www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control pretty much everything will be cancelled thru the end of May. This includes the April and May meetings, the Lyons Museum Run, and the Reagan Museum Dinner (I have notification from the museum that this event has been cancelled). If you have sent in a check for the Reagan Dinner the club will issue a refund. Also, the Wine Run in May has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date. For those of you that purchased tickets for Sensorio, you should have already received a refund. You can also go ahead and cancel your Wine Run hotel reservations.

EVENT CALENDAR As of right now we are still planning the June Picnic and we will see how things work out for that. We are also April still planning the Condor Café Run on June 27th. I will keep you all apprised of the details as they become

7th General Meeting available. I will get with the board next week and we will decide how we are going to run the elections for next CANCELLED year’s board (if you are interested in running for any of the positions on the board let me know) and also how 18th Lyon’s Air/Auto Museum we are going to vote for the changes to the Constitution and the By Laws. CANCELLED 24th Reagan Library CANCELLED Right now, the main thing is for everyone to stay safe and healthy. The rest will eventually (hopefully sooner May rather than later) work itself out. We really miss our family that is the Corvette Club of Santa Barbara and if any of you need anything please let me know and I will do my best to see that you get the help you need. In 5th General Meeting CANCELLED these trying times we need all the encouragement and help and support we can get. 16th- Paso Wine Run 17th CANCELLED Paula and I really miss the interaction with the club and look forward to the time when we can all get together June and once again share the good times we always have when we get together. Again, PLEASE stay safe and let me 2nd General Meeting [Mulligan’s Cafe] know if we can help.

7th Installation Picnic [Goleta] Tony Megowan 27th Condor Café [Pine Mountain]

IN THIS ISSUE

Presidents Message 1

VeePee’s Page 2-7

NCM Ambassador 8

Activities 9

Membership 10

Last Month Minutes 11

Sponsor Page 12

Member Advertising 13

Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM Mulligans Cafe 3500 McCaw Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Editor/Publisher: Ed Clerkin-Publicity | Our Board/Contact Us

www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com VEEPEE’S PAGE Hib Halverson A Closer Look at the C8's LT2 The 2020 Stingray’s LT2–“revolutionary” or “evolutionary”? Ask Jordan Lee, GM’s Global Chief Engineer for Small Block V8 engines, or Mike Kociba, Assistant Chief Engineer (ACE), for the LT2 Fifth Generation Small Block V8 and the answer is “revolutionary”. Skeptics might say it's "just evolutionary". Some Internet trolls call it the “LT1.2”. Our descriptor? “Impressive.” The LT2 has 35 more horsepower, 30 more pound/feet torque, smoother idle, better light drivability, reduced emissions, better sound and looks spectacular sitting under the C8's back glass. Yeah, we'd say that's pretty impressive. Image: GM Communications Superior Oiling In an interview last Fall, I asked Lee and Kociba to name the LT2's most revolutionary feature. "The lube system," they answered–meaning anything lubrication–oil, pumps, pressure, supply, circulation, drain back, filtering and ventilation.

Fall, 2005–Chevrolet drops the 2006 Z06. Its 505-hp, 7.0-liter has dry- oiling, a first for an American production . With a dry-sump, the oil pan–the "sump"–is shallow containing only a small volume of oil. Most of it is in a tank outside the engine. Dry sump engines have multiple oil pumps. The C6/C7 system had two: a "supply pump" forces oil from the tank through the engine's oiling system and a “scavenge pump” sucks up ACE Mike Kociba explains the impressive LT2 at a press conference on 6 oil which drains back to the pan and returns it to the tank. November, 2019. Image: GM Communications From 2006 to 2019, dry were used on engines in track- capable Corvettes. Starting in 2020, all Corvette engines have dry- sumps. The main reason is, with the engine an inch closer to the ground, there is no clearance for a deeper oil pan. The LT2 dry sump was redesigned for: 1) improved oil pressure consistency under simultaneous hard cornering and braking and 2) better crankcase vapor control at high RPM.

