Latest Update: July 10, 2025

City of Hayward and Alameda County Ad Hoc Committee on Reparations announce creation of redress fund for former Russell City residents

The City of Hayward and Alameda County Supervisors Elisa Márquez and Nate Miley jointly announced plans to establish a $900,000 redress fund to make amends to former Russell City residents who had property seized during the 1960s. During the period, approximately 700 parcels of Russell City land were acquired, and approximately 1,400 residents of the multi-racial, multi-ethnic Russell City community were displaced to make way for commercial and industrial redevelopment.

Read the full news release

section of the Russell City Mural in Downtown Hayward

Stay informed and up to date. This archive provides access to past meeting recordings, reports, and key documents related to the Russell City Reparative Justice Project. Whether you’re catching up or conducting research, you’ll find everything you need to track the project’s progress and milestones here.
Russell City School

At the direction of the Steering Committee, researchers from the University of San Francisco and Ceres Policy Research have compiled data and historical documents on Russell City, leading to the drafting of reports proposing steps for reparative justice for the displaced families. Find those reports and finding here.
Map of Russell City

Explore a mapping tool being developed which shows past and present parcel in the area that was Russell City. Click below to see sample images of the tool. Learn how to opt out if you do not want your family name listed in this geographic information.
A mockup of an old Hayward Review newspaper

Search, find and view hundreds of news articles and other historical documents to learn the whole story about Russell City.
Community Sourced images

Would you like to contribute Bible records, funeral programs, obituaries, photos, historical documents, or family histories to the Russell City historical digital collection? Here’s what you need to know to get started on sharing and preserving your family’s Russell City history.
Russell School  Champs 1946 (photo courtesy of the Hayward Area Historical Society)

Use this form below to self-identify as a descendant of a former Russell City Resident and provide your information to the Russell City Reparative Justice Project Team. 
Neutral color blocks

Thirteen members and two alternates represent the Russell City Community. Learn more about the committee and the role they play in the project.

Stay Up To Date On The Project

Request Documents from Alameda County

Access essential documents, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as copies of deeds and leases, from the Alameda County Auditor-Controller/Clerk-Recorder office. 

Alameda County Auditor-Controller/Clerk-Recorder records request information:

Click the links below for detailed instructions or visit their Dublin or Oakland locations.

Oakland Office—
1106 Madison Street
Oakland, CA 94607 MAP
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
 
Dublin Office—
7600 Dublin Boulevard, Suite 160
Dublin, CA 94568 MAP
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed daily noon - 1 p.m.
 
Need more help? Contact customer service at (510) 272-6362 or email CROCustomerService@acgov.org for further assistance.