Two previously removed crosswalks on A Street will be reinstated to the benefit of pedestrians as well as merchants downtown.

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Those driving through downtown Hayward won’t be taking the same route a month from now. Starting next month, one-way streets will be in effect on major streets in the area. Read the full story

Off the Grid, one of the operators in the “food truck markets” growing popular in various Bay Area cities including San Francisco, Berkeley, Alameda and San Ramon, is now adding Hayward to their list. Read the full story

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The City of Hayward has been working with City and Regional Planning students from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the voice of the community on the future of downtown Hayward.

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The City of Hayward held a community meeting on Saturday November 5th at City Hall attended by a variety of residents and city government officials, seeking the community’s opinions and thoughts on what they would like to see in downtown Hayward’s future and making a new plan for downtown replacing outdated documents. It also got the Cal Poly students to meet and see the residents and share their thoughts.

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“Make sure that downtown has a mixture of retail, arts, and entertainment. Have not only people shopping but browsing and looking. A clean, lighted, and safe downtown,” said Francisco Zermeno, Hayward City Councilman and professor at Chabot College. “A full evening experience from seeing a movie to dinner at Buffalo bill’s and dancing at Club Me”

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Closing Main Street to Traffic and having businesses expand to the street, was one idea Zermeno had. Another idea was to create a Historic Hayward walk-of-fame highlighting those people that made a difference in the Hayward community. In 1996 Zermeno was also part of a group that had more murals in the area. Which continues to present today as Hayward’s collection of murals is rapidly growing. Hayward does have a big college population from Cal State East Bay and Chabot College, the City of Hayward need to attract all those missing out on downtown.

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“I would love to see a Rent a Bicycle program, with stations at the BART stations, Cal State, Chabot, and Southland Mall. People can ride a bike all over the city.” Said Zermeno Especially in these day and times we have to be green. More ideas included Roof gardens and adding more carnations, Hayward’s city flower in more city medians and landscaping.

The Envision Downtown Hayward group is still seeking the community’s input on the new plans. For more information about the Envision Downtown project check out their blog at http://envisionhayward.blogspot.com/ and the city’s website at http://www.ci.hayward.ca.us/

Located on downtown B Street, Kokyo Sushi Buffet serves the best sushi in Hayward. I have been there at least five times, and this time, I came for dinner, all you can eat! Lunch is $8.95 and dinner is $14.95 for adults.

Many people have been to the Century Theater in Hayward, but they may not pay attention to the left hand side of the theater where there is a small sign for Kokyo Sushi Buffet.

Entering into the small door, there is an elevator and escalator going up to reach the second floor, and you will find a big restaurant. I noticed this place was very clean and tidy. There’s over a hundred foods in the display to order, all look very delicious.

Near the door, the first thing to come into our mind is the sushi bar. The most popular sushi varieties are the California roll, mango roll, volcano roll, lion king roll, ell roll, dragon roll and tashimi roll. Food choices vary according to the seasons. Takuwan, seaweed, clam salad, Japanese tofu, broccoli salad, and mushroom salad (also all you can eat) are among the choices for side dishes. Besides rolls, there are many fresh sashimis, like salmon, tuna, and octopus.

If you are not interested in sushi, don’t worry – Kokyo serves more than you think. Seafood is one of reasons why it’s famous. Steamed oysters, baked scallops, crab legs, baked shrimp, and steamed salmon are all available. They have many choice Asian cuisines with fried rice, fried noodles, and wonton soup being the most popular here. My favorite is fresh salmon; I like to eat it with wasabi and soy sauce. Fresh salmon is orange in color, and there will be many white lines inside. I heard that the wider the white lines, the fatter the salmon. It means that the salmon is fresh and soft, and it tastes like it is melting in your mouth. The crab legs here are not as good as the shrimp.

At the end, how can we forget to have some desserts? There are cupcakes, cheesecakes, fresh fruits, sweet and sour jellies, and all sorts of colorful desserts on the tables. My favorite is tapioca taro. It is a sweet soup, mixing coconut milk with melted taro; it is good for your health. Every time I come I will definitely eat at least one bowl of it.

I found a table near the window, and enjoyed the beautiful view of busy B Street below. Waiters came immediately to serve the drinks and constantly come and change the dishes for you.

Many people come to celebrate their birthdays here, they can bring balloons, flowers and cakes. It is a good experience to eat, and it is suitable for a couples, for families, especially good for a group of people.

Kokyo Sushi Buffet - 1071 B Street - Hayward, CA 94541 - (510) 881-9868

Hayward hosts its final of 4 downtown Street fairs this year Saturday, Sept. 17 in its annual Art, Wine and Specialty Brew Street Party.

According to the City of Hayward’s website, the street fair will be held on B street (between Foothill and Watkins streets) from noon – 5p.m. The party will have numerous food vendors, including Buffalo Bills, The Bistro, Bon Apetito, an art fair and a car show hosted by Vic Hubbard that will include over 125 hotrods,

In accordance with the Hayward Farmers Market being held near city hall, the street party will have a wine section being held at the corner of Watkins and B streets, while also providing beer gardens, over 80 vendors, live salsa, party bands and the Hayward High School band to keep you entertained.

