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.
Oakland Tribune, May 22, 1963
Summary:
Second in series) Recounts story of Floyd Hughey, widower, 63, living on Nebraska Street with children and grandchildren. By 1908, 700 lots sold in Russell City. Does not want to be relocated. Been in place for 16 years. George Feliciano grew up in Russell City, move to Hayward and returned to Russell City.
Oakland Tribune, May 24, 1963
Summary:
(Last of a Series) Russell City, a community facing redevelopment, has garnered mixed opinions about its potential for success. Some argue that with proper utility infrastructure and the removal of a residential development ban imposed by the county six years ago, it could have thrived. However, others contend that the population's composition and circumstances made success unlikely, regardless of improvements. Many residents, foreign-born and lacking resources, feel helpless against the government's decisions. They've tried to enhance...
Oakland Tribune, May 29, 1963
Summary:
Appraisers have been hired for $29,500 to assess 200 acres of Russell City properties in preparation for its transformation into an industrial park. The Alameda County redevelopment program will allocate $1.85 million to purchase the land, install utilities, and make improvements, with industrial parcels expected to sell at approximately $8,500 per acre. Oakland-based appraisers Dean Allen, James Allen, and Maury Holmes have been contracted by the Board of Supervisors for this task. The redevelopment will necessitate the relocation of 205...
Oakland Tribune, Jun. 20, 1963
Summary:
Letter to the editor from Rosie Eastland, Hayward.
Residents of Russell City accepted their community as a growing one, despite limited amenities. Over time, improvements were made, and they contributed to its development. However, their efforts to secure essential services like sewers and water were unsuccessful, leading to the decision to turn the area into an industrial park. Many residents have had to relocate, facing challenges in finding new homes. It's important to recognize the diverse group of individuals who contributed to...
Oakland Tribune, Jul. 04, 1963
Summary:
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors has appointed Marvin Casalina and Co. of Oakland as the land purchase agent for the redevelopment of Russell City into an industrial park. The firm is expected to take 14 to 16 months to prepare sale offers for board approval and will receive $55 for each of the 580 parcels closed based on appraiser-provided figures. The $1.3 million redevelopment project involves relocating 205 families, 33 individuals, 13 businesses, and seven churches, as well as acquiring and preparing 200 acres for industrial...
Oakland Tribune, Nov. 06, 1963
Summary:
The $1.7 million Russell City Redevelopment Project has entered the land acquisition phase. Alameda County's Board of Supervisors has authorized the county's Redevelopment Agency to accept eight offers from property owners within the appraised land value. Preliminary title reports have been received for most blocks, and 95% of appraisal reports are complete. The agency is set to purchase the eight parcels for a total of $34,000, utilizing the allocated $1.2 million fund.
Oakland Tribune, May 25, 1964
Summary:
A fire destroyed the abandoned Russell City Country Club, a tavern and community social center. The single-story wooden building located at the corner of West Winton Avenue and Louisiana Street was already ablaze when firefighters received the call at 10:55 p.m. County District Fire Warden Bill Wolters suspected arson as the cause, citing a recent surge of nine fires in the past ten days, all in abandoned structures in the area. Fortunately, none of the fires resulted in significant damage or injuries.
Oakland Tribune, Aug. 26, 1964
Summary:
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors has approved $8,521,000 worth of flood control projects in Zones 3A and 4. Zone 3A will see $6,650,000 of work, while Zone 4 will have $1,871,000 in projects. These initiatives include channel upgrades, storm drainage, levees, erosion control, and channel clearing. Funding will come from taxes, with a maximum of 50 cents per $100 of assessed valuation in Zone 3A and up to 65 cents in Zone 4.
Oakland Tribune, Sept. 21, 1964
Summary:
Arsonists targeted two abandoned homes in Russell City, causing significant damage. The Alameda County Fire Patrol responded to the first blaze on Kansas Street at 11:30 p.m., which resulted in the complete destruction of the home. Simultaneously, another fire on Louisiana Street damaged a second home, with flammable liquids found sprayed in the rooms. These incidents mark a series of suspected arson fires in homes acquired by the Alameda County Redevelopment Agency in the past two months. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so...
Oakland Tribune, Mar. 12, 1965
Summary:
The Alameda County Redevelopment Agency is considering a cost-saving measure by allowing fire department and civil defense crews to use buildings in Russell City for practice exercises before demolishing them. This move could save up to $400 per structure in the 200-acre redevelopment area and also enhance safety by preventing potential arson attacks on vacant buildings. Harold Davis, the agency's director, is seeking advice from other county officials on the feasibility of this approach. Preparations for bid materials are underway in...
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