Introduction to Newark, California
Newark, California, in Alameda county, is 3 miles SW of Fremont, California (center to center) and 15 miles NW of San Jose, California. It's part of the San Francisco Bay Area. The western boundary of Newark is close to the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay. Newark, Fremont and Union City are known as the "Tri-Cities." San Francisco is about thirty minutes away. The municipality has a culturally diverse population. Some of the major employers are Cargill Salt, LTD Ceramics, World Pac, ADVO, Risk Management Solutions, Corporate Express, GE Security and Full Bloom Baking Company. Electronics is a primary industry.
Newark History
The city was named in tribute to the castle "Newark" in Port Glasgow, Scotland. During the 1850's the city became a prominent salt producing center. In 1876 Alfred Davis, a San Francisco businessman and Jim Fair finished the South Pacific Coast Railroad from Dumbarton Point to Santa Cruz. A railroad station, railroad shop and a roundhouse were constructed in Newark and were soon followed by the construction of hotels, a variety of stores and manufacturing facilities. It was also home to a railroad car manufacturing company. Newark was expected to be part of the city of Fremont but the community decided to become an independent municipality when they learned it was going to be the industrial center of Fremont. The city was incorporated in 1955.
Newark Attractions
- Ardenwood Historic Farm includes a Victorian mansion and it's a working farm.
- Newark Days is a popular event.
- Newpark Mall is a prominent shopping destination.
- The Grove is home to summer concerts.
Newark Activities
Newark has numerous parks for outdoor activities. The nearby South San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is popular with nature enthusiasts. The Mission Peak Regional Preserve and the Coyote Hills are notable areas for hiking. The Alameda Creek Regional Trail connects the Bay shoreline with the scenic Niles Canyon. The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Tidelands Trail is an easy hike and includes a wide variety of plants, animals and birds. Half Moon Bay, Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park are nearby. Families enjoy the close by Great America Amusement Park and the San Francisco and Oakland professional sports teams. The Silliman Family Aquatic Center is a prominent indoor facility. The Lake Area is a man-made lake and is an excellent location for taking walks and includes a vast number of ducks and geese.
Newark Transportation
Air travel is provided at the San Jose International Airport. The AC Transit offers bus services.
Newark Higher Education
The city is home to a campus of Ohlone College. Cal State Hayward and San Jose State University are nearby.
