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Bi-weekly e-news - September 5, 2013

REFLECTIONS  

Mary JacobsAs I was Indianapolis last week for the Disciples Home Missions Pro-reconciling/Anti-Racism Team Retreat, I heard stories of the Keeping the Dream Alive March that took place in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the march on Washington D.C.  Without Facebook or twitter or cell phones, thousands and thousands of people came together in 1963 to be roused to courage and hope by Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. Someone shared that the speech Dr. King had planned to deliver was different than the one given.  God's Spirit moved 50 years ago, and it stirred again in 2013 as prayers were said and hopes were outpoured for six hours that God's dream, manifest in Dr. King and countless others striving toward civil rights, might be lived out in us today. 

 

Tomorrow, September 7, the CCNC-N NAPAD (North American Pacific Asian Disciples) Fall Celebration will take place in Palo Alto, and dreams and hopes will take root in worship and the community gathered there. The day connects CCNC-N NAPAD and all Disciples with another dreamer, the Rev. David Kagiwada.  David moved among us as a strong and loving spirit who proclaimed peace and sought justice wherever he served.  The 2013 David Kagiwada Memorial Sunday (September 8) and NAPAD Ministry Week (September 9-14) focuses on the theme of the 2013 General Assembly, Orlando, Florida on July 13-17: "Lord, teach us to pray." 

 

Rev. Young Lan Kim and (our own CCNC-N) JoAnne Kagiwada gave inspiring messages for the Wednesday Gathering at the General Assembly. They explored the internment of Japanese Americans in the U.S. and issued the call to Disciples that such injustice must never happen again. Jinsuk Chun spoke for the Tuesday Reconciliation Breakfast on a similar subject. The transcript of the two different presentations are a part of this year's resources for David Kagiwada Sunday and NAPAD Ministry Week. (see the NAPAD website for these resources.)  They call us to imagine with God a world where persons are "judged by the content of their character instead of the color of their skin."


Maya Angelou, during an interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN,spoke in her rich, deep tones as poet and prophet.  She urged in her clear, strong voice  to wake up from the dream to act justly and love kindness as we move toward being a nation focused not on might but on right. 

 

In this time of transition as a Region, let us remember our own call to be a pro-reconciling/anti-oppression/anti-racist church. Let us embrace each other as sisters and brothers, to value each one as precious, to accompany each other on this march to embody God's vision of wholeness and justice.  Then together we can proclaim, "thank God Almighty, we are free at last."

In grateful partnership, 
Mary
regionaleventsUPCOMING REGIONAL EVENTS 

God Bearing Lives
Training for Adult Leaders Working with Youth

Julie Richardson Brown
Julie Richardson Brown, Leader and Guide
 
September 20, 7:00 p.m. - September 21, 3:00 p.m.
Community of the Great Commission - Claar House

Register by September 13
Cost $40

 Learn more and register

2013 Phon-a-thon

A Great Start . . . and yet a long way to go!

 

It's been a very busy couple of weeks for the 2013 Phon-a-thon. Well over 400 telephone calls were made by our wonderful Calling Team of Nancy Bingaman, Mike Carlson, Janet Chapman, Cliff Cole, Carl Cordes, Carl Crain, Allen Foster, Bill Garrett, Hazelee Jaberg, Mary Jacobs, Carole Jordan, John Jordan, Jesse Kearns, Kyung-min Daniel Lee, Larry Love, Ellie McDougal, Steve Moore, Edgar Peck, Paula Bishop Pociecha, Laura Pierson, and Ann Willard.

 

Their fingers and ears are tired...but it's a good tired, if you know what I mean. And, THANK YOU!!! to everyone who spent a few minutes on the phone with our callers or who have already sent in their donation/pledge. You have given us a great beginning to help us reach our goal of $25,000.

 

Now, here's "the rest of the story."

 

If we missed making a telephone connection with you, we want to encourage you to help us finish the job by making your donation or pledge. It's easy! It would be wonderful!! And, it would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

If you would like to make a 2013 Phon-a-thon pledge, please contact me, Bill Garrett, Minister of  Faith and  Giving, by email at bill@ccncn.org or by phone at 916-899-8752 OR email quan@ccncn.org or phone 925-556-9900 the Regional Office.

