O’Malley threatens mayor with alley brawl

May 23, 2008

By KAREN VELIE

Atascadero City Council member Tom O’Malley challenged Mayor Mike Brennler to handle a dispute regarding council procedures his way, man-to-man out in the parking lot, said numerous attendees of Thursday’s “public trust and campaign reform workshop.”

During the conciliatory-turned-contentious meeting, O’Malley interrupted and argued with a speaker during public comment. Brennler asked O’Malley to let the speaker finish. When it appeared O’Malley couldn’t hear the mayor over the altercation, Brennler began waving his hand at the council member.

“If you don’t stop shaking your hand at me, we are going to have to meet out back in the parking lot,” O’Malley is reported by numerous witnesses to have said.

O’Malley did not respond to requests for comment.

Late last year, the council voted to hire a mediator at a cost of around $9,000 to oversee a series of meetings designed to help city leaders develop skills needed to foster publics trust and confidence. At the first meeting a few months ago, O’Malley is reported to have hurled insults and argued with Brennler and Tom Shanks, the mediator.

Shortly before O’Malley’s latest threat, Suzy Anderson, a member of “A Better Atascadero,” — a political action committee — accused council member George Luna’s wife Ursula of taking certain actions during an election eight years ago.

George Luna said he was not going to listen to “lies,” and walked out of the meeting. Anderson later said she was not speaking on behalf of her group.

Following lunch, Luna returned, and Brennler asked attendees to follow meeting decorum and refrain from personal insults and requests for fist fights. Shanks put a limit on public participation, and the focus turned towards public finance reform.


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By: Anonymous on 5/24/08

To National Enquirer: You sound just like Sandy Duerr, Trib editor. Same kind of thinking. This site rocks!!!

By: Anonymous on 5/24/08

I wonder if there ia a tape of this confrontation. It would be a great podcast for everyone to hear. Oh I forgot, it's Atascadero and like most permit applications, emails and other important documents it has been lost or their hard drives have conveniently crashed.

As that great boxing referee would say before each fight "Let's get it on."

By: Anonymous on 5/24/08

This site is starting to get rediculous. Seems like they are posting articles that will get people over excited about an issue taking one side of the story and running with it hoping that the people it is supporting will send money. Unclear facts or ommission of facts from both sides of the story to slam one side. Who sets up a pay pall account and asks for donations just for reporting half of a story? I am beginning to think this site is a scam!!! Brainwashing people, then asking for their money. Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

By: Anonymous on 5/24/08

to reality says your obviously a member of one of the groups i mentioned Ive watched you people work for 30 years now. Nothing but unreasonable, self-rightious, controlling luna tics


By: Anonymous on 5/24/08

Hi Uncovered. I just hear about you. All I can say isthat I just love this site. Right On.

PS I currently support Brennler and I heard about this site from (I won't say) but it was a wildday. We all laern.

By: Anonymous on 5/24/08

Alright. I can't believe you exist.I heard about you and here you are. I read everything, and what stand out is that last post from to reality. Yes

By: Anonymous on 5/24/08

Check again,

These problems have gone on long before Mike and Ellem were voted in. You seek to blame (as others do) all the woes of Atascadero on this new council who had "nothing to do" with what the past council created. Try as you will, go for it, keep spreading your bullshit rhetoic. It won't fly anymore. You can't lie to us anymore. Here we "ALL COME". and up yours you self serving bullshiters.

By: Anonymous on 5/24/08

Clay and O'Malley are the only ones on the council that you can count on and trust to act in the best interest of the city. The other 3 are complete flakes placed in power by the support of a-town homeowners assoc., native tree people, Atascadero land perservancy group, and more recently oppose wal-mart and various and sundry kooks that show up at council meetings to give speeches on why we should hand over control over our property to them. Just try to get a building permit in this environment, impossible most of us have given up. Endless plan check corrections.

By: Anonymous on 5/24/08

To Jay,

I generally don't post but who ever your friends are haven't done you any favors . You sound like a jerk and thats just honest. I voted for Mike but you are an embarrassmnet to the cause. Sober up.


By: Anonymous on 5/24/08

OK We have been drinking and I AGREED TO SAY WHAT I THINK. i WAS HERE EARIER AND IN AN HNOEST STATE OF MIND AND OK I AGREE WITH BRENLER.

By: Anonymous on 5/24/08

You have to be kidding when counting the rounds. Did you see what Cop2 had to say? Hell it was a knock out. Even if they did it the hard way Cop1 told you who kicked whose a–.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Good night everyone.

Round 2 tomorrow.

