City Government
Council Reacts to Mayor Silva’s Conflict with Local Media
Mayor Anthony Silva’s recent announcement that he would no longer speak to the certain media outlets has raised concerns of transparency.
If the may only speaks to those outlets he sees fit, what message does that send to the community? Ask council members.
“I think it’s important that he talks to all of them to his point across [especially] if he think’s he’s being misrepresented or misunderstood,” said Vice Mayor Paul Canepa. “I think it will be in his best interest to communicate.”
Mayor Silvahas been under a microscope after he purchased badges similar to those used by the police department for his private security. He says the issue was blown completely out of proportion and has since discontinued the use of these badges for his security.
The case is now being looked into to see if he violated the city’s municipal’s code.
“I have turned the badges over to the Police Department for safe keeping while we conduct additional research to ensure that the security company I use in the future has met all requirements of the municipal code,” said Silva. “I hope this brings this issue to an end so we can give our full attention to exiting bankruptcy, reducing crime, and creating jobs.”
However, there still remains the possibility of law violations, said Councilman Albert Holman, who says the news coverage was worthy and necessary. Regardless of the mayor’s personal feelings, Holman says, it is the mayor’s “obligation to talk to news media” when he is dealing with city business.
“I don’t think it was an unwarranted attack on him,” said Holman. “Sometimes you have to be careful about the decisions you make.”
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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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