Hayward, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hayward
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.jpg)     Top: Holy Sepulcher Church; Portuguese Memorial Park; Hayward Water Tower. Bottom: City Hall; All Saints Church.
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| Nickname(s):
Haystack
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| Motto(s):
Heart of the Bay
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Location of Hayward in Alameda County, California
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 Hayward
Location in California
Hayward
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | ||
| State | California | ||
| County | Alameda | ||
| Incorporated | March 11, 1876 | ||
| Government | |||
| • Type | Council-Manager | ||
| Area | |||
| • City | 64.06 sq mi (165.92 km2) | ||
| • Land | 45.77 sq mi (118.56 km2) | ||
| • Water | 18.29 sq mi (47.36 km2) 28.9% | ||
| Elevation | 105 ft (32 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • City | 162,954 | ||
| • Rank | 3rd in Alameda County 36th in California 170th in the United States |
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| • Density | 2,543.77/sq mi (982.12/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC−8 (Pacific) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (PDT) | ||
| ZIP codes |
94540–94546, 94552, 94557
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| Area code | 510, 341 | ||
| FIPS code | 06-33000 | ||
| GNIS feature IDs | 277607, 2410724 | ||
| Flower | Carnation | ||
Hayward is a city in Alameda County, California, United States. It's part of the San Francisco Bay Area, located in the East Bay region. As of 2020, Hayward has a population of over 162,000 people. This makes it the sixth largest city in the Bay Area. It is also the third largest city in Alameda County.
Hayward sits between Castro Valley, San Leandro, and Union City. It is also at the eastern end of the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge. Early in its history, the city was greatly affected by a strong earthquake in 1868. For many years, from the early 1900s to the 1980s, Hayward was known for its food canning and salt production. These industries are no longer active today.
Contents
- What's in a Name? The History of Hayward's Name
- A Look Back: The History of Hayward
- Where is Hayward? Geography and Climate
- Who Lives in Hayward? Population and People
- How Hayward Makes Money: Economy and Businesses
- Getting Around: Transportation in Hayward
- City Services: Infrastructure in Hayward
- Fun Things to Do: Arts and Culture in Hayward
- Green Spaces: Parks and Nature Areas
- Staying Active: Sports in Hayward
- Learning in Hayward: Education
- Staying Informed: Media in Hayward
- Famous Faces: Notable People from Hayward
- Friends Around the World: Sister Cities
- Images for kids
- See also
What's in a Name? The History of Hayward's Name
The city we know as Hayward has had a few different names over time. It was first called "Hayward's," then "Haywood," and later "Haywards." Finally, it became "Hayward."
There's a bit of a debate about how the city got its name. Most historians believe it was named after William Dutton Hayward (1815–1891). He opened a hotel in the area in 1852. William Hayward later became a road commissioner and a supervisor for Alameda County. He used his position to help build roads that benefited him.
However, the United States Geological Survey says the city was named after Alvinza Hayward. He was a rich man from the California Gold Rush. No matter which Hayward it was named for, the post office first called the area "Haywood" in 1860.
In 1876, California officially recognized the town as "Haywards." The post office then changed its name in 1880, dropping the apostrophe. In 1911, the town was officially renamed Hayward, removing the "s." The U.S. Board on Geographic Names didn't recognize this change until 1931.
A Look Back: The History of Hayward
How Hayward Began: Early History
People have lived in the greater East Bay area, including Hayward, for a very long time. Evidence shows people were here as far back as 4000 BC. The most recent Native American group to live in the Hayward area before Europeans arrived were the Ohlone people.
Hayward in the 1800s: Growth and Change
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In the 1800s, the land that is now Hayward was part of a large Spanish land grant called Rancho San Lorenzo. This land was given to Guillermo Castro in 1841. His home was on what is now Mission Boulevard. However, a major earthquake in 1868 severely damaged his home. The Hayward Fault runs right under that spot. Most of the buildings in the city were destroyed in this earthquake. This was the last big earthquake on the Hayward Fault.
In 1930, the site of Castro's damaged home was chosen for the new City Hall. This building served the city until 1969. A post office opened in Hayward in 1860. The town officially became a city in 1876.
Hayward grew steadily throughout the late 1800s. Its economy was based on farming and tourism. Important crops included tomatoes, potatoes, peaches, cherries, and apricots. The Hunt Brothers Cannery opened in 1895. Raising chickens and pigeons also played a big part in the economy. A train line connected Oakland and San Jose. However, it was destroyed in the 1868 earthquake.
