Opinions voiced in letters published in Mailbox are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Independent. The Independent will not publish anonymous letters. All letters are required to have the names of the persons submitting them and city of residence. Abusive letters may be rejected or edited. Frequent letter writers may have publication of their letters delayed.
There is an old saying, “A man (or woman) cannot ride two horses at the same time.”
If Measure P passes, it will nullify the Central Park plan by placing the hotel on the east side. We would like the entire city to have a chance to voice their opinion on which plan they prefer. Vote “No” on Measure P and let the voters decide in November.
A big thank you to the letter writer in last week’s paper who so eloquently reinforced the points I made previously regarding the activities of the “Protect the Central Park Vote” political group. This writer provided an excellent example of the exact behaviors I was describing. Most specifi…
Three reforms would benefit about 97% of Americans financially.
For a group that claims it is grassroots, the “Yes” on Measure P crowd have a number of developers paying their way. Shea Homes sponsored an open house for them. Presido Development Partners pays for ads. And now their yard signs are also paid for by Presidio. I get it, Presidio has a vested…
This week the Senate will hear the impeachment trial of President Trump. If the Republican senators hear the impeachment trial through (Trump's) party lines, history will judge them harshly. Let this be a fair hearing.
The Livermore Stockmen’s Rodeo Association supports a “Yes” vote on Measure P on March 3.
My impression is that a small fraction of the residents of our city feels strongly for the city's downtown plan, while a small fraction feels strongly for the alternative central park plan. That leaves the rest of us trying to decide which way to vote in March. Before I make a decision, I wo…
The last presidential election (and the coming one) have been terrible examples of the democratic process. Mudslinging has been an unfortunate aspect of our elections since their inception. However, both the Republican and Democratic parties have exceeded normal boundaries in the past four y…
I am writing, and have spoken, as a supportive witness for the defense of our City Council.
As an attendee of several of the outreach sessions, I was confused when I first saw the city's plan for downtown. That plan was an improvement over the (awful) Lennar plan, but it still fell well short of what I thought I saw come out of the outreach program (in no particular order):
In November 2017, Livermore Lab proposed to significantly increase the weight and size of open-air high explosive tests at Site 300 on Corral Hollow Road, a few miles east of Livermore.
I will be voting an enthusiastic “Yes” on Measure P and invite you to do the same. The State of California recently enacted AB1486 (titled Surplus Land) and SB330 (the Housing Crisis Act of 2019), both of which directly affect the redevelopment of our downtown. I have been a practicing attor…
You come from the cold, out of the arroyo, and being alone. What do you want? Warmth, a movie, and some company. They ask, “Are you staying the night?” You respond, “No.” They say, “Then you have to leave after the movie.” “Alright,” you answer. He stands there stoically without saying much.…
Within a decade, more housing will change Livermore from a population of 90,000 to 100,000. Plans for more than 400 housing units exist for West Las Positas, behind JoAnn’s and Chipotle. Housing has already appeared along Vasco at Brisa, along First Street near Portola, and has begun in down…
The Protect Central Park Group promises an increase in revenue of $15 million over a 30-year period. It was one of the key highlights in the flyer from Mr. and Mrs. Dunlop that was mailed to my home. At first glance, I thought that was a pretty good point to make. An increase in revenue is a…
I often walk downtown for coffee, a movie, errands, a meeting with friends. In the nearly four decades of calling Livermore “home,” I so appreciate how our city has grown up and become more diverse, all the while sustaining its origins in ranching, viticulture, and science. I eagerly partici…
The proposed upscale Eastside hotel is clearly designed for wealthy tourists, not the citizens of Livermore. I have not read anything from the mayor, city council, or other active supporters saying that they will actually stay at the hotel, or have their children stay at the hotel for a fami…
I am writing to thank Livermore residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.
We, the neighbors of the proposed marijuana farm at 7033 Morgan Territory Road (highlighted in your Jan. 16 edition), are fighting these plans vigorously. It is a highly inappropriate place for such an uncertain and untested enterprise. There are more than 30 rural homes – most with children…
I have some thoughts on Measure P. My thoughts come from a more aesthetic and supportive position. Aesthetic in that, when you drive into Livermore Interstate 580, visitors usually take Livermore Ave, correct? There's a lot going on when you first exit the freeway. You pass a couple of shopp…
We want a plan that works well for generations to come, where people can come and enjoy being outside. Vote “No” on Measure P.
“Yes” on Measure P, the missing link to Livermore's continued and future success. As owners and operators of The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort and Spa, in Livermore, we can honestly say that our 10 rooms do not even begin to scratch the surface of the demand that the valley has for upsca…
Livermore wants a Central Park for all to enjoy. To preserve the Central Park, vote NO on P. For more information go to www.livermoredeservesbetter.com.
The Central Park people (Friends of Livermore, Community Group, Vibrant Livermore, Better Livermore, Citizens for a Central Park) constantly change narratives in order to make their privately developed concept appear feasible to the general public. They are now in a bit of a pickle with a fr…
Livermore is on the brink of becoming a truly classy city with a small-town feel.
Why has the City Council delayed development d\owntown? Yes, that’s right - the City Council.
Several writers have wisely suggested that residents seek out accurate and unbiased information on the issues before voting. If you are interested in unbiased third-party views and explanations of the Downtown Development issues, read the Pleasanton Weekly editorial of Aug 20, 2019, or liste…
I've been reading a lot of criticism from Livermore City Council members and their sidekicks about large donations by local citizens for the “No on P” campaign, as though donations by local wealthy citizens were somehow underhanded or tainted or un-American. I think it's praiseworthy that lo…
Attention young people: Baby Boomers (born between 1946-1964) and Millennials (ages 18-35) each represent nearly one-third of the potential voting populace. In 2016, people 65 years and older voted at a 71% rate. Millennials voted at 46%. That is a 25% difference.
Residents of Livermore, seize the day, put very little trust in the future. Keep the approved city plan moving forward. Vote YES on Measure P.
A piece of wisdom is not dependent on its source. Whether it is called wisdom or a hack, there are some universal truths that, by their own simplicity and application, can both aid a person to handle the vagaries of existence and, in fact, be recognized as “smart’ for merely following the pi…
Gov. Gavin Newsom is pushing a $1.4 billion bill for the homeless problem. The governor is clueless and ill-advised by his homeless taskforce committee of Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.
Why is it that all the businesses owners in downtown Livermore, along with all the winery owners, approve of the city's downtown plan, yet only a handful of antagonistic people, including one with lots of money, and no legitimate plans don't? Vote “yes” on Measure P.
I love visiting our vibrant downtown. I love that I can go to dinner and know that I am supporting a local family. We are so lucky to have such a variety of small businesses and restaurants.
The Central Park Plan puts affordable housing on the edge of the main site, allowing for a large active park, an open space that serves a legitimate public purpose, while also providing the required number of units to satisfy the city’s prior agreement with the state.
Only a “yes” vote for the Bankhead Hotel will move Livermore forward. This is no longer about hotel location or size, it’s about progress. A “no” vote will halt the progress that has been in the works for many years. A “no” vote does not offer Livermore’s citizenry any more than a vague conc…
I think it’s rather sad that President Trump takes a beating from the Democrats all the time for what he has done to keep us safe from immigrants entering this country illegally and the trouble around the world that was left to him. Then add the killing of this Iranian general who killed not…
Oh, Peelease!
As a legislative analyst for a local city, I’ve spent the better part of a year working with other cities, elected officials, and lobbyists to understand and influence proposed legislation related to housing. Assembly Bill 1486 is in effect as of Jan. 1. AB 1486 was sponsored by several hous…
Movers and shakers in the west Bay Area formed the Faster Bay Area campaign to back an additional 1% sales tax in nine counties to raise $100 billion over 40 years in an effort to make public transportation “world class.” FBA says it has had the plan on the back burner for 15 years. But cons…
I respectfully disagree with Gina Bonanno’s statement in last week’s letters to the editor where she says, “Hotel guests and employees will not use the existing parking garage on Railroad Avenue or the I Street extension. The hotelier, Presidio, is responsible for providing parking for guest…
As I continue to wade through various sources of information related to Measure P, I thought of what they are teaching my kids in school regarding news sources, media literacy. It has become increasingly difficult to find out what is true and what is not true when reading articles and online…
Really, $1,000,000 for a study? We're looking for new sources of water when a larger water source is right under our nose: treated sewage water and gray water. These are perfect sources for landscape irrigation.
As a member of the committee for the Central Park Plan, I would like to add some information on the financial benefit for Livermore.
On Jan. 4, President Donald Trump told a group of evangelicals in Miami that he believes God is on “our” (his) side.
Mr. Lawrence evidently suffers from a highly developed case of projection. His comments in the Jan. 2 edition of The Independent are easily read as an autobiographical account that contains accusations lacking supportive evidence, merely his opinion disguised as an objective and considered s…
YES on P for Progress.
I write this letter on behalf of Jules Rosa and myself to express our gratitude to the Sunset Elementary School staff, students, and parents who have shown so much support and love to Jules during this difficult time, especially during the holidays. While losing her mother last Christmas and…
Today I lost my wallet. Of course, everything I need is in that wallet. You can imagine my panic. When I arrived at the Department of Motor Vehicles to apply for a replacement driver's license, my wife called to tell me that two kind people, Ernesto and his teenaged daughter, had found my wa…
Late in 2017, a woman named Portia called from Sacramento to tell me that, because I was (and still am) homeless, I could not vote.
Councilmembers are now threatening that AB1486 (regarding disposition of "surplus land") is a major stumbling block to the Central Park Plan. AB 1486 became law on January 1, 2020 – months after the Central Park Plan qualified for the ballot. It is not clear that the Surplus Lands Act, which…
Vote on March 3. Exercise your right to vote on the Central Park plan. Vote for long-term gain, a park that will be spacious and inviting to residents, tourists, out of town relatives, and even the uncle no one invites to Thanksgiving! Vote “NO” on Measure P, which provides a “YES” to more o…
I am dyslexic! Please keep that in mind in case you wish to read the rest of my letter.
"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley
There is much rancorous debate on the subject of the city's plan - not surprising since this area is “front and center” to downtown and our last chance to affect it for many years to come. However, I believe that most people on all sides of the debate want essentially the same outcome - a sp…
In 2018, a small but vocal group sought to overturn changes in downtown Livermore zoning. They were furious when the City Council simply accepted their referendum, whose only effect was to reduce the hotel from four to three stories and reduce planned parking near the Bankhead. They shot the…
Like most important decisions cities make, generations going forward have to live with the results and the downtown hotel issue is certainly no exception.
It’s getting complex, with Build-It-Now and Unify Livermore and their big-money developer Presidio each flailing to prop up Measure P. For simplicity, let’s just call them all P-ers. The community, of whom thousands signed the referendum petition, we’ll call NoPe-ers, or Pee and Nope, for sh…
Did you know that the California Lottery funnels $1.7 billion to California's K-12 schools, colleges and universities every year? In fact, 95 cents of every dollar you spend on lottery games goes back to the community through contributions to public schools and colleges. Also, you'd be surpr…
I have been a Livermore resident since 2006 and have loved seeing how the city has grown, respecting greenbelts.
The Wine Country Hotel at the Bankhead is ready to move forward, after 19 years of planning and citizen input! I encourage everyone to VOTE “YES” on Measure P, for the People’s Plan for downtown.
It appears from her recent comments in the Mailbox that Ms. Judge did not understand my response to her letter, so I will be clearer. Voters signed this referendum against the development agreement for the hotel after signature gatherers told them, and the Independent led the voters to belie…
The City Council continues to make the process of coming to a conclusion on the downtown property more difficult. We now have two parts to the process. The first will be on the March ballot, which will have the Livermore citizens vote on the city’s Hotel Development Agreement. This agreement…
Why would the good members of the Livermore City Council unanimously want to locate the proposed new hotel -- downsized and scrunched -- into the small parcel on the east side of Livermore Avenue next to the Bankhead Theater? The westside is better - with more space and more room for parking…
In response to Johnna Thompson’s letter that appeared in the 12/26/19 Independent. I want to address several inaccurate statements.
When I moved to Livermore in 1995, residents went out of town for dinner or movies. That hasn't been true for some time. Livermore is the destination. I can walk or take a short drive to first-class theater at Bankhead, see independent films at Vine Cinema, choose from a wide-range of cafes …
Confused by Measure P?
The end-of-year/New Year holidays seem to whiplash us from one extreme to the other: eat, drink & be merry vs. the customary New Year's resolutions: reduce social media, reduce weight, and embrace a plant-based diet!
I have been a resident of Livermore for over 20 years and I am writing to state that I am in favor of the proposed Central Park plan for Livermore and I will be voting “NO” on Measure P.
A well-known speaker of this phrase knows that words repeated often enough can result in people believing any falsehood to be true. So too, do the people now calling themselves “Protect the Central Park Vote,” think that Livermore residents believe their repeated exaggerations, misinformatio…
He has no place to go. He is homeless. Do we know what that means? Do we have empathy? What does “empathy” mean? He is sick and dying. Do we care? He grew up in Livermore, attended Livermore High School and is a veteran. He is one of hundreds of desperate, unsheltered homeless in Livermore a…
Livermore Sanitation (LS) has a franchise agreement with the city of Livermore. It was the only service to apply to the city almost a decade ago and since then it has raised rates at will with no apparent incentive to economize.
Those interested in viewing the short series of informational videos covering Downtown Livermore Hotel Development favoring the West Side Hotel and larger open space option and superior parking, can now do so.
Last chance to speak up for the safety our neighborhoods…Los Olivos, The Corners and Twin Oaks …
(This is a continuation of the letter published last week in response to the Livermore Mayor’s malicious letter. (The Independent, Dec. 19))
That’s the philosophy the so-called “Protect the Central Park Vote” minions are using to influence local voters. They want you to believe the public input process was flawed, but that’s because their attempts to manipulate the input failed. They say City Council isn’t listening to the “peopl…
Livermore has a heart - it is our downtown. We go there to celebrate or commemorate, to protest or mourn; there are annual events and frequent spontaneous activism. We have outdoor concerts/performances, or impromptu vigils and protests tucked around the fountains, flagpole, and Bankhead The…
There are conflicting opinions regarding the location of a hotel in downtown Livermore. One side of the controversy proposes that the hotel be located on the East side of Livermore Avenue, adjacent to the Bankhead theater. The other side wants the hotel to be located on the west side of Live…
Have you ever come across a past incident due to reading or television of which you have never heard before? My high school years are long behind me (graduated in 1971), but I have recently read about important historical events not presented to me. Everyone has heard of ancient kings or emp…
I wholeheartedly support a ‘Yes’ vote on Measure P, March 3 to build the Wine Country Hotel now adjacent to the Bankhead, part of the already approved downtown plan. This 130-room high-quality destination hotel is just what the city needs to support the downtown restaurants and arts-district…
The Central Park Plan is the best plan for Livermore - better hotel, better housing, better park, better parking, and more tax revenue. The City Council maintains that changing plans would require four years of delay. Why would they take that long when it can be built in a timeframe that is …
When I moved to Livermore less than a year ago to begin my career in engineering, I was blown away by the thriving downtown of this seemingly small city. The local festivals, restaurants, wineries, and shows at the Bankhead make Livermore unique from other cities in the area.
Re “Dublin Considers Ban on Natural Gas in New Developments” (Independent, Dec. 26):
We have been here since 1964. Livermore is a fabulous town. We love it and we are about to love it even more.
A number of weeks ago, you ran a feature article decrying Gov. Newsom’s vetoing AB-1086. Your writer lamented the Governor’s seeming endorsement of the Carnegie SVRA expansion and vowed that conservationists would continue the fight against off-roaders.
It’s not hard to figure out why Measure P would be bad for downtown Livermore traffic. The drawbacks of the hotel location that Measure P mandates become clear if you simply step through the experience of a hotel visitor.
“Housing and supportive services solve homelessness. Housing first.” (California Governor Gavin Newsom). Wrong, Governor, housing is not first in solving homelessness. We will never have enough resources to build sufficient housing, be able to build the housing fast enough for the accelerati…
Recently, there have been several letters criticizing individuals who have donated large sums to the Central Park Plan. Yet these same letter writers are silent about the developer’s funding of the Yes on P campaign. Let’s get real. The developer, the Presidio Group, is sponsoring the Measur…
I’ll keep this simple – to welcome the downtown hotel vision preferred by the majority of planning outreach participants (about 2,000 folks), vote NO on the Development Agreement Referendum in March.
A recent writer vented his frustrations about malfunctioning streetlights with a heavy dose of sarcasm. I can’t speak to the specific lights he referenced, but my observation of the lighting along our streets is very positive and especially so in comparison to other cities I have lived in. F…
We know that global warming, the long-term trend of a rising average global temperature, and climate change, the changes in global climate that result from increasing average global temperature, are real.
If you vote to approve the city council's development agreement with the Presidio Hotel Group on March 3, you should expect:
It’s time for members of the GOP to find their voice, break ranks with Trump, and demand his impeachment and removal. History will remember how Republicans acted in this moment -- whether they upheld the rule of law or fearfully supported the criminal in the White House.
Back in them misty veils of the past, my high school science teacher (Mr. Nicholas Giacona) briefed the class on the four fundamental forces. He told us that they are sometimes called the Universal force (yes, he emphasized the capital “U”). They are the strong nuclear force, the electromagn…
I’ve been a resident of Livermore for over 50 years, and looking forward to the redevelopment of downtown. However, I have great concerns about the lack of parking on Livermore Avenue and increased traffic that will result if the proposed hotel is placed next to the Bankhead Theater. If the …
As the Livermore Mayor wrote in his malicious letter (The Independent, Dec. 19), the development agreement (DA) for Presidio’s eastside hotel “is and has always been solely to support the construction of a hotel.” However, he knows neither the DA, nor the referendum against it, has to have t…
Wineries, admittedly, just want a downtown hotel so they can get coverage in the Wine Spectator Magazine. As soon as they get this coverage, they will build and advertise their own B&B’s. So they push for an eastside hotel next to the Bankhead assuming it is more expedient. Making it suc…
I read the Independent weekly, expecting to find a balance of coverage and perspectives on local, regional, and even global issues. I am rarely disappointed! I really appreciate all of the articles that you are printing about activism, communication, and solutions regarding climate change. K…
I am sure you have seen plenty of ads warning of the “Poison Pill” in the hotel initiative. I find this hilarious given the toxicity that started this initiative in the first place. Here is the simple truth: A Yes vote would allow a hotel to get built. One that has been promised to our famil…
On Friday, January 17, Livermore High School hosted crosstown rival, Granada High, for girls and boys varsity basketball. Granada won 51-47. The boys started at 7pm, immediately following the girls 5:30 game. (Photos - Doug Jorgensen)