This blog may set a new record for hits.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Brennler 10

O'Malley 9

Report-no knockdowns just a feeling out round

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

During the last election campaign it was Tom's goal to be Mayor up until this time and then run for supervisor. After the last election it was only a short time thereafter that Tom was hitting his supporters up for more money to fill his war chest for a run for the supervisor seat. Everyone knows this. The problem is that Tom lost his support for being wishy washy.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

To real Atascadero Residents


We can not continue to be pushed around by these small special interest groups. Allthough A Better Atascadero is trying to start some resistance its hard for working people to have the same input as these groups. Tell your freinds about this site and please make a statement with a blog. These people need to see the resistance they have. This is so much easier than attending Councel meetings and could have a lot of impact. Support Wall-Mart and show your support for Clay and O'Malley these guys are taking a beating for all of us.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

There is more here than meets the mind. This is rediculous. To think that O'malley wants to run for County Supervisor? I'd say those day's are over. Something is up. It will come as a bigger surprise than any of us thought. Just let the forces do their work and all will be revealed. Regardless of the outcome I will never vote for O'malley again.

PS I didn't vote for Brennler but I'm glad he is there.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to Maria


Maybe we could save some time here and get Anderson to provide a complete and thorough resume on herself in exchange for a complete and thorough resume on Tom Comar and Lee Perkins.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Investors, We are here to help you. If you see any deeds that have the name O'Malley on them please report it to this site. Please don't think you are protecting him,hHe used you,. We know more than you do. Trust us and report it.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to Maria


If your group is so honest why is it Oppose Wal-Mart refuses to answer any questions regarding Tom Comar and his past union positions and involvement. These people at A Better Atascadero are just sick of watching small special interest groups that don't work for a living push the whole system around for thier no growth, not in my back yard propaganda. The people of this town will fight back this time.


By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Yipee-we agree. We would be seeing more than sticks in the air. We would be seeing tax revenue, jobs, police & fire improvements, a flourishing downtown, less driving and maybe Luna, Comar and Perkins out of town.

Poll after poll says the people want it.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

To Insider,

Don't worry , You will be OK. Its OK, Its ok. We are here to help you. Talk to us and please leave these competent people alone.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

The "Anderson Group" is no worse than Oppose Wal Mart. The difference being is that these people are attempting to protect private property rights and are addressing the people who are taking them away. The difference here is that the "Anderson Group" is not backed by a large financial machine (OPM) and do not have the resources for all of the signs, t-shirts, mailings, emails and so on. They just do it the old american way and voice there opinions.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to to insider


I totally disagree. If we had that councel today we would be seeing sticks in the air at the Wal-Mart site right now. If you think not you have zero credibility.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

This is just rediculous. Anyone can see what is going on. I agree that there is a radical group out there to cause dissention and obstuct the real concerns. Since the Anderson person was so "forth coming" in this little "scam to obfuscate" I agree that we should all research her and her associates and beware of her and her's. I'm not a contententious person, I'm just honest. Please do nothing to give Anderson and her "gang" any support in any way. God Bless us and lets do the right thing.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

You must remember that Tom did have a majority on the council, Clay, Scalise and himself and they still did nothing. There was no action taken against the Planning Department which is mostly to blame for the condition of this town. If you don't beleive me and you have a few thousand dollars to waste and 6-9 months go down there and see if you can build a garage on your property.

Tom made alot of promises and never fulfilled many of them and lost many followers. That's the reason he didn't run for county supervisor because he lost his support ($$$$$) There a reason for that.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to to insider


I couldn't agree with you more. George Luna is a bigger and more proficient lier. If your his friend he doesn't need any enemies. With George the ends can always Justify the means.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to Part of It


Your right Tom doesn't have a majority on the Council. I have never seen it so screwed up in the 30 years I've been here and your people have control. You can't keep blaming things on past councels because your in charge and have been for several years. Quit blaming others and do something.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to part of it. your just a Goober.we know your a tree hugger and i bet you have wood cabinets in your house. go away and dont come back another day.


By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Regarding your comment of Luna vs. O'Malley the differences are that Luna is smarter than O'Malley. Luna's 20 years experience on the council compared to O'Malley's 6 years has just made George a more knowledgeable and better liar.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to Cathy


You better apply for a refund from Cal Polly for that degree they screwed you on that one. I don't think Clay even knows me.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

With much consideration and deduction I do agree that, "Insider" is most likely Jerry Clay. (I have a Cal Poly degree in this sort of analysis) I'm not giving this 100% but I'll say it's Clay and stake it at 97%. Oh My, How do we do that Jerry?