The Hayward shoreline was also developed with large salt evaporation ponds. This area became one of the most productive salt-making regions in the world. Leslie Salt was one of the largest companies there.
Hayward in the 1900s: Modern Developments
The San Mateo–Hayward Bridge opened in 1929. This bridge connected Hayward to the San Francisco Peninsula.
In the 1930s, the Harry Rowell Rodeo Ranch, located near Hayward, attracted rodeo cowboys from all over. Even Western movie actors came to visit.
Before World War II, many Japanese Americans lived in Hayward. During the war, they were forced to move to special camps. This was part of the Japanese-American internment. The war brought a big boost to the area's economy and population. Factories opened to make war materials. Many workers stayed in Hayward after the war ended. Builders like Oliver Rousseau and David D. Bohannon built many new homes for these workers.
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District was created in 1944. This district manages parks and recreation in the area.
California State University, Hayward opened in the Hayward Hills in 1957. Southland Mall, a large shopping center, opened in 1964.
A new, larger San Mateo–Hayward Bridge opened in 1967. The City Center Building opened in 1969 and served as the new city hall. However, the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake damaged it, and the city government had to move out. The building closed to the public in 1998. The new Hayward City Hall opened that same year. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system started operating in 1972. Hayward got two BART stations: one downtown and one in south Hayward.
The Hunt Brothers Cannery closed in 1981.
Hayward in the 2000s: Recent Changes
Hayward's downtown area was updated in 2012 and 2013. This included new landscaping, new businesses, and updates to older buildings.
Warren Hall on the California State University, East Bay campus was taken down in 2013.
The Russell City Energy Center, a power plant, started working in 2013 near the Hayward shoreline.
In 2015, the city's old landfill near the shoreline was chosen to become a solar farm. This solar farm will create enough electricity for 1,200 homes. It is part of a larger project to use renewable energy.
Construction began in October 2015 for the Hayward 21st Century Library and Heritage Plaza. The new library opened in September 2019. This project aimed to create a modern community space. It was also designed to be a "net-zero energy" building, meaning it produces as much energy as it uses.
Where is Hayward? Geography and Climate
Hayward covers about 63.7 square miles (165 square kilometers). About 45.3 square miles (117 square kilometers) is land. The rest, about 18.4 square miles (47.6 square kilometers), is water.
The Hayward Fault Zone runs through much of Hayward, including the downtown area. Scientists say there is a growing chance of a major earthquake on this fault. Such an earthquake could cause serious damage.
The San Lorenzo Creek flows through the city.
Hayward shares borders with many other cities and communities. Neighboring cities include San Leandro, Union City, Fremont, and Pleasanton. Other communities bordering Hayward are Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Cherryland, Sunol, and Fairview.
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Industrial areas on west side of city
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South Hayward Hills
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Hayward, California - South Hayward BART station and surrounding area
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South Hayward
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Interchange of Interstate 880 and California State Route 92
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Southland Mall and Chabot College
What's the Weather Like? Hayward's Climate
Hayward has a Mediterranean climate. This means it has mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city also has different microclimates. This means the weather can vary slightly in different parts of the city.
Who Lives in Hayward? Population and People
Hayward is a very diverse city. People from many different backgrounds live here. In 2020, the city's population was 162,954.
In 2010, Hayward was one of the most diverse cities in California. It was also ranked as highly diverse nationwide, along with Oakland and Fremont.
How Hayward Makes Money: Economy and Businesses
Making Things: Manufacturing in Hayward
Hayward has many manufacturing companies. These include both company headquarters and production plants. Some of these are high-tech companies. Hayward is seen as an extension of Silicon Valley to the north.
Factories in Hayward make products like Annabelle Candy, Columbus Salame, and Shasta soft drinks. There is also a PepsiCo production and distribution center.
Shopping Fun: Retail in Hayward
Southland Mall is the biggest shopping center in Hayward. It offers many stores and places to eat.
Past Businesses: Hayward's Industrial History
Hunt Brothers Cannery: A Sweet History
For much of the early 1900s, Hayward's economy relied heavily on the Hunt Brothers Cannery. Brothers William and Joseph Hunt opened the cannery in Hayward in 1895. They started by packing local fruits like cherries and apricots. Later, tomatoes became their main product.
At its busiest in the 1960s and 1970s, Hunt's had three canneries in Hayward. They also had a can-making company, a pickling factory, and a glass manufacturing plant. For many years, Hunt's employed a large number of local people. During canning season, the air around Hayward smelled strongly of tomatoes.
