If you're an entrepreneur, you know that protecting your intellectual property should be high on your list when it comes to safeguarding your company. However, as a successful business owner, you also know the steps and costs of filing a trademark in the U.S. can be expensive and arduous.
This conundrum can be even more overwhelming for new business owners who want to do everything possible to minimize the price of securing trademarks. They try to handle complicated tasks like trademark registration on their own, which can be a big mistake - especially when juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a business. You may be thinking, "But what about those set-it-and-forget-it services you can find online? All you have to do is plug in your info, and you're done." Using pre-made templates for trademark filing can be tempting, but doing so can leave you with inadequate protection and hurt you in the long run.
So, what is the easiest, most cost-effective route to consider that also minimizes legal risk? The truth is, before you spend money on an online filing service, it's best to consult with a trademark attorney working with clients in Oakland, CA.
At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with U.S. trademark filing, U.S. trademark responses, and U.S. trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.
Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.
Using a trademark attorney for filing in Oakland, CA, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The U.S. government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.
In terms of filing a U.S. trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:
1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.
2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the U.S. Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.
3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your U.S. trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.
The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.
The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.
Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:
Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.
Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.
Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.
Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.
Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.
Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.
Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.
Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.
Online services, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in Oakland, CA.
Although online filing services offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. Online filing services' disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, online filing services cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.
In other words, online filing services can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.
For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.
Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Oakland, CA can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.
The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.
Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.
During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.
After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.
It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.
By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in Oakland, CA, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.
In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.
In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.
If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.
To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.
It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.
Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.
It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.
When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.
Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.
In summary:
Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.
With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.
If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.
Eastbound lanes on Highway 24 at the Caldecott Tunnel were blocked for part of the Wednesday evening commute after a vehicle fire in one of the bores.Shortly before 4:30 p.m., the Oakland Fire Department announced that a vehicle had caught fire in bore #1, one of two bores that carries traffic eastbound from Oakland to Orinda. The fire was approximately 400 feet into the tunnel.In a subsequent update, firefighters said California Highway Patrol, Caltrans and a tow truck are on scene.Spokesperson Michael Hunt of the Oakla...
Eastbound lanes on Highway 24 at the Caldecott Tunnel were blocked for part of the Wednesday evening commute after a vehicle fire in one of the bores.
Shortly before 4:30 p.m., the Oakland Fire Department announced that a vehicle had caught fire in bore #1, one of two bores that carries traffic eastbound from Oakland to Orinda. The fire was approximately 400 feet into the tunnel.
In a subsequent update, firefighters said California Highway Patrol, Caltrans and a tow truck are on scene.
Spokesperson Michael Hunt of the Oakland Fire Department told CBS News Bay Area that the fire was extinguished shortly before 5 p.m.
"The fire is now out, through a great coordinated effort," Hunt said, crediting the effort of multiple agencies.
According to Hunt, the fire involved one vehicle. According to the CHP, the driver and child were taken out of the tunnel to safety by a passing motorist.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
All lanes were reopened around 7:20 p.m.
Tim Fang is a digital producer at CBS Bay Area. A Bay Area native, Tim has been a part of the CBS Bay Area newsroom for more than two decades and joined the digital staff in 2006.
Oakland's Grand Lake Theater Named one of the Coolest in The World.The entertainment industry publication Variety recently included Oakland’s historic Grand Lake Theater in its list of “The 21 Coolest Movie Theaters in the World.” The Grand Lake Theater proudly stands as the only Bay Area theater to make the list. It received acclaim for its vintage style and Moorish design. Constructed in 1926, the venue has hosted premieres, festivals, and political events. This accolade comes just days after the t...
Oakland's Grand Lake Theater Named one of the Coolest in The World.
