Lake Merritt is a large tidal lagoon in Oakland California.
It’s home to striped bass, cormorants and snowy egrets. For years it was also
Willie’s home. Willie slept in a stairway in the park surrounding the lake.
Every day he biked to a particular spot where he’d sell his “antiques” and greet
passersby. He never missed a day until July 22, 2016. Willie’s sudden absence
sent a shockwave through the neighborhood. No one knew what had happened to him
until an article about his disappearance was published in the East Bay Times. A
witness came forward to say Willie had been attacked, robbed and nearly
strangled to death. The assault had left him wheelchair-bound in a rehab center.
One of his many friends got Willie a day pass to visit his old spot by the
lake, where he was mobbed by fans. If he’s ever able to leave rehab for good,
there are plenty of folk willing to lend him a hand.
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