Decoto, California facts for kids
Decoto is a neighborhood in Union City, California. It's about 5 kilometers (or 3 miles) north of Newark. Decoto was once its own small community before it became part of Union City.
Contents
A Look Back at Decoto
How Decoto Started
Decoto got its name from Ezra Decoto. He was a local landowner. In 1867, he sold some of his land to a railroad company. Soon, a small town began to grow around this railroad spot. Decoto even had its own post office for many years. It operated from 1871 until 1959. In 1958, Decoto joined with another community called Alvarado. Together, they formed what we now know as Union City.
People and Cultures
For a long time, many people living in Decoto were Hispanic. Most of them were Mexican-American families. In the 1930s, and especially during World War Two, more Mexican families moved to Decoto. Many of these people were "braceros." These were workers who came to help with jobs during the war.
Today, Decoto still has a large Latino community. But many other groups also live there now. Different Asian groups make up a big part of the population too.
Community Challenges and Changes
In the early 1970s, there were some difficult times in Decoto. The Chicano Movement was happening, which was a time of civil rights efforts for Mexican Americans. There were tensions between the Latino community and the local police and government. Community leaders worked to help calm things down.
A plane crash also happened near Decoto. United Airlines Flight 615 crashed there in 1951. This happened early in the morning as it was trying to land at Oakland airport.
Today, Decoto is changing quickly. New developments are happening near the Transit District. This is bringing new people and new ways of life to the area.