The entertainment industry publication Variety recently included Oakland’s historic Grand Lake Theater in its list of “The 21 Coolest Movie Theaters in the World.” The Grand Lake Theater proudly stands as the only Bay Area theater to make the list. It received acclaim for its vintage style and Moorish design. Constructed in 1926, the venue has hosted premieres, festivals, and political events. This accolade comes just days after the theater hosted the world premiere of “Freaky Tales.” Set in Oakland in 1987, the film features Pedro Pascal, Tom Hanks, Jay Ellis, and the late Angus Cloud, an Oakland actor. Tickets for "Freaky Tales" and other events are available here.
Burdell Named Best Restaurant in the United States by Food & Wine Magazine
Burdell wins the top honor from Food & Wine Magazine's Best Restaurants! Acclaimed chef Geoff Davis's Burdell pays homage to his roots in the Central Valley. Growing up in the heart of California's agricultural region, Davis crafted the menu and aesthetics of Burdell. Adorned with framed photos of relatives under golden hues, Burdell transports patrons to a bygone era. The award-winning menu features cocktails named after current and past staff, barbequed shrimp, and a curated Sunday night meal that replicates the warmth of loved ones sharing a beautiful dinner. Davis has called Oakland his home for over a decade and has often said he could not imagine opening his restaurant anywhere else.
Visit Burdell at 4640 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center Re-Opening
The reopening of the Kaiser convention center (that had been closed for many years), brings excitement and activity on both sides of the lake
A new era is underway for the historic Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center (HJKC). This landmark Oakland venue has hosted iconic acts, including the Grateful Dead, Frank Sinatra, and Elton John. The venue was also the host to prominent figures of social movements, such as Martin Luther King Jr. With the renovations complete, the HJKC is ready to welcome a variety of touring acts.
The HJKC boasts a stellar lineup of world-class talent for April. The most recently announced acts include:
04/11 Marlon Wayans
04/12 The Whispers
04/25 Parliament Funkadelic Ft. George Clinton
SOS Meals on Wheels Needs Volunteers
Recently, our office went out with Kim Olson, Director of Advocacy, to help deliver meals to D2 residents enrolled in the program. SOS Meals on Wheels and Spectrum Community Services work together to meet seniors where they are—SOS provides meals for homebound seniors, and Spectrum offers congregate dining for active older adults. Both services rely on community support to ensure our senior neighbors remain healthy, independent, and connected. Spectrum Community Services relies on community support to serve older adults. Spectrum Community Services welcomes introductions to potential donors and partners, volunteers to support the programs, and help spreading awareness about services. You can also impact by joining the organization at Show Your Love on May 18, 2025, to support senior services. You can learn more at www.SpectrumCS.org
SOS Meals on Wheels needs volunteer drivers to deliver nutritious meals and a friendly visit to homebound seniors. Find out more at www.sosmow.org
W. Kamau Bell Advances to Celebrity Jeopardy Finals
after an impressive performance during the semi-final rounds. Bell progressed to the next round by defeating another Bay Area Comedian, Margaret Cho. Having amassed an impressive lead into final Jeopardy, the Oakland comic needed only to wager $1 to seal a place in the final. The winner of the tournament will net a $1 million charitable donation to an organization of their choosing. Bell is playing for the DonorsChoose, a non-profit organization that helps teachers request school supplies. We wish Bell good fortune as he heads into the finals.
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Rebecca Kaplan is an honors graduate of MIT and Stanford Law School. Kaplan was elected in 2008 to serve as Oakland’s citywide Councilmember; she was re-elected in 2020. In 2021, her colleagues unanimously elected her to serve as Oakland's Vice Mayor. Kaplan also serves on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Oakland- Alameda County Coliseum Authority Board (OACCA).
Rebecca Kaplan for City Council 2020 Officeholder, FPPC ID #14422741714 Franklin #100-451Oakland, CA 94612United States
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Oakland, CA – Today, Oakland City Council approved the installation of 244 Flash Level 2 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and other improvements across eight downtown city parking facilities.The eight newly approved locations will add 244 Level 2 EV chargers to the existing 24 charging stations already installed at the Oakland City Center Garage (525 14th St.) and 32 charging stations at the Rotunda Garage (524 16th St.) for a total of 256. Level 2 chargers provide 240 volts of electricity, ...