 

If you are ready to make a donation, please mail it to the Regional Office, 9260 Alcosta Blvd., Arrows-DonateC-18, San Ramon, CA 94583 with "Phon-a-thon" in the memo section or click on our "Donate" button here  

or on the CCNC-N website. 

 

Either way, your pledge or donation is GREATLY APPRECIATED as it will provide funding for the many ministries of CCNC-N. With your help, we can make a Great Start turn into an Outstanding Finish.

 

Blessings, Bill Garrett, CCNC-N Minister of Faith and Giving

DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!NAPAD logo Blue

 
Our celebration is around the corner. Yes, this Saturday our joy and thanksgiving will be shared with one another through worship, feast, and fellowship.

One in Christ
"We are one" - Ephesians 4:1-6

September 7, 2013

 

10:30 am - 3:00 pm 

Sinapi Seed Fellowship 

2890 Middlefield Rd. 

FCC Palo Alto 94306  

 

Thus far, the Planning Team has been worked out the most of details: bulletin is reviewed for printing and lists of the food and the cultural fellowship are still adding up.

Please know that we have child care (9:30am-12:30pm) this time.

 

See you this Saturday and let any of us know if you have any questions.

John Wu <diddle_8@yahoo.com>

William Leong <wleong@sillygoose.com>

Shirley Kinoshita <silks442@gmail.com>

JoAnne Kagiwada <jhkagiwada@sbcglobal.net> 
 

YOU ARE INVITED TO RETURN TO SOUTH JOPLIN CHRISTIAN CHURCH THIS FALL

Dear Friends,

Joplin's recovery continues and your contribution has not been forgotten. We continue to give thanks for you constantly in our prayers as we watch the progress. Know that every prayer you prayed, every piece  of debris you removed, every tree you planted, every nail you pounded, every wall you painted, every effort you made matters to our community Thank you!

We are extending an invitation to you to return to Joplin this fall and be part of a special build. The Disciples and UCC churches together are sponsoring a house build this fall. This means that we are providing the funding as well as labor for this build and invite those who want to return to Joplin to be part of it.

What:     Diciples / UCC House Build with Rebuild Joplin
When:    September and October 2013
Needed:  Up to 20 volunteers each week to work on site (when Disciples/UCC House meets its need for volunteers, any additional volunteers staying at SJCC will be put on other work sites.

disciplesmensDISCIPLES MEN'S FELLOWSHIP 
 
A DAY WITH THE A's.....LAST CHANCE TO GET TICKETS.
Oakland A's Logo
Saturday, September 7 is the Oakland A's Church Community Day! Come on out to the ballgame and stay for an inspirational post-game program.

 

The special feature is Church Community Day

. This popular post-game event is highlighted by A's players sharing their testimonials, as well as a performance by Donnie Moore and the Radical Reality Team.  This event will be open to family participation, young and old and is sponsored by the Regional Men's Ministries.  There are only 35 seats available. Don't miss this exciting event and be able to watch the Oakland A's who are in contention for post season.   

 

Disciples Men are glad to share this opportunity. It's a great thing.


Price: $20/seat. (That's 33% less than the online price. That's a great thing, too.)
Game time 1:05pm: A's vs. Houston Astros. We will be in Field Level sec. 129, Rows 22, 23, 24 & 25.

 

Make your check out to CCNC-N and send to the regional office for the number of seats you want. Indicate "A's Church Day" on the memo line of your check.

 

Contact Arne Larsen for tickets and to arrange payment at the door: 415-587-0881. 

 

DISCIPLES MEN'S RETREAT 
October 18-20

Christian Church of Vacaville

 

CHRISTIAN PIATT!

That's right. The speaker for this year's Men's Retreat is Christian Piatt, a christian Piattpopular Disciples writer and blogger. This will be a time filled with energetic presentations and discussions about men, boys, church and faith. Not to mention "PregMANcy", his book on becoming a father.

