UNION CITY INCORPORATES IN JANUARY 13, 1959

In 1958, the Citizens' Committee for incorporation of Decoto-Alvarado was able to petition the Alameda Board of Supervisors asking for an incorporation election.
 
The immediate pressure of the City of Hayward to over-run the Decoto area along the railroad tracts from the Fairway Park and Tennyson districts by annexation hurried the process.  The Union City election called for the consolidation of historic New Haven, Alvarado and the railroad town of Decoto, into one entity known as Union City.  This name had originally graced the town lots adjacent to John Horner's wharves and pier where the hay-steamer "The Union" had originally been berthed.  The favorable incorporation election was held on January 13, 1959.

At the time of incorporation, the combined Alvarado-Decoto districts had a population of around 6,000 with a diversified ethnic distribution of whites, orientals, Filipinos, Hispanics and blacks.

The first elected City Council was composed of Tom Kitayama, Mayor, John Ratekin of Holly Sugar, George Sloan, Joseph Lewis and Oscar Dowe.  Dean Seager was appointed city administrator.

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