Building Official: Allen Lang
399 Elmhurst Street
Hayward, CA 94544
Phone: (510) 670-5434
Email: permitbid@acpwa.org
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Our Castro Valley Dashboard
Population as of 2024
66,324
Median Age
42.4
Median Household Income
$124,203
Median Household Size
2.9
Mayor
N/A
Police Chief
N/A
Fire Chief
N/A
Famous Castro Valleyans
Cliff Burton
Cliff Burton was best known as the bass guitarist for the heavy metal band Metallica from 1982 until his death in 1986. His work is notable for its unique style and deep musical influence on the band's early albums. He was born in Castro Valley.
Rachel Maddow
A television host and political commentator, Rachel Maddow is best known for her nightly television show, "The Rachel Maddow Show," on MSNBC. She was born in Castro Valley.
Frank Cepollina
Frank Cepollina is an engineer celebrated for his contributions to NASA's satellite servicing and repair missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions. His innovations have significantly influenced space servicing technology. He was born in Castro Valley.
Garret Dillahunt
Garret Dillahunt has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "No Country for Old Men," "Raising Hope," and "The Mindy Project." He was born in Castro Valley.
Christopher Titus
A comedian and actor, Christopher Titus is known for his TV show "Titus," which was based on his stand-up comedy and real-life family experiences. He has also released several comedy specials. He was born in Castro Valley.
Alec Nevala-Lee
A writer, journalist and critic, Alec Nevala-Lee is known for his biographical work on science fiction writers, as well as his own fiction and nonfiction writings, including "Astounding," a biography of several major science fiction writers. He was born in Castro Valley.
Voices of the Valley
Castro Valley may not have the official title of a city, but it definitely feels like one with our strong local identity and community pride. With around 66,000 neighbors, we've struck a perfect balance between small-town charm and easy access to the big city.
Our landscape is something special. Tucked among rolling hills and lush green spaces, we’re lucky to be surrounded by natural beauty. Lake Chabot Regional Park is a favorite spot, offering hiking trails, fishing, and boating fun. Built in the 1870s, the lake also makes a great backdrop for a picnic or a bit of wildlife spotting.
We take education in Castro Valley. Our schools, part of the highly rated Castro Valley Unified School District, are among the best in the state. It’s clear that our community values learning, with plenty of support and resources going into making our schools exceptional.
Our local economy is mainly residential, but we have a vibrant mix of small businesses and retail centers, especially along Castro Valley Boulevard. This main hub is always buzzing with shops, eateries and essential services. Plus, with Oakland and San Francisco just a short commute away, many of us find great job opportunities in the surrounding areas.
We’re proud of our cultural diversity, too. Our community comes together for events throughout the year, like the annual Castro Valley Fall Festival, where we celebrate with local crafts, food, and live entertainment.
Health care is top-notch here. Eden Medical Center provides outstanding medical services, and we have plenty of clinics and private practices to keep health care convenient and accessible.
Diamond Certified Companies Serving Castro Valley
- Air Duct Cleaning
- Air Quality - Indoor
- Animal Removal
- Appliance Repairs
- Attic & Crawl Space Cleaning
- Auto Body
- Auto Diagnostics
- Auto Muffler & Brakes
- Auto Radiator, Heating & Cooling
- Auto Repair
- Auto Repair - Hybrid Specialist
- Awnings
- Cabinets
- Cabinets - Refacing
- Carpenter
- Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
- Carpet Showrooms
- Chiropractor
- Closet & Home Office Organizing
- Coating - Exterior
- Concrete - Decorative
- Concrete Contractor
- Contractor - Commercial
- Contractor - Custom Home Builder
- Contractor - Design & Build
- Contractor - Fire & Water Damage
- Contractor - Green Building & Remodeling
- Contractor - Remodeling & Additions
- Countertops
- Decks & Patios
- Demolition
- Dentist
- Doors
- Drainage
- Drywall Contractors
- Earthquake Retrofitting
- Electrical Contractor
- Electrical Contractor - Commercial
- Fences
- Flooring Installation
- Flooring Showroom
- Foundation Contractor
- Framing
- Funeral Services
- Garage Doors
- Garage Storage & Organizing
- Gutters
- Gutters - Cleaning
- Handyman - Home Repairs
- Hardwood Floor Refinishing
- Hardwood Floors
- Heat - Radiant
- Heating & Air Conditioning
- Home Energy Auditor
- House Cleaning
- Kitchen & Bath Contractor
- Kitchen & Bath Showroom
- Landscape - Designers & Consultants
- Landscape Contractor
- Landscape Maintenance - Commercial
- Locksmith
- Mover
- Opticians
- Painting
- Patio Covers
- Paving Stones
- Pest Control
- Plumbing
- Pressure Washing
- Real Estate - Exchange & Reverse Exchanges
- Real Estate Sales - Agent
- Records Management
- Roofing
- Roofing - Commercial
- Roofing - Metal
- Sewer Line Contractor
- Shower Enclosures
- Shredding
- Siding Contractor
- Skylights
- Solar
- Stairs Contractor
- Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaning
- Swimming Pool & Spa, Services & Supplies
- Swimming Pool Contractor
- Swimming Pool Demolition
- Termite Control
- Tile Showroom
- Tree Service
- Water & Fire Damage Restoration
- Water Features
- Water Treatment & Service
- Weight Loss
- Window Coverings
- Window Washing
- Windows
Diamond Certified Companies Serving Castro Valley
Diamond Certified companies serving Castro Valley are rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 37,619 reviews of 133 rated companies.