Like all Gen 5s, the LT2 has a computer-controlled, dual- displacement supply pump. Below 5500-RPM, the pump runs in low displacement mode, reducing parasitic power loss and improving fuel economy. At 5500, to increase oil flow, the engine control module (ECM) commands the pump to maximum displacement. The pump is "failsafe". If the control electronics or the pump actuator fails, a spring locks the pump in high flow mode. This math art is a diagram of the LT2 lube system. Image: GM Small Block V8 Team Continued Page 3

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www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com CONTINUED: VEEPEE’S COLUMN There are not one, but three scavenge pumps. Two suck oil out of the pan Hib Halverson through an oil scraper/pickup assembly which catches oil from bearings and oilers which is slung off the rotating assembly into the pan. A third scavenge pump, in the valley between the banks and chain-driven off the sprocket, collects oil from the . The valley is sealed so oil no longer drains into the crankcase to get aerated into a froth, or "windage," by violent turbulence created by rapidly reciprocating and the spinning . "The worst thing for bearings is aerated oil," Jordan Lee told us. "If you get air in the bearings, there's a good chance you're going to fail your engine. That scavenge pump in the valley was remarkable in reducing air in the oil."Valley also reduces oil vapor in the crankcase ventilation system and lowers the total volume of oil required. The scavenged valley is a world-first for any production engine.

The oil tank moves from behind the right front wheel in a C6/C7 to the driver-side front corner of the engine eliminating the pressure loss from six feet of oil hoses. It’s a conformal shape made of composite material capable of withstanding higher than peak engine oil temperatures. It contains the molded passages, a unique "oil centrifuge" which forces oil coming in to separate from air bubbles, an additional air-oil separator, baffles, and an oil pickup. A relocated tank, no hoses and improved scavenging allowed GM to reduce oil capacity by 2.25 quarts. Jordan Lee told us that a composite engine-mounted oil tank is not only a first for GM but a world-first for any production car.

The revised lube system has many benefits. A lower engine moves the car's center-of-gravity closer to the ground. Reduced crankcase windage means less oil vapor in the though the crankcase ventilation system. Oil vapor is low octane, so less of it going into the engine reduces tendency to detonate. Less oil consumed, also, lowers emissions and increases life. The lube system changes enhance C8's track capabilities. GM media information states the LT2 can sustain 1.25-g acceleration in any direction and maintain consistent oil pressure as well as a 1.77-g combination of hard cornering and braking. Initially, I thought 1.77-g was a typo, but Jordan Lee and Mike Kociba, confirmed it.

"In contrast with the LT1 development, when we had some engines fail with lube system issues, we were involved and engaged with the vehicle development." Lee stated. "With LT2, we built our development engines. They were solid on the dyno. They go into vehicles, but we don't hear anything. I finally asked Mike and John (Rydzewski, Mike's predecessor) 'Hey what's goin' on with vehicle development?' So we start making phone calls. 'How is it going?' we ask. 'It's going great,' they say. 'Why aren't you keeping us in the loop?' 'We have no problems. Your engine is running so good on the track, there's no need to even get you involved.' "We thought, 'That lube system was really performing.'" Lee continued. "We had a meeting with Tadge's team and they showed us oil pressure data from track testing. We knew the LT1 had dropouts every now and then, but LT2–Wow! This thing was rock solid."

Block, Rotating Assembly, Cylinder Heads The LT2 bare block is Corvette-specific because of: 1) the sealed valley and its scavenge pump mounting, 2) ribs and bosses which mate to the C8 engine mounting points and, also, stiffen the block and 3) coil mounts down low on the side of the block to get the coils away from heat radiated by the upswept headers.

The rotating assembly is evolutionary. The crankshaft is the same S38 forged steel as the 2019 LT5 and is about 15% stronger than the 1538MV forged steel, LT1 crank. It has a longer snout to drive three oil pumps whereas the LT1/LT4 and LT5 cranks only drive two. The bearings, connecting rods, pistons, rings and piston oilers were, also, carried over from the LT1. The crankshaft is fitted with a smaller-diameter, 146-tooth rather than a 168-tooth to restore ground clearance lost with the engine mounted lower in the car.

