design & Marketing
Magnaglobe Enterprises
Mobility Works
Park Station
PenChecks, Inc.
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Productivity Plus Office Support
San Pasqual Winery
Sanctuary Cruises
Studio M.I.F.
The East County Californian
Vision Studio Concepts
William H. Sauls
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Thank you for being a member and for your support!
Mary England
President & CEO
Cell: 619-251-7730
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La Mesa Chamber of Commerce ∙ 8080 La Mesa Blvd. Ste. 212 ∙ La Mesa, California 91942
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Copyright © 2020 All Rights Reserved. |
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