The retreat starts with dinner at 6:00pm on Friday and ends at 11:00am on Sunday. All men who are there are invited to attend worship at The Christian Church of Vacaville, and hear Christian again. Much more information to follow. Schedule this event now!

 

Registration

You can register online, at  https://ccncn.webconnex.com/2013mensretreat, or you can request a paper registration form from Edgar Peck, edgarpeck@yahoo.com.

 

Fees

Full Time - $140

Saturday Only - $100

Friday Only - $80

 

Choose your own hotel to suit your taste and budget. Or stay at the church (quite 'rustic' shall we say?) or stay with a nearby friend. We want attending this event to be easy and affordable!  

 

 

Women's Ministries
womensministriesWOMEN'S MINISTRIES

Women's Fall Retreat at Mission Springs, Fri. Sept 13, 7pm-Sun. lunch, Sept. 15 "Living in the Light" with the Rev. Dr. Mary Donovan Turner. Costs will range from $185-265, depending on your housing choice for the full 2 nights, 6 meals. There will also be a commuter and Sat. Only option available. Limited scholarship will be available. Registration and full information will be available late June. ATTN: Women Pastors! Receive a 20% discount on your full registration with each woman from your congregation that submits a full registration. Pay your $50 deposit and the rest could be covered! Call or email Paula with questions.

 

Download Hard Copy of Registration   

Schedule and Workshops  

 

Rev. Mary Jacobs will be leading a mini-retreat for all clergy women prior to the weekend Fall Retreat at Mission Springs, Sept. 12-13, starting at 7p and ending at noon on Fri. Cost is $45. Contact Paula for more information.  Learn More and Register   

 

NOTE: REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. IF YOU ARE STILL COMING CALL OR EMAIL PAULA AT THE REGIONAL OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

 

CALLING ALL WOMEN: Women's Ministries has been planning for a Fall retreat in the Beautiful Mountains of Scott's Valley. Where better than to " Live in the Light". During the 3 days of the retreat you will have the opportunity to sing, praise, laugh, and just embrace the love of other women through workshops, a talent show, and a great speaker. I have attended for 5 years and I feel I have not only grown spiritually but emotionally. I have listened to how women are out in our churches, our communities, some going to other countries. They have inspired me to be a better me. Come and meet these fabulous ladies. Enjoy the peacefulness of God's beautiful landscapes. I hope to see you there !! 

 

Blessings and Smiles,  

Theresa Schmoll  

Livermore UCC Women's Ministries Council Financial Coordinator  

 
REGISTRATION Now Open!

International Women's Quadrennial Assembly, June 24-29, 2014, Atlanta, GA! "I See You" Can CCNC-N "See" at least 40 women going?? Let's imagine it! https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/dhm/dhm-ministries/disciples-women/quadrennial-assembly-home-page/ Registration will open at General Assembly in July. Sign up there, or online during that week, for a special discount. Want more information? Go to: https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/dhm/dhm-ministries/disciples-women/quadrennial-assembly-home-page/ or our QA coordinator Margie Brown at himargieb@sbcglobal.net

Applications for stewards (completed 11th or 12th grade by June 2014), team leaders (18-21 yrs), chaperones, and general registration forms are now available at https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/dhm/dhm-ministries/disciples-women/quadrennial-assembly-home-page/
Resources available from www.discipleswomen.org

Disciples Women General Programs 2013 are available as a free download. You will find new programs covering Installation, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Stewardship; a special Quadrennial activity to introduce the theme of "I See You" and a link to the QA hope page; along with Bible studies on Human Trafficking and Environment; subscription and leader/study guides to the official Resource for Disciples Women, "Just Women" quarterly magazine; Tools for Leadership guide--over 100 pages of models, information and programs for Women's groups and ministries.

CCNC-N Women's Ministries Faith in Action is partnering with Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition
to address the tens of thousands of trafficked victims that come to town with major sporting events. Here is a note from their director:

Hi everyone, We are excited about all of the opportunities as we explore trafficking around sporting events, and we are trying to focus our efforts for this summer around things that we can effectively tackle with the resources that we have. Having said that, along with hotels, police and America's sponsors, we will have a prayer walk in SF, Saturday, August 24th, 10am. 