Continued Page 4

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www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com CONTINUED: VEEPEE’S COLUMN The cylinder heads developed for the LT1 are an excellent design and Hib Halverson support the LT2's increased air flow needs. The pushrods, rocker arms, valves, stem seals, springs, retainers and locks carry over because of their proven performance, reliability and durability.

Bigger Cam. Bigger Intake Manifold.

By itself, the LT2's is evolutionary. Changes to its profile were some ideas hot rodders have used for generations: increasing lift and duration. The specifics are: exhaust lift up Like all Small Block since 1997, the LT2 camshaft is a steel billet, roller hydraulic lifter by 030-in., Intake duration at .050-in lift increased by two type. The LT2 cam is the most radical production camshaft in a Gen 3,4 or 5 V8, other than the degrees and exhaust duration at .050-in. up by 14°. Overlap one on the '06-'13 LS7. Image: GM Communications only increased slightly because the lobe separation angle increased 4.5°. If you plot a cam profile, the most important quantity is the area under the lift curve, and, with the LT2 camshaft, intake area increased by 0.8%, exhaust by 11% and overlap by 2%.

Impressive is how more sophisticated combustion controls and enhancements to other parts of the engine combine with that "bigger" cam to increase top-end power but, also, maintain a smooth idle, better low speed drivability and reduced emissions.

Like all Gen 5 V8s, the LT2 has a cam phaser controlled by the ECM which gives the engine (VVT). The phaser can retard cam timing, with an electronically controlled limit of 56°. At light load, retarding the cam changes the pressure ratio in the cylinder during overlap and that alters amount of exhaust recirculated into the engine. Since exhaust gas is inert, less fuel is required to maintain perfect combustion. This improves fuel efficiency and lowers emissions.

The LT2's intake manifold is evolutionary in appearance but impressive in effect. The 2020 Stingray's mid-engine architecture results in more space above the engine, so the manifold is taller and greater in volume than the LT1 unit. The basic design–"runners in a box", as Mike Kociba says–consists of interlaced, bell-mouthed runners extending to the intake manifold flange, encased in a plenum, throttle body on one end and made from composite material. The LT1 manifold worked well in the C7 application but had packaging trade-offs: 1) plenum volume was limited due to the front -engine car's low hoodline, 2) intake runners bent downward just before the port entries, because of the low plenum roof, and bent horizontally, so the plenum could move forward to clear the direct at the rear of the engine and 3) the frontmost and rearmost runners were shorter (7.28-in) than the other six (8.86-in) because the plenum's interior space was compromised at the left front and right rear to make additional room for the injection pump and the throttle body flange. All this led to inconsistent cylinder-to-cylinder combustion balance at low This math art is a comparison of the rear and top views of the LT1 (left) and LT2 (right) engine speeds and light loads as well as some restriction at high air intake manifolds. Image: GM Small Block V8 Team. flow.

LT2 intake plenum volume increased from 667 cubic inches to 860 cuin.. That and the camshaft changes are part of the 30 more horsepower. Intake runners are less restrictive with reduced vertical and horizontal bends. They are the same length (8.27- Continued Page 5

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www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com CONTINUED: VEEPEE’S COLUMN in) and shorter than the predominate LT1 length which contributes to the Hib Halverson power peak rising 450 RPM. Equal-length runners also enhance light-load combustion balance. This manifold uses the same 87-mm throttle body as does the LT1, but it faces the rear of the engine rather than the front. Exhaust Compared to exhaust systems used from 1953 to 2019, the C8's is less than half the length. The resulting reduction in restriction allowed the Small Block Team to go bigger with the cam's exhaust lobes.

The upswept exhaust headers look like something you'd see on a hot boat powered by a V8 with "dry stacks". They are fabricated from stainless steel The C8 , compared to that on all previous Corvettes, is very compact. Image: GM Small Block tubing and are an equal-length, four-into-one design V8 Team with 13-in. primary pipes and 13-in. "twisted" collectors. The headers make an incremental performance increase over LT1/4/5, cast iron manifolds, but they offer other advantages in packaging, weight reduction, sound and emissions.