Only companies rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Performance Guaranteed.
Building Codes and Permits
Castro Valley FAQs
Q: How did Castro Valley get its name?
A: Castro Valley is named after Don Guillermo Castro, a 19th-century Californio ranchero who owned the land. In 1840, he received a 28,000-acre land grant called Rancho San Lorenzo, which encompassed areas including present-day Castro Valley, Hayward, and San Lorenzo. Castro sold portions of his land to pay off debts, eventually leading to the sale of the entire rancho. As settlers moved in and developed the area, it became known as Castro Valley, honoring its original owner.
Q: When should I tell my relatives to visit Castro Valley?
A: The best time to visit Castro Valley is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.
Q: What are some good local places for a first date?
A: Try exploring Lake Chabot Regional Park, the Castro Valley Boulevard shopping district or local parks like Don Castro Regional Recreation Area.
Q: How can I dispose of hazardous waste?
A: You can drop off certain types of hazardous waste at CVSan’s Recycles Day events held every April and August. Alameda County also has several facilities that are open to residents for hazardous waste disposal without the need for appointments.
Q: When is the farmers’ market?
A: The Castro Valley Farmers' Market operates year-round every Saturday from 9am to 1pm. It's located at the corner of Redwood Road and Norbridge Avenue, in the Castro Valley BART Station parking lot.
Diamond Certified Expert Contributors
Serving Our Castro Valley Area
Dana Meyer
President, Dana Meyer Auto Care
Choosing an Auto Repair Shop
When choosing an auto repair shop, don’t base your choice solely on the labor rate. This has little to do with the actual cost of the job and even less to do with the quality of the work. A more important factor to consider is the shop’s ability to provide an accurate diagnosis and a successful repair.
Call : (415) 493-8934
Read More : dccert.org/Dana Meyer
Terry Barkai
Business Operations Manager, Reactic Restoration
Fire Damage Restoration
When dealing with fire and smoke damage, a restoration contractor will perform the following steps: 1) thoroughly clean the affected area, 2) apply an odor-counteractive product to remove residual odors, and 3) run hydroxyl and ozone generators to remove any remaining odor molecules from the area.
Call : (415) 493-8934
Read More : dccert.org/Terry Barkai
Marc Guay
Realtor, Marc Guay Team
Avoiding Common Seller Mistakes in Real Estate
A common mistake sellers make is to accept the first reasonable offer that comes their way. As a rule, you should plan to leave your home on the market for one to two weeks before accepting any offers. Why? If you accept an offer on the first day, you eliminate the possibility of competing bids.
Call : (415) 493-8934
Read More : dccert.org/Marc Guay
Sam Gulesserian
President, Carpeteria
Laminate Flooring Benefits
Laminate flooring is an engineered product that’s often designed to resemble authentic wood. Composed of tightly fused high-density fiberboard layers, laminate is easy to install, moisture- and scratch-resistant, and low-maintenance, which makes it a practical choice for rental properties and high-traffic households.
Call : (415) 493-8934
Read More : dccert.org/Sam Gulesserian
More Diamond Certified Expert Contributors Serving Castro Valley
Our Castro Valley Glossary
“Lake Chabot Regional Park”
A regional park in Castro Valley known for its beautiful lake, hiking trails, fishing, and boating opportunities.
“Castro Valley Boulevard”
The main thoroughfare in Castro Valley, lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and services.
“Eden Medical Center”
A major healthcare facility in Castro Valley, providing a wide range of medical services to the community.
“Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD)”
The public school district serving Castro Valley, known for its high-performing schools.
“Castro Valley Fall Festival”
An annual community event featuring local crafts, food, and entertainment, celebrating the diversity and spirit of Castro Valley.
“Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area”
A popular outdoor area in Castro Valley, offering swimming, picnicking, and hiking opportunities.
“Castro Valley Arts Foundation”
An organization that supports and promotes arts within the Castro Valley community, often associated with the Castro Valley Center for the Arts.
“Don Castro Regional Recreation Area”
A regional park in Castro Valley known for its swimming lagoon and hiking trails, providing a natural retreat for residents.
“Rowell Ranch Rodeo”
An annual rodeo event held in Castro Valley, showcasing traditional rodeo competitions and activities, reflecting the area's historical ties to ranching and rodeo culture.
