Council Backs Aggressive Safety Overhaul After Three Pedestrian Deaths

Three fatal pedestrian crashes in 10 days brought Hayward's traffic safety crisis into sharp focus Tuesday night, as council members directed staff to fast-track intersection improvements, launch a police enforcement blitz, and pursue up to $25 million in federal funding to redesign the city's deadliest road. In a separate unanimous vote, the council renamed the March 31 Cesar Chavez Observance Day to Farm Worker Day following revelations of abuse against Dolores Huerta.

• Three pedestrian fatalities in February drive sweeping Vision Zero response, including quick-build intersection fixes and a 3-month police enforcement operation

• Council directs staff to pursue $25M federal grant for Tennyson Road corridor redesign, with construction targeted as early as 2028

• Seven public commenters, backed by Bike Hayward and neighborhood groups, urge the city to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety over car convenience

• Cesar Chavez holiday unanimously renamed to Farm Worker Day and city artifacts under review after abuse revelations

• City manager addresses HPD officer arrest in illegal brothel investigation, expresses full confidence in department leadership

Three pedestrian deaths within a 10-day span in February 2026 made this work session the most consequential traffic discussion Hayward has held in years. The presentation spanned nearly 100 minutes of staff briefings and council direction, plus passionate testimony from seven public commenters — a clear signal that the political will and community demand for safer streets have converged.