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VP Kamala Harris Swears in Oakland’s New Congresswoman, Lateefah Simon

Congresswoman Simon was joined by her friends and family in the Vice President’s office at the United States Senate for the ceremony. “Since our time together in the District Attorney’s office in San Francisco, the Vice President has played an integral role in shaping my public service career, and I have learned so much from her,” said Rep. Simon.

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Rep. Lateefah Simon, left, and Vice President Kamala Harris in Harris’ office on Jan. 7. Courtesy photo.
Rep. Lateefah Simon, left, and Vice President Kamala Harris in Harris’ office on Jan. 7. Courtesy photo.

By Post Staff

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) was ceremonially sworn in on Jan. 7 by her longtime mentor and friend, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Congresswoman Simon was joined by her friends and family in the Vice President’s office at the United States Senate for the ceremony.

“Since our time together in the District Attorney’s office in San Francisco, the Vice President has played an integral role in shaping my public service career, and I have learned so much from her,” said Rep. Simon.

“She has also paved the way for women across the nation like me who aspire to serve their country at the highest levels. It was a special moment to stand with her today, look her in the eye, and begin my journey as the congresswoman for California’s 12th District,” said Simon.

Harris and Simon first met in the late 1990s while Harris was serving as an assistant district attorney in San Francisco and Simon worked at the Young Women’s Freedom Center.

In 2005, then-District Attorney Harris recruited Simon to head the “Back on Track” program, which offered first-time, nonviolent offenders alternatives to incarceration – providing a second chance for participants.

The program became a nationally recognized initiative and the basis for multiple programs across the nation.

Rep. Simon represents California’s 12th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, Piedmont, and parts of San Leandro.

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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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