Thank you.
Brian Wo Director of Partnerships
Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition
baatc.org
facebook.com/baatc.org
@BaatcDotOrg
freedom-summit.org

Human Trafficking Awareness

chainedThe Super Bowl comes to Santa Clara in 2016--and along with it comes around 30,000 thousand traff  icked humans! Help us be ready to Respond! "Call and Response" Movie available for showing to your group! Women's Ministries has purchased the public showing license for this 2-hour film bringing awareness to the fact that there are more people enslaved today than anytime in history, and we must respond as modern-day abolitionists! Go to http://www.disciples-faithinaction.org and click on "Media" to see the trailer or email Hope Attenhofer, faithin2action@gmail.com to apply to host a movie screening at your church or community.

Mark your calendars! for an upcoming Human Trafficking Awareness Event being hosted by First Christian Church located at 3039 Willow Pass Rd., Concord on October 13, 2013. Meet with 14 agencies who's life work is to eradicate modern day slavery. Learn what to look for how to respond. Stay for the FREE showing of Call & Response that begins at 2 p.m.

Special Speakers include: Debra Brown of Pillars of Hope who are soon-to-open their first Safe House in Antioch, Ca., Nola Brantley of Misssey training teachers, police, clergy and others in the Bay Area since 2007 and hear from Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition (BAATC.org) the areas' leading Abolitionist movement today.

To learn more about this important one-time event see: www.concordfcc.net or visit  www.disciples-faithinaction.org

Go to http://www.ccncn.org/upcoming-events.html to download the flier.

Save the date!! Invite your friends!

Spa for the Spirit 
A One-Day Retreat for Women at Elk Grove UCC, hosted by Women of Spirit and Action (DOC/UCC)

October 5, 2013, 9:30am-4:00pm:

  

10:00AM-3:45PM

 

Registration from 9:30AM-10:00AM

Elk Grove Congregational Church (United Church of Christ)  

9624 Melrose Ave.  

Elk Grove, CA

 

Retreat Leader: Paula Pociecha.  

 

Workshop Leaders: Denise Turner, Diane Wilson, Margie Brown, and Barbara Broadbent

 

Cost: $30.00 per person ( includes lunch)

 

Learn how to find comfort and wholeness in the midst of the events of life that stretch us and call from us our deepest courage.

 

We hope this event will help women grow on their spiritual journey. 

arundtheregionNEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION
Dear Friends, 
Remember to send news of new members, baptisms and blessings of children to Cliff Cole at 23mcc24x@comcast.net who then shares this news with the Regional Office.  We send along a letter to each person and family to welcome them to our larger family.  We want to celebrate with you and them at such times!
 
 

Mark your Calendar/Save the date Sept 21, 2013 at 5pm

First Christian Church of Concord will be hosting its 2nd Annual Hawaiian Luau and Auction

This will be a fun-filled evening with great food, fellowship,music, and of course, everything Hawaiian.  

 

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 churchesCHURCHES TO HOLD IN PRAYER  
 
Please consider incorporating these congregations into your congregational prayers each week during worship or in your newsletter, so we can grow together in prayer.

Congregation to pray for this week: Fruitridge Christian Church, Sacramento; Greater Sacramento Area; Pastor, Mike J. Carlson.

 

Congregation to pray for this week: Revival Christian Church, Sacramento; Greater Sacramento Area; Pastor Silas Na.

  

 We will feature two congregations in each edition of the eNews. Please pray for their vitality, spiritual and numerical growth, their commitment to serving their neighborhood and their openness to the Spirit of God calling them into ministry in the 21st century.    

 

  

PLEASE PRAY FOR CHURCHES CURRENTLY IN TRANSITION
 

First Christian Church, Porterville 

United Christian Church, Livermore 
First Christian Church, Wastonville
Sierra Christian Church, Loomis
New Spirit Christian Church, Berkeley
First Christian Church, Colusa

  

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staffupdatesREGIONAL STAFF UPDATES
  Staff Image
Prayers continue for Sue Tarleton.

