Here is a story of one of our pillars in Union City.

You can see and feel the history and heritage of Union City in its old homes, objects and in places that show us our collective past. These historical homes and artifacts are a tangible link to people and events that have shaped the lives of Union City residents. People also helped shape the history of Union City. What we are enjoying now are works done by these people who dedicated their entire lives to the betterment of our city. They are very much a link to the history of Union City.

One of these dedicated residents is Frank Borghi, Jr. who had been very much involved in civic matters in Union City. He participated in the Union City incorporation 40 years ago, was in the Board of Directors of Alameda County Water district for 32 years and served as its President for eight one-year term, was a Trustee of the New Haven Unified School District, was also the President of the Decoto Chamber of Commerce, later known as the Union City Chamber of Commerce.

And now Frank Borghi, with his wife Elvamae of 46 years, live in their beautiful and cozy home in the historic Decoto area in Union City. When they got married in 1953, he was boasting that he paid only $5,000 for the house, added an upstairs family room for $8,000, and built a swimming pool for $12,000. "You can't beat that now a days." he said. The house is full of mementos of Borghi's accomplishments.

The couple have three boys. Robert, age 41, is a math and science teacher at Redwood City. David, 31, is a physical education teacher. David is an Acalanes baseball coach in high school and won 2 championship in a row. The eldest son was killed in an auto accident.

Borghi was born in Union City in 1924 and had lived in this city all his life. His parents had a dairy business during those early days. The dairies were located across Whipple Road, in Ardenwood Park and a land in Newark, now called Newpark Mall. Elvamae was born in 1932, and grew up in Fremont and then in lived in Union City.

Borghi's mother Bessie Borghi, born in 1897, was a celebrity. She was the oldest person in Union City during the first Gladiola Festival and so she rode in a vintage car during the parade. Bessie died in 1986 at the age of 89. Frank's father was 83 years old when he died in 1969.

Reigning as queens runs in the family. Borghi's pretty wife Elvamae became the first queen of the Alameda County Fair in 1950 and was given a trip to Hollywood and was a guest on "Queen For A Day" on radio.

Borghi wass part of the Union City's continued fight to save Union City from being taken by Hayward and Fremont. He was the Chairman of the Steering Body of the Union City Incorporation Committee. This committee was formed to study the best future course for the two towns, Alvarado and Decoto, whether the said areas would either incorporate as Union City or annex to Fremont. Borghi, together with his committee, contacted Union City residents to determine how many will ask for exclusion from Hayward's annexation when a protest hearing was set. He formed a Finance Committee to raise funds for continuing the fight.

Borghi had been a trustee of Washington Union High School District and the New Haven Unified School district for 11 years; had been a member of the County Commission for Redistricting of School Districts; a member of the Steering Committee for formation of Junior College District; and a Commissioner of the Decoto Fire Department. He had served since 1975 as a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of California Water Agencies, and has served as Chairman of the County Water Districts Section, was Chairman of the Membership Committee, and a member of the Groundwater Management Committee.

Borghi had served continuously on the Board of Directors of Alameda County Water District for 32 years since his appointment on February 8, 1962. He had served as its President for eight one-year terms.

When the city created the Union City Advisory Fire Committee of the Alvarado Fire district. Borghi was one of the members.

Looking at old newspaper clippings, you could see Borghi, as a Trustee of the New Haven Unified School District, with a group of Union City leaders, with shovels set to beautify the grounds of the new Union City Library in a community-wide landscaping ceremony. A record number of 250 turned out for the event and more than 25 local service groups and individuals donated shrubs and plants, including those from the Merchant Association and the Chamber of Commerce.

As Trustee and Board President, Borghi was published in the newspaper, breaking ground for the Washington Union High School district's new James Logan High School.

Borghi, as Chairman of the Union City Steering Committee of the Union Sanitary District, strongly urged the Union District to offer services to the Alvarado-North Decoto area. He said some 2000 acres out there were going into the Union Sanitary District. and that this might keep it from joining Hayward. He urged the property owners to join the Alvarado Sanitary District, and encouraged the enlarged district to consolidate with Union Sanitary District. That way, a separate treatment plant with connection lines could be built in Alvarado to give adequate service to the natural basin. Presently, the Union Sanitary District is serving the Tri-City areas and will be moving its entire administrative operation in Union City.

Borghi, as President of the Decoto Chamber of Commerce, proposed the merging of the Decoto Chamber with the Alvarado Chamber to form a new Union City Chamber of Commerce. Presently the Union City Chamber of Commerce is serving the whole Union City.
Borghi had done so much for Union City. And now, he together with his wife, relax in their cozy home and go on trips to Europe, Asia, Vietnam, Hawaii, Alaska, Portugal and Switzerland. They recently visited relatives in Italy and had attended four Super Ball games. Borghi plays golf and play cards with friends.

These days, Borghi reminisces the good old days, when Union City was a mass of land, with cauliflower and carrots and the beautiful gladiolas, for which the city is noted. He drives around and looks at the new half a million homes scattered all over, the commercial districts, the upcoming Union Landing with huge commercial buildings and a 25 screen theatre.

Here is a man, a Union City native, a community builder, who is very much part of the history of Union City. The history of Frank Borghi, Jr., together with his family, is embodied in Union City's collective past. Borghi is a tangible link to people and events that have shaped the lives of Union City residents. What we are enjoying now are the works done by Borghi and his group of civic-minded people, who had dedicated their entire lives to the betterment of our city. Frank Borghi, Jr. is very much a link to the history of Union City.