Oakland, CA – Today, Oakland City Council approved the installation of 244 Flash Level 2 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and other improvements across eight downtown city parking facilities.
The eight newly approved locations will add 244 Level 2 EV chargers to the existing 24 charging stations already installed at the Oakland City Center Garage (525 14th St.) and 32 charging stations at the Rotunda Garage (524 16th St.) for a total of 256. Level 2 chargers provide 240 volts of electricity, allowing nearly all electric vehicles to charge from empty to full in four to eight hours.
“Oakland is committed to building a greener, more sustainable future, and expanding our public EV charging infrastructure is a critical step in that journey. These new chargers will make it easier for Oaklanders—especially those who don’t have access to at-home charging—to choose clean transportation. By investing in this infrastructure now, we’re ensuring that all our communities can benefit from the transition to electric vehicles, reducing emissions and improving air quality for everyone," said Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins.
“The people of Oakland lead the nation in the transition to electric vehicles, and this gives them convenient, affordable access to infrastructure they need to sustain the shift and make it a practical choice for more of our residents, especially those who can’t realistically charge at home,” said Josh Rowan, OakDOT Director.
“This project is an important step in expanding access to EV charging stations with no upfront costs to the City and helps us get closer to meeting emission reduction goals. I look forward to successful installation and operation in the identified facilities. Thank you to all who are involved,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife.
This new partnership with Flash will help implement Oakland’s Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan and 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan, which together provide a roadmap to a zero emission transportation system in Oakland. The chargers will be installed at no cost to the City and the City will receive half of net revenues from charging.
The new EV charging sites will be operational by the end of 2025 – some with on-site battery systems, lighting, and other property improvements – at the following addresses:
Oakland Museum of California - 1000 Oak St. Marriott Convention Center - 1001 Broadway St. Pacific Renaissance Plaza - 1002 Webster St. Harrison Garage - 1200 Harrison St. Franklin Plaza Garage - 1735 Franklin St. Telegraph Plaza Garage - 2100 Telegraph Ave. 1800 San Pablo Lot - 1800 San Pablo Ave. Parkway Lot - 360-398 E. 19th St.
The new locations join the initial two that went live late last year as part of a growing EV charging ‘Innovation Lab’ Flash is building with a $5.8 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to demonstrate a reliable, scalable model for public charging infrastructure.
“The City of Oakland and its residents have embraced electric vehicles and clean transportation,” said Hannon Rasool, director of the CEC’s Fuels and Transportation Division. “The city’s leadership in supporting and installing effective public charging infrastructure helps improve our communities. Oakland is setting an example for how cities can lead across California and the country.”
Data from Flash and CEC’s collaboration will provide technical and financial insights to improve efficiency, dependability, and return on investment to the City of Oakland. Flash will also promote the availability of the new EV charging stations through a multi-channel community outreach initiative, including direct outreach to area businesses.
“This collaboration with CEC and the City of Oakland is a huge source of pride for us at Flash,” said Matt McCaffree, Vice President & General Manager of EV Charging at Flash. “We’re showing what’s possible for the future of parking plus charging and playing a part in helping Oakland and other smart cities make the EV transition a reality.”
About the Oakland Equitable Climate Action Plan (ECAP)
The ECAP establishes actions the City and its partners will take by 2030 to equitably reduce Oakland’s climate emissions and adapt to a changing climate. Part of the ECAP is the Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan, which provides a roadmap for transitioning to a zero emission transportation system. Learn more here: https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/sustainable-oakland-1
About Flash
Flash is a pioneering technology company bringing seamless parking and EV charging experiences to drivers through a first-of-its-kind digital ecosystem. Flash’s platform connects reservable parking and charging in the apps drivers use every day with garage, surface lot, event, and valet parking locations—connected and controlled via a cloud-based operating system with unrivaled intelligence. Customer-obsessed brands partner with Flash to deliver digital, easy-to-use, reliable, and increasingly frictionless experiences to drivers eager to pay for a solution that eliminates wasted time, excess emissions, and stress. The solution has arrived. Visit www.flashparking.com to learn more.
