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Chapter 5.44 — FRANCHISE GRANTS FOR USE OF PUBLIC WAYS

Pasadena Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-29 · Pasadena

5.44.010 - Grants required.

Except as provided under exceptions A, B and C of this section, it is unlawful for the owner or driver of any vehicle to allow such vehicle to remain standing in any street or alley in the city between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. It is unlawful for the owner or driver of any commercial vehicle as defined in California Vehicle Code § 260 to allow such commercial vehicle to remain standing upon any street or alley in the city between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

EXCEPTIONS:

A.

This section shall not apply to vehicles of any regularly licensed physician or licensed nurse when actually engaged in making professional calls.

B.

This section shall not apply to taxicabs or other public carriers in the course of picking up or discharging a passenger or to deliver vehicles in the course of a service call.

C.

This section shall not apply to any vehicle for which an all-night street parking permit has been duly issued pursuant to this chapter and displayed in compliance with Section 10.44.070.

D.

This section shall not apply to the portion of a street or alley that the director has determined to be exempt after an engineering study. Such exemption may be for all or a portion of the 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. period.

(Ord. 6509 § 2, 1992: Ord. 2620 § 1, 1927)

(Ord. No. 7341, § 3, 3-25-2019)

5.44.020 - Types of franchises applicable.

Every franchise enumerated in subsections A through H, inclusive, of this section shall be granted by ordinance in accordance with the procedure prescribed by this chapter and every franchise for solid waste collection mentioned in subsection I of this section shall be granted by ordinance in accordance with the procedure prescribed by Chapter 8.61. The franchises contemplated by this chapter shall include:

A.

Every franchise to construct, maintain or operate a street railroad along, upon, over, in, under or across any street, lane, alley, court or other public place in the city;

B.

Every franchise to construct, maintain or operate any interurban railroad along, upon, over, in, under or across any such street, lane, alley, court or other public place, and whether the same is to be operated on the surface, in subways or upon an elevated structure;

C.

Every franchise to construct, operate or maintain an underground street railroad through subways, and for the construction, operation and maintenance of elevated street railways along, across, in or over any such street, lane, alley, court or other public place;

D.

Every franchise to operate a system for transporting or conveying passengers or freight over and along any such street, lane, alley, court or other public place without the use of tracks;

E.

Every franchise to construct, maintain or operate pipes, tubes or conduits along, upon, over, in, under or across any such street, lane, alley, court or other public place for the purpose of transmitting water, gas or other substance or utility;

F.

Every franchise to erect, construct, lay, maintain and operate poles, pipes, conduits, wires or cables upon, over, under, in, across or along any such street, lane, alley, court or other public place for the purpose of transmitting power, heat, electricity or electric energy, or for communication by telephone, telegraph or other system;

G.

Every franchise for the construction and operation of any other plants or systems necessary or convenient for furnishing the city and its inhabitants with transportation, communication, water, light, power or any other public service;

H.

Every franchise for the construction and operation of steam railroad tracks within the incorporated city limits of the city.

I.

Every nonexclusive franchise for the business of solid waste collection, transportation, disposal and/or recycling over and across any street, lane, alley, court or other public place in the city.

(Ord. 6509 §§ 3, 4, 1992; Ord. 2620 § 2, 1927)

5.44.030 - Application—Filing and information contained.

Every applicant for a franchise mentioned in subsections A through H of Section 5.44.020, inclusive, shall file with the board of directors an application therefor in writing, setting forth in such application the name and address of such applicant, a description of the franchise applied for and the streets and other places upon, over, in, under or across which it is proposed to exercise such franchise.

(Ord. 6509 § 5, 1992: Ord. 2620 § 3(1), 1927)

5.44.035 - Application for solid waste collection franchise—Filing process governed by…

The application and award process for a nonexclusive franchise for the business of solid waste collection, transportation, disposal and/or recycling mentioned in subsection I of Section 5.44.020, is specified in and governed by Chapter 8.61.

(Ord. 6509 § 6, 1992)

5.44.040 - Application—Processing fee.

No application for a franchise mentioned in subsections A through H, inclusive, of Section 5.44.020 shall be considered by the board of directors unless the application shall be accompanied by the sum of $100.00, which sum shall be returned to the applicant in the event the board of directors determines that neither the public necessity nor the public interest requires the granting of the franchise. If, however, the board of directors determines that public necessity or the public interest requires the granting of the franchise, then the sum of $100.00 shall be retained by the city in full for all expenses connected with the granting of the franchise.