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

You must remember that during the last election Tom was the mouthpiece who bad mouthed Luna and Brennler thinking he was going to have a majority on the city council that would appoint him to serve as mayor again. Tom had even threatened to "run Luna out of town" after election. After the election Tom became a nobody on the council. I guess you could say his soapbox was kicked out from underneath him. Tom has been no angel here, he's been stirring the pot for a long time with his opponets on the council and it appears he is getting on the losing end now and can't handle it.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Smokey the Bear Brennler is nothing but a school yard bully and Tom just got tired of having his lunch money taken away. Tom screw him if he can't take a joke.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

All you Luna supporters are in for quite the supprize. Do you think for a moment that Luna just sat by and knew nothing of the details of everything that went on. Whatever it was. Come on. If anything over the last twenty years I have never known of Luna to not ask questions about anything and everything. I have know doubt if things were not right Tom spilled the beans. Why? Because he told the truth. If they asked him a question he answered it truthfully. I don't think an investigator would walk away from a interview with Luna and know whether he got the truth or the version George wanted to give him. Yes Tom is brash and Brennler gets his goat but you know what you got with Tom.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to all of you who are talking trash about omally he is tired of the B.S. at least he has a backbone to stand up against people who are dragging this city down. some of you are just plain stupid.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

I'm sure O'Malleys comment was one he wishes he could have not made. I was not there but I can just see Smokey the Bear Brennler waving his hand in front of Tom trying his best to be a ahole. He's really anoying and controlling and they don't get allong. They know how to pull each others strings. It takes two to tangle and from what I've seen Brennler knows how to irritate.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

I think you are correct about Tom. If you had been in the hot seat withe FBI and the Treasury Dept. you would be a little worried also. Tom's been real quiet lately which is not like Tom. I think we can anticipate a whole lot more info on Tom O'Malley to come out in the future. And like most things in Atascadero I don't beleive it's going to positive.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

There has been much controversy over the cost of the sunken garden. Let's have the "Thriller in the Garden."

O'Malley vs. Brennler in the park. The ticket sales and TV revenue would more than cover the million dollar cost of the sunken garden. Wouldn't it be great if both fighters agreed to winner take all. That's right, winner takes all could be decided in one evening in the sunken gardens. The more I think about it this could be a good idea. Could you imagine that one event could actually set the course of events for the future of Atascadero. Or we could call it the fight at the Y. The winner either goes to the right or to the left.


By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Clay has said let the Wal-Mart thing go to a vote of the people. This is one thing that Clay and Oppose Wal-Mart are on the same page on. And I agree. Let this thing go to the ballot. The EIR won't be done before November anyway and we will have a final decision by the people. I would asume Oppose Wal-Mart and all thier followers would agree lets go to the ballot.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Tom is under a lot of pressure. I don't know why but I don't approve of the behavior. I have always been his supporter but I don't approve of this behavior. I think Tom needs medication and should seek treatment and admit to the public that he has corrected the problem.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

I just heard that I should look at this site. Ok i've been here, saw it , did it. I wish I could forget it.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Oh Geez,

This is as crazy as ever. This is a whole different situation that I can relate to. I voted for the b's. I liked them and wanted change. I never thought there would be so many people that would attack them but that’s called Naiveté. I never thought it was really this serious. I’m so glad that I’m with all you good people and that I understand and learn every day. Politics are difficult and if a person wants to do the right thing they have to pay attention and make themselves understand. Then an average person applies everyday logic. This doesn’t take a PHD although it sometimes feels like that. I love this site. Thank You so much Karen and Dan.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

The Turtle was one of the highest recipients of funds during the last election. My presumption is that there thousands of small contributions under $100 dollars that go unreported. I wonder how OPM members did that? There are more donors than members or dirty money.

Remember that after 5 hours of public input for the APPLICATION ONLY for Wal Mart that when public comment was closed the turtle immediately called for the meeting to be adjourned without a vote. Do you think that may have anything to do with OPM. I guess come January maybe we will find out from our new mayor. What a joke.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to breaking the rules


No I'm not just ask Cindy.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

I predict Brennler, Bereau, and Luna will accept the Oppose Wal-Mart ordinace rather than let the public decide. Wal-Mart will leave town. We will be broke in two years. Then what?

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Atascadero has been looking for something to put itself on the map. Our city council could be the answer. A taping of the "highlites" of their meetings would make a great reality show. The episode today could be canned for first show next year. Or maybe even better we could replace the moderatot at today's meeting with Judge Judy.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

To Insider,

You are Clay!