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Tagged with: Transportation (OakDOT), Newsroom, Sustainability
OAKLAND, Calif., March 17, 2025 (Newswire.com) - We're always looking for ways to better serve our clients, prospective clients and the Bay Area's bicycling community. With that in mind, we offer free consultations, exceptionally talented, result...
OAKLAND, Calif., March 17, 2025 (Newswire.com) - We're always looking for ways to better serve our clients, prospective clients and the Bay Area's bicycling community. With that in mind, we offer free consultations, exceptionally talented, results-oriented lawyers, easy access through our online chat function, a full range of attorney resources, and a commitment to a full spectrum of charitable engagement and donations to the Bay Area community.
But still, we're always looking for ways to do more. So, we recently moved to a new location at 1904 Franklin Street, Suite 900, Oakland, CA 94612. Our new location offers better, more convenient access to all, especially to injured cyclists living with the pain and limitations resulting from cycling accidents. It's a more up-to-date space, easily-accessible location, and of course is close to public transportation.
While much if not most of our client and prospective client interactions are online, through Zoom calls or over the phone, we still feel it's important to be as accessible as possible to as many members of the cycling community as we can.
"We're committed to serving our clients and prospective clients, so we try to look at ourselves, our services and everything we do through the eyes of those members of the Bay Area cycling community," says Senior Attorney Lucy Allen. "That's been our approach since the firm was founded in 2012 and that's what drives our decision-making process. And for well over a decade, living by that ethos has served cyclists in the Bay Area very well. It's working and we're not going to change that commitment. We're here to help, in every way possible."
If you're a cyclist who has been injured in a bicycling accident (or if you've been injured as a pedestrian or in a motorcycle crash) contact us today; we're ready to help!
Source: JWeb Media
Oakland, CA – As the City of Oakland prepares for a critical budget cycle, Mayor Kevin Jenkins has appointed two trusted leaders, LaNiece Jones and Burt Jones (no relation), as Deputy Mayors to represent his administration and spearhead short-term, special projects focused on cleaner and safer communities.“With the upcoming budget process requiring my full attention, I am grateful to have LaNiece and Burt stepping into these key roles to ensure that our ad...
Oakland, CA – As the City of Oakland prepares for a critical budget cycle, Mayor Kevin Jenkins has appointed two trusted leaders, LaNiece Jones and Burt Jones (no relation), as Deputy Mayors to represent his administration and spearhead short-term, special projects focused on cleaner and safer communities.
“With the upcoming budget process requiring my full attention, I am grateful to have LaNiece and Burt stepping into these key roles to ensure that our administration continues to be present, engaged, and responsive to the needs of Oaklanders,” said Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Both of them bring a deep commitment to public service and a proven track record of uplifting our communities. Their leadership will help advance critical initiatives that make our neighborhoods safer and cleaner.”
LaNiece Jones, a longtime strategist and community advocate, has extensive experience in public policy, economic equity, and civic engagement. She previously served as Special Assistant to Mayor Jenkins and has worked with the California Legislative Black Caucus on policy initiatives aimed at empowering Black communities. A seasoned marketing and public relations professional, she has led efforts to expand Black women’s leadership and coalition-building across the state.
Burt Jones, a West Oakland native, has dedicated his career to youth development, social justice, and civic engagement. His background includes leadership roles in both city government and the nonprofit sector, including work with Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley and Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA). With an MBA and a law degree, Burt brings a wealth of experience in policy, advocacy, and community organizing.
As Deputy Mayors, LaNiece and Burt will serve as official representatives of the Mayor’s Office, engaging with community members, business leaders, and city stakeholders while leading short-term projects focused on improving quality of life in Oakland.
Their appointments come as Mayor Jenkins continues to prioritize public safety, economic recovery, and neighborhood revitalization in the months ahead.
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Posted: March 12th, 2025 10:59 AM