From: Mike Uchida
To: Steve Kowalski
Subject: UP-25-0011 CUP
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 11:01:22 AM
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I’m writing in response to the “Notice of Receipt of Application” for 21463 Foothill Blvd.
As a business owner since 1971, it’s disturbing to think that a cannabis dispensary is opening in what was once a Lucky, C. Markus Hardware, and now a failed Drugstore. Please don’t turn this property into another drugstore.
First off, there is a marital arts studio nearby which caters to children. This corner is also has pedestrian traffic from local schools.
The Garden of Eden is up the street. How many more weed shops does Hayward need? I get it, you need the tax money but can you do better.
I adamantly oppose a cannabis dispensary opening at 21463 Foothill Blvd.
Mike Uchida
Owner of Grove Way Bonsai Nursery
Attachment V
From: Omar Galindo
To: Steve Kowalski
Cc: Maria Manzo; Maria Ruelas; Robert Jimenez; [email protected] Subject: Fwd: Owner of 21459 Locust St Hayward | Opposition to Commercial Cannabis Dispensary Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 1:58:24 PM
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Dear Planning Department,
I am writing to formally express our opposition to the proposed cannabis dispensary at 21463 Foothill Boulevard.
We are the owners of the property directly behind this location (21459 Locust St) and have serious concerns about the potential negative impact such an establishment may have on our neighborhood. Specifically, we are concerned about increased foot traffic, loitering, and a potential rise in nuisance or criminal activity—issues that have been observed near similar businesses in other areas.
This location was previously occupied by Walgreens, which provided essential goods and services to the community and was a valued, family-friendly tenant. In contrast, a cannabis dispensary may not offer the same level of community benefit or alignment with the surrounding residential character.
We urge the City of Hayward to consider attracting a tenant that better serves the needs of the neighborhood—such as a pharmacy, small grocer, or other retail that contributes positively to the area’s safety, accessibility, and long-term vitality.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. We would be happy to discuss our concerns further or provide additional input as needed.
Sincereley,
Omar Galindo
Omar Galindo
REALTOR® • CAL DRE #01393429
650.533.3526
[email protected]
www.omargalindo.com
580 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
Hi my name is Icela Velazquez, I’m a junior at Mt. Eden High School and president of the Youth Advisory Council in Eden Youth, a council which focuses primarily on youth substance prevention within Hayward.
As a lifelong Hayward student, I’ve seen firsthand how marijuana use can harm underage youth
I have seen how people at school smoke cannabis in the bathrooms, in the hallways, and even in class. But not only is this issue within my school, I have also noticed people who I'm close to have become reliant on this substance at such an early age as well.
Adding another dispensary may increase access for underage people, despite age restrictions and could essentially put anyone under the age of 18 at a higher risk for addiction, long term harm, and future health problems but by expanding dispensaries that risk could become higher.
I strongly urge the Hayward City Council and Planning Commission to reconsider another dispensary in Hayward for the sake of all youth.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
(Received by City Clerk's Office on 09/25/2025 just before Planning Commission hearing)