Government
California Assembly Elects First Women as Chief Clerk and Parliamentarian
The California Assembly made history when it elected the first woman to serve as Chief Clerk and Parliamentarian Jan. 9, 2020, for a two-year term.
The 80-member lower house of the state legislature voted for, then confirmed and swore in Sue Parker, a long-serving African-American public official, to the Assembly’s non-member, non-partisan role.
Parker, who lives in Elk Grove, is the 40th person to serve in the role since it was first created in 1849. She succeeds E. Dotson Wilson, who is also African American, after he retired in September.
“I’m humbled by this opportunity to serve,” Parker told California Black Media. “And I’m honored to be the first woman to do so.”
Before assuming her current role, Parker served as Assistant Chief Clerk. In that position, she ran the operations of the Assembly Desk, including updating legislative information on the clerk’s website. She began her career as a Senate fellow, and for the last 20 years, she has served in numerous capacities in that office. She was also the first female to be appointed Reading Clerk.
“It has not been an easy road for her. I’m so proud of this accomplishment,” said Taisha Brown, chair of the California Democratic Party African American Caucus (CDPAAC). “It’s time that a woman got elected to that position and Parker is both qualified and prepared. It is a joy to see so many women stepping into powerful roles in the Democratic Party and the state government.”
As Chief Clerk, Parker is charged with publishing all official documents of the House, keeping a record of all proceedings and documenting legislation. She will also ensure that the legislative process is smooth, efficient and fair, and that members follow parliamentary procedure.
The same day Parker took the helm of the Chief Clerk’s office, the Assembly also confirmed two more women to the body’s other unelected roles: Alisa Buckley as Chief Sergeant at Arms and the Rev. Patti Oshita as Chaplain.
It’s the first time in California’s history that women have served in all three of the Assembly’s non-member offices at the same time.
“It was a historic day in the Assembly,” said Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Los Angeles). “I know Chief Parker and Chief Buckley will bring knowledge and insight to their new roles.”
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Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025
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Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
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IN MEMORIAM: William ‘Bill’ Patterson, 94
Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.
William “Bill” Patterson, 94, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at his home in Oakland, CA. He was born on May 19, 1931, to Marie Childress Patterson and William Benjamin Patterson in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Dunbar High School and traveled to Oakland, California, in 1948. William Patterson graduated from San Francisco State University, earning both graduate and undergraduate degrees. He married Euradell “Dell” Patterson in 1961. Bill lovingly took care of his wife, Dell, until she died in 2020.
Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.
He served on the boards of Oakland’s Urban Strategies Council, the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, and the Oakland Workforce Development Board.
He was a three-term president of the Oakland branch of the NAACP.
Bill was initiated in the Gamma Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
In 1997 Bill was appointed to the East Bay Utility District Board of Directors. William Patterson was the first African American Board President and served the board for 27 years.
Bill’s impact reached far beyond his various important and impactful positions.
Bill mentored politicians, athletes and young people. Among those he mentored and advised are legends Joe Morgan, Bill Russell, Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, and Lionel Wilson to name a few.
He is survived by his son, William David Patterson, and one sister, Sarah Ann Strickland, and a host of other family members and friends.
A celebration of life service will take place at Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center (Calvin Simmons Theater) on November 21, 2025, at 10 AM.
His services are being livestreamed at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1250167107131991/
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Euradell and William Patterson scholarship fund TBA.
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