(Ord. 6509 § 7, 1992; Ord. 2620 § 3(2), 1927)

5.44.050 - Bidding procedure.

The board of directors may, after receipt of an application for such franchise mentioned in subsections A through H, inclusive, of Section 5.44.020, grant the same by ordinance or may in its discretion advertise for bids for the sale of such franchise by notice stating therein the name of applicant, duration, terms, conditions, character and regulations under which it proposes to grant such franchise. The notice inviting bids shall be published 3 days in a daily newspaper published and circulated in the city. The notice inviting bids shall also state the time and place sealed bids will be received and the time and place that the bids will be opened by the board of directors, said time not to exceed 30 days after the first publication of the notice. The franchise, if awarded, will be awarded to the bidder offering:

A.

To pay to the city during the life of such franchise the highest percentage of gross annual revenue received by the bidder from the operation of its business in the city; or

B.

To pay to the city the highest stated sum as compensation for such franchise for the entire term of such grant; or

C.

To pay to the city the highest annual or monthly compensation for such franchise during the time of such grant; or

D.

To pay to the city such other compensation or consideration for such franchise as may be prescribed by the board of directors in the advertisement for bids and notice of sale thereof.

Provided that the board of directors may in the advertisement for bids and notice of sale, invite bids on any number of the bases hereinbefore in this section enumerated.

(Ord. 6509 § 8, 1992; Ord. 3200 § 1, 1934; Ord. 2620 § 4(1), 1927)

5.44.060 - Bid delivery, consideration and award.

Each bid shall be delivered to the city clerk and shall be accompanied by the sum of $100.00 or certified check in the like amount, payable to the order of the city of Pasadena, except the bid of the original applicant for the franchise who shall be required to make no further deposit with the city other than required by Section 5.44.040. The bids shall be opened by the board of directors in public session and publicly declared, and no bid shall be considered unless accompanied by the sum of $100.00 or the certified check as hereinabove provided. If the board of directors awards the franchise the same must be granted by ordinance within 30 days thereafter. Upon the franchise being awarded all deposits made by unsuccessful bidders shall be returned, including that of original applicant if he or it was an unsuccessful bidder.

(Ord. 2620 § 4(2), 1927)

5.44.070 - Special permits granted for emergency.

When the board of directors finds that an emergency exists and that public convenience and necessity require it, a special permit may be granted to any applicant for a franchise under this chapter to permit the applicant to proceed with the relocation, extension, alteration or other change in existing facilities, except repairs or maintenance changes, which relocation, extension, alteration or other change in existing facilities by reason of such emergency should be made before the securing of a franchise under this chapter is possible. Such special permit shall only be granted to an applicant for a franchise under this chapter and after the filing of the application for a franchise as in this chapter provided. An application for special permit shall be filed in writing with the board of directors setting forth such information as will permit action thereon. Reference in the application may be made to the application for franchise for a description of the proposed extension, alteration or other change in existing facilities. All such special permits shall be granted under the express condition that if a franchise under this chapter is not granted and accepted, all work done under the special permit shall be removed immediately at applicant's expense and the streets or alleys or other public places affected by such work shall be placed in as good condition as before such work was done. The board of directors may require, as a condition to the granting of the special permits, that a bond of a kind and in an amount determined by the board shall be furnished by applicant, conditioned upon the faithful performance of the terms and conditions of the permit and further conditioned that applicant shall prosecute diligently to completion all work thereunder including removal work as hereinbefore provided.

(Ord. 3397 § 1, 1937: Ord. 2620 § 4(3), 1927)

5.44.080 - Acceptance filing.

The grantee of any franchise granted under this chapter shall, within 10 days after the franchise is granted, file with the city clerk a written acceptance of the terms and conditions thereof.

(Ord. 2620 § 5, 1927)

5.44.090 - Faithful performance bond.

The board of directors may, in its discretion, require the grantee of any franchise granted under this chapter to file a bond for the faithful performance of the terms and conditions thereof running to the city in the penal sum to be fixed by the board of directors. If any bond shall be required of the grantee of any franchise, the board of directors in its notice inviting bids shall so state and the amount thereof. Any bond that may be required by the board of directors shall be filed with the city clerk prior to the granting of the franchise by ordinance.

