SAVE THE
HISTORIC CITY HALL!
NOVEMBER 1996, ISSUE NO. 3
Julie Machado, Editor
Friends of Historic City Hall (FHCH) continues to actively work toward saving Hayward's Historic City Hall from destruction and "facade-ectomy", as is currently planned by the City of Hayward.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Historic City Hall is listed on the Alameda County Historical Resources Inventory of 1974, the Hayward Historical Resources Inventory of 1976, and was designated historical by Hayward in 1977. FHCH is currently pursuing application for Hayward's Historical City Hall to be designated a State Point of Historical Interest and/or to be listed on the National Historic Register. The applications require multiple pages of research and discussion supporting the designation. Such designations would allow more access to grants for preserving the Historic City Hall.
FIRST HAYWARD CITY COUNCIL DECISION APPROACHING
The Hayward City Council will consider whether they will support application for the Historical City Hall to be designated a State Point of Historic Interest and/or entered in the National Historic Register. This is important because the property owner (in this case, the City) must sign the application for the State Point of Historic Interest.
The issue will first come before the Council's "Downtown Committee", comprised of Council members Matt Jimenez, Bill Ward and Doris Rodriquez, on Monday November 18 at 5:30 pm at the Downtown Annex on Watkins St. This will be a small gathering, preparing the Committee for a larger presentation in front of the whole City Council, which is projected to be on the agenda for Tuesday December 3 at 8 pm at Centennial Hall. Supporters of saving the Historical City Hall are encouraged to attend either of these events.
HAYWARD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY SUPPORT
On September 10, 1996 the Board of the Hayward Area Historical Society voted that the Historical City Hall is an "important part of the Hayward community", and to encourage its members to help raise money to save the structure. Friends of the Historic City Hall appreciates their support!
PARTICIPATION IN HAYWARD ZUCCHINI FESTIVAL
FHCH made its first--successful--public appearance by hosting a booth at the Hayward Zucchini Festival on August 17 and 18. The booth was inspired by Lore Warren. Thanks also goes to Frank Goulart, Linda and Emma Bennett, Glenn Kirby, Karin and Julie Machado, Barbara Halliday, and Noreen Hulteen.
At the Zucchini Festival, FHCH collected over 750 signatures in support of saving the Historical City Hall! Over 560 information sheets were distributed, 158 raffle tickets were sold, and $209. in donations were received. Public response was OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTIVE of our efforts to preserve Hayward's history.
FUNDS
FHCH has been a fully volunteer effort so far. Thanks go to many people for donations of time, products, professional expertise and great ideas (you know who you are!). We are now starting a fund to help pay for mailing and copying costs. Ultimately, funds will be needed for an updated engineer/ architect report, and repair/maintenance costs.
FHCH has had two successful fundraiser events to date, "The People's Election" and a "1930's Dessert Jubilee". We have raised approximately $1,200.00 so far. Plans are currently being made for a "Mystery Game" fundraiser, and an event celebrating local elders' stories of early Hayward. Dates have not been set.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
1. Send donations to "Friends of the Historic City Hall" at 22248 Main Street, Hayward 94541. Please send a suggested donation of $10 or more ($5 or some stamps for low-income) if you would like to continue receiving this newsletter.
2. Attend the City Council Meeting on Tues. Dec 3 at 8 pm at Centennial Hall, or the Council's Downtown Committee Meeting on Monday November 18 at 5:30 pm at the Downtown Annex on Watkins St., to support obtaining State or National Historic designation for the Historic City Hall.
3. Write letters to the Editor of the local newspapers (Daily Review, PO Box 5050 Hayward CA 94544; Forum, 2497 Grove Way, Castro Valley CA 94546) and write or call the Hayward City Council (25151 Clawiter Road, Hayward CA 94545, (510) 293-5000 + 0) expressing your support for preserving our historic resources, including the Historic City Hall. Let's not make the same mistake we did when the original Hayward High School was torn down!
4. Continue circulating petitions for signatures of support. Over 1,000 signatures have already been accumulated! Petitions can be obtained from and returned to Julie Machado. PLEASE RETURN YOUR COMPLETED PETITIONS.
5. Contact any of the following people with your ideas: Lore Warren 783-2072; Frank Goulart, Chair 581-9666; Julie Machado 581-7850; Tim Steele 633-1573; Kevin Dowling, Treasurer 264-0340; or Linda Bennett 881-5805.
6. Pass this newsletter on to a friend.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!