Government
Election for Slate of Progressive Democrats in 18th District on Jan. 27
State Rep. Rob Bonta is calling for all Democrats living in the 18th Assembly District (Alameda, San Leandro and most of Oakland)—to support the Unity Slate of delegates for the California Democratic Party.
The election is on Sunday, January 27th from Noon-2:45 p.m. at the College of Alameda in Building F.
For this election, you must vote in person during the designated window of time.
Every two years, California voters have the chance to choose who will be representing them within the California Democratic Party. At these elections, called Assembly District Election Meetings or ADEMS, Democrats in each Assembly District select seven women and seven men who will help determine the direction of the party including setting the Democratic Party platform, making endorsements for candidates and propositions, and selecting a new Party Chair.
In Assembly District 18, including most of Oakland and all of Alameda and San Leandro, a diverse group of progressive activists, labor leaders, and elected officials have joined together to form the Progressive- Labor Unity Slate.
The Unity slate is made up of Sean Dugar (Executive Board); Oakland city councilmembers Nikki Fortunato Bas and Sheng Thao; Alameda School Board Member Gray Harris; Sugar Sweetened Beverage Advisory Board Member Kim Carter Martinez; Alameda City Councilmember Malia Vella, Mari Perez-Ruiz of the Alameda Renters’ Coalition; Jeff DelBono, president of Local 689 of the International Association of Firefighters; Tonya D. Love (TDL), Dwayne C. Ealy, Jeremy Wolff, Gary Jimenez, Yonatan Landau and John Knox White.
While their backgrounds vary, slate members are linked by a commitment to justice, inclusion, equity, and opportunity. They are prepared to put in the work necessary to protect East Bay values and push the Democratic Party to stay strong, vibrant, and relevant.
In addition to progressive ideals, the slate has a history of progressive accomplishments at the grassroots and governmental level. Slate members have led the charge in increasing the minimum wage, protecting renters, combatting homelessness, and promoting public education.
“These leaders are true progressive champions and warriors for hard-working families. They are effective and will work together to achieve great things for the East Bay,” Bonta said.
Recent accomplishments include opening the Richmond- SF Ferry, creating the California Democratic Party Renters Caucus, and winning the decisive victories necessary to establish progressive majorities on the Oakland and Alameda City Councils. Their background in getting results have earned the Progressive-Labor Unity Slate the endorsement of Assemblymember Rob Bonta, SEIU Local 1021, and the Alameda Labor Council.
On top of electing 14 representatives to the California Democratic Party’s Central Committee, we will be selecting one E-Board member who is responsible for representing the community at semi-annual E-Board meetings.
The Progressive-Labor Unity Slate candidate for E-Board is Sean Dugar. The former Western Regional Director of the NAACP and Co-Founder of the California Young Democrats Black Caucus, Sean has been serving on the E-Board for the last two years. As an E-Board representative, Sean has fought against displacement and gentrification, advocated for healthcare as a human right, and built coalitions to implement lasting change.
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
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
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.
-
Activism4 weeks agoOakland Post: Week of November 12 – 18, 2025
-
Activism3 weeks agoIN MEMORIAM: William ‘Bill’ Patterson, 94
-
Activism4 weeks agoHow Charles R. Drew University Navigated More Than $20 Million in Fed Cuts – Still Prioritizing Students and Community Health
-
Bay Area4 weeks agoNo Justice in the Justice System
-
#NNPA BlackPress3 weeks agoLewis Hamilton set to start LAST in Saturday Night’s Las Vegas Grand Prix
-
#NNPA BlackPress2 weeks agoBeyoncé and Jay-Z make rare public appearance with Lewis Hamilton at Las Vegas Grand Prix
-
Activism2 weeks agoOakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025
-
#NNPA BlackPress4 weeks agoThe Perfumed Hand of Hypocrisy: Trump Hosted Former Terror Suspect While America Condemns a Muslim Mayor





