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The articles in this section were curated by the research team at the University of San Francisco. Subsequently, City staff utilized Artificial Intelligence tools to transcribe and summarize these articles. Original articles are available for download on each page. If you encounter any discrepancies in the summaries or transcriptions, please reach out to our Digital Applications Developer at: info@hayward-ca.gov.

To view the full articles and download a copy, click on the title of the article. 

 

Dual Action Proposed on Russell City

Oakland Tribune, Nov. 24, 1960

Summary:

Hayward city officials plan to meet with Supervisor Francis Dunn on December 5 to discuss a joint program for redeveloping the Russell City slum area, considered one of the worst blight areas in the Bay Area. Currently, the city lacks jurisdiction over the area, which is outside its limits. To address this, the council intends to request that the county board of supervisors designate the city as its urban renewal agency. This agency would develop plans to purchase and clear the approximately 200 acres, turning them into prime industrial...

County to Seek Federal Aid for Renewal of Russell City

Oakland Tribune, Mar. 15, 1961

Summary:

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to initiate a plan that involves relocating approximately 1,500 residents and converting the 92-acre area, situated south of Hayward Airport, for industrial use. To qualify for federal aid, the board assigned the District Attorney, Planning Director, and County Administrator to compile the necessary data. Following data collection, an Urban Redevelopment Authority will be appointed to oversee resident relocation and initiate condemnation proceedings. The program, long under...

Jury Urges Action On County Debt

Oakland Tribune, Mar. 29, 1961

Summary:

The 1960 Grand Jury's final report emphasizes the need for immediate action to collect almost $3 million in outstanding departmental fees and services owed to Alameda County. The report focuses on financial matters and recommends tighter controls on property management and fund accounting, stricter checks on the eligibility of claimants for veterans' tax exemptions, and increased charges for county hospital patients. Report reiterates criticism by past juries of "intolerable conditions" at Russell City, the jury urges the Board of ...

County Team to Give Report on Russell City Blight Study

Oakland Tribune, Jul. 12, 1961

Summary:

Alameda County is making progress towards addressing the blighted Russell City area. A committee of county officials has conducted a preliminary study, with a report scheduled for a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors on August 1. The board has invited officials from Hayward, chambers of commerce, industrial organizations, and past/present grand jury members critical of substandard housing. The plan to transform Russell City into an industrial park is deemed feasible but costly, estimated at $2.5 million for land acquisition...

Few Tears Shed in Doomed Russell City

Oakland Tribune, Oct. 08, 1961

Summay:

Residents of Russell City, plagued by substandard living conditions, are cautiously optimistic about the county's redevelopment plans. Asie May Gordon, a widow, hopes for a better place to live. Many others, living in dilapidated homes with no amenities, share similar sentiments. There's a mixture of hope and skepticism, with some questioning if the plans will materialize. Older residents express resignation and hope the county will treat them fairly. Chauncey Pryor, chairman of the Russell City Services District, emphasizes the need for...

Houlihan Hit By Hayward

Oakland Tribune, Dec. 13, 1961

Summary:

The Hayward city council criticized Oakland Mayor John C. Houlihan for opposing Alameda County's redevelopment plans for Russell City. They accused Houlihan of "making politics out of poverty" and claimed his objections did a disservice to his office and the project. Houlihan had presented a resolution opposing the conversion of Russell City into an industrial park, arguing that cities would bear most of the costs. The county officials assured him that there would be no $2 million deficit and might seek federal funds to cover part of the...

Close Watch Over Supervisors Asked

Oakland Tribune, Feb. 10, 1962

Summary:

Mayor John C. Houlihan of Oakland proposed that Alameda County cities should hire a "fire marshal" to monitor the actions of the Board of Supervisors and safeguard municipal interests. He presented this idea during a meeting of the Alameda County Mayors Conference, criticizing the supervisors' handling of the Russell City redevelopment issue. The supervisors had decided to proceed with the project without federal funds, contrary to the mayors' request to delay the project for further federal aid considerations.

Houlihan suggested...

County's Renewal Plan OK'd

Oakland Tribune, Jun. 09, 1962

Summary:

A team of 11 nationally recognized industrial development experts conducted an extensive study of Alameda County and commended the area's significant progress over the past five years. This visit marked their second trip since 1957, when they responded to a call for assistance from the county's board of supervisors. The experts offered recommendations, most of which have been successfully implemented. They acknowledged the county's substantial advancement and praised local projects, including the redevelopment of Russell City and the...

Hearing on Russell City Set

Oakland Tribune, Feb. 26, 1963

Summary:

The final public hearing regarding the redevelopment of Russell City is scheduled for March 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Oakland Auditorium ballroom. The Board of Supervisors will conduct this hearing, following two previous meetings held in Hayward as the county Redevelopment Agency. The redevelopment plan, already approved by the county Planning Commission, is now in its last procedural step required by state law before the transformation of Russell City into an industrial park can begin, involving the relocation of its residents.

Committee Man Jumps Gun on Resettlement Questions

The Argus, Mar. 20, 1963

Summary:

Newark city councilmen informed Carl Hersey, a member of the Russell City Redevelopment Committee, that official opinions would only be provided upon an official request regarding the resettlement of 200 families from the Russell City area. Hersey sought a direct answer from Mayor Louis Milani, who declined to respond. Councilman Clark Redeker explained that no official action was needed until an official request from the relocating agency was received. City Manager John Nail later clarified that Hersey's statements did not represent the...