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to Hard to Fathom


I'll bet the "Turtle" could end up the dirtyest of all. The way she cried for more money multiple times at the last City Councel meeting would lead me too believe she probably took liberties with her campaign contributions and could do so in the future.


By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Within 30 minutes of posting this blog there have been 40 comments made. Is there harmony in Atascadero? I don't think so.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to Cindy Sasur


Not even warm.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Dale Carnegie where are you? Please reincarnate and gather our City Staff and Council together for the reading of your famous book-How to win freinds and influence people.

P.S. They pay very high fees.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

To Insider,

You are Clay!

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to Suppose


Nope wrong again. Keep trying if if amuses you.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

I never post but I sent my e-mail too. I'm not a part of this but I want to get connected. I vote like you do but need to know more. I'm so glad this site is here. Please contact me via my e-mail address that I sent to Karen.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to Suppose


No not Suzy. Guess again.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

A "reporter" who tells the truth doesn't reveal their source. It's called creditbility which doesn't exist at City Hall.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

…. or her sidekick Burback

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

To Carol Ann & Nancy,

I have sent my e-mail address to Karen and Dan. Please check with them and contact me. Lets get together with others.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to Cindy Sasur


Who are you kidding? Brennler is always rude to Clay. He shuts him down all the time. I actually think Clay could kick his but if he wasn't such a nice guy. I've never seen Clay act in any way that would deserve the way Brennler treats him.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Me thinks that insider is in fact Suzy Anderson


By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to it's true


"from a good source" must mean rumor in your little group and "target" probably means someone we can get honest answers from verses the people whos computers crash.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Bob Kelley,

I agree with you, however I don't find that George, Mike or Ellen have ever acted in a fashion as to be inappropriate or an embarrassment. I see no reason to request their apologies.

Kind Regards

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Isn't it Luna's, O'Keaf, and Brennlers computers that always crash when copies of thier e-mail is requested. Isn't Brennler and his goons that stalk and attempted to aquire the names of people who would want them recalled from the City Council. Wasn't it Brennler who calls up and confronts anyway who opposes him. You wonder why people didn't want to sign the recall. This guy does everything like a undercover cop. He won't be happy untill him, Bereau, and Oppose Wal-Mart have brought this town to bankruptcy and civil war.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Smokey & the Turtle appear to be the clean ones here. Only in Atascabama would anything like this happen. It sounds like the prelude to a prize fight at the weigh in. Or is all of this building up to a Wal Mart vote?

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

O'Malley won't be going anywhere without Luna. How did Luna look after his interview he's been looking a little sketchy too. Smokey can't tell them who to go after when he points his gun.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

From a good source it's been said that Tom O'Malley was one of the main "targets" for the FBI and Treasury Dept. It was said that Tom was "pale white and had eyes as big as tennis balls" after the interview. How much room is left under the carpets at City Hall to sweep this stuff under? It only cost us taxpayers close to $90,000 for attorney fees during the time of those interviews.

Up until a few months ago it seemed we heard from Tom O'Malley almost on a daily basis when he was taking credit for just about everything in Atascadero. It seemed he was on the radio almost weekly. Havn't heard too much from Tom lately, I wonder why?

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to oh joy


definately do not debate for we may see who's behind the curtain. Is it the wizzard of oz or Tom Comar our great union leader?

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

The Boy Cops have been on this site before when it had nothing to do with Brennler. We were here when the issue of "male police officer discrimination" came up and a complaint was filed at city hall by White Male Police Officers against Lesbian Police Officer discrimination. Brennler had nothing to do with it. We have been here before. Go look.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Campaign reform is nothing but a way for special interest groups to control the council with left wing members. Funding them with groups like Oppose Wal-Mart and the Atascadero Home Owners Assoc. They are just interested in tipping the table so it slopes towards them. Vote no on campaign reform.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Hey Folks,

Insider is here. He will try to slime the blog. Please do what we have done on all the other blogs. Ignore him unless you agree with him, but please don't argue. He will never stop if you respond.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

To Boycott,

I get your point.


By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Suzy Anderson, she isn't out to do anyone any good. What in the world is the matter with some of these people? Just think about it for a minute. This woman showed up today and attacked Luna by saying his wife did something eight years ago during an election. I believe it had to do with removing two illegaly placed signs. If that isn't someone out to undermine a meeting then what is?

