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This check won't go through the ATM but a real one will follow promise (from left) Pat Smith, Charlotte Severin and John Loll of the Firehouse Arts Center fundraising campaign who made this $25,000 contribution to the project at Tuesday night's City Council meeting. The money was raised by the Pleasanton Art League.

The council gave final approval to the construction project, which will get under way at 3:30 Thursday with a public groundbreaking and reception at the old historic firehouse at 444 Railroad Ave. The firehouse will be restored and expanded to accommodate the $10-million-plus arts center.

- Jeb Bing firehouse arts center loll

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