Hayward residents urge city council to restore Sun Gallery funding

The Hayward City Council meeting on April 22, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding community funding and public safety concerns.

One of the primary topics was the future of the Sun Gallery, a local art space that has faced financial challenges. Several speakers, including Lisonbee West and Frank Goulart, expressed their concerns about the city’s decision to remove funding for the gallery. West, a former treasurer of the gallery's board, emphasized its importance to the community and urged the council to reconsider its budget allocation. Goulart echoed these sentiments, highlighting the gallery's struggles and the need for support to ensure its survival.

Another key issue raised during the meeting was related to public safety. A speaker shared their experience with local police response times, noting that only two officers were available for critical situations south of Tennyson Avenue. This comment sparked a discussion about police funding and resources, with implications for community safety.

Additionally, Ron Collins, representing SEIU 10 to 1, requested the council to postpone a proposed 22% salary increase for the city clerk until an ongoing investigation is completed. This request reflects ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability within city operations.

The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of community needs, particularly regarding the Sun Gallery and public safety resources. The council's decisions in these areas will likely have lasting impacts on the Hayward community.