Hayward, California is known as the "Heart of the Bay" not only because of its central and location in Alameda County but also for its accommodating and compassionate environment. It has culturally and economically diverse population of 123,000 and has its arms held wide open to everyone interested in moving to Hayward. The city is a melting pot of people from different cultures that are brought together by an extensive network of freeways and bus lines. Hayward has two BART (rapid transit) stations, several AC Transit bus routes and three international airports (Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose). In addition, Hayward has its own general aviation airport. It is very easy to get to and around the city, a plus factor for those moving to Hayward.
Economy:
The Hunt Brothers Cannery, later known as Hunt-Wesson Foods dominated the economy of early Hayward. Opened in Hayward in 1895 by the brothers William and Joseph Hunt, it originally packed local fruit, including cherries, peaches, and apricots. Later on, tomatoes were added to their product line and became a mainstay of the business. At the peak of its production in the 1960s and 1970s, Hunt's operated three canneries in Hayward. From the 1890s until its closure in 1981, it was the single major employer in the area.
Currently, the two main industrial sectors in Hayward are educational services and healthcare, accounting for 13 percent of the industries in the city. Major employers include Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Hayward Unified School District and California State University East Bay. The manufacturing industry is also a big player in the city's economy. Hayward's top manufacturing employers are Berkeley Farms, Alameda Newspaper Group and Pepsi Beverages Company.
History:
William Hayward, who purchased 40 acres of land surrounding what would become downtown Hayward, founded the city in 1852. In 1865, the first railroad reached Hayward from Alameda via San Leandro. This helped draw hundreds of new comers to the area – Mexicans, Danes, Germans, Irish and Portuguese immigrants. Hayward was soon incorporated as a city in 1876.
In the early 1900s, Hayward Area was dubbed the "Heart of the Garden of Eden" because of its temperate climate and fertile soil. Produce and livestock grew in abundance. By 1950, Hayward had become known as the "Apricot City" and home to Hunt's cannery. Hayward experienced tremendous growth during the post-war years and since the 1960 has grown at a steady and managed pace.
Tourism:
Downtown Hayward is the site of the Saturday Farmer's Market and celebrations throughout the year including the Blues and Brew, Celebration of Nations and Art and Wine Festivals.
Hayward has an assortment of recreational and cultural attractions. It has many parks, swim centers, tennis courts and performance theaters. The Shoreline Interpretive Center and the Japanese Garden are unique to Hayward. Skywest, the city's professionally rated 18-hole golf course, is "one of the best municipal golf courses in the East Bay" according to the San Francisco Business Times.