Castro Valley's Perennial Events
JANUARY
Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce Installation MixerThe Chamber installs new board members and officers at this annual event. It's an opportunity for local business owners and community members to network and celebrate the Chamber's achievements.
JUNE
Castro Valley Car ShowThis showcase of classic and custom cars attracts automobile enthusiasts throughout the East Bay. The event includes live music, food vendors, and awards for standout vehicles.
SEPTEMBER
Fall FestivalThe Castro Valley Fall Festival has been bringing together residents and visitors for over 50 years. Traditionally held on the weekend following Labor Day, the festival takes place on Castro Valley Boulevard between Redwood Road and Santa Maria Avenue. It features a variety of attractions, including live entertainment on multiple stages, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and activities for all ages.
OCTOBER
Castro Valley Greek FestivalHosted by the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church, this festival offers traditional Greek food, music, dance performances, and crafts. It's a family-friendly event that showcases Greek heritage and hospitality in Castro Valley.
NOVEMBER
Castro Valley Light ParadeThis annual holiday event lets local businesses, organizations, and community members create illuminated floats and displays, parading through downtown Castro Valley to celebrate the holiday season.
Castro Valley Maps
Castro Valley was founded in 1857, and today, your 63,948 neighbors enjoy golfing, cycling, lawn bowling, clamming and kite surfing.
ZIP Codes Within Castro Valley City
- 94546, 94552
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Featured Castro Valley Links
Groups and Clubs Serving Castro Valley
Rotary Club of Castro Valley
This community service organization is part of the global Rotary International network. This club focuses on local and international service projects, professional networking, and fostering goodwill. They regularly host events and fundraisers to support various causes.
Castro Valley Food Pantry
Operated by Faith Lutheran Church, this food pantry provides essential food assistance to those in need within the Castro Valley community. They offer a range of nutritious food options and rely on volunteers and donations to serve local families and individuals.
Castro Valley Library Homework Help Center
Located within the Castro Valley Library, this center offers homework assistance to students. It’s staffed by volunteers who provide help in various subjects, making it a valuable educational resource for the local youth.
FirstPres Women’s Group
A community group for women that’s part of the First Presbyterian Church of Hayward. This group focuses on fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for women through meetings, discussions, and various community activities.
Religious Organizations
Serving Castro Valley
Faith Lutheran Church of Castro Valley
A Christian church that offers a range of religious services, educational programs, and community outreach activities. They focus on fostering faith development and community involvement.
First Presbyterian Church of Hayward
First Presbyterian Church of Hayward is dedicated to spiritual growth, community service, and educational programs. They offer various worship services, community groups, and outreach initiatives.
3 Crosses Church
Known for its landmark three crosses, 3 Crosses Church provides a contemporary Christian worship experience. They offer diverse programs for all ages, focusing on community service, spiritual growth, and family support.
Our Lady of Grace
Our Lady of Grace is a Catholic parish that offers a range of spiritual services including Mass, sacraments, and religious education. They focus on building a vibrant faith community and engage in various charitable activities.
Social Castro Valley
Local Websites We Love
Oldest Castro Valley
Businesses
Loard’s Ice Cream
(Founded in 1950)
Lucca’s Deli
(Founded in 1958)
Pizza Express
(Founded in 1986)
Castro Valley Forum
(Founded in 1989)
Popular Spots!
Lake Chabot Regional Park
Lake Chabot Regional Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. The park features a lake for fishing and boating, as well as numerous hiking and biking trails.
Golden Tee Golfland
Golden Tee Golfland offers a range of entertainment options, including miniature golf and arcade games.
Cull Canyon Swim Complex
Cull Canyon Swim Complex is a recreational area featuring a swimming lagoon and beach area. It's a great spot for family outings and swimming during the summer.
Castro Valley Community Park
Castro Valley Community Park is a versatile community space offering amenities like picnic areas, sports fields, and a community center. It's a hub for local events and recreational activities.
Restaurants We Love
Southern Comfort Kitchen
A family-owned restaurant and food truck that serves authentic Cajun dishes from New Orleans, such as crawfish etouffee, seafood gumbo, barbecue shrimp and grits, and po' boy sandwiches.
Norman’s Grill
A retro-style diner that offers classic American comfort food, such as omelets, burgers, sandwiches, salads, steak and pasta. The restaurant is decorated with old album covers and vinyl records.
Portales
A Mexican restaurant that specializes in street food from Mexico City, such as tacos al pastor, gorditas de chicharron, torta Cubana, and more. The restaurant also features a full bar and a curated playlist of Mexican music.
Boulevard Burger
A burger and shake spot that uses fresh and high-quality ingredients to make gourmet burgers, such as the Bronco Burger, the Mushroom Burger, and the Black Bean Veggie Burger. The restaurant also offers a variety of milkshakes, fries, onion rings, and sal