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Brennler will be fiddling with Bereau while Rome burns.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

to counciland planing staff.i have lived here 34 years and have dealt with all of you many times. there is so much turmoil going on inside those walls no one can get anything done and it does reflect the public. all of you will some day go through what you have put many of good citizens through. Wade Mckinny.you are yes man with no BACKBONE

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Brennler is playing good cop bad cop with himself so much we might want to rename him Smokey the Schizophrenic Bear. He is probably turning crimson red just reading this.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Hey Boy Cop and Boy Cop2

When are you going to pick up Tom for DUI? Catch him when he's leaving the Carlton.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

To Boy Cop,

Brennler did kick O'Malley's a–.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Guess what Brennler siad when O'Malley called him outside? ………………..

He looked at the public and siad "Did you hear that". I have to say that Brennler has class. He does get red but it appears to be a natural part of his heritage (probably Irish)!

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Hey Atascadero Guy: sorry you are offended by my thoughts…"nuke em" is just another way of saying throw all the bums out. You will be happy to know that I recently traded my gas burning lawn mower for a "green" battery powered mower. Brennler was happy anyway.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

Ha Ha Ha LOL. Mike might have been a detective but he was still required to stay in the same shape that street police officers have to maintain. He would have kicked O'Malleys A–. I wish I had been there.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Tom O'Malley is in deeper than we all know. He is part of the FBI investigation. If anyone knows of any investments he made with Hurst or EFI please post it on this site.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

To Cindy;

Over time the entire City Council has shown behavior that has put this city where it is today. As they say regarding consensus building I think it would be a courageous act, violation or not of the Brown Act, for the current City Council to lock themselves in a room and not come out until they reach some agreement where

their public behavior improves. You have been to meetings and have observed all of the bickering and snide remarks that go on. If you don't get enough at a City Council you can go to a Planning Commission meeting and watch them. Irregardless of what your opinion is on any of the issues their needs to be professionalism and courtesy not only from the City Staff but also the City Managers office and the Planning Department. There are not a whole lot of happy customers or citizens in our city.

You can go almost anywhere or read in the papers etc. and for the most part Atascadero, my home, is considered the laughing stock of the county. Actions like these only tend to confirm that.


By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

To Carol Anne,

Do I know you? If I don't I'd sure like to. Those were my exact thoughts except I wasn't going to post anything(I never do) but I had to say something. I'll send my e-mail address to Karen and please contact her for it. I'd love to make contact with you.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

This is absolutely obtuse. Another 9K down the drain and O'Malley is out of control. If he can't learn to work with the "elected officials" then he needs to take a hike. He doesn't have control of the City Council anymore and he "never will again". Get used to it Tom.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

To Bob Kelly,


When it comes to apologies I disagree with you. Tom O'Malley who was out of order should give an apology to "everyone". Leave the rest of the council out of it.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

This is crazy! Tom O'Malley is really going off the deep end. He is doing too much damage to Atascadero and is no longer working in the best interest of the people. He should resign. With the FBI investigating him it's only going to get worse.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

The woman Suzy Anderson was at the meeting (on behalf of O'Malley and Clay) to undermine the canpaign reform discussions.She is part of the Ray Buban, Cheryl Burback and Mike Jackson Group.(remember recall the b's). They are obnoxious radicals that have never had their facts straight. In fact they are the ones that started the rumor about the city putting public trails on peoples property. No matter what they were told (even shown in writing) they kept repeating there ignorant statements and inciting the public. Suzy Anderson is a realtor and that group are good friends of Kelly Gearhart. Look up Anderson and if you have a property to sell or are looking to buy, stay away from her. She's got her own agenda and it isn't about the benefit of Atascaderans.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

This is full exposure to the internal and external operation of the City of Atascadero. Here is just another example of a $9000 "study" that hasn't worked just like the rest of them. The entire city government appears to be dysfunctional.

I just left Paso Robles after seeing a movie and having a nice dinner with the family. We then walked over to the park and looked at the cars on display in the park. Along the way we met several people from Atascadero and the conversations always ended "why can't we have something like this in Atascadero?" The answer to that was on my computer when I got home and read this blog.

I think it has got to the point where the entire slate needs to be wiped clean and start all over.

All of the City Council should give a public apology to the citizens of this town.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

To Paso Guy,

I live in Atascadero and I am one of the registered voters that voted for Mike Brennler. I take offense at you making "nuke em" statements. We have already been "nuked" buy the past majority city council's and some "special interest" good old boys. Go back to Paso and stay out of Atascadero's business. You don't know what your talking about.

By: Anonymous on 5/23/08

the mayor's an idiot and O'malley ain't much better. I say nuke em and start from scratch. I won't bother to get aa Atascadero voter's consensess as the mayor has already demonstrated that he cares not

what they think


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