Andrews elected, Mendall steps down and Wahab chosen vice mayor

Hayward Planning Commissioner Angela Andrews and incumbent City Councilmembers Elisa Márquez, Mark Salinas and Francisco Zermeño were the winners in the Nov. 3 election for four seats on the seven-member Hayward City Council.

Andrews, a capital program manager for the West County Waste Water District in Richmond, Contra Costa County, became Hayward’s first African-American female councilmember when she was sworn into office during a special Dec. 15 installation meeting and replaces outgoing Councilmember Al Mendall, who did not seek reelection to a third Council term.

At a special Dec. 15 Council installation meeting, Andrews, a capital program manager for the West County Waste Water District in Richmond, Contra Costa County, took the oath of office for the first time as a Hayward Councilmember, and Councilmember Aisha Wahab was voted Mayor Pro Tempore. Wahab will serve in the vice mayor role through 2021.

Before stepping down on Dec. 15, retiring Councilmember Mendall was recognized for his contributions and accomplishments by numerous Hayward residents, elected and appointed government officials, and members of other Bay Area boards and agencies on which he has served.

A recurring theme was his leadership on environmental action—which is credited with helping to transform Hayward into a recognized municipal leader in environmental protection and climate protection. Former Councilmember Mendall will continue to serve Hayward by representing the City on the Board of Directors of the Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency.

Also on Dec. 15, Councilmember Aisha Wahab was elected Mayor Pro Tempore by her Council colleagues and will serve in that vice mayor role through the end of 2021.