(Ord. 2620 § 6, 1927)

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▸Contents — Pasadena Municipal Code
Pasadena Municipal Code
  1. Article I — NAME AND BOUNDARIES
  2. Article II — SUCCESSION
  3. Article III — POWERS OF THE CITY
  4. Article IV — THE CITY COUNCIL
  5. Article V — LEGISLATION
  6. Article VI — THE CITY MANAGER
  7. Article VII — BOARD OF EDUCATION
  8. Article VIII — THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM
  9. Article IX — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
  10. Article X — CONTRACTS, PURCHASES AND CLAIMS
  11. Article XI — FRANCHISES
  12. Article XII — ELECTIONS
  13. Article XIII — INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
  14. Article XIV — WATER AND POWER UTILITY OPERATIONS
  15. Article XV — THE FIRE AND POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM
  16. Article XVI — PARK PRESERVATION
  17. Article XVII — TAXPAYER PROTECTION
  18. Article XVIII — THE PASADENA FAIR AND EQUITABLE HOUSING CHARTE…
  19. Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  20. Title 1 — FOOTNOTES
  21. Chapter 2.05 — CITY COUNCIL
  22. Chapter 2.10 — CITY COUNCIL VACANCY APPOINTMENT PROCESS
  23. Chapter 2.20 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
  24. Chapter 2.25 — PARKING AUTHORITY
  25. Chapter 2.28 — SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY
  26. Chapter 2.30 — CITY ATTORNEY'S DEPARTMENT
  27. Chapter 2.35 — CITY CLERK'S DEPARTMENT
  28. Chapter 2.40 — CITY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENT
  29. Chapter 2.45 — ADVISORY BODIES GENERALLY
  30. Chapter 2.47 — ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
  31. Chapter 2.48 — ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
  32. Chapter 2.55 — CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION
  33. Chapter 2.60 — COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
  34. Chapter 2.65 — COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
  35. Chapter 2.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
  36. Chapter 2.75 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
  37. Chapter 2.80 — DESIGN COMMISSION
  38. Chapter 2.85 — HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
  39. Chapter 2.86 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
  40. Chapter 2.90 — LIBRARY COMMISSION
  41. Chapter 2.95 — NORTHWEST COMMISSION
  42. Chapter 2.98 — PARKING METER ZONES ADVISORY COMMISSIONS
  43. Chapter 2.100 — RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
  44. Chapter 2.105 — PLANNING COMMISSION
  45. Chapter 2.110 — RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
  46. Chapter 2.120 — SENIOR COMMISSION
  47. Chapter 2.130 — SOUTH LAKE AVENUE PARKING PLACE COMMISSION
  48. Chapter 2.135 — TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
  49. Chapter 2.140 — ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
  50. Chapter 2.150 — HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
  51. Chapter 2.155 — PASADENA COMMUNITY ACCESS CORPORATION BOARD
  52. Chapter 2.165 — PASADENA CENTER OPERATING COMPANY BOARD
  53. Chapter 2.175 — THE ROSE BOWL OPERATING COMPANY
  54. Chapter 2.250 — RETIREMENT SYSTEM
  55. Chapter 2.255 — AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY
  56. Chapter 2.265 — PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPA…
  57. Chapter 2.266 — PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
  58. Chapter 2.267 — LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
  59. Chapter 2.268 — HOUSING DEPARTMENT
  60. Chapter 2.270 — PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
  61. Chapter 2.275 — FINANCE DEPARTMENT
  62. Chapter 2.280 — FIRE DEPARTMENT
  63. Chapter 2.285 — HUMAN RESOURCES
  64. Chapter 2.290 — INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
  65. Chapter 2.295 — POLICE DEPARTMENT
  66. Chapter 2.300 — PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
  67. Chapter 2.302 — RENT STABILIZATION DEPARTMENT
  68. Chapter 2.303 — TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
  69. Chapter 2.305 — WATER AND POWER DEPARTMENT
  70. Chapter 2.350 — ACCEPTANCE OF SURETIES
  71. Chapter 2.355 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION OF CODE VIOLATIONS
