Hayward

by The Linguist

Hayward is a city located in Alameda County, California in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a population of over 150,000 as of 2018, it is the sixth largest city in the Bay Area and the third largest city in Alameda County.

Population

According to the Wikipedia page for Hayward, the city had a population of 152,390 as of 2018. This makes it the third largest city in Alameda County after Oakland and Fremont. The racial makeup of Hayward is highly diverse, with no single race or ethnicity making up a majority of residents.

Some key facts about Hayward’s population:

  • 39.9% Hispanic or Latino of any race
  • 21.2% White
  • 17.1% Asian
  • 17.0% Black or African American
  • 4.8% Two or more races

The median age in Hayward is 35.7 years old. Over 28% of the population is under age 18, while about 10% are over age 65.

Economy and Major Employers

Historically, Hayward’s economy was focused on agriculture and food production. In the latter half of the 20th century, as the Bay Area became a major technology and services hub, Hayward transitioned to a more diversified economy.

Today, the top employers in Hayward are:

Other major industries and employers in Hayward include manufacturing, construction, professional services, retail, and healthcare. The city has a diverse mix of businesses, providing economic opportunities and jobs across sectors.

Some of the large manufacturers in Hayward include Columbus Salame, which produces Italian-style salami and deli meats, and The Clorox Company, known for household cleaning and personal care brands like Clorox Bleach and Burt’s Bees.

Landmarks

As one of the older cities in the East Bay, Hayward has a number of historic and cultural landmarks that reflect its heritage.

Some notable landmarks in Hayward include:

  • Mount Eden – A historic home and one of the last remnants of Hayward’s rural past. It was built in 1860 by early pioneer Hiram Morgan and features Victorian architecture.
  • Udon Mugizo – Longstanding Japanese restaurant in Hayward’s historic Japan town. The building was originally a pool hall built in 1916.
  • Japanese Gardens – These serene public gardens built in 1981 celebrate Hayward’s Japanese American heritage. They feature ponds, pagodas, bridges, and other traditional elements.
  • Hayward City Hall – The historic city hall was dedicated in 1969 and designed in the mid-century modern style by architect Daniel C. Goodsill.
  • Hayward Public Library – The main library branch opened in 1901 and is one of the oldest libraries in California. The current building opened in 1951.

Downtown Hayward also has a number of public art installations, murals, and monuments like the Bret Harte monument near City Hall.

Sports

The primary professional sports team representing Hayward is the Stockton Ports, a Minor League Baseball team. The Ports are an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics and play home games at Banner Island Ballpark in Stockton, about a 30 minute drive from Hayward.

At the college level, California State University East Bay’s athletic teams, known as the Pioneers, compete in NCAA Division II sports. Home games are played on campus in Hayward.

For recreational sports, the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District operates sports facilities and leagues for youth and adults. This includes sports like soccer, basketball, baseball, and swimming.

Tourism

Popular tourist attractions and activities in Hayward include:

  • Hayward Area Historical Society Museum – Learn about Hayward’s history through exhibits and historical buildings.
  • Japanese Gardens – Relax and take in the tranquil Japanese landscape.
  • Downtown Murals – Spot the many colorful murals around downtown while exploring the city.
  • Golf courses – Hayward has two scenic public golf courses at Skywest and Mission Hills.
  • Aquatics – The city operates several public swimming pools.
  • Parks – Enjoy Hayward’s many parks and green spaces.
  • Public art – Take a self-guided tour of the public art around the city.

Hayward also hosts annual events like the Old Town Hayward Street Party, Cinema in the Park movie nights, and the Hayward Zucchini Festival that attract visitors.

Local Government

Hayward has a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is made up of the Mayor and four City Council members elected at-large by Hayward voters. The City Council appoints a professional City Manager who oversees the day-to-day administration and operations of the city.

Some services provided by the City of Hayward government include:

Residents can contact the city government, find information on services, or get involved in local issues through the City of Hayward website and Facebook page.