Along with having several games and activities for children and adults to enjoy, the party will include: face painters, pony rides, and fire trucks to explore making this a great day out for the kids.

“Hayward street parties have been bringing families to our city center to celebrate the summer for 12 years,” said Kim Huggett, president of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce.

“These free events are part of a great Hayward tradition of community celebrations that appeal to all ages,” Hugget explained further.

The free to attend event will also provide free parking courtesy of AC Transit and the Hayward BART station.

For a nice Saturday out in the sun with a bite, and a beer in the humming downtown Hayward area of B Street, this event is the perfect occasion to plan on going to.

For more information go to www.hayward.org and click on upcoming events.

By Tammy Byrd
Staff Writer

La Imperial is a family-owned, family-run Mexican restaurant that has been in Hayward since 1972. Back then it was a favorite of many of the Oakland Raiders football players.

Serving typical Mexican dishes and some Central American specialties, the place is a favorite for many people still.

Walking into the restaurant from the back door near the parking lot you’re not sure you’re in the right place until you see the long and narrow dining room filled with booths and tables.

The long walls are painted with murals in bright colors of the flora and fauna of a Central American rainforest, sea life such as sea turtles and whales, a bullfight, and what appears to be a coastline somewhere. Piñatas hang from the ceiling in the front part of the store.

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My waitress, Anna James, is part of the family who owns the business and has been working there since she was 12. She told me, “Even with everything in downtown Hayward closing up we still do a big business.”

When I asked James to tell me something about the restaurant that a lot of people don’t know she said, “In the 70s this used to be the home of the Oakland Raiders. I wish I still had a card; we used to have a card that said ‘La Imperial, Home of the Oakland Raiders.’ John Madden was just here about eight months ago!”

Diners are offered chips and salsa when they are seated but I chose to have my chips with guacamole, and the serving they offered for $4.75 was very generous. For my meal I chose (unknowingly) the combo which is served with two items, beans, rice and salad, and I had to take half of it home.

I had the cheese enchiladas and the platter that came was HUGE and filled with food! The rice was very flavorful and the beans had a nice sprinkling of cheese over the top. I thought the beans could use a touch more salt but when eaten together with the rice or enchiladas were just perfect.

I had expected the salad to be a small one on the plate with the dinner but they served a good-sized salad in a bowl before the meal.

I’ve noticed one thing about most Mexican restaurants – they all serve Thousand Island dressing with their salads. I don’t know why that is – maybe it goes best with Mexican seasonings – but whatever the reason ,they have a good one.

The cheese enchiladas were large and overflowing with cheese and made with corn tortillas. The menu states you can substitute flour tortillas if requested.

I talked with a group of diners who were there for the first time. Three of the diners were chiropractic school students, two from Anacortes, Wash. and one from Los Angeles, Calif.

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The group also included a fourth young man, Justin, who was visiting from Burlington, Wash., who said, “It’s a great experience here. It’s very good food, and our lovely waitress over there. And they have great soda here too.”

One of the young ladies from Anacortes, Lisa Pfeffer, said that her friend, also from Anacortes, had actually recommended the place to her. She said, “My friend from Anacortes told me to come here. He came to Hayward one time and told me to go to La Imperial.” The group as a whole enjoyed the good food and inexpensive prices.

Because they’ve hung in there for so long in the disappearing downtown Hayward and the fact that John Madden still eats there, I give the restaurant four forks!
For more of my thoughts on La Imperial go to http://tbyrdfood.wordpress.com/ to read my blog.
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The city of Hayward put on its annual Summer Concert Series this year beginning in May and ending with the last concert scheduled for Friday, Sept. 24.
The concerts are held on Friday nights throughout the summer and feature local bands. The Chabot Jazz Orchestra has played twice and will close out the season at the final concert.

Once a month the concerts are followed by a movie. Sept. 24 will feature the Disney movie “The Princess and the Frog.” After the band finishes and clears out, they set up a 12 foot high movie screen and show the movie right there.

The concerts and movies are always free to the public and take place in City Hall Plaza at 777 B St. in Hayward, right in front of City Hall.

There are usually food vendors nearby as well as a beer and wine garden. Some of the other acts that played are a rockabilly group called Stay Away Joes and a jazz band called Jack “DA HAT” Luna.

Economic Development Manager for the City of Hayward Sean Brooks has stated that it is a popular event but they’d love to see more people come out and enjoy time in downtown Hayward.

The Chabot Jazz Orchestra, with Jon Palacio directing, will play from 5:30-7 p.m. and will be followed by the movie. There will also be other chances to hear the orchestra and other bands at Chabot throughout the fall semester.

On Sept. 18 the last free summer street party will take place in Downtown Hayward.

Hayward is located in the middle of the East Bay which is how the city acquired the slogan “Heart of the Bay.”

“If Hayward is the heart of the bay, downtown Hayward is the heart of Hayward,” said President and CEO of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce Kim Huggett.