The primaries are shorter than those of aftermarket "long-tube" headers because length ahead of the catalytic converters affects how soon "cats" begin working after start-up. With aftermarket long-tubes, primary pipe and collector length optimized for performance are more important than "cat light off". In production applications, quick cat light-off is key to low emissions and depends on temperature in the converter rising to 400-600°F where the emissions-reducing catalytic reaction begins. Headers radiate heat more rapidly than iron manifolds, so building exhaust heat quickly is more difficult. The longer their length, the longer it takes for cat light-off. A 26-in. overall length proved the best compromise between performance and cat light off.

The LT2 upgraded to "wide-band" front oxygen sensors (O2S) which screw into each header collector. They accurately measure exhaust oxygen content from combustion from a wider range of air:fuel ratios than do "narrow-band" front sensors used from 1980 to 2019. That offers better control of combustion over a wider range of engine loads which results in lower emissions. The headers, catalytic converters and valves required for smooth-sounding transitions when the cylinder deactivation ("active fuel management" or AFM) system switches between four- and eight-cylinder operation all have to fit into a shorter space.

From 2012 to 2019, Corvette exhausts had four converters. Since there was no room for four cats on an mid-engine car, GM designed new ones which were larger in volume and have the rear oxygen sensors–narrow band units used since 1996 to monitor converter performance–screwed into the middle of the cat dividing it into two parts. The result is the emissions control of a four-cat system in a "two-cat size." "Overall emissions reduction is about 25%," Mike Kociba told me. "Because the chamber design is the same, LT1 and LT2 combustion are not much different. The improvement The intake manifold cover on a 2020 Stingray mirrors the exterior design theme. comes in after treatment," he added. Continued Image: GM Communications Page 6

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www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com CONTINUED: VEEPEE’S COLUMN Sight and Sound Hib Halverson

Take a 2020 Stingray to -and-Coffee. Gearheads gaze longingly though that back glass at the engine. Its intake cover matches the exterior design theme. Wiring and PCV system components are tastefully finished. The rocker cover color is, officially, "Edge Red", but Small Block Team members refer to it, affectionally, as "Venthan Red", named for Ezhilventhan “Venthan” Sivanesan, a Design Release Engineer who worked on the crankcase vent system–of which rocker covers are a key part–and worked with GM Design Staff on the covers' finish. Each has C8 logos embossed at either end. Even their fasteners, the inspiration for which were those on Ducati sport bike engines, got attention from Design Staff artisans led by Tom Peters, GM's recently-retired Director of Exterior Venthan Red rocker covers with embossed C8 emblems add tasteful decor to Design for Performance Cars. the Stingray's engine compartment. Image: GM Communications

The Corvette Team spent time on the C8 exhaust note. Headers, exhaust pipes, and the were all tweaked for a distinctive aural experience. They even gave the dual-clutch automatic transmission a neutral command so you can rev the engine, with the so- called "double paddle pull", to hear that sound. We've rarely seen a C8, much less been amongst the anointed few who've driven one, so we don't know its real sound. Right now, all we have is Internet video footage and, in that, it sounds really good.

All Under the Curve Study the LT2's torque and power curves. Clearly, some mid-range torque was traded for top-end power. Is that counter-productive? I asked Jordan Lee.

"With a sports car like the Corvette, power is king as long as low speed and mid-range torque are still really good. The reduction in inlet and exhaust restriction allowed us to retune the intake manifold, cam timing, and exhaust for more horsepower," Lee explained. Graph of LT2 output. Horsepower is in red. Torque is in blue. Tan and gray are LT1 numbers. Image: Small Block V8 Team "We balance the torque curve to get the best compromise. With the C7 and LT1, the inlet and exhaust restriction would not allow much more power. There was little to gain if we gave up more torque in the search of that. The C8/LT2 allowed more power, so we gave up a bit of midrange to get it.

