Ruth Villasenor was one of the proprietors of Paws & Claws, a natural pet food store in the Dimond.
- Native American roots
- worked with Native American Health Center in Fruitvale
- involved with BAAITS (Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits) (link)
- she and her wife Diane Pfile were legally married June 16, 2008 at Oakland City Hall, by Mayor Ron Dellums with Barbara Lee and Jean Quan as witnesses. (link)