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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. 

 

Flames Take Russell City Landmark

Oakland Tribune, Mar. 04, 1966

Summary:

A historic landmark in Russell City, once known as the Russell City Hotel, was destroyed by fire. The two-story structure was engulfed in flames before it was discovered by a sheriff's deputy. Despite efforts from the Alameda County Fire Patrol, the building and a nearby tank house couldn't be saved. The building, recently acquired by the Alameda County Redevelopment Agency, had previously been targeted by arsonists but was saved last year. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and there were no injuries. The building had been...

Last Family Sees Home Burn Down

Oakland Tribune, Jan. 17, 1967

Summary:

The last family in Russell City, facing relocation due to redevelopment plans, had their old home set on fire by arsonists. They lost most of their possessions, including a pet dog, in the blaze, which caused over $6,000 in damages. Mrs. Juana Feliciano, one of the area's early settlers, was among the family members. The Alameda County Redevelopment Agency had intended to convert Russell City into an industrial park, but many structures had already been destroyed by arsonists.

Ex-Mayor's Tax Charge Arraignment

The Argus, Jan. 23, 1967

Summary:

Former Hayward Mayor Rudolph K. Dettenrieder, 39, has been arraigned in Federal District Court in San Francisco on charges of Federal income tax evasion. He is accused of omitting a fee of $35,810 from his 1963 tax statement, which the government alleges he collected for facilitating the sale of a Russell City hog farm to Alameda County's Russell City Redevelopment Agency. His plea is scheduled for February 3. If convicted, Dettenrieder could face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Dettenrieder served on the Hayward City...

Developer Sought For Russell City

Oakland Tribunbe, Mar. 29, 1967

Summary:

Alameda County is preparing to sell the 200-acre Russell City Redevelopment Area along the Hayward shoreline. The Board of Supervisors seeks a single buyer to transform the area into a clean, well-landscaped industrial zone with a high tax base and employment opportunities, though they may consider other options. A special committee, including key figures like executive director Hal Davis and consultant Lewis N. Wolfe, will determine the property's price on April 11. Open bidding is avoided to prevent land speculation after the county's...

Bids on Russell City Will Open Tuesday

Oakland Tribune, Sept. 01, 1967

Summary:

Alameda County Supervisors are opening bids on the Russell City redevelopment area property, offered for sale at a minimum price of $2,850,000. They hope to sell the 200-acre Hayward shoreline property to a major industry in one unit, considering factors like industry type, architecture, site development plans, and job creation. A successful sale at this price would enable the county to break even on the project, which cost $2,788,883 in total. The proposed sales price averages $14,250 an acre for the four parcels, with the largest 174-...

County Wants Higher Offer On Russell City Area

Oakland Tribune Sept. 06, 1967

Summary:

Alameda County officials are open to negotiations regarding the sale of the Russell City Redevelopment area, initially priced at $2.85 million. A $1.9 million offer from Cabot, Cabot and Forbes was made, with $1.6 million for the land and $300,000 for its industrial park transformation. As an alternate proposal, they offered to pay the county $92,400 for a 7.7-acre tract within the Russell City project.

Cabot, Cabot and Forbes intends to develop the industrial park and then sell it to interested industries. The property is situated...

$2 Million offered for Russell City

Oakland Tribune, Nov. 28, 1967

Summary:

Boston-based land development firm Cabot, Cabot and Forbes has offered Alameda County $2.45 million for the 200-acre Russell City redevelopment area, intending to convert it into an industrial park. This offer represents an increase of $850,000 from their previous offer of $1.6 million made in September, which was taken under advisement by the Board of Supervisors. The county's initial disappointment stemmed from the fact that it had spent $2.82 million on the purchase and redevelopment of the area. Cabot, Cabot and Forbes propose two...

Industrial Zoning For Land Near Hayward

Oakland Tribune, Dec. 15, 1967

Summary:

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved industrial zoning for 656 acres of undeveloped land west of Hayward, including the 200-acre Russell City redevelopment area. There was a brief debate about whether industrial zoning was timely, given the impending sale of the Russell City property and its future annexation to Hayward. The board ultimately decided to rezone the entire acreage without a building site limitation, as recommended by Supervisor Joseph Bort. Cabot, Cabot and Forbes, the industrial development firm purchasing the...

Bond Vote For Flood Control Ok'd

Oakland Tribune, Jan. 10, 1968

Summary:

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors has authorized a $1,871,000 bond election for flood control in a west Hayward area. The project encompasses a 2900-acre region including the Russell City redevelopment area. A specific date for the election has not yet been determined, and the bond issue has received support from the Hayward Chamber of Commerce.

Hayward in Key Location For Industrial Expansion

Oakland Tribune, Jan. 28, 1968

Summary:

Paul Shepherd, vice president of Cabot, Cabot and Forbes Company (CCF), which recently received approval to buy 200 acres in Russell City for $2.45 million, discussed the factors that influence businesses in choosing their location. Factors considered include population growth, transportation infrastructure, land availability at reasonable costs, climate, politics, culture, and schools.

Shepherd explained that the Hayward area's appeal stems from its strategic location, central to Alameda County and the entire Bay Area, making it an...