"With regard to vehicle performance," Jordan continued, "what's important is the area under the power curve. The more area under the curve, the quicker the car will accelerate. With the C8 and its eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission, on a wide open throttle run, as the trans shifts gears, the engine spends most of its time between 4500 and 6500 RPM.

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www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com CONTINUED: VEEPEE’S COLUMN "Look at the area under the LT2 power curve between 4500 and 6500 Hib Halverson RPM. At those engine speeds, it has more area than the LT1. That's one reason why the C8 is quicker. Another is the mid-'s more weight over the drive wheels. That results in more traction, so there is significantly less torque management in first and second gear, whereas a C7 will spin the tires in the lower gears, so traction control intervenes to reduce torque.

"Since the vehicle team didn't have a lot of problems, we didn't get to drive anything," Lee went on. "I told Mike, 'I've never driven one.' I mean–we were way deep into the program, so I had Mike call the vehicle team. 'We want to drive a car.' 'Ok,' they said, 'Come on up (to the Milford Proving Ground) on Friday. You can drive one of our calibration cars.'

"Mike and I go out there. It's a beautiful Friday afternoon and we're on the east/west straightaway. First, we warm the engine with some easy runs. Compared to a C7, it had a really different feel. I said, 'Mike, I'm gong to do wide-open-throttle.' I do 0-85, the speed limit at the Grounds. We're coasting down and I'm like, 'Holy s**t, this thing is quick!' I did several more. Then, Mike drove and did about 10 more. We could not believe how powerful and quick the car was. We knew the power of the engine but, still, we were surprised it felt so much Small Block Chief, Jordan Lee explains area under quicker than a C7. We realized, wow–that mid-engine really does work. You have all the weight the curve during an exclusive interview with the over the rear wheels. It's not going into traction control. In first gear, you get all that torque CCSB Newsletter after the press conference on 6NOV2019. Image: GM Communications and it, like...catapults that car. It was super quick. That was one of the big epiphanies for me. "More area under the curve and less torque management. That's why the 2020 Stingray can rip off 2.8 second 0-60 runs all day long, while a C7–even a ZR1 with far more power–can't," Jordan Lee declared, dropping the mic.

Questions? Comments? Email me at [email protected] Hib Halverson

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www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM MASTER AMBASSADOR Frank LoMonaco Latest News from the National Corvette Museum

As per the executive order of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, the National Corvette Museum and the Motorsports Park are closed to the public. This order went into effect at 5pm Wednes- day, March 18. The decision was based on guidelines from the CDC and public health officials attempting to slow the spread of COVID-19. All Museum hosted events in April and early May have been rescheduled or postponed.

This closure does NOT affect the R8C Museum Delivery program for Corvette owners picking up their new cars. The Muse- um has consulted with the local health department on the delivery program and at this time, the program is in compliance with the state regulations and what is still being allowed with regard to COVID-19. The cars are bought and paid for and the customers come to pick them up. The interaction is minimal and they are practicing social distancing. Additionally, approximately 30% of the cars are being picked up by transport for delivery elsewhere.

The Corvette Boulevard web cameras are not open to the public at this time and are only available to Museum members. Access to them can be found in the Museum Members-Only section of the website. Limiting access to the cameras was done to deter the public from trying to visit the Museum. Museum personnel discovered that some people were seeing activity on the cameras and, thinking the Museum was open to the public, would try to visit. All delivery cameras are available to the delivery customers. Customers picking up their cars will be provided with the password for their delivery week. The customer is then free to share that password so that friends and family can tune in, check out the car and watch the delivery.

New Online Car Show Coming to NCM With spring car shows, races, and other automotive events having been cancelled or rescheduled, the National Corvette Museum has pulled together resources to offer then next best thing – an online car show.

A total of 24 awards will be given, including for each Corvette Generation, Corvette Race Cars, Best Story, Most Unique/Personalized, Plant Manager’s Choice, President’s Choice, People’s Choice and a Club Participation Award to the Corvette Club with the highest percentage of participation. For the C8 award, Ralph White has donated two Next Generation Corvette Counter Stools with backs. Honorable mention certificates will also be awarded.