The canneries closed in 1981. This was because there weren't enough farms nearby to supply the cannery. Much of the production moved to the Sacramento Valley. Today, a historic water tower with the Hayward logo marks the old cannery site. Homes now stand where the cannery once was.
Gillig Corporation: Bus Makers
Gillig, a company that makes buses, was located in Hayward for over 80 years. They moved to Livermore in 2017.
Other Important Businesses from the Past
Much of Hayward's Bay coastline was used for salt ponds. Companies like Oliver Salt and Leslie Salt operated there. In recent years, much of this land has been turned back into salt marshes. A picture of these salt ponds even appeared on a U.S. postage stamp in 2012. The Mervyns department store chain had its main office in Hayward until it closed in 2008.
Who Employs the Most People? Top Employers in Hayward
Here are some of the largest employers in Hayward:
- Alameda County Sheriff's Department
- Baxter Bio Pharma
- Berkeley Farms
- California State University, East Bay
- Chabot College
- Fremont Bank
- Hayward Unified School District
- Illumina
- Impax Laboratories
- Pentagon Technologies
- Plastikon Industries
- Siemens Building Technologies
- St. Rose Hospital
Getting Around: Transportation in Hayward
Major Roads: Freeways in Hayward
Hayward is served by several major roads. These include Interstate 880, also known as the Nimitz Freeway. There's also Interstate 580, which connects to State Route 238 (Mission Boulevard/Foothill Boulevard). State Route 92 (Jackson Street) continues west as the San Mateo–Hayward Bridge.
The intersection of 880 and 92 was rebuilt over four years, finishing in 2011. Mission Boulevard has often had heavy traffic. Plans to make Mission Boulevard a freeway or build a bypass have been discussed. One plan to build a new freeway was canceled in 2004.
Mission, Jackson, and Foothill roads meet at a busy intersection south of downtown. This spot is historically called "Five Flags." To help with traffic, the city has made some roads one-way. They are also improving roads and adding landscaping. This project, called the Route 238 Corridor Improvement Project, finished in 2013.
Public Transportation: Buses, Trains, and BART
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is the regional train system. Hayward has two BART stations: the Hayward station downtown and the South Hayward station. BART also has a repair yard in Hayward.
The AC Transit bus system provides bus service in Hayward. It also has a repair and training center here. Amtrak, the national passenger train system, has daily service at its Hayward station. The Capitol Corridor train runs between San Jose and Auburn.
Flying High: Aviation in Hayward
Hayward has a general aviation airport called the Hayward Executive Airport. This airport is used for private and smaller planes. The Hayward Air National Guard station was located at the airport from 1942 until 1980.
City Services: Infrastructure in Hayward
Hayward has its own fire department with nine stations. It also has its own police department. The city manages its own water and wastewater systems. However, a small part of the city's water is managed by the East Bay Municipal Utility District.
The Hayward Public Library opened in 1951. A new, larger library was built and opened in September 2019.
Resting Places: Cemeteries in Hayward
There are four cemeteries in Hayward: Chapel of the Chimes, Mt. Eden Cemetery, Mount Saint Joseph Cemetery, and Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. The last two are Catholic cemeteries.
Fun Things to Do: Arts and Culture in Hayward
In 2008, the city started the Hayward Public Art Program. This program creates murals to make the city more beautiful and to fight graffiti. The program won an award in 2011.
Hayward has been a Tree City USA since 1986. This means it has a good tree care program. In 1987, Hayward declared itself a nuclear-free zone. This was a symbolic act. The city is also home to the Hayward Gay Prom. This is one of the oldest and longest-running gay proms in the United States. In 2015, the city put up road signs encouraging good behavior for walkers and drivers.
The slang term "Hella" is said to have started in Hayward in the 1970s. This word has now spread around the world.
Exploring Downtown Hayward
Many of Hayward's important cultural spots are in its downtown area. Hayward has had three city hall buildings. The current Hayward City Hall is one. The City Center Building was an 11-story building that used to be the city hall. The first city hall was at Alex Giualini Plaza. Its design is now part of the city's logo.
Other downtown attractions include the Hayward Area Historical Society museum. It moved and reopened in 2014. Buffalo Bill's Brewery is one of the first brewpubs in California. Cinema Place is one of Hayward's two movie theaters. It also has murals and an art gallery. Many of the Hayward Public Art Program murals are located downtown.
Important Places: Historic Landmarks
Hayward has two sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These are the Green Shutter Hotel and Eden Congregational Church. A third site, Meek Mansion, is also on the NRHP. While not exactly in the city, it is managed by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. These three sites are also on the California Register of Historical Resources. Agapius Honcharenko's Ukraina Ranch is the only California Historical Landmark in the city.