We also continue to hold Michael and Molly Carlson and the Carlson family in God's care.

Prayers continue for Quan and her husband, Les.

Mary will be away on the week of September 16-22 in Arizona for a couple of days of vacation and a Disciples Women's Executive Committee meeting. 

All other staff remain hard at work to help the CCNC-N Region be the body of Christ in its many forms.  We invite your prayerful support.

     

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joysconcernsprayersJOYS & CONCERNS & PRAYER NEEDS
We seek to update these prayers appropriately, knowing that the region lifts them up to God with great reverence. Please email enews@ccncn.org with any prayers you would like to make sure are included or continued next week and beyond. Particularly, please e-mail the names and addresses of new members so we can celebrate them here and also send them a letter of welcome from the region!
  
Cause for Celebration

praise the lord
NEW MEMBERS 
Cottage Way Christian Church,Sacramento welcomed one new member.
Fruitridge Christian Church, Sacramento welcomed one new member.

First Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Sacramento raised $13,098 at the Polynesian Luau held on August 31.  This will help in the completion of their building. 

Heather Hennessey and Randy Haynes have a new grand baby, Tosh David Hall!

On Sunday, September 8, at 4:00 p.m., Niles Discovery Church will install the Rev. Brenda Loreman as Associate Pastor. Niles Discovery Church, which is dually aligned with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, is celebrating its first anniversary as a newly merged congregation, and Pastor Brenda is the first minister called by the new church. All are welcome to attend this important celebration. In keeping with the text for the service-John 21:1-19, where Jesus urges Peter to "Feed my sheep"-guests are asked to bring an item of non-perishable food for the church's year-round food collection. Clergy are invited to arrive at 3:30 p.m. to robe and process. A dinner reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

We welcome Jim and Peggy Powell to the Region and Pacific Grove CC as we bless
Dan Paul on a sabbath time away.  
 
animated dancing girl
Time for a happy dance!

NEW REGIONAL WEB SITE NOW PUBLISHED!  

Yippee! Hooray! Wow! Woo Hoo! It's done!

A very special thanks to Mary, the Regional Staff and all who helped make this a reality. You are so appreciated!

Go to www.ccncn.org and let us know what you think.


Cause for Prayer
  
Thoughts & Prayers

We rejoice in the life and ministry of Pastor Robert (Bob) Benjamin Lewis, 84, retired pastor emeritus, of First Christian Church of Turlock, CA who died on Thursday, August 29, 2013, after a long life well lived.


Bob Lewis is survived by three children: Dale (Melody) Lewis of East Peoria, Illinois; Emily Lewis of San Jose, California; and Jennifer (Ken) Lewis Strickland of Hahira, Georgia. He is also survived by his former wife, Jeanne Lewis, as well as nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Robert "Ben" Benjamin Lewis Jr. and Charles Lewis, in addition to siblings Charles Lewis, Rusty Lewis and Betty Lewis Stickrath.

 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 7, 2013, 11:00 am at the First Christian Church of Turlock.


In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First Christian Church of Turlock (180 S. Denair Aye, Turlock, CA, 95380) or to Solidarity Fellowship Transitional Living (P.0, Box 276, Patterson, CA, 95363).

 

Pastor Jon Smith had thyroid surgery on Tuesday, August 27. Please hold him and Wanda and FCC, Palo Alto in prayer. He went home late last week and recovery is going well. He will be out of the office until next week.

We hold Kelsey Warren in prayer as she works hard in rehab at the Centre for Neuro Skills in Bakersfield.

Let us send our prayerful care to Barbara and Bob Wikoff. Barbara has returned home after a two week hospitalization. 

 

Pastor Iopa (Job) Amosa and Meaalofa seek our prayers and support as our Disciples Immigration lawyer, Tana Liu-Beers, helps Job navigate the immigration paperwork and system to take the next step of receiving appropriate status. 
 