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www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com ACTIVITIES COLUMN Tony Megowan

April 18th, the Lyons Air and Auto Museum in Santa Ana—CANCELLED. April 24th, the Spring and Shout Dinner Dance at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley—CANCELLED. May 16th and 17th, the Paso Robles Wine Run—CANCELLED.

June activities that include the annual membership picnic are still tentatively scheduled pending status of the pandemic.

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www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com

MEMBERSHIP COLUMN Pat Bloom

4/2 Marylyn Bruce There are currently 77 members with 60 Corvettes. QUOTE OF THE MONTH: My Plans for 4/10 Paula Megowan Best wishes to our April Birthday People: the weekend (see images below).

4/10 Peter Mackins

4/18 Lana Medina

4/18 Lise Christiansson

4/29 Alan Emslie

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www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com

MINUTES OF CCSB MEMBERSHIP GENERAL MEETING Sandy Halverson

MINUTES OF MARCH 3RD, 2020 GENERAL MEETING MULLIGANS CAFÉ—SANTA BARBARA Meeting called to order at 6:31 PM by Tony Megowan. 14 people in attendance. No visitors tonight. Discussed making plans for a board meeting with just the board at end of this month. Maybe the 27th. Will email board members. This is discussing Bylaws changes. Will bring this all to the club after meeting.

1. Secretary’s Report: Sandy Rubel Halverson—Sandy passed out copies of previous minutes. Approved by club. 2. Treasurer’s Report: Dennis Trammel—Dennis reports we had income of $20.00. Approved by club. 3. Membership Report: Pat Bloom—Pat Bloom out. Sandy Halverson reports for Pat that we have 76 mem- bers and 60 Corvettes. The February B-Days are Daryl Burgess 2/8, Paula Ross 2/11, Sandra Christeson 2/25 and Phil Neff 2/28. 4. NCM Ambassadors Report: Frank LoMonaco—Frank reports that the first C8 Corvette came off assembly line yesterday. Lots of raffles. Go to Museum website to see. Let Frank know if you purchase anything. The Hall of Fame 2020 was announced Wendell Strode, Doug Fehan, Henry Hager and Mike McGagh. Frank had club flags for sale to put on car window for $17.00 each. 6. Activities: Tony Megowan—Tony asking anyone in the club to step up for activities position. We had a great turn out for Santa Paula Run. Please sign up online for all activities. Feb 22, 2020—Mullins Museum. Cancelled. Mar 15, 2020—Wino’s gone Wild. Cancelled. Apr 18, 2020—Lyons Air Museum. Apr 24, 2020—Reagan Library Dinner/Dance May 16, 2020—Paso Robles Wine Run (Field of Lights, get tickets on line) July 12, 2020—Plan B Winery (California Dreaming)

7. Old Business: None. 8. New Business: None. 9. Trivia Question: None. 10. 50/50 Raffle: The pot was $23.00. Lark Stevens won raffle. 11. Correspondence: None.

Meeting adjourned @ 6:57 PM. Next meeting is April 7th, 2020 at Mulligans Cafe.

Respectfully submitted, Sandy Rubel-Halverson, Secretary

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www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com

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www.corvetteclubsantabarbara.com

For clothing embroidered with the Corvette MARY KAY COSMETICS Club Santa Barbara logo contact Frank or Barbara LoMonaco.

http://store.corvettemuseum.com/ SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING

Members of the NCM receive 10% to 15% discount on purchases from the museum store.

Check the store before buying Corvette relat- ed items from other vendors—you might be surprised at the current inventory as well as prices.

Be sure to check the items on sale while you are there. Dr. Paula Ross, D.C., C.C.S.P Chiropractor

Chiropractor specializing in nutrition/weight loss and exercise rehabilitation

Montecito, CA 805-969-0022

[email protected] montecitochiropractor.com

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