  72. Chapter 2.360 — EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN CITY EMPLOYMENT
  73. Chapter 2.365 — CLAIMS BY AND AGAINST THE CITY
  74. Chapter 2.370 — DISASTER EMERGENCY SERVICES COUNCIL
  75. Chapter 2.375 — EMERGENCY AUXILIARY FORCES
  76. Chapter 2.380 — HOUSING MEDIATION CONTRACTOR
  77. Chapter 2.385 — PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ARREST PURSUANT TO PENAL…
  78. Chapter 2.390 — RECORD AND DOCUMENT FEES
  79. Chapter 2.395 — UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY
  80. Chapter 2.400 — USE AND ACCESS OF CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION
  81. Title 3 — CIVIC EVENTS AND FACILITIES
  82. Article I — General Provisions
  83. Article II — Permits
  84. Article III — Use Restrictions
  85. Article IV — Uses Requiring Permission
  86. Article V — Refunds—Penalties
  87. Chapter 3.28 — CIVIL DEFENSE TRAINING CENTER
  88. Chapter 3.32 — ARROYO SECO PUBLIC LANDS
  89. Article I — General Provisions
  90. Article II — Natural Preservation Area
  91. Article III — Brookside Park Area
  92. Article IV — Rose Bowl Area
  93. Article V — Brookside Golf Course Area
  94. Title 3 — FOOTNOTES
  95. Title 4 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
  96. Article 1 — General Provisions and Definitions
  97. Chapter 4.90 — CITY OF PASADENA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE B…
  98. Chapter 4.95 — PUBLIC WORKS BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS
  99. Chapter 4.100 — POWER DIVISION GENERAL FUND TRANSFER
  100. Chapter 4.101 — PASADENA TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
  101. Chapter 4.105 — SALES TAX INCENTIVES
  102. Chapter 4.106 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION ORDINANCE
  103. Chapter 4.107 — CITY OF PASADENA SPECIAL TAX FINANCING IMPROVE…
  104. Chapter 4.108 — SEISMIC AND FIRE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ASSESSMENT…
  105. Chapter 4.109 — LIBRARY SPECIAL TAX
  106. Title 4 — FOOTNOTES
  107. Chapter 5.02 — PAYMENT OF A CITY-WIDE MINIMUM WAGE
  108. Chapter 5.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  109. Chapter 5.08 — DEFINITIONS
  110. Chapter 5.10 — LICENSE REGULATIONS
  111. Chapter 5.12 — EXEMPTIONS TO TAX
  112. Chapter 5.16 — FEES FOR MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSES
  113. Chapter 5.20 — ADVERTISEMENTS
  114. Chapter 5.24 — ALARM SYSTEMS
  115. Chapter 5.28 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
  116. Chapter 5.32 — BILLIARD AND POOL ROOMS
  117. Chapter 5.33 — BINGO GAMES
  118. Chapter 5.34 — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
  119. Chapter 5.35 — CONCEALABLE FIREARMS—RETAIL SALES
  120. Chapter 5.40 — ESCORT BUREAUS
  121. Chapter 5.44 — FRANCHISE GRANTS FOR USE OF PUBLIC WAYS
  122. Chapter 5.45 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
  123. Chapter 5.48 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
  124. Chapter 5.56 — PAWNBROKERS, JUNK AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
  125. Chapter 5.60 — SALES AND CLOSE-OUTS
  126. Chapter 5.68 — UNDERGROUND FACILITIES USE
  127. Chapter 5.72 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
  128. Chapter 5.74 — LICENSURE OF TOBACCO RETAILERS
  129. Chapter 5.78 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITY
  130. Chapter 5.80 — COVID-19 RIGHT OF RECALL
  131. Chapter 5.82 — COVID-19 WORKER RETENTION ORDINANCE
  132. Title 5 — FOOTNOTES
  133. Title 6 — ANIMALS
  134. Title 6 — FOOTNOTES
  135. Title 8 — HEALTH AND SAFETY
  136. Title 8 — FOOTNOTES
  137. Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
  138. Chapter 9.20 — GAMING AND GAMBLING
  139. Chapter 9.24 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC
  140. Chapter 9.26 — DEFECATION AND URINATION IN PUBLIC
  141. Chapter 9.28 — INDECENT EXPOSURE
  142. Chapter 9.36 — NOISE RESTRICTIONS
  143. Chapter 9.37 — LEAF-BLOWING MACHINES
  144. Chapter 9.40 — BALL GAME BACKSTOPS
  145. Chapter 9.41 — COMBUSTIBLE BALLOONS
  146. Chapter 9.42 — FORMATION FLYING
  147. Chapter 9.43 — FEES FOR SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT RESPONSE TO PROVI…
  148. Chapter 9.44 — DISTRIBUTION OF UNSOLICITED WRITTEN MATERIAL (R…
  149. Chapter 9.45 — UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
  150. Chapter 9.48 — FIRE HYDRANTS
  151. Chapter 9.52 — TRESPASSING
  152. Chapter 9.56 — OBSTRUCTING PUBLIC PLACE OR BUSINESS
  153. Chapter 9.58 — ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT
  154. Chapter 9.60 — GRAFFITI ABATEMENT ORDINANCE
  155. Chapter 9.62 — ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS
  156. Article VI — Consumer Protection
  157. Chapter 9.68 — CURFEW
  158. Chapter 9.69 — SEALING OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL
  159. Chapter 9.70 — SALE AND DISPLAY OF NARCOTIC PARAPHERNALIA
  160. Chapter 9.75 — TENANT PROTECTION
  161. Chapter 9.76 — PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT
  162. Chapter 9.78 — UNSERIALIZED FIREARMS
  163. Chapter 9.80 — DISCHARGING
  164. Chapter 9.84 — HAZARDOUS WEAPONS
  165. Chapter 9.88 — FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES AND DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
  166. Chapter 9.89 — ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE INFORM…
  167. Chapter 9.90 — REPORTING SALES OF UNREGULATED CHEMICALS
  168. Chapter 9.95 — EVICTION DUE TO ILLEGAL DRUG DEALING ACTIVITIES
  169. Chapter 9.97 — ELLIS ACT TENANT PROTECTIONS
  170. Title 9 — FOOTNOTES
  171. Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
  172. Title 10 — FOOTNOTES
  173. Title 12 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
  174. Title 12 — FOOTNOTES
  175. Title 13 — UTILITIES AND SEWERS
  176. Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
  177. Article II — Design and Construction
  178. Article III — Maintenance and Operation
  179. Chapter 13.28 — WATER MAIN ASSESSMENTS5
  180. Chapter 13.32 — GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED WATERCOURSES
  181. Title 13 — FOOTNOTES
  182. Title 14 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
  183. Title 14 — FOOTNOTES
  184. Title 16 — SUBDIVISIONS
  185. Title 16 — FOOTNOTES
  186. Title 17 — Zoning Code
  187. Chapter 17.10 — Enactment and Applicability of Zoning Code
  188. Chapter 17.12 — Interpretation of Zoning Code Provisions
  189. Chapter 17.20 — Zoning Map
  190. Chapter 17.21 — Development and Land Use Approval Requirements
  191. Chapter 17.22 — Residential Zoning Districts
  192. Chapter 17.24 — Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
  193. Chapter 17.26 — Special Purpose Zoning Districts
  194. Chapter 17.28 — Overlay Zoning Districts
  195. Chapter 17.29 — Hillside Overlay Districts
  196. Chapter 17.30 — Central District Specific Plan
  197. Chapter 17.31 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2022
  198. Chapter 17.32 — East Pasadena Specific Plan
  199. Chapter 17.33 — Fair Oaks-Orange Grove Specific Plan
  200. Chapter 17.34 — North Lake Specific Plan
  201. Chapter 17.35 — South Fair Oaks Specific Plan
  202. Chapter 17.36 — West Gateway Specific Plan
  203. Chapter 17.37 — Lincoln Avenue Specific Plan
  204. Chapter 17.38 — Lamanda Park Specific Plan
  205. Chapter 17.39 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2003
  206. Chapter 17.40 — General Property Development and Use Standards
  207. Chapter 17.42 — Inclusionary Housing Requirements
  208. Chapter 17.43 — Density Bonus, Waivers and Incentives
  209. Chapter 17.44 — Landscaping
  210. Chapter 17.46 — Parking and Loading
  211. Chapter 17.48 — Signs
  212. Chapter 17.50 — Standards for Specific Land Uses
  213. Chapter 17.60 — Application Filing and Processing
  214. Chapter 17.61 — Permit Approval or Disapproval
  215. Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Sp…
  216. Chapter 17.62 — Historic Preservation
  217. Chapter 17.64 — Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extens…
  218. Chapter 17.66 — Development Agreements
  219. Chapter 17.68 — Specific Plans
  220. Chapter 17.70 — Administrative Responsibility
  221. Chapter 17.71 — Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots
  222. Chapter 17.72 — Appeals
  223. Chapter 17.74 — Amendments
  224. Chapter 17.76 — Public Hearings
  225. Chapter 17.78 — Enforcement
  226. Chapter 17.80 — Glossary of Specialized Terms and Land Use Types
  227. Title 18 — CABLE, VIDEO AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS

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