Deanna Despain, Berkeley's city clerk, was found dead inside her Oakland home (at on the 4100 block of Lyman Road) on Saturday morning. According to Berkeleyside, who broke the story, "The coroner’s office is not yet releasing any information about the death, referring enquiries to the Oakland Police Department."
No word yet on the cause of death.
Despain, Berkeleyside goes on to point out, had worked with the city for over 10 years. She gave birth to a child last March.
Update: According to The Chronicle, Despain died after falling down a flight of stairs in her home. "Police say there's no signs of foul play in the couple's Oakland home."