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Councilmember Desley Brooks Kicks Off Re-election Campaign

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Desley Brooks is kicking off her campaign to serve on the City Council as the representative of District 6 in East Oakland, running on the slogan, “Experienced, Tireless, Effective.”

“We’ve accomplished a lot in the areas of public safety; economic and community development; small and local business support; and elimination of illegal dumping and blight,” said Brooks, speaking at large event Monday, Aug. 4 at Everett & Jones Barbecue in Jack London Square.

“There is still work to be done, and I appreciate the confidence and support all of you have in me to continue to get things done,” she aid.

The kickoff event was hosted by Dorothy King, and Melanie Shelby was mistress of ceremonies.

Dorothy Everett, owner of Everett and Jones, explained her support for Brooks’ leadership. “The bottom line is that as far back as I can remember, if we ever needed anything, we call on Desley and she makes it happen,” she said.

Oakland poet Ise Lyfe flew back to his hometown to support the event. He presented a multi-media presentation outlining a sampling of the tangible results that Brooks has brought to the district she represents and Oakland as a whole.

He cited improvements in city services, including a district wide campaign to end illegal dumping; the Foothill Streetscape Project currently under construction; the Seminary Point Development, scheduled to begin in 2015; and, under her leadership, two major park projects built for children in her district in less than 45 days.

Tahey Edwards, a bartender at Everett & Jones, announced that he was donating his tips to the campaign. “I live in this city. I am raising my daughter in this city – It makes a difference who represents us,” said Edward.

Added Chance Holmes, who lives in District 6, “Oakland is changing. Growth is always a good thing, but it has to be considerate of the people and things that were here before all of the special interests were here.”

Among Brooks’ recent endorsements are the International Association of Firefighters Local 55 and AC Transit Director Elsa Ortiz.

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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.

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William "Bill" Patterson, 94. Photo courtesy of the Patterson family.

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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