Green Spaces: Parks and Nature Areas
Hayward has four parks managed by the East Bay Regional Park District. These are the Don Castro Regional Recreation Area, Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, the Hayward Regional Shoreline, and Garin Regional Park. The Eden Landing Ecological Reserve is located at the Hayward shoreline. It includes 600 acres of salt ponds that are being turned into tidal wetlands.
Hayward is also home to the oldest Japanese garden in California. This 3.5-acre garden was created in a traditional style and opened in 1980. The garden is managed by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD). HARD also runs many other parks and facilities in Hayward. These include Kennedy Park, the Sulphur Creek Nature Center, the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, and Memorial Park with the Hayward Plunge swim center. HARD is the largest recreation district in California.
Staying Active: Sports in Hayward
The East Bay FC Stompers amateur soccer team is based in Hayward. All Pro Wrestling, a professional wrestling company and training school, is also in Hayward. Hayward was briefly considered as a new home for the New York Giants baseball team in 1957. However, San Francisco ended up getting the team.
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District manages the Skywest and Mission Hills golf courses. Hayward also has a private golf club called TPC Stonebrae. It hosts the Ellie Mae Classic, a professional golf tournament.
Learning in Hayward: Education
California State University, East Bay: Higher Learning
Hayward is home to the main campus of California State University, East Bay (CSUEB). This is a public university that is part of the California State University system. It used to be called California State University, Hayward. The Pioneer Amphitheatre is located here and hosts public music festivals.
Chabot College: Community Education
Hayward is also home to Chabot College. This is a community college that is part of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District.
Life Chiropractic College West: Health Education
Life Chiropractic College West is also in Hayward. It was founded in 1976. It is best known for its Doctor of Chiropractic program.
Schools for Kids: Primary and Secondary Education
Most of Hayward is served by the Hayward Unified School District (HUSD). This district operates three high schools: Mount Eden, Tennyson, and Hayward High. In 2018, all three HUSD high schools got new football fields. New performing arts centers and classroom wings are also planned.
Small parts of Hayward are in other school districts. These include the New Haven Unified School District, San Lorenzo Unified School District, Castro Valley Unified School District, and Pleasanton Unified School District.
Other high schools include the Eden Area Regional Occupational Program. There's also Leadership Public Schools, Hayward, a charter school that was highly ranked in a study. Impact Academy of Arts and Technology is another Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation charter public high school. A large private high school, Moreau Catholic High School, is located in Hayward.
Staying Informed: Media in Hayward
The East Bay Echo publishes online regularly and prints a monthly newspaper. It covers local news. Two other newspapers cover Hayward. The Daily Review was a daily newspaper in Hayward from 1944 to 2016. The Tri-City Voice newspaper, based in Fremont, covers Hayward and other nearby cities. It started in 2002. The East Bay Express is a weekly newspaper that covers Hayward as part of its East Bay coverage.
Local television stations and AM and FM radio from Oakland and San Francisco can be heard in Hayward. Some stations from San Jose, Sacramento, and Salinas also reach the city. Comcast is the city's cable TV provider. California State University, East Bay's student newspaper, The Pioneer, has covered the East Bay since 1961. Chabot College's student radio station, KCRH, mostly operates within city limits.
Famous Faces: Notable People from Hayward
Many well-known people are from Hayward or have strong ties to the city. These include the city's founder, William Dutton Hayward. Also, Agapius Honcharenko, a Ukrainian patriot and priest, created a farm here that is now a historic landmark.
High-profile people from Hayward include:
- Chelsea Gray, a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Sparks.
- Bill Walsh, a famous football coach.
- Jack Del Rio, a former Oakland Raiders coach.
- Kristi Yamaguchi, an Olympic figure skater.
- Mahershala Ali, a two-time Oscar-winning actor.
- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, a professional wrestler and actor.
- Spice 1, a rapper.
- Rosa Gumataotao Rios, a former Treasurer of the United States.
- Saweetie, a rapper.
- Charles Plummer, who was Hayward's Police Chief before becoming the Alameda County Sheriff.
Friends Around the World: Sister Cities
Hayward has five sister cities. These are cities in other countries that Hayward has a special friendship with:
Faro, Portugal
Funabashi, Japan
Ghazni, Afghanistan
San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico
Yixing, China
Images for kids
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Holy Sepulcher Church
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Portuguese Memorial Park
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Hayward Water Tower
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City Hall
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All Saints Church
See also
In Spanish: Hayward (California) para niños
