Activism
California Bill Requires Schools to Alert Families of Immigration Agents, Backed by Tony Thurmond
“With students returning to school, this legislation is more important than ever,” said Pérez. “In the face of mass deportations, raids and immigration enforcement authorities showing up at schools, the SAFE Act can help inform and empower school communities to make the best decisions about their safety and their family’s safety.”
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
California lawmakers have passed a bill requiring K-12 schools, state universities, and community colleges to notify students, faculty, and families when immigration enforcement authorities are present on campuses. The legislation, known as the SAFE Act, comes amid the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation efforts and increasing immigration enforcement activity near schools.
State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Alhambra), who authored the bill, said it is modeled on early warning systems already used for other campus emergencies.
“With students returning to school, this legislation is more important than ever,” said Pérez. “In the face of mass deportations, raids and immigration enforcement authorities showing up at schools, the SAFE Act can help inform and empower school communities to make the best decisions about their safety and their family’s safety.”
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who oversees the state’s public school system, strongly supported the bill.
“Our immigrant families are living in fear and our time to act is limited. The school year has begun, and now is the time to make decisive efforts to protect our communities and maintain schools as a safe place for learning,” said Thurmond.
Democratic Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Rolling Hill Estates) emphasized the need for safe learning environments.
“Students cannot learn unless they feel safe,” said Muratsuchi. “For decades we had a bipartisan agreement to keep educational institutions, schools, campuses, free from immigration enforcement activities.”
The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has until Oct. 12 to sign it into law. If approved, it will take effect immediately and remain in place until 2031.
The SAFE Act is part of a broader set of California proposals aimed at protecting immigrant communities, including measures to prevent enforcement officers from entering nonpublic areas of schools or hospitals without a warrant. The legislation follows high-profile incidents, such as the detention of a 15-year-old outside a Los Angeles high school in August, which drew widespread public outrage.
Activism
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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Activism
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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Activism
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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