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Residents raise concerns over anti‑Hindu rhetoric; AC Transit warns of steep service cuts; resident pitches green aviation at Sky West
Summary
Public commenters urged council to note ongoing anti‑Hindu attacks by a recurring speaker, AC Transit warned of a potential $200 million shortfall that could cut service by more than 16% if new revenue is not secured, and a resident proposed preserving Sky West for green aviation and trails rather than warehouses.
Several public commenters addressed the council during the meeting’s public comment period on May 5, raising community safety, transit and land‑use concerns.
Chandra Jooshi, who identified herself as a Hindu American, told the council she is concerned about recurring public commenters who, she said, have targeted Hindu Americans with extreme rhetoric across many city councils. "He labeled Hindu Americans as fascist with links to violence without any credible evidence," she said, naming a speaker she expects may return soon. Jooshi urged the council and community to recognize and push back against that rhetoric.
Diane Castleberry of AC Transit briefed the council about the transit agency's budget position and upcoming board consideration of service reductions. "AC Transit is facing a $200 million deficit over the next four years," she said, warning that without new sustainable revenue the agency could cut more than 16% of service — roughly 100 buses — and eliminate up to 300 jobs. Castleberry said the AC Transit board will review contingency service options at its June 10 meeting and invited Hayward residents to community open‑house events and the hybrid board meeting.
Local resident Sky Smith, who described himself as a former teacher and aerospace test pilot, urged the council to preserve the Sky West golf course property from industrial warehouses and to pursue a 'green aviation' approach that could host electric aircraft and create STEM and workforce opportunities. Smith contrasted noise footprints, saying electric aircraft produce lower decibel levels and could protect open space and migrating species if paired with trails and habitat protections.
Councilmembers acknowledged each comment; staff confirmed Sky West is closed to general access and said the city is working with partners to pursue a mix of open space and recreation uses. On AC Transit, councilmembers expressed concern and said they will monitor the agency's June board actions and outreach.