We continue to hold Nancy McKee-Jolda's daughter, Allie and husband David, in prayer.  On August 8 Allie was diagnosed with having a large brain tumor and underwent surgery, which went well and she is now resting. However, a post-op 'seizure event' requires that she receive 24/7 care for the next month.

 
Our prayers continue for the following who remain in need of our support and concern:
  • Charlotte Jackson, Palo Alto CC 
  • Yolanda Moreno's father
  • Coral Cogbill and family
  • Rev. Dr. Gloria Wilson's sons, MaShon and Paul. 

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calendarREGIONAL CALENDARCalendar

Per requests around the region, here is a listing of regional meetings and events over the next 30 days or so.

 

We do not put the dates of local church events here as we never could get them all and we would always miss some!

  • September 7 - Regional NAPAD Fall Celebration  
  • September 7 - Disciples Men's Fellowship, A Day with the Oakland A's 
  • Sept. 12 - Special Mini-Retreat for all Women Clergy at Mission Springs with Mary Jacobs 
  • Sept. 13-15 - Women's Fall Retreat at Mission Springs with Mary Donovan Turner 
  • Sept. 21-22 - God Bearing Lives, Training for Adult Leaders of Youth, CGC
  • Oct. 5 - DOC/UCC Women's Spa for the Spirit, Elk Grove Congregational Church
  • October 18-20 - Men's Retreat at Vacaville Christian Church with Christian Piatt
  • Oct. 18-19 - Regional WM Coordinating Council Meeting
  • Oct. 25-26 - Regional Elders' Retreat 
  • November 8-10 - Pro-Reconciling-Anti-Racism Training for Regional and Congregational leaders   
  • November 15-16 - 11 AM-2PM, San Damiano Retreat Center, Clergy Retreat 2 geared for clergy serving in pastoral ministry or specialized ministries 

generalchurch
General Church Logo

POSITION AVAILABLE

 

Music Director

Pacific School of Religion (PSR)

1798 Scenic Ave.  Berkeley, CA  94709

Email:  bschlager@psr.edu  

 

Temp, part-time - Conduct PSR's Chorale & work with Chapel Committee and Visiting Professor of Worship/Director of Worship Life to plan, prepare, and lead Chapel worship services.  Offer educational opportunities for Chorale members in skill development, in theological and contextual reflection on music and worship, and in musical leadership.  Support liturgical program that reflects and sustains PSR's interdenominational and multi-cultural community of diverse theological perspectives and commitments, and remains true to PSR's commitment to racial, gender, sexual orientation and economic justice.  See full job posting at http://www.psr.edu/job-posting/music-director.

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New Fall 2013 Course: Christ & Culture:  

Developing a Theology of Social Transformation

Professor Jay Emerson Johnson will be teaching a new course this fall called Christ & Culture: Developing a Theology of Social Transformation where you can join other students, clergy, & lay leaders in exploring and creating a theology for social transformation.  For more information visit www.psr.edu/christ-and-culture , or contact jjohnson@psr.edu. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available.

 

Deborah Walker

Director of HR - CDSP, GTU & PSR

GTU Annex

Mail:  2400 Ridge Road, Berkeley, CA  94709

ph:  510/649.2577  fax:  510/803.5670.

 

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publishing
 PUBLISHING INFORMATION
 
This newsletter is published bi-weekly on Thursdays. 
Always send your news articles to enews@ccncn.org
 
Please send short text only articles only...
No flyers or pdf documents which require rewriting will be accepted.
JPG images and links should be submitted as a separate attached file and
not embedded in the body of a document.

ALL news articles should be sent to enews@ccncn.org no later than the
Tuesday before publication. 

Publishing schedule for balance of 2013:

September 19
October 3, 17, 31
November 14, 28 (Thanksgiving - no publication)
December 12, 26 (Christmas - no publication) 

________________________________  

 

This communication is made possible by generosity expressed through giving to  

Disciples Mission Fund!

Heart Donation Button  

Christian Church of  Northern CA-NV

 
The CCNC-N is the presence of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
in the northern half of the states of California and Nevada.    

 

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