In an effort to attract Hayward and the surrounding communities to explore the variety of businesses available to the area, the Hayward Chamber of Commerce will host the Art and Wine Festival from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on B Street between Foothill Boulevard and Watkins Avenue.

The party will include art, wine and live music. Local artist will display oil and watercolor paintings, ceramics, stonework, glass, woodworking, jewelry, leather craft and photography.

Booths for wine tasting will line Main Street. Wine is also available for purchase at the various tents. Lone Oak Estate Winery of Mendocino County, Albertina Wine Cellars of Hopland, Westover Winery of Castro Valley and Palomares Vineyards of Castro Valley are a few of the wineries that will be featured, as stated on the Hayward Chamber information pamphlet.

Live music from local bands Lava and The Diehards will accompany the beer and soda gardens hosted by Buffalo Bill’s Brewery and Buddy’s Bites and Brews.

The celebration is enjoyed by almost everyone. A majority 91.9% of the persons polled do like the downtown street parties, according to the Hayward Chamber’s Web site.

“It’s important for us to demonstrate to the region as well as draw attention to the communities that we serve as well as the surrounding locations and expose them to all that Hayward has to offer and that includes the downtown area,” states Huggett.

Not only is the city of Hayward considered the heart of the bay because of its geographical location but “It’s (Downtown Hayward) also the cultural heart of the city,” Huggett affirms.

For more information regarding this event contact The Hayward Chamber of Commerce at www.hayward.org.

Hayward redevelopment project begins to take shape

The Heart of the Bay receives a commercial and aesthetic upgrade

Hayward’s Downtown area, long a relic of another era when the automobile was king and Hayward was the happening spot in the East Bay, is receiving a 21st century style makeover that should benefit local businesses as well as welcome back shoppers that have long since deserted the area.

With the recent openings of a new downtown movie theater, Buffalo Bill’s and Bijou restaurants, and the renovations of the Hayward BART station and transit-friendly new apartment buildings the city of Hayward has taken aggressive steps to improve the look and feel of the downtown area.

Now the city has started proceedings for an almost two year period of renovation and restoration that will propel the city into the future.

The Hayward Redevelopment Agency has designated two blocks of Foothill Boulevard for storefront modernization, replacing the colorless, unappealing 1950s era design for more welcoming, aesthetically pleasing designs.

According to a report published by the Redevelopment Agency in March this year, approximately 54,000 vehicles pass by retail stores located on Foothill every day.
It’s hoped that the restoration project, aided by new businesses like Montero’s Market and the Sugar Shack Yogurt & Deli and supplemented by longtime existing tenants Arthur Murray Dance Studio and Felix Formalwear, will help restore the vitality of Foothill Boulevard and its importance as a “retail gateway.”

The City has selected SZFM Design Studio, with 25 years experience in restoration projects in San Leandro, Emeryville and Corte Madera among other Bay Area cities, to oversee the Foothill project, which will include new sidewalks, landscaping and pedestrian lighting, as well as a new traffic signal bridge at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and A Street.

Pending meetings between city staff, business owners and members of the SZFM studio, work on the project is expected to begin sometime in 2011.

However, the challenge facing those same retailers will be the lack of parking as a result of the most noticeable, impacting portion of the Hayward redevelopment project, Route 238 Corridor improvements.

The city has decided to turn the downtown portion of its three main roads, Foothill Boulevard, A Street and Mission Boulevard, into a one-way traffic system. Foothill Boulevard will become a one-way road northbound, A Street westbound, and Mission Boulevard southbound, completing a downtown traffic loop.

Pedestrians and bicyclists alike will also reap the benefits of expanded sidewalks and landscaping, new bike lanes, and improvements to signage and road intersections. This includes the realignment of the Mission and Carlos Bee boulevards’ intersection that will improve the sidewalks and crosswalks, widen the road on both sides and create an extra southbound turn lane onto Carlos Bee.

According to Kevin Briggs, Route 238 Corridor manager, people will notice the first changes almost straight away, as crews from PG&E, AT&T and Comcast work together to place signal cables and utilities underground from Route 238 all the way to A Street, eventually grounding the utility lines through downtown and all the way south along Mission Boulevard to Industrial Boulevard.

Briggs also stated that the city had conducted an extended community outreach before beginning work on this project to ensure that local area businesses were prepared for the construction and to minimize any disruptions.

The corridor improvement project was awarded to Top Grade Construction on July 16, 2010. However, at the time of writing the city was still awaiting the final schedule from the contractor.

Finally a notice was issued effective Aug. 16 to begin the work.

The Route 238 Corridor Improvement Project is due to be completed sometime in late 2012. The Interstate 880/Highway 92-Jackson Street Interchange is also expected to be finished the same year, which should help alleviate the terrible traffic congestion plaguing Hayward’s freeways during commute hours.

For more information about the projects, visit the City of Hayward Web site at www.ci.hayward.ca.us or call 510-583-3900. The city is also planning on creating Facebook and Twitter pages with updates on construction, delays and other information in the very near future.