Fund proposed to provide payments to wrongfully evicted Russell City residents

Hayward officials proposed a $900,000 redress fund for former residents of Russell City, a community displaced in the 1960s under the pretext of blight. Mayor Mark Salinas and Alameda County supervisors announced the initiative, emphasizing its importance in addressing historical injustices after the county's 2021 apology. The fund aims to provide some financial relief to the 205 families and 33 individuals who were evicted, with Salinas noting that no amount of money can fully restore what was lost. The funding will be administered by a non-profit foundation, which will outline eligibility criteria for applicants. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on this proposal on July 22.

This action aligns with the recommendations from the Russell City Reparative Justice Project, which included former residents. Salinas expressed optimism about issuing checks by the end of the year. The establishment of the redress fund marks a significant step toward healing and repair for a community deeply affected by systemic neglect and displacement.