Boosted by an emboldened group of progressives and activists, Hayward's sprawling 13-candidate race for four seats on the City Council could be a once-in-generation reconfiguration of its political power structure. The field of 13 candidates this November, includes three incumbents, and a field of newcomers baptized by Hayward's dramatic push to the left stoked over … Continue reading Large, energized field of candidates in Hayward
Hayward Police Chief Toney Chaplin apologized last week for saying Hayward City Council members were ignorant of the department's day-to-day activities. Chaplin, a former San Francisco interim police chief, who was tapped to lead the Hayward Police Department in July 2019, made the initial comment during a City Council budget and finance committee meeting on … Continue reading Hayward police chief apologizes for saying city council is ignorant
During a somewhat routine update to Hayward's rent stabilization ordinance last week in which certain tweaks and language intended to align the ordinance with changes in state law were offered by city staff, Hayward Councilmember Aisha Wahab sought a significant change by proposing to lower the threshold for rent increases to roughly two percent a … Continue reading Hayward: Task force to study lowering annual rent increase cap, but not before odd exchange involving mayor
As Hayward councilmembers thanked its executive team and firefighters on Tuesday night for foregoing two percent cost-of-living increases to help lower the city's ballooning covid-related deficit, in addition, to their own two percent cut in council pay, Hayward Councilmember Aisha Wahab, instead, pushed for further generosity from her colleagues. "I, personally, am willing to forego … Continue reading Hayward: Wahab tried to lower council pay by 5%, colleagues were cool to the idea
Hayward Mayor Barbara Halliday told fellow councilmembers that they should "stand aside" and allow the city's administrative staff to lead its response to the covid-19 outbreak. Halliday further suggested city staff, not the city's elected leaders, have the experience and breadth of knowledge required to lead the city during the pandemic. The list of requirements … Continue reading Profiles in leadership: Hayward mayor tells council to allow staff to lead during covid-19 crisis
UPDATE - After talking to, Hayward councilmembers rescind support for charter school canddiate. A surprising number of elected officials on the Hayward City Council and Hayward school board are backing a candidate for the open Alameda County Board of Education seat who is likely to be heavily financed by proponents of charter schools. Two charter … Continue reading Márquez, Zermeño back charter school candidate for county Board of Education
A group of 22 California mayors and five county supervisors representing more than 5 million residents want PG&E to become a public co-op. A letter from the growing number of civic leaders was sent Monday to the California Public Utilities Commission urging them to consider the idea of a customer-owned public utility. The argue the […]
For someone who started out my career making 50 cents an hour babysitting, $15 would have sounded incredible to me.—Hayward Mayor Barbara Halliday reminiscing during a discussion Oct. 15 for increasing the city's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022.
For six months, Agustin Gonsalez's family has made impassioned pleas for Hayward elected officials to, at minimum, express words of sorrow for the loss of their son, who was shot and killed by Hayward Police last November. At most, the family wants an independent investigation of the incident in which two Hayward police officers fatally … Continue reading Potentially explosive meeting in Hayward as police chief appears with Gonsalez family
Since taking office, Hayward Councilmember Aisha Wahab has suggested legislation for raising the city's minimum wage, rent control, police de-escalation training, a recyclable dining and utensil ordinance, and equal pay for equal work. Many came within the first two months of her first term. All are weighty issues, but oddly low-hanging fruit in a city … Continue reading Power grab at Hayward City Hall? City manager seeks to control council referrals
Overflow council audience erupts in anger after Hayward Mayor Halliday tells them to see the matter from the police officer's POV.
The Hayward City Council chambers erupted in chants of "Shut it down!" and "What are you hiding?!" after the family of Agustin Gonsalez, the 29-year-old father of two killed by Hayward police officer was again denied answers following the shooting last November on O'Neill Avenue. Gonsalez family members and supporters delivered several public comments during … Continue reading Anger, questions over Hayward police killing roils council meeting
The Hayward City Council's decision in 2014 to place an across the board 5 percent wage cut on over 300 of its city employees, roiled the labor movement and for years poisoned the relationship between City Hall and its workers. But the controversial imposition was later deemed illegal by the state Personnel Employment Relations Board … Continue reading Hayward settles dispute with SEIU over illegal wage cuts, will repay workers $2 million
With heartfelt words, defiance, and a vow to stay true to her values, Hayward Councilmember Aisha Wahab was sworn-in Tuesday night, becoming the first Afghan American elected official in the United States. "I ran because I believed the people of Hayward were hurting and struggling," Wahab said after taking her seat on the council dais. … Continue reading HAYWARD: Aisha Wahab sworn-in as first Afghan American elected official in U.S.
Hayward residents, for some time, have griped about the level service provided by AC Transit. Last month, Hayward city leaders attempted to open a dialogue between them and the bus transit authority. A letter sent by Hayward Mayor Barbara Halliday on Nov. 13 asked for the creation of an Inter-Agency Liaison Committee to discuss transit … Continue reading With concerns over service, Hayward seeks discussions with AC Transit
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