We are pleased to highlight one of the invaluable benefits of being part of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce: the Government Relations Committee. This committee serves as a vital bridge between our business community and our elected and government officials, fostering a longstanding relationship built on collaboration.

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting Hayward Police Department Chief Matthews for a discussion on pressing topics pertinent to our business community. We wanted to share some crucial insights gleaned from our discussion.

It has come to our attention that many crimes against businesses, particularly theft and robbery, often go unreported by business owners or employees. Even if businesses opt not to prosecute perpetrators, reporting these incidents remains vital as it provides essential data that informs patrol decisions, staffing, and funding allocations for our Police Department. Our PD relies on accurate information to strategize against crimes effectively. Without awareness of incidents occurring within our business community, our department's ability to proactively address such issues is significantly hindered.

To facilitate crime prevention, the Police Department employs specialists who conduct thorough analyses at businesses, offering recommendations on things like lighting, foliage, and security measures aimed at preventing victimization. To learn more about crime prevention resources for Hayward businesses, contact: Officer James Strawser, 510-293-7051, James.strawser@hayward-ca.gov (North District), or Officer Alicia Romero, 510-293-1043 , Alicia.Romero@hayward-ca.gov (South District). We also recommend these resources from the Department:

Regarding the sidewalk vending ordinance, we underscored the significant impact of unlicensed vending on licensed businesses, in addition to safety concerns. Chief Matthews and his team have acknowledged these concerns and are committed to exploring solutions. It's important to note that Code Enforcement takes the lead on these matters. Thus far, their efforts have primarily focused on addressing the most extreme safety concerns, such as blocked sidewalks and open fires, while also prioritizing vendor education. Additional enforcement efforts have been limited due to staffing constraints. In response to the Chamber committee's concerns, Chief Matthews has pledged to facilitate communication with Code Enforcement. This collaboration aims to enhance outreach and education efforts while exploring potential enforcement options, including the possibility of third-party enforcement or coordinated "sweep" initiatives.

We encourage all members to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting any incidents to our Police Department and to also share the sidewalk vending education information session flyers in your area. Your cooperation and input are invaluable as we work together to ensure the safety and prosperity of our business community.