Activism
Ed Chief Thurmond Visits Southern California Schools Fires Impacted
“Schools are the heartbeat of any community’s ability to recover as they provide stable and safe learning spaces for children,” Thurmond said. “That’s why our team has had boots on the ground since the beginning of this tragedy, and we are committed to remaining side-by-side with local leaders to assist in the recovery.”
Tanu Henry, California Black Media
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond last week visited several school communities in Southern California that have been severely impacted by wildfires.
His visit aimed to assess the damage, provide support, and secure essential resources for the recovery process. As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat to various regions, Thurmond’s says his actions reflect the commitment of the California Department of Education (CDE) to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, educators, and their families.
“Schools are the heartbeat of any community’s ability to recover as they provide stable and safe learning spaces for children,” Thurmond said. “That’s why our team has had boots on the ground since the beginning of this tragedy, and we are committed to remaining side-by-side with local leaders to assist in the recovery.”
During his visit, Thurmond met with local school officials, teachers, and students to understand their immediate needs and long-term concerns. He expressed his commitment to fighting for people affected by the disaster and assured them of the state’s unwavering support. Thurmond also emphasized the importance of mental health services, particularly for students who have experienced trauma due to the wildfires.
Thurmond announced that he has secured financial and logistical assistance to aid in the rebuilding and restoration of school facilities. This includes funding for temporary classrooms, educational materials, and infrastructure repair. The CDE says its goal is expedite the recovery process and minimize disruptions to students’ education.
Earlier in the week, Thurmond finalized a partnership between the CDE and Airbnb to provide short-term housing for school staff in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD).
The CDE has also partnered with the SupplyBank.org to collect and distribute critical resources to school communities. A similar agreement with curriculum providers and tech manufacturers will lead on the replacement of school